Flagstaff Housing Authority adopts five-year plan, approves action contingent on resident comment; Williams transfer timeline outlined

The City of Flagstaff Housing Authority voted to approve Resolution 25-01, its five-year plan, during a virtual board meeting on Jan. 23, 2025, with the approval made contingent on the absence of major objections from residents or the public at scheduled hearings.

The plan, presented by Kurt Aldinger, lays out goals for the authority over the next five years: maintaining program compliance and financial responsibility, preserving and renovating public housing, partnering with community organizations, expanding housing choice through vouchers and special programs, and pursuing redevelopment opportunities through HUD programs such as Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD). "So this is the 5 year plan, and, this is a basic, guideline on what we are going to do with this," Aldinger said during his presentation.

Why it matters: the plan describes pathways to use outside financing and federal programs to renovate aging units and change bedroom-size mixes to meet current demand while preserving resident protections. The authority said any redevelopment would require resident input, guarantee the right to return, and cover relocation costs during work.

Board discussion and public input Board members asked about specific program details. Nadine Hart asked whether rental assistance covers security deposits; staff clarified that rental assistance refers to monthly rent support and that income adjustments affect resident contributions. The presentation noted the authority operates 265 public housing units and emphasized a need for more one- and two-bedroom units to reflect current demand.

Sarah, the authority director, addressed concerns about federal policy changes and HUD program implementation. "We're functioning on communications directly from HUD to base our decisions on," she said, explaining that the authority relies on official HUD guidance and that software upgrades tied to the Housing Opportunities Through Modernization Act (HOPMA) have been delayed. She said HUD communications during recent funding uncertainty were limited and abrupt, and that local staff remain prepared to respond as further guidance arrives.

Williams Housing Authority transfer and timeline In the director's report, staff outlined ongoing work with HUD and legal teams on a proposed voluntary transfer of the Williams Housing Authority voucher program to Flagstaff. Sarah said the parties had identified no procedural barriers and that, if approved by the housing authority and city council, July 1 is the target effective date. She said the authority must submit required paperwork to HUD by April 1 and that the transfer process includes a 90-day HUD review window (30 days for the Phoenix field office, 30 days for the Financial Management Center, and 30 days for HUD headquarters).

Board action Board member Tatum Covey moved to approve Resolution 25-01, the City of Flagstaff Housing Authority five-year plan, "as presented by Kurt" and with the understanding that final approval would take into account public and resident hearing outcomes. The motion was seconded and the board voted in favor. The chair announced the motion carried. The board scheduled follow-up steps: a formal public hearing, additional resident meetings already held, and a likely special meeting in early March to consider any final actions needed for the Williams transfer and related documents.

What the plan would allow and limits The presentation and subsequent discussion clarified several limits and options: the Faircloth Act restricts total public housing unit counts (the authority currently reports 265 units), but RAD can help attract additional funding sources to renovate existing units or add housing through other financing vehicles, though it does not increase the authority's public housing unit cap. The authority described RAD and other financing options as ways to change bedroom-size distribution and potentially create mixed-income developments. Staff emphasized that resident rights would be honored: residents displaced for renovation would have the right to return, and relocation would be at the authority's expense.

Next steps Staff said they will publish required notices, hold the mandated public hearing and additional resident meetings, and, if no major objections arise, submit paperwork to HUD by April 1. The authority also plans a special board meeting in early March to consider final approval related to the Williams transfer.

Public comment during the meeting included an introduction from a resident who identified as DJ and said they have experienced homelessness and housing discrimination, and a read statement from Zena Hubert of Williams asking how Williams applicants would be reevaluated if Flagstaff assumed management of Williams vouchers. These comments were recorded for consideration at the upcoming hearings.

The authority completed its agenda and adjourned with a reminder that board members should watch for an email from staff about the special March meeting.