The Housing Authority reported Dec. 13 that a tenant support pilot designed to reduce barriers for voucher holders has provided $505,000 in assistance to 54 families and will now offer services at the time of voucher issuance rather than waiting 60 days. The assistance covers costs tied to initial lease-up: application and processing fees, security deposits, utility deposits and arrears, and essential household items.

"Since the start of the pilot, the authority has provided $505,000 for tenant support services for 54 families," Housing Operations Director Kendra Crawford said. Staff described changes intended to reduce the number of expired vouchers by contacting voucher holders earlier and assessing eligibility based on household income to prioritize those with the greatest need. The authority noted funding availability and eligibility controls; requesting assistance does not guarantee reimbursement.

Plaza East operations and tenant concerns took up a significant portion of public comment. Ron Bowen (John Stewart) presented Plaza East operations data: 255 work orders in November, an active inspection program, one fewer occupied unit, and move-in timelines that ranged from three to seven weeks depending on documentation and compliance checks. He said 15 referrals since April had produced four move-ins, nine declines and two pending applicants.

Multiple Plaza East resident leaders and public commenters criticized management and contractor oversight, raised long-running complaints about tenant-association governance, and alleged unpaid fees and overdue election processes. A Plaza East community representative said the tenant association had been excluded from communications, and Dennis Williams (Plaza East Development Advisory Committee) alleged an unpaid stipend since Aug. 23 and urged emergency elections and working meetings to resolve outstanding issues.

Authority staff responded that follow-up meetings and emails had been sent, that a working meeting is scheduled for next week to review reconciliation and vacancy issues with developers, and that the authority is pursuing quality-assurance work to improve waitlist accuracy and referral tracking. Staff emphasized coordination with the Mayor's Office of Housing and Community Development for contract oversight of on-site services.

Next steps: staff said they will follow up with Plaza East tenant leaders to confirm meeting times and agendas, continue the tenant support pilot with earlier outreach at voucher issuance, and pursue reconciliation meetings with developers before year-end to address outstanding payments and vacancy issues.