Five Year & Annual Plans

ANNUAL PUBLIC HOUSING

AGENCY PLAN 2021-2022

The Housing Authority of Maricopa County

8910 N. 78

Avenue Peoria, AZ 85345

Telephone: 602.744.4500 | TDD 602.744.4540

www.maricopahousing.org

Streamlined Annual

PHA Plan

(HCV Only PHAs)

U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

Office of Public and Indian Housing

OMB No. 2577-0226

Expires 02/29/2016

Purpose. The 5-Year and Annual PHA Plans provide a ready source for interested parties to locate basic PHA policies, rules, and requirements concerning the

PHA’s operations, programs, and services, and informs HUD, families served by the PHA, and members of the public of the PHA’s mission, goals and objectives

for serving the needs of low- income, very low- income, and extremely low- income families

Applicability. Form HUD-50075-HCV is to be completed annually by HCV-Only PHAs. PHAs that meet the definition of a Standard PHA, Troubled

PHA, High Performer PHA, Small PHA, or Qualified PHA do not need to submit this form. Where applicable, separate Annual PHA Plan forms

are available for each of these types of PHAs.

Definitions.

(1) High-Performer PHA – A PHA that owns or manages more than 550 combined public housing units and housing choice vouchers, and was designated as a

high performer on both of the most recent Public Housing Assessment System (PHAS) and Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP)

assessments if administering both programs, or PHAS if only administering public housing.

(2) Small PHA - A PHA that is not designated as PHAS or SEMAP troubled, or at risk of being designated as troubled, that owns or manages less than 250

public housing units and any number of vouchers where the total combined units exceeds 550.

(3) Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) Only PHA - A PHA that administers more than 550 HCVs, was not designated as troubled in its most recent SEMAP

assessment, and does not own or manage public housing.

(4) Standard PHA - A PHA that owns or manages 250 or more public housing units and any number of vouchers where the total combined units exceeds 550,

and that was designated as a standard performer in the most recent PHAS and SEMAP assessments.

(5) Troubled PHA - A PHA that achieves an overall PHAS or SEMAP score of less than 60 percent.

(6) Qualified PHA - A PHA with 550 or fewer public housing dwelling units and/or housing choice vouchers combined, and is not PHAS or SEMAP troubled.

PHA Information.

A.1

PHA Name: Housing Authority of Maricopa County PHA Code: AZ009

PHA Plan for Fiscal Year Beginning: (MM/YYYY): 07/2021

PHA Inventory (Based on Annual Contributions Contract (ACC) units at time of FY beginning, above) 1724 (53 RAD PBVs, 45 Mainstream, 29

FUP, 5 VASH)

Number of Housing Choice Vouchers (HCVs) 1592

PHA Plan Submission Type:



Annual Submission Revised Annual Submission

Availability of Information. In addition to the items listed in this form, PHAs must have the elements listed below readily available to the public.

A PHA must identify the specific location(s) where the proposed PHA Plan, PHA Plan Elements, and all information relevant to the public hearing

and proposed PHA Plan are available for inspection by the public. Additionally, the PHA must provide information on how the public may reasonably

obtain additional information of the PHA policies contained in the standard Annual Plan, but excluded from their streamlined submissions. At a

minimum, PHAs must post PHA Plans, including updates, at the main office or central office of the PHA. PHAs are strongly encouraged to post

complete PHA Plans on their official website.

The proposed annual plan may be reviewed at www.maricopahousing.org or any of the following locations:

 Housing Authority of Maricopa County Administrative Office, 8910 N. 78th Avenue, Peoria AZ 85345

 Peoria Housing Office, 10950 N. 87th Avenue, Peoria AZ 85345

 Rose Terrace Property Management Office, 525 E. Harrison Drive, Avondale AZ 85323

 Surprise Housing Office, 12976 W. Cottonwood, Surprise AZ 85378

 River at Eastline Property Management Office, 2106 E. Apache Blvd, Tempe AZ 85281

PHA Consortia: (Check box if submitting a joint Plan and complete table below) Not Applicable

Participating PHAs PHA Code Program(s) in the Consortia

Program(s) not in the

Consortia

No. of Units in Each Program

Lead HA:

Annual Plan.

B.1

Revision of PHA Plan Elements.

(a) Have the following PHA Plan elements been revised by the PHA since its last Annual Plan submission?

Y N

 Housing Needs and Strategy for Addressing Housing Needs.

 Deconcentration and Other Policies that Govern Eligibility, Selection, and Admissions.

 Financial Resources.

 Rent Determination.

 Operation and Management.

 Informal Review and Hearing Procedures.

 Homeownership Programs.

 Self Sufficiency Programs and Treatment of Income Changes Resulting from Welfare Program Requirements.

 Substantial Deviation.

 Significant Amendment/Modification.

(b) If the PHA answered yes for any element, describe the revisions for each element(s):

Financial Resources

Sources

Planned $

Planned Uses

1. Federal Grants

a. Project Based Rental Assistance

$3,618,700

PBRA Property operations

b. Annual Contributions for Housing

Choice Voucher – Based Assistance –

Subsidy

$14,060,736

Housing and Utility Voucher payments

for the HCV Program for Port-Outs and

S8 Project based vouchers.

c. Annual Contributions for Housing

Choice Voucher – Based Assistance -

Administration

$1,008,000

Operating/Administrative Expenses

d. FSS Family Self Sufficiency

$72,000

Grant Awarded for FSS programming

2. Other Income Non-Federal

Sources

a. Tenant Rents

$1,988,660

Rental to fund operations and

maintenance for Public Housing

properties

b. Resident Support Services-Madison

$61,800

Funds on site Resident Support

Services

c. Resident Support Services-Coffelt

$158,448

Funds on site Resident Support

Services

d. Bridge to Permanency Program

$1,003,702

Housing Assistance Payments and

Supportive Services for Special

Populations

e. TBRA Homelessness

$273,599

Housing Assistance Payment and

Supportive Services for Special

Populations

f. Resident Support Services-Eastline

$26,400

Housing Assistance Payments and

Supportive Services for Special

Populations

g. Resident Support Services-Heritage

$48,800

Housing Assistance Payments and

Supportive Services for Special

Populations

Total Resources

$22,320,845

Rent Determination

Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) payment standards are used to calculate the housing assistance payment (HAP) that the

Housing Authority of Maricopa County (HAMC) pays to the owner on behalf of the family leasing the unit. The level at

which the payment standard amount is set directly affects the amount of subsidy a family will receive, and the amount of

rent paid by program participants. The HAMC must adopt a payment standard schedule that establishes voucher payment

standard amounts for each unit size, for each FMR area, in the HAMC’s jurisdiction. Effective August 1, 2020, HAMC

increased the payment standard for 1-3-bedroom units to 105% of the FMR, 4-bedroom units to 100% of the FMR, 5-6

bedrooms units to 95% of the FMR updating the payment standards as follows:

Bedroom Size

Fair Market Rent 2020

HAMC Payment Standard

$847

$670

$958

$1006

$1173

$1232

$1676

$1760

$1916

$2203

$1853

$2491

$2096

Operation and Management

A. The HAMC is governed by a Board of Commissioners (BOC). The mission of the BOC is to assist the HAMC further

its mission to improve the quality of life of families and strengthen communities by developing and sustaining

affordable housing programs; and to become a leading housing authority by exemplifying best practices, offering

innovative affordable housing programs, and expanding accessibility throughout Maricopa County. Each member of

the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors appoints one member, and the BOC appoints at least one but not more

than two eligible resident commission members ("Resident Commissioners") who must be: A.) in good standing,

and B.) either a Housing Authority housing resident (Category 1) or a Housing Authority Rental Assistance recipient

(Category 2). A vacancy on the BOC of a Supervisor-appointed Commissioner shall be filled with a replacement

appointed by the Supervisor of the district who initially made the appointment and approved by the Maricopa County

Board of Supervisors. A vacancy occurred in February, and on February 24, 2021, a new BOC member was appointed

for a four-year term. HAMC continues to observe all governance bylaws and rules as required.

B. With the final implementation of a new software system, Yardi, the HAMC redeveloped property management

maintenance standards to ensure continuity. This included conducting walk troughs of all sites and producing a daily

report for Asset Management review, responding to work orders within a reasonable time and enhancing our

communication with residents on necessary work orders and any other concerns. Related maintenance procedures

comply with all Federal, State and local laws and regulations and enable HAMC to surpass managed property goals

that maintain the property in excellent condition, keep expenses within the operating budget, assess and address

capital need proactively, and provide excellent customer service to all residents.

C. HAMC implemented U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) COVID-19 waivers for certain

activities as authorized, and where applicable. Waivers were applied when needed to mitigate the spread of the

disease and will remain in effect as permitted by HUD, or sooner if deemed appropriate. As required, any waiver

applied is documented and recorded with their effective dates.

B.2

New Activities

(a) Does the PHA intend to undertake any new activities related to the following in the PHA’s current Fiscal Year?

Y N

 Project Based Vouchers.

(b) If this activity is planned for the current Fiscal Year, describe the activities. Provide the projected number of project-based units and general

locations and describe how project-basing would be consistent with the PHA Plan.

Administrative Plan Changes

Chapter Subject Comments

1.14 Violence Against Women’s Act

Adding language that outlines the process for VAWA Emergency Transfer Plan

including HUD’s Emergency Transfer Request Form.

3.5 Special Program Preferences

Added description and waiting list placement requirements for Choice Mobility

applicants, In-place families displaced due to HAMC action, TBRA and BRIDGE

converting to HCV:

Choice Mobility (70 Points): In-place residents who reside in a RAD-PBV unit for

12 months of occupancy, or after 24 months of occupancy in a RAD-PBRA unit, may

exercise their choice mobility rights and receive priority position on the HCV waiting

list. Acceptable Verification: A completed and approved Choice Mobility Request

Form.

In-place families displaced by HAMC action (70 Points): In-place residents who will

be displaced due to renovation, construction, demolition of HAMC owned units.

Acceptable Verification: A fully executed Alternative Housing Option Offer.

TBRA (70 Points): TBRA participants who have completed the 12-month program

and are income eligible for the HCV program. Acceptable Verification: A completed

and approved TBRA Transition Plan.

BRIDGE (70 Points): BRIDGE participants who have completed the 24-month

program and are income eligible for the HCV program. Acceptable Verification: A

completed and approved BRIDGE Completion Form.

3.7

Reporting Changes and Updating

the Waiting List

Added language that includes applicants who are removed for failing to respond will

have to provide support documentation when requesting an appeal.

3.8 Waiting List Application Update

Added language allowing HAMC to introduce a 90-day waiting list application

update requirement to maintain an active waiting list.

3.9 Selection from the Waiting List

Adding clarifying language for completing the Intake Certification and providing all

required vital documentation timely.

3.10

Completing the Application

Process

Adding language to detail the verifying process of the Intake Certification and

required vital documents.

3.11 Special Admission Programs

Removing language that Special Program Admissions are placed on separate waiting

lists (i.e. Choice Mobility, Bridge, TBRA).

8.8 Contract Execution Process Adding language to include Landlord signing bonus.

19.7 HAMC Errors or Program Abuse Adding language that identifies a HAMC-error.

23.9

TBRA-Ongoing HAMC

Responsibilities

Added clarifying language that references HOME program requirements in 23.11.

21.15 (E)

Conversion to Tenant Based

Assistance (Choice Mobility)

Adding clarifying language to include:

RAD-PBRA and RAD-PBV programs, allows for Choice mobility not PBRA and

PBV.

Choice Mobility will not use a separate waiting list but will receive Special Program

Preference.

23.11

Other TBRA Policies

Added language that outlines HOME program requirements:

During annual recertification of TBRA units that utilize HOME Funds, a full 60 days

(2 months) of income is required.

Annual HQS Inspection will be conducted even if the HCVP allows for biennial

inspections.

TBRA participants who wish to transition to the HCV program must:

1. Pass HAMC’s criminal /sex offender background check at HCV admission.

2. Complete a TBRA Transition Plan Form (also see Section 3.11).

24 Appendices Added section to include required HUD forms for reference.

Norton Circle Apartments Low Income Housing Tax Credit Application

The Use Agreement, dated June 8, 2017, between HUD and the HAMC requires Norton Circle Apartments (the Property) to

exclusively be used for affordable housing purposes for the duration of 20 years from the date of that certain Use Agreement

to serve households at 80% of area median income. HAMC submitted a request to its BOC to submit a Low-Income Housing

Tax Credit application due on April 1, 2021 to the Arizona Department of Housing for the redevelopment of the property into

a 100-unit new construction project to be owned by Norton C, LLC. The BOC approved and authorized HAMC’s application.

If approved, HAMC plans to transfer the property located at 304 S. 5

Avenue, Avondale, AZ 85323 to Norton C, LLC with

a sale agreement.

Housing Choice Voucher Landlord Incentive

The HAMC announced a $500 signing bonus for landlords in Maricopa County participating in the Section 8 HCV Program.

Beginning October 1, 2020, landlords received a $500 signing bonus for an executed Section 8 Housing Assistance Payment

(HAP) contract within the HAMC’s jurisdiction. This bonus is subsidized with Federal CARES Act funding and is specifically

for landlords in HAMC’s jurisdiction who make their properties available to voucher holders. With the need for affordable

housing for Maricopa County residents, this new signing bonus program should provide landlords a strong incentive to sign a

HAP contract, opening the door for stronger communities. The incentive will be available until the funds are exhausted. It is

estimated HAMC will execute approximately 200 new contracts during this Fiscal Year.

B.3

Most Recent Fiscal Year Audit.

(a) Were there any findings in the most recent FY Audit?

Y N N/A



(b) If yes, please describe:

Reference Appendix A

B.4

Civil Rights Certification

Form HUD-50077

, PHA Certifications of Compliance with the PHA Plans and Related Regulations, must be submitted by the PHA as an electronic

attachment to the PHA Plan.

Reference Appendix B.

B.5

Certification by State or Local Officials.

Form HUD 50077-SL

, Certification by State or Local Officials of PHA Plans Consistency with the Consolidated Plan, must be submitted by the

PHA as an electronic attachment to the PHA Plan.

Reference Appendix B.

B.6

Progress Report.

Provide a description of the PHA’s progress in meeting its Mission and Goals described in its 5-Year PHA Plan.

The HAMC continued to make progress towards meeting its mission and goals, as described in the Five-Year plan by

achieving the following overall accomplishments:

A. Fourteen additional mainstream housing vouchers were granted to the HAMC by HUD to assist individuals and

families secure and maintain permanent housing.

B. In partnership with the City of Tempe Housing Authority (the City), the HAMC launched a web-based system to

accept combined interest applications for the HCV Program waitlist lottery. For the first time in Arizona,

applicants were only required to complete one interest application for two separate housing authorities. This

modernized and innovative approach saved applicants a lot of time and effort and allowed the HAMC and the City

to bring better business solutions to the local community, while staying current with best practices.

C. HAMC resident programs creates and implements unique initiatives to meet resident needs. The HAMC continues

to partner with multiple community organizations to deliver needed supportive services to residents in need.

Supportive services includes supplemental meals, financial literacy, after-school programming, workforce

development assistance and mental health support. Partner organizations include, but are not limited to Maricopa

County Human Services Department, St. Mary’s Food Bank, Avondale Elementary School District, Wesley

Clinic, Sana Sana Foods, AHCCCS, local CAP offices, Department of Economic Security, Veterans

Administration, and United Healthcare.

D. The Arizona Chapter of the National Association of Housing and Redevelopment Officials (AZ NAHRO) honored

the HAMC with the Innovative Program of the Year Award for its newly completed housing project, the Heritage

at Surprise. The completion of Heritage brought an additional 100, brand new housing units to the west valley.

1. Heritage offers comprehensive on-site supportive services to all residents, including a computer lab,

community center and Resident Services Coordinator.

2. HAMC provides direct, or contracts with other partners to provide direct residential services at no cost to

the resident, including transportation. Resident services include, but are not limited to case management,

habilitation/life skills training and services, job training and financial literacy classes.

E. HAMC consistently engages with external partners to fulfill its mission, as a result HAMC has entered into

negotiations with Dominium for the development of new housing communities in Buckeye, Goodyear and

Chandler, Arizona. Dominium is a national affordable housing developer with over 32,000 units in operations

across the United States. These communities will expand housing access to vulnerable Arizona residents in need

of secure, permanent housing. All community projects are in preliminary planning and negotiation phases, but

tentative proposals are listed as follows:

1. The Buckeye community will be 300 affordable units on 17.15 acres of land located on the northwest corner

of Thomas Road and 195

Avenue. Resident amenities may include a fitness center, clubhouse, and a shared

pool.

2. The Gilbert community will be 252 affordable units on 11.44 acres of land located on the southwest corner of

Power Road and Tulsa Street. Resident amenities may include a clubhouse, shared pool and courtyards.

3. The Goodyear community will be 640 affordable units (senior and family), on 28-acres of land located on the

southeast corner of Van Buren Road and Cotton Lane. Resident amenities may include a theatre, hair salon,

fitness center and clubroom.

F. HAMC is revitalizing its inventory of homes in Mesa, Arizona. The Maricopa Revitalization Project (MRP) plans

to convert 22 larger family homes into 2-bedroom duplexes. The proposed project will offer affordable housing to

low-income families as well as revitalize nearby neighborhoods.

1. MRP includes 35-single family homes scattered throughout Mesa. All houses are 3 or 4-bedroom; 13 of

these went through Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) conversion in 2018. The remining 22 houses

are in urgent need of capital investment and rehabilitation.

Proposed rehabilitation will increase the footprint of the homes and convert larger homes into duplexes, that

are 2 and 3-bedrooms each. Rehabilitation features include but are not limited to gut rehabilitation, new

energy efficient windows, new doors, insulation roof and appliances.

3. The design concept was tested with a prototype completed in August 2020. The entire development is

expected to be finished in phases by March 2022.

G. The HAMC has redeployed its plans to ensure employees have the tools and supports they need to be successful

at their jobs.

1. To improve employee engagement, recruitment and development efforts, surveys were sent out to employees

to determine employee preference for work schedules, to assess employee engagement and to explore

redeveloping agency correspondence materials.

2. HAMC has created targeted, strategic goals to gain employee input on new agency initiatives, explore the

possibility, timing, costs and implementation of longevity pay and awards once employees meet certain

milestones and plans to develop an employee investment plan.

3. HAMC prepares its workforce to be competitive in the housing industry by continuing to enforce its agency

training standards for all departments. Trainings include, but are not limited to Unconscious Bias, Workplace

and Sexual Harassment, HCV Housing Specialist and Housing Quality Standards (HQS) certification

trainings.

H. HAMC fully transitioned to an online portal to streamline the customer application and certification process. This

paperless system allows customers to access, complete and submit all necessary forms and documents

electronically to the HAMC for processing.

I. HUD sponsors a voluntary program that helps HCV participants achieve economic independence, the Family Self-

Sufficiency (FSS) Program. Participants work with a Case Manager to assess their strengths, identify barriers, set

goals, and work to achieve them. HAMC has seen a steady number of enrollees in the program. In 2020 there were

38 active participants with two graduates. HAMC works diligently to seek new opportunities to expand the FSS

Program and serve more residents who seek to participate.

J. In response to the Novel Coronavirus Disease of 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic, HAMC developed a COVID-19

Transition/Preparedness Plan which established safety protocols to mitigate the spread of the disease.

1. HAMC ensured all its employees had the tools and necessary supports to continue working and taking care

of their loved ones. This includes allowing employees to telework, providing Personal Protective Equipment

(PPE) and additional health resources.

2. HAMC provided a stress management training which allowed employees to better recognize and manage

internal and external sources of stress, examine how current responses support or hinder oneself, and create

a plan of action for more effectively managing current and future stressors.

3. At the height of the pandemic, families were suffering from job loss, or income instability and health-related

concerns as a result of the virus. Families were unable to maintain permanent housing and meet their financial

obligations including rent and utilities. In response, HAMC managed to successfully assist struggling

individuals and families secure and maintain housing. By leveraging community relationships, and securing

and utilizing grant funds, HAMC was able to provide supplemental meals, COVID-19 vaccinations, medical

screenings and rent and utility assistance. The HAMC secured over $330,000 for residents to use towards

their rent and utilities; ensuring those in need could stay in their homes.

B.7

Resident Advisory Board (RAB) Comments.

(a) Did the RAB(s) provide comments to the PHA Plan?

Y N



(a) If yes, comments must be submitted by the PHA as an attachment to the PHA Plan. PHAs must also include a narrative describing their

analysis of the RAB recommendations and the decisions made on these recommendations.

8910 N. 78

Ave | Peoria AZ 85345 | p 602.744.4500 | f 602.744-4550 | tdd 602.744.4540

www.maricopahousing.org

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

February 22, 2021

Pete Koziol

U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development

Office of Public Housing

One North Central Suite 600

Phoenix, AZ 85004-4414

Subject: AZ009 2020 Audit Corrective Action Plan

Dear Mr. Koziol,

The Housing Authority of Maricopa County respectfully submits the following Corrective Action Plan for the year

ended 2020. The audit report included one finding related to year-end audit adjustments and financial

statements, addressed below.

FINANCIAL STATEMENT FINDINGS

2020-001: Audit Adjustments and Preparation of the Financial Statements

Condition: There were multiple adjusting journal entries recorded during the course of the audit. This is indicative

of a lack of internal controls over the financial reporting process.

Criteria: The internal Control-Integrated Framework (COSO Report) requires adequate internal controls over

financing reporting to ensure that transactions are properly recorded and accounted for to permit the preparation

of reliable financial statements and demonstrate compliance with laws, regulations and other compliance

requirements. Internal controls should be in place to provide reasonable assurance that financial statements are

prepared in accordance with U.S. GAAP.

Context: The Authority does not have a system of internal controls that would enable management to conclude

the financial statements and related disclosures are complete and presented in accordance with GAAP. We also

proposed material audit adjustments in order to draft the financial statements. Most of the adjusting journal

entries were related to transactions with related parties. Significant adjustments such as these are indicative of

inadequate controls over financial reporting. Specifically, we noted the following:

• Recording of land purchase and related unearned revenue from the ground lease transaction entered into

with a discretely presented component unit.

• Movement of The River at Eastline Village, LLC from blended component unit to discretely presented

component unit.

• Adjustment made to properly report the Authority’s beginning net position.

• Eliminations made to the Authority’s notes receivable and payables and other interfund

transactions as these transactions were between the Authority and its blended component units.

• Adjustment made to correct Coronavirus funding received as unearned revenue.

Effect: Inefficient controls over the financial reporting process could result in inaccurate account

balances that require a restatement, a significant number of audit adjustments or a lack of timely

financial information.

Cause: The Authority did not properly establish and implement sufficient internal controls over financial reporting

to ensure the timely and accurate recording of financial transactions. We note that the Authority relies on the

audits of related parties in order to record a significant number of related party transactions. Related party

transactions should be recorded by the Authority as they are incurred. The audited financial statements of related

parties should be reviewed, but not relied upon for the recording of related party transactions.

Corrective Action/Actions Taken: We have established an updated monthly closing procedure that includes

reconciliation, review and analysis of intercompany and related party transactions and balances. Adequate staffing

has been assigned and financial results for these related parties are now reported and included in our monthly

financial reports.

Target Completion Date: Complete, corrective action has been taken and HAMC has fully implemented the

adequate action to address this issue.

If you have questions regarding this Corrective Action Plan, please contact Mario L Aniles, Deputy

Director at (602) 744-4517. Thank you.

Sincerely,

Mario L. Aniles

Deputy Director

CC: Gloria Munoz, Executive Director, Housing Authority of Maricopa County