Part 45: Housing Trust Advisory Board

§ 42-419 Establishment of Board.

There is hereby established within the City of Albany a Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board to provide recommendations regarding the administration and use of the City's Housing Trust Fund, authorized by § 375-401(5)(c)(ii)(B), including programs eligible for funding, allocation priorities, and performance benchmarks. The Board shall work with the Albany Community Development Agency and Department of Neighborhood and Community Services in fulfilling its responsibilities.

§ 42-420 Membership; term; vacancies.

The Board shall consist of 10 members:

(1)

Three members appointed by community-based organizations, designated by resolution of the Common Council to make such appointment, that primarily support low-income residents;

(2)

Three members appointed by the Mayor of the City of Albany;

(3)

One member appointed by the Albany Common Council President;

(4)

One member appointed by the Albany Common Council President Pro Tempore;

(5)

One member appointed by the Albany Common Council Majority Leader; and

(6)

One member appointed by the Albany Common Council Majority Whip.

Terms of office. Members shall be appointed for three-year terms; provided, however, that:

(1)

Of members initially appointed by designated community-based organizations, one shall be for a term of one year; one shall be for a term of two years; and one shall be for a term of three years.

(2)

Of members initially appointed by the Mayor: one shall be for a term of one year; one shall be for a term of two years; and one shall be for a term of three years.

(3)

Of members initially appointed by the Common Council:

(a)

That of the Albany Common Council President and Majority Leader shall be for a term of three years;

(b)

That of the Albany Common Council President Pro Tempore and Majority Whip shall be for a term of two years.

Members shall continue to serve beyond the expiration of their terms until a new member is appointed or such serving member is reappointed.

Vacancies. A vacancy occurring in the membership of the Board for any reason shall be filled by the appointing authority for the vacated seat for the duration of the seat's unexpired term. Vacancies shall be filled in the same manner as the original appointment for the remainder of the unexpired term.

§ 42-421 Powers and duties.

The Board shall have the following powers and duties:

Advise on the types of programs, initiatives, and expenditures eligible for Housing Trust Fund support;

Recommend priorities for use of Housing Trust Fund revenues, including but not limited to tenant assistance programs, homeowner assistance, homeownership down payment assistance, emergency repair programs, and other housing grant programs;

Consult with the Albany Community Development Agency and Department of Neighborhood and Community Services regarding annual and multi-year fund allocations; and

Report at least annually to the Common Council on the Board's recommendations, actions, and evaluation of fund performance.

§ 42-422 Organization and procedures.

The Board shall elect a Chair and Vice Chair from among its members.

Meetings shall be held at the call of the Chair or upon request of a majority of the Board's members.

A majority of the members of said Board shall constitute a quorum for the transaction of business.

The Board shall adopt rules for the conduct of its meetings and affairs consistent with applicable law and City policy.

§ 42-423 Administrative support.

The Department of Neighborhood and Community Services shall provide administrative support to the Board as reasonably necessary to fulfill its duties.