SEATTLE—November 29, 2006—Seattle Housing Authority 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 Housing Choice Voucher Program landlords is also being enhanced through regular meetings and written communications.