HomeMy WebLinkAboutAgenda_HAB_09.19.2022Notice of Meeting for the
Housing Adv isory B oard
of the City of Georgetown
September 19, 2022 at 2:30 P M
at HLW W B ldg., 809 Martin L uther K ing Jr. St., Georgetown, T X 78626
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P ublic Wishing to Address the B oard
O n a s ubjec t that is posted on this agenda: P lease fill out a speaker regis tration form whic h can be found at the
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A At the time of posting, no persons had signed up to speak on items not on the agenda.
L egislativ e Regular Agenda
B C ons ideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022 regular meeting of the
Hous ing Advisory Board. -Jes s ica Lemanski, P lanning S pec ialis t
C P resentation and dis cus s ion on progress to improvements to hous ing.georgetown.org, as well as
disc ussion on potential in person event planning to promote hous ing program awareness.
Adjournment
Ce rtificate of Posting
I, R obyn Densmore, C ity S ecretary for the C ity of G eorgetown, Texas, do hereby c ertify that this Notic e of
Meeting was posted at C ity Hall, 808 Martin Luther King Jr. S treet, G eorgetown, T X 78626, a plac e readily
acc es s ible to the general public as required by law, on the _____ day of _________________, 2022, at
__________, and remained s o posted for at leas t 72 c ontinuous hours prec eding the s cheduled time of said
meeting.
__________________________________
R obyn Dens more, C ity S ec retary
Page 1 of 20
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
September 19, 2022
S UB J E C T:
C onsideration and pos s ible ac tion to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022 regular meeting of the
Housing Advis ory Board. -Jessic a Lemans ki, P lanning S pecialist
IT E M S UMMARY:
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
NA
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
Jes s ica Lemanski
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Meeting Minutes Cover Memo
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Housing Advisory Board Page 1
Minutes July 18, 2022
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
Minutes
July 18, 2022, at 2:30 p.m.
809 Martin Luther King Jr. Street
Board Members present: Wendy Cash, Chair; Nikki Brennan, Vice-chair; Regina Watson, Secretary;
Linda Sloan, Joey Carlton, Eric Marin
Board Member(s) absent: Christie Cowden and Chuck Collins
Staff present in-person: Cesar Acosta, Senior Planner; Jessica Lemanski, Planning Specialist
The Meeting was opened by Chair Wendy Cash at 2:38 p.m.
Public Wishing to Address the Board
A As of the deadline, no persons were signed up to speak on items other than those posted on the agenda.
Legislative Regular Agenda
B Consideration and possible action to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022 regular meeting
of the Housing Advisory Board. - Stephanie McNickle, Planning Technician
Motion by Board member Watson to approve the minutes from the June 20, 2022,
Housing Advisory Board meeting. Second by Board member Brennan. Approved. 6-0.
C Presentation and discussion on existing housing programs, the City’s housing website,
current outreach practices, and how to move forward on the board’s end of year goal
to improve education and outreach efforts on housing programs. -Cesar Acosta, Senior
Planner
Staff reviewed what was discussed during the June 20th meeting and the timeframe, as well
as narrowing down action item 76 into phases to expand community education and
outreach programs to inform residents of available support such as homebuyer education
services, home rehabilitation grants, utility billing assistance, homestead exemptions,
nonpartisan nonprofit partnerships, home maintenance and City of Georgetown housing
programs. Cesar stated that the mission statement the board settled on last meeting was to
work on promoting programs that help achieve and maintain housing by working with
local businesses, nonprofits, using events, and a helpline, and measuring the success of
those efforts by examining the number of participants, the number of stakeholders, and
increased participation in existing programs. Cesar stated that we should further narrow
those components down to more actionable items, looking first at the help line where
residents can call to easily access information, which would be a substantial investment to
be worked on in the coming years. Staff stated in the meantime that we should focus on the
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Housing Advisory Board Page 2
Minutes July 18, 2022
website linked on the City of Georgetown Planning website for housing specific. Right
now, it has existing programs and information on them, but it can be improved, which
today’s meeting will focus on by creating a framework for improvement and reviewing and
reevaluating the content on that website to make it a “one-stop shop” for housing
information. Cesar stated that the mission statement focused on maintaining housing and
achieving housing as umbrella terms to focus programs on.
Cesar presented a chart for programs aimed at maintaining housing. These include:
• Home Repair Program (City managed)
o City administers the dollars and works with Habitat for Humanity to
facilitate spending, gather applications, and work with homeowners to build
homes.
• Comprehensive Energy Assistance Program (Managed by outside entity)
o Works with low income residents to get utility assistance. Opportunities for
Burnet and Williamson nonprofit manages this program.
• Homestead exemption (Managed by outside entity)
o Helps to reduce a portion of property taxes for primary residences for
qualified residents. Managed through the Williamson County Appraisal
District.
• Rental Assistance (Managed by outside entity)
o Offered through The Caring Place
• Good Neighbor Fund (Managed by outside entity)
o Managed through The Caring Place
• Community Restore Program (Managed by outside entity)
o Run by Habitat for Humanity
Board Member stated that the Community Restore Program is not managed by this Board.
Board Member also stated that the applications for the Home Repair Program comes
directly to the Board. Discussion on the Restore and whether the Home Repair Program
was referencing that.
Board Member inquired on the Homestead Exemption Program, and whether there are
more tax exemptions available to residents without a homestead. Cesar stated that those
kinds of exemptions, such as those for senior citizens, veterans with disabilities, primary
residences are part of the Home Exemption Program.
Cesar presented another chart with programs aimed at achieving housing. These are all city
managed and include:
• Neighborhood Association Assistance
o Helps to create Neighborhood Associations to achieve more organization
and advocate for their community (street infrastructure, lighting, funds for
home repair/building).
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Housing Advisory Board Page 3
Minutes July 18, 2022
• Community Development Block Grant Program
o Home repairs, grants for development and direct development
• LIHTC Inventory
o Competitive 9% and non-competitive 4% grant. Offers people to help
develop low income and income-restricted properties.
• Housing for Tax Credits
o Federal program that this Board helps to approve before taking federal funds
for new housing development to the City Council.
• Workforce Housing Program
o New program developed 2 years ago to work directly with developers to
create a density bonus by setting aside income-restricted units for greater
impervious cover and height that would normally not be allowed under
zoning.
Discussion on the purpose of the website, future goals for what information will be
available on it, and who will be using it. Board Member inquired on whether federal and
state programs should be included on the website.
Discussion on adding resources for developers and businesses and perhaps adding a
different page/portal for different users.
Cesar presented how we currently provide information on the website and in print. Cesar
displayed the Neighborhood Association Assistance Program information printout and the
Home Repair Program website as examples.
Cesar noted that the printout effectively conveys the information and is available in
multiple formats, and that the Home Repair Program website is easy to navigate and get
information from.
Board Member asked if the LIHTC inventory was available on the website. Cesar said it is
not and should probably be added to the site, along with some of the other programs
described in the PowerPoint.
Cesar asked the Board:
• What information should be provided about all programs? What questions should
be answered?
• What format or layout is best to model in order to make program information more
uniform?
Board Members shared their answers, which included:
• Determining if you qualify for a program.
• Who is the program for?
• What is the purpose of the program and what are its benefits?
• How do you apply for a program?
• Who do you contact for related services?
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Housing Advisory Board Page 4
Minutes July 18, 2022
• Are there any operating costs associated?
• Can the information be printed and/or a print picked up somewhere?
• Frequently asked questions about the program, “Learn More” button for a
longer explanation of the program.
Discussion on the format of the website; Simple for the eyes, lots of white space, FAQs,
pictures, option for Spanish, succinct questions with options for a dropdown menu to
learn more, no long paragraphs (bullet points instead).
Board Member suggested printout versions to have available for those without
computer access/knowledge.
Board Member suggested an event at the Library to allow those in the public who are
interested in these programs to come learn more and get face-to-face conversation
opportunities. Cesar stated that part of developing our housing programs includes
facilitating events with the public and nonprofit partners and businesses in the coming
months.
Discussion on the structure of the website. Board Member suggested presenting
information based on who is trying to access it, such as having specific options for
residents, developers, and nonprofits. Cesar noted that there should be limitations on
how many subcategories users need to click through to get to the desired information.
Board Member also suggested having “I need help with…” links to more information
on programs and contact information. Staff noted that certain questions may have
overlapping answers and resources.
Board Member noted that the goal of the website is to empo wer users to access the
information they desire, so the website should be easy to navigate and access.
Board Member asked about the contact information email and how often those come in.
Cesar stated he just started managing those emails and will have a better idea of the
frequency of questions next month. Board Member also inquired about Constant
Contact and its feature showing who clicks where on a website. Cesar noted that the
City of Georgetown has certain standards within the Communications Department for
City websites that we will have to comply with.
Cesar asked the Board to review the programs available on the website, information
presented there, and what key questions should be answered for each program. Cesar
also stated that he will begin to revamp the website to add the buckets/subcategories
discussed at today’s meeting and make sure all the programs are listed.
At the next meeting, the Board can begin retooling each individual page to include key
information for each program.
D Recognition of service to the Board of Linda Sloan
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Housing Advisory Board Page 5
Minutes July 18, 2022
Board Member Sloan has served on the Board since 2020 and served with Habitat for
Humanity for 17 years.
The next schedule Board meeting is scheduled for August 18, 2022
Motion to Adjourn by Board member Eric Marin. Second by Board member Brenan at 3:25
p.m.
______________________________ __________________________________
Wendy Cash, Chair Attest, Regina Watson, Secretary
Page 7 of 20
City of Georgetown, Texas
Housing Advisory Board
September 19, 2022
S UB J E C T:
P res entation and disc ussion on progres s to improvements to housing.georgetown.org, as well as
dis cus s ion on potential in pers on event planning to promote housing program awarenes s .
IT E M S UMMARY:
At the July Housing Advis ory Board meeting board members reviewed the format and information
currently pos ted to hous ing.georgetown.org in order to as s es s how effectively it is informing the public of
programs that can assist with housing related needs. T he board began dis cus s ion on what s tandardized
information s hould be prominently displayed for each program advertised on the site.
In this meeting board members will come to cons ensus on what spec ific information s hould be available
for programs and partnerships listed on housing.gerorgetown.org and begin to disc uss preliminary planning
for in person event opportunities to s hare hous ing program information and promote programs with the
community at large.
F IN AN C IAL IMPAC T:
n/a
S UB MIT T E D B Y:
C es ar Acosta, Neighborhood and Housing P rogram Manager
AT TAC H ME N T S:
Description Type
Pres entation Pres entation
Page 8 of 20
Advertising Our
Housing Programs -
September 19, 2022 | Housing Advisory Board
Page 9 of 20
22
• HAB will “We will work on promoting programs that help achieve and
maintain housing by working with faith based groups, local businesses and
nonprofits using events and helplines. We will measure our success of
those actions by # of participants, # of stakeholders and increased
participation in existing programs.”
• In July HAB collaborated and provided feedback on ways to improve
housing.georgetown.org so that it can function as a helpline/one stop
shop for housing information
7.18.22 Recap
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33
• Review Changes made to Housing.Georgetown.org
• Discuss and build consensus on content for programs listed on
housing.Georgetown.org
• Begin planning for end of year event(s) to promoting awareness
of housing programs and discuss invitations for collaborators to
attend September meeting
Today’s Purpose
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44
• Review the information available for programs currently found
on housing.Georgetown.org
• For each program and partnership listed on the website, provide
what key information should be clearly displayed so that the
public to understand how the information can be used.
Homework Before the August Meeting
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55
Home Repair Program
Required info Specifics
Qualifications Income at or below 80% of the MFI as defined buy HUD; homeowner; US
Citizen or permanent resident; current on mortgage and tax payments;
demonstrated need for repairs;
Who is this for Low-to-moderate income homeowners who need financial assistance with
home repairs
What does it cover Improve accessibility, paint, roof, windows, doors, weatherization, HVAC
and Plumbing
Application https://williamsonhabitat.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/HRP-APP-7-28-
2022.pdf
Application Deadline Within FY 2022
Additional Information
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66
Low Income Housing Tax Credit
Required info Specifics
Qualifications 4% (non-competitive): certificate of reservation from Texas Bond Review
Board of Private Activity Bond, Bond Volume cap, review Qualified
Allocation Plan
9% (competitive): all the above plus a review of Housing Bond Rules
Who is this for Developers seeking to build a multifamily product available to moderate to
low-income residents
What does it cover Provides source of financing for development of affordable housing
Application Application and Template
Application Deadline Submission Dates
FAQ https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/multifamily/faqs-htc-basics.htm
Additional Information: List of available units under LIHTC program
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Neighborhood Association Registration
Required info Specifics
Qualifications A group of neighborhood residents with defined boundaries for their
neighborhood, a written set of bylaws, and elected officers for the
association
Who is this for City residents who wish to have a stronger line of communication between
their neighborhood and the City Government
What does it cover Allows for more direct notification on developments within their
neighborhood boundary and additional opportunities to meet with City
officials
Application https://records.georgetown.org/Forms/NANRF
Application Deadline n/a
Additional Information
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88
Workforce Housing Program
Required info Specifics
Qualifications Minimum of 10% of units made available to residents making 80% of metro
area’s MFI or less (see Section 6.07.020 of UDC)
Who is this for Developers seeking greater flexibility in development standards for their
projects
What does it cover All potential residential developments in the City of Georgetown where a
need has been identified by Staff
Application n/a
Where are WF units
available
Vida Apartments, Arco & Pilare Aprtments
Additional Information
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Habitat for Humanity
Required info Specifics
What is it Habitat for Humanity of Williamson County is a non-profit Christian ministry
that provides affordable home ownership opportunities. Using volunteers
for construction, Habitat builds single family homes that are available for
purchase to eligible families.
Who do they assist Homeowners who live or work in Williamson County, TX for a minimum of
one year who meet income requirements
What programs are
offered
Homeownership Program, Home Repair Program, ReStore
How do I apply for
assistance
Home Repair application: https://williamsonhabitat.org/wp-
content/uploads/2022/08/HRP-APP-7-28-2022.pdf
Contact Phone: 512-863-4344 Office: 2108 N Austin Ave. Georgetown, TX 78626
Website link https://williamsonhabitat.org/
Additional Information
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1010
Georgetown Housing Authority
Required info Specifics
What is it A government entity that offers numerous classes and activities to families,
in addition we enable disabled and elderly residents to remain living
independently and/or to age in place.
Who do they assist Low Income Residents of Georgetown, Developers looking to construct
Section 8 Housing
What programs are
offered
Assists in placement into public housing, develops new Section 8 housing,
provides Housing Choice Vouchers
How do I apply for
assistance
Application
Contact 210 West 18
th Street Georgetown, TX 78626 attn: Nikki Brennan
Website link https://www.georgetownha.org/
Additional Information
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1111
The Caring Place
Required info Specifics
What is it Non-profit with a mission to provide basic needs for everyone
Who do they assist All residents within their service area
What programs are
offered
Financial Assistance for those in their service area includes rent,
mortgage, utilities, transportation, emergency dental and prescription
assistance with verifiable proof of crisis. Food Pantry also available on site
How do I apply for
assistance
For food aid: For Financial Assistance must visit office during open hours
Contact Office at 2001 Railroad Ave. Georgetown, TX. 78626 Hours: M-F 9am-4pm
Phone: (512) 943-0700
Website link https://www.caringplacetx.org/
Additional Information
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Event Planning
•Intent
• Provide face to face opportunity to present information on housing programs
and their availability to the community
•Existing Opportunities
• State of the City
• Quarterly Neighborhood Leaders Meetings
•Stakeholders
• Churches/ faith groups
• Realtors/Developers
• Neighborhood Associations
• St Vincent De Paul
• Salvation Army
• Banks
• Caring Place
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