NAHRO's Emerging "L.E.A.D."ership (Learn, Explore, Assess and Develop) Program-LEAD Session 5

LEAD Session 5 - Sample Business Case

Pdf Summary

The business case prepared by Darlene Kelly addresses the challenge of upgrading the agency’s HUD designation from a Troubled Housing Authority to a Standard Performer within the next fiscal year. The issues focus on improving the Real Estate Assessment Center (REAC) and Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) scores, enhancing the Property Management team's effectiveness, and ensuring compliance with HUD regulations and agency policies.<br /><br />Currently, the agency faces significant challenges, including low inspection scores necessitating comprehensive inspections and deficiency rectifications, issues with rent collections, backlog in work orders, trouble with lease enforcement, and delays in unit turnovers. This situation, exacerbated by notable employee turnover and poor team morale, threatens the agency's ability to attain its objectives and has negatively impacted its HUD designation, budget, and public reputation.<br /><br />To prevent potential roadblocks like budget constraints and further audits due to the Troubled status, the case suggests hiring two temporary employees (a property manager and a maintenance technician) for 12-18 months. This move aims to manage the increased workload, comply with HUD requirements, and boost overall agency operations and PHAS scoring. Additionally, the proposal includes adding a permanent Housing Analyst role to support management in quality control, training, policy compliance, and operations evaluation. This role is expected to improve occupancy and rent collection, helping to offset its costs. Consequently, achieving a high-performing agency status would grant access to more funding and enhance housing services for residents. This strategic approach aims to address the foundational issues the agency currently faces, with a view towards improving its HUD designation and relationship with stakeholders.

Keywords

HUD designation

Troubled Housing Authority

Standard Performer

REAC scores

PHAS scores

Property Management

compliance

employee turnover

Housing Analyst

agency operations