HomeMy WebLinkAbout04-19-2007 Housing & Community Development Commission
REVISED AGENDA
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
LOBBY CONFERENCE ROOM, CITY HALL
THURSDAY, APRIL 19, 2007
6:30 P.M.
1. Call Meeting to Order
2. Approval of the March 22, 2007 Minutes
3. Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
4. Staff/Commission Comment
5. Discussion of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Request to Amend the
Financial Terms and Budget for their FY07 Affordable Homeownership
Project
6. Review the FY08 Annual Action Plan
. Recommendation to Council
7. Comments Solicited for the Iowa City Housing Authority FY2007 Annual
Plan
8. Discussion of the Community Development Celebration
9. Discussion of FY07 Projects that have not Performed per the
Unsuccessful or Delayed Projects Policy
10. Discussion of Commission Member Communications/Comments
11. Monitoring Reports
. Extend the Dream Foundation - Operational Expenses (Hart)
. Elders Services Inc., MECCA, United Action for Youth - Aid to
Agencies (Douglas)
. HACAP - FY06 Transitional Housing (DeFrance)
12. Adjournment
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
TO:
FROM:
DATE:
RE:
Housing and Community Development Commission
Community Development Staff
April 12, 2007
April Meeting Packet
Thank you for your time and dedication during the allocation process. It is a long and
sometimes difficult process, but we appreciate your efforts and ability to form a consensus and
make the necessary recommendations. With your recommendations complete, we can now
concentrate on the administration of current projects and finish the remaining monitoring
reports. The following is a short description of the April agenda items.
Habitat for Humanity Request to Amend Financial Terms
Staff received a request by Habitat to amend their FY07 application and presented the request
to the commission at the March 22 meeting. In summary, Habitat was awarded $220,000 in
HOME and CDBG funds to acquire property to construct at least four homes available to low-
income homebuyers. Habitat has identified 6 lots for purchase for $168,000. They request
that the remainder of the funds, $52,000, be used for construction and landscaping costs. The
lots were to be placed in a 99-year land trust for permanent affordability and thus were in the
form of a grant. Habitat requests that the City place a silent, second mortgage on each lot to
be repaid to the City when the home is sold. The City has used a variety of financial terms for
previous homeownership projects including, but not limited to, conditional occupancy loans
(repaid upon sale), grants, land trust, low-interest loans and forgivable loans. HCDC must
review this request and formulate a recommendation to City Council.
Discuss Recommendation to Council: FY08 Annual Action Plan
At the March 22 meeting, you made your budget recommendations to Council. As you may
know, the budget is only one part of the Annual Action Plan. The Plan includes the budget for
FY08 CDBG & HOME funds, a description of the projects and activities to be funded, a fair
housing plan and several HUD-required documents. The City Council is scheduled to hold a
public hearing on the Plan on Tuesday, May 1. and formally approve the Plan that same
evening following the public hearing. A draft copy of this document is included in the packet
for review and recommendation. Copies are also made available to the public at the Iowa City
Public Library, Planning Department and online at
http://www . icgov. org/pcd/commdev/head lines. asp?1 D= 12.
Comments Solicited for the Iowa City Housing Authority FY2007 Annual Plan
The Housing Authority requests your comments regarding their draft FY2007 Annual Plan.
The plan is attached for your review.
( over)
Community Development Celebration
We will need to form a committee to assist with the planning efforts for this year's Community
Development Celebration. Proposed dates and locations for this year's celebration need to be
determined.
Discussion of FY07 CDBG Projects that have not Performed per the Unsuccessful or
Delayed Projects Policy
The following chart represents the agencies that did not meet the policy requirement to expend
at least 50% of their CDBG award by March 15,2007. Staff has updated this chart to reflect
recent reimbursement requests. As of this mailing, these are our most recent figures.
Total Spent as of
Project Total Award April 12, 2007 % Expended
Four Oaks - New Addition $200,000 $0 0%
Community Mental Health Center $18,280 $3,650 20%
The Unsuccessful or Delayed Projects Policy states that HCDC may recommend the recapture
of unspent funds or HCDC may allow the recipient to retain the funds for the previously
approved project. Recipients have the choice of answering questions at the meeting,
submitting a written update with a revised timeline or providing the information to staff to
update commission members at the meeting.
Discussion of Commission Member Communications/Comments
Commission members will review their role when soliciting information from local, state and
federal sources as will as their conduct when requesting or responding to external agencies.
The commission will also discuss the request by Charlie Eastham for a retraction of comments
made by a commission member at the March 8 HCDC meeting.
Monitoring Reports
. Extend the Dream Foundation - Operational Expenses (Hart)
Contact Tom Walz, 339.0401
. Elders Services Inc., MECCA, United Action for Youth - Aid to Agencies (Douglas)
Elder Services - contact David Purdy, 338.0515, MECCA - contact Ron Berg,
351.4357, United Action for Youth - Jim Swaim or Teresa Ulin, 338.7518
. HACAP - FY06 Transitional Housing (DeFrance)
Contact AI Axeen, 337.5765
If you have any questions about the agenda, or are unable to attend the meeting, please
contact Tracy Hightshoe at 356-5244 or by email at tracv-hiqhtshoe@iowa-citV.orq.
PRELIMINARY
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
MARCH 22"d, 2007
IOWA CITY PUBLIC LIBRARY, ROOM A
Call to Order:
Jerry Anthony called the meeting to order at 6:35 pm
Members Present:
Jerry Anthony, Steve Crane, Marcy DeFrance, Andy Douglas, Holly Hart,
Thomas Niblock, Brian Richman, Charlotte Walker
Members Absent:
Michael Shaw
Staff Present:
Tracy Hightshoe, Steve Long
Others Present:
Steve Ramirez, Charlie Eastham, Chris Harms, Tom Walz, Beth Koppes, Mike
Townsend, Steve Rackis, AI Axeen, Dawn Newbill, Mark Patton, Suellen
Novotny, Jesse Burns, Josh Weber, Deb Briggs, Maryann Dennis, Laura Dowd
RECOMMENDATIONS TO COUNCIL (become effective onlv after separate Council action):
Housing and Community Development Commission Funding Recommendations:
FY08 CDBG\HOME Projects
PROJECT NAME
Housing - Home Eligible Activities
Blooming Garden - Homeownership
Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing
Habitat for Humanity - Homeownership
HACAP - Transitional Housing
ICHA - Homeownership
IC - Housing Rehabilitation (Lead)
The Housing Fellowship - CHDO
The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing
Housing Subtotal:
HCDC RECOMMENDATION
$80,000.00
$125,000.00
$117,000.00
$115,000.00
$0.00
$50,000.00
$31,000.00
$347,772.00
$865,772.00
Public Facilities, Non-HOME Eligible Activities
Crisis Center - Accessibility $18,529.00
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation $5,895.00
Extend the Dream - Facility Acquisition $0.00
Free Medical Clinic - Accessibility $29,500.00
Goodwill Industries - Facility Rehab $30,000.00
NCJC - Facility Rehab $88,000.00
Wetherby NA - Splash Pad $30,000.00
Public Facility Total: $201,924.00
Public Services
Extend the Dream Foundation
Free Medical Clinic
Local Foods Connection
Shelter House
Visiting Nurse Association
Public Service Total:
$1,500.00
$7,500.00
$2,474.00
$7,500.00
$2,500.00
$21,474.00
Total Available to Allocate:
$1,089,170.00
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 2
Approval of the February 21S\ February 22"d, and March 8th, 2007 Meeting Minutes
Walker said that a note should be added on the February 22"d, 2007 minutes regarding the deleted
recordings. Walkers said that on the March 8th, 2007 minutes, under Members Absent, the name Michael
Shaw is missing. Walker said that there is a name misspelling. David Dowie should in fact be spelled
David Dowell. Walker said on the March 8th, 2007 minutes, first page, third paragraph of Public
Comments, the word "people" should be replaced with "equal."
Richman motioned to approve the February 21S\ February 22"d, and March 8th, 2007 minutes with the
corrections made by Walker. Crane seconded the motion. The motion was passed 8:0.
Public Comment of Items Not on the Agenda
None
Anthony said that there is a new item on the agenda, Staff/Commission Comment. Anthony said that
there will now be a time at meetings where commission members can announce things that will not be
discussed. Anthony said he liked this to be moved up to the next item. Walker motioned to move
Staff/Commission Comment up to the next item. Hart seconded the motion. The motion passed 8:0.
Staff/Commission Comment
Anthony said that HCDC received a request from Charlie Eastham. Anthony said he's going to read it but
it will not be discussed. Anthony read the letter, which stated Eastham's concerns with HCDC member
Walker's comparison between the Housing Fellowship's board and staff and a recently indicted non-profit
organization's board and staff. Eastham's letter ended by saying such a comparison calls into question
the integrity of HCDC. Anthony said this letter will be placed into the agenda for next meeting.
Douglas said that he spoke with a local advocacy group, FAIR, and they are sponsoring an event. He
read a letter saying that Michael Bodakin, president of the National Housing Trust, will be discussing
maintaining and preserving affordable multi-family housing at the Iowa City public library on April 24th. He
will be available to answer any questions.
Walker said. that she heard about some housing for homeless people available now, 2- and 3-bedroom
apartments in Burlington. Walker said that this is an option to consider.
Staff/Commission Comment closed.
Discussion of Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity's Request to Amend the Financial Terms and
Budget for its FY07 Affordable Homeownership Project.
Hightshoe said that Habitat for Humanity was awarded 220,000 dollars for a FY07 homeownership
project. As a project site had not been secured, an agreement has not been entered yet. Hightshoe said
that when they did apply, the council's policy was that homeownership projects must be placed in a land
trust to ensure permanent affordability or the funds would be available as a loan that must be repaid.
Hightshoe said that Habitat did find 6 lots and they're asking for $168,000 for land acquisition costs and
$52,000 for construction and landscaping costs. Instead of the land trust option, Habitat is now requesting
a silent second mortgage be placed on the lot and when the lot is sold, the city would be repaid the
original investment.
Niblock asked if the city is going to reconsider the land trust option at all or would this be one exception.
Hightshoe said that with FY08 funds the policy is flexible; however the language/preference about the
land trust remains. Richman asked if someone could explain Habitat's rationale for moving away from the
land trust option.
Mark Patton, director of Habitat for Humanity, said there are two aspects. One is the buyer's concerns
and the board of director's concerns. The board doesn't know what the neighborhood will be like in 10,
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 3
20, or 99 years and they just don't know what the future is going to hold. Mark said that the homeowners
have a hard time accepting such a long-term plan. Mark said that this is a more traditional structure where
the cost of land will be paid back.
Charlie Eastham, president of Board of Trustees for Housing Fellowship, said that his organization has
also received funds to purchase land for homeownership assistance. Eastham said that the proposal
states they will use the land trust. Eastham said he has an interest in any change in the council's present
policy, which is that homeownership assistance is to mostly be directed through land trust methods.
Eastham stated he had put some useful information together and sent it to Jerry Anthony. Eastham said
that even though CITY STEPS places homeownership assistance as a much lower priority than rental
assistance, they are both dealing with the same income groups. Eastham said that they are looking at 30-
60,000 dollars of assistance per homebuyer. Eastham said that this is a substantial amount of public
money, which puts them at an obligation to use it wisely. Eastham said one must balance the ability of
homebuyers to get asset accumulation as well as protecting the public's interest in maintaining
affordability. Eastham said there are a number of methods, including the land trust model. Eastham's
request is that before a change is made, staff reviews the information he has gathered.
Anthony asked Mark what Habitat for Humanity has used in other places and has it worked. Walker said if
something works, why change it. Anthony said he would like to hear Mark's response to his question.
Mark said that he is proposing a hybrid of models and they're trying to do good for at least 20 years so
that they can pay the city back the money. He apologized that he couldn't be clearer.
Hightshoe said that this request, basically "recapturing" the funds at sale would change policy regarding
Habitat homes. Past assistance has been under a "resale" agreement that ensures affordability over 15
to 20 years depending on the agreement. During this time period, Habitat must place another income
eligible household into the unit if it should be sold. With this proposal, it would change to a recapture
provision; that is if the home is sold at any time the funds are repaid to the city and the affordability period
expires for that home. The funds are returned to our CDBG/HOME line of credit to be reallocated to
another eligible project. The homeowner can then sell to whomever on the private market. Richman
asked if a $40,000 (HOME assistance provided) house is sold fifteen years later, do we get back exactly
that or do we include any appreciation. Hightshoe said those are terms that can be negotiated; if
HCDC/Council wants to include that type of provision it is allowed. Richman asked if there is a council
policy with respect to land trust. Hightshoe said the policy states the land trust option or a pay back loan,
both are allowed and part of the policy. The policy also states an exception to provide some flexibility.
Richman stated that $40,000 today and $40,000 15 years from today to be used for the construction of
another unit will not be the same and must be considered. Richman said he'd like to hold this item for the
next meeting.
Anthony said there are two requests and asked the commission if they'd like to move both to the next
meeting. Crane agreed.
MOTION: Richman motioned to move the item to next meeting. Crane seconded. Motion passed 7:1
(Walker voting against).
Discussion Regarding FY08 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment
Partnership Program (HOME) Requests
Hightshoe said that she passed out the revised Pro Forma for Builders of Hope. She said that there are
some changes to the amounts available to allocate. Basically there are more funds available for public
services and less for HOME eligible projects due to lower than expected HOME project income, but
higher than expected CDBG program income. Hightshoe stated that when staff prepares the budget they
must consider how much program income that the city estimates will be received for the year and must
look at how our projections came in for the last year. The City did not receive the projected amount of
HOME program income, thus we must lower the amount of HOME funds to allocate to ensure that there is
enough money to fund the projects recommended tonight. Hightshoe said that there is $654,381
available to allocate to HOME eligible projects and $21,474 in public services. Hightshoe said there is
$434,789 available with CDBG funds. That amounts to approximately 72,000 dollars less in HOME and
39,000 dollars more in CDBG.
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 4
Anthony decided to start with public services. Niblock asked if they are required to spend all of the
allocated money. Hightshoe said no. Crane started with Extend the Dream. He noted that most everybody
wanted to give it some funding. Crane said he put the full amount. Richman read his allocations for each
of the projects under public services. He advised Steve Long to type them into the overhead screen and
then the commission can discuss them and change them as they see fit. Richman said he allocated 1,500
dollars for Extend the Dream, 6,000 dollars for Free Medical Clinic, 1,500 dollars for Local Foods
Connection, 6,700 dollars for Shelter House, and 1,000 dollars for VNA. Hightshoe said that in previous
years, the commission can start making motions for each allocation proposal. Crane motioned to approve
the Extend the Dream for 1,500 dollars. Richman asked if they need a motion for each line item. Anthony
said it may be beneficial to look at the entire block instead of each item at a time. Richman said that we
don't need a motion for each one. Anthony agreed. Motion died due to lack of second.
Walker asked if we can keep money to be allocated later. Hightshoe said that typically there is only one
allocation round per year and this is it. A second allocation cycle is uncommon. If we don't spend the
public service funds within the year, Hightshoe said, we lose it. There are time constraints with both
CDBG and HOME funds. CDBG funds must be spent on a faster disbursement schedule than HOME as
HUD evaluates the city based on our CDBG expenditure rate.
Anthony said he has a concern about Extend the Dream. He didn't allocate any money to them because
he felt that the organization should apply for funds from the Council Economic Development Fund
(CDBG). Anthony said there is a lot of money sitting in the Economic Development Fund. Hart asked the
time frame for applying for funds from EDF. Anthony said it works on a rolling basis. Anthony said he has
no strong objections if the commission feels they should fund Extend the Dream through this pot of funds.
Anthony asked about the Free Medical Clinic. Niblock said it scored very high on his sheet and
recommended 7,500 dollars, others agreed. Anthony moved on to Local Foods Connection. Douglas said
he wants to increase the funding from 1,500 dollars to 2,500 dollars. Douglas said he'd take the 1,000-
dollar difference from Shelter House. Niblock said he'd take the 26 dollars that they are exceeding the
limit by from VNA. Hart said she'd like to put more in that category. She was concerned that cutting the
funds from VNA would render it non-viable.
Suellen Novotny, VNA applicant, said it would limit the number of people they could help but they could
apply for funds elsewhere. Hart said that she'd take money out of Extend the Dream and give it to VNA.
Walker said that the clients that VNA targets don't have insurance but do they have SSI? Novotny said
they do not have Medicaid and they are not income eligible. Walker asked why they should fund it.
Novotny said these are very poor patients who don't qualify for Medicaid. Richman said he has an issue
with the numbers. Richman said he has a problem taking Extend the Dream down to zero. Richman said
they don't request more than they need, it's a relatively small request and he's not comfortable taking it
down to zero. Richman recommended taking it back to 1,500 dollars, putting VNA at 2,500 dollars, and
taking Shelter House to 7,500 dollars.
Anthony asked for suggestions regarding Local Foods Connection. Anthony said he'd like to increase
Local Foods to 3,000 dollars and lower Extend the Dream to 1,000 dollars, however not enough support
to change. Richman says he feels comfortable. Walker suggested taking the 26 dollars from Local Foods
Connection. The commission agreed.
Anthony suggested moving on to public facilities. Richman suggested that Crisis Center, DVIP, and Free
Medical Clinic receive the funding that they want: 18,529 dollars, 5,895 dollars, 29,500 dollars,
respectively. Crane said that he would not fund Extend the Dream. Anthony stated that this application is
also eligible under the Council CDBG Economic Development Fund and asked how much is available
through this fund. Hightshoe stated there is $337,000 in the CDBG Economic Development Fund. The
commission agreed to not fund the application. Hart said that she would take a couple thousand dollars
from DVIP for one of the other projects. Richman said he is going to have some difficulty with finalizing
numbers for the Splash Pad and Goodwill projects before discussing housing. Richman said he would like
to allocate 88,000 dollars for NCJC and come back to the public facilities later. Anthony said they can put
some numbers in there and always come back. Crane said he put in 80,000 dollars for Goodwill. Douglas
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 5
mentioned that a majority of the commission wished to not fund the Splash Pad. Richman said that 3
members chose to fund the project, which is just under half of the commission, and that is no reason to
single it out as one to be ruled out completely.
Richman asked how much they would need for the project to be viable. Beth Koppes, Splash Pad
applicant, said that 120,000 dollars is the minimum amount needed to make the project viable.
Crane suggested that the commission move on to housing. Commission agreed. Walker said she likes
Builders of Hope because of their specificity and attention to detail in presenting their project to the
commission. Walker said that Blooming Garden could build those houses faster than the rest of them.
Walker said the neighborhood is nice, the people will be qualified and they are hitting all of the criteria.
Walker recommended funding Builders of Hope the whole thing: 240,000 dollars. Richman asked, if the
Blooming Garden property is resold within the 15-year period does it have to be sold to a qualified buyer?
Hightshoe said yes, and then corrected the number to a 10-year affordability period. Hightshoe stated if
under a recapture provision the affordability period ends upon sale. Hightshoe read the terms of the
proposal in the application. Hightshoe stated under the application the proposed homebuyer will have two
options: twenty-year loan with no payments until the homeowner sells or monthly payments at 0 percent
interest.
Anthony addressed the commission members who did not want to fund this project. Crane said that he
put 0 because you can get 100 percent financing from a bank. Richman said he wasn't comfortable with
the structure of the program at first but after listening to the applicant, he would like to give something but
he'd be more comfortable if there was a 15-year affordability period. Long said the commission can
always propose this. Richman says his concern is if the house is sold after the period, we lose an
affordable unit on the market and even though 40,000 dollars gets us an affordable unit today, it won't in
ten years.
Anthony suggested putting up numbers for all the projects. Commission asked Josh Weber, Builders of
Hope, the minimum amount required. Weber stated he would need 125,000 dollars, with a private lender
providing the rest. He stated he has spoke with a private lender and they are willing to finance the
project, but it will have to have 6 rooms. Hightshoe asked if the buyer will sign a purchase agreement for
a closing after July 1. Weber stated yes. Niblock said 125,000 dollars sounds like a good starting point for
Builders of Hope. Anthony asked about Habitat for Humanity. Crane said 94,000 dollars. Anthony asked
about HACAP Transitional Housing. Anthony said 106,000 dollars for HACAP. Niblock said 130,000
dollars for ICHA. DeFrance said 40,000 dollars for Iowa City - Housing Rehab. Crane said 31,000 for
CHDO. DeFrance said 300,000 for The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing. Anthony noted that the
commission has to cut 220,000 dollars. Walker said the easiest one to cut would be the Housing Rehab
because they already have money somewhere. Crane asked her to explain. Walker said because it's
flexible, there's no set amount for each house. Crane said the purpose of dealing with lead based paint to
make the home safe is very important. Richman said he would cut down Blooming Garden to 160,000
dollars. Richman said that with this amount, Blooming Garden will be able to build 4 out of the 6 duplexes.
Richman said he'd propose to take Goodwill down to the average allocation of 50,000 dollars. Richman
said that half the commission likes Builders of Hope and half is uncomfortable with it. Hart said to take her
o funding out of the initial ran kings because she's re-evaluated her decision. Walker said that we do need
group homes for their target population. Anthony said they funded Melrose Ridge a couple years ago.
Walker said that those are apartments.
Weber, owner of Builders of Hope, said that Builders of Hope is for individuals who are disabled. An
individual spoke for Builders of Hope. He said that Josh is helping him with his ability to live on his own in
the community. He said that this house would provide a good environment for him to study and be
introduced to different living skills.
Anthony said the average allocation for Builders of Hope is 50,000 dollars. Richman said that one of his
concerns is that this organization has no experience owning a housing project. While they have managed
projects, this is there first one that they would own. Richman said that for this reason he recommended
not funding this project. Anthony asked if anyone besides Richman feels it should be brought down to
zero. Crane said he's confident in the project. He said that the bank is backing them and everyone has to
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 6
start somewhere. Hart said that she'd like to keep the project funded. Hart suggested cutting Blooming
Garden down to 80,000 dollars. Anthony said the commission has to cut 110,000 dollars more. Walker
said she still feels uneasy about buying condos for homeless people. Richman reminded Walker that it's a
rental agreement to the occupant. Anthony asked about the 94,000 dollars on the board for Habitat.
Niblock said he feels good about it. Anthony asked how the commission feels about allocating 40,000
dollars to Housing Rehab. Richman said he'd like to see them get 50,000 dollars. Hart asked where
Richman would get the 10,000 dollars from. Richman said he was still trying to figure it out. Crane said he
feels good about the Housing Rehab and he's comfortable with 50 or 60,000 dollars. Walker asked if the
house must have children in it. Hightshoe said no. Crane said that his point is the lead based paint, not
necessarily children living in the houses. Richman proposed taking HACAP up to 115,000 dollars.
Anthony asked about the CHDO application. He said the average allocation was 27,000 dollars. Anthony
said he is comfortable with the 31,000 dollars on the board. The commission agreed. Anthony asked
about the last project, The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing. The applicant said they are comfortable
with 300,000 dollars. Anthony proposed a ten-minute break now that all the numbers have been filled in.
Richman proposed his changes to the Housing allocations. He allocated 80,000 dollars to Blooming
Garden, 0 dollars to Builders of Hope, 325,000 dollars for Housing Fellowship, and 50,000 dollars for
Splash Pad. Walker did not agree. Crane said that commission should decide on what they're thinking
about Builders of Hope. Niblock said he'd rather see a housing project funded over a Splash Pad.
DeFrance said she would like to see the 50,000 dollars stay for the Splash Pad. Richman said this "seed
money" would encourage applicants to raise more and it serves a lot of people and the neighborhood as
well. Walker said this should be funded by the recreation department. Richman said maybe the recreation
department can help them come up with the rest of it.
Hart brought up Crane's point to make a decision regarding Builders of Hope. She would like to see it
funded. Walker said single room transitional housing for mentally disabled people is a great and unmet
need. Anthony said that for Builders of Hope it's either 125,000 dollars or nothing.
MOTION: Crane motioned to fund Builders of Hope 125,000 dollars. Hart seconded the motion.
Discussion followed. Richman said that the other similarly sized project to Builders of Hope ,is the Housing
Authority project. Where do people stand? Niblock said that if he had to make a cut, it would be HACAP.
Niblock said that if he had to compare the Housing Authority, Builders of Hope, and HACAP, the latter two
are favorable. Niblock said more requests from Builders of Hope in the future would be a good thing.
Walker said that Builders of Hope helps a "hard to place" population. Anthony reminded commission of
the motion. The motion passed 6:2. (Anthony, Niblock opposed) Builders of Hope receive 125,000
dollars.
Richman proposed taking Goodwill down to 30,000 dollars, making the total about 100,000 dollars over.
DeFrance said that Goodwill does so much good for people and she'd like to see the money put back in.
She said that if they had to cut money, it should be from the Housing Authority, who will be helping the
least amount of people, one family in this case. She stated $130,000 only assists one household. Walker
said that the Goodwill request is for facility rehab and the rehab doesn't seem as urgent as the other
requests. Walker said that 30,000 dollars is well enough for them and they can fund raise additional
funds. Richman said that for the most part Goodwill applies every year for funds, it's a good organization,
and the upgrade is an ongoing project but we don't have to do it all at once. Anthony said that the money
given to public services and facilities works like a grant while the money for housing, by and large, comes
back. That is, except for three of the projects: The Housing Fellowship (CHDO), IC Housing Rehab, and
HACAP Transitional. Crane asked if 50,000 dollars for the Splash Pad would help at all.
Beth Koppes, Wetherby Friends and Neighbors, said that it would encourage fundraising programs and
start them out towards getting enough funds to proceed.
Richman is corrected by a Goodwill representative regarding his statement that Goodwill applies for funds
every year. The representative said that Goodwill has not applied every year for funds. Richman
apologized. As for the Housing Authority, Hart said that she could go either way. She liked the idea of it,
because of the difficulties of the housing market in Iowa City. She said there's a problem with a certain
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 7
economic bracket not being able to live in town. Hart said that while it's not her favorite way of dealing
with the problem, it makes sense in the short term. Hart said, however, that one house may not be cost
effective. Anthony asked the commission how many are strongly for funding the Splash Pad. Richman
said he's for funding it at some level. Anthony asked how many are comfortable funding the Splash Pad
at 50,000 dollars. 40,000 dollars? Anthony asked if support would increase if it was brought down to
30,000 dollars. Niblock said it would change his stance.
MOTION: Niblock motioned to fund the Splash Pad at 30,000 dollars. Walker seconded the motion. The
motion passed 8:0.
Niblock said that one of the housing projects will have to be cut down to 0 dollars. Niblock said he would
cut down HACAP to zero dollars. Richman said that rental housing is a top priority and he doesn't feel
comfortable making big cuts from rental housing projects. Walker said that if we fund the Housing
Authority, they're going to rehab an existing home, which is in their favor and something to consider.
Richman said that Blooming Garden, Builders of Hope, HACAP, and the Housing Authority are all viable
at the number on the board, which is the minimum number. For these projects, it will be either all or
nothing. Walker asked if we cut the Housing Fellowship to $100,000, wouldn't they be able to combine
that money with other funds?
Maryann Dennis, The Housing Fellowship applicant, said they have no other money for acquisition of lots.
They must have site control to proceed with the L1HTC application. She said they know what the cost of
the land is in the entire community.
Richman said that the only way to make this work is to entirely get rid of a project. Anthony agreed.
Walker said Blooming Garden will help two families and Housing Authority will help one family. Hightshoe
said that the Housing Authority is proposing a 0 percent conditional occupancy loan for 15 years. Walker
asked the applicant of the Housing Authority if she knew what the selling price of the house was going to
be. Applicant said that it won't be higher than the appraised value. She stated if the appraisal is at
130,000 dollars, 75% will come back to the city immediately upon sale to a household. Walker said that
they're not going to sell that house for 130,000 dollars. Niblock said that it would help if the commission
took a vote whether to cut a homeownership or transitional housing project. Anthony asked who's in favor
of cutting a transitional housing project. Niblock said he is in favor. The final vote was a dead lock: 4:4.
Hart said she would like Niblock to elaborate on why he would cut HACAP. Niblock said he would cut a
transitional project because of the city's (financial investment) preferences. He said that homeownership
would be a better investment in the city money. Niblock said that since HACAP money won't ever come
back into city funds, he wanted to cut it. Anthony agreed with Niblock. He said that HACAP is a good
project but to break the dead lock vote, he would vote to cut it entirely. He agreed with Niblock's
arguments. Richman said that transitional housing projects (high) are a higher priority than home
ownership (low) according to CITY STEPS. His concern is that HACAP is the only housing project that is
serving traditional "bottom rung" homeless people. Richman said he's not comfortable cutting a
transitional housing project to 0 dollars. Walker asked if HACAP could take part of that and use other
funding to buy a condo. A representative said there's a chance to get state funds. Hightshoe said HACAP
has used private funding, such as private bank loans. Axeen, HACAP, agreed. DeFrance noted that
115,000 dollars for HACAP will place one family. DeFrance said that if the Housing Authority is cut, that
just means that one family will not be able to buy a home, but that hypothetical family will still have a
place to live whereas the transitional housing projects place a roof over a household that has no home.
Crane agreed with DeFrance's position on The Housing Authority. Richman proposed to cut the 130,000
dollars for the Housing Authority and use the surplus of 15,000 dollars and split it between Habitat and
some other rental program. Walker said maybe part of it could go back to the Splash Pad. Richman
proposed taking Habitat to 117,000 dollars and using the balance of 23,000 dollars to put into the
Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing, which would take it up to about 348,000 dollars. Walker said that
the Splash Pad could use the money better, noting that the Housing Fellowship already said they could
get by on 300,000 dollars. Richman gauged the support from the commission. Anthony asked if the
commission was happy with the final numbers.
Housing and Community Development Commission
March 22, 2007
Page 8
Motion: Niblock motioned to accept the allocation amounts as they stand to forward to Council. Crane
seconded the motion. Discussion: Walker asked if there can be amendments. Anthony said yes. Anthony
said he agreed with the numbers, however he was not comfortable cutting the Housing Authority. Anthony
also said that he wasn't comfortable giving the Splash Pad 30,000 dollars. Other than those two, this is an
okay compromise. Richman agreed. The motion passed 8:0.
Housing and Community Development Commission Funding Recommendations:
FY08 CDBG\HOME Projects
PROJECT NAME
Housing - Home Eligible Activities
Blooming Garden - Homeownership
Builders of Hope - Transitional Housing
Habitat for Humanity - Homeownership
HACAP - Transitional Housing
ICHA - Homeownership
IC - Housing Rehabilitation (Lead)
The Housing Fellowship - CHDO
The Housing Fellowship - Rental Housing
Housing Subtotal:
HCDC RECOMMENDATION
$80,000.00
$125,000.00
$117,000.00
$115,000.00
$0.00
$50,000.00
$31,000.00
$347,772.00
$865,772.00
Public Facilities, Non-HOME Eligible Activities
Crisis Center - Accessibility $18,529.00
DVIP - Facility Rehabilitation $5,895.00
Extend the Dream - Facility Acquisition $0.00
Free Medical Clinic - Accessibility $29,500.00
Goodwill Industries - Facility Rehab $30,000.00
NCJC - Facility Rehab $88,000.00
Wetherby NA - Splash Pad $30,000.00
Public Facility Total: $201,924.00
Public Services
Extend the Dream Foundation
Free Medical Clinic
Local Foods Connection
Shelter House
Visiting Nurse Association
Public Service Total:
$1,500.00
$7,500.00
$2,474.00
$7,500.00
$2,500.00
$21,474.00
Total Available to Allocate:
$1,089,170.00
Hightshoe said that the commission must form a subcommittee of 2 to 3 commission members to submit
a memo to the city giving a rationale for their decisions. Anthony will be on the commission and he needs
one or two more members. Hart agreed to do it.
Adjournment
Walker motioned to adjourn the meeting. Niblock seconded the motion. The motion passed 8:0 Meeting
was adjourned at 9:00 pm.
s/pcd/mins/hcdcl2007/3-22-07.doc
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", " for Humanity@
2401 Scott Blvd.
Iowa City, IA.
52240
ph 319.337.8949
"the excitement Is building"
fax 319.354.3527
www.lvhfh.org
March 8, 2007
To: HCDC and City Council
Re: Proposed amendment to CDBGIHOME FY 07 terms
Iowa Valley Habitat for Humanity is requesting an amendment to the FY07
CDBGIHOME agreement. The $220,000 award was originally proposed to go
exclusively for lot purchase and the resulting lots were going to be placed in a land trust.
Since the time of the application more than a year ago, we have been fortunate to
received permission to purchase building lots below Highway 6 for the purpose of home
ownership. This has meant that we could buy less expensive lots than we had originally
proposed. With the $220,000 award we are able to purchase 6 lots plus have $52,000 left
over.
Weare proposing two changes to the original agreement:
I) To be granted permission to use some or all of the $52,000 for landscaping, soil
erosion control, and extra storage space (shed or garage) costs for the six homes.
2) To place the cost of the lot in a silent, second mortgage for the family rather than in a
land trust. This would mean they would not have to pay for the cost of the land until such
time as they would sell the house. At that time the City would receive back the full
amount of the lot purchase price. They would still have a 20-year resale restriction in
place.
I hope you are favorably inclined to consider accepting this amendment to our agreement.
We believe it is a reasonable and mutually beneficial way to proceed by building two
more homes than was originally proposed and to make them look better at the same time.
Tz;thankYOu'.(J. ~
,{ A
J~.. 1ft(
Mark Patton
Executive Director
HCDC agenda item 4 for March 22 meeting
Page 1 of 1
Stephen Long
From: Eastham, Charles [charles-eastham@uiowa.edu]
Sent: Wednesday, March 21,20072:40 PM
To: jerry-anthony@uiowa.edu
Cc: Maryann Dennis; Stephen Long
Subject: HCDC agenda item 4 for March 22 meeting
Attachments: Increasing the Availability of Affordable Homes.pdf; Shared Equity Homeownership.pdf
Jerry ,
I am writing in regards to item 4 on the agenda for the 'March 22 HCDC meeting. The second change Habitat is proposing to
their FY07 Home Ownership Project agreement is to make the terms of the public funds a silent second mortgage. The letter
from Mark Patton states that the second mortgage would be repayable upon resale but it is not clear if there is a time limit on
that provision, if the principle is reduced each year, or how the loan balance would be repaid in there is a foreclosure or other
unusual conditions. Also, his letter indicates that the homes are under resale restrictions for only 20 years.
The Housing Fellowship has City funds for homeownership that were allocated in FY06. The agreement for these funds
includes provision restricting there use to lot purchases for our home ownership program which controls sale price, equity
sharing and long term affordability using a community land trust approach. The intent of the land trust is that the home will
always be affordable to and owned by buyers who have incomes no greater than 80% of AMI without the use of additional
public funds.
The Housing Fellowship has an interest in any change the HCDC may recommend as to the terms under which City controlled
funds may be used for homeownership assistance. We would be particularly concerned about changes which would place
Housing Fellowship home buyers under less favorable circumstances than buyers of homes from other subsidized developers.
I have enclosed copies of portions of two recent reviews that attempt an analysis of shared equity mechanisms as applied to
home ownership programs. My purpose in sending this information to you is to suggest that there are a number of approaches
available to public bodies and that the choice of mechanisms requires careful, thoughtful consideration if the pitfalls of
ineffective use of public subsidies are to be avoided. I would like to suggest that the HCDC ask the staff to review the research
on the available mechanisms and to make a recommendation to the commission as to a local method which can achieve a
desirable balance between asset accumulation by individual home buyers and using scarce public funds to maintain ongoing
affordability. Taking the time to consult the research that has been done on these issues will result in a better choice of
policies for everyone.
<<Increasing the Availability of Affordable Homes.pdf>>
The full text of "Increasing the Availability of Affordable Homes" is at http://www.nhc.org/pdf/chp hwf analysis.pdf
<<Shared Equity Homeownership.pdf>>
The full text of Shared Equity Homeownership is at hllQ://www.nJli.org/PJ:jf/SharedEQuityHome.pdf .
Hopefully, we will have an opportunity to comment on this agenda item during the March 22 meeting.
I appreciate your consideration of my request,
Charlie Eastham
President, Board of Trustees
The Housing Fellowship
Phone: (319) 356.5400
FAX: (319) 356,5459
TDD: (319) 356,5404
Washington Street. Iowa City. Iowa. 52240.1826
Thursday, March 08, 2007
TO: Steve Atkins, City Manager
FROM: Steven J. Rackis, Housing Administrator
SUBJECT: Iowa City Housing Authority Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Plan
The Public Housing Reform Act requires submission of both a Five-Year and an Annual Plan.
The Five-year PHA (Public Housing Agency) Plan describes the agency's mission and the long-
term plan for achieving that mission over the subsequent five years.
. The Iowa City Housing Authority's current 5-Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2005 - 2009
was submitted to HUD in April 2005. The Housing Authority participated in the
consultation process organized and offered by the City of Iowa City Community
Development Office in the development of CITY STEPS, Iowa City's Consolidated Plan
for Housing, Jobs, and Services for Low-Income Residents 2006-2010.
. In the summer and fall of 2004, five (5) public hearings were co-sponsored by CITY
STEPS and the Iowa City Housing Authority's Resident Advisory Board. The strategies
for meeting the Housing Authorities mission, goals, and objective are detailed in the Iowa
City Housing Authority's 5- Y ear Plan for Fiscal Years 2005-2009 and are contained in
CITY STEPS Iowa City's Consolidated Plan for Housing, Jobs, and Services for Low-
Income Residents.
. Copies of the 5- Year Plan for Fiscal Years 2005 - 2009 are available in print in the ICHA
Iowa City Housing Authority office and the internet via the e-documents section of the
ICHA website: www.icgov.org/icha
The Annual Plan provides details about the PHA's current programs and the resident population
served, as well as the PHA' s strategy for addressing the housing needs of currently assisted
families and the larger community.
. On Thursday, April 19, 2007, the Housing Authority will present a draft of our Fiscal
Year 2007 Annual Plan to the Housing and Community Development Commission.
. A copy of the Fiscal Year 2007 Annual Plan is attached and is also available in print in
the ICHA Iowa City Housing Authority office and the Public Library. Once adopted by
City Council copies will be available on the internet via the e-documents section of the
ICHA website: www.iC20V.onuicha
Annual Report - 2007 Draft
.
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City. Iowa' 52240. 1826
To improve quality of life, the Iowa City
Housing Authority acts as a community
leader for affordable housing, family
self-sufficiency, and homeownershiP
opportunities.
Date: Tuesday, March
06, 2007
Annual Report - 2007
Housing Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Housing Program Assistant
Office Manager
Self-Sufficiency Programs
Coordinator
Public Housing/Homeownership Coordinator
Housing Choice Voucher Program Coordinator
Housing Administrator
Page 2
Mary Abboud
Robin Butler
Denise Kinnison
Carri Fox-Rummelhart
Stephanie Hubler
Kym Stevenson
Diana Huff
Virginia Stroud
Mary Copper
Deb Briggs
Heidi Wolf
Steven J. Rackis
T able of Contents
New Initiatives - "Homes For Our Future"
Funding
Analysis of Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program
Analysis of Public Housing
Promoting Self-Sufficiency
Promoting Home Ownership
Family Characteristics
Family Characteristics & Working Families
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List
Public Housing Waiting List
Program Coordinating Committee Members
Partners and Other Community Collaborations
Executive Summary
Pages
4
5
6
7
8-9
10-11
12
13
14
15
16
17
18-19
Iowa City Housing Authority
Page 3
Annual Report - 2007
New Initiatives - "Homes For Our Future"
One of the outcomes of the November, 2006 Housing Summit was that working
families are unable to purchase homes in our community due to the average home>
price of $223,000. Further, starting teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other
public servants fall within a moderate income level and generally will not qualify for
existing affordable homeownership programs in which the buyer must fall at or
below 80% of the area median income in order to be eligible.
To expand the Iowa City Housing Authority's existing affordable homeownership
programs, a new homeownership opportunity, "Homes For Our Future", is being
developed in support of teachers, firefighters, police officers, and other public em-
ployees who earn moderate incomes and could not otherwise afford the home>
prices in our community. The new program will compliment the already successful
"Affordable "Dream Home Ownership Program" (ADHOP) offered by the ICHA.
The Housing Authority is applying for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to acquire
three existing properties that have been for sale for extended periods of time, and that are in need of
rehabilitation. The target areas would include those properties within the school boundaries of Mann,
Lucas, Twain, Wood, Longfellow, and Roosevelt elementary schools.
In addition to creating additional affordable homeownership opportunities, the new acquisitions are
designed to revitalize and preserve existing neighborhoods within the City of Iowa City. To ensure
long-term affordability and to continue to fill the affordable housing gap in our community, all proceeds
generated by the sale of these homes would be reinvested into additional affordable homeownership
opportunities within Iowa City.
To ensure the sustainability of homeownership, approved buyers will be required to complete the
HUD certified, award winning, Homebuyer Education course that is offered through the Iowa City
Housing Authority, in partnership with the Iowa City Area Association of Realtors.
The Iowa City Housing Authority supports the belief that the future of our community will be
strengthened and preserved when more affordable homeownership opportunities are made available
for our valued working families.
Page 4
Iowa City Housing Authority
Funding
The United States Congress allocates funding and passes laws for all hous-
ing programs. The Federal Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment's (HUD) role in the locally administered housing programs is to allo-
cate money to the local housing authorities and to develop policy, regula-
tions, and other guidance that interprets housing legislation. The Actual
Funds Received for FY06 and Projected funding for FY07:
Housing Choice Voucher Program FY06
. Annual Contributions Contract
· Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant
. Port-in Administrative Fees
Public Housing FY06
. Rental Income
· Capital Funds Program (CFP)
· Performance Funding System Operating Subsidy
. Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Grant
= $6,798,593
= $114,753
= $4,797
= $1 60,584
= $182,573
= $161,711
= $83,333
Fraud Recovery
HOME Funds FY06 (Tenant Based Rental Assistance) = $294,605
Total Housing Authority Funding FY 2006
Housing Choice Voucher Renewal FY07
. Annual Contributions Contract
. Self-Sufficiency/Homeownership Grant
Public Housing FY07
. Capital Funds Program (CFP)
. Operating Subsidy
. Resident Opportunities Self-Sufficiency Grant
Total Housing Authority Funding FY 2007
= $21,793
= $7,822,742
= $6,508,170
= $116,012
= $142,994
= $ 185,60 I
= $83,333
= $7,036, II 0
Page S
Annual Report - 2007
Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCV) is funded by the U.S. Depart-
ment Housing and Urban Development (HUD) with the intent of increasing
affordable housing choices for low-income families. the elderly, and persons
with disabilities. Families with a HCV voucher choose and lease safe, decent,
and affordable privately owned rental housing. All participants must be in-
come elirible and have no incidents of violent or druf related criminal
activity for the past five (5) years.
Total number of available HCV vouchers = 1,213.
HCV Economic Impact for the City of Iowa City:
. For FY05, the Housing Choice Voucher program paid approximately $3.100.000 in Housing Assis-
tance Payments to landlords/owners of rental properties in the City of Iowa City.
. An additional $1.800,000 was paid to all other landlord/owners of rental properties participating in
our HCY program (i.e. North Liberty. Coralville).
HCV Voucher Utilization (Vouchers v. Population) - February 28,2007:
r~~-------r-#-Of Active Vouchers % of Active City Population* % of
Vouchers Johnson County
I Incorporated
I
1--------------- f---------- r--'-----.--
r--------------- f------- -.
Iowa City 784 64% 63.027 68%
,-----'--- i----,-------- -- -- I----
, Coralville 284 23% 15.123 16%
1----
North Liberty 87 7% 7.224 8%
-- ,-- --
Johnson County N/A N/A 92,111
Incorporated
-------,-",,--- -------
Total 1.223 100%
Vouchers
-_._---.. -
* :;VUI ""',,. Iowa City Community Profile 2004; see subtitles 1& 2; page 20.
Page 6
Iowa City Housing Authority
Public Housing
Public housing was established to provide affordable, decent and safe
rental housing for eligible low-income families, the elderly, and persons
with disabilities. The US Department of Housing and Urban Develop-
ment (HUD) distributes federal subsidies to the Iowa City Housing Au-
thority (ICHA), which owns and manages the housing.
The City of Iowa City owns eighty-one (81) public housing units; the
ICHA serves as the landlord and rents these units to eligible tenants. They are low-density units scat-
tered throughout Iowa City and were constructed to conform and blend into the existing neighbor-
hood architecture.
Unit type
Number of units:
Single Family
Duplex/Zero Lot
Multi-Family
Town House
33
36
8
4
Public Housing Economic Impact for the City of Iowa City:
. The 81 Public Housing units represent .005% of the total number of rental units in the City of Iowa
City.
. The total rental income from our Public Housing properties = $160,584.
. Payment in Lieu of Taxes (PILOT) paid to the Johnson County Assessor for the Public Housing
properties in FY06 = $12,000.
. In FY06, the Housing Authority paid approximately $300,000 to private sector Iowa City contrac-
tors for the capital improvement, general maintenance, and repair of the Public Housing properties.
Page 7
Annual Report - 2007
Promoting Self-Sufficiency
The lack of decent, affordable housing undermines quality education, public
health, and economic growth. Affordable housing is a contributing factor to sta-
bilizing families. Stable families are better equipped to take advantage of educa-
tional opportunities. Opportunities for and access to advanced education and
training increases employability. Sustainable employment offers opportunity to
attain self-sufficiency. Economic self-sufficiency leads to a better society and i
strengthens the "sense of community."
Through our Self-Sufficiency programs, the Housing Authority is helping low income families bridge the
economic gap by building assets, improving employment opportunities, and transitioning from renters
of units to owners of homes.
The Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program: Promotes self-sufficiency and asset development by
providing supportive services to participants to increase their employability, to increase the number of
employed participants, and encourage an increase in savings through an escrow savings program.
Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency (ROSS): Resident Opportunity Self-Sufficiency (ROSS) is a
grant-funded program that provides participants with resources to improve their employment skills
through job coaching and educational opportunities. The program also links clients to resources to
meet such needs as child care, transportation, education and job training opportunities, employment,
money management and other similar needs necessary to achieve economic independence and self-
sufficiency.
Leveraging resources:
. Iowa City Junior Service League donated resources and time to the Housing Authority to assist
with workshops for client's in 2006 & 2007.
. Liaison with the University Of Iowa School Of Social Work resulted in a 2nd year Masters of Social
Work (MSW) student placements doing an advanced practicum for the 2006-2007 school year; a
I st year MSW student contracted for the Spring 2007; and, I BSW Intern for the Summer 2006.
. Continued partnership with Montessori School and leveraged commitment to finance a "Bridges
out of Poverty" workshop in 2007 for Housing Authority participants. Including instructor and
childcare expenses, the approximate commitment is $1,300 to $1,500.
Workshops:
. Spring 2006: Partnered with Neighborhood Centers to provide "Understanding Your Credit Re-
port" workshop.
. Spring 2006: Housing Authority MSW Interns conducted a "Money Smart" workshop for Four
Oaks Youth.
. Winter 2006: Partnered with HACAP to provided a "Bridges out of Poverty" workshop.
. All workshops are recorded by and aired on City Cable Television.
Page 8
Iowa City Housing Authority
Promoting Self-Sufficiency (Continued)
Workshop Accreditations:
· "A Framework for Understanding Poverty - Bridges out of Poverty": National Association of
Social Workers Continuing Education (NASW CE) Approved.
· "Money Smart": Federal Deposit and Insurance Corporation (FDIC).
Enrollment Data: FSS
. Total FSS participants
· Participants with an escrow savings account
. Average monthly escrow savings deposit
· Average escrow savings account balance
· Average escrow payout to CY2006 graduates
· Highest escrow savings account balance
= 123
= 92 (75%)
= $200
= $2,000
= $4,152
= $15,689
Enrollment Data ROSS
. Total Current enrollment
. Employed
. Employed full-time
. Employed part-time
. Temporary employment
. Unemployed
= 30
= 20
=6
= 12
=2
= 10*
* Unemployed participants are engaged in job seeking skills training, career exploration activities, or
GED completion and/or other short term skill enhancement training/certification (e.g., computer,
forklift, etc.).
Page 9
Annual Report - 2007
Promoting Homeownership
HCV Homeownership Program: The HCV Homeownership program per-
mits eligible participants in the HCV Program, including participants with port-
able vouchers, the option of purchasing a home with their HCV assistance
rather than renting. Eligible participants for the HCV Homeownership Program
must have completed at minimum a one-year lease term with HCV rental assis-
tance. HCV homeownership assistance payments may be used to purchase new
or existing single-family units, condominiums, cooperatives, lofts, and, or manu-
factured units within Johnson County:
· Twenty-two (22) HCV Vouchers were used to purchase homes since
January 2003;
Tenant-to-Ownership Program (TOP): The Tenant-to-Ownership Program is funded by Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). The Tenant to Ownership Program offers an opportunity for low to very low-income fami-
lies to purchase a single-family house owned by the ICHA
· Twenty-six (26) homes sold and nine (9) resold since May 1998.
Affordable Dream Home Ownership Program (ADHOP): The Affordable Dream Home Ownership Pro-
gram operated, managed and funded solely by the ICHA It offers an opportunity for income eligible families to
purchase newly constructed or newer homes.
· Nine (9) homes (two "Universal Design" homes) built and sold since May 1999. Four (4) "Universal Design"
homes will be built in Longfellow Place for Fall 2007 ownership.
Family Self-Sufficiency Program: Through our FSS program, many families have used their escrow savings
accounts and private mortgages to attain homeownership independent of the Housing Authority programs.
Forty-five (45) FSS graduates have moved to homeownership (Thirty-eight [38] independent of Housing Au-
thority program; seven (7) participated in Housing Authority programs).
Since 1998, Eighty-three (83) families became homeowners through their participation in the four
(4) Iowa City Housing Authority Homeownership programs.
Fifty-two (52) of these families received a combination of financing from private lenders and the
Iowa City Housing Authority. The demographic characteristics of these families are:
. White = 56%
. African-American = 31%
. Disabled = 27%
. Hispanic = 12%
. Asian = 2%
Page 10
Annual Report - 2007
Family Characteristics
ICHA Participant Characteristics. Definition of Participant (participant "
family): A person or family that has been admitted to the Iowa City Housing
Authority's HCY or Public Housing program and is currently assisted in the
program. t
Head of Household Characteristics (1,3 I 2 Total Families as of ~
2/28/2006)(Totals do not add up to 100% because individuals can be O~
counted in multiple categories):
. Elderly, Disabled and Working = 1.169 (89%)
. Female Head of Household = 1,017 (78%)
. White Head of Household = 843 (64% )
. Elderly and/or Disabled = 829 (63%)
. Working = 715 (54%)
. Disabled = 681 (52%)
. With Minor Children = 637 (49%)
. I person households = 608 (46%)
. Able-Bodied, Non-Elderly = 553 (42%)
. African American Head of Household = 494 (38%)
. Able-Bodied. Non-Elderly, and Employed = 484 (37%)
. Disabled and/or Elderly and Working = 337 (26%)
. Elderly = 148 (11%)
Income Sources (All Family Members: Families Have Multiple Sources of Income):
. Social Security (SS)/Supplemental Security (SSI)
. Employment
. Family Investment Program (FIP/Welfare)
. With any Other Income
=58%
=44%
= 11%
= 21%*
* Child Support, Self-Employment, Unemployment Insurance, Other Non-Wage Sources.
Page II
Iowa City Housing Authority
Family Characteristics & Working Families
Currently assisted families (Length of Participation)
. Less than I year = 328 (25%)
. I to 2 years = 144 (11%)
. 2 to 5 years = 381 (29%)
. 5 to I 0 years = 328 (25%)
. I 0 to 20 years = I 18 (9%)
. Over 20 years = I 3 (I %)
Currently assisted families (Where did they live prior to admission?)
. Johnson County, Iowa = 932 (71 %)
. All Other State of Iowa Counties = I 57 (I 2%)
. State of Illinois = 184 (14%)
. All Other States = 39 (03%)
Businesses employing 10 or more Housing Authority Participants.
. Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa 78
. University of Iowa including Hospitals & Clinics 52
. Reach For Your Potential 35
. Iowa City Community School District 23
. Hy-Vee 22
. Employment Systems 22
. ACT, Inc. 16
. Wal-Mart 14
. Team Staffing 12
. NCS 10
. Riverside Casino 10
. First Student 10
Page 12
Annual Report - 2007
Housing Choice Voucher Waiting List
February 28, 2007
# of families % of total families
Waiting list total 1,592 CTm;i Ii: S~ ']
Ii ,! 'ii' " ...,
Extremely low income <=30% AMI 1,466 92%
Very low income 122 8% ,
(> 30% but <=50% AM I)
Low income 2 .13%
(>50% but <80% AMI)
Families with children 1,034 65%
Elderly families 40 3%
Families with Disabilities 346 22%
Race! ethnicity-Black 1,160 73%
Race! ethn icity- Wh ite 369 23%
Race!ethnicity-Asian 10 <1%
Race!ethnicity-AII Other 13 <1%
Characteristics by Bedroom Size
o BR 269 17%
I BR 581 36%
2 BR 485 30%
3 BR 213 13%
4 BR 37 2%
4+ BR 7 <1%
Applicant (applicant family): A person or family that has applied for admission to the Iowa Housing
Authority's Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) or Public Housing program but is not yet a participant in
the program. Eligibility for housing programs is not established until the Applicant reaches the top of the wait-
ing list and their Preliminary Application for Assistance is processed. .
Page 13
Iowa City Housing Authority
Public Housing Waiting List
# of families % of total families
Waiting list total 1,179 Ig:l~ it;
11
Extremely low income <=30% AMI 1,090 92%
Very low income 77 7%
(>30% but <=50% AMI)
Low income 5 <1%
(>50% but <80% AMI)
Families with children 720 61%
Elderly families 44 4%
Families with Disabilities 320 27%
Race/ethnicity-Black 789 67%
Race/ethnicity-White 347 29%
Race/ethnicity-Asian 8 <1%
Race/ethnicity-AII Other II <1%
Characteristics by Bedroom Size
o BR 75 6%
I BR 627 53%
2 BR 329 28%
3 BR 105 9%
4 BR 31 3%
4+ BR 12 <1%
Combined waiting list geographic distribution:
Iowa City Housing Authority (ICHA) Jurisdiction = 33% (919 families)
Outside ICHA Jurisdiction = 67% (1,831 families)
Page 14
Annual Report - 2007
Program Coordinating Committee - 2006
PCC Mission Statement:
To ensure wide access of supportive services that enable families to achieve self-
sufficiency by securing commitments of public and private resource.
Advisory Board for the Iowa City Housing Authorities' Self-Sufficiency Programs:
Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS), Resident Opportunity & Self-Sufficiency (ROSS)
. Amy Correia, Social Services Director, Johnson County;
. Laurie Nash, Early Childhood Specialist, Johnson County Empowerment;
. Dr. Adam Introna, Coralville Chiropractic;
. Michael Shaw, Grant Wood Family Resource Center Coordinator;
. Jon Weih, Student Life Director, Kirkwood Community College;
. Karla Fay, Farmers & Merchants Savings Bank;
. Candace Peters, Department of Community and Behavioral Health, The University of Iowa College of Pub-
lic Health;
. Laz Pittman, Attorney, INS Immigration;
. Christy Fehlberg, VP, Iowa State Bank Home Loan Center;
. Angel Colvin, Mortgage Loan Originator, Union Planters Bank;
. Dawn Ealy, Lepic Kroeger Realtors;
. Linda Severson, Human Services Planning City, JCCOG;
. Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa:
=> Amy Holcomb, (ROSS Grant Employment Specialist);
=> John Posey, Wheels to Work Program Coordinator
"--------~,_._""..__._."-_._-_._-------,---_._-~_._-,.,._-"-
Page 15
Iowa City Housing Authority
Partners and Community Collaborations
Iowa City Housing Authority Programs and Services:
. University of Iowa School of Social Work.
. Women's Resource and Action Center 0NRAC).
. Montessori School.
. Goodwill Industries of SE Iowa.
. Farmers & Merchants Bank.
. Iowa City Area Realtors.
. Iowa State University (ISU) Extension.
. Habitat for Humanity.
. Iowa City Junior Service League.
. Liberty Bank.
. Iowa Women's Foundation.
. Hawkeye Community Action Program (HACAP).
. STAR Program.
. Iowa State Bank
. Foster Grandparents Program
Current Homeownership Programs Lender List:
. Iowa State Bank
. Liberty Bank
. West Bank
. Countrywide Home Loans F
. Cornerstone Mortgage
. Freedom Security
American Bank & Trust
Hills Bank
University of Iowa Credit Union
armers & Merchants Bank
Habitat for Humanity
United States Department of Agriculture
(USDA)
Page 16
Annual Report - 2007
Executive Summary
2006 Ambassadors for Cities Designees
Homebuyer Education: Iowa City was recognized as one of six 2006 Ambassa-
dor for Cities for their Homeownership for Certification Mortgage Readiness Pro-
gram. The Ambassadors for Cities Program recognizes successful partnerships
between Realtors@ and municipalities, which result in more affordable and avail-
able housing to people who want to join the American dream of homeownership.
. Beverly Hills Greater Los Angeles Association of REALTORS: Workforce Hous-
ing Summit
. Flint Association of REALTORS: Greater Flint Housing PartnershiP
. Greater Baltimore Association of REALTORS: SCOPE: Selling City Owned Properties Efficiently
. Iowa City Association of REALTORS: Homeownership Certiftcation for Mortgage Readiness
. Pinellas Suncoast Association of REALTORS: Workforce Housing Loan Program with City of St Petersburg
. San Jose Association of REALTORS: Homebuyer Fairs and "Borrow With Conftdence" Campaign
Prior to the partnership, the Iowa City Housing Authority was the only entity that required homeownership par-
ticipants to complete the Homebuyer Education program. Since the partnership, Fannie Mae, The Federal Home
Loan Association, the Iowa Finance Authority and the United States Department of Agriculture have certified our
curriculum and require first time homebuyers to attend and complete the course before they finalize loans. Habi-
tat for Humanity and the University of Iowa Credit Union also requires participants to . attend and complete the
class. Finally, if a developer is seeking HOME or CDBG funds to acquire or develop homeownership opportuni-
ties, the City of Iowa City Planning and Community Development will require the homebuyers of these properties
to attend and complete the program.
Providing homeownership opportunities is easy. With enough money. from whatever source, anyone can own a
home. The part of the equation that is often overlooked is sustainability. Our Homebuyer Education program
provides education and guidance on how to attain and sustain homeownership. The American Dream of Home
Ownership gives hope for many families. It fosters independence, confidence and faith in the future. A home pro-
vides a haven as well as a tangible asset that citizens can pass down to their children a,nd grandchildren. Home-
ownership benefits and fosters a "sense of community" as homeowners have a strong interest in maintaining the
value of their investments, contributing to the safety of their neighborhoods, and the quality of their schools.
The first session was February 8th - March I. 2006. Eighty-one (81) families participated; Seventy-four (74) com-
pleted the program, receiving a "Certificate of Mortgage Readiness"; Seventy-five (75) Housing Authority partici-
pants attended; four (4) of these families signed purchase agreements; with five (5) others "Pre-Approved" by a
local lender and looking. To address the credit issues identified by some of the attendees. the Housing Authority
scheduled a "Credit Repair" workshop that Iowa State Extension Services conducted on March 23, 2006.
After the first session, we decided to offer the Homebuyer Education program twice 'per year and limit atten-
dance to a more manageable 50 families per session. The second session was conducted in October 2006. Of the
fifty (50) participants, thirty-nine (39) completed the program and received a "Certificate of Mortgage Readiness".
__...._.H..........__.._...""._ ...."..,.,.,,,._,,,,,.,,...,..,,^,.__,__.__"_oe._,",,_..._.___'_'_,,___._______.._._,.._..w.___.._______"
Page I 7
Iowa City Housing Authority
Executive Summary (Continued)
The third session is currently in progress (February 2007).
Program Changes: On November 28, 2006, the Iowa City Housing Authority made two changes that were
designed to increase eligible families' ability to more quickly find and lease-up suitable units.
First, a Residency Preference was added to our admission preferences for Public Housing and the Housing Choice
Voucher programs.
Second, we made changes to our assignment of bedroom sizes (Subsidy Standards) in the Housing Choice
Voucher program. In the Johnson County market, there is a greater supply of suitable 2 bedroom units v. I bed-
room units.
A "point-in-time" review, effective November 29, 2006, showed 1,128 families (93% lease-up rate) were actively
participating in the HCV program. A current "point-in-time" review, effective February 28. 2007, shows 1,222
families (10 I % lease-up rate) are participating in the HCV program.
Page 18
Annual Report - 2007
.
oJ 10 F.. WaIllillglOIl S,reet
IOIHt (,ity . Iowa. 52240.1826
We provide:
. Information and education,
. Housing assistance,
. Public and private partnership opportunities.
Phone:
FAX:
Web:
(319) 356-5400
(319) 356-5459
www.icgov.org/icha
."._"..m_"_._.~'"''''_''''"_'__'_'''''"'''''_'''''_'_''_""'''."_,...._,,__",__,..~"_".~__,,~.~"__.___,~_..,__'_,..~_,.._____"~"..__,,__~_._"__~'"H__H_____.___~__"_______.__.____
Page 19
YOUTH HOMES
For kids, family, community and you
March 13,2007
Tracy Hightshoe
City of Iowa City
Planning Department
Tracy,
I am writing to ask for a revision to the Four Oaks Youth Homes building project
time1ine. As you know, we are planning a 3000 sq. ft. building to house our Phase
Program as well as meeting and multi-purpose rooms.
We had expected to have the construction underway at this point but have had some
unexpected delays. The issues that contributed to the delays such as ground testing have
been remedied and solutions have been included in the plans for the building. Currently
we are completing work with a local design firm and are planning to release bids in the
next 1-2 weeks. At this time, we are respectfully requesting acceptance ofthis revised
timeline.
1. Advertise Bids
2. Award Bids for Construction
3. Pre-construction Conference
4. Complete all construction activities
March 31, 2007
April 23, 2007
May 7, 2007
July 31,2007
Please contact me if you have any questions.
Respectfully,
A. V!vJ~
. Mary dval
Four Oaks
Program Mangager
em; ~S:~~~~~
",w,.wn,or_c
..."rl~""""(
Jim Ernst
President/CEO
1916 Waterfront Drive
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-337 -4523
(Fax) 319-337-9509
www.fouroaks.org
April 11, 2007
Members of the Iowa City City Council:
I regret to inform you that I must resign my appointment to the Iowa City Housing and
Community Development Commission because I am relocating out of the Iowa City area.
I am leaving Iowa City to pursue a master's degree in public policy and international
relations at the Woodrow Wilson School of Public and International Affairs at Princeton
University in Princeton, New Jersey. My final meeting as a commission member will be
the April 19th, 2007, meeting.
Thank you for appointing me to the commission in July 2005. It has been a rewarding
and enriching experience to serve as a commission member, and I believe that the future
holds great promise for the people of Iowa City. I hope that future undergraduates at The
University of Iowa will become involved with the entire Iowa City community and
continue our work toward a more positive relationship between the city and the student
body.
Sincerely,
Tom Niblock