To: Commissioners, Housing Advisory Commission
From: Thomas Lord
Subject: 2017 Housing Advisory Commission Recommendations
Date: May 3, 2018

Introduction and Recommendation

Recommendation: That the Housing Advisory Commission discuss, perhaps amend, adopt, and publish this memo in partial fulfillment of its duties under BMC 19.44.20(B)(10), as directed by the passage of measure U1 in 2016.

The municipal code, as amended by measure U1, reads in part (emphasis added):

  1. The Housing Advisory Commission shall review and advise the City Council on housing policy, housing programs, and related issues. In particular, the Commission shall make recommendations on how and to what extent the City should establish and fund programs to increase the supply of affordable housing and protect residents of Berkeley from homelessness. These recommendations may be made annually or biannually, as the Commission deems appropriate in light of the City’s budget cycle and other relevant funding cycles. The Commission’s recommendations shall be promptly published on the City’s web site and transmitted to the City Council. The City Council shall consider, but need not follow, the Commission's recommendations, and shall annually inform the Commission as to the extent to which it has implemented the recommendations. [BMC 19.44.20(B)(10)]

Background

2017 was a transition year for the Housing Advisory Commission. In a "perfect storm", over the course of roughly 9 months:

Accordingly, at its meeting on March 27, 2018, Council spoke from the dais and took action to remind the HAC of its duties under measure U1.

The HAC's response to that reminder: We agree.

On a positive note, in spite of the obstacles, the HAC did make a number of housing policy and homelessness prevention policy recommendations to Council, and Council took actions generally in accord with these. These are described below.

It is the intent of the Housing Advisory Commission to fully embrace and implement its duties under the entirety of BMC 19.44.020(B) in the 2018-2019 fiscal year, beginning with the work planning we will commence in May and June of 2018.

HAC recommendations from 2017

2


  1. "HOME": HUD's Home Investment Parternship Program;
    "CHDO": Community Housing Development Organization


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