Tempe Housing Authority updates voucher performance and adopts new HUD-aligned payment standards

The Tempe Housing Authority on Nov. 14 received a quarterly report from Deputy Human Services Director for Housing Irma Hallam McCain, who said the authority is administering more than $18 million in housing subsidies this year and is "actually closer to 19." McCain reported 1,039 vouchers leased in the community, a 7.66% annual attrition rate, 30 port-ins and 68 port-outs, and 99.76% budget utilization as of July 2025. Per-unit costs are $1,502.90.

McCain said the authority sets payment standards between 90% and 110% of HUD's area fair market rents, and that staff used a deep-dive analysis and an informal market study to set proposed changes. She told the board that most payment standards would be reduced, with an exception for two-bedroom units in ZIP code 85284. McCain said the reductions would affect new voucher holders, households porting in, and participants who move to new units; existing participants who remain in their current units would be unaffected.

McCain also reviewed activity by the Tempe Coalition for Affordable Housing, which manages 73 scattered-site units, noted acquisition of three homes for renovation and expansion of the active rental portfolio, and summarized a survey of 61 households (131 individuals: 83 adults and 48 children; 74% single-parent households; average age 42; average household size 2). She announced the coalition's new website and credited Javelina and Company, Free Range and staff lead Christopher Grossback for the branding and web work.

During a question-and-answer exchange, Board Member Hodge asked whether federal actions could reduce voucher funding. McCain said voucher subsidies and payments from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development are "level" and "stable," adding, "Money's in the bank to make the payments through December," and that HUD had not notified the city of any cuts to its contract or funding.

Following the presentation, the board moved to adopt a resolution to adjust the Tempe Housing Authority's payment standards to align with HUD's FY2026 small-area fair market rents effective Jan. 1, 2026. Board Member Hadd moved the resolution and Board Member Adams seconded. The resolution (listed in board materials as Resolution THAR 2025.03) passed 7-0 with Board Member Garland absent; resident member Kaylee Moss participated and voted remotely.

The board also approved the minutes from its Aug. 28, 2025 meeting (moved by Board Member Keating, seconded by Board Member Hodge), which passed 6-0 with Board Members Garland and Adams absent. The meeting adjourned; the next Tempe Housing Authority meeting is scheduled for Jan. 22, 2026.