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Redevelopment Authority authorizes Neighborly software purchase to replace legacy systems
Summary
The board authorized the executive director to sign an implementation and subscription agreement with Neighborly to replace the Authority's current mortgage, estimating and client-portal software; staff emphasized data migration ahead of a November mortgage‑system expiration and asked for contractual timeline protections.
The Redevelopment Authority of the City of Erie on March 10 authorized the executive director to enter an implementation and subscription agreement with Neighborly, a cloud‑based housing and grants management platform, to replace several legacy systems currently in use.
The board’s authorization covers the one‑time implementation and data‑migration work and an annual subscription. Staff said a one‑time implementation fee (described in the meeting as about $19,000) would be used to migrate historical mortgage and program data from the current mortgage software before that vendor contract expires in November 2025. Aaron, the authority’s executive director, said the change would consolidate the mortgage-office functions, estimating software used by inspectors, and the client portal into one platform and provide an online portal for applicants and contractors.
Why it matters: staff said Neighborly would allow applicants to upload files, allow contractors to submit bids and payment authorization forms online, and create a clearer client-facing workflow. The board heard concerns about vendor transitions; board member Ethan said he wanted to ensure the change would not trigger a repeat of recent multi‑system accounting transitions and requested contractual timeline and performance protections. Aaron responded that staff will require defined implementation timelines and liquidated‑damages provisions if Neighborly fails to meet milestones.
Staff noted the following operational points: Neighborly is a 100% cloud‑based application; staff requested the vendor to provide an interface to Blackbaud Financial Edge NXT in 2026 (currently not available); and the implementation plan is intended to complete in time to extract historical mortgage records before the mortgage vendor contract lapses. The board approved the authorization by voice vote.
Board direction and next steps: staff will negotiate and finalize contract language that includes an implementation schedule and protections, begin data extraction from the mortgage system, and start Neighborly’s implementation team work. Staff listed planned tasks including extracting the mortgage-office CSV, importing historical mortgages and loan records, enabling contractor portals, and training staff and contractors. The authority will continue to maintain paper application options for applicants who cannot use online systems.
