HomeMy WebLinkAbout2015-11-30 CorrespondenceMarian Karr 2e(1)
From:
Daniel Greenwald <greenwalddan@outlook.com>
Sent:
Thursday, November 05, 2015 2:57 PM
To:
Council
Subject:
THE CLOSURE OF HOOVER SCHOOL
As I am sure that all Council Members know, the Iowa City Board of Education has planned for the future
closure of Hoover School on Iowa City's east side. I and many other Hoover -area residents have been very
upset at the planned closure and destruction of Hoover. There has been much discussion as to how this will
affect the education of area students. However, there is another aspect of this closure that has received very
little attention, and I wish to write you about this aspect: CLOSING HOOVER SCHOOL IS JUST NOT IN
THE BEST INTEREST OF IOWA CITY.
Many Council Members have spoken for the need to maintain family -friendly neighborhoods within our
city. Closing a viable neighborhood school in a substantial area of east Iowa City is not consistent with this
goal. The Hoover area will not be as attractive to many of those considering relocation, and property values
would undoubtedly drop. Hoover area students will be assigned to other schools where their safety will be
compromised in many instances as they walk greater and more treacherous distances to new schools. If Hoover
is closed, the precedent for closure of other neighborhood schools will have been set.
I am sick and tired of our city losing local businesses and stores to nearby cities. Now we are in danger of
losing a viable school due in no small part to the efforts of residents of nearby cities. It is time to draw the line.
I realize that the Council has no direct input into School Board decisions and that some might say that the
Council has no business sticking its nose into School Board business. However, this closure decision is so
contrary to the future of a vibrant Iowa City that I think that the Council should at least officially weigh in on
this issue with the Board. I would hope that the Iowa City Council would urge the Board of Education to keep
Hoover School open.
Daniel H. Greenwald
438 Garden Street, Iowa City
Marian Karr 2e(2)
From:
Jason Havel
Sent:
Tuesday, November 10, 2015 7:05 PM
To:
'Nancy Davin'
Cc:
Jon Resler; Kent Ralston; Council
Subject:
RE: Suggestion
Ms. Davin,
Thank you for your e-mail regarding the intersection of Scott Blvd/First Ave/ACT entrance. Previously, we've undertaken
a planning level review to determine if a roundabout is feasible in this location. While this review indicates a
roundabout may work in this location, funding is not in place to proceed with design and construction at this
time. However, the City regularly evaluates available grants and other funding opportunities for City projects, and the
work completed to date could be used to apply for funding as opportunities become available. If you have any
additional questions or concerns, please feel free to contact me, thanks.
Jason Havel, P.E.
City Engineer
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, IA 52240
Phone: (319) 356-5410
Fax: (319) 356-5007
From: Jon Resler
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 2:17 PM
To: 'Nancy Davin'; Council; Kent Ralston; Jason Havel
Subject: RE: Suggestion
Ms. Davin
Thank you for the suggestion. I am forwarding your request to the City's Planning and Engineering groups for review and
consideration.
Respectfully,
Jon
Jon Resler, P.E.
Superintendent of Streets and Traffic Engineering
City of Iowa City
3800 Napoleon Lane
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
319-356-5482
From: Nancy Davin [mailto:nancy.davin@yahoo.com]
Sent: Thursday, November 05, 2015 2:10 PM
To: Council; Jon Resler
Subject: Suggestion
Greetings,
I'd like to suggest that the City of Iowa City revise the intersection of Scott Blvd/First Ave/ACT entrance to that
of a roundabout similar in size or larger to the roundabout at the intersection of Coralville's Holiday Road and
First Avenue (and not the smaller Holiday Road and 12th Ave). During peak traffic periods, traffic at the Scott
Blvd/First Ave intersection can get backed up nearly back to Dodge Street causing lengthy delays, in addition to
a lot of braking and accelerating. A roundabout would encourage much smoother traffic flow.
I know people either love or hate roundabouts. I have grown to completely appreciate the incredible difference
this has made at the Holiday Road/First Ave intersection and I hope this can be considered in Iowa City.
I would encourage you to have staff to look in to this possibility.
Many thanks,
Nancy Davin
Iowa City, IA 52240
11-30-15
2e(3)
Marian Karr
From: Derek Johnk <derek.johnk@gmail.com>
Sent: Monday, November 16, 2015 11:31 AM
To: Geoff Fruin
Cc: Council; Zac Hall; Thomas McInerney; docnyren@aol.com; schweitzerdeanne@yahoo.com;
Marcia Bollinger
Subject: Re: Highland Park Improvements
Thanks very much, Geoff and Zac!
I really appreciate the attention!
It sounds like we're all on the same page, in that it's simply very difficult to allocate funds for the playground
equipment right now.
I'd love to meet with you and Zac in the spring, as decisions are made for those allocations.
We can't wait to see the new improvements already planned. Again, big thanks to Zac for "finding a way" on all
this thus far. I really appreciate it a lot!
On Mon, Nov 16, 2015 at 9:33 AM, Geoff Fruin <Geoff-FruinAiowa-city. org> wrote:
Hi Derek,
Thank you for your continued interest in the Highland Park improvement project. We appreciate the
neighborhood's strong involvement and interest in the park. I have reviewed the notes from the September 14"'
neighborhood meeting and also visited the park with Zac Hall to discuss the plans for additional improvements
this spring. As you are aware, the City has a few more upgrades to install in the spring including a water
fountain and a see -saw. It is my understanding the neighborhood funds and the PIN grant are to be used for a
new walkway, which was the neighborhood's top priority. We plan to get quotes on that paving project this
winter and install the pathway in the spring.
The improvements at the park to date have been made possible without dedicated park funding. The new
shelter was pulled from our inventory, the swings were repurposed from Mercer Park, and the new sign is park
of an ongoing effort to replace all park signage in the community. We will be able to add the water fountain
and see -saw to further enhance the park.
Unfortunately, a new playground structure is going to far exceed the $10,000 you requested in your email
below. Based on recent installations at similar neighborhood parks the cost will likely be $35,000 or more. The
Parks Department does have discretionary funding for park improvements, but will need to weigh your request
with other needs in the system. As we get closer to the planned spring improvements we can explore this option
in more detail with you.
You can certainly make a request of the City Council at any upcoming meeting. There is a public comment
portion of the agenda, which allows individuals or groups to address the Council on any topic of interest.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Again, we appreciate your interest in the park and look forward
to continuing discussions on how we strengthen it in the coming years.
Sincerely,
Geoff Fruin
Assistant City Manager ICity of Iowa City
P: 319.356.5013
Web I Facebook ITwitter
From: Derek Johnk [mailto:derek johnkagmail.com]
Sent: Tuesday, November 10, 2015 10:13 AM
To: Council
Cc: Zac Hall; Thomas McInerney; docnyrenaaol.com; schweitzerdeanne(&yahoo.com; Marcia Bollinger
Subject: Highland Park Improvements
Hello,
I am the Chairman of the Lucas Farms Neighborhood Association,
Over the past couple years, we have worked with the Parks and Recreation Department to bring improvements
to our small neighborhood park (Highland Park).
In 2014 and 2015, we have held multiple fundraisers to make improvements to our park. As it stands, we
currently have $5000 in a PIN grant (awarded in 2014), as well as approximately $3000 raised by our
neighborhood.
We have worked with Mike Moran and Zac Hall, and to that end, have received a new swing set, and shelter,
with plans already in motion to install a water fountain, walk path, and some small additional (spare) equipment
at the park in spring 2016.
Working with Mike and Zac has been very fruitful, and I would like to personally thank both of them for their
efforts thus far. Zac in particular has been invaluable in finding resources, and help make our vision a reality.
We have decided to ask the Parks department to use our existing available funds to build a walk path at
Highland Park, which will hopefully break ground in the spring.
Unfortunately though, due to limited funds in the parks budget, our hopes for adding playground equipment at
the north end of the park have not come to fruition.
Our neighborhood would like to see about having approximately $10,000 committed to purchasing and
installing this playground equipment as soon as possible.
I would like an opportunity to present this proposal to the City Council at either the January or February City
Council Meeting.
If you have any questions, please let me know.
Thanks!
Derek Johnk
1405 Keokuk Street
Iowa City IA 52240
c. 319.573.6451
Derek Johnk
1405 Keokuk Street
Iowa City IA 52240
c. 319.573.6451
2e(4)
Marian Karr
From:
Nancy Bird <nancy@downtowniowacity.com>
Sent:
Tuesday, November 17, 2015 2:48 PM
To:
Council
Cc:
Geoff Fruin; Ritu Jain
Subject:
Washington Street support requested
Attachments:
TCDD Construction Support Proposal 11.2015.pdf
Mayor Hayek and City Council,
Please find attached a memo regarding the East Washington Street construction project planned for next
year. We appreciate your consideration of the requests that the Iowa City Downtown District believes will help
those businesses most impacted by construction "survive and thrive" during this time period.
We look forward to the upcoming December 3rd Open House on the project and hope to see you there.
As usual, thank you for your consideration and staffs attention to these matters.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bird
Executive Director
Iowa City Downtown District
downtowniowacit,
November 17. 2015
Mayor Hayek and City Council
Tom Markus and Geoff Fruin
City of Iowa City
410 E. Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
Mayor Hayek and City Council Members,
Downtown Iowa City is about to undergo a major streetscape transformation starting with
construction on East Washington Street next year. Members of the Iowa City Downtown District
are excited on many fronts about the updates to our local infrastructure and strengthening of
Downtown amenities that will come with the implementation of the 2014 Streetscape Update
Plan. These improvements are necessary and positive and we are very supportive and grateful
for the significant investment the City is making to strengthen the core of Downtown Iowa City.
As the 2016 construction schedule draws closer, our local independent businesses are naturally
becoming increasingly nervous about inevitable revenue loss related to construction impacts of
the project. If not dealt with in a sensitive manner, construction impacts may tip businesses with
already narrow margins into permanent closure. We are interested in closely collaborating with
City staff to help minimize short-term impacts to businesses and ensure strong two-way
communications between the general contractor and business proprietors.
After discussions with Washington Street owners and membership across the TCDD, we ask the
City consider the following requests. We feel like there is still more communication and decision
making around the final project that needs to be conducted and these items will help. Our goal
is to work with the City to help businesses on Washington Street "survive" so that they can truly
thrive when the project is done.
General Requests:
Consultant selection should not be based on lowest cost alone — The winning
contractor should be chosen based on equally weighted scores of proven experience in
strong communications, ability to balance day and over night construction shifts as
needed to keep access points open, strong project management skills, proven results,
and ability to reduce project duration, as well as low cost.
Limit Duration - The City should be able to communicate and demonstrate that every
avenue to reduce the duration of the construction on Washington Street has been
Iowa City Downtown District 14'h S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
explored. Construction schedule milestones should be discussed with each proprietor
and communicated publicly. Incentives and penalties should be a tool to ensure
deadlines are met.
General Contractor Requests:
1. Construction will not result in any business having to close for any length of time during
normal operating hours.
2. A balance of overnight and day construction (3 shift capacity) should be requested to
reduce the duration of the project and lesson noise and dust impacts on operating
businesses. We recognize that a limited workforce could be an issue, but the request
should be made regardless.
3. Reducing noise and dust (no jack hammers, etc.) over the lunch hour (12pm to 1 pm)
should be honored to ensure pedestrian customers are not driven away from lunch spots
or errand running.
4. Assign a senior project manager with authority and good interpersonal skills as a point of
contact to communicate directly with business owners on the street. Ensure that this
staff is available by cell or in person at all times during construction.
5. Instruct construction employees to park personal vehicles off site. No hoods should be
permitted over available street meters in any location downtown during this process
except on areas in the immediate construction zone. All working construction vehicles
should locate only within the staging area.
Business Relief, Communications, and Support Requests:
1. Tax relief — City services will not be fully available for property and business owners
along Washington during project construction. We respectfully request the City consider
property tax relief of 10% for properties with retail operators (soft good and restaurants)
for the duration of the project. This will support independent businesses by lowering
triple net leases when sales and income dip during this period. This tax relief on
Washington Street totals roughly $35,000 (ranging from $1,200 - $4,000 per business
over an estimated 8 months). We recognize there is no precedent for this in the City, but
there should and could be moving forward. There is much good will to be had for a AAA
bond rated City to care for local independent retail businesses that depend on drive-by
or pedestrian traffic for their family income during construction periods. Using local retail
as a parameter for future infrastructure projects is worthy of strong consideration. There
hasn't been a unified neighborhood to come forward for this cause in the past and we
hope to advocate it for all retail neighborhoods across the City in the future.
2. Parking Solutions — We request the City help with parking programs that may reduce
consumer behavior changes resulting from construction. A program whereby each
business on East Washington Street receives parking garage chits to provide customers
free parking in the ramps or other similar programs would be very welcomed.
3. Communications — We would like the City to consider assigning a dedicated City staff
with decision-making authority and strong interpersonal skills to the project to
communicate and problem solve with business owners and the general contractor. Good
Iowa City Downtown District 14 % S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
communication will reduce construction duration and relieve stress on business owners
and patrons.
4. Community messaging / construction fencing support — We request the City set
aside additional communications budget in the streetscape project funds for "end cap"
fencing (four plywood elements), banners, and artful displays that help sign that
businesses are open during construction and that mask the construction chain link fence
that will be put up at business door fronts. ICDD staff offers to support the management
of this effort. Costs requested total $17,750 and include:
a. Community engagement and materials of public art fence programming by
Thomas Agran (cost = $4,550).
b. Plywood endcaps, paint supplies, and signage by Thomas Agran (cost =
$3,200).
c. Print and digital announcements that encourage interest in the project and
message to the community that businesses are open (cost = $10,000).
We have discussed the fencing program with project consultants to ensure the program
is feasible and will provide additional details directly to City staff.
Thank you for the consideration of these requests and your partnership to date. We are open to
discuss these or other ideas that emerge that would help businesses "survive and thrive" during
this critical time in our City's history.
Overall, we are excited to get moving on these improvements and to see implementation start to
take place. We recognize the importance of the streetscape project for the community for years
to come and we appreciate being a partner to it.
Sincerely,
Nancy Bird, AICP Ritu Jain
Executive Director TCDD Board President
Iowa City Downtown District Owner, Textiles Inc.
Iowa City Downtown District 14'/2 S. Clinton Street, Iowa City, IA 52240 319-354-0863
2e(5)
Marian Karr
From: Geoff Fruin
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 4:25 PM
To: Eleanor M. Dilkes; Marian Karr
Subject: FW: 11.30 Strategic Planning Session -- Affordable Housing Priorities
Attachments: JCAHC 11.30 Strategic Planning.docx
Fyi.
From: Sally Scott [mailto:salwah.scott@gmail.com]
Sent: Monday, November 23, 2015 4:22 PM
To: Tom Markus; Geoff Fruin; Simon Andrew; Jim Throgmorton; Susan Mims; Rockne Cole; Kingsley Botchway; Pauline
Taylor; John Thomas; Terry Dickens; Rick Dobyns; Michelle Payne; Matt Hayek
Subject: 11.30 Strategic Planning Session -- Affordable Housing Priorities
To the Current and Elected City Council of Iowa City and the Office of the City Manager,
On behalf of the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, I am pleased to submit to you our priorities for
the City's Strategic Plan.
We realize that you have many different programs and policies to consider at the November 30th Strategic
Planning Session. Given the high percentage of housing cost -burdened households in Iowa City, we hope you
will make increasing the supply of affordable rental housing and homeownership opportunities a clear priority
for 2016 and beyond.
As I hope you know, our coalition also is working with other jurisdictions in Johnson County to increase the
supply of affordable housing. This is a regional issue that requires innovative leadership from Iowa City as well
as the other jurisdictions.
Thank you for your public service, and have a very Happy Thanksgiving!
Best,
Sally Scott
Chair, Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition
JOHNSON COUNTY AFFORDABLE HOMES COALITION
"ALL OF OUR NEIGHBORS NEED AN AFFORDABLE HOME"
November 23, 2015
Members of the City Council and the City Manager of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: November 30th Strategic Planning Session
Dear City Council Members and City Manager Markus:
We appreciate the opportunity to offer our ideas for the Iowa City Strategic Planning
Session taking place on November 301h. We are grateful that the City Council and City
Manager have taken important initial steps to increase the supply of affordable rental
housing and homeownership opportunities in Iowa City. For example, in early 2015 City
staff successfully convened a work group to develop principles for Inclusionary Housing
in Riverfront Crossings. We look forward to supporting the ordinance that staff is
developing based on the principles.
Given this progress, one concern is that in the July 2015 Strategic Plan Status Report,
there was mention of rehabilitation programs funded through the UniverCity, GRIP,
CDBG and HOME programs, but no mention of broader initiatives to increase affordable
housing. We hope that the November 301h Strategic Planning Session identifies specific
affordable housing initiatives as priorities for the Council's work in 2016.
We would like to suggest the following:
1) Pass an Inclusionary Housing Ordinance for Riverfront Crossings
The ordinance should respect the principles developed by the working group and
approved by the Council in 2015. If the ordinance is passed in a timely fashion,
it will result in significant numbers of new affordable units, and serve as a model
that could be used elsewhere in the City and the region.
2) Utilize the $1 million received from the developer of the Court/Linn site for
specific affordable housing initiatives in Iowa City.
The City's development agreement with CA Ventures, the developer of the
Court/Linn site in Riverfront Crossings, indicates that the developer is
contributing $1 million to the City for affordable housing. These funds should be
deployed in 2016 in a manner that leverages additional local, state or federal
funding. Given the high percentage of cost -burdened renters in Iowa City,
creating new affordable rental units should be a priority.
3) Develop an Annexation Policy that promotes a mix of market -rate and
affordable housing.
As new land is annexed into Iowa City, there is a valuable opportunity to
integrate affordable housing into market -rate developments. For example, this
could involve offering tax abatements for rental units affordable to households
at or below 60% of Area Median Income, as well as homeownership units for
households at or below 100% of Area Median Income. Also Iowa City
government should make it easier for developers to create cottage housing,
generally understood to be a group of small houses (less than 1200 square feet
in gross floor area) arranged around a common open space, with parking
screened from public view.
4) Modify the Affordable Housing Location Model to permit the development of
government -assisted affordable rental units in more parts of Iowa City.
Currently the Affordable Housing Location Model, which is intended to prevent
the concentration of affordable rental units, is also blocking the development of
government -assisted affordable rental housing for families in much of Iowa City
where land is available and affordable. We agree with not heavily concentrating
government -assisted units. However we believe the current model has blocked
too much land from the development of affordable units by responsible,
experienced affordable housing developers. City staff has indicated that changes
to the model are underway. We look forward to learning about those changes,
and whether it will open up meaningful amounts of developable land.
5) Include the Housing Choice Voucher Program in the definition of Public
Assistance Source of Income.
A November 17th memorandum from the Human Rights Office to the Office of
the City Manager recommends making it unlawful to discriminate against
households that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program. While this
will not result in the creation of new affordable units, it does give households
that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher program more and (we hope)
better choices of housing they can afford.
We hope you will adopt these priorities in the 2016-2017 Strategic Plan. We appreciate
your existing support for affordable housing, and look forward to working with you.
Sincerely,
Sally J. Scott, Chair
Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition
Marian Karr
From: WELSHBOB@aol.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 9:23 AM
To: Council
Subject: Strategic Plan - November 30
I wish to share with you my thoughts relating to the Strategic Plan. I trust that there will be far more
transparency. In looking at the last Strategic Plan for Iowa City the appearance is that staff input may have
driven the conversation. The agenda for the November 30, 2015 session seems to focus a great deal on
"review" and less on "identify new programs, policies, projects and initiatives." I realize the value of knowing
the past but I would hope that looking to the future would be the main focus.
I believe it would be wise for the new council to set up a series of meetings in various locations and with
various population groups enlisting input after the November 30th session. This would suggest that the
November session be to obtain staff input and input from the outgoing council members and then for the new
council to have a series of meetings to involve all interested citizens. And then for the council to adopt the
Strategic Plan.
Also, I found lacking —measurable goals.
Example: Safe streets — reducing the number of accidents by X %. Change in policing practices — reduction by
x% of arrests for XX. Increase citizen involvement — X% of vacancies on boards and commissions filled after
one announcement.
Items I would hope the Council would consider:
Governance: Informal Meetings: televised, one week prior to council's decision (after rather than before
council meeting or a difference day), allow citizen input.
Review and change as deemed advisable: Zoning ordinance, criteria for use of TIF, River Crossings
Development of a policy to promote accessible affordable housing — with special attention to the needs of low
income citizens, the disabled and the elderly community.
Racial, social and ethnic diversity — adopt a strategy to help persons feel welcomed.
Improved transportation — explore value of a regional consolidated system.
Feasibility should not be determined by the staff of the cities.
Public private partnerships —
Ex. Are there various businesses that could adopt a park and make it handicap accessible? (I was
impressed with John Thomas's statement that our parks are not accessible.)
Aggressively enlist and utilize the expertise of the many professionals in the community.
I think we have a lot of talent that is not being utilized.
More dialogue with and cooperation among governmental and public entities.
Work with the Greater Iowa City Convention Center and the Creative Corridor to promote the attributes of
Iowa City/Johnson County as the ideal place to age successfully.
Goals: Human Rights City
Age Friendly Community/Livable Community
Marian Karr
From: Charlie Eastham <eastham@outlook.com>
Sent: Tuesday, November 24, 2015 8:12 PM
To: Council
Cc: Jim Throgmorton
Subject: Coalition for Racial Justice recommendations for the Iowa City Strategic Plan
11/24/2015
To the Iowa City Council,
The Coalition for Racial Justice strongly urges the Council to consider the following recommendations
regarding the Iowa City Strategic Plan at the strategic planning work session on November 30, 2015.
Eliminating racial disproportionality in youth charges, traffic stops, and adult arrests by the Iowa City Police
Department should be among the highest Strategic Plan priorities. The "City of Iowa City Equity Annual
Report/September 2015" details current racial disproportionalities on pages 8-12. The report proposes showing
improvement in reducing racial inequities over a period of 3-5 years with quarterly progress reports. The
Strategic Plan priority should be to substantially eliminate racial disproportionality in youth charges, traffic
stops, and adult arrests by the Police Department by the end of 2017 with monthly progress reports. The
Council can direct the City Manager to achieve these goals and/or provide sufficient power to the Community
Police Review Board to oversee a process of eliminating racial inequities.
The Strategic Plan also needs to provide for expansion of the recently created Police Department community
assistant position to two full time positions. These positions should not be held by sworn law enforcement
officers. Rather, their primary responsibilities should include providing informal approaches for deescalating
situations involving youth in neighborhoods, recreational facilities, and school settings. One of the community
assistant positions should be held by a woman.
For the Coalition for Racial Justice,
Royceann Porter
Charlie Eastham
ilHoUsing Fellc
Opening the doors of Johnson County
322 E. 2nd St.
Iowa City, IA 52240
Office 319-358-9212
Fax 319-358-0053
November 25, 2015
Members of the City Council and the City Manager of Iowa City
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240
RE: November 30" Strategic Planting Session
Dear City Council Members and City Manager Markus:
The Board of Trustees of The Housing Fellowship would like for Council members to consider the
following suggestions at your Strategic Planning Session as you determine the Plan's priorities;
• Adopt the definition of affordable housing that has been presented to the Regional Affordable
Housing Committee (attached). The Corm--duee will re -consider the definition at its meeting on
December 4.
• Identify and when appropriate secure land that could be available for the development of affordable
housing.
• Utilize Residential TIF financing.
• Connect the South East side by installing a pedestrian bridge across Highway G.
As an active member of the Johnson County Affordable Homes Coalition, we have reviewcd the
letter submitted by Chau Sally Scott and fully support the Coalition's suggestions.
Thank you for your consideration of our suggestions.
(Sincerely, t�
Dick Klausner, President Maryann Dennis, Executive Director
Regional Affordable Housing, Johnson County
August 2015
Definitions to Consider
Affordable Housing: Housing is affordable for households with incomes at or below 80% of the HUD
established Area Median Income if residents pay no more than 30% of their gross monthly income for either;
rent, insurance and utilities or mortgage, principal, interest, insurance and homeowner fees.
Housing Cost Burden: Residents are housing cost burden if they spend more than 30% of their gross monthly
income on housing costs.
Severe Housing Cost Burden: Residents are severely cost burdened if they spend more than 50% of the
gross monthly income on housing costs.
Work Force Housing: Work force housing is determined by household income, not by employment. Work
Force Housing is generally accepted to mean households with incomes not to exceed 120% of the HUD
determined median income based on household size.
Income Qualified Households: Households/properties receiving public assistance for housing must have
household incomes based on household size that meet the formulas mandated by the funding source. Different
public funding sources have different income requirements for recipients.
Housing Choice Voucher: The housing choice voucher program is the federal government's major program for
assisting very low-income families, the elderly, and the disabled to afford decent, safe, and sanitary housing in
the private market. Housing assistance is provided on behalf of the family or individual. The participant is free
to choose any housing that meets the requirements of the program and is not limited to units located in
subsidized housing projects.
Housing choice vouchers are administered locally by public housing agencies (PHAs), pursuant to federal
regulations. The PHAs receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD) to administer the voucher program within their local jurisdiction.
A family that is issued a housing voucher is responsible for finding a suitable housing unit of the family's choice
where the owner agrees to rent under the program. This unit may include the family's present residence. Rental
units must meet minimum standards of health and safety, as determined by the PHA.
A housing subsidy is paid to the landlord directly by the PHA on behalf of the participating family. The family
then pays the difference between the actual rent charged by the landlord and the amount subsidized by the
program. Under certain circumstances, if authorized by the PHA, a family may use its voucher to purchase a
modest home.
Fair Market Rent (FMR): The Fair Market Rent is the HUD determined amount that can be charged for a
rental property that receives public assistance.