HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_HAB_04.18.2016Notice of Meeting for the
Housing Adv isory Board
of the City of Georgetown
April 18, 2016 at 3:30 PM
at Historic Light & Waterworks, 406 W. 8th Street, Georgetown, TX 78626
The City o f G eo rgeto wn is committed to comp lianc e with the Americans with Dis abilities Ac t (ADA). If yo u
req uire as s is tanc e in participating at a p ublic meeting d ue to a disability, as d efined und er the ADA, reas onab le
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fo ur (4) d ays prior to the sc heduled meeting d ate, at (512) 930-3652 or City Hall at 113 East 8th Street for
ad d itional informatio n; TTY users ro ute thro ugh Relay Texas at 711.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
On a sub ject that is pos ted on this agend a: Pleas e fill out a speaker regis tration form which c an b e found at the
Bo ard meeting. C learly p rint yo ur name, the letter o f the item o n which yo u wis h to s p eak, and present it to the
Staff Liais o n, p referab ly p rio r to the s tart of the meeting. You will be called forward to speak when the Board
cons id ers that item.
On a sub ject not pos ted on the agend a: Pers ons may add an item to a future Bo ard agenda b y filing a written
req uest with the S taff Liaison no later than one week prior to the Board meeting. T he req uest mus t inc lude the
s p eaker's name and the s p ecific to p ic to b e ad d res s ed with sufficient information to info rm the b o ard and the
p ublic . For Board Liais on c o ntact info rmatio n, pleas e lo gon to
http://go vernment.georgetown.o rg/category/b o ard s -commissions /.
A Welc o me to gues ts .
Legislativ e Regular Agenda
B Introduction of Wayne Reed , As s is tant C ity Manager.
C Co nsideration and possible actio n to approve the minutes fro m the Marc h 17 and Marc h 28, 2016
meetings .
D Dis cus s ion on the recent field trip to see Avenue Community Develo p ment Corporatio n (CDC) in
Ho usto n.--R ic hard Glasc o , Bo ard Chair and Brend a Baxter, Vice-Chair
E Dis cus s ion on the City Counc il Strategies that were disc ussed at the Marc h 22, 2016 City Counc il
Works hop --Jennifer C. Bills, Ho using Co o rd inato r
F Dis cus s ion on the Fair Hous ing Ac t and the 2015 S upreme Court d ecisio n o n the Texas Department o f
Ho using and C o mmunity Affairs vs The Inc lus ive Communities Pro ject, Inc .--Jennifer C. Bills, Ho using
Co o rd inator
G Up coming items :
The next regular meeting is Mo nday, May 16, 2016 at 3:30 p.m. in the Large Co nference Room of
the His toric Light and Waterwo rks Build ing at 406 W. 8th Street.
City Counc il Works hop, May 24, 2016 at C ity Co uncil Chamb ers , 101 E. 7th Street.
Adjournment
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CERTIFICATE OF POSTING
I, Shelley No wling, C ity S ecretary fo r the C ity of Geo rgeto wn, Texas , d o hereby c ertify that this Notice of
Meeting was p o s ted at City Hall, 113 E. 8th Street, a p lace read ily acc es s ible to the general p ublic at all times ,
on the ______ d ay o f __________________, 2016, at __________, and remained so p o s ted fo r at leas t 72
c o ntinuo us ho urs p receding the sc heduled time o f s aid meeting.
____________________________________
S helley No wling, City Sec retary
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
April 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Intro d uc tion o f Wayne Reed, Assistant City Manager.
ITEM SUMMARY:
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
April 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Cons id eration and p o s s ib le ac tion to approve the minutes from the Marc h 17 and March 28, 2016
meetings.
ITEM SUMMARY:
Please s ee the attac hed d raft minutes.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Draft March 17, 2016 Hous ing Advis ory Board Minutes Cover Memo
Draft April 4, 2016 Hous ing Advis ory Board Minutes Cover Memo
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Housing Advisory Board Page 1
Minutes March 17, 2016
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes
March 17, 2016, at 3:30 p.m.
Georgetown Municipal Complex, 300-1 Industrial Ave
Georgetown, Texas 78626
Members present: Richard Glasco, Chair; Brenda Baxter; Nikki Brennan, Marion Goforth, Randy
Hachtel and Harry Nelson
Members absent: Joseph Gonzales
Staff present: Jennifer Bills, Housing Coordinator; Karen Frost, Recording Secretary
Call to Order by the Chair at 3:31 p.m. and reading of the opening remarks.
A. Welcome to guests.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Introduction of Housing Advisory Board members and staff.
Each board member introduced themselves.
C. Consideration and possible action to elect a Vice-Chair for 2016.
Motion by Glasco, second by Brennan to elect Brenda Baxter as the Vice-Chair.
Approved 6 – 0 – 1 (Gonzales absent.)
D. Consideration and possible action to elect a Secretary for 2016.
Motion by Glasco, second by Baxter to elect Nikki Brennan as the Secretary.
Approved 6 – 0 – 1 (Gonzales absent.)
E. Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the February 11, 2016
meeting.
Motion by Brennan, second by Goforth to approve the minutes as presented.
Approved 6 – 0 – 1 (Gonzales absent.)
F. Discussion and possible action to move the date and location of the regular Housing
Advisory Board meetings.--Jennifer C. Bills, AICP, LEED AP, Housing Coordinator
Bills lead the discussion and asked for the meeting to be moved to the third Monday of
each month. Motion by Brennan, second by Goforth to hold the regular Housing
Advisory Board meeting on the third Monday of each month at 3:30 p.m. in the
Historic Light and Waterworks Building at 406 W. 8th Street. Approved 6 – 0 – 1
(Gonzales absent.)
G. Discussion on the purpose and goals of the Housing Advisory Board. --Jennifer C. Bills,
AICP, LEED AP Housing Coordinator
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Housing Advisory Board Page 2
Minutes March 17, 2016
Bills read the purpose of the Board from the Bylaws, explaining that the Housing
Element of the Comprehensive Plan (2030 Plan) shows a deficit of affordable housing in
the city. She reported the household’s monthly rent + utilities should be less than or
equal to 30% of the household income. The median family income in the area is listed as
$76,800. It is difficult to find housing to serve that income level and lower. The city only
looks at 30-80% incomes to offer affordable housing. The Council has adopted seven
recommendations to work on.
H. Presentation and discussion on the purpose of the Georgetown Housing Authority.
Nikki Brennan, Executive Director of GHA and Board member
Brennan explained that the Housing Authority is different than the Housing Advisory
Board and that the purpose of the Housing Authority is to provide decent and
affordable housing to lower income residents, elderly and handicapped residents. She
explained the Section 8 voucher program and how the city is limited in the number of
vouchers that are on hand in the city. Many more vouchers and government funding
are needed to meet the demand of all the citizens that require more affordable housing.
Brennan explained that the Mayor and City Council appoints the Housing Authority
Board and that she is appointed to both to improve collaboration between the two
boards.
I. Discussion on the Housing Tax Credit program and recent applications to the Texas
Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA).--Jennifer C. Bills, AICP,
LEED AP, Housing Coordinator
Bills explained the tax credit system. Tax credits were established in 1986 by the U.S.
Treasury to give tax credit incentives to developers. The United States distributes these
to the State based on the state population, who distributes them to different regions.
Georgetown is in the urban region number 7. The region was allocated $4 million
dollars’ worth of credits in the last “application round”. Developers compete through a
adopted process with a complicated scoring process. All applicants in Georgetown must
make a request to the Housing Advisory Board, which reviews the project and makes a
recommendation to the City Council for approval or denial of support for the project.
Georgetown recently had five projects apply for recommendation.
J. Discussion and possible action on the workshop item on affordable housing at City
Council Workshop on April 12, 2016.--Jennifer C. Bills, AICP, LEED AP, Housing
Coordinator
Bills explained that the City Council rejected the Board’s previous request to hire a
consultant to help with the master plan. Therefore, she is going before Council on April
17th to ask for direction from them. She asked that if the board members have comments
or suggestions to please contact her.
K. Invitation to meet with Avenue Community Development Corporation (CDC) in
Houston on March 28,2016.--Richard Glasco, Board Chair
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Housing Advisory Board Page 3
Minutes March 17, 2016
Bills explained that this trip was to meet with this group in Houston to see how they are
handling land trusts, affordable housing, rehabilitations of housing projects, and
building land trusts. All of these items are being discussed by Georgetown and this is
an opportunity to see things in action and learn from them.
Bills asked that if anyone wanted to go, to contact her. She will be driving a city vehicle
to Houston for the day. Baxter, Glasco and Goforth expressed interest.
L. Discussion and possible action to hold an additional meeting before the April 12, 2016
Council workshop.--Jennifer C. Bills, AICP, LEED AP, Housing Coordinator
Bills stated she would like to hold a special meeting on April 4th for the Board to review
her Council presentation. Motion by Goforth, second by Brennan to hold the meeting
on Monday, April 4th at 3:30 p.m. at the Historic Light and Waterworks Building.
Approved 6 – 0 – 1 (Gonzales absent.)
M. Upcoming items:
Reminder of the next regular meeting the third week of April. The next regular meeting
will be held April 18th at 3:30 p.m.
Motion by Hachtel to adjourn, Second by Nelson. Approved 6 – 0 – 1 (Gonzales absent.)
Board adjourned at 4:55 p.m.
__________________________________ _______________________________________
Approved, Richard Glasco, Chair Attest, Nikki Brennan, Secretary
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Housing Advisory Board Page 1
Minutes April 4, 2016
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes
April 4, 2016, at 3:30 p.m.
Historic Light
Georgetown, Texas 78626
Members present: Richard Glasco, Chair; Brenda Baxter; Nikki Brennan, Marion Goforth, Joseph
Gonzales, Randy Hachtel and Harry Nelson
Members absent: None
Staff present: Jennifer Bills, Housing Coordinator; Karen Frost, Recording Secretary
Call to Order by Chair Glasco at 3:31 p.m. and reading of the opening remarks.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
A. Welcome to guests.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B. Discussion and possible action on the presentation to City Council at the workshop session
on April 12, 2016. --Jennifer C. Bills, Housing Coordinator
Bills gave the presentation that was to be given to Council on April 12th. She is asking Council
for direction and whether they want the Board and staff to do a study to update the numbers.
She is also recommending programs that will encourage affordable housing. She estimates the
cost of a consultant to update the Housing element of the Comprehensive Plan will cost
approximately $35,000.
The board discussed possible challenges of addressing affordable housing.
Motion by Hachtel, second by Goforth to approve the presentation to
Motion by Goforth to adjourn, second by Hachtel. Approved 7 – 0
Board adjourned at 4:24 p.m.
__________________________________ _______________________________________
Approved, Richard Glasco, Chair Attest, Nikki Brennan, Secretary
Page 8 of 55
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
April 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Disc ussion on the rec ent field trip to s ee Avenue C o mmunity Development C o rp o ration (CDC) in
Hous ton.--Ric hard Glas co, Board Chair and Brenda Baxter, Vic e-Chair
ITEM SUMMARY:
The Avenue CDC was firs t created in 1991 by res idents and homeowners in the Old S ixth Ward in
Hous ton to ad d res s affordable hous ing, p res ervation of histo ric b uildings and neighb o rhood revitalization.
The firs t s taff was hired in 1996. Today the organizatio n s erves the greater Ho us to n metropolitan area,
thro ugh the c reatio n new single-family and multifamily d evelopments, ho me b uyer educatio n and
community develo p ment.
Attac hment #1 is a broc hure with the b ackgro und of the Aus tin CDC.
Attac hment #2 are p ictures o f the Was hington C o urtyards, the firs t mixed-inc o me multifamily projec t b uilt
b y the Aus tin CDC.
Attac hment #3 is the flier fo r their current single-family d evelopment, Avenue P lace.
Attac hment #4 are the pic tures of the Avenue P lac e hous es .
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jennifer C. Bills , Hous ing Co o rd inato r
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
Attachment #1--Avenue-CDC-Brochure Backup Material
Attachment #2--Was hington Courtyards (Avenue CDC) Multifamily Backup Material
Attachment #3--Avenue Place (Avenue CDC)Backup Material
Attachment #4--Avenue Place (Avenue CDC) Single-family Backup Material
Page 9 of 55
Creating homes and communities where families thrive.
STRENGTHENING COMMUNITIES RESIDENT LEADERSHIP COLLABORATION
HOLISTIC ASSET BUILDING LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT
JOB CREATION SUSTAINABILITY
HOME
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Mission
To improve our community by developing affordable housing and economic opportunities,
while preserving our area’s cultural, economic, and historic diversity.
History
In 1991, a group of neighbors created an organization to develop affordable housing,
preserve historic buildings, and revitalize the Old Sixth Ward, a National Register Historic
District in the shadow of Houston’s downtown. Avenue CDC now serves the greater
Houston metropolitan area, with a particular focus on the Northside, East End, and
Washington Avenue neighborhoods near downtown.
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2013
Development of Distinction Award Finalist for Fulton Gardens from ULI Houston
2012 Rating of Exemplary from NeighborWorks America based
on a comprehensive review of Avenue CDC’s programs
and corporate governance
2009Regional Energy Star Award for Excellence in Energy-
Efficient Affordable Housing – U.S. Environmental
Protection Agency and the U.S. Department of Housing
and Urban Development
2008 Community Builder Award – Bank of America Foundation
Historic Rehabilitation Award
(renovation of the Old Jeff Davis Hospital) - Preservation Texas
2007
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Homeownership
By promoting homeownership, Avenue CDC stabilizes our community, improves the quality of
life for our residents, and provides working families the opportunity to accumulate equity that
can be tapped in the future for education or retirement. Services include:
First-time homebuyer classes (in English and Spanish) certified by the U.S. Department
of Housing and Urban Development
One-on-one financial counseling: reviewing credit, creating a household budget,
developing a savings plan
Post-purchase education: home maintenance, property taxes, insurance, and more
Foreclosure prevention: assisting homeowners to understand their options and
work with their lenders
“I cannot thank you enough for your help in buying my first
home. It’s no wonder others speak highly of Avenue CDC.”
- Michael Kirby
Pre-purchase homeownership class
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The Garcia Family became
homeowners at Avenue Place.
Page 14 of 55
Residential Development
By developing high-quality, energy-efficient, single-family homes and apartment communities,
Avenue CDC provides a range of housing choices for people of varying income levels.
Recent developments include:
Avenue Place – a new subdivision to include 95 homes, a neighborhood playground,
and a walking trail
Fulton Gardens – apartments serving ages 62+ at a central location across from
Moody Park and on the light-rail line
Avenue Terrace – 1-3 bedroom apartments with amenities including a fitness center,
playground, pool, and splash pad
“Fulton Gardens is the most beautiful place that I have ever
lived in. I love the area. I love the community, but mostly
I love the people.”
- Joseph Cormier (left) pictured with fellow
Fulton Gardens senior housing resident William Frick
Page 15 of 55
“This home is just right for me. I love the
area, and my neighbors are sweet. I can
sit outside and watch the people walk.”
– Charlotte Hamlet, resident at an
Avenue CDC rental home
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“This is somewhere I can settle and not have to think about looking for
another apartment and packing and moving in a year. This house is
my place, and it’s not temporary.”
– Amedie Robinson (new homeowner at Avenue Place)
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“I really like that my house is energy
efficient, and that every space is put
to good use.”
– Tiffany Tryner,
musician and first-time homeowner
at Avenue Oaks
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Culture and the Arts
With roots in an eclectic community with a rich artistic heritage, Avenue CDC has a
long history of supporting local artists:
Art on the Avenue, Avenue CDC’s annual auction, showcases the works of
more than 300 local artists
Winter Street Studios, a former furniture factory, was converted to working studio
space for 87 local artists by developer Jon Deal and Avenue CDC
Elder Street Artist Lofts, developed by Avenue CDC and Artspace, provides
34 apartments designed as artist live/work space
Artist Sandi Seltzer Bryant in her Winter Street Studio
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Resident Leadership and
Collaboration
A healthy, sustainable community is the goal of GO Neighborhoods, a comprehensive community
development initiative for which Avenue CDC serves as convening agency in Houston’s Northside.
In collaboration with Houston Local Initiatives Support Corporation, Avenue CDC is coordinating
a coalition of residents and community stakeholders in implementing strategies to:
Increase family income and wealth
Improve transportation and mobility
Enhance educational opportunities and outcomes
Improve health and safety
Economic Development
Generating economic activity, attracting and retaining local businesses and jobs, and
promoting our community are some of the ways Avenue CDC improves our local economy
and the employment opportunities for our residents.
Avenue CDC’s programs created nearly 400 jobs in five years
Small businesses benefit from technical assistance and training
Greater Northside Chamber of Commerce launched with Avenue CDC’s help
Page 21 of 55
Collecting more than $4,000 in pennies, nickels, and dimes was just
one of the ways that students of Ketelsen Elementary School helped to
raise funds for a new playground. With parental leadership and the
assistance of Avenue CDC and GO Neighborhoods, the new Spark Park
is now complete, serving the school and the entire community.
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Historic Preservation
Founded by residents of the Old Sixth Ward National Register Historic District,
Avenue CDC has received three Good Brick Awards from Preservation Houston for
successful preservation efforts, including:
Restoring the 1925 Jefferson Davis Hospital as 34 loft-style apartments
Moving, rehabilitating, and selling older homes
Renovating historic rental units
Target Area
Avenue CDC serves the greater Houston metropolitan area, with a particular focus on the
neighborhoods north, northwest, and east of Downtown.
Commercial Properties
Avenue CDC Developments
Memorial Dr.
W
e
st
c
o
t
t
S
t
.
Rental Properties
Single Family Homes
Washington Ave.
Near
Northside
Northside Northline
Downtown
El
y
s
i
a
n
US5945
10 10
610
East End
Page 23 of 55
How Can You Help?
MAKE A DONATION TODAY
Your tax-deductible contribution will help us develop the quality affordable homes and
safe healthy neighborhoods that are so essential to the well-being of our residents and
to Houston’s future.
To donate via credit card, visit our website at www.avenuecdc.org,
or call 713.864.8099, ext. 228.
You may also mail a check to:
Avenue CDC
2505 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
VOLUNTEER YOUR TIME
For volunteer opportunities, call 713.864.8099, or email us at info@avenuecdc.org.
Page 24 of 55
2505 Washington Avenue
Houston, TX 77007
713.864.8099 | www.avenuecdc.org
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City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
April 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Disc ussion on the C ity Co uncil Strategies that were d is cus s ed at the March 22, 2016 City Co uncil
Wo rksho p --Jennifer C . Bills , Hous ing Co o rdinator
ITEM SUMMARY:
In Novemb er 2015, thro ugh a series o f meetings , C ity Co uncil d eveloped 14 s trategies to achieve their
goals and visio n fo r the City. City s taff d evelo p ed a s eries of tac tic s for eac h s trategy, whic h were
p res ented at the Marc h 22 wo rksho p for Counc il review. T he p res entation and o ther doc uments fro m that
meeting can b e found here: http ://agend as .georgetown.o rg/CoverSheet.as px?
ItemID=13422&MeetingID=1445. Attached is the City Counc il S trategic Plan S ummary.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jennifer C. Bills , Hous ing Co o rd inato r
ATTACHMENTS:
Description Type
City Council Strategic Plan Summary Backup Material
Page 50 of 55
Strategic Plan Summary
Role of Council – As a representative democracy, we provide a voice for each district so that
the Council can make decisions that serve the best interests of the City of Georgetown as a whole.
To establish a common vision and goals that will protect the past and innovate for the future of our
City, and based on that vision, to:
• Keep the City physically safe and fiscally sound
• Establish appropriate policies
• Approve effective budgets
• Exercise fiduciary and financial responsibility
• Provide guidance, support, and oversight to the Council’s direct reports
• Hold key staff accountable for effectively running the City
Vision –
• Georgetown is a safe, healthy, happy, connected, and truly diverse community where people
can live, learn, work, retire, and play in an environment where we have ready access,
throughout our lives, to arts, culture, essential services, and the natural environment.
• Our educated and skilled population, fiscally responsible governance, excellent infrastructure,
and the beauty of our natural and man-made environments, attract new residents and
businesses and enable us to create balanced and diverse employment centers and economic
levels. Our strong sense of community connects us regardless of our cultural, age, ethnic, or
economic differences.
Rules of Engagement –
To treat everyone with respect,
courtesy, and civility
To act in a way that promotes and
solicits an open, honest, transparent,
and professional dialogue with each
other, our citizens, city staff, and
other interested parties
To be collaborative and actively
listen to all points of view with open-
mindedness and respect
To keep our commitments
To actively advocate for our point of
view, but also to recognize and
respect the decisions of Council,
even though we might not agree
with that decision (we will not
sabotage the decisions of Council)
Goals –
Culture
• Georgetown is a truly diverse, vibrant, inclusive, and
socially dynamic city where everyone has the
opportunity to participate in, and benefit from, our
economic, political, and social activities
Employee
• Our outstanding and innovative City Employees work
diligently to bring the Vision of Council to life and
deliver exceptional services to our customers while
exemplifying our Core Values
Internal Process
• Our policies and procedures are easy to understand,
and consistently and professionally applied. Our
internal processes are effective, efficient, fair,
inventive, and transparent, and make us a desired
destination for residents and businesses
Customer
• Anyone interacting with the City will have such a
positive experience that they will tell everyone about it
Financial
• To maintain a fiscal environment conducive to
attaining the goals of the City
Page 51 of 55
Tier One Strategies Potential Tactics from Council Sessions. To be considered
and evaluated by Staff.
Attract, hire, develop, and retain the best
people, and compensate them for the value
they create
Create a customer service mindset Establish a regular review of policies, procedures, and forms with input from the
users
Regular, institutionalized customer and employee satisfaction surveys
Improve, document, and communicate internal processes
Update the bid and procurement policies and procedures to support local
businesses
Implement the special event and destination
strategy
Build and maintain an entertainment
platform/venues
Expand and diversify the tax base (increase
commercial percentage)
Accumulate funds to account for unfunded
and unanticipated liabilities
Create a strategy to increase mobility Increase access/transportation options into and within the City
Increase ease of use/access to destination points and events
Attain and maintain superior public safety
and the enhance the perception of safety
Attract younger workers/young professionals
Page 52 of 55
Tier Two Strategies Potential Tactics
Improve communications and advertising
Create and maintain outstanding aesthetics, and a
welcoming appearance and spirit
Create an asset maintenance and revitalization plan
Create a “Donut Hole” strategy
Monitor, promote, and communicate a long-term water
and utilities plan and strategy
Page 53 of 55
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
April 18, 2016
SUBJECT:
Disc ussion on the F air Ho using Act and the 2015 Sup reme Co urt dec is io n on the Texas Dep artment o f
Hous ing and Community Affairs vs The Inclus ive C o mmunities Projec t, Inc .--Jennifer C. Bills , Hous ing
Coordinator
ITEM SUMMARY:
The Fair Housing Act
Fair Hous ing Ac t (Tile VIII of the Civil Rights Ac t) was passed 1968. It p rohib ited hous ing disc rimination
o n the basis of rac e, c o lo r, religio n, sex and natio nal o rigin. In 1988, d is ability and familial status (the
p res enc e or antic ip ated p res enc e of child ren under 18) were added to the Fair Hous ing Ac t. There are
limited exc eptio ns fo r disc riminatio n b as ed o n s ex, religio n o r familial s tatus . Age res tric ted communities
s uc h as Sun City o r Mariposa Ap artments fall into this category.
Histo rically, exc lus ionary zo ning regulations , dis c riminato ry d eed s and c o venants , and redlining by financ ial
institutions c reated s egregatio n o f immigrants , mino rities, and families. The Fair Hous ing Ac t was created
to p revent thes e p ractices, based o n racial prejud ice and s tereotypes, from limiting ho using cho ice.
Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs vs The Inclusive Communities Project
The Inc lusive Communities P ro ject is a no t-fo r-p ro fit o rganization in the Dallas area that p ro mo tes fair
hous ing and affo rd ab le ho using availability. In 2009, the Inclus ive Communities Projec t (ICP ) sued the
Texas Dep artment of Hous ing and Co mmunity Affairs (TDHCA), c laiming that they d is p ro p o rtionately
granted Low-Inc ome Hous ing Tax Credits (LIHT C) to d evelopments within minority neighborho o d s . ICP
claimed that this p ractice led to a concentration of lo w-income hous ing in minority neighborho o d s ,
p erp etuating s egregatio n in violatio n o f the F air Ho us ing Act. The lower c ourt fo und in favo r of the ICP,
which then req uired T DHCA to revise the LIHT C allo catio n rules to fairly plac e new lo w-income
d evelopments .
This case was appealed all of the way to the Sup reme Co urt. TDHCA argued that the s coring
req uirements for awarding the tax credits were o n b as ed on a variety o f c riteria that, inc luding areas with
high p o verty, low-inc o me areas and d is tance from exis ting develo p ments , whic h d id no t inc lude race as a
facto r to c reate dis c riminatio n. The Sup reme Court fo und in favo r the ICP, s tating that the rac ial
d is crimination was not direc t, but an unintentional res ult o f the s coring criteria, c reating a “d is p arate-
imp act”. With this ruling, the c o urt estab lis hed that a “disparate- impac t” c laim is enough for a find ing of
d is crimination und er the Fair Hous ing Ac t. Ho wever, the ruling als o establis hed s ome limits o n this c laim
that must be applied at lo wer courts and es tab lis hed that remed iation sho uld be thro ugh the revis io n o f the
p o licy, and not punitive in nature.
For mo re informatio n:
“S upreme Co urt vs Neighb o rhood Segregation.” T h e Atla n tic.
http://www.theatlantic.com/b usines s /arc hive/2015/06/s upreme-c o urt-inc lusive-c o mmunities/396401/
TDHCA vs IC P S upreme Court Ruling. http ://www.s up remecourt.gov/opinions /14pdf/13-1371_8m58.p df
Page 54 of 55
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
None.
SUBMITTED BY:
Jennifer C. Bills , Hous ing Co o rd inato r
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