Oxnard Housing Authority proposes budgets for low rent and voucher programs for 2025-2026

The City Council of Oxnard convened on May 23, 2025, to discuss the Housing Authority's budgets for the Low Rent Public Housing (LRPH) and Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) programs for the fiscal year 2025-2026. Brenda Lopez, the interim director for the housing department, presented the details of the proposed budgets, which are essential for the operation of public housing units and rental assistance programs in the city.

The LRPH budget pertains to 5,023 public housing units managed by the Oxnard Housing Authority (OHA). According to federal regulations from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), these budgets must be submitted before the fiscal year begins. The LRPH budget is primarily funded through tenant rental income and an operating subsidy from HUD. The total recommended operating budget for the LRPH program is $7,795,322, which includes a projected deficit of $201,272 for the Central Office Cost Center (COCC). Efforts to mitigate this deficit have included generating revenue through property management services and applying for HUD's rental assistance demonstration program.

In contrast, the HCV budget, which covers 1,864 housing choice vouchers, is projected at $35,000,921,457. This budget includes housing assistance payments that are directly passed from HUD to property owners. The HCV program is also facing a deficit, estimated at $149,715. The OHA has implemented strategies to reduce this deficit, including streamlining processes and increasing the number of leased units.

Lopez highlighted that the financial impact of these budgets would not affect the general fund, as the OHA has sufficient unrestricted cash reserves to cover the projected deficits. The council is expected to adopt resolutions approving both budgets, along with the use of unrestricted cash to address the deficits.

In summary, the meeting underscored the ongoing financial challenges faced by the Oxnard Housing Authority while outlining strategic efforts to improve budget management and operational efficiency. The council's approval of the proposed budgets will be crucial for maintaining housing services in the community.