Progress already made on
Seattle Housing Authority's
five-year strategic plan
SEATTLE—November 29, 2006—SHA is
just over one year into its five-year
strategic plan and has already achieved a number of its
stated goals. Successful development at NewHolly, Rainier Vista and
High Point along with new partnerships to build housing and
supportive programs for SHA residents all help contribute to success
in this area.
The plan, developed by staff across SHA in
collaboration with the board, is titled
“Remaining committed in times of change."
According to SHA's executive director Tom Tierney,
“The plan addresses the challenges of continuing
to serve those with the lowest incomes in the
face of dwindling federal resources. It also
outlines strategies that will help SHA to become
less dependent on federal subsidies.”
The four strategic
directions in the plan are to remain committed
to our mission in times of change, to strive for
financial independence, to improve process and
performance, and to continue to use sound business practices.
Specific goals include
increasing resources to retain SHA’s traditional
emphasis on serving extremely low income
households, and improving understanding of and
support for SHA’s expanding activities and role
in the community.
Over the past year SHA has
worked toward achieving these goals with
successful development work at NewHolly, Rainier
Vista and High Point; at the same time, SHA has
moved forward on replacement housing
commitments. SHA is also continuing successful
resident support programs.
SHA has continued to provide
subsidy to low-income households who depend on
SHA’s Housing Choice Voucher and Section 8
Moderate Rehab programs. Staff is also moving
steadily toward achieving full utilization of
Section 8 Vouchers and continuing to provide
critical Project- and Tenant-Based Section 8
Vouchers to partnership agencies.
SHA’s role as a leader on
housing advocacy, policy review and funding
issues on the state and federal levels has continued
to increase over this past year.
Part of the plan is to make
the best use possible of all of SHA’s assets.
The homeWorks program and the reconfiguration of
the Scattered-Sites portfolio are both examples
of progress toward this goal.
SHA is also participating in
revenue-generating partnerships. For example,
SHA has been working to integrate housing into
the Qwest Field development.
The last strategic direction
is to continue to use and enhance sound business
practices. This is exemplified by SHA’s
partnerships with social service providers,
nonprofit housing providers and City of Seattle
agencies. SHA is also working to administer its
rent subsidy program with specific focus on
program integrity, participant relations, owner
relations, responsiveness to community needs and
financial performance.
Communication with Section 8
landlords is also being enhanced through regular
meetings and written communications.
To read a
full copy of SHA’s Five-Year Strategic Plan,
please
download a copy from SHA’s Web site. If
you would like a paper copy mailed to you,
please call 206-615-3522.
|
