The Council’s Housing and Redevelopment Authority (Metro HRA) earned the highest Section Eight Management Assessment Program (SEMAP) ranking of High Performer for 2018. This is Metro HRA’s 15th straight year earning the highest ranking.
SEMAP is a tool used by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and Congress to measure and grade the performance of housing agencies that administer the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program.
The assessment measures housing authorities on 14 indicators to ensure they are:
- Using funds efficiently to house as many families as possible
- Admitting applicants to the program according to selection policies
- Accurately verifying family income
- Correctly calculating tenant’s share of rent
- Applying sound reasonable rent policies to ensure each unit is reasonably priced
- Inspecting units in a timely fashion
- Ensuring landlords promptly correct housing deficiencies
“Achieving the highest rating for the 15th straight year is a testament to the exceptional work our HRA staff do every day,” said Council Chair Nora Slawik. “Administering federal rent assistance is a technical challenge and with decreased funding and increased caseloads, this recognition is quite an accomplishment.”
Metro HRA administers the largest Housing Choice Voucher program in the state of Minnesota. The program provides housing for about 7,200 households throughout Anoka, Carver, and most of suburban Hennepin and Ramsey counties.
Households that have vouchers pay 30% to 40% of their incomes for rent, and Metro HRA pays the remainder directly to the landlord, within established rent limits. The 2,000 participating private property owners are guaranteed a stable source of rental income. This injects more than $60 million of federal and state funds annually into the regional economy.