To: Honorable Chair and Commissioners
From: Steve Potter, Executive Director
Prepared By: Stephanie Gaul, Housing Manager
TITLE:
Title
Housing Choice Voucher Program Administrative Plan Updates
LABEL
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Recommendationle
Receive a report on updates and provide guidance on policy revisions to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan.
Body
DISCUSSION:
The Housing Authority of the City of Napa (“the Housing Authority”) is required to maintain an Administrative Plan relative to the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (“the Program”). The Administrative Plan is a policy document that is used to ensure the Program is administered in compliance with the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”) regulations. In addition to affirming compliance with HUD regulations, the Administrative Plan is the document which defines policies for which HUD has allowed local discretion. The Administrative Plan is a necessary reference tool for the Housing Authority staff to administer the Program accurately and to ensure that all applicants, participants, and landlords are treated in a fair and equitable manner.
The current Administrative Plan was adopted in 2008 and was most recently amended in 2021. Since 2021, HUD has updated several policies including HUD’s final rules implementing Housing Opportunity Through Modernization Act (HOTMA) and National Standards for the Physical Inspection of Real Estate (NSPIRE). HOTMA comprehensively changes the way income and assets are calculated for Program qualifications, provides streamlined recertifications, and allows new flexibility for the local Housing Authority. NSPIRE is a significant change from the prior physical conditions’ inspection standard to a new standard that prioritizes conditions that can harm residents. Because both final rules fundamentally change how the Program is administered, a wholesale re-write of the Administrative Plan is appropriate.
Staff has drafted an updated Administrative Plan and will review proposed policy changes in a presentation at this meeting. The Housing Authority Board will have the opportunity to provide feedback on discretionary policy during the meeting. Staff will release the Draft Administrative Plan for a 45-day public comment period in mid-February and is prepared to bring the Draft Administrative Plan for Housing Authority Board approval at the April 7, 2026 meeting.
FINANCIAL IMPACTS:
There are no financial impacts related to this action.
CEQA:
The Executive Director has determined that the Recommended Action described in this Agenda Report is not subject to California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15060(c).
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None.
NOTIFICATION:
None.