Legislation Details

File #: HIST-11108    Version: 1 Subject:
Type: Historical Status: Action Item
In control: City Council Meeting Agenda
On agenda: 4/13/2009 Final action: 4/13/2009
Title: Approval of the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan Certifications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Direct the Filing of the Certifications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Attachments: 1. Approval of the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan - A-2__09-04-13_PHA PLAN Certifications - FINAL.doc, 2. Approval of the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan - R & F Submission of Public Housing for Section 8.pdf
City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report RECOMMENDATION: Staff recommends the City Council: 1. Approve the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan Certifications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP); 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the current and future PHA Plan Certifications that already have been approved by Council. BACKGROUND: Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act In 1998, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) enacted the Quality Housing and Work Responsibility Act, which called for the creation of a Public Housing Agency (PHA) Annual Plan. The purpose of the PHA Annual Plan is to provide details about the Public Housing Agency’s immediate operations, policies, practices and procedures. Furthermore, the Annual Plan provides detail strategies for handling operational concerns, program participant concerns and needs, and programs and services for the upcoming fiscal year. Meeting Date: 04/13/09 Item Number: A-2 AGENDA ITEM: Approval of the Public Housing Agency Annual Plan Certifications for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program and Direct the Filing of the Certifications with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development. Contact Person/Dept.: Tevis Barnes, Mona Karroum Phone Number: 310-253-5782 Fiscal Impact: Yes [] No [X] General Fund: Yes [] No [X] Public Hearing: [] Action Item: [X] Attachments: [X] Public Notification: Master E-Mail Notification List (04/08/09); Department Approval: Sol Blumenfeld (04/08/09) City Attorney Approval: Carol Schwab (by H. Baker) (04/08/09) Fiscal Impact Review: Jeff Muir (04/08/09) City Manager Approval: Jerry B. Fulwood (04/08/09) City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report Submission of this Plan is a requirement of HUD for continued receipt of funding to support the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP). Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program The HCVP is operated under the authority of the City Council of the City of Culver City, which is the designated local public housing authority/agency established by the City in 1976. The Culver City Housing Division (CCHD) provides 384 units of affordable housing to very low- and low-income households. This represents assistance to approximately 2.3% of the 16,611 housing units within Culver City. CCHA recently updated the Section 8 waiting list of 773 households. Additionally over fifteen (15) vouchers have been issued in the last twelve (12) months for applicants that were found eligible to participate in the program. The HCVP provides an average of $764.54 in rent subsidy per month to assist extremely low-, very low- and low-income households to live in decent, safe and sanitary housing. DISCUSSION: Public Housing Agency Annual Plan In the past HUD required that the CCHD submit a PHA Annual Plan outlining the daily operations, policies, practices and procedures of the Section 8 HCVP. Previously this item has been presented to Council and has been approved. On November 13, 2008, HUD issued PIH 2008-41. This notice exempts “Qualified PHA’s” from the requirement to prepare and submit an Annual Plan. “Qualified PHA’s” (including Culver City) have a program size of 550 housing units or smaller. Culver City’s program size is 384. Qualified PHA’s must still submit the required certifications to HUD, which certifications require the City Manager’s signature. These certifications include: • PHA Certifications of Compliance with the PHA Plans and Related Regulations: Board Resolution to Accompany the PHA 5-Year and Annual PHA Plan • Certificate of Payments to Influence Federal Transactions • Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report As a result of PIH 2008-41, the annual plan is no longer a requirement. However, a requirement still exists for the submission of a five year plan. Culver City’s five year plan will be presented to the City Council for approval during calendar year 2010. In lieu of the annual plan, HUD is now requiring an annual administrative certification which will be provided by the City Manager. Detailed below are several HUD defined policies and local initiatives that were included in the PHA PLAN for 2008. This item was approved by City Council on April 15, 2008 and was successfully submitted to HUD last year. The CCHD will continue to implement the following policies. 2007/2008 Federal Fiscal Year Appropriations Act How the CCHD manages its daily operations, policies, practices, and procedures is impacted by the enactment of 2007 and 2008 Federal Fiscal Year (FFY) Appropriations Acts (Acts). The Acts drastically modified allocation methods for calculating and distributing housing assistance payments (HAP), renewal funds, and PHA administrative fees. With the 2007 and 2008 Appropriations Acts, HUD has mandated that with the continuation of reduced funding, housing agencies must continue to protect the families most at risk, manage utility costs, and reduce HCVP participants’ rent contributions. This reduction in funding is occurring with escalating rental rates, HUD defined Fair Market Rents that do not keep pace with market rental rates, and a vacancy rate of less than 2%. This creates the need to assist the same number of households with less funding. HUD has also defined cost saving measures housing agencies should employ to reduce their program cost while also protecting at-risk families, controlling utility costs, and reducing program participants’ rent contribution. The CCHD continues to employ methods of reducing program costs, such as: • The minimum HCVP rent contribution for CCHD voucher families has been increased from $25 to $50. • A subsidy standard of two persons per bedroom regardless of gender or age has been established. • CCHD will maintain its current utility allowance unless there is an increase of more than 10% in utility costs. We have recalculated and updated current utility costs with new utility allowances. However the new calculated utility allowances have not been implemented as a cost saving measure. Implementation is not a HUD requirement. City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report • CCHD will limit approval of rent increase requests and will review rent increase proposals on a case by case basis. Property Owner Outreach/Public Relations In this environment of limited funding to provide rent increases and lowered payment standards to property owners and extreme competition from the rental housing market’s “market rate units”, staff has strategically created different methods to maintain the current lease-up rate and attract and maintain property owner participation in the HCVP such as conducting an “Open House” for property owners, hosting an annual Owner Appreciation Dinner, presenting a Landlord of the Year Award, conducting exploratory meetings with developers, placing advertisements in local papers during Festival La Ballona and giving $25.00 gift cards to a local business when a property owner executes a new HCVP contract. Even with these efforts, staff felt more could be done. The Redevelopment Agency approved entering into a contract with Big Imagination, a local public relations firm, for an amount of $60,000 to assist the CCHD put a new face on affordable housing by creating consumer friendly marketing pieces for community wide distribution and have marketing materials and brochures that will help to “Tell Our Story”. The CCHD is very encouraged that this marketing/public relations campaign and outreach will assist in increasing property owner participation in the HCVP. The CCHD is scheduled to present the new public relations and outreach plan to the Agency on May 11, 2009. Family Self Sufficiency Since 1999, the CCHD has been awarded funding for our Family Self Sufficiency (FSS) Coordinator position which has afforded our agency the ability to assist our HCVP participants achieve their goal of self sufficiency. The CCHD was approved to enroll up to twenty-five (25) participants in our FSS Program. Most recently, on January 9, 2009, the CCHD received notification that the 2008/2009 FSS grant amount of $64,909.00 had been awarded. Through the years, forty (40) households have participated in FSS. Of this number, twelve (12) have graduated by completing their Contract of Participation (COP) and thirty-four (34) have generated escrow accounts which is an indication of increase in wage earned income. As an incentive to participate in the FSS Program and to create a “nest egg” for the FSS Participants, the FSS Program allows for the generation of escrow accounts. Through the use of federal Section 8 funds, this escrow account functions like a “forced savings account” and is generated based on an increase in earned income. Once the FSS participant experiences an increase in City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report earned income, the CCHD is required to credit to an escrow account a portion of the increase of rent that would otherwise result from increases in earned income. These escrow accounts have totaled over $94,143.87 with some being as high as $27,780.40. On January 7, 2008 the City Council approved entering into a contract with St. Joseph’s Center to provide case management services to FSS Participants. The CCHD is scheduled to go to Council/Agency for the renewal of this contract on April 20, 2009. The services provided shall include: • Conducting intake interviews. • Assessing the skills, abilities, needs, and resources of families. • Identifying realistic goals and developing tasks and milestones to accomplish goals. • Monitoring and documenting the family’s progress to goals in the client’s contract. • Coordinating/conducting recruitment of FSS participants. • Organizing economic-enrichment seminars such as preparing for homeownership, consumer credit counseling, and job interview skills. • Conducting a survey to determine the program success. • Recruiting new participants to the FSS program. Additionally the CCHD will utilize the FSS Coordinator to assist Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Participants with their housing search. These services shall include, but not be limited to: • Determining housing needs such as size, location and disability access (if applicable). • Evaluating barriers to housing such as evictions or poor credit history. • Drafting a Housing Plan that will address and/or remediate barriers and will lead to identification of an appropriate unit. • Owner Outreach such as building on existing relationships with Culver City landlords and other management companies that may operate within Culver City. • Tenant housing search interview preparations when meeting an owner. Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) The Violence Against Women Act (Public Law 109-162) (VAWA) was first authorized in 1994. Last year Congress reauthorized and expanded VAWA, adding several new provisions that address the housing needs of victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. These provisions affect PHA’s administering federal housing programs including the HCVP. They also affect property owners participating in the HCVP. City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report VAWA specifically prohibits PHA’s and owners from considering actual or threatened domestic violence, dating violence, or stalking as a cause for terminating the tenancy, occupancy, or program assistance of the victim. PHA’s and owners may not construe such violence or stalking (1) as a serious or repeated violation of the lease by the victim, (2) as other good cause for terminating the tenancy or occupancy rights of the victim, or (3) as criminal activity justifying the termination of the tenancy, occupancy rights, or program assistance of the victim. In November 2006 a letter regarding VAWA was sent by the CCHD to all HCVP property owners and current participants in the HCVP. Additionally, information pertaining to VAWA has been included in the HCVP Administrative Plan. The CCHA provides referrals to numerous shelters including Free Spirit in West Los Angeles and Sojourn Services in Santa Monica for victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault or stalking. Additionally, the CCHD is currently working with St. Joseph’s center. This non-profit organization is a direct link to provide services that may help battered individuals. Office of Inspector General The CCHD has diligently been working with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Inspector General (OIG) to report suspected fraudulent cases. On February 7, 2008 OIG Special Agents attended a CCHD Staff meeting to communicate to the Housing Division exactly what their role is in helping to eliminate fraud. Additionally, CCHD staff attended an OIG seminar on March 8, 2007 geared towards educating Housing Authorities/Agencies on OIG roles and procedures. The CCHD has also created a Fraud Investigation Request Form. Since March 2007, approximately fifteen (15) cases have been forwarded to OIG for investigation. Two cases have been reported back with findings and both participants have been terminated from the program. The CCHD continues to pride itself in developing a strong working relationship with OIG to help prevent fraud. FISCAL ANALYSIS: Submission of the Annual Plan Certifications to HUD will ensure compliance with HUD stipulated rules and regulations for receipt of federal funds in the amount of $2 million for local rental assistance program activities. City of Culver City, California City Council Agenda Item Report ATTACHMENT: 1. PHA PLAN Certifications MOTION: That the City Council: 1. Approve the filing of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program Public Housing Agency Annual Plan Certifications with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development; and, 2. Authorize the City Manager to execute such certifications and related documents on behalf of the City. ATTACHMENT COVER SHEET Meeting Date: April 13, 2009 Item: Receive and File the Submission of the Public Housing Agency (PHA) Plan for the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program (HCVP) to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Attachments: Pages 1. PHA Plan Certifications 1-5PHA Certifications of Compliance with PHA Plans and Related Regulations U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing OMB No. 2577 -0226 Expires 4/30/2011 PHA Certifications of Compliance with the PHA Plans and Related Regulations: Board Resolution to Accompany the NIA 5-Year and Annual PHA Plan Acting on behalf of the Board of Commissioners of the Public Housing Agency (PHA) listed below, as its Chairman or other authorized PHA official if there is no Board of Commissioners, I approve the submission of the 5-Year and/or X Annual PHA Plan for the PHA fiscal year beginning 2009 , hereinafter referred to as" the Plan", of which this document is a part and make the following certifications and agreements with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in connection with the submission of the Plan and implementation thereof 1. The Plan is consistent with the applicable comprehensive housing affordability strategy (or any plan incorporating such strategy) for the jurisdiction in which the PHA is located. 2. The Plan contains a certification by the appropriate State or local officials that the Plan is consistent with the applicable Consolidated Plan, which includes a certification that requires the preparation of an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, for the PHA's jurisdiction and a description of the manner in which the PHA Plan is consistent with the applicable Consolidated Plan. 3. The PHA certifies that there has been no change, significant or otherwise, to the Capital Fund Program (and Capital Fund Program/Replacement Housing Factor) Annual Statement(s), since submission of its last approved Annual Plan. The Capital Fund Program Annual Statement/Annual Statement/Performance and Evaluation Report must be submitted annually even if there is no change. 4. The PHA has established a Resident Advisory Board or Boards, the membership of which represents the residents assisted by the PHA, consulted with this Board or Boards in developing the Plan, and considered the recommendations of the Board or Boards (24 CFR 903.13). The PHA has included in the Plan submission a copy of the recommendations made by the Resident Advisory Board or Boards and a description of the manner in which the Plan addresses these recommendations. 5. The PHA made the proposed Plan and all information relevant to the public hearing available for public inspection at least 45 days before the hearing, published a notice that a hearing would be held and conducted a hearing to discuss the Plan and invited public comment. 6. The PHA certifies that it will carry out the Plan in conformity with Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, the Fair Housing Act, section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990. 7. The PHA will affirmatively further fair housing by examining their programs or proposed programs, identify any impediments to fair housing choice within those programs, address those impediments in a reasonable fashion in view of the resources available and work with local jurisdictions to implement any of the jurisdiction's initiatives to affirmatively further fair housing that require the PHA's involvement and maintain records reflecting these analyses and actions. S. For PHA Plan that includes a policy for site based waiting lists: • The PHA regularly submits required data to HUD's 50058 PIC/IMS Module in an accurate, complete and timely manner (as specified in PIH Notice 2006-24); • The system of site-based waiting lists provides for full disclosure to each applicant in the selection of the development in which to reside, including basic information about available sites; and an estimate of the period of time the applicant would likely have to wait to be admitted to units of different sizes and types at each site; • Adoption of site-based waiting list would not violate any court order or settlement agreement or be inconsistent with a pending complaint brought by HUD; 9 The PHA shall take reasonable measures to assure that such waiting list is consistent with affirmatively furthering fair housing; • The PHA provides for review of its site-based waiting list policy to determine if it is consistent with civil rights laws and certifications, as specified in 24 CFR part 903.7(0(1). 9. The PHA will comply with the prohibitions against discrimination on the basis of age pursuant to the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, 10. The PHA will comply with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968 and 24 CFR Part 41, Policies and Procedures for the Enforcement of Standards and Requirements for Accessibility by the Physically Handicapped. 11. The PHA will comply with the requirements of section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, Employment Opportunities for Low-or Very-Low Income Persons, and with its implementing regulation at 24 CFR Part 135. 12. The PHA will comply with acquisition and relocation requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 and implementing regulations at 49 CFR Part 24 as applicable. Page 1 of 2 form HUD-50077 (412008) Previous version is obsolete13. The PHA will take appropriate affirmative action to award contracts to minority and wornen's business enterprises under 24 CFR 5.105(a). 14. The PHA will provide the responsible entity or HUD any documentation that the responsible entity or HTJD needs to carry out its review under the National Environmental Policy Act and other related authorities in accordance with 24 CFR Part 58 or Part 50, respectively. 15. With respect to public housing the PHA will comply with Davis-Bacon or HUD detei mined wage rate requirements under Section 12 of the United States Housing Act of 1937 and the Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act. 16. The PHA will keep records in accordance with 24 CFR 85.20 and facilitate an effective audit to determine compliance with program requirements. 17. The PHA will comply with the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act, the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction Act of 1992, and 24 CFR Part 35. 18. The PHA will comply with the policies, guidelines, and requirements of OMB Circular No. A-87 (Cost Principles for State, Local and Indian Tribal Governments), 2 CFR Part 225, and 24 CFR Part 85 (Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State, Local and Federally Recognized Indian Tribal Governments). 19. The PHA will undertake only activities and programs covered by the Plan in a manner consistent with its Plan and will utilize covered grant funds only for activities that are approvable under the regulations and included in its Plan. 20. All attachments to the Plan have been and will continue to be available at all times and all locations that the PHA Plan is available for public inspection. All required supporting documents have been made available for public inspection along with the Plan and additional requirements at the primary business office of the PHA and at all other times and locations identified by the PHA in its PHA Plan and will continue to be made available at least at the primary business office of the PHA. 21. The PHA provides assurance as part of this certification that: (i) The Resident Advisory Board had an opportunity to review arid comment on the changes to the policies and programs before implementation by the PHA; (ii) The changes were duly approved by the PHA Board of Directors (or similar governing body); and (iii) The revised policies and programs are available for review and inspection, at the principal office of the PHA during normal business hours. 22. The PHA certifies that it is in compliance with all applicable Federal statutory and regulatory requirements. Culver City Housing Division CA-110 PHA Name PHA Number/HA Code 5-Year PHA Plan for Fiscal Years 20 - 20 X 09 10 Annual PHA Plan for Fiscal Years 20 - 20 hereby certify that all the information stated herein, as well as any information provided in the accompaniment herewith, is true and accurate. Warning: HUD will prosecute false claims and statements. Conviction ma y result in criminal and/or civil penalties. (18 U.S.C. 1001. 1010, 1012: 31 U.S.C. 3729. 38021 Name of Authorized Official Title City Manager Jerry Fulwood Signature Date Previous version is obsolete Page 2 of 2 form HUD-50077 (4/2008) 2.Certification for a Drug-Free Workplace U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Applicant Name Culver City Housing Division Program/Activity Receiving Federal Grant Funding Housing Choice Voucher Program Acting on behalf of the above named Applicant as its Authorized Official, I make the following certifications and agreements to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) regarding the sites listed below: I certify that the above named Applicant wilt or will continue to provide a drug-free workplace by: a. Publishing a statement notifying employees that the un- lawful manufacture, distribution, dispensing, possession, or use of a controlled substance is prohibited in the Applicant's work- place and specifying the actions that will be taken against employees for violation of such prohibition. b. Establishing an on-going drug-free awareness program to inform employees — (1) The dangers of drug abuse in the workplace; (2) The Applicant's policy of maintaining a drug-free workplace; (3) Any available drug counseling, rehabilitation, and employee assistance programs; and (4) The penalties that may be imposed upon employees for drug abuse violations occurring in the workplace. c. Making it a requirement that each employee to be engaged in the performance of the grant be given a copy of the statement required by paragraph a.; d. Notifying the employee in the statement required by para- graph a. that, as a condition of employment under the grant, the employee will --- (1) Abide by the terms of the statement; and (2) Notify the employer in writing of his or her convic- tion for a violation of a criminal drug statute occurring in the workplace no later than five calendar days after such conviction; c. Notifying the agency in writing, within ten calendar days after receiving notice under subparagraph d.(2) from an em- ployee or otherwise receiving actual notice of such conviction. Employers of convicted employees must provide notice, includ- ing position title, to every grant officer or other designee on whose grant activity the convicted employee was working, unless the Federalagency has designated a central point for the receipt of such notices. Notice shall include the identification number(s) of each affected grant; f. Taking one of the following actions, within 30 calendar days of receiving notice under subparagraph d.(2), with respect to any employee who is so convicted — (1) Taking appropriate personnel action against such an employee, up to and including termination, consistent with the requirements of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended; or (2) Requiring such employee to participate satisfacto- rily in a drug abuse assistance or rehabilitation program ap- proved for such purposes by a Federal, State, or local health, law enforcement, or other appropriate agency; g. Making a good faith effort to continue to maintain a drug- free workplace through implementation of paragraphs a. thru f. 2. Sites for Work Performance. The Applicant shall list (on separate pages) the site(s) for the performance of work done in connection with the HUD funding of the program/activity shown above: Place of Performance shall include the street address, city, county, State, and zip code. Identify each sheet with the Applicant name and address and the program/activity receiving grant funding.) Check here if there are workplaces on file that are not identified on the attached sheets. hereby certify that all the information stated herein, as well as any information provided in the accompaniment herewith, is true and accurate. Warning: HUD will prosecute false claims and statements. Conviction may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. (18 U.S.C. 1001 1010, 1012; 31 U.S.C. 3729, 3802) Name of Authorized Official Title Jerry Fulwood City Manager Signature Date X form HUD-50070 (3/98) ref. Handbooks 7417.1, 7475.13, 7485.1 & .3OMB Approval No. 2577-0157 (Exp. 3/3112011 Certification of Payments to Influence Federal Transactions U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Public and Indian Housing Applicant Name Culver City Housing Division Program/Activity Receiving Federal Grant Funding Housing Choice Voucher Program The undersigned certifies, to the best of his or her knowledge and belief, that: (1) No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of the undersigned, to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connec- tion with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension, continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement. (2) If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of an agency, a Member of Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, the undersigned shall complete and submit Standard Form-LLL, Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying, in accordance with its instructions. (3) The undersigned shall require that the language of this certification be included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants, and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall certify and disclose accordingly. This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by Section 1352, Title 31, U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure. I hereby certify that all the information stated herein, as well as any information provided in the accompaniment herewith, is true and accurate. Warning: HUD will prosecute false claims and statements. Conviction may result in criminal and/or civil penalties. (18 U.S.C. 1001, 1010,1012; 31 U.S.C. 3729, 3802) Name of Authorized Official Title Jerry Fulwood City Manager Signature Date (mmidd/yyyy) form HUD 50071 (3/98) Previous edition is obsolete ref. Handb000ks 7417.1, 7475.13, 7485.1, & 7485.3CITY OF CULVF,R CITY HOUSING PROGRAMS OFFICE 9770 CULVER BOULEVARD, CULVER CITY, CALIFORNIA 90232-0507 (310) 253-5780 INFO. LINE (310) 253-5781 FAX (310) 253-5785 TEVIS BARNES Housing Programs Administrator Affirmatively Furthuring Fair Housing The Culver City Housing Agency's mission is the same as that of the U. S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). "To promote adequate and affordable housing, economic opportunity and a suitable living environment free from discrimination." The following steps are taken to further fair housing throughout the City of Culver City: 1) Overcome the effects of impediments to fair housing choice that were identified in the jurisdiction's Analysis of Impediments (Al) to Fair Housing Choice- The Housing Agency will continue to work with state and local authorities to make regulatory changes that will encourage affordable housing developments throughout and will continue to remain consistent with the applicable jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediment. 2) Remedy discrimination in housing- The Housing Agency continues to actively deconcentrate areas of poverty by outreaching to property owners throughout the City of Culver City. Rental listings are available for the voucher holders to review and include units in all areas of the City of Culver City. The City also offers a Neighborhood Preservation Program grant to all owners that qualify in exchange for the lease up of a Section 8 client. This encourages the availability of units throughout the City. 3) Promote fair housing rights and fair housing choice- The Culver City Housing Agency refers many Housing Rights questions to a non-profit organization partly funded by the City. The Housing Rights Center is available to answer all legal questions and/or concerns and complaints. The Housing Agency has a contract with the Housing Rights Center through Housing Set Aside Funds. A document promoting fair housing rights and where to report violations is included in each briefing packet for all new Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher participants. A poster is also available for public viewing in the main lobby of the Housing Agency. The Housing Agency also has purchased a language line service available for use when non English speaking individuals make inquiries about the programs offered or questions about their cases. Culver City Employees take pride in effectively providing the highest levels of service to enrich the quality of life for the community by building on our tradition of more than seventy-five years of public service, by our present commitment, and by our dedication to meet the challenges of the future. PR3NTEC ON RECYCLED PAPEA