Skip to main content

AgendaQuick™

View Agenda Item

Consent   1.C.
Regular City Council Meeting
Meeting Date:
06/11/2012
TITLE
Consultant & Agreement for the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
PRESENTED BY:
Brenda Beckett, Community Development Manager
Department:
Planning & Community Services
Presentation:

Information

PROBLEM/ISSUE STATEMENT

In 2012, the Community Development Division is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to conduct a study to analyze the impediments to fair housing choice in our community. The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) is a review of impediments or barriers that affect the rights of fair housing choice. It covers public and private policies, practices, and procedures affecting housing choice.

The City advertised a Request for Proposals (RFP) March 15, 22, and 29, 2012, seeking a qualified professional or organization to prepare the City’s AI.

The following organizations submitted responses to the RFP:
• ASK Development Solutions
• Community Strategies
• Planning Communications
• TDA Consulting
• Western Economic Research

A nine-member RFP Review Committee reviewed each proposal, evaluating each in accordance with the information, objectives, key parameters, and required proposal content specified within the RFP, and ranked them accordingly using the attached RFP Decision Matrix created for this purpose. The Committee was composed of Community Development staff, Planning staff, and a state fair housing professional.

ALTERNATIVES ANALYZED

1) Approve staff recommendation for Planning Communications as the consultant to create the City’s AI and approve the Consultant Agreement.

2) Not approve staff recommendation for Planning Communications as the consultant to create the City’s AI and approve the Consultant Agreement.

FINANCIAL IMPACT

As a recipient of federal funds, HUD requires the City to complete this study every five years as the basis for fair housing planning for the next five years. CDBG administration funding has been set aside to support the study. In addition, donations of $18,000 were obtained from the Housing Authority of Billings ($10,000), HRDC District 7 ($5,000, in addition to survey mailing), Billings and Montana Association of Realtors ($2,000) and First Interstate Bank ($1,000). Council accepted the donations to support this study on April 9, 2012.

RECOMMENDATION

Staff recommends the City Council approve the contract with Planning Communications for $33,650 to create the City’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice.

APPROVED BY CITY ADMINISTRATOR

 

Attachments