Solano County Housing Authority plans to utilize 80% of rental vouchers by year-end

Solano County is taking significant steps to improve housing access for low to moderate-income families as the Board of Supervisors approved a revised public housing agency plan during their recent meeting. The plan aims to increase the utilization of housing vouchers, with a goal of allocating at least 80% of the vouchers during the program year. Currently, only 67 to 70% of the available vouchers are being used, leaving approximately 92 vouchers unutilized due to a limited rental market in areas like Dixon and Rio Vista.

To address this issue, the Solano County Housing Authority has implemented a landlord incentive program designed to attract more landlords to participate in the housing voucher program. This includes offering sign-on bonuses, damage claim payments, and vacancy loss payments. Despite these efforts, the response from new landlords has been underwhelming, prompting discussions about alternative outreach strategies, including potential partnerships with local realtors and community events.

The Board emphasized the urgency of the situation, noting that the lack of available rental units directly impacts families in need of housing. With a turnover rate of about 6% for vouchers each year, the county is exploring ways to convert some housing choice vouchers into project-based vouchers to support housing development.

Supervisors also highlighted the importance of breaking down stigmas associated with Section 8 housing, advocating for a shift in narrative to showcase successful placements and reliable income for landlords. The meeting concluded with a commitment to continue exploring innovative solutions to enhance housing availability and support for the community.

As Solano County moves forward, the focus remains on increasing landlord participation and ensuring that families have access to safe and affordable housing options. The next steps will involve further outreach efforts and potential collaborations to address the pressing housing needs in the region.