Council OKs extension request to continue Charlottesville supplemental rental assistance through Dec. 15

City staff told Charlottesville City Council on Aug. 4 they are seeking authorization to extend the current grant amendment for the Charlottesville Supplemental Rental Assistance Program (CCRAP) to Dec. 15, 2025, in order to draft program improvements and complete a comprehensive evaluation. Madeline Metzler, housing compliance coordinator for Neighborhood Development Services, said CCRAP — a joint program administered with the Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) — served 71 households in fiscal year 2025, including 89 adults and 94 children. Metzler said the program targets households at 60 percent or less of area median income and that, in the current caseload, participants are at 30 percent or less of AMI. She said average participant monthly rent was $1,398 and average assistance was $974 per household, covering about 70 percent of rent on average. Metzler said staff proposes extending the existing seventh grant amendment to Dec. 15 to allow time to draft an eighth amendment with potential program changes (eligibility, participant tenure, administrative funding) and to develop a work plan for a comprehensive program evaluation. Staff also plans to investigate software platforms used by CRHA to improve administration. Metzler told council the extension can be carried out using existing carryforward funds (no new appropriation required) and asked council to authorize creating and approving the resolution that formalizes the extension. Councilors asked clarifying questions; the resolution text was not included in the meeting packet but staff said it mirrors the agreement already provided and has been drafted and approved by the city attorney. A motion to authorize and approve the resolution passed during the Aug. 4 meeting.