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Davenport Housing Commission adopts 2025–29 five‑year plan; public commenters press for project‑based vouchers
Summary
The Davenport Housing Commission on June 23 adopted its required 2025–2029 housing authority five‑year plan. Public commenters urged the commission and city to support project‑based vouchers for new affordable developments, but staff said current HUD funding is nearly fully used and new project‑based vouchers are not available now.
The Davenport Housing Commission voted June 23 to adopt its 2025–2029 five‑year plan and will submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for approval.
The plan, which was posted for a 45‑day public comment period, outlines the housing authority’s goals for utilization, program administration and outreach. During the meeting several public commenters and nonprofit representatives urged the commission and the city to pursue project‑based vouchers to support new affordable housing developments; staff said the housing authority currently lacks the funding to set aside vouchers for project‑based assistance.
The five‑year plan is required by HUD for public housing agencies. Staff described the document as a comprehensive “check and balance” reflecting goals such as maintaining a voucher utilization rate near 98–100 percent and expanding budget authority to maximize units allowed by HUD.
"We are right now at 98.7%." Staff member said. "At 98.7%, we have almost maximized our funding, and that's consistent every month."
Why it matters: Project‑based vouchers can anchor financing for affordable developments by guaranteeing rental support for specific units, which developers and nonprofit housing providers say is often necessary to qualify for tax credits and other funding. Commissioners heard that without city support or new HUD allocations, local project proposals that need vouchers may fail to secure financing.
Public comment: A representative from a local housing nonprofit explained past attempts to place project‑based vouchers alongside tax‑credit projects and said city endorsement was required by some state funding programs. The commenter said delays or lack of local support led to project failures in prior cycles and urged continued advocacy. "We plan to come more often to, make comment to say that we need assistance," the commenter said.
Staff response and limits: Staff explained HUD controls overall funding and that the housing authority “does not have additional funding” to convert tenant‑based vouchers into project‑based vouchers without reallocating existing funds. "We don't have additional funding. We don't anticipate getting additional funding, and this to support financially support project based, you have to pull from your current funding," Staff member said. Staff said the commission could revisit project‑based voucher proposals if HUD allocations change or the authority can reallocate funds in the future.
Programs and partnership notes: Staff highlighted the housing authority’s work with targeted voucher programs, including HUD‑VASH for veterans and the Foster Youth Independence (FYI) program, and noted that Davenport’s utilization of some specialized voucher pools is strong. Staff also said the housing authority had completed a compliance and monitoring review with multiple findings that were addressed within a year and that HUD had invited local staff to present on the FYI program because of reported success.
Formal action: The commission adopted a resolution supporting submission of the 2025–2029 five‑year plan to HUD. A motion to adopt the resolution was moved and seconded and carried on an affirmative vote.
Looking ahead: Staff indicated the housing authority will continue to monitor HUD funding allocations and work with development partners and city staff if funding opportunities arise. The commission scheduled its next regular meeting for July 21.
