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HomeMy WebLinkAboutHousing Catalyst - Minutes - 04/15/2021 Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners Meeting April 15, 2021 Attendees Commissioners: Cathy Mathis, David Bye, Jennifer Wagner, Hep Wilkins, Emily Gorgol Legal Counsel: Jim Martell Guests: Lizette Mill, Meaghan Overton Staff: Julie Brewen, Michele Christensen, Kristin Fritz, Tonya Frammolino, Traci McGraw, Brian Heckart, Angelika Lintner, Carly Johansson, Carri Ratazzi, Kim Iwanski Call to Order Chairperson Mathis called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m. Approval of Minutes from March 18, 2021 Commissioner Bye asked for an update on the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP). Director of Housing Assistance Programs Traci McGraw explained staff are waiting for clarification from HUD on the percentage of total voucher utilization of funds for 2020. Commissioner Bye made a motion to approve the minutes of the Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners from March 18, 2021. Commissioner Wilkins seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. Strategic Plan Update Goal 2: Increase supply of affordable housing Director of Housing Assistance Programs Traci McGraw provided highlights of the housing assistance department’s activities and accomplishments in 2020, as well as plans for future opportunities. Staff anticipate new housing assistance funding coming from the federal government through COVID relief and other bills. Chief Operating Officer Michele Christensen explained HUD’s program called Moving to Work. Housing Catalyst is planning to apply for the program under Cohort 4, which will focus on landlord incentives and their effect on landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program. Housing Catalyst will draft a plan to accompany the application due on August 8, 2021. A lottery of all the applicants will determine the 30 housing authorities selected for the program. Discussion Items Oak 140 Chief Real Estate Officer Kristin Fritz explained that staff are evaluating a new financing structure using a public bond offering. This option will allow Housing Catalyst to use a very low interest rate. Ms. Fritz recommended that all board members review the recording of the Development Committee meeting where consultant SB Clark explained this financing structure. Ms. Fritz noted the general contractor for Oak 140 has been changed from the one originally selected for the project. Villages Ltd. Board Restructure Chief Executive Officer Julie Brewen provided a brief history of Villages Ltd. 501c3 corporation and its board structure. She explained the reason for the entity’s separate board of directors no longer exists. She said the Villages Board of Directors discussed the possibility of appointing the Housing Catalyst Board of Commissioners to serve as the Board of Directors for Villages Ltd. The current Villages Ltd. board members could be offered the opportunity to serve on the Development and Finance Committees of Housing Catalyst. Commissioner Wilkins made to motion directing staff to move forward in pursuing this possible change. Commissioner Gorgol seconded, and the motion was passed unanimously. Legislative Update State: Ms. Christensen said there are currently two bills addressing tenancy protections. Staff are watching those bills as they move through the legislative process. National: Ms. Brewen discussed President Biden’s budget proposal, which includes an increase to HUD funding and prioritizes affordable housing. The proposal also increases the community development funding for HOME and CDBG. She noted that HUD Secretary Marcia Fudge was confirmed. The Deputy HUD Secretary nominee is Adrienne Todman, who is currently the CEO for the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (NAHRO). Ms. Todman’s appointment is not yet confirmed. Fort Collins: Commissioner Gorgol said the newly elected City Councilors will be sworn in on April 27. She explained that City Council is wrapping up items from the last two years, such as mobile home park resident protections and purchase opportunities, specifically Hickory Village. Ms. Brewen said Housing Catalyst has offered to help with the process if needed. Other Business Ms. Brewen shared a compelling video about history of the Fair Housing Act in honor of National Fair Housing month. Adjournment Chairperson Mathis adjourned the meeting at 8:41 a.m.