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Setting a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029City of Dubuque City Council Copyrighted February 17, 2025 ITEMS SET FOR PUBLIC HEARING # 7. ITEM TITLE: Setting a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029 SUMMARY: City Manager recommending City Council set a public hearing for April 7,2025, to receive input on the Annual Plan for the Public Housing Authority. RESOLUTION Setting A Public Hearing To Review And Approve The Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025- 2029 SUGGUESTED Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s), Set Public Hearing for DISPOSITION: April 7, 2025 ATTACHMENTS: 1. MVM Memo 2. 2025.02.07_Set PH Memo 3. RESOLUTION 4. PUBLIC NOTICE 5. Draft PHA 5-Year Plan Page 407 of 797 Dubuque THE CITY OF uFA�a9a av DuBE 13 Masterpiece on the Mississippi zoo�•*o rP PP 2017202019 TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager SUBJECT: Setting a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029 DATE: February 11, 2025 Housing & Community Development Director Alexis Steger is recommending City Council set a public hearing for April 7,2025, to receive input on the Annual Plan for the Public Housing Authority. The City of Dubuque is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that provides housing assistance to residents. A PHA is required to submit a 5-Year Plan once every 5t" PHA fiscal year, and the Annual Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each remaining fiscal year. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. 1�14� k�4 Mic ael C. Van Milligen MCVM:sv Attachment cc: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director Page 408 of 797 THE CITY OF Dubuque DUB TEE AII•Amerin City ����I► Masterpiece on the Mississippi � pp zoo�.o 13 zoi7*20*zoi9 TO: Michael C Van Milligen, City Manager FROM: Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director DATE: February 7, 2025 RE: Setting a Public Hearing for the adoption of the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029 INTRODUCTION The City of Dubuque is a Public Housing Authority (PHA) that provides housing assistance to residents. A PHA is required to submit a 5-Year Plan once every 5t" PHA fiscal year, and the Annual Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) each remaining fiscal year. DISCUSSION The City Council is required to set a public hearing and then hold the public hearing prior to approving the 5-Year Plan before it is submitted to HUD. The 5-Year Plan will be reviewed by the Housing Commission on April 1, 2025 where the commission will be given the opportunity to review the plan and provide input and comments. Additionally, the Resident Advisory Commission comprised of all residents on assisted housing, must review the proposed plan. This meeting is scheduled to be held in February 2025. The 5-Year Plan covers the period from 2025-2029 and includes goals and priorities for the PHA. This 5-Year Plan will then be used to create the PHA Annual Plan for the next 4 years for annual reporting purposes. This 5-Year Plan is focused on the following concepts for the City of Dubuque PHA: increasing the number of homeowners participating in the HCV Program, promoting self-sufficiency, tenant education, supporting childcare initiatives in the community, increasing landlord participation in the Housing Choice Voucher program, and decreasing concentrated areas of poverty. RECOMMENDATION I respectfully request the Mayor and City Council set a public hearing for April 7,2025, to receive input on the Annual Plan for the Public Housing Authority. Page 409 of 797 Prepared by Gina Hodgson, Housing & Community Devel., 350 W. 61h St., Suite 312 Telephone: (563) 690-6072 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 131h St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 61-25 A RESOLUTION SETTING A PUBLIC HEARING TO REVIEW AND APPROVE THE PUBLIC HOUSING AUTHORITY 5-YEAR PLAN 2025-2029 WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque is designated as a Public Housing Authority; and WHEREAS, the City of Dubuque maintains and creates a Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan once every 5th PHA fiscal year; and WHEREAS, the Housing Commission will hold a public meeting to review the Annual Plan on April 1, 2025; and WHEREAS, the City desires to hold a public hearing to receive comment on and adopt the proposed Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan. NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That the City Council will meet in the Historic Federal Building, Council Chambers, 2nd Floor, 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa at 6:30 p.m. on April 7, 2025 for the purpose of holding a public hearing and taking action to approve the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029. Section 2. That the City Clerk is hereby authorized and directed to publish a notice of such public hearing and the City Council's intent to review and approve the Public Housing Authority 5-Year Plan 2025-2029. Passed, approved and adopted this 17th day of February 2025. rad M. ava rfadfi , Mayor Attest: n✓W `�l 411- Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk PUBLIC NOTICE PROPOSED PUBLIC HOUSING AGENCY (PHA) 5-YEAR PLAN 2025- 2029 Notice is hereby given that the Dubuque City Council will conduct a public hearing on Monday, April 7, 2025 at a meeting to commence at 6:30 p.m. in City Council Chambers, 350 West 6th Street, Dubuque, Iowa. The City Council will consider a proposed 5-Year Plan 2025-2029. Interested parties may examine the contents of the proposed Plan at the City Clerk's Office, City Hall, 50 West 13t" Street; and the Housing and Community Development Department, 350 West 6t" Street, Suite 312, Dubuque Iowa, and the City Website at www.cityofdubugue.org/adminplan. Written comments may be submitted on or before the time of the public hearing to the City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development Department, 350 W 6t" St, Suite 312, Dubuque Iowa 52001 (563-690-6096) or ghodgsonC@cityofdubugue.org. At said time and place of public hearing all interested citizens and parties will be given an opportunity to be heard for or against said plan. 1:2t EOUAI HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Page 411 of 797 5-Year PHA Plan U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development OMB No. 2577-0226 Office of Public and Indian Housing Expires: 03/31/2024 (for All PHAs) Purpose. The 5-Year and Annual PHA Plans provide a ready source for interested parties to locate basic PHA policies, rules, and requirements concerning the PHA's operations, programs, and services, and informs HUD, families served by the PHA, and members of the public of the PHA's mission, goals and objectives for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families Applicability. The Form HUD-50075-5Y is to be completed once every 5 PHA fiscal years by all PHAs. A. I PHA Information. A.1 I PHA Name: City of Dubuque PHA Code: IA087 PHA Plan for Fiscal Year Beginning: (MM/YYYY): _07/2025 The Five -Year Period of the Plan (i.e. 2019-2023): 2025-2029 PHA Plan Submission Type: ® 5-Year Plan Submission ❑ Revised 5-Year Plan Submission Availability of Information. In addition to the items listed in this form, PHAs must have the elements listed below readily available to the public. A PHA must identify the specific location(s) where the proposed PHA Plan, PHA Plan Elements, and all information relevant to the public hearing and proposed PHA Plan are available for inspection by the public. Additionally, the PHA must provide information on how the public may reasonably obtain additional information on the PHA policies contained in the standard Annual Plan, but excluded from their streamlined submissions. At a minimum, PHAs must post PHA Plans, including updates, at each Asset Management Project (AMP) and main office or central office of the PHA. PHAs are strongly encouraged to post complete PHA Plans on their official websites. PHAs are also encouraged to provide each resident council a copy of their PHA Plans. The City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department PHA Plan, Plan Elements, and PHA Policies are available for review online at hLtps://www.ciiyofdubuque.org/1484/Administrative-Plans as well as in person at the following locations: Housing & Community Development Department 350 W 6th Street, Suite 312, Dubuque, IA 52001; and City Hall 50 W 13th Street, Dubuque, IA 52001. A public comment period was published on February 19th, 2025, and ended on April 7, 2025, with the following comments received. A Public Hearing was published February 19th, 2025, and held on April 7, 2025, by the City Council. Minutes of that hearing can be accessed at the above listed places online and in person H PHA Consortia: (Check box if submitting a Joint PHA Plan and complete table below PHA Program(s) in the Program(s) not in the No. of Units in Each Program Participating PHAs Code Consortia Consortia PH I HCV Lead PHA Page 1 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 412 of 797 B. LL Plan Elements. Required for all PHAs completing this form. B.1 Mission. State the PHA's mission for serving the needs of low-income, very low-income, and extremely low-income families in the PHA's jurisdiction for the next five years. SEE ATTACHED B.I. The City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department ission is to provide decent, safe, and affordable rental housing and to provide opportunities that promott self-sufficiency, economic independence, and homeownership opportunities for eligible Housing Choice VoWher particip ts. B.2 20 Goals and Objectives. Identify the PHA's quantifiable goals and objectives that will enable the erve the needs of low-income, very low- income, and extremely low-income families for the next five years. SEE ATTACHED B.2. B.3 Progress Report. Include a report on the progress the PHA has made in mee g the goals and objectives described in the previous 5-Year Plan. SEE ATTACHED B.3. BA Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Goals. Provide altatement of the PHA's goals, ach ities, objectives, policies, or programs that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of child and stdult victims of domestic violence, dating i lencc, sexual assault, or stalking. SEE ATTACHED B.4. C. Other Document and/or Certification Requirements. CA Significant Amendment or Modification. Provide a statement on the c%Used for determining a significant amendment or modification to the 5-Year Pl C.2 Resident A visory Board (RAB) Cotents. (a) Did the RAB(s) have comments to the 5-Year PHA Plan? SEE ATTACHED C.2. AND C.2.1. ❑ ® r (b) If yes, comments must be submitted by the PHA as an attachment to the 5-Year PHA Plan. PHAs must also include a narrative describing their analysis of the RAB recommendations and the decisions made on these recommendations. C.3 Certification by State or Local Officials. Form HUD-50077-SL, Certification by State or Local Officials of PHA Plans Consistency with the Consolidated Plan, must be submitted by the PHA as an electronic attachment to the PHA Plan. Page 2 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 413 of 797 CA Required Submission for HUD FO Review. (a) Did the public challenge any elements of the Plan? Y N ❑ ❑ (b) If yes, include Challenged Elements. D. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH). Page 3 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 414 of 797 D.1 Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing. (Non -qualified PHAs are only required to complete this section on the Annual PHA Plan. All qualified PHAs must complete this section.) Provide a statement of the PHA's strategies and actions to achieve fair housing goals outlined in an accepted Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with 24 CFR § 5.154(d)(5). Use the chart provided below. (PHAs should add as many goals as necessary to overcome fair housing issues and contributing factors.) Until such time as the PHA is required to submit an AFH, the PHA is not obligated to complete this chart. The PHA will fulfill, nevertheless, the requirements at 24 CFR § 903.7(o) enacted prior to August 17, 2015. See Instructions for further detail on completing this item. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal PHA Goal #1: Advance equity with fair housing advocacy, education, and enforcement • Continue working with landlords in Dubuque to educate them on the benefits & importance of HCV to expand the program throughout Dubuque. • Create additional educational opportunities for first time homebuyers & renters on topics like financial literacy & home maintenance. • Enhance education & training for landlords through the Successful Property Maintenance course that the PHA presents regarding the HCV Program. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal PHA Goal #2: Implement local government policies that encourage equity & decrease disparate impacts • Research partnerships with area schools or other organizations to provide enhanced public activities, amenities & programs to children in underserved parts of Dubuque. Fair Housing Goal: Describe fair housing strategies and actions to achieve the goal PHA Goal #3: Increase & promote safe, affordable housing • Implement policies to protect, maintain, & grow current affordable housing stock, including working with homeowners, landlords and tenants. • Ensure translations are available for all important documents and applications. Make them easily accessible both online & in physical form. Page 4 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 415 of 797 PHA Goal #4: Increase access to opportunity & the building of social capital • Use assessments from the Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan, the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing & any other relevant plans regarding the nonprofit services array to identify gaps & make necessary improvements that increase access to opportunity & coordinated entry. • Identify transportation gaps throughout Dubuque for those that may not have their own vehicles and rely on walking, biking, or public transportation. Page 5 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 416 of 797 Instructions for Preparation of Form HUD-50075-5Y - 5-Year PHA Plan for All PHAs A. PHA Information. All PHAs must complete this section. (24 CFR § 903.4) A.1 Include the full PHA Name, PHA Code, PHA Fiscal Year Beginning (MM/YYYY), Five -Year Period that the Plan covers, i.e. 2019-2023, PHA Plan Submission Type, and the Availability of Information, specific location(s) of all information relevant to the hearing and proposed PHA Plan. PHA Consortia: Check box if submitting a Joint PHA Plan and complete the table. B. Plan Elements. BA Mission. State the PHA's mission for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families in the PHA's jurisdiction for the next five years. (24 CFR § 903.6(a)(1)) B.2 Goals and Objectives. Identify the PHA's quantifiable goals and objectives that wil able the PHA to serve the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families for the next five y 4 CFR 6 903.6(b)(1)) B.3 Progress Report. Include a report on the progress the PHA has made in meeting the goals and objectives described in the previous 5- Year Plan. (24 CFR § 903.6(b-)(2)) A4 BA Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Goals. Provide a statement of the PHA's goals,, activities objectives, policies, or programs that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of child and adult victims of domestic violence, ating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. (24 CFR § 903.6(a)(3)). C. Other Document and/or Certification Requirements. D. C.1 Significant Amendment or Modification. Provide a statemeq modification to the 5-Year Plan. For modifications resulting frc `Sample PHA Plan Amendment' found in Notice PIH-2012-32, C.2 Resident Advisory Board (RAB) (a) Did the public or RAB have cc (b) If yes, submit comments as an these recommendations. (24 CFR § 903.17(b), 24 CFR § 903.19) C.3 Certification by State or Local Officials. amendment or iroeram, refer to the comments and the PHA's decision made on Form HUD-50077-SL, l2frtification by Shke or Local O 1 als of PHA Plans Cons' cy wiLic the Consolidated Plan, must be submitted by the PHA as an electronic attachment to the P A Plan. CA Required Submission D FO Review. Challenged ts. (a) Did the public challen y elements of the Plan? (b) If yes, include such info tion as an attachment to the AnnuaWHA Plan or 5-Year PHA Plan with a description of any challenges to PINrto source of the challenge, and HA's response to the public. Affi4natively Furthering (Non -qualified PHAs are ocof plete this section on the AnnualPHA Plan. All qualified PFIAs must complete this section.) DA Affirma Furtheng. The PHA will use the answer blocks in item D.1 to provide a statement of its strategies and actions to implement each fair housing goal outlined in its accepted Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) consistent with 24 CFR § 5.154(d)(5) that states, in relevant part: "To implement goals and priorities in an AFH, strategies and actions shall be included in program participants' ... PHA Plans (including any plans incorporated therein) .... Strategies and actions must affirmatively further fair housing .... Use the chart provided to specify each 44&Sing goal from the PHA's AFH for which the PHA is the responsible program participant — whether the AFH was prepared solely by HA, jointly with one or more other PHAs, or in collaboration with a state or local jurisdiction — and specify the fair housing strategies and actions to be implemented by the PHA during the period covered by this PHA Plan. If there are more than three fair housing goals, add answer blocjcs as necessary. Until such time as the PHA is required to submit an AFH, the PHA will not have to complete section D.; nevertheless, the PHA will address its obligation to affirmatively further fair housing in part by fulfilling the requirements at 24 CFR 903.7(o)(3) enacted prior to August 17, 2015, which means that it examines its own programs or proposed programs; identifies any impediments to fair housing choice within those programs; addresses those impediments in a reasonable fashion in view of the resources available; works with local jurisdictions to implement any of the jurisdiction's initiatives to affirmatively further fair housing that require the PHA's involvement; and maintain records reflecting these analyses and actions. Furthermore, under Section 5A(d)(15) of the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended, a PHA must submit a civil rights certification with its Annual PHA Plan, which is described at 24 CFR 903.7(o)(1) except for qualified PHAs who submit the Form HUD-50077-CR as a standalone document. This information collection is authorized by Section 511 of the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, which added a new section 5A to the U.S. Housing Act of 1937, as amended, which introduced the 5-Year PHA Plan. The 5-Year PHA Plan provides the PHA's mission, goals and objectives for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families and the progress made in meeting the goals and objectives described in the previous 5-Year Plan. Public reporting burden for this information collection is estimated to average 1.64 hours per year per response or 8.2 hours per response every five years, including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and reviewing the collection of information. HUD may not collect this information, and respondents are not required to complete this form, unless it displays a currently valid OMB Control Number. Page 6 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 417 of 797 Privacy Act Notice. The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development is authorized to solicit the information requested in this form by virtue of Title 12, U.S. Code, Section 1701 et seq., and regulations promulgated thereunder at Title 12, Code of Federal Regulations. Responses to the collection of information are required to obtain a benefit or to retain a benefit. The information requested does not lend itself to confidentiality. Page 7 of 7 form HUD-50075-5Y (03/31/2024) Page 418 of 797 B. 1. Mission. State the PHA's mission for serving the needs of low-income, very low- income, and extremely low-income families in the PHA's jurisdiction for the next five years. The City of Dubuque Housing & Community Development Department's mission is to provide decent, safe, and affordable rental housing and to provide opportunities that promote self-sufficiency, economic independence, and homeownership opportunities for eligible Housing Choice Voucher participants. B.2. Goals and Objectives. Identify the PHA's quantifiable goals and objectives that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of low-income, very low-income, and extremely low- income families for the next five years. • Increase homeownership program participation: o Educate, inform and assist those on the HCV program, helping to prepare to become homeowners. o Promote self-sufficiency, financial education, and tenant education to assist in taking the next steps to homeownership. o Increase participation numbers in the Next Level Savings Program (FSS Program) by HCV participants. • Support childcare initiatives in the community: o Help to identify barriers for parents to find childcare that fits their needs. o Work with community organizations to address those barriers. o Increase childcare availability and choice. ■ Address the needs for 2"1 & 3rd shift care for children - increase childcare availability for these slots of care. • De -concentration of poverty: o Identify transportation gaps throughout the city for those that may not own their own vehicles. o Increase the types of transportation available throughout the community. o Provide regular review of the Voucher Payment Standards (VPS) that the HCV Program is allowed to pay and make sure that the VPS can be competitive in all areas of the city- allowing for opportunity in all areas. ■ Evaluate the use of small area FMRs. ■ Evaluate the use of the 120% above FMR for VPS waiver. o Increase the number of units available for low-income, very low-income, and extremely low-income individuals and families. o Increase the number of landlords willing to accept the HCV voucher as a form of payment. ■ Update the Landlord Education video Page 419 of 797 ■ Enhanced training and education for landlords through the Successful Property Maintenance Course B.3. Progress Report. Include a report on the progress the PHA has made in meeting the goals and objectives described in the previous 5-Year Plan. PHA Goal: Meet the need for quality, affordable rental homes: The City of Dubuque has worked with Greater Dubuque Development Corporation to identify the specific housing needs in the Community. Using that data, the City has been working with developers to address the housing needs and find ways to use Housing Tax Increment Financing as well as other possible revenue streams to help support and incentivize housing development in the City. The City of Dubuque PHA has also adopted the International Property Maintenance Code for building inspection compliance. This has helped to set the standard for quality units and fair housing opportunities for voucher holders and all tenants throughout the City. PHA assisted the new developments coming on-line in navigating the process to lease up HCV tenants. PHA also increased HCV Voucher Payment Standards (VPS) to 120% of Fair Market Rent (FMR). PHA uses code enforcement policies that are structured to give more attention to properties & owners that persistently fail inspections. This has allowed PHA to proactively address nuisance property owners through more frequent inspections, better maintenance and safer units. PHA Goal: Increase the Acceptance of Housing Choice Vouchers by Housing Providers: The City of Dubuque has increased landlord education about the HCV program as well as created a landlord education video to be shared among that specific group in hopes to dispel some of the HCV rumors while also providing information as to why/how HCV benefits the entire community. PHA also implemented new, easier to use software that aids owners and tenants in communication and document transmittal, allowing the HCV program to progress with the times and provide ease of use. The voucher payments standards are reviewed yearly and updated to reflect market changes and demand. A waiver was attained from HUD to set VPS for the PHA at 120% of FMR. This was implemented 1/1/2024. PHA Goal: Implement local government policies that encourage equity and decrease disparate impacts: The PHA hired a consultant to create the Equitable Poverty Prevention Plan and has continued efforts over the years to implement recommendations. The Office of Shared Prosperity was created as a new department in the City of Dubuque Organization that Page 420 of 797 focuses on neighborhood equitability and inclusion. Constant review of data surrounding voucher issuance and use to identify possible barriers or impacts that need to be addressed to run a fair and equitable program. Heavy utilization of HUD's Budget Tool and monthly review with PHA Portfolio Manager to forecast, plan and enhance utilization. Worked with HUD's technical assistance personnel to implement approaches for increased utilization of voucher funds within the community. Implemented communication tools and trust building activities for landlords and HCV program participants. City staff meets monthly with the Landlord Association to continue to strengthen that relationship and those community connections. PHA released a landlord education video — highlighting the HCV Program, its rules, benefits and addressed the common misconceptions about the program and its participants. PHA also refined the Successful Property Maintenance Course that all property owners are required to attend, enhancing education and training for them. Finally, information for participants has been reviewed and revised through the revision of the PHA briefing, simplification of information given through those briefings, with an emphasis on addressing common questions and issues that arise for tenants utilizing the HCV voucher. Documents have been translated into Spanish and Marshallese, and the readability of documents was also assessed and revised so that all documents were adapted to a 6-7th grade reading level. Voucher Payment Standards increased to 120% of FMR through a HUD obtained waiver allowing for more housing choice for all participants to utilize. PHA also began researching ways to add additional Project Based Voucher (PBV) units. The background check process was audited, and arrest records were removed from the landlord background checks that are provided by the PHA to landlords. PHA Goal: Increase access to opportunity and the building of social capital: The Childcare Initiative has been working hard to identify needs and barriers to the community's workforce. Several needs were identified. One outcome is the opening of a new childcare facility that can address the childcare needs in the community and therefore, allowing working parents more opportunity and workforce advancement potential. The new childcare facility opened in January 2024. PHA created an intern position over the summer to research and address food desert issues in specific areas of the city. The PHA was also awarded a USDA grant to increase food access by partnering with non -profits in the community to address food deserts and make healthy, affordable food more accessible to all citizens. B.4. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) Goals. Provide a statement of the PHA's goals, activities, objectives, policies, or programs that will enable the PHA to serve the needs of child and adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking. Page 421 of 797 The City of Dubuque PHA is committed to ensuring the safety and well-being of all individuals within our housing programs, with special emphasis on protecting victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking, as outlined under the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). The PHA adheres to the following standards & procedures to ensure the protection and support of individuals affected by these forms of violence: Goal: Non -Discrimination based on status The PHA will not discriminate against applicants, tenants, or participants based on their status as victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. No person will be denied admission or evicted solely due to being a victim of these crimes. Goal: Participant Confidentiality Information related to an individual's status as a victim of violence will be kept confidential and will only be shared as required by law or with the consent of the individual. We understand the importance of privacy and safety and will take appropriate measures to protect any sensitive information. Goal: Provide ample opportunity to request protection Victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, or stalking may request reasonable accommodations or assistance under VAWA. These accommodations may include the transfer to a different unit or other safety -related changes to the living situation. Goal: Provide all participants with their Notice of Rights All applicants and participants in our housing programs will be provided with written notice of their rights under VAWA, including information about protections, how to request assistance, and available resources. All participants are provided with a VAWA notice when termination is proposed as well. Our notices also include local resources for help. Goal: Provide Resources for Supportive Services We encourage individuals who are victims of violence to reach out to local support services and law enforcement agencies for assistance. The PHA will work in partnership with these agencies to support victims in accessing resources and ensuring their safety. Our notices also include local resources for help. Goal: Provide sufficient staff training to deliver quality service Page 422 of 797 Staff members will receive regular training on VAWA protections and the appropriate steps to take when responding to incidents of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. Our goal is to provide a supportive, informed, and empathetic environment for those affected by these issues. It is through this method of notification, documentation, and confidentiality that we as a PHA can best serve those that may be child and/or adult victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking. C.2 Resident Advisory Board (RAB) comments. No comments received on the PHA 5-Year Plan at the 2/12/25 RAB Meeting. RAB Meeting Minutes are attached as C.2.1. Page 423 of 797 C.2.1. Resident Advisory Board Meeting Minutes 02/12/2025 Present: Tiara Washington Clarees Peoples Monique Perkins Mary Kay Patters Staff Present: Gina Hodgson Tracy Doyle Crystal Kilgore Ryan Feller Allie Kutsch Tonya England Dawn Blatz Presenters: Gina Hodgson, Assisted Housing Supervisor, Housing & Community Development Department Ryan Feller, Self Sufficiency Coordinator, Housing & Community Development Department Gina Hodgson, Assisted Housing Coordinator, called the meeting to order at 10:38 a.m. Meeting called to order Meeting was held virtually due to weather conditions, there were 14 people in attendance including presenters, Staff and Housing Choice Voucher participants. There was not a round robin introduction due to the structure of the virtual meeting. Every five years, HUD requires the Housing Authority to evaluate and look at a 5 Year plan, we are introducing a new 5-year plans for 2025-2030. On an annual basis we will review this plan and develop an annual plan. At the end of the presentation, participants will be given the opportunity to offer comments and questions. The Resident Advisory Board is tasked with reviewing and commenting on the plan. In the 5-year plan the reader will be able to understand the goals and priorities for the next 5 years for the City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development's Housing Choice Voucher Program, the document includes the mission, goals and objectives, along with policy and guidelines. The 5 year plan is developed from the findings of the Analysis of Impediments. The city hired an independent contractor to conduct this analysis of our community, then they produce results telling the City, where there is room for improvement. Another analysis that is used in developing the 5-year plan is CDBG's consolidated plan, which is a department of the City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development. There are many boards that review this before it is submitted, it will be posted for public comment, the Housing Commission and the Dubuque City Council will review, make suggestions and approve. Goal #1—Increase Homeownership with Voucher Holders Action Steps: increase Family Self Sufficiency participation, increase financial literacy, increase homeowner education participation. Goal #2—Support Childcare initiatives in the community Action Steps: Help to identify barriers, Work with community groups to collaborate efforts, Help increase available spots and choice Goal 0—Deconcentrate poverty in the City of Dubuque Action steps: Look at transportation options and possibility of different alternatives, Regular review of voucher payment standards, and make sure they are competitive in all areas of Dubuque, Adjust small area FMRs as well Page 424 of 797 as continue to use 120% VPS and continue to evaluate the 120% based on the market, help create the Best available options and choices for each family, Goal #4—Increase units and landlords for low income families Action Steps: Revise landlord education to include HCV 2025 Progress Report from the last 5 year plan The following accomplishments were noted: GDDC and Housing worked together and increase needs Use TIF to incentivize new units Adopted IPMC Increased VPS from 100% to 120% Enhanced landlord education Implemented new software for HCV, allowed staff to streamline Office of the Shared Prosperity was created, this was created to focus on neighborhoods Added more information to Successful Property Management about HCV Worked with GDDC to help increase childcare Awarded USDA grant to identity food insecurities Violence Against Woman Act, VAWA Goals Hodgson provided background information on this law. The City of Dubuque Housing is committed to and adhering to policy. Hodgson indicated the PHA is committed to non-discrimination when working with victims, also to provide resources for participants who are victims, and lastly to educate staff about policy and techniques to deliver services to participants who might be protected under this act. Next Hodgson explained that out of the Analysis of Impediments you will find an Impediments of Fair Housing, it's a one page -goals and actions for 2025-2030. The City of Dubuque Assisted Housing Program's Fair Housing Goals: Goal #1—Advance Equity Action Steps: Work with LLs to educate them of the program, Create education opportunities for homebuyers, Update landlord educations Goal #2—Decrease Desperate Impact Action Steps: Increase and promote safe affordable housing, Increase access to opportunity and building social capital Hodgson concludes presentation and opens the meeting up to Questions and Comments: Comment #1 —Expressed concerns about protection for tenants because the community is reporting that the units of particular landlord are not being maintained and suspect that there are code violation. Comment implored that the landlord needed to be held accountable. (Hodgson suggested specifically following up with caseworker) Comment #2—there was a question about portability and funding, briefly Hodgson explained the process and ultimately expressed that the person should reach out the caseworker. (Hodgson further clarified port funding and why recently the Assisted Housing had to place a hold on ports.) Page 425 of 797 Ryan Feller spoke about the Next Level Savings Program, which is HUD's Family Self Sufficiency program. Participants were given a brief description of the program and encouraged to email interest or questions to fsskcityofdubuque.org. Allie Kutsch, another Self Sufficiency Coordinator, furthered the discussion and encouraged people to call about this great opportunity for voucher holders. Hodgson let the members of the Resident Advisory Board know that once a participant's ID/SSN cards are verified, they will be destroyed. Historically these documents were retained, and a participant would be able to request a copy of them, this will no longer be available. The same scenario occurs when a participant ports to another Housing Authority, the documents will no longer be available to send on behalf the participant, rather the participant will have to provide the new housing authority with copies of these documents. Meeting concludes at 11:17AM. Recorded on 2/12/25 by: Ryan Feller Page 426 of 797