Affordable Housing Task Force

Regular Meeting

Columbia, SC · August 9, 2022

Minutes

COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force met on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 using virtual meeting technology. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. The following members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Tina N. Herbert Chair Present Jeff Armstrong Family Promise Present Julie Ann Avin MIRCI Present Reggie Barner The Barner Group Present Yvonda A. Bean Columbia Housing Authority Present Sue Berkowitz Director of the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center Present Brenna Bernardin Fast Forward Absent Pamela Bynoe-Reed Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Absent Dylan Gunnels Director at Haven Homes Present Tonya Isaac Present Jeff Larimore Midlands Housing Trust Fund Present Jennifer Moore United Way Present Brittani Richards Habitat for Humanity Absent Shayla Riley Coldwell Banker Absent Lila Anna Sauls President and CEO of Homeless No More Present Gregory Sprouse Central Midlands Council of Governments Absent Allison Terracio Richland County Council Present Regina Williams Board Member Absent Lester Young Just Leadership Absent Jim Zieche More Justice Present Chris Zimmer Truist Bank Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes Upon a motion made by Lila Anna Sauls and seconded by Allison Terracio, task force members voted unanimously to approve the June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes. Affordable Housing Task Force August 9, 2022 Meeting Minutes - Page 1 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION Councilor Herbert said last month we took a break and gave the committees an opportunity to meet. How do you think that structure is working for us so far? Jim Zieche said we had good discussion and it was pointed on what we think we can do. Combining the subcommittees into two groups made sense and it gives us a clear path forward. 2. Overview of Development Committee Goals I. Capital for development a. City property b. Market analysis II. Zoning challenges a. mixed use corridors b. maximum parking requirements c. placement III. Taxes and fees/offer incentives IV. More multi and single family revitalization/renovation projects V. Capacity building for churches Councilor Herbert reviewed the five goals for the Development Committee. She suggested the following revisions: add funding to capital for developers; city property “potentially available”; market analysis “for the greatest need”; and offer incentives “to developers”. Do you have suggested changes or rewording of the five goals? Julie Ann Avin suggested that it should be minimum parking requirements. Councilor Herbert agreed to change it to "parking requirements". Lila Ann Sauls suggested changing churches to faith based organizations. Jim Zieche asked what would be included in the market analysis. Page 2 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 Councilor Herbert said the market analysis for greatest need was added because if we get the capital, how will we determine where it will go. Factors can be added to that. Under funding, we want to consider the market’s needs. Another group is working on an analysis that we should be able to use. Jim Zieche said that makes sense, but I don't see where we discuss funding sources. Councilor Herbert agreed to "use market analysis to determine greatest need". Anita Floyd asked if the taxes and fees are being looked at by another committee. Councilor Herbert said we want to keep a pulse on what that committee is doing. I will switch this to "fees and incentives we can offer". We understand that this is an issue but we are not taking it on as our issue. 3. Overview of Accessibility & Affordability Committee Goals I. Develop an education campaign II. Educate landlords on the importance of safe housing III. Partner with Fair Housing campaigns to educate tenants IV. Create a housing directory V. Establish a Housing Court Councilor Herbert reviewed the five goals for the Advocacy Committee. She asked if there were any changes or questions about the goals. Sue Berkowitz said it should be listed as the Advocacy Committee. Councilor Herbert said it is important to put not in my back yard (NIMBY) under the first goal. I will change number three to partner with City of Columbia Fair Housing campaign to educate tenants. Lila Anna Sauls noted that State Housing has an intensive housing directory on any units they help fund. Page 3 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 Councilor Herbert said this is for the various housing providers. Yvonda Bean clarified that the housing directory pertains to what the agencies are doing. Councilor Herbert said it is a directory of agencies and what they have to offer. We can use “housing resource guide”. The city has started one. Jennifer Moore said there is a searchable directory at https://sc211.org/. It also has specialized resources. Councilor Herbert said the committee can do a deep-dive and determine exactly what's needed. Councilor Terracio suggested that the committee explore more technologically friendly ways to get resources to end users. Councilor Herbert said the committee can determine how to address that issue. We want something useful and effective. Yvonda Bean suggested using educating landlords on the importance of “maintaining” safe housing. 4. Nomination of Committee Chairs Councilor Herbert asked one person from the Development Committee and one person from the Advocacy Committee to take responsibility for making sure the meetings are scheduled. You all can decide who you want to be chair or co-chair. Lila Anna Sauls volunteered to organize a meeting for the Development Committee. Dylan Gunnels volunteered to organize a meeting for the Advocacy Committee. Page 4 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 5. Affordable Housing Projects - Ms. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development presented a list of planned and permitted affordable housing projects that the city is aware of for fiscal year 2022/2023. There are 2,214 units and the city is supportive of these projects. We have funding committed to three of the projects, as well. We will keep a running list and provide the status of various projects in the months to come. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director said some of the projects have come to the Planning Commission and we haven't seen additional movement. Councilor Herbert said Garden Lakes has started. Which ones do the city have financial stake in and explain what that looks like. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development said there are four projects. We have CDBG funds in the Homes to Hope project off of Edisto Court. Those are open and occupied. We have committed funds to the Villages at Congaree Pointe, Midtown at BullStreet, and the Stoneridge Senior Village. All of those projects were going after state affordable housing credits and a funding commitment from the city was beneficial to the process. We haven't paid any money yet, but the total commitment to each project is $500,000. Some of which is hard cash and some are credits and condition for sustainable amenities. Councilor Herbert asked if $500,000 is the standard number. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development said we committed to the three projects simultaneously and decided to commit the same amount. It is a different amount for cash and credits, but the total commitment per project is equivalent. Jim Zieche asked about the AMI percentage for each project. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Director agreed to provide the additional information. Lila Anna Sauls said tier two applications for State Housing small rental development are due August 31, 2022. Anyone applying for that funding will know within the next three months. That usually includes housing trust fund and that includes a mix of 30%. Page 5 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 Councilor Herbert said Jeff indicated that the Village at Lee Court will be 60% AMI. It is important for us to monitor the status. 6. Home Loan Programs and Other Funding Opportunities - Ms. Gloria Saeed, Community Development Director Councilor Herbert said I wanted to make sure you understand the programs we do have, what's available from the city, and what we are currently doing in the affordable housing space. Gloria Saeed, Community Development Director said the purpose of using our dollars for housing opportunities is to provide attractive financing for homeownership via our loan programs. Over the years, the city of Columbia has successfully run affordable loan programs for individuals who earn 80% or below the AMI. We also have programs for individuals earning above 80% AMI up to 150% AMI. We are currently looking to restructure those programs to mainly focus on individuals whose income is between 81% up to 120% AMI. We consider that to be our workforce segment of the community. Our programs consist of low-interest rates, soft seconds, low down payments and no private mortgage insurance (PMI). We provide forgivable grants to assist homeowners with maintenance and repair. We do not have landlord assistance programs. We also provide gap funding capital for affordable and workforce housing development projects produced by non-profit organizations and/or for-profit developers for rental and homeownership. We recently funded Homes for Hope using HOME funds. The city runs a robust revolving fund program for individuals at 80% or below the AMI. We have a HOME Investment Partnership Program Funding Entitlement and Program Income and General Fund Revolving Loan Fund. As individuals pay us back, we can assist others who are in the market. Other available programs include: City Lender I-Uplift, Affordable Housing Loan, Maintenance Assistance Program (MAP), City Lender II, and Employee Loan Program. We are looking at a minor repair program, a major repair program, a rebuild program and a trade up program. At 80% AMI, a one-person household is capped at $45,150 annually. The cost of housing has gone up and affordability in terms of income qualifications has increased as well. Our loan program underwriting guidelines vary based on the program. Our partner lenders are Assurance Mortgage, First Citizens Bank, First Community Bank, Palmetto Citizens Federal Credit Union, Security Federal Bank, South State Bank, and Synovus Bank. We are currently working on a HOME notice of funding availability with an anticipated release date of August 22, 2022. We are looking for projects that are multi-family, rental, single-family rental or homeownership. We are looking for a good mix of what is needed in Columbia. The anticipated amount is between one million five hundred thousand dollars and two million dollars. Page 6 of 7 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 7. Future Meeting Dates Councilor Herbert said I need your input on having monthly task force meetings with committee meetings in between. The consensus was that we would continue to meet via Zoom with one or two in-person meetings. Should the task force meet bi-monthly and allow the committees to meet in between? Jim Zieche suggested that the task force meet bi-monthly. Reggie Barner agreed with meeting bi-monthly, too. Councilor Herbert said there is no opposition to bi-monthly task force meetings. Dylan and Lila Anna will work to schedule the committee meetings and I will see you all on October 11, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was closed at 12:02 p.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 7 of 7

Agenda

Packet

COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force will conduct a meeting on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. using video conferencing technology. For questions regarding the meeting, please contact the City Clerk at (803)545-3045 or cityclerk@columbiasc.gov. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair CALL TO ORDER APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes COMMITTEE DISCUSSION 2. Overview of Development Committee Goals I. Capital for development a. City property b. Market analysis II. Zoning challenges a. mixed use corridors b. maximum parking requirements c. placement III. Taxes and fees/offer incentives IV. More multi and single family revitalization/renovation projects V. Capacity building for churches 3. Overview of Accessibility & Affordability Committee Goals I. Develop an education campaign II. Educate landlords on the importance of safe housing III. Partner with Fair Housing campaigns to educate tenants IV. Create a housing directory V. Establish a Housing Court Page 1 of 2 COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING AGENDA TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2022 4. Nomination of Committee Chairs  Accessibility & Advocacy Committee  Development Committee 5. Affordable Housing Projects - Ms. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development 6. Home Loan Programs and Other Funding Opportunities - Ms. Gloria Saeed, Community Development Director 7. Future Meeting Dates ADJOURNMENT Page 2 of 2 1 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: ATTACHMENTS:  AHTF_MN_061422 (PDF) Updated: 8/5/2022 12:48 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 3 1.a COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 Attachment: AHTF_MN_061422 (7773 : Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes) CALL TO ORDER The Columbia Affordable Housing Task Force met on Tuesday, June 14, 2022 using virtual meeting technology. The Honorable Tina N. Herbert, Chair called the meeting to order at 11:00 a.m. The following members were present: Attendee Name Title Status Tina N. Herbert Chair Present Jeff Armstrong Family Promise Present Julie Ann Avin MIRCI Present Reggie Barner The Barner Group Absent Yvonda A. Bean Columbia Housing Authority Present Sue Berkowitz Director of the SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center Present Brenna Bernardin Fast Forward Present Pamela Bynoe‐Reed Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority Absent Dylan Gunnels Director at Haven Homes Present Tonya Isaac Community Representative Absent Jeff Larimore Midlands Housing Trust Fund Present Jennifer Moore United Way Present Brittani Richards Habitat for Humanity Absent Shayla Riley Coldwell Banker Present Lila Anna Sauls President and CEO of Homeless No More Present Gregory Sprouse Central Midlands Council of Governments Present Allison Terracio Richland County Council Absent Regina Williams Board Member Present Lester Young Just Leadership Absent Jim Zieche More Justice Present Chris Zimmer Truist Bank Present APPROVAL OF MINUTES 1. Approval of May 10, 2022 Minutes Upon a motion made by Yvonda A. Bean and seconded by Sue Berkowitz, the task force members voted unanimously to approve the May 10, 2022 meeting minutes. Page 1 of 4 Packet Pg. 4 1.a COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 COMMITTEE DISCUSSION Attachment: AHTF_MN_061422 (7773 : Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes) 2. Review of Task Force Work Plan Questionnaire Results Councilwoman Tina Herbert reviewed the Task Force Work Plan Questionnaire results. The top five impediments to affordable housing are capital for developers; zoning; accessibility / affordability / and safety of quality units; supportive services for residents of affordable housing; and NIMBY/education/addressing the stigma of affordable housing. The areas that you believe this task force can effectively change are NIMBY / education / addressing the stigma of affordable housing; capital for developers; streamlined governmental process for development; zoning; high fees and taxes for affordable housing; and accessibility/affordability/and safety of quality units. Sue Berkowitz, SC Appleseed Legal Justice Center said there is a need to deal with the eviction crisis. 3. Assignment of Smart Goals Councilwoman Tina Herbert suggested changing the committee structure to two committees: one that focuses on development and another to focus on advocacy and accessibility. We can divide the suggestions for the work plan between the two committees. City staff is already working on some of these things through the Columbia Compass Plan and we are trying to fill the gap. The goal of establishing incentives to encourage developers to construct affordable housing units has been assigned to the Community Development Department. Krista Hampton, Planning and Development Services Department said we are pre-empted from inclusionary zoning. This will require advocacy. Jennifer Moore, United Way requested a briefing document on the Columbia Compass Plan and the efforts of staff. We can figure out how to leverage and supplement that work. Jeff Larimore, Midlands Housing Trust Fund suggested that items be defined for the new committees to start with. Once there is traction in the reorganization of the committees, you can begin to filter in the supplemental subject matters that complement the defined tasks of the subgroups. We have a sense of the top three items to develop in phases. Page 2 of 4 Packet Pg. 5 1.a COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 The following committee selections were made: Attachment: AHTF_MN_061422 (7773 : Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes) Development Committee Accessibility and Advocacy Committee Councilwoman Tina Herbert, Chair Councilwoman Aditi Bussells Yvonda Bean Yvonda Bean Jim Zieche Jeff Armstrong Jennifer Moore Anita Floyd Jeff Larimore Regina Williams Chris Zimmer Sue Berkowitz Gregory Sprouse Brenna Bernardin Julie Ann Avin Dylan Gunnels Councilwoman Tina Herbert asked for input on potential private developers who could serve on the task force. Julie Ann Avin, MIRCI recommended Kevin Connelly as a private developer. Sue Berkowitz recommended adding someone from State Housing to provide assistance. 4. Next Meeting Date and Topics Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 11:00 a.m. Topics:  Overview of City of Columbia Housing Programs  Committee Reports on Goals Councilwoman Tina Herbert said the committees should meet in July and come back on August 9, 2022 with a specific work plan. We will assign a city staff person to each committee. The committees are to draft one or two sentences to describe what we consider development and advocacy. Councilwoman Aditi Bussells said there are a lot of parallels between the work we will be doing around homelessness as well as affordable housing. The Task Force to Prevent and End Homelessness met on May 18, 2022. It was an opportunity for people to share their perspectives and to set a mutual foundation for how we are going to move the conversation forward. I encourage you to attend our next meeting on Wednesday, June 29, 2022 at 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. at the Busby Street Community Center. Page 3 of 4 Packet Pg. 6 1.a COLUMBIA AFFORDABLE HOUSING TASK FORCE MEETING MINUTES TUESDAY, JUNE 14, 2022 Attachment: AHTF_MN_061422 (7773 : Approval of June 14, 2022 Meeting Minutes) Sue Berkowitz asked to receive anything that the Task Force to Prevent and End Homelessness has developed. There was consensus for the task force to continue meeting virtually. Councilman Herbert will schedule an in-person meeting later. ADJOURNMENT The meeting was adjourned at 11:52 a.m. Respectfully submitted: Erika D. Moore Hammond, CMC City Clerk Page 4 of 4 Packet Pg. 7 2 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Overview of Development Committee Goals FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: PURPOSE: 1) Capital for development a. City property b. Market analysis 2) Zoning challenges a. mixed use corridors b. maximum parking requirements c. placement 3) Taxes and fees/offer incentives 4) More multi and single family revitalization/renovation projects 5) Capacity building for churches Updated: 8/5/2022 11:51 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 8 3 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Overview of Accessibility & Affordability Committee Goals FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: PURPOSE: 1. Develop an education campaign 2. Educate landlords on the importance of safe housing 3. Partner with Fair Housing campaigns to educate tenants 4. Create a housing directory 5. Establish a Housing Court Updated: 8/5/2022 11:31 AM Page 1 Packet Pg. 9 4 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Nomination of Committee Chairs FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: PURPOSE: Accessibility & Advocacy Committee Development Committee Updated: 8/5/2022 1:54 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 10 5 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Affordable Housing Projects - Ms. Missy Gentry, P.E., Assistant City Manager for Development FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 8/5/2022 4:43 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 11 6 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Home Loan Programs and Other Funding Opportunities - Ms. Gloria Saeed, Community Development Director FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 8/5/2022 4:45 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 12 7 MEETING DATE: August 9, 2022 DEPARTMENT: City Clerk FROM: Erika Hammond, City Clerk SUBJECT: Future Meeting Dates FUNDING SOURCE & ORIGINAL BUDGET: Updated: 8/5/2022 2:17 PM Page 1 Packet Pg. 13