title
Presentation, discussion, and possible action on the Section 8 Program 2027 Streamlined Annual Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan for the Housing Choice Voucher Program.
end
RECOMMENDED ACTION
recommendation
WHEREAS, the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (the Department) Department operates as a PHA; and
WHEREAS, 42 U.S.C §1437(c-1) (a) and (b) require PHAs to submit both a 5-Year Plan and an annual PHA Plan that have been made available for public comment;
Now, therefore, it is hereby
RESOLVED, that the Department’s 2027 Annual PHA Plan is hereby approved in the form presented to this meeting to be made available for public comment;
FURTHER RESOLVED, that if there are not substantive public comments received requiring reconsideration of the plan, staff is authorized and directed to file the plan as final with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with no further Board review; and
FURTHER RESOLVED, that if there are material public comments, staff is directed to bring the plan, with such comments and any recommended revisions, back to this Board for final consideration.
end
BACKGROUND
Section 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act of 1998 created the requirement for submission of PHA plans. The PHA Plan is a brief guide to PHA policies, programs, and strategies for meeting local housing needs and goals for the upcoming fiscal year. The Annual Plan, which is prepared and submitted to HUD every year, provides information about program operations and services for the upcoming fiscal year.
The 2027 Annual Plan will not be adopting any additional preferences for Project Access or the Housing Choice Voucher Section 8 Program. The plan does amend the activities to include the possible award of Project Based VASH Vouchers (PBVs) from the existing pool of available VASH vouchers, or new vouchers if awarded. These PBVs would be awarded to existing multifamily developments financed in whole or in part with TDHCA resources within the existing VASH service area, including Kerr and Galveston counties. These limitations ensure that the housing units are required to comply with TDHCA standards for rental compliance in addition to the requirements of the VASH Program, ensuring quality of units. The plan reaffirms the Department’s continuing commitment to:
• Expand housing opportunities by assessing the potential for administering specialized voucher programs.
• Increase Assisted Housing Choices.
• Strengthen Housing Stability and Retention.
• Foster Strong and Resilient Community Partnership.
• Enhance Program Integrity and Compliance.
• Improve Administrative Efficiency.
• Prepare for the Transition to NSPIRE-V Standards.
To ensure public participation, the Department will appoint annually a Resident Advisory Board, which will consist of all tenants with active Section 8 contracts, to review and comment on the proposed 2027 Annual Plan. The Plan will also be available at 221 East 11th Street, Austin, TX 78701, for review at the Department’s Administrative Office on weekdays between 8:00 am and 5:00 pm Central Time; and the Department’s website at: www.tdhca.texas.gov <http://www.tdhca.texas.gov>. Those who are not able to speak, read, write or understand the English language mat call (512) 475-3800 or toll free (800) 525-0657 to request translation assistance with documents, events or other information from the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs.
Upon Board approval, the Department will publish a notice 45 days prior to scheduling a public hearing to receive public comment on the Plan, and details will be provided on the Department’s Public Comment Center at <https://www.tdhca.texas.gov/tdhca-public-comment-center>. If there are no substantive comments, the Plan will be submitted as approved today to HUD. If substantive comments are received, the Plan will be resubmitted to the Board for final approval.