City Council Passes Resolution Improving Housing Voucher Program Efficiency and Transparency

Albuquerque, NM – Today, the Albuquerque City Council passed R-24-109, which will begin modifying the City’s Housing Voucher Programs. The resolution will enable the Department of Health, Housing, and Homelessness (HHH) to implement key changes to voucher program processes and enhance program outcomes. The bill passed on a 9-0 vote.

“This resolution represents a significant commitment to improving our housing support systems and underscores the City of Albuquerque’s dedication to addressing the housing crisis,” said Councilor Renée Grout. “By streamlining processes, increasing transparency, and tracking outcomes, we want to make sure that HHH has the resources it needs to ensure that our Housing Voucher Programs are effectively serving those who need them most.”

Councilor Renée Grout, and Councilor Nichole Rogers, both longtime advocates for developing affordable housing, introduced the resolution and amendments to address the need for improved administration of the City’s Housing Voucher Programs. It calls for an evaluation of the present processes, expanding and clarifying the Housing Voucher Program’s policies and procedures, creating a centralized referral system, and tracking long-term outcomes for voucher recipients. The resolution mandates several key improvements, including:

• Enhanced Policies and Procedures: HHH will develop new and expand existing policies and procedures for administering Housing Voucher Programs.
• Centralized Intake and Referral System: A standardized central referral and intake system, potentially using a platform like the Coordinated Entry System (CES), will be implemented to reduce confusion and delays for individuals seeking housing assistance. This will streamline the application process by providing a single point of entry.
• Long-Term Outcome Tracking: HHH will develop and track long-term outcome goals for each Housing Voucher Program, allowing for better evaluation of program effectiveness and impact on participants’ lives.
• Real-Time Software Implementation: The City will procure and implement a new software system with the following key functionalities built in:
  • Electronic reimbursement requests and review.
  • Integration with the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and City financial systems.
  • A public-facing live dashboard displaying voucher use, financial spend-down, and program outcomes in real-time.
  • A platform for program participants to provide feedback.
  • Expedited Contract Execution of all housing voucher contracts and encumber funds within 30 days of funding allocation.

“It is an honor to work with and learn from Councilor Grout,” Councilor Nichole Rogers said. “I am hopeful that together, we will work with the amazing team in HHH to improve the City’s Housing Voucher programs.”

HHH’s new implementation plan will be submitted to the City Council within 90 days of the resolution's publication, followed by quarterly progress reports. Full implementation of the directives is expected within one year of the implementation plan's submission.

This initiative underscores the City of Albuquerque’s dedication to addressing the housing crisis and providing crucial support to its most vulnerable residents.