COUNTY OF SAN MATEO

Inter-Departmental Correspondence

Office of Housing/Housing Authority

DATE:

September 20, 2004

BOARD MEETING DATE:

September 28, 2004

TO:

Honorable Board of Supervisors

FROM:

Maureen D. Borland, Director, Human Services Agency

Steve Cervantes, Director, Office of Housing

SUBJECT:

Resolution No. 621-C Approving the Section 8 Program Administrative Plan and Authorizing the Executive Director (Director of the Office of Housing) or Manager of Housing Operations to Update the Plan as Necessary to Conform with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Housing Law and Regulations

RECOMMENDATION:

Adopt Resolution No. 621-C approving the Section 8 Program Administrative Plan and authorizing the Executive Director (Director of the Office of Housing) or Manager of Housing Operations to update the plan as necessary to conform with HUD housing law and regulations.

BACKGROUND:

The Section 8 Program was enacted as part of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, which re-codified the U.S. Housing Act of 1937. The Act has been amended many times and its requirements as they apply to the Section 8 Program are described in and implemented through the Administrative Plan. Administration of the Section 8 Program and the functions and responsibilities of the Housing Authority shall be in compliance with the regulations of HUD and all Federal, State and local Fair Housing Law and Regulations.

Regulation 24 CFR 982.54 requires the Housing Authority (HA) to adopt a written administrative plan that establishes local policies for administration of the program in accordance with HUD requirements. The administrative plan and any revisions of the plan must be formally adopted by the HA Board of Commissioners or other authorized HA officials. The administrative plan is a supporting document to the Housing Authority's Agency Plan.

The regulations provide that any revisions of an administrative plan must be formally adopted by the Housing Authority Board of Commissioners or other authorized Housing Authority officials.  This Resolution so authorizes the Executive Director (Director of the Office of Housing) or Manager of Housing Operations to formally adopt such revisions as are necessary to keep this administrative plan consistent with current law and regulations.

DISCUSSION:

The Administrative Plan being presented for approval incorporates all of the latest changes to HUD housing law and regulations. There are continuing discussions with senior citizen groups regarding their desire for preferences. Any decisions regarding this issue will be reflected in a revision to the Annual Agency Plan.

VISION ALIGNMENT:

The Section 8 Administrative Plan keeps the commitment to: Offer a full range of housing choices and goal #9 – “Housing exists for people at all income levels and for all generations of families” by providing the guidelines by which all families can apply for and retain housing assistance under the Section 8 Program.

FISCAL IMPACT:

There is no Net County Cost associated with this action. All funds necessary to implement the Plan are supplied by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.