SB 1357: Housing Authority of the County of Alameda.

Existing law, the Housing Authorities Law, establishes a housing authority within each county and city to undertake specified activities relating to housing for persons of low income, subject to the adoption of a resolution by the governing body of the county or city declaring the need for an authority.

Existing federal law provides housing assistance to low-income individuals and households in the form of vouchers, commonly known as Housing Choice Vouchers.

This bill would require the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda to, by January 1, 2026, conduct an evaluation and review of its internet website for the purpose of ensuring that the website is easily accessible and navigable, including for those that are non-English speakers. The bill would require the authority to, by March 31, 2025, publish Housing Choice Voucher program waitlist data on its internet website, as specified. The bill would require the authority to, by September 30 of each year, develop and publish on its internet website a report that includes certain information, including information regarding employment with the authority and data regarding the effectiveness of the programs administered by the authority, as specified. By requiring the authority to review its internet website, publish data, and develop an annual report, the bill would impose a state-mandated local program.

This bill would make legislative findings and declarations as to the necessity of a special statute for the Housing Authority of the County of Alameda.

The California Constitution requires the state to reimburse local agencies and school districts for certain costs mandated by the state. Statutory provisions establish procedures for making that reimbursement.

This bill would provide that, if the Commission on State Mandates determines that the bill contains costs mandated by the state, reimbursement for those costs shall be made pursuant to the statutory provisions noted above.