Housing Authority Models
Communities must establish clear lines of authority for management and administration of their housing portfolios. Common performance practices that must be managed and maintained in a housing portfolio include:
" Development of long term plans for the housing portfolio;
" Development of budgets and preparation of financial reports;
" Development and implementation of housing policies and procedures governing how the housing portfolio will be administered;
" Ensuring that a supply of serviced land/lots will be available to accommodate the amount of new housing units planned for;
" Development of systems which optimizes access to sources of funding and allows access to financial capital markets;
" Management of new construction and renovation activities;
" Management of funds and financing involved in the construction, renovation, maintenance, operation and administration of the housing portfolio;
" Developing and implementing procedures which allow for community members to be involved in and consulted in the overall direction of the housing portfolio; and
" Developing and managing an appeals process which ensures fairness and equality in the management of the housing portfolio.
A variety of housing governance models are implemented in First Nations across the country. Models range from a Housing Committee of Council through to totally separate corporate entities with their own Board of Directors and corporate by-laws. In all cases, the decision as to which model best compliments First Nation needs is made by Chief and Council. Political leadership must establish the mandate of whichever governance structure is adopted.
The models presented below are discussed in a manner which progresses from an internal governance structure to a fully separated structure. Each model is presented with an independent analysis of the pros and cons of implementation. The discussed options are developed to assist communities in determining which model best meets their specific objectives. Certainly there exists the option to have different elements of the housing portfolio operate under a separate governance system.
Model 1 Housing Committee Established by Cheif and Council
Model 2 Independent Housing Authority with Board
Model 3 Housing Authority as Corporate Entity