Santa Rosa Housing Authority reviews FY 2025–26 budget, flags federal and state funding risks

Megan Basinger, executive director of the Santa Rosa Housing Authority, presented the draft fiscal year 2025–26 budget at the authority’s April 28 study session and told commissioners the proposed spending plan totals about $56.5 million, roughly a $4.9 million (10%) increase from the current year.

The review covered accomplishments this fiscal year, upcoming priorities, estimated revenue and proposed expenditures for the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) rental assistance program and the Housing Trust. “Our mission is to ensure adequate, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for qualified people within Santa Rosa consistent with federal, state, and local law,” Basinger said as she opened the presentation.

Why it matters: The budget funds direct rental assistance — roughly 80% of the proposed expenditures — and local affordable housing loans and programs that the city uses to finance construction and rehabilitation. Commissioners pressed staff on risks to funding streams and on how administrative overhead is allocated across city departments.

Key details and program counts - Housing Choice Vouchers: Staff said the authority administers about 1,925 vouchers, including port-ins from other jurisdictions. Basinger said roughly 300 voucher holders port into Santa Rosa from Sonoma County. - Emergency Housing Vouchers (EHV): Staff reported 107 active EHVs and said the program…