TITLE: Title
Proposed Revisions to the Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program
PURPOSE: The purpose of this item is for the Board to consider approving proposed revisions to the Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program out of the Affordable Housing Fund.
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DEPARTMENT: Manager’s Office
CONTACT INFORMATION: Nate Broman-Fulks, nbroman-fulks@townofcarrboro.org <mailto:nbroman-fulks@townofcarrboro.org>, 919-918-7314
INFORMATION: The Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program (RUDAP) was created in June of 2014 to assist Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher holders relocate within Carrboro. Revisions to the program were approved in November 2015 to assist in the implementation of the program.
Since the updates in November 2015, the Town has received two applications for funding. Each application process has allowed staff to analyze how the program and application process function. Based on staff’s experience and feedback from the applicant, staff is proposing two revisions to the program, located under the proposed “Application and Approval Process” section found in Attachment A - Draft Revised Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program.
The first proposed revision would allow the Town Manager to approve or deny the applications for funding to this program. The current process is for the Board of Aldermen to approve all requests. This revision is being proposed to assist in expediting the process. When an application is received, it is normally the last step in a voucher holder securing housing. The voucher holder often needs the deposit assistance within a week to secure the housing. This short timeframe can make it difficult to add an item to the Board’s agenda and bring an application to the Board for approval, especially if there is not a Board meeting the next week. Allowing the Town Manager the ability to approve this one-time grant of up to $1,000 would help ensure an eligible voucher holder doesn’t lose the opportunity to secure housing in Carrboro because of process issues.
The second revision is the inclusion of a description of how to apply to the Town for RUDAP assistance. The inclusion of this information doesn’t change the application process, it is simply added to increase clarity to potential applicants on how to apply.
If the Board chooses to approve the proposed revisions, it can do so by passing the resolution located in Attachment B - A Resolution Approving the Updates to the Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: There is no anticipated fiscal impact.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends the Board approve the proposed revisions to the Rental and Utility Deposit Assistance Program.