Housing Authority Commission Agendas

In November 1968, City Council sponsored a measure entitled Proposition C, which the voters approved, asking for authority to develop low income housing units. This action was taken in compliance with Article 34 of the State Constitution requiring voter approval before any California community may develop publicly-financed low income housing. One year later, City Council created and appointed the Housing Authority Commission, which, unlike other City Commissions and Boards, is not categorized as an advisory agency, even though the Mayor appoints the Commissioners. It is an operating arm of the City, and is also a legally distinct public entity, separate from City government. The Commission has broad powers which include setting policy, hiring staff, contracting, approving budgets, and managing public assets and funds. The primary task of the Housing Authority is to provide affordable rental housing for low income families and elderly persons. The Authority provides housing that it builds, owns and manages for eligible applicants and housing for which it provides rent subsidies on behalf of eligible applicants who lease privately owned units (Section 8).

General Functions
Although the Housing Authority Commission does at times act in an advisory capacity to the City Council, the Commission is an autonomous State agency, appointed by the Mayor, with powers to condemn property, sell bonds and incur debt with respect to the provision of low income housing in the City of Santa Barbara.

Membership
7 Members

All appointments are made by the Mayor and are subject to confirmation by a majority of City Council, per California Health and Safety Code Section 34270.

Qualifications
Members should have some interest and background in housing development, management or other comparable experience.

• One member may be a non-City resident.
• Two members must be tenants who are receiving housing assistance from the Housing Authority. At least one must be
  62 years of age or older.
• Five members represent the public at large.

Length of Term
The public at large members serve 4 year terms. The tenant members serve 2 year terms.

Meeting Schedule
The Commission meets on the first and third Wednesdays of each month at 5:30 p.m. at the Housing Authority Office, 814 Laguna Street.

Time Involved
Average of 10 - 20 hours per month.

Financial Disclosure Requirement
Members must file a Statement of Economic Interests upon appointment, annually and when leaving the advisory group.

Compensation
$50 per meeting attended.

Staff
Housing Authority, (805) 965-1071.

Reference
California Codes, Health and Safe Code Section 34240 - 34250, and 34270 - 34286; City Resolution No. 06-092, Page 2, Guidelines for the City of Santa Barbara Advisory Groups, and City Resolution Nos. 95-106, and 6882.