The significant cuts to RHA's funding have resulted in the need to cut costs where possible and find other means of reducing RHA's dependence on federal funds. The public housing program has seen cuts in excess of $2 million in the most recent funding year on top of previous cuts. The voucher program has experienced a similar reduction. The level of these cuts is unprecedented. Furthermore, housing authorities are being advised not to expect the funding to be restored and to prepare to operate under these reduced funding levels.

There are a number of cost cutting measures currently being discussed in Congress such as increasing the minimum rent to $75, increasing the medical deduction threshold from 3% to 10%, and completing unit inspections biennially. These are not yet approved but RHA would likely implement each of these changes once approved. Other public housing measures planned include moving correspondence to electronic mail where possible to reduce postage costs, no longer providing an interactive phone line to provide specific positions on the waiting lists, apply HUD's Deconcentration Rule to move higher income families into the lower income public housing properties, and continue to identify other cost savings. For the Voucher Program, RHA plans to bill the originating housing authority rather than absorbing families who move into RHA's program, provide opportunities for landlords to purchase optional inspection services, and continue to seek other cost-saving measures.

RHA remains committed to maintaining the high quality of housing that we currently provide. Therefore, RHA is taking actions to cut costs and lessen dependence on HUD funding. This includes pursuing the option of converting some public housing units to affordable housing which will reduce dependence on HUD subsidies. Affordable housing is affordable to families making less than 80% Area Median Income (AMI). RHA is planning to convert the 60 public housing units at Capital Park to rental units affordable to families making 80% AMI. Under this plan, Capital Park public housing residents will be issued tenant-based vouchers that they can continue to use in Capital Park or use to relocate to other housing. There will be no impact on current public housing families living in Capital Park.

The amendment to the Agency Plan that relates to the cost cutting measures and the conversion of Capital Park can be found here . There will also be a community meeting on this plan on May 16th at 6:00 PM at 971 Harp Street. In addition you can submit written comments or questions to Allison Hapgood at ahapgood@rhaonline.com. All comments must be received by May 21, 2013.

10/25/12

Agency Plan - Agency Plan Click Here

9/17/12

Housing Times - July 2012 Click Here

Originally emailed to all Section 8 Landlords on 6/27/2012.