Housing Stability Council MEETING MATERIALS PACKET
Sierra Vista Apartments
Ontario Oregon
January 5, 2018 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
Oregon Housing & Community Services Conference Room 124 A/B
Salem, Oregon 97301
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing Stability Council Oregon Housing and Community Services
725 Summer St. NE, Suite B
Salem OR 97301-1266 PHONE: 503-986-2000
FAX: 503-986-2020
TTY: 503-986-2100
Council Members: Aubre L. Dickson, Chair Tammy Baney
Michael C. Fieldman
Anna Geller Zee D. Koza
Gerardo F. Sandoval, PhD
Latricia Tillman Adolph “Val” Valfre, Jr.
Charles Wilhoite
TIME TOPIC MOTION ACTION
1. 9:00 Meeting Called to Order Roll Call
Call Roll
2. 9:05 Public Comment Comment
3. 9:15 Meeting Minute Approval (pages 3-16) December 1, 2017
Approval
4. 9:20 Single Family Section (pages 17-22) Kim Freeman, Single Family Section Manager
DPA Program update
Update
5. 9:35 Housing Finance Updates (pages 23-30) Julie Cody, Assistant Director, Housing Finance
4% LIHTC/Gap Funding Parameters Decision – Tai Dunson-Strane, LIHTC Tax Program Manager Housing Plus Development Project Approval – Ryan Miller, Asset Management & Compliance Section Manager - Tilikum Apartments
Approvals
6. 10:15 Housing Stabilization Updates (pages 31-49) Claire Seguin, Assistant Director, Housing Stabilization
Veteran’s Homeless Framework Decision - Marilyn Miller, Homeless Services Section Manager Rent Guarantee Program Decision – Ariel Nelson, Government Relations & Communication Liaison
Approvals
7. 10:45 2019-21 Budget & Legislative Concepts Process Discussion (pages 51-53) Caleb Yant, CFO & Kenny LaPoint, Assistant Director, Public Affairs
Briefing
8. 11:15 BREAK
9. 11:30 Retreat Pre-work with Solid Ground (pages 55-65) Workgroup
10. 12:30 Report of the Director Report
11. 12:45 Report of the Chair Report
12. Meeting Adjourned
All times listed on this agenda are approximate and subject to change. Agenda items may also be taken out of order and addressed at different times than listed. The agenda may be amended by the Council at the time of the meeting.
AGENDA January 5, 2018
9:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. Oregon Housing and Community Services, Room 124 A&B
725 Summer St NE, Salem OR 97301 Call-In: 1-877-273-4202; Participant Code: 4978330
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 1
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Oregon Housing Stability Council Oregon Housing and Community Services
725 Summer St. NE, Suite B
Salem OR 97301-1266
PHONE: 503-986-2000 FAX: 503-986-2020
TTY: 503-986-2100
December 1, 2017
Oregon Housing Stability Council Meeting Minutes
Chair Dickson called the meeting to order at approximately 9:02 am and asked for the roll call:
Council member Present Excused By Phone
Tammy Baney X*
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller X*
Zee Koza X
Gerardo Sandoval X*
Latricia Tillman X
Acting Chair Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Aubré Dickson X
*Councilmembers Baney, Geller and Sandoval joined the meeting by phone.
Public Comment
Chair Dickson opened the public comment section and invited those in the room who wished to provide
comment to step forward to the table. He asked those offering testimony to state their name and
organization for the record.
Emily Schelling, Director of Asset Management & Initiatives, at the Housing Development Center. Ms.
Schelling wanted to provide some testimony about the 4% LIHTC/Gap Funding Parameters discussion.
She told the Council that she and her colleagues are thrilled with the leadership OHCS is taking in
addressing preservation issues. She also offered her thanks to OHCS for soliciting their feedback in this
process. She believes this process is an important step forward in preserving housing in Oregon. She
also expressed her pleasure with the emphasis on the physical condition of properties in the scoring
threshold. She and her colleagues believe that properties with physical needs and life/safety issues
should be prioritized for this funding. She and her colleagues are concerned that the scoring may
discourage some projects from applying because they are less than 20 years through their affordability
period; the very projects most at risk. Ms. Schelling also stated that the first-come, first-served approach
does not necessarily screen for the highest need, nor is it the best approach for allocating these
resources. Further she and her colleagues would like to see future preservation funding opportunities
that are not tied to 4% tax credits or the private activity bond transactions. They believe that small rural
projects would be able to better compete for the funds. Ms. Schelling concluded her comments by
offering her appreciation to the Council and OHCS for the work they are doing to ensure the best use of
public resources.
Chair Dickson called for additional comments from the room, hearing none, he then called for any
comments from the phone.
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Steve Ochs, Real Estate Development Director, with the Housing and Community Services Agency of
Lane County (HACSA). Mr. Ochs also offered some comments on the 4% LIHTC/Gap Funding
Parameters discussion. He also referenced a written comment he submitted on 11/30/2017 as seen
below.
He provided a summary of the above written comments. Mr. Ochs said their concern with the current
structure is that it does not allow enough flexibility in the threshold issues to allow community-wide
projects that are not in the metro area to get past the threshold. He also expressed concern for those
projects that are not at least 20 years through their affordability would not be able to apply. He offered
this thanks to the Council for their consideration.
Chair Dickson called for additional comments, hearing none, he closed the period for public comment.
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Approval of November 3 2017 Meeting Minutes:
Chair Dickson asked for comments/corrections for the November 3, 2017 meeting notes. Hearing none
he then asked for the motion.
Councilmember Koza moved to accept the November 3, 2017 meeting minutes as presented and
Councilmember Tillman seconded the motion. Chair Dickson called for the vote:
November 3, 2017
Council member Motion Yes No Abstain Excused Tammy Baney X
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller X
Zee Koza X X
Gerardo Sandoval X
Latricia Tillman 2nd
X
Acting Chair, Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Aubré Dickson X
Vote: 6:0:0:3 | PASS
Single Family Consent Calendar for Approval – Kim Freeman, Single Family Section Manager
Ms. Freeman provided an overview of the one loan up for approval before the Council today. You may
reference pages 15-16 in the meeting materials packet. Ms. Freeman reminded the Council that the
reason there was only one loan up for approval today was because of the recent rule change they
approved in September of 2017. Chair Dickson called for any questions, hearing none, he then called
for the motion which can be found on page 15 of the meeting material packet.
Councilmember Koza moved to approve the consent calendar and Councilmember Tillman seconded the
motion. Chair Dickson called for the vote:
Residential Loan Consent Calendar:
Council member Motion Yes No Abstain Excused Tammy Baney X
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller X
Zee Koza X X
Gerardo Sandoval X
Latricia Tillman 2nd
X
Acting Chair, Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Aubré Dickson X
Vote: 6:0:0:3 | PASS
Director Salazar then took a moment to highlight the work of the Single Family Section for 2017. The
goal for the SF section was to have loan production of $80 million dollars. To date the SF section has
authorized 605 loans for a total of $126.7 million dollars, which is 158% of the expected production for
the calendar year. She then thanked the SF and Debt management teams for all of their hard work on the
program this year.
Multifamily Funding Decisions – Casey Bauman, Underwriting Section Manager
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Victorian Inn & Mayfield Court Apartments – Brad Lawrence, Loan Officer
Mr. Lawrence provided an overview of the summary for the Victorian Inn and Mayfield Court
Apartments. Please reference pages 17-21 in the meeting materials packet.
Chair Dickson invited Stephen McMurtrey, Housing Development Director and Nikolai Ursin, Housing
Developer with Northwest Housing Alternatives forward to address the Council. Mr. McMurtrey
thanked the staff and the Council for their consideration of these projects; they are thrilled to move this
project forward.
Chair Dickson called for questions from the Council. Councilmember Koza voiced her appreciation for
the robust resident services included with this project.
Bond Recommended Motion: Move to approve Pass Through Revenue Bond Financing in an amount
up to and not to exceed $9,500,000 to Victorian Mayfield Revitalization Limited Partnership for the
acquisition and rehabilitation of The Victorian Inn and Mayfield Court Apartments, subject to the
borrower meeting OHCS, Umpqua Bank, Network for Oregon Affordable Housing, and Raymond
James Tax Credit Funds, Inc. underwriting and closing criteria, documentation satisfactory to legal
counsel and Treasurer approval of the bond sale.
Chair Dickson then called for the motion found on page 17 of the meeting materials packet.
Councilmember Tillman made the motion and Councilmember Geller seconded the motion. Chair
Dickson then called for the vote.
Victorian Inn & Mayfield Court Apartments Conduit bond approval:
Council member Motion Yes No Abstain Excused Tammy Baney X
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller 2nd
X
Zee Koza X
Gerardo Sandoval X
Latricia Tillman X X
Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Chair Aubré Dickson X
Vote: 6:0:0:3 | PASS
Chair Dickson then asked about the project that was withdrawn at the request of the sponsor. Mr.
Baumann told the Council that the sponsor determined that the site being considered for the project was
not acceptable. He told the Council that the sponsor was still looking to find a viable site and they are
hoping to bring the project back for consideration at a later date.
Multifamily Energy Program Recommendations for Approval – Tim Zimmer, Energy Services
Manager & Dan Elliott, Senior Policy Analyst, Energy Services
Mr. Zimmer informed the Council the plan for today was to provide an overview of the changes and
updates made in response to Council suggestions made at the November meeting. Mr. Elliott then
provided a summary of the updates/changes for the Council. You may reference pages 25-28 in the
meeting materials packet for additional details. Mr. Elliott thanked the Council for their input to the
program design.
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Chair Dickson then asked for questions from the Council. Chair Dickson thanked Mr. Zimmer and Mr.
Elliott for responding to the questions posed by the Council at the November meeting. Councilmember
Tillman thanked the team for their thoughtful response to her inquiry about culturally specific
approaches. She did say she would like to see NAYA (Native American Youth and Family Center)
included in the list. She also appreciated the thoughtful response to her questions/concerns about
partnerships with health programs as outlined in topic three in the memo.
Motion: HSC approves the Multifamily Energy Program Design.
Chair Dickson then called for the motion found on page 25 of the meeting materials packet.
Councilmember Baney made the motion and Councilmember Koza seconded the motion. Chair Dickson
then called for the vote.
Multifamily Energy Program Design approval:
Council member Motion Yes No Abstain Excused Tammy Baney X X
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller X
Zee Koza 2nd
X
Gerardo Sandoval X
Latricia Tillman X
Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Chair Aubré Dickson X
Vote: 6:0:0:3 | PASS
Director Salazar took a moment to thank the Energy Services team for their hard work on the program
design. She appreciates their dedication.
To prepare for the next segment of the agenda Chair Dickson adjourned the meeting for 5 minutes at
approximately 9:32 a.m.
Chair Dickson reconvened the meeting at approximately 9:38 a.m.
Veteran Program Updates – Kenny LaPoint, Assistant Director, Public Affairs & Kim Freeman,
Single Family Section Manager
Vets RFA Awardees Summary – Kim Freeman, Single Family Section Manager
Ms. Freeman provided a summary of the Veterans RFA awardees. You can find additional details on pages 29-32
of the meeting materials packet.
Chair Dickson told Ms. Freeman that he liked what he saw with regards to the geographic distribution of the
awards. He then asked when the funds would be released. Ms. Freeman told the Council that she anticipates the
funds being sent out within the next week.
Councilmember Geller told Ms. Freeman that she appreciated the willingness she displayed to reach out to those
that did not get funding this round.
Councilmember Tillman asked Ms. Freeman if she knew how many projects were being planned or how many
veterans would be served. Ms. Freeman told the Council that she does have those numbers and will send them out
post meeting. She also told the Council that she would come back to report on the outcomes in 2018.
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Councilmember Sandoval asked about the $150,000 amount; does the agency set this limit? Ms. Freeman told the
Council that they did set the limit. Director Salazar asked Ms. Freeman to elaborate on how the RFA program
design and dollar amounts were set. Ms. Freeman informed the Council that the aim was to help as many people
as possible with the $1.5 million. The team felt that they could help more people by having the $150,000 limit.
She is very happy to adjust this in the future if the Council would like to do that. She also told the Council that the
agency did not set a limit per household. Councilmember Tillman said it would be interesting to see the report to
know where and how the funds were utilized. Director Salazar asked Ms. Freeman to tell the Council about the
application time frame. Ms. Freeman told the Council that the time frame was originally set at 18 months, but the
time frame has been shortened due to the amount of time it took the DOJ to approve the RFA. Ms. Freeman has
sent out communication to the grantees to let them know that the agency has the ability to extend the timing on a
case-by-case basis upon request.
Veterans Homeless Framework Discussion – Marilyn Miller, Homeless Services Manager & Sheronne
Blasi, Oregon Department of Veterans’ Affairs
Assistant Director LaPoint provided a brief introduction for the Council. He summarized a previous presentation
this past summer when he gave an overview of the funds OHCS was expecting to receive from the legislature and
the work that OHCS had already been doing in alignment with the Governor’s office.
Ms. Miller then summarized the Veterans Homeless Framework which can be found in the meeting materials
packet on pages 33-34.
Assistant Director LaPoint then informed the Council that the framework was in draft form now and OHCS plans
to continue working with ODVA including the representatives from LFO for both agencies to determine the best
way to utilize the funds and support the work going forward. In particular the idea of having a Housing Integrator
who would be focused on Veterans issues; more to come on this at a later date.
Assistant Director LaPoint then invited Sheronne Blasi from Oregon Veterans Affairs to provide a summary of
the work from the ODVA perspective for the Council. Ms. Blasi told the Council she was excited to be here to
support the work being done on this initiative. She told the Council she appreciates the partnership that has been
developed between the two agencies over the past several years. ODVA is excited to focus in on the Governor’s
Initiative to end Veteran Homelessness. Ms. Blasi told the Council that ODVA is also in support of having an
Integrator that is focused on Veterans issues. She believes this role could further enhance the community
collaboration that has already begun around Veteran issues.
Ms. Blasi also told the Council that she was hopeful that ODVA and OHCS could also collaborate with OHA to
address Veteran issues in the future.
Chair Dickson asked if there was a summary of what funds had been spent on and what the impact was of those
expenditures. Ms. Miller told the Council that she has a summary of the projected use of funds and she would be
happy to send that along to the Council. She also told the Council that so far she has only one quarter’s worth of
data on the expenditure of funds. She then offered to come back at the conclusion of the second quarter and give
the Council an update on the fund expenditures.
Chair Dickson asked the Council for additional questions.
Councilmember Tillman said she thinks it is exciting when a goal is to “end” something. It is bold and ambitious
and laudable. She then asked if the registry was state-wide. Assistant Director LaPoint told the Council that the
registry was not happening right now and the proposal has ten communities that would receive technical
assistance and assistance with setting up a “by-name” registry with the funds. With the amount of money received
the “by-name” registry will not be a state-wide effort at this time. Director Salazar then told the Council the
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agencies she knows of that currently have a “by-name” registry are Portland/Multnomah County and Lane
County. Ms. Miller then told the Council that the communities that are being targeted are those with existing
Continuums of Care in place. Assistant Director LaPoint then told the Council that OHCS has been working to
leverage the successful work being done on a “by-name” registry in Virginia and Connecticut.
Councilmember Tillman then asked if staff had a percentage of Veterans that are currently homeless and what is
the gap staff is working to close. Assistant Director LaPoint told the Council that the agency has access to point-
in-time count information which is done annually in January. Currently there are 13,000 homeless in the state of
Oregon, and over 1300 are chronically homeless Veterans.
Ms. Blasi then told the Council that ODVA has data which shows that over 700 Veterans are unsheltered at any
point in time. She also told the Council that the fastest growing segment of Veterans and homeless Veterans are
women. Assistant Director LaPoint then told the Council that the agency has the Oregon point-in-time count on
the website; please click here for access to this data.
Councilmember Sandoval asked what role the Federal VA is playing in the strategies being utilized by OHCS.
Ms. Miller told the Council that the governing body is USICH (US Interagency Council on Homelessness) and
the state would have to meet the set USICH benchmarks for success in ending homelessness in Oregon. Director
Salazar then elaborated on the Federal VA role. There are specific services that flow through the VA on the
initiative to end Veteran homelessness. Some examples of the partnership with local housing authorities are: The
VASH program and the SSVF program. OHCS is working to stitch together all of the Federal resources with the
state resources. The plan is to stand up the steering committee and then come back and provide a progress update
to the Council. Councilmember Sandoval said he believes it is critical that OHCS collaborate with other agencies
to deliver a complete solution for Veterans. Ms. Blasi then told the Council that ODVA works very hard to get
Veterans into housing and then to receive all of the benefits and services they are eligible to receive.
Chair Dickson thanked them for their presentation and said he looked forward to the quarterly report to showcase
the results.
Chair Dickson then adjourned the meeting for a short break at approximately 10:17 a.m.
Chair Dickson reconvened the meeting at approximately 10:30 a.m.
Housing Finance Updates – Julie Cody, Assistant Director, Housing Finance & Tai Dunson-Strane,
LIHTC Tax Program Manager
Assistant Director Cody introduced herself to the Council and then provided an overview of the
presentations on the agenda for the meeting. In reference to the 4% LIHTC/Gap Funding Parameters,
Assistant Director Cody told the Council that the presentation up for consideration today incorporates
the suggestions received from Council at the November meeting. She informed the Council that the
agency is seeking further input and suggestions from them and that the item would come back for
approval at the January meeting. In reference to the Potential Federal Tax Reform impacts, Assistant
Director Cody told the Council she would be providing a summary of the impacts in 2017 and beyond.
She also told the Council she would be updating them on the LIFT 2.0 program.
4% LIHTC/Gap Funding Parameters Discussion –
Mr. Dunson-Strane introduced himself to the Council. He then thanked those who had provided
comments and suggestions and then gave a summary of the memo which can be found on pages 35-37
of the meeting materials packet.
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Councilmember Geller complimented staff on keeping the parameters easy to understand. She especially
likes the focus statement at the head of the table. She asked if the parameters were for gap funding only.
Assistant Director Cody told the Council that the parameters were for gap funding only. Councilmember
Geller then asked if the HUD website given in the table is used to determine difficult to develop areas.
Director Salazar told the Council that she believes that the site given in the parameters is different and
was developed for use as a tool by Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. Councilmember Geller then
suggested that the agency figure out a way to reward points without over-rewarding the use of mixed
income in family projects. She further stated that she thought this proposal was “dang good”.
Assistant Director Cody told the Council that the staff would be taking into consideration the comments
given today during the public comment section of the meeting and those provided previously to the
meeting. She also informed the Council that the aim of the proposal for preservation projects was to help
those projects that were most at risk. Director Salazar further explained that most of the criteria were
focused on the physical condition of the properties but that the agency also believes that one criterion
should be tied to the project affordability period.
Councilmember Tillman asked staff to address and explain the first-come, first-served approach for
awarding funds. Assistant Director Cody told the Council the 4% Tax credit program which this gap
funding is tied to is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis now and the air was to keep this proposal
as uncomplicated as possible. OHCS was not anticipating that this process would be a full-blown NOFA
process, but could do that in the future if that is what the Council wanted. Director Salazar added that
the agency would allow for enough lead-time for applicants to successfully submit their applications.
The plan is the have the application window open for a designated period of time with a reasonable lead-
time. The agency has considered a rolling application process, but the staffing that would be needed to
make that a reality is just not available given the rest of the agency workload. Operationally this type of
application process does not make sense for the agency.
Councilmember Geller commended the staff for their work and the way in which they have gathered and
considered input from many contributors. Nice work!
Councilmember Baney also offered her thanks to staff for their hard work.
Chair Dickson then added in his thanks as well. He asked why the DCR of 1.10 was used in the bonus
point section; because his experience shows that a project with a DCR of 1.10 is not necessarily on a
watch list or in trouble. Assistant Director Cody thanked him for his comments and told the Council that
staff now has a watch list and that measure may be a better way to measure for the bonus points.
Chair Dickson then revealed the “elephant in the room”: What happens if we get unfavorable news on
the Federal tax reform front and how does that news impact this proposal.
Assistant Director Cody told the Council that the agency was remaining optimistic, but we will now talk
about the potential impacts now. Director Salazar told the Council that the agency does not have a plan
B for this program design, but we will be back. The plan is to put this fund offering out as
simultaneously as possible with the 9% LIHTC and HOME NOFA to give our partners a view to the
number of doors through which they can come and possibly receive funding. Our plan is to bring a
framework back to the Council in January for approval so that we can release the funds concurrently.
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Councilmember Geller told Director Salazar and Assistant Director Cody the approach they were using
to address the Federal tax reform was absolutely the correct.
Potential Impacts of Anticipated Federal Tax Reform Bills –
Assistant Director Cody told the Council that the agency was working hard to keep up on the changes as
they happen with the goal of being in the best position to respond to changes. Staff is watching the fate
of Private Activity Bonds very closely. Currently both the House and Senate bills retain the 9% LIHTC
program.
The Housing Finance staff has sent out communications to the project sponsors that may be impacted by
changes to the Federal tax. We are asking those projects to consider expediting and accelerating their
bonds to be fully executed by the end of the year to avoid the potential tax impacts. She informed the
Council that there was the potential for a mid-December phone meeting to approve any of the projects
that would be accelerating the execution of their bonds.
Assistant Director Cody also informed the Council there were a number of transactions in the pipeline
including LIFT funding and 4% LIHTC that are not scheduled to close by year-end. Some are trying to
close by year-end. She then informed the Council the tax changes could also impact the Single Family
residential loan program.
Assistant Director Cody then asked the Council if they would be willing to amend agency policy to
allow for other bond issuers. Notices have been sent to those deals in our pipeline to keep them in the
loop. The agency is watching the outcome at the Federal level very closely and will keep the Council
posted as the changes occur.
Councilmember Geller asked when the emergency meeting would be held. Assistant Director Cody told
the Council the plan was to have the meeting in mid-December. She offered to make herself available
for the meeting whenever it was scheduled. She believes it is important that we protect our partners if
we can against something that is not their fault. She then asked for clarification about the one-time
policy exception allowing other bond issuers for projects. Assistant Director Cody said that the
exception could be used if the other bond issuer could be faster to closing than OHCS to help our
partners update by year-end prior to any tax changes. Councilmember Geller then asked how many
projects could be impacted by the potential tax changes. Assistant Director Cody said there were ten
projects currently in draw-down with substantial draws left to fund and there are at least twelve other
projects that are not currently anticipated to close by year-end (this includes 4% deals and LIFT deals).
Director Salazar then asked Assistant Director Cody to tell the Council how many 4% transactions the
agency has closed so far in 2017. Assistant Director Cody told the Council the agency had closed ten 4%
transactions so far in 2017. The point of calling this out is to illustrate the herculean effort it would take
to close twelve additional 4% transactions before mid-December.
Councilmember Geller said, tongue-in-cheek: That would not happen. She then suggested it would be a
good idea to implement the one-time-only exception to help process as many of the outstanding
transactions as possible. She suggested that the Council consider implement a one-time only exception
to help with the processing of the transactions.
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Chair Dickson asked Assistant Director Cody to create a motion for the Council to consider. Her motion
follows below.
Motion: The Housing Stability Council will allow a one-time only policy exception to allow for another
authorized bond issuer to provide tax-exempt conduit bond funding when paired with OHCS gap funds
during the 2017 year-end tax reform uncertainty.
Chair Dickson asked for the motion. Councilmember Geller made the motion and Councilmember Koza
seconded the motion.
One-time only Policy Exception:
Council member Motion Yes No Abstain Excused Tammy Baney X
Mike Fieldman X
Anna Geller X X
Zee Koza 2nd
X
Gerardo Sandoval X
Latricia Tillman X
Adolph “Val” Valfre X
Charles Wilhoite X
Chair Aubré Dickson X
Vote: 6:0:0:3 | PASS
Assistant Director Cody then asked for Council input prior to the issuance of a technical advisory. The
topic is the LIFT rental program; can the funds be utilized for dedicated senior projects? Does the
council still want to preference family housing with no preference for dedicated senior housing?
Chair Dickson told Assistant Director Cody that he wanted the program to continue to reflect the
legislative intent of the program. And we should stay firm in that position. Councilmember Geller
agreed and believes the intent of the LIFT program was to provide housing for families. We need to
honor the original intent of the LIFT program. Assistant Director Cody then told the Council that the
agency would issue a technical advisory to update our partners on the intent of the LIFT program.
Chair Dickson suggested that the Council address the issue of housing for seniors in the future.
Multifamily & Asset Management Modernization and Consolidation (MAMMAC) – Michael Hill,
Senior Systems Analyst, Information Services
Director Salazar introduced the topic to the Council and reminded them that data management,
understanding your own inventory and customer service were some of the themes from the SOS state
performance audit from November 2016. This update is meant to update the Council on work being
done to address some aspects of the SOS audit.
Mr. Hill then provided a summary of the project for the Council. You can access the presentation on
pages 39-42 for additional details. Director Salazar then told the Council that when staff saw the demo
there was a collective gasp of excitement for our customer/user experience, having accurate inventory
information and complete project information available at the fingertips of the agency. By clicking here
you can access the ProLink Solutions website.
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Chair Dickson then thanked Mr. Hill for the presentation. He believes that this project will please SOS
and more importantly have a positive impact for our partners.
Councilmember Geller asked about the customer feedback from other HFAs. Mr. Hill told the Council
that he and a few others from the agency attended a customer outreach event recently. The object of the
outreach event is to gather firsthand information from ProLink customers to inform updates/upgrades to
the system. Mr. Hill further told the Council that he spoke with other agency users of the ProLink
Solutions product and everyone he spoke to is very happy with ProLink Solutions. Mr. Dunson-Strane
was at the conference and he spoke with HFA users from Colorado and Virginia and they like the
ProLink Solutions product. They are happy because ProLink Solutions understands the business side and
the technology side of the equation. Councilmember Geller then asked how the records access
protections would be set up with the ProLink product. Mr. Hill told the Council part of the requirements
from our state CIO office is that the vendor has to provide access for a security audit (protections,
encryption and access controls are in place). Councilmember Geller also encouraged the agency to make
sure this new system will work with the public records requirements in Oregon. Director Salazar
thanked Councilmember Geller for her comments.
Councilmember Tillman asked what would be done with the historical data. Will the agency migrate the
data to the new system, archive it for historical purposes or something else? What is the plan? Mr. Hill
told the Council that the answer is that the agency will be doing a bit of it all. Some records will be
migrated to the new system; some will be archived for historical purposes.
Councilmember Koza said the presentation was worth waiting for. Chair Dickson thanked him for his
presentation and invited Marilyn Miller and Ariel Nelson to the table to give the Housing Stabilization
updates.
Housing Stabilization Updates –
Rent Guarantee Program – Ariel Nelson, Government Relations & Communications Liaison
Ms. Nelson updated the Council on the progress to date on the rule making for the rent guarantee
program. The rules advisory committee has now met two times and has reached consensus on creation
and administration of the program. Ms. Nelson will be back in January to present the temporary OAR
for review and approval by the Council.
Councilmember Tillman asked when the public comment period would be held for the OAR. Ms.
Nelson told the Council that the rules advisory meetings were public meetings and open for public
comment. The Council will approve the temporary rule and then Ms. Nelson will file the temporary rule
and then there will be a period of public comment with that filing. Temporary rules are valid for just
180 days.
IDA – Marilyn Miller, Homeless Services Manager
Ms. Miller told the Council that SOS had raised a concern over the non-issuance of RFA for the
administration of the IDA program. The agency is now in the process of revising OARs for this program
and developing a scope of work to go out for bid. The goal is to have the RFA ready by February 2018.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 13
December 1, 2017
Oregon Housing Stability Council Meeting Minutes
Report of the Director
Director Salazar provided the following updates:
Bill Signing with Governor Brown – The Governor signed HB 2002 (affordable housing preservation
bill) and HB 4912 (Land Acquisition program). Director Salazar had the privilege of attending both
signings.
RFI for Mental Health Housing is out on the street. She encouraged the Councilmembers to provide
input to the RFI.
Regional Solutions work on the Workforce Housing Initiative – Preparing to release an RFA as early as
next week, but most certainly before the holidays. The goal is to engage developers and local
governments and employers to be part of the conversation and the solution for employee housing. This
is a theme that has emerged time and time again during the Statewide Housing Plan outreach events over
the past month.
The Director informed the Council she would be attending the NCSHA Board of Directors meeting next
week (Dec 4-6). She plans to meet with as many of the Oregon Congressional Delegates as possible
during her time in Washington DC.
Response to public comment from November 3, 2017 – A member of the audience raised concerns
about the activities about a grantee of the agency (Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency)
and its use of the Emergency Housing Assistance funds. She wanted to state for the record that OHCS is
completing an internal investigation into the matter to clarify for the Council how the funds have been
spent and we can take the knowledge of this matter to inform future programs at the agency.
She has an update to provide today: In September 2016 the HSC approved by vote the use of EHA funds
to be used for the acquisition of Real Estate. This approval opened the door for our Community Action
Agencies grantees to acquire properties to create new shelter and housing capacity in their work to
address homelessness. The Council at that time put boundaries on the EHA Real Estate program, within
the boundaries in statute as determined by the Department of Justice. So notably Community Action
Agencies could only use the funds for shelter or transitional housing as opposed to permanent housing.
The Council required a 20-year use restriction and the Community Action Agencies would have to
submit a business plan to OHCS detailing the proposed transaction, the capacity of the organization to
fulfill that transaction and the proposed activities of the funds. OHCS then communicated to our
grantees in writing and we required acquisition and property in placement or a plan for placement and
targeting homeless and at-risk homeless clients into acquired property completed by June 30, 2017. I
want to note that the June 30, 2017 deadline was imposed as a policy matter by OHCS staff and it was
not required by the Housing Stability Council or by administrative rule, or by statute. In spring 2017
OHCS staff were hard at work to field questions from Community Action Agencies interested in EHA
Real Estate acquisition. In March of 2017, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency
submitted a work plan amendment requesting funds to acquire property to create the Arches Day Shelter
in downtown Salem. Staff completed a programmatic review of the work plan and determined that the
proposed use of funds met program requirements for EHA. Creation of a day shelter is allowable under
the EHA statute. Staff approved a budget change request to relocate $400,000 of Mid-Willamette
Valley’s EHA budget from other uses to Acquisition to align with the revised use of the funds. Mid-
Willamette Valley Community Action Agency was then in touch with OHCS as it located a facility
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 14
December 1, 2017
Oregon Housing Stability Council Meeting Minutes
appropriate to acquire for the day center. On May 24, 2017 they contacted OHCS to describe the facility
and the proposed program for the Arches Day Center in downtown Salem. In June of 2017 our staff
approved an additional budget change request to relocate $15,000 of SHAP funds, an additional $72,000
in EHA funds from other uses to support the acquisition. Mid-Willamette Valley began moving into the
new building on June 18, 2017. OHCS let them know the funds would be available on June 26, 2017.
The move was completed by July 3, 2017. The Arches Day Center is now operational and is providing
the services discussed in the email correspondence and in the work plan submitted to OHCS.
In the public comment in November, we heard the commenters raise two questions. First they raised the
question of whether the acquisition of the day center was an appropriate use of funds and whether the
day center is currently operational. The second line of questioning was whether OHCS did our due
diligence in review the proposal for the Community Action Agency before making the funds available
for the acquisition. On the first question we are confident that the day shelter meets the statutory and
regulatory requirements of EHA and SHAP and it adheres to the policy direction from the Council. We
recently visited the center in person and found it is operational and is in great demand. However on the
second question in regards to our process, I will say that OHCS did miss a critical step. We did not
require submission of Mid-Willamette Valley’s business plan prior to making the funds available for
draw. This business plan included components specifically requested by the Housing Stability Council
in approving the concept of EHA for Real Estate. I believe that our staff were operating with the best
possible intentions and that was to be responsive to the Community Action Agency and to show
flexibility, customer service and partnership to allocate funds for a worthy project in a timely way in the
midst of a housing crisis. However, we do need a better system of checks and balances to ensure that we
are following the program direction from the Council and we are being the best possible stewards of the
funds. So in response: we tightened up our oversight of the Real Estate requests. The business plans will
now be reviewed by the Assistant Director and the AD will be required to approve the plans prior to
making funds available. We are also changing our management of the EHA and SHAP programs to
identify the Real Estate opportunities earlier in the fiscal year and to make it a priority for staff to
engage early with the Community Action Agencies to provide technical assistance and feedback on their
proposed plans for the funds. And as you know the other change that we have made this year for the
overall EHA and SHAP programs is to create greater transparency and to ask the Community Action
Agencies to coordinate more closely with local partners and elected officials so that all involved are
aware of the proposed work throughout the community. As we will continue our EHA Real Estate
conversation with the Housing Stability Council we will also continue working to create the best
possible approach to reviewing the business plans, to think critically about the requests that we receive
and to bring the full breadth of expertise from OHCS, including not only the Homeless Services
expertise, but also the Housing Finance expertise to the table to complete the reviews. I want to thank
the public commenters for their interest in the process and their interest in the programs. And thank all
of the Councilmembers for their attention to this report. We look forward to productive dialogue about
the EHA Real Estate Program as we move into the coming months. Thank you.
Chair Dickson thanked Director Salazar for her letter.
Director Salazar then introduced the newest Housing Integrator: Chelsea Bunch.
Report of the Chair
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 15
December 1, 2017
Oregon Housing Stability Council Meeting Minutes
Chair Dickson provided the following updates:
He sent well-wishes to Councilmember Valfre and his wife Michelle. The Chair attended
Councilmember Valfre’s retirement from Washington County on 11/29/17. He said if he had to pick one
work to describe Val is service. He spent 50 years in service; 25 years in the Airforce and another 25
years in housing services.
Sub-committee work on the Council Charter – Chair Dickson has been serving on this sub-committee
along with Councilmembers Baney and Fieldman with Solid Ground. They have a draft document in the
works and will come before the Council in January to preview the Council document.
He then told everyone; his fellow Councilmember, Director Salazar and the entire agency, that he is
thankful for the work they do and the commitment they make to do the work. He looks forward to our
time working together in 2018. Thanks for fighting the good fight.
Happy Holidays to all and see you in the New Year.
Chair Dickson then adjourned the meeting at 12:10 p.m.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 16
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020 TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
Date: January 5, 2018
To: Housing Stability Council Members Margaret Solle Salazar, Director
From: Kim Freeman, Manager, Single Family Julie V Cody, Assistant Director, Housing Finance
RE: Down Payment Assistance Grant – Summary Information for 2015-2017 Biennium
This memorandum provides an overview of the Homeownership Assistance Program (HOAP) Down
Payment Assistance Program activity for the 2015-2017 biennium and is intended to provide
background for the Housing Stability Council as it considers program opportunities going forward
through the Statewide Housing Plan, as well as future program offerings. The Council has not
historically played a role in establishing program direction for the HOAP program, but we believe this
should be part of the Council’s policymaking work in the future.
The HOAP Down Payment Assistance (DPA) program is funded through the Document Recording Fee.
As the Council may recall, the DRF currently comes from a portion of the fees imposed per real estate
transaction. The current amount received by OHCS is $20 per real estate transaction. The funds are
split via formula between HOAP (which funds Homeownership Centers, DPA, Training and Technical
Assistance) along with emergency housing assistance (EHA), multifamily rental housing purposes and
Veterans programs. OHCS makes DPA funds available through a competitive grant process to nonprofit
organizations who work directly with homebuyers. (Please see attached fact sheet.) OHCS recently
closed out the 2015-2017 grants and awarded a new round of funds in June 2017. We have worked to
align the DPA program with other OHCS programs, including the Oregon Bond Residential Loan
Program and the Individual Development Account (IDA) program, which offers matched savings
opportunities and financial education.
Homeownership Assistance Program (HOAP)-Down Payment Assistance Program
Term of Agreement: December 1, 2015 – June 30, 2017
Total Awarded: $1,312,400 ( 8% Admin allowed for program expenses)
Awardees 14: Serving 23 Counties
ACCESS: Jackson, Josephine CAPECO: Umatilla, Morrow, Gilliam, Wheeler
CCHC: Hood River, Wasco CinA: Harney, Malheur
KLCAS: Klamath, Lake NEDCO: Lane, Marion
NeighborImpact: Crook, Deschutes WNHS: Benton, Lincoln, Linn
HAYC: Yamhill
Hacienda, NAYA, PHC, PCRI, Open Door: Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 17
Accomplishments
Households Assisted: 144
Program Funds Awarded to Homeowners: $1,134,926.29
DPA Average per Household Statewide: $7,881
(Average Portland Metro Area*: $9,095)
Purchased in 20 Counties: Average Purchase Price: Benton: 4 $215,750 Clackamas*: 8 $221,743 Crook: 1 $189,000 Deschutes: 6 $182,439 Hood River: 2 $257,000 Jackson: 13 $155,330 Josephine: 2 $115,000 Klamath: 14 $105,459 Lake: 2 $ 79,500 Lane: 7 $182,928 Lincoln: 1 $135,000 Linn: 4 $138,656 Malheur: 8 $107,546 Marion: 5 $135,340 Morrow: 3 $102,951 Multnomah*: 27 $227,339 Umatilla: 9 $124,477 Wasco: 6 $177,762 Washington*: 7 $234,842 Yamhill: 15 $192,995
Demographics:
Ethnicity: Hispanic or Latino: 35 Not Hispanic or Latino: 107 Refused: 2
Race: American Indian or Alaska Native: 3 Asian: 5 Black or African American: 9 Native Hawaiian or other Pacific Islander: 1 Other: 18 White: 106 Refused: 2
Area Median Income Levels: Less than 30%: 4 31% to 49%: 19 50% to 79%: 121
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 18
Average Household size: 3
Veterans assisted: 5
Individual Development Account (IDA) Funds used for additional DPA: $273,720
Successes:
144 Stable Household Environments
Increased Community Awareness of Homeownership Centers
24% of Households were Hispanic or Latino
Ability to combine HOAP Funds with additional DPA programs
Additional Information:
Program funds returned to OHCS: $95,453.71 Sales fail during escrow – too much rehab required to pass inspection Borrower no longer under 80% AMI at time of purchase Some Partners were unable to locate lenders to accept funds Approved/Qualified clients unable to find home within program period
Awardees expended 6.87% Admin versus 8% allowed of $1,134,926 expended DPA
Total Purchase Price of 144 homes: $25,187,551
Challenges 2015 – 2017 Biennium: Minimal Housing Stock Affordability for less than 80% AMI clients Homes selling above sales list price
NEXT STEPS:
OHCS awarded Down Payment Assistance contracts for the 2017-2019 Biennium in June 2017. There
are 17 grant recipients operating in 26 counties throughout Oregon. Shortly after the end of the first
fiscal year of the biennium staff will provide a briefing on the progress of the current Down Payment
Assistance grantees. Around that time staff will also be bringing a framework document for the 2019-
2021 Down Payment Assistance program that will then be offered through a Request for Applications
(RFA) in time to have new grant agreements in place for the beginning of the 2019-2021 biennium.
This timing should align well with the Statewide Housing Plan and our discussion of opportunities to
expand homeownership and to continue to drive toward the mission of bridging the minority
homeownership gap. We will be looking for potential alignment of HOAP with other OHCS programs,
which could include weatherization and home repair programs, outreach to current OHCS affordable
housing residents, or other strategies.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 19
Program Factsheet Oregon Housing and Community Services
HOAP-Down Payment Assistance
Oregon Housing and Community Services | 725 Summer St NE Suite B, Salem, OR 97301 | (503) 986-2000 | Revised 11/20/2017
Overview Down payment assistance and closing cost programs are administered by participating organizations for low- and very low-income families and individuals, with particular focus on underserved populations. The program is funded through the state's document recording fee. The programs give qualified buyers who have completed a homebuyer education program up to $15,000 for a down payment and/or closing costs. When program funds are awarded to qualified local organizations, they will be able to create, continue and expand their existing down payment assistance programs. Homebuyers, who have completed a homeownership education program, may qualify for up to $15,000.00 for down payment and/or closing costs. The awards are funded by the state's document recording fee, which are used to expand the state's supply of homeownership housing for low-and very low-income families and individuals, with particular focus on underserved populations.
Homeownership Centers
Oregon Homeownership Center staff is knowledgeable, dedicated and experienced in helping families become homeowner’s. Providing a variety of pre-purchase homebuyer education, financial coaching, and pre-purchase homebuyer counseling and financial literacy education. Oregon Homeownership Centers, listed below, may have resources to help you with Down Payment Assistance. ACCESS www.accesshelps.org Bend Area Habitat for Humanity https://bendhabitat.org Community Action Program of East Central Oregon www.capeco-works.org Community Action Team www.cat-team.org/nworhc/ Community in Action www.communityinaction.info Habitat for Humanity Oregon www.habitatoregon.org Habitat for Humanity Portland/Metro East www.habitatportlandmetro.org Hacienda Community Development Corporation www.haciendacdc.org Housing Authority of Yamhill County www.hayc.org
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 21
HOAP Downpayment Assistance Program
Page 2 of 2
Oregon Housing and Community Services | (503) 986-2000 | Revised 11/20/2017
Klamath & Lake Community Action Services www.klcas.org/homeownership Native American Youth & Family Center www.nayapdx.org Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) www.nedcocdc.org NeighborWorks Umpqua www.nwumpqua.org Portland Housing Center www.portlandhousingcenter.org Proud Ground https://proudground.org Willamette Neighborhood Housing Service www.w-nhs.org Willamette West Habitat for Humanity www.habitatwest.org Oregon Homeownership Agency staff offers a variety of tools and can help eligible families’ access community services.
For more information, please contact:
Alycia Howell Salem: (503) 986-2109 Email: [email protected] Visit program webpage here.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 22
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020 TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
Date January 5, 2018
To: Housing Stability Council Members
Margaret Solle Salazar, Director
From: Julie V. Cody, Assistant Director Housing Finance
Heather Pate, Manager Multifamily
Tai Dunson-Strane, Tax Credits Program Manager
RE: Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund Offerings – New Construction Gap Fund Offerings and Preservation
Fund Offerings
Motion: Housing Stability Council gives its approval for the framework by which gap resources will be
allocated to projects utilizing 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits to support the development
of new projects, as well as preservation of existing subsidized affordable housing.
Background:
On September 8, 2017, pursuant to Housing Stability Council approved Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund
Offerings, staff worked to establish parameters within a single application to reserve OHCS funding offerings
dedicated to projects utilizing Pass-Through Revenue Bonds (Conduit). The Conduit process assumes the tax-
exempt bond allocation request is coupled with a request for 4% Low Income Housing Tax Credits (LIHTC) and
possible other OHCS funding sources (see http://www.oregon.gov/ohcs/Pages/multifamily-housing-loan-conduit-
program.aspx).
The Department will accept an application at any time during the year. A two part process has been established in
an effort to clarify and expedite the processing of bond and/or 4% LIHTC transactions.
Current demand for gap funds is anticipated to exceed the OHCS funding resources available. Parameters
approved by Housing Stability Council will only apply to resources outlined in the Plan for 2018 Multifamily
Fund Offerings in an effort to narrow the range of eligible projects and focus on desired policy outcomes.
New Construction Gap Fund Offerings Preservation Gap Fund Offerings
$5 million in gap resources through the 4% LIHTC
application process
$15 million in gap resources through the 4% LIHTC
application process
– OHCS portfolio priority not have the following:
25% or more of units with HUD Section 8 contract expiring;
USDA RD loan maturing within 7 years
RD restrictive use covenants expired or project needs recapitalization of at least $30,000 per unit
Public Housing units involving a comprehensive recapitalization
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 23
January 5, 2018
Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund Offerings – New Construction Gap Fund Offerings and Preservation Fund Offerings
Timing:
- January 2018 – Eligibility Criteria formal announcement
- February 2018 – Application open - 45 days after publication of the funding announcement
- June 30, 2018 – If funds remain unreserved the Department will reevaluate the Criteria for reserving
funds to ensure the use of funds.
Open until Funds are Exhausted:
When market conditions develop so that demand for additional OHCS funding resources exceeds the amount
available, the Multifamily Housing Finance section may implement a set of parameters in order to allocate OHCS
funding offering dedicated to Pass-Through Revenue Bond (Conduit). In that circumstance, the allocation criteria
below would be used for the purposes of ranking projects.
Current demand is anticipated to exceed the OHCS funding resources available. Therefore, the scoring criteria
will be used to rank projects for an allocation of the additional OHCS funding resources to be paired with
4%/Conduit transactions. A minimum of 40 points must be selected from the options below in order to apply for
OHCS funding resources (GHAP, HDGP) specified within Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund Offerings. For
scattered site or “bundling” applications each project must meet the 40-point minimum and are scored
individually.
If points are in dispute, the decision will be made by the Assistant Director of Housing Finance Division.
Scoring Threshold – NEW CONSTRUCTION
Focus: Expediting construction of new affordable housing units *
Criteria Points Rationale
1. Large Scale Projects
Points will be awarded to a large
scale projects defined as 80 units
or greater in a single project or
scattered site
15 points
Effective use of resources
based on last two years of
closings.
2. Subsidy Leveraging
Points will be awarded to projects
that require lower subsidy per
unit.
15 points
- Up to $45,000 per unit for Metro Oregon
- Up to $55,000 per unit for Non-Metro
- Up to $65,000 per unit for Balance of State Oregon
10 points
- Up to $55,000 per unit for Metro Oregon
- Up to $65,000 per unit for Non-Metro
- Up to $75,000 per unit for Balance of State Oregon
5 points - Up to $65,000 per unit for Metro Oregon
- Up to $75,000 per unit for Non-Metro
- Up to $85,000 per unit for Balance of State Oregon
Preference projects that
requires less gap funds to
proceed.
3. Severe Housing Cost Burden
Points will be awarded to projects
located in Census Tracts with
severe housing cost burden: HUD
Affirmatively Furthering Fair
Housing AFFH Data and
Mapping Tool
https://egis.hud.gov/affht/
10 points Provide housing in areas
with the greatest need for
affordable housing.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 24
January 5, 2018
Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund Offerings – New Construction Gap Fund Offerings and Preservation Fund Offerings
Bonus: Points Rationale
1. Mixed Use and or Mixed Income
Points will be awarded to
Mixed Use projects defined as
ground floor commercial with
residential and or project having a
range of affordability tiers*.
5 points Innovative project design.
2. Bundling
Points will be awarded to
scattered site projects bundling
sites in Metro Oregon with
Balance of State Oregon & Non-
Metro HUD HOME Participating
with Balance of State Oregon.
5 points Innovation to allow for
4% / LIHTC rural
projects financially
feasible.
* OHCS Departments programs offering incentivize housing production coupled enriched by service
offering
* Mixed income multifamily rental projects in which 40%-60% of the units are at low income rents
affordable to households earning up to 60% of Area Median Income (AMI) and the other 40%-60% of
units would have rents affordable to moderate and/or middle income households earning up to 130% of
AMI. For projects involving a mix of market rate units and affordable units, the percentage of GHAP
funds cannot exceed the percentage of low and very low income units within the project. (Example: If
20% of the units within a project will be affordable to persons with income at or below 80% of median,
then no more than 20% of the total project cost may be requested from GHAP).
Scoring Threshold – PRESERVATION
Focus: Preservation of project less than 25 % Project-based Federal Rental Subsidy
Preservation Application Requirements:
-Limit 1 application per sponsor
-All applications are required to submit a Capital Needs Assessment at time of pre-application.
Criteria Points Rationale
1. Affordability
Properties with less remaining
affordability.
5 points - Projects with 60 years affordability covenants have
less than 40 years remaining. - Projects with 45 years affordability covenants have
less than 15 years remaining.
- Projects with 30 years affordability covenants have
less than 10 years remaining.
Older projects closer to
end of useful life and
affordability period.
2. Preservation
Points will be awarded to projects
representing a significant
percentage of the community’s
affordable housing stock
5 points
Projects that represent greater than 30% of
the community’s affordable housing stock
Value of the community’s
affordable housing
percentage
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 25
January 5, 2018
Plan for 2018 Multifamily Fund Offerings – New Construction Gap Fund Offerings and Preservation Fund Offerings
Criteria Points Rationale
3. Building System Replacement
Points will be awarded to projects
with major building systems and
envelope repairs in need of
replacements within the 5 years
(minimum of 3 to qualify): Domestic Water
Electrical System
Elevators
Emergency Power
Exhaust System
Fire Protection
Heating/Ventilation/Air
Conditioning
Sanitary System
10 points Projects with envelope
and major building
system failures.
4. Life/ Health Safety or At Risk of
Habitability
Points will be awarded to projects
with units currently off line or that
have unresolved critical repairs
issues. 10 % of the total units or a minimum of
5 units whichever is greater.
10 points Project with life-safety
needs and at-risk
habitability.
5. Critical Repairs
Points will be awarded to projects
that have substantial critical repairs
as a part of the scope of work for a
substantial rehabilitation.
Minimum 60 % of the total project
construction costs for critical repairs.
10 points Projects with critical
repairs.
Bonus: Points Rationale
1. Physical Condition Grade
Points will be awarded to projects
that have a property or properties
with a physical condition grade of does
not meet as per OHCS established
standards
5 points Prioritize projects that demonstrated
physical conditions concerns.
2. OHCS Risk Rated for Financial Viability
Points will be awarded to projects that are
risk rated 40 or higher with respect to
financial performance as established by
OHCS’s risk rating system
5 points Prioritize projects that have issues
with on-going financial viability to
ensure continued affordability, by
using the established OHCS risk
rating system.
3. Special needs populations
Points will be award to projects that
currently serve vulnerable or special needs
populations.
5 points Prioritize projects serving the most
vulnerable populations including but
not limited to veterans, elderly,
persons with disabilities, previously
incarcerated, and/or survivors of
domestic violence; and/or projects
where the majority of residents are at
or below 30% AMI, or with 25% or
more of the units family size (3+
Bedroom).
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 26
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020 TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
Date: January 5, 2018
To: Housing Stability Council Members
Margaret Solle Salazar, Director
From: Kimber Sexton, Asset Manager
Ryan Miller, Asset Management & Compliance Section Manager
Julie Cody, Assistant Director, Housing Finance
Re: Tilikum Apartments, HPLUS Development Grant funding request
MOTION: Move to approve the HPLUS development grant of $561,150 with a 20 year commitment to
provide housing for qualified households at 50% or less of the county median income who meet the
HPLUS homeless criteria.
HPLUS BACKGROUND:
Housing PLUS (Permanent Living Utilizing Services) was funded by the 2007 Oregon Legislature to
develop permanent supportive housing, as well as provide rental assistance and resident services, for
Oregon’s homeless. Initial funding was from $15,609,000 in lottery-backed bonds and OHCS was
mandated by the legislature to develop 150 units of permanent supportive housing for homeless persons
in the 2007-2009 biennium and provide operating support through rental assistance and reimbursements
for resident services for the first five (5) years of operation.
OHCS successfully awarded $11,570,901 in development grants and $4,748,681 in rental assistance and
supportive services contracts during 2008-09, which ultimately provided funding that developed 165 units
of permanent supportive housing serving previously homeless households across the state. No other
funding of this type was provided to OHCS by the Oregon Legislature after this one-time allocation.
Many of the contracts providing operating support were extended passed their original maturity. As the
contracts neared the June 2017 expiration OHCS reconciled unused HPLUS funds in order to redistribute
under terms that would help ensure that those funds would be used within the next twelve months. OHCS
solicited all partners who had received previously received HPLUS grants regarding submission of
requests for funding. It was required that the requests outline how this population would continue to be
served and how much in grant resources would achieve their goal for twelve months. Recommended
funding for thirteen properties have been approved by OHCS Finance Committee and the Director to
receive additional operational support. The remaining development funds available are included in the
motion below for Tilikum Apartments.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 27
PROJECT SUMMARY:
Project Sponsor Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA)
Property Tilikum Apartments
1581-1521 Willow Dr.
Warrenton, OR
Owner Clatsop County Housing Authority
Description Tilikum Apartments is an eight (8) unit multifamily affordable housing
complex that was placed in service 2009. Current HPLUS restrictions
require all units to be occupied by household at or below 50% of median
income and will expire in 2029.
Affordability
Target Population
Priority population that includes persons experiencing long-term homelessness, including persons:
Who have chronic health conditions that are at least episodically disabling, such as
mental illness, substance abuse, HIV/AIDS or other substantial barriers to housing
stability (e.g. trauma, or history of placement in institutions); and
Who have been homeless for long periods of time (one year or more) or have experienced
repeated stays in the streets, emergency shelters, or other temporary settings, often
cycling between homeless and institutional systems of care such as hospitals, jails,
prisons, foster care, or other emergency systems.
Who have been victims of domestic violence, face survival and safety risks, come from a
shelter, transitional housing, or another temporary housing situation, and have substantial
barriers to obtain and retain housing.
Clatsop County is among the top five counties in Oregon for homelessness. The Daily Astorian estimated
682 homeless according to the point in time count completed in January 2017 but it is estimated by local
social service agencies to be much higher (700-1000) at any given time.
Finance Committee Approval August 28, 2017
FINANCING STRUCTURE:
Construction Lender Not Applicable
Permanent Lender Not Applicable
General Contractor To be determined
Project Financing
SOURCES: USES:
OHCS Sources:
HPLUS Development Grant $561,150 Construction $561,150
Development 0
TOTALS $561,150
FUNDING
SOURCE
# OF
UNITS
%
INCOME
%
RENTS
# OF
YEARS
HPLUS 8 50% 50% 20 –
(2038)
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 28
Scope of Work (Rehabilitation)
Tilikum in one of the Clatsop County Housing Authority (CCHA) portfolio with noted construction
issues transferred to Northwest Oregon Housing Authority (NOHA) during the consolidation of those two
entities in January of 2014. NOHA worked with Housing Development Center (HDC) during that
transition. HDC concluded that Tilikum would require reinvestment in order to complete extensive
physical repairs. HDC also worked with NOHA to try to identify financing solutions for the portfolio,
including scattered site using 9% LIHTC. Although they were successful with other portfolio projects,
Tilikum has not fit into a successful financing proposal.
NOHA had a capital needs assessment (CNA) done for the property in 2015 to establish remaining useful
life and produce a scope of work for necessary rehabilitation. The CNA indicated that the unit interiors
were in very good condition but the exterior had deficiencies that would negatively impact expected
useful life and concealed moisture related damage and would require a near comprehensive rehabilitation.
The 2016 OHCS physical inspection indicated siding and trim boards showed signs of damage and in
some areas paint was starting to fade/peel or was missing. Windows also showed signs of damage,
including deteriorated /failed seals, missing screens, and water-stained/damaged trim boards. There was
surface damage observed on the exterior stairs, handrails and entry door (peeling/cracking). Roofs
appeared to be in good condition; however on the shady side of the property moss has begun to grow.
Several downspout extensions, splashguards and/or drains were damaged or missing. Gutters and
downspouts need to be cleaned out, inspected for damage, and/or replaced.
Summary of Rehab/Construction
Exterior siding and trim
Windows
Roofing
Seal coating and striping
Drainage
Construction cost per unit is $70,520 ($80 per square foot)
Location, Services
The management agent and resident services plans have been reviewed and approved by OHCS Asset
Management and Compliance (AMC).
Location:
Tilikum Apartment is located in Warrenton, Oregon in a developing subdivision with both single
and multi-family homes. It is near parks and the area is surrounded by trails and easily accessible
to the developing North Coast Business Park. Public transportation is also available.
Resident Services:
Resident services are vital to the community. Case management is provided by Clatsop
Community Action, a United Way Agency. Residents can access energy assistance, temporary
rental assistance, prescription assistance, food bank, personal care pantry, and more. Services are
evaluated annually.
Risks & Mitigating Factors:
There are no risks or mitigating factors as the Project is within OHCS guidelines and policies.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 29
Recommendation
This funding request is coming to Council for approval based on the new Multifamily Transaction Limits
Policy this body adopted in September2017. Due to the percentage of the funding necessary to complete
the rehabilitation of this project and therefore requires Council approval.
Housing with permanent supportive services reduces the homeless population in the community and the
associated costs related to emergency rooms, shelters and jails. This project provides eight (8) units of
much needed permanent supportive housing for this coastal community. By moving forward to rehab this
project, OHCS is ensuring safe, decent affordable housing for another 20 years.
Staff recommends the motion on page 27 be approved.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 30
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020 TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
Date: December 26, 2017
To: Housing Stability Council Members
Margaret Solle Salazar, Director
From: Claire Seguin, Assistant Director of Housing Stabilization
Marilyn Miller, Homeless Services Section Manager
Re: Approval of the Veteran Lottery Fund Proposed Investment Plan
Motion:
To approve the proposed Veteran Lottery Fund Investment Plan for submission and
presentation to the State Legislature in February.
Background:
In the 2017-2019 Legislatively Adopted Budget, OHCS received an allocation of $1.5 million in
lottery funds derived from Measure xx which funded an array of veteran programs. The budget
included a note directing OHCS to work with the Oregon Department of Veterans Affairs
(ODVA) to develop a plan for expenditure of these funds and to report to the legislature in the
February 2018 session. The proposed plan includes investment in technical assistance and
outreach critical to supporting local efforts and building lasting infrastructure, while also
contributing to permanent housing opportunities and homeless services.
2017-19 Veteran Lottery Fund Investment Plan
Homeless Veteran Integrator Position Total Investment: $240,000
Hire a Limited Duration Veteran Integrator to provide leadership for Oregon’s Initiative to End
Veterans Homelessness. Integrator staff will assist local communities through key stakeholder
engagement (veterans, veteran service providers, landlords, housing providers, Community
Action Agencies, Continuum’s of Care, etc.) and partnership development designed to leverage
and align resources, creating a streamlined homeless veteran service delivery system with shared
performance metrics.
Justification: Governor Brown has directed OHCS and ODVA to end veteran homelessness.
The 2017 Point in Time Count (PITC) showed that 1,251 Oregon veterans identified as
homeless. The challenge of meeting the Governor’s directive is compounded by Oregon’s
affordable housing crisis and the multiple systems that impact homeless veterans. Research from
United States Interagency Council on Homelessness (USICH), shows that states who have ended
veterans homelessness (Virginia, Connecticut & Delaware) and other local jurisdictions have
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 31
designated staff whose sole responsibility is lead the initiative by working with the multiple
systems (veteran, health, correction, workforce, housing and poverty systems) to ensure
coordinated and streamlined service access and delivery thus avoiding duplication and increasing
effectiveness.
Increased CAA Veterans Services Funding Total Investment: $350,000
These funds have been allocated to the Community Action Agencies (CAAs) to provide a wide
array of services to homeless and at-risk of homelessness Veterans. Funds will be utilized in
conjunction with OHCS’s Document Recording Fee (DRF) Veteran funds and have the same
service components and requirements as the Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) program.
Justification: Distribution of funds to OHCS’s current grantees allowed for a quick investment
in local efforts to reduce Veterans’ homelessness and aligns with current document recording fee
Veterans funding.
Community Technical Assistance and Consultation Total Investment: $150,000
Through a targeted technical assistance effort, OHCS will engage experts to assist local
communities through their Continuums of Care (CoCs) and Community Action Agencies
(CAAs) to end Veteran homelessness. OHCS is researching potential contractors with extensive
experience in assisting states and local communities to develop real time data on homelessness,
optimize local housing resources, track progress against monthly goals, and accelerate the
utilization of proven strategies. This investment will not only support local community efforts,
but also create a lasting infrastructure for data management to make an impact into the future.
Justification: Regional and local communities are in different stages of readiness to end
Veterans homelessness as defined by USICH. To meet USICH national benchmarks, local
communities will require increased knowledge and capacity to deliver the necessary assistance to
Veterans, engage key stakeholders including local elected leaders, and collect, enter and analyze
the data necessary to direct investments and monitor progress. Both Virginia and Connecticut
have utilized nationally regarded contractors to work on data improvements, such as creation of a
“by name” registry list, and have functionally ended Veteran homelessness based on the HUD
benchmarks and criteria. Selected consultation will be a peer learning model that provides
learning sessions with other communities from the U.S. to share ideas, goals, action plans, and
solutions to overcoming barriers to successful implementation. The anticipated cost is $10,000-
$12,000 per community. Our projection is that a minimum of ten communities would receive
consultation and approximately $25,000 - $50,000 of the contract would be utilized to stand up a
Veterans Homelessness Steering Committee to pull together information from participating
communities, tracking progress, identifying and addressing challenges to the goal of ending
Veterans’ homelessness.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 32
Permanent Housing for Homeless Veterans Total Investment: $760,000
OHCS will create additional permanent housing for Veterans who are homeless and/or at risk of
homelessness. With the severe shortage of housing opportunities in many communities
throughout Oregon, the creation of new homes is a critical component of the work to place
veterans in permanent housing situations. The legislature communicated a strong interest in a
portion of the funds being allocated to permanent housing. Permanent housing is a strategy
successfully utilized by other states and jurisdictions to end Veteran homelessness. Specifically,
the funds will be added to an OHCS Multi Family Housing NOFA. One opportunity could be
the Veteran/Mental Health NOFA provided there are qualifying projects. If that opportunity is
not available, we would add the funds to other NOFAs to be released early in 2018.
Justification: Oregon’s current housing crisis has created an affordability gap for moderate and
low-income households creating an even bigger barrier for those who are homeless Veterans
with no and extremely low incomes. Research continues to show that long-term housing
assistance reduces homelessness and is more cost effective than shelter and institutional care.
Oregon has embraced the evidence based practice that access to permanent housing as a first
option and the provision of supportive services once homeless households are placed in
permanent housing, is key to ending Veteran homelessness.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 33
Oregon Veteran Homelessness Spotlight
Data Context
According to the Oregon Dept. of Veteran Affairs (ODVA) 2017 Annual Report:
Approximately 310,333 veterans live in Oregon
- 8.2% are women
- 52% are aged 65+
- 40% aged 35-64
- 8% aged 20-34
The 2017 Point-in-Time estimates
- 1,251 homeless veterans (compared to 1,372 in 2015) in Oregon
9% of the counted homeless population (13,953)
- 90% of homeless veterans were men
- 120 were women
- 6 were transgender
- 3 did not identify as female, male, or transgender
Of the total veteran homeless population
- 53% were living in unsheltered locations
- 47% were sheltered making Oregon the third highest state in rate of unsheltered
veterans
- 36% of homeless veterans are experiencing chronic homelessness (compared to 25%
of the overall homeless population)
- Oregon had the fifth largest number of veterans experiencing homelessness, but the
25th largest number of veterans
- Oregon was also one of only three states where more than half of all veterans
experiencing homelessness were unsheltered
- Oregon’s Balance of State Continuum of Care representing 28 counties, had the third
highest number of homeless veterans and fourth highest number of unsheltered
veterans compared nationally to other balance of state and statewide Continuums of
Care
More veteran homeless data can be found on the OHCS website at: https://public.tableau.com/profile/oregon.housing.and.community.services#!/vizhome/InformationDashbo
ardPITCount_1/Point-in-TimeCount
Veteran Resources
OHCS and ODVA receive funding to provide a wide array of services and housing for veterans.
Both organizations share a commitment to ending veteran homelessness and have been charged
by Governor Brown to reduce and functionally end veteran homelessness in Oregon. A map of
current veteran resources can be found on the OHCS website at: http://geo.maps.arcgis.com/apps/webappviewer/index.html?id=ffc8c99e7daa4200825f52b3fa34852f &
OHCS has historically provided a broad array of homeless services to multiple homeless
subpopulations including veterans. However, in 2009 the state legislature (HB 2436) created a
Document Recording Fee (DRF) which added a $15 fee to recording of real property documents
to fund affordable housing. In 2013 the legislature (HB 2417) added an additional $5 to the DRF
to specifically serve veterans. By statute, the fee is divided into three programs/purposes, each
of which includes a set-aside for veterans:
Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) – 10%;
Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP) – 14%; and
General Housing Account Program (GHAP) – 76%.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 35
The Emergency Housing Assistance (EHA) Vet DRF program is administered by the Housing
Stabilization Division’s Homeless Services Section and delivered by the Community Action
Agency (CAA) network. The Home Ownership Assistance Program (HOAP) Vet DRF and
General Housing Account Program (GHAP) Vet DRF programs are administered by the Housing
Finance Division. The EHA Vet DRF program assists low- or very low-income veterans who
are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, to acquire and sustain stable permanent housing.
These funds are awarded by formula to our CAA grantees on a quarterly basis. Funds are used
to provide services within multiple program components that include: transitional housing, rapid
re-housing, homelessness prevention, street outreach, supportive in-home services, emergency
shelter, community capacity building, facility acquisition and rehab/conversion and data
collection. During the 2015-17 biennium, 813 veteran households (1,455 individuals) received
Vet DRF funded services.
In 2016 additional veteran resources were made available through the passage of Measure which
allocates 1.5 percent of net Lottery revenues to support veterans. The measure is expected to
generate a total of $18.7 million in the 2017-19 biennium $1.5 million of which is dedicated to
support veteran housing and homelessness efforts. The OHCS and ODVA proposed investment
plan for these funds is contained in the December 26, 2017 memo to the Housing Stability
Council for approval at their January meeting.
Framework for Ending Veteran Homelessness
On March 31, 2017 Governor Kate Brown announced that she was calling on the Legislature to
support additional investments in veteran services and to provide a home for every veteran in
Oregon. Governor Brown directed OHCS and ODVA to lead Oregon’s Initiative to End
Veterans Homelessness. The Initiative is structured to meet the United States Interagency
Council on Homelessness (USICH) criteria for functionally ending veteran homelessness.
Functionally ending is defined as when the number of veterans
experiencing homelessness within a community is less than the average number
of veterans being connected with permanent housing each month. Oregon’s action plan is being
developed around the following criteria:
Identification statewide of all Veterans experiencing homelessness
Statewide capacity to provide shelter immediately to any Veteran experiencing unsheltered
homelessness who wants it
Utilization of service-intensive transitional housing only in limited instances
Statewide capacity to assist Veterans to swiftly move into permanent housing
Statewide sustainable capacity to serve and place any future Veterans who become
homeless or are at risk of homelessness into permanent housing
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 36
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B
Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020
TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
Date: January 5, 2018
To: Housing Stability Council Members Margaret Salazar, Director
From: Ariel Nelson, Government Relations Liaison Claire Seguin, Assistant Director, Housing Stability
RE: Rent Guarantee Program Draft Administrative Rules for Council Review and Approval
Motion: The Housing Stability Council approves draft Administrative Rules implementing the Rent Guarantee Program as enacted by HB 2724 (2017).
The attached draft Administrative Rules for the Rent Guarantee Program are recommended by
OHCS staff and the Rent Guarantee Rules Advisory Committee, and reviewed by DOJ counsel
for accuracy.
Background
The 2017 Oregon Legislature enacted HB 2724, which restores a mitigation fund at OHCS that
covers a portion of landlords’ expenses for damages caused by a tenant who has completed a
tenant education program such as Rentwell or Ready to Rent. The program is intended to help
address barriers for tenants to access housing on the private market; it provides incentives and
financial assistance to landlords that rent or lease to low-income households by guaranteeing
payments to landlords for unpaid rent and for eviction and property damage costs within limits
established by the department. The Legislature appropriated $125,000 to support the
mitigation fund. HB 2724 explicitly requires administrative rules for the Rent Guarantee
program to be approved by the Housing Stability Council.
In preparation for implementation of HB 2724 and the Rent Guarantee program in January
2018, OHCS convened a Rules Advisory Committee (RAC) to provide guidance on creation of the
program framework and administrative rules. The RAC met twice, on October 30th and
November 21st. Both meetings were open to the public and participants represented a variety
of service providers from around the state. A full list of participants is attached.
RAC participants discussed various successes and challenges that tenant education providers
are experiencing across the state, as well as plans to expand tenant education opportunities to
more areas. By the second and final meeting, participants reached consensus on two main
decision points: 1) to use a statewide pool of funds available to all successful applicants on a
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 37
January 5, 2018
Rent Guarantee Program Administrative Rules
first-come, first-served basis; and 2) to dedicate use of funds to program/guarantee payments
with no administrative costs permitted.
Some RAC members raised concerns that the statutory requirement for providers to have
access to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) could be a barrier to program
participation for some applicants. At the same time, OHCS staff expressed a preference that
participating tenant information be reported in HMIS in order to provide OHCS with complete
and consistent data on homelessness and demographics across agency programs, and the
ability to examine how participants of Rent Guarantee may be accessing other services. The
RAC and OHCS staff agreed to monitor this issue as the program rolls out and participants may
seek a legislative change in future sessions. Providers will be reporting to OHCS on a quarterly
basis and staff plan to hold quarterly meetings with providers to monitor and discuss
implementation progress and share provider best practices.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 38
RENT GUARANTEE PROPOSAL as of 12/22/17
POOL OF FUNDING AND
LIMITATIONS Funds kept in a pool by OHCS and distributed on a first-come, first-served basis for
submitted claims subject to available funding
$2,000 per tenant
$5,000 max. for any single landlord for all agreements in program
Minimum term of guarantee is first 12 months of tenant occupancy
LANDLORD ELIGIBILITY Owner/operator of rental housing approved to participate in program by program
provider.
Has written contract with program provider
Has written lease/rental agreement with tenant
Agrees to provide a minimum rental term of 12 months from the date
landlord/tenant agreement begins, providing tenant remains compliant with
agreement
Cannot apply to the Housing Choice Landlord Guarantee Program (HCLGP) for
same damages obtained in RGP
PROGRAM PROVIDER
ELIGIBILITY Successfully responds to Request for Applications (RFA)
Has written contract with OHCS, duration of not less than 1 fiscal biennium
Has current experience providing tenant readiness education or can provide access
to tenant readiness education through subcontract
Has experience placing persons in low-income households into permanent housing
Demonstrates organization capacity to administer program, track and report data
and performance measurement, enter data using OHCS HMIS, can timely process
request for payment payments, can operate on a reimbursement basis for financial
assistance
TENANT ELIGIBILITY Income at or below 60% AMI
Experiences barriers to housing stability
Poor credit history
Criminal background history
Eviction history
Successfully completed OHCS-approved tenant readiness education
Is placed in housing due to this program (not already an existing tenant)
Resident of Oregon
TENANT READINESS
EDUCATION Certified or experienced trainer
Curriculum extends over multiple weeks
Tenants receive pass/fail grade, those who pass receive completion certification
Sets maximum number of acceptable absences
Covers the following areas:
Landlord/tenant law
Application/screening process
Understanding a lease/rental agreement
Personal finance/budgeting/how credit reports are used
Energy conservation
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 39
RENT GUARANTEE PROPOSAL as of 12/22/17
Fair housing rights/responsibilities
What makes a good tenant/communicating with landlord
Barriers to obtaining housing
Tips for moving in/moving out
Care/maintenance of unit/maintenance responsibilities
Termination notices
Recovering your deposit
STANDARDIZED
GENERAL PROGRAM
REQUIREMENTS
Release of information
Confidentiality
Nondiscrimination
Fair Housing
Limited English proficiency
Conflict of interest
ALLOWABLE EXPENSES Expenses occurred upon move-out of tenant within the first 12 months of tenancy
Unpaid rent (up to $2,000)
Damages beyond the normal wear and tear of tenant occupancy cause by tenant
Expenses related to removal of excessive debris left by tenant, including disposal
fees
Eviction costs include court filing fees, attorney fees, and serving of notice
Damages by pets or service animals included on the tenant’s rental agreement
REQUEST FOR FUNDS Provider uses OHCS OPUS fiscal system
Provider verifies expenses and completes claim form with supporting attachments
OHCS issues notice of allocation
Provider submits request for funds
OHCS approves request for funds
Provider remits funds to landlord
REPORTING
REQUIREMENTS Program provider uses OHCS HMIS data system
Quarterly/Annual Demographic/Funding report (using HMIS report and additional
supplemental report)
Quarterly/Annual Financial Status Report (OPUS)
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 40
RENT GUARANTEE RULES ADVISORY COMMITTEE PARTICIPANTS
Bend/Central OR Neighbor Impact
Sonia Capece 2303 SW 1st St Redmond OR 97756
541.548.2380 [email protected]
Multnomah Transition Projects www.tprojects.org
Caitlyn Kennedy Rent Well Program Administrator
665 NW Hoyt St Portland, OR 97209
503.280.4755 [email protected]
Clackamas Clackamas County Social Services
Elizabeth Kayla Wilson Rachel Spooner
Washington Community Action www.caowash.org
Linda King Housing Program Specialist Supervisor
1001 SW Baseline St Hillsboro, OR 97123
503.726.0822 [email protected]
Douglas County Housing Authority of Douglas County
Jamie Ambrosini, Deputy Director
902 W Stanton Roseburg, OR 97471
541.673.6548 [email protected]
Jackson County ACCESS
Matthew Vorderstrasse Participant Support Supervisor
3630 Aviation Way Medford, OR 97504
541.779.6691 ext. 365
Douglas/Josephine Counties UCAN
Kelly Wessels Chief Operating Officer
280 Kenneth Ford Dr Roseburg, OR 97470
541.492.3918 [email protected]
Harney/Malheur Counties CinA
Maribel Ramirez 915 SW 3rd Ave Ontario, OR 97914
541.889.1060 [email protected]
Baker/Grant/ Union/Wallowa Northeast Oregon Housing Authority
Di Lyn Larsen-Hill Family Self-Sufficiency Program Manager
PO Box 3357 LaGrande, OR 97850
541.963.536, ext. 32
Yamhill County Housing Authority of Yamhill County
Judi Herubin [email protected]
Oregon Housing Authorities & CAPO
Ryan Fisher [email protected]
NEDCO Emily Reiman [email protected]
Washington County Housing Services
Val Valfre [email protected]
Office of Speaker Tina Kotek
Taylor Smiley-Wolfe [email protected]
Legislative Policy & Research Office
Cassandra Soucy [email protected]
Member of the Public Jacek Haciak [email protected]
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 41
79th OREGON LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY--2017 Regular Session
Enrolled
House Bill 2724Sponsored by Representative KENY-GUYER, Senator DEMBROW, Representative HEARD; Repre-
sentatives GORSEK, MCLAIN, NEARMAN, SANCHEZ, SOLLMAN (Presession filed.)
CHAPTER .................................................
AN ACT
Relating to the Rent Guarantee Program.
Be It Enacted by the People of the State of Oregon:
SECTION 1. As used in this section and section 2 of this 2017 Act:
(1) “Landlord” means an owner of a dwelling unit that has entered into a rental or lease
agreement with a tenant.
(2) “Low income household” means a household of one or more individuals whose com-
bined incomes are at or below 60 percent of the area median income and includes, but is not
limited to, a household of one or more individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless.
(3) “Tenant” means an individual or a family who has or will be entering into a rental
or lease agreement with a landlord.
SECTION 2. (1) The Housing and Community Services Department shall develop and im-
plement the Rent Guarantee Program for the purpose of providing incentives and financial
assistance to landlords that rent or lease to low income households by guaranteeing pay-
ments to landlords for unpaid rent and for eviction and property damage costs as described
in this section. Department administration of the program is subject to Oregon Housing
Stability Council policy, rules and standards.
(2) A tenant is eligible to participate in the program if the tenant:
(a) Resides in a low income household;
(b) Experiences barriers to obtaining housing including but not limited to:
(A) Poor credit history or ratings;
(B) Criminal background history; or
(C) A history of housing evictions; and
(c) Successfully completes the tenant training and certification process implemented by
the department under subsection (3) of this section.
(3) As part of the program implemented under this section, the department shall provide
training to, and a certification process for, tenants from low income households for the
purpose of providing tenants with information on how to achieve and maintain a successful
tenancy and providing reliable accreditation of tenants to landlords that are considering
renting or leasing to tenants from low income households.
(4) A landlord may submit a request for financial assistance to the department in ac-
cordance with rules adopted by the council. Financial assistance to landlords under the
program is limited as follows:
Enrolled House Bill 2724 (HB 2724-A) Page 1
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 43
(a) Reimbursement for unpaid rent and payment of eviction and damage costs are limited
to circumstances involving rental or lease agreements entered into with tenants determined
to be eligible under subsection (2) of this section;
(b) Financial assistance is limited to reimbursement for unpaid rent and eviction and
damage costs incurred during the first 12 months of any single rental or lease agreement;
(c) Reimbursement for unpaid rent is limited to a maximum of $2,000 per eligible tenant;
(d) Financial assistance paid under the program to a landlord is limited to a maximum
of $5,000 per landlord; and
(e) Payment of financial assistance is contingent on the landlord’s submission of a com-
plete and accurate reimbursement request, verification of unpaid rent and eviction or dam-
age claims by the department or program provider described in subsection (6) of this section
and cooperation with the collection of data to measure program performance outcomes as
described in subsection (6) of this section.
(5) Before receipt of payments of financial assistance under the program, a landlord must
provide to the department or the program provider described in subsection (6) of this section
a report containing information required by rule adopted by the council. The report must
contain, at a minimum, the following:
(a) Information regarding eligible tenants with which the landlord entered into tenancy
agreements including, but not limited to, the length of tenancy and reason for termination
of tenancy, if applicable; and
(b) The amounts of unpaid rent and eviction and damage costs not reimbursed by finan-
cial assistance received by the landlord under the program.
(6)(a) The department may contract with a public or private provider to administer the
program within an individual county or region of this state and to distribute financial as-
sistance to eligible landlords as provided in this subsection. The department is not subject
to the provisions of ORS chapter 279A or 279B in awarding a contract under the provisions
of this subsection. The department shall, in consultation with the council, establish criteria
for proposals, prepare and publish requests for proposals, receive proposals and award con-
tracts to eligible providers. Eligible providers must, at a minimum:
(A) Have experience providing tenant readiness education sufficient to provide tenant
training and certification as described in subsection (3) of this section;
(B) Have experience placing persons in low income households into permanent housing;
(C) Have experience working collaboratively with local landlords and service providers;
and
(D) Demonstrate the organizational capacity to administer the program, including the
ability to track data and performance measure outcomes and to timely process requests for
and payments of financial assistance.
(b) Program providers shall, in accordance with rules adopted by the council:
(A) Enter information into the homeless management information system maintained by
the department;
(B) Provide reports regarding the number of landlords and tenants participating in the
program, demographic information about tenants, identified tenant risk factors and the
number and amount of requests for financial assistance made under the program;
(C) Review and verify requests for financial assistance and make payments in accordance
with established department processes for distributing funds; and
(D) Collect data to measure the following program performance outcomes:
(i) Increased housing stability, as measured by the percentage of total program partic-
ipants who reside in and maintain permanent housing for a minimum of 12 months;
(ii) Increased landlord participation, as measured by the percentage increase in the
number of landlords participating in the program; and
Enrolled House Bill 2724 (HB 2724-A) Page 2
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 44
(iii) Successful tenant readiness education, as measured by the percentage of tenants
successfully completing the tenant training and receiving certification as described in sub-
section (3) of this section.
(7) Nothing in this section prohibits a landlord from participating in the Housing Choice
Landlord Guarantee Program under ORS 456.375 to 456.390 or the Housing Choice Voucher
Program under 42 U.S.C. 1437f(o).
(8) The department may not pay financial assistance under the Rent Guarantee Program
from any source other than available funds in the Rent Guarantee Program Fund established
in section 3 of this 2017 Act. Amounts due and payable under the program shall not consti-
tute a debt of the state or a lending of the credit of the state within the meaning of any
constitutional or statutory limitation.
(9) The department shall submit an annual report to the interim legislative committees
of the Legislative Assembly related to housing no later than September 15th of each year
regarding the implementation and status of the program, the number of participants in the
program, amounts of financial assistance requested and paid and the performance outcomes
measured by the program.
(10) The council, in consultation with the department, shall adopt rules to implement the
provisions of this section.
SECTION 3. (1) The Rent Guarantee Program Fund is established within the State
Treasury, separate and distinct from the General Fund. Interest earned by the Rent Guar-
antee Program Fund shall be credited to the fund.
(2) Moneys in the Rent Guarantee Program Fund shall consist of:
(a) Amounts donated to the fund;
(b) Amounts appropriated or otherwise transferred to the fund by the Legislative As-
sembly;
(c) Amounts received from state or federal sources to be deposited into the fund;
(d) Income derived from moneys in the fund; and
(e) Other amounts deposited in the fund from any source.
(3) Moneys in the fund are continuously appropriated to the Housing and Community
Services Department to carry out the provisions of section 2 of this 2017 Act.
(4) The department may use moneys in the fund to pay the administrative costs associ-
ated with the fund and with implementing and maintaining the Rent Guarantee Program
under section 2 of this 2017 Act.
SECTION 4. Notwithstanding any other provision of law, the General Fund appropriation
made to the Housing and Community Services Department by section 1, chapter _____,
Oregon Laws 2017 (Enrolled House Bill 5012), for the biennium beginning July 1, 2017, is in-
creased by $223,247 for the Rent Guarantee Program.
Enrolled House Bill 2724 (HB 2724-A) Page 3
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 45
Passed by House July 5, 2017
..................................................................................
Timothy G. Sekerak, Chief Clerk of House
..................................................................................
Tina Kotek, Speaker of House
Passed by Senate July 7, 2017
..................................................................................
Peter Courtney, President of Senate
Received by Governor:
........................M.,........................................................., 2017
Approved:
........................M.,........................................................., 2017
..................................................................................
Kate Brown, Governor
Filed in Office of Secretary of State:
........................M.,........................................................., 2017
..................................................................................
Dennis Richardson, Secretary of State
Enrolled House Bill 2724 (HB 2724-A) Page 4
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 46
Draft – 12/22/17
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY SERVICES DEPARTMENT
DIVISION 365
RENT GUARANTEE PROGRAM (RGP)
813-365 -0000
Purpose and Objectives OAR chapter 813, division 365, is promulgated to accomplish the general purpose of ORS
458.505, which designates the Housing and Community Services Department as the state agency
responsible for administering state and federal antipoverty programs in Oregon. The Rent
Guarantee Program addressed in this division is one such program subject to department
administration and has as its purpose to provide incentives and financial assistance to landlords
that rent or lease to low-income households by guaranteeing payments to landlords for unpaid
rent and for eviction and property damage costs within limits established by the department.
These rules are subject to the department’s descriptive and procedural rules found in OAR 813,
division 1, to the department’s general rules found in OAR 813, division 5, and in the
department’s general procedures for public contracts and procurements found in OAR 813,
division 6.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505, HB 2724
813-365 -0011
Definitions All words and terms that are used in OAR chapter 813, division 365 are defined in the Act and
below. As used in OAR chapter 813, division 365, unless the context indicates otherwise:
(1) "Application" means a program provider's response to the department’s request for
applications to be a program provider and to receive a program grant for that purpose.
(2) “Department” means the Housing and Community Services Department for the State of
Oregon.
(3) “Fund” means the Rent Guarantee Program Fund created within the State Treasury,
separate and distinct from the General Fund.
(4) “Funding agreement” means the grant agreement or other written agreement, together
with all related documents required by the department for program funding, including
those required by the department to be executed by or between the program provider and
the department, all in form and substance satisfactory to the department in its sole
discretion.
(5) "Household income" means the total household income from all sources before taxes.
Income under this definition may be reduced by deductions allowed by the department in
compliance with program requirements. Income does not include assets or funds over
which the applicant or household has no control.
(6) “HUD” means the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
(7) “Landlord” means an owner of a dwelling unit that has entered into a rental or lease
agreement with a tenant, including a person who is authorized by the owner to manage
the premises or to enter into a rental agreement and has entered into a program agreement
with the program provider.
(8) "Low income household" means a household with an annual household income that is
sixty (60) percent or less of the area median income based on HUD determined
guidelines, adjusted for family size.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 47
Draft – 12/22/17
(9) “Program” means the Rent Guarantee Program administered by the department pursuant
to this division and other applicable law.
(10) “Program manual” or “manual” means the Rent Guarantee Program Operations Manual
dated ___________, incorporated herein by this reference. The manual may be accessed
online on the department’s website.
(11) "Program provider" means an organization that meets legislative requirements, with
whom the department has contracted to administer program services at the local level.
(12) “Program requirements” means all funding agreement terms and conditions (including
work plan objectives), department administrative rules (including the manual),
department orders and directives (including deficiency notices), terms and conditions of
any relevant request for applications, and other applicable state, local, and federal laws,
rules, orders, regulations, codes, and ordinances (all of the foregoing, including as
amended from time to time).
(13) “Program services” means allowable services for unpaid rent, eviction costs, and property
damage costs, as defined in the program manual and eligible for funding under the
program.
(14) “Tenant” means a low-income household, in Oregon, that experience barriers to
obtaining housing, including, but not limited to poor credit history or ratings; criminal
background history; and/or history of housing evictions; and will be entering into a rental
or lease agreement with a qualified landlord; has completed tenant readiness education
and has not had any prior program claims.
(15) “Tenant Readiness Education” means the department approved curriculum of personal
budgeting, tenant/landlord relationships and other relevant matters taught to eligible
tenants for participation in the program.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505, HB 2724
813- 365 -0021
Administration (1) The department, subject to applicable law, may contract with program providers to
provide program services at the local level upon such terms as it determines to be
satisfactory in its sole discretion.
(2) The department will pool available program funds and make such funds available in
applicable amounts to program providers upon submission of qualifying claims that meet
all requirements established by the department for the form and content of a qualifying
claim as further defined in the funding agreement and program manual.
(3) A program provider shall comply with the terms of the funding agreement and all other
applicable program requirements as determined by the department.
(4) The department may use funds to pay the administrative costs associated with the
delivery of the program within limitations determined by the department.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 48
Draft – 12/22/17
813- 365 -0045
Use of Funds Program funds will be used only for eligible services and activities as further defined in the
funding agreement and program manual.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505
813- 365 -0050
Request for Applications (1) A program provider’s application must adhere to the terms and conditions of the relevant
request for applications issued by the department. A submitted application is subject to
approval (including as modified by the department) or disapproval by the department.
(2) A program provider must only provide program services in compliance with program
requirements, including the terms and conditions of the funding agreement and applicable
request for applications.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505
813- 365 -0061
Reporting and Recordkeeping (1) Program providers shall maintain accurate financial records satisfactory to the
department, which document, inter alia, the receipt and disbursement of all funds
provided through the program by the department; and have an accounting system in place
satisfactory to the department, which meets, inter alia, generally accepted accounting
principles.
(2) Program providers also shall maintain other program records satisfactory to the
department. Such records shall be in substance and format satisfactory to the department.
(3) Program providers shall provide the department with all required reports, data, and
financial statements in substance and format satisfactory to the department, by
department-determined submission deadlines.
(4) Records identified in this section must be maintained throughout the term of, and in
compliance with, the applicable funding agreement, but not for a period less than six
years, extended by two years following the resolution of any litigation or claims with
respect to the program.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505
813- 365 -0065
Compliance Monitoring (1) The department may conduct reviews, audits and other compliance monitoring as it
deems appropriate with respect to each program provider, inter alia, to verify compliance
with program requirements. Program providers will cooperate fully with the department
in its compliance monitoring.
Stat. Auth.: ORS 456.555
Stats. Implemented: ORS 458.505
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 49
Oregon Governor Kate Brown
Housing and Community Services North Mall Office Building
725 Summer St NE, Suite B Salem, OR 97301-1266
PHONE: (503) 986-2000 FAX: (503) 986-2020 TTY: (503) 986-2100
www.ohcs.oregon.gov
TO: Housing Stability Council Members
FROM: Caleb Yant, Chief Financial Officer
Kenny LaPoint, Assistant Director of Public Affairs
DATE: December 26, 2017
SUBJECT: Budget and Legislative Concept Development Process
The purpose of this memo is to introduce the state budget development process and provide
context to Council members regarding the Council’s role as well as the opportunities for
involvement. Oregon Statute provides a broad outline for the Councils involvement by
establishing:
The Council is responsible for studying, commenting on, and advising the Department,
Governor, Legislative Assembly, other state agencies, and local governments concerning
legislation or rules that affect the cost and supply of affordable housing, both before and
after the legislation and rules are enacted. [ORS 456.571]
The Council will advise the Department on personnel, materials, services and capital outlay
items in its biennial budget prior to submittal to DAS. [ORS 456.567, 456.555]
Budget development within state government is a carefully choreographed process with many
pre-established deadlines. At the highest level, state agencies establish priorities related to
statutory changes as well as resource requests. These priorities formulate the Agency Request
Budget which is submitted to the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) around August
1, 2018. DAS then works with Agencies and the Governor’s Office to develop a Governor’s
Budget based on her priorities and the fiscal constraints of the statewide enterprise. The
Governor’s Budget will be released around December 31, 2018 in advance of the 2019
legislative session. Ultimately the legislature will take both budgets into consideration as they
create the final Legislatively Adopted Budget for OHCS, dictating programs and resources
between July 1, 2019 and June 30, 2021.
This memo is provided now to allow sufficient advanced notice before due dates associated with
Policy Option Packages (POPs) and Legislative Concepts (LCs). POPs and LCs are the primary
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 51
December 26, 2017
mechanism by which agencies can modify rules/statutes that impact the supply and cost of
affordable housing, request new funds to begin or augment a program, modify staffing levels,
or renew expenditure limitation and staffing associated with temporary funding sources. POPs
and LCs will align with agency priorities, many of which will be informed through feedback received from
the Statewide Housing Plan (SHP). The Council will receive SHP updates in February and March to
help inform the content of the POPs and LCs. This content will be dictated by the following timeline:
January 5, 2018 • Review process and timeline with Housing Stability Council
Prior to February 2,
2018
• OHCS staff and leadership continue to work with the Governor’s
office, legislative staff, and housing advocates to determine the
legislative agenda and OHCS’s role within that.
February 2, 2018 • OHCS provides preliminary, high-level legislative agenda to the
Housing Stability Council. This will include categorization between
requests to be aware of, requests we intend to support, and request
we intend to submit as an agency.
• Housing Stability Council provides preliminary feedback on
legislative agenda.
March 2, 2018 (if
needed)
• OHCS provides updates and receives additional feedback with
Housing Stability Council regarding legislative agenda.
April 6, 2018 • Final update on legislative agenda informed by outcomes from 2018
short session.
February 2, 2018 to
April 13, 2018
• OHCS staff works to operationalize legislative agenda to determine
specific statutory changes and/or budget requests needed.
• OHCS submits legislative concepts, detailed explanation, and draft
language to DAS.
April 13, 2018
(or April 9, 2018)
LAST DAY to submit legislative concepts to DAS. Agencies with 10 or
more concept requests must submit by April 9, 2018.
April 13, 2018 to
June 1, 2018
• DAS CFO’s office reviews concepts for policy and fiscal issues and
contacts agencies when questions arise.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 52
December 26, 2017
• Governor’s Policy Advisors review requests and recommend whether
or not to approve or deny concept to move forward for drafting.
• DAS notifies agency of final action.
• DAS sends approved concepts to Legislative Counsel for drafting.
June 1, 2018 LAST DAY for DAS to submit approved concepts to Legislative
Counsel for drafting.
June 8, 2018
(or June 6, 2018)
LAST DAY to submit additional placeholder information to DAS.
Agencies with 5 or more placeholders must submit by June 6, 2018.
June 30, 2018 LAST DAY to submit POP fiscal and staffing impacts to DAS
June 8, 2018 to
July 9, 2018
• CFO analysts and other key staff review additional information for
policy and fiscal issues and contact agency when questions arise.
• Governor’s Policy Advisors review additional information and
recommend
whether or not to move forward.
• DAS notifies agency of final action.
• DAS sends approved placeholder information to Legislative Counsel.
July 9, 2018 LAST DAY for DAS to submit approved placeholder information to
Legislative Counsel for drafting.
August 1, 2018 LAST DAY for OHCS to submit our Agency Request Budget
December 7, 2018
LAST DAY to pre-session file bills for 2019 Legislative Session.
With approval from Governor, DAS pre-session files agency concepts.
Developing the legislative agenda and associated budget request is done in conjunction with
the Governor’s Office and in support of her agenda. Within those parameters, OHCS desires for
the Housing Stability Council to provide guidance on priorities for the agency to take a
leadership role in promoting.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 53
OHCS Housing Stability Council Council Charter – draft December 18, 2017
1737 NE Alberta Street #205 ● Portland, Oregon 97211 ● 503-249-0000 ● www.solidgroundconsulting.com
Purpose
Oregon faces an affordable housing crisis, with profound public health implications. The crisis
is driven by a range of factors playing out in different communities: insufficient housing supply
to meet demand; insufficient funding for development and preservation of affordable housing
and for addressing the needs of people who are homeless and at risk of homelessness; lack of
controls on rent or ownership pricing; insufficient wages; and economic stagnation in low-
income communities, particularly in rural economies. In communities across the state,
vulnerable people are unable to secure safe and decent homes.
When viewed through a public health lens, housing stability is fundamental to individual and
community success. Studies have shown that children who live in stable homes perform better
in school. Research demonstrates that moving people into affordable housing reduces the costs
to health care systems, with fewer Medicaid claims, fewer emergency room visits, and more
primary care visits. Housing stability and employment stability fit hand-in-glove. Housing
combined with community-based services to support mental health and addiction recovery,
reduce criminal recidivism and homelessness, provide job training, and offer other
opportunities, has the potential to move people from poverty and desperation to prosperity and
hope.
Bottom line: Stable, affordable housing is the platform on which individual, household and
community resiliency are built. As the state’s housing finance agency, Oregon Housing and
Community Services Department develops and implements policy, funding, and financing to
support the creation and preservation of quality affordable housing and the provision of
community-based services for lower- and moderate-income Oregonians. The Housing Stability
Council, the Department’s advisory body, guides and advocates for the agency’s work.
This charter details the Council’s roles, responsibilities, and authority as defined in Oregon
Revised Statutes (ORS).
Roles, Responsibilities, and Authority
The Council helps establish strategic direction and a policy framework for OHCS.
To meet the housing and services needs of low- and moderate-income Oregonians, the Housing
Stability Council will establish the Department’s strategic direction and a policy framework to
guide the Department’s policy decisions. The Council, in collaboration with the Department
and community partners, will assist with the development of the Department’s strategic plan,
and set policies and priorities to increase the supply of affordable housing throughout the state
and to enhance the funding for and focus the provision of community services. Priorities are
codified in the Statewide Housing Plan.
In addition to establishing strategy and policies for the Department, the Council will approve
rules and standards for the development and management of the development and
revitalization of affordable housing and set policy direction for specific rounds of competitive
funding. The Council will also provide high level input for the use of Community Service
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 55
Housing Stability Council – draft charter December 18, 2017
funding that supports the strategic direction of the Department and works towards an
integrated focus of its various community service programs as well as toward the housing
needs of individuals and families. With broad housing and service opportunity in mind, the
Council will set policies that ensure distribution of funds to those areas with the greatest need,
and that will aid in the stimulation of development and service activity to address the needs of
low-income Oregonians, with thoughtful consideration of geographic and racial disparities.
The Council helps the Director to foster constructive partnerships with other state
agencies and key partners engaged in housing and community services.
Whenever possible and practical, the Council will seek opportunities to complement the
priorities and activities of other state and federally funded agencies – such as Community
Action Partnership of Oregon (CAPO), Department of Human Services (DHS), and Oregon
Health Authority (OHA), among others – that work to assist low-income Oregonians.
The Council sets policy for and approves loans, grants, and funding awards.
To expedite the acquisition and rehabilitation or construction of affordable housing and to
ensure proper stewardship of funds, the Council will set policies for the distribution of funds
and approve loans, grants and funds in a manner consistent with the Department’s established
strategies and policies. It may assist with the drafting of RFPs and NOFAs to meet specific
council goals, policies, and strategies.
The Council will approve threshold property purchase prices and awards above such
thresholds; it also approves short term, non-interest-bearing advances to non-profit sponsors for
housing projects. Additionally, the Council may adopt a policy that gives loan guarantee
preference to loans for low-income housing, or structures containing both commercial and low-
income housing components, for which the Department has provided a grant, loan, tax credit or
other investment.
In the spirit of fiduciary oversight, the Council will approve fees, charges and interest set by the
Department and set terms, income limits, and governing rules for loans made through the sale
of state bonds. Also, the Council may adopt a formula that optimizes the interests of the lender
and the developer, and ensures long-term durability of units in which state funds are invested.
To ensure that the broad range of housing needs are met, in addition to the above, the Council
will ensure that some funds are directed to financing for manufactured housing and will adopt
criteria for the approval of Elderly and Disabled housing projects.
The Council advises policy-makers.
To mitigate unintended or negative consequences arising from legislation or policies promoted
by various agencies and jurisdictions, the Council advises the Department, elected leaders, and
rule makers about legislation or rules that will affect the supply or cost of affordable housing.
The Council assists with the adoption of legislative priorities and the crafting of bills prior to
each legislative session; in fulfilling this role, the Council may seek input or recommendations
from the Director and Department staff as well as partner organizations such as CAPO. With
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 56
Housing Stability Council – draft charter December 18, 2017
the approval of the Governor, the Council may initiate legal proceedings in the name of the
Council to further the Council’s purposes, if necessary.
The Council informs the Director’s annual operating plan and biennial budget, and
oversees OHCS operations through regular reports from the Director.
Each year the Council will weigh in on the Department’s annual operating plan and will receive
regular status update reports from the director throughout the year. If the goals and strategies
within the plan are not met, the Council will advise the Director as appropriate.
Prior to submission and approval of a biennial budget, the Director and Department staff will
review the operating budget with the Council and the Council will provide input pertaining to
matters of personnel, services, and capital outlay.
The Council will create a communication plan that specifies roles and responsibilities for
Council and Department in setting the Department’s strategic direction and policies as well as
defining the relationship with CAPO. The Department will be responsible to execute the
communication plan.
The Council advocates at all levels on behalf of the Department and affordable housing.
To ensure the highest chance of success for the Department, the Council will act as a champion
of the Department to the Governor, legislature, stakeholders and the public at large. The
Council will coordinate with the Department in all outreach and engagement efforts, to ensure
broad support for the Department and its activities.
Priority-setting and decision-making
The Council will identify priority issues for its attention each year, and calendar these
discussions. Council debate should focus on broader questions of OHCS mission and policy,
rather than specific financing decisions about projects or service delivery.
Decision-making process
Unless an issue requires an immediate decision when it comes before the Council, the Council’s
protocol is to be briefed about the issue in appropriate detail to support decision-making, and to
have adequate time to discuss the issue, but to defer decision-making to the following
regularly-scheduled Council meeting. Decisions will be made by majority vote.
Specific authority from statute and Council-defined roles
The Council helps establish strategic direction and a policy framework for OHCS.
The Council will advise the Department in establishing statewide priorities for housing
programs. [ORS 456.559]. These priorities are codified in the Statewide Housing Plan.
The Council will advise the Director in developing a strategic plan for the Department.
The Council will develop policies to increase the supply of affordable housing. [ORS
456.571]
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 57
Housing Stability Council – draft charter December 18, 2017
The Council will approve maximum income limits for housing projects financed by the
Department. [ORS 456.620]
The Council will approve standards for planning, development, and management of
affordable housing. [ORS 456.620]
The Council shall set policy and shall approve or disapprove rules and standards for
housing programs. [ORS 456.555]
The Council will adopt rules for housing revitalization programs. [ORS 458.310]
The Council will set policy direction for specific rounds of competitive funding.
The Council shall have a policy of distributing funds statewide while concentrating funds in
those areas of this state with the greatest need, as determined by the Council. [ORS 458.310,
458.625, 458.655]
The Council shall develop policies to aid in stimulating and increasing the supply of
housing for persons and families of lower income. [ORS 456.571]
The Council shall develop policies to address geographic and racial disparities. [ORS
456.571]
The Council shall develop policies to ensure funds distributed by the Housing and
Community Services Department contribute to addressing other state priorities. [ORS
456.571].
The Director may seek advice from the Council on any matter within the scope of the
Department.
The Council helps the Director to foster constructive partnerships with other state
agencies and key partners engaged in housing and community services.
The Council may consult with DHS regarding project applications for housing for people
with disabilities. [ORS 456.541]
The Council will coordinate homelessness relief efforts in conjunction with the Community
Action Partnership of Oregon. [ORS 456.571]
The Council will cooperate with and assist local Housing Authorities for waivers to make
the distribution of federal rent assistance as efficient as possible. [ORS 456.395]
The Council sets policy for and approves loans, grants, and funding awards.
The Council shall approve threshold property purchase prices, housing grants, and other
funding limits above which its review and approval are required. [ORS 456.555, 456.561]
The Council shall review and approve awards above the threshold amounts. [ORS 456.555,
456.561]
The Council will approve fees, charges, and interest set by the Department. [ORS 456.625]
The Council will approve non-interest-bearing advances for housing projects to qualified
nonprofit sponsors until mortgage funds are released to repay advances. [ORS 456.559]
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 58
Housing Stability Council – draft charter December 18, 2017
The Council will set terms, income limits, governing rules, and has final approval of loans
made through bond sales. [ORS 456.690]
The Council will ensure the Department provides financing for manufactured housing.
[ORS 456.620]
The Council will adopt criteria for the approval of Elderly and Disabled Housing projects.
[ORS 456.539]
The Council will exercise its responsibilities and powers to expedite the acquisition and
rehabilitation or construction of affordable housing. [ORS 456.571]
The Council may adopt a policy that gives loan guarantee preference to loans for low-
income housing, or structures containing both commercial and low-income housing
components, for which the Department has provided a grant, loan, tax credit or other
investment. [ORS 458.630] (“May” is somewhat ambiguous)
The Council may adopt a formula that optimizes the interests of the lender and the
developer and the working life of the low-income units for funds provided through the
Housing Development and Guarantee Account. [ORS 458.630] (Again, “may” is ambiguous)
The Council may assist in drafting NOFAs and RFPs. [Adopted by Council, January 2017]
The Council advises policy-makers.
The Council is responsible for studying, commenting on, and advising the Department,
Governor, Legislative Assembly, other state agencies, and local governments concerning
legislation or rules that affect the cost and supply of affordable housing, both before and
after the legislation and rules are enacted. [ORS 456.571]
The Council, with the approval of the Governor, may initiate legal proceedings in the name
of the Council to further the Council’s purposes. [ORS 456.571]
The Director participates in Council discussions and may suggest policies and rules to the
Council, including those necessary to stimulate and increase the supply of housing for
persons and families of lower income. [ORS 456.559]
The Council informs the Director’s annual operating plan and biennial budget, and
oversees OHCS operations through regular reports from the Director.
The Council will receive regular reports from the Director. [ORS 456.555]
The Director will seek input from the Council on the Department’s annual plan. [Adopted
by Council, January 2017]
The Council will advise the Department on personnel, materials, services and capital outlay
items in its biennial budget prior to submittal to DAS. [ORS 456.567, 456.555]
The Council will work with the Department to develop a communication plan specifying
roles and responsibilities. [Adopted by Council, January 2017]
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 59
Housing Stability Council – draft charter December 18, 2017
The Council advocates at all levels on behalf of the Department and affordable housing.
The Council will align with the Director in all outreach and coordination activities.
[Adopted by Council, January 2017]
The Council is a champion of the Department with the Governor, Legislature, stakeholders,
and public. [Adopted by Council, January 2017]
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 60
Oregon Housing and Community Services Department
Housing Stability Council Job Description – Draft December 18, 2017
Overview
Knowledge. Energy. Commitment. Like legs on a stool, all three are needed to support the
mission of the Oregon Housing and Community Services Department: to provide stable and
affordable housing and engage leaders, to develop integrated statewide policy that addresses
poverty and provides opportunity for Oregonians. That mission defines our agency’s effort
toward a future in which all Oregonians can prosper, free from poverty.
The Housing Stability Council has the fundamental responsibility to both guide and advance
the work of the Department. The Council guides the Department by advising on policy and
funding for affordable housing and community services in Oregon. It advances the Department
by investing in strategic and generative thinking, advocacy, and strategic relationships.
Fiduciary responsibilities – Providing overall fiscal oversight for the Department’s budget,
risk management, executive limitations. Setting policy for the operation of the Department
in its stewardship and deployment of funds for the development of affordable housing and
the delivery of services. Approving and recommending housing funding decisions above
prescribed thresholds.
Strategic responsibilities – Defining vision, mission, and intended outcomes; overseeing
implementation of the mission; and measuring impact.
Generative responsibilities – Helping to shape the identity, a consumer-oriented and
collaborative culture, and the core values of the Department. Tending to organizational
resilience and evolution, including a strong focus on sustainable leadership.
A strong commitment to affordable housing and community services is a prerequisite for
serving on the Housing Stability Council. We seek leaders with diverse talents and deep
community connections who reflect the breadth of organizations in this field and the communities
they serve across our state, and who expect to contribute in a meaningful way to the work of a
cohesive and effective advisory body.
Expectations
Housing Stability Council members are drawn from across the state, to support broad
geographic representation. Members bring important connections with key institutions and
constituencies – from Community Action agencies, farmworker housing organizations, and
culturally-specific organizations to local governments and academic institutions, among others.
They bring knowledge and experience from other sectors – such as public health, energy
efficiency, and transportation – to enrich the conversation about what people need to live
healthy, stable lives. Council service is about providing leadership, relationships, and
resources.
Leadership. We seek leaders who are prepared to step up and contribute enthusiastically.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 61
Council Member Job Description draft December 18, 2017
Relationships. We seek Council members with good relations with the affordable housing
and community services fields, good relations with policymakers at all levels of
government, and a willingness to connect us to their personal and professional networks.
Because meeting the mission and goals of the Department is dependent upon the success of
its partners, it’s critical that the Council set the tone for a customer-friendly, consumer-
oriented organization that collaborates with service providers, developers, and asset
managers to serve people in need in every corner of the state.
Resources. We need members with time capacity to actively engage with, advocate for, and
advise the Department.
Requirements for Council Service
Council members are expected to have the following:
Demonstrated interest in affordable housing, community development, social services,
and/or anti-poverty policy, programs, or funding in Oregon.
Specific experience and/or knowledge in at least one of the following areas: affordable
housing policy, finance, development, or asset management; community services policy and
provision; public policy regarding urban or regional planning, poverty, social determinants
of health.
Ability to guide the Department strategically and generationally, at the 30,000-foot level and
with a long-game perspective.
Willingness to expand their knowledge and effectiveness through orientation and training.
Responsibilities
Council members are expected to do the following:
Advise on and advocate for policies and funding to provide affordable housing and
community services in Oregon.
Set policy for the Department as set forth in the Council’s statutory duties.
Set policy for and approve loans, grants, and funding awards per statute.
Communicate with elected officials, agency partners, housing and community development
professionals, and members of the public in a respectful, open, and honest manner that
fosters an atmosphere of mutual confidence and collegiality.
Represent all of Oregon, not just their own organizations, geography, or constituencies.
Represent the Department in a positive and professional manner at all times and in all
places, connecting it to the community, building strategic relationships, and actively
encouraging support for the Department’s mission.
Attend and participate in all meetings of the Council. This includes reading material
provided in advance to support discussion, arriving at meetings prepared to contribute to
the discussion of issues and business to be addressed, and taking care of business at
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 62
Council Member Job Description draft December 18, 2017
meetings. Fully engage in discussion at the Council meeting: robust vetting of ideas and
disagreements are encouraged and welcomed.
To the extent possible, attend ground-breakings and other local community events.
Demonstrate knowledge of the Department and personal commitment to its goals.
Serve on at least one standing committee and attend all meetings of that committee. Accept
assignments on special committees or task forces at the request of the chair. Ad hoc
committees offer additional opportunities for involvement. See Committee Structure, below.
Avoid any real or perceived conflicts of interest between the position of Council Member
and personal and professional interests. When a conflict of interests exists, abide by the
State of Oregon’s conflict of interest policy.
Committee Structure
The Council needs contributed talent and connections in the areas of affordable housing
development and asset management, social services delivery, finance, and public policy. The
committees direct Council activity into those key areas:
Standing committees Ad hoc committees
Executive
?
?
Public Policy
NOFA Development
Application Scoring
Time commitment
Council service varies from month to month, and some Council members will commit more
time than others. Generally, in any given month, Council members can expect to invest:
7-10 hours Council meetings/prep (monthly, plus an annual planning retreat)
2-3 hours Committee meetings/prep (monthly to quarterly, depending on committee)
1-3 hours Special requests (based on availability)
2-6 hours Community and legislative engagement (based on availability)
A total of 12 to 22 hours per month, on average.
January 5, 2018 Housing Stability Council Page 63