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Washington County to open zone-based project-based voucher wait list Nov. 4; aims to shorten vacancy times
Summary
Housing Authority of Washington County will open a new zone-based project-based voucher wait list Nov. 4–10, using a one-week application window and randomized lottery; the change is intended to streamline 37 existing property-level wait lists into four geographic zones.
Washington County Housing Authority staff told the board Oct. 7 they will open a consolidated, zone-based project-based voucher (PBV) wait list next month to streamline more than two dozen property-specific lists into a single, clearer system.
Jill Chen, deputy director, said the authority administers project-based vouchers at 37 properties that represent 569 vouchers (about 18% of the agency’s roughly 2,500 Section 8 vouchers). Many of those properties currently use separate wait lists and local practices. Chen said the authority will phase in four geographic zones and, as existing property wait lists are exhausted, will pull new applicants from the corresponding zone list.
Timing and process: Liz Morris, rental assistance division manager, said the authority will open the new general PBV wait list for one week — Nov. 4–10 — and then randomize all applicants who apply during that window into a lottery order rather than use first-come, first-served ranking. The authority plans to reopen and keep the list open after that initial lottery. Applicants may choose any combination of the four zones when they apply.
Operational details and preferences: Applicants may apply to all four zones or limit their applications to one or more zones. Morris said applicants will be able to refuse up to three referrals; after three refusals the authority may remove applicants who repeatedly decline offers. Some PBV properties have targeted populations (seniors, veterans, foster-family units); property-specific eligibility requirements will still apply when units are pulled for referral.
Why staff made the change: Staff said the current patchwork of more than 20 separate wait lists is administratively burdensome and can delay filling vacancies. Zone-based lists should let applicants identify the communities where they want to live (for example, stay near jobs or child care) and reduce time-to-rent for owners and operators.
Equity and access: The authority will use its Yardi platform for applications and said it will conduct outreach to community partners, libraries and service providers so people without home internet access can apply. Morris and Chen said they will coordinate with homeless service navigators and other community partners and will publicize the opening through press releases and provider networks.
Board questions and follow-up: Board members asked about lottery mechanics and whether the randomization was computer-driven; staff said the intent was to ensure equitable access and to publish details of the randomization process. The authority also plans a yearly “save my spot” confirmation so that the open list contains active, interested applicants.
Ending: The authority said it will monitor results and tweak the system to reduce vacancies and improve placement outcomes; staff indicated the change will take several years to complete the transition as legacy lists are exhausted.
