From the Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority's press release:
The Columbus Metropolitan Housing Authority (CMHA) announced today it will move forward with plans to modernize the administration of its Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, which has remained largely unchanged since its debut in 1974 and is now the agency’s largest program, serving approximately 40,000 Franklin County residents.
When implemented, the $1.2 million annual cost savings realized by contracting with a private vendor and employing the new model for administering HCVs will be redirected toward the creation of more affordable housing units, as well as improving services provided through CMHA’s nationally recognized RISE EnVision Center.
The move comes as federal funding for administration of the HCV program continues to fall short of the actual need, CMHA officials said. Hiring a vendor to manage the HCV program may reduce CMHA’s HCV workforce by approximately 48 positions, though CMHA officials anticipate rehiring several of those employees to fill existing vacancies in other CMHA departments. In addition, CMHA intends to offer transition benefits and support services to affected employees.
“CMHA is always looking for more efficient ways to serve our clients,” said CMHA Board Chairman Stanley Harris. “Like we have done in other areas, we believe we have an obligation to our residents and the public we serve to consider the most effective way to deliver services.”