CDA to make retroactive $1,000 relocation payments for eligible households after Section 18 disposition

Staff briefed the board on relocation assistance tied to the CDA's Section 18 disposition, saying the original application estimated relocation assistance at about $1,000 per family to cover moving expenses and counseling. Staff said two residents have moved since disposition and recommended retroactive $1,000 payments to those households and continuation of the $1,000 payment for residents who were on-site on the disposition date.

"We estimated, around 1000 dollars per family," the staff member said when describing the original application estimate. Staff explained HUD guidance provides two common approaches: a simple estimated cash payment or a reconciliation of actual costs; staff said the CDA had used the estimated approach in the original application and that HUD does not require itemized documentation under that method. "I would like to retroactively go and make that payment to those individuals who moved out," staff said.

Staff estimated the ongoing budgetary impact at roughly $3,000 to $5,000 per year given low turnover at the properties and said the item was presented for discussion and awareness rather than formal action. Board members expressed support and asked about whether residents could claim actual costs for higher payments; staff said they would need to review the original application if the board wanted to pursue reconciliation.