Commission approves HCV policy changes to expedite SRO referrals and add AB 1584 clarification

The Housing Authority voted on Sept. 29 to amend its Housing Choice Voucher administrative plan to allow direct referrals from single‑room occupancy (SRO) building owners or managers to fill units and to add a two‑sentence clarification that Assembly Bill 1584 extends certain certificate‑of‑preference benefits to descendants of displaced individuals.

General Counsel Linda Mason told the commission that the SRO referral change is intended to fill hard‑to‑lease SRO units more quickly; under the new language, if a referral is not provided within 30 days the city’s Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH) will provide referrals as a backup. Mason also said MOHCD (the Mayor’s Office of Housing and Community Development) had requested that the commission add a transparent note to the administrative plan explaining that AB 1584 (2021) extended certificate‑of‑preference priority to descendants of displaced individuals and that MOHCD issues these certificates.

A public schedule for the voucher waiting‑list opening was given during the meeting: staff stated the planned opening dates as Oct. 23–Nov. 6 of this year and said they are coordinating notice and outreach with HUD’s Office of Fair Housing. The motion to approve the administrative‑plan amendments, the subsidy‑standards clarification process and the capital‑fund attachment update passed by roll call (President Joaquin Torres, Commissioner Leroy Lindo, Commissioner Luanna Kim and Commissioner Mary Anne Pikes voted aye). Commissioners asked staff to provide exact notice dates and to coordinate with partner agencies on outreach.

Why it matters: Allowing direct referrals from SRO owners and managers and clarifying the AB 1584 preference are administrative changes intended to speed lease‑up of difficult‑to‑fill units and increase transparency about eligibility preferences tied to past displacement. The change affects waiting‑list procedures and the allocation of scarce housing resources.

What’s next: Staff will circulate final implementation dates and outreach plans to ensure broad notice, and will incorporate the AB 1584 language into the HCV administrative plan packet.