Peoria Housing Authority Observer Report

PEORIA HOUSING AUTHORITY (PHA) FIVE YEAR CAPTAL FUND PROGRAM                                                                  2020 AGENCY ANNUAL PLAN
The PHA recently completed a series of public hearings to get input from citizens on their Five Year Capital Fund Program (FY 2020-2024) and Annual Plan.  The United States Human Services and Urban Renewal Department (HUD) requires a 45-day public comment period starting August 21, and ending October 4, 2019.  Copies of the plans for public review can be obtained at the Peoria Housing Authority, 100 Richard Pryor Place, Peoria, IL.  There were five public meetings scheduled.  The meeting attended by Cheryl Budzinski and myself was on September 9 at PHA office at Harrison Homes.  The meeting was led by Melissa Hofstadter; Kandace Simpson, PHA Administrative Assistant was present.
Melissa gave an overview of the specific developments and goals for sites for 2020; the PHA receives approximately $1.5 million annually and has 2 years to obligate funds and 4 years to expend them. 

​Funds may not be used for routine maintenance.  Funds can be designated for specific facility projects, such as, roofs or HVAC, and sidewalk replacement.  Other expenses, such as, safety and security are included.  PHA has plans to install security cameras at several locations.  Prior years Capital Funds and Replacement Housing Funds are audited and reported to HUD.  In addition, HUD requires reporting on occupancy and energy efficiency.
PHA works to compliment the City of Peoria’s Five-Year HUD plan.  Future development activities include converting some of the Rental Assistance Development (RAD) units at Taft to Section 3, 16 units for Peoria plan and an additional 16 units for East Bluff expansion.  Some of the projects will be mixed finance development.  Demolition and disposal of obsolete units will be planned as well, based on assessment required by HUD.
An overview of PHA Policy updates was reviewed to include:  Family Self-Sufficiency Action Plan, Public Housing Lease Agreement, Criminal Trespass Policy and Admissions & Continued Occupancy Plan.
The meeting lasted approximately 45 minutes.  An Agenda was available at the meeting locations.
 Connie Romanus, Observer