A significant portion of the meeting centered on the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program, with the board receiving a detailed update on the status of its waiting lists. Anna Salvador, Assistant Actuary Administrator, provided insights into the management and logistics of these lists. Bloomington currently maintains three active waiting lists, with the 2018 Housing Choice Voucher list nearing exhaustion and two additional lists from 2024 that remain open for new applications.

Salvador explained the biannual update process, which was introduced in 2025 to confirm interest and ensure the accuracy of household information. This process involves sending notifications to households on the lists, allowing a 15-business-day window for responses. The project-based voucher waiting list had seen notable movement in 2025 due to vacancies in assisted rental properties.

The demographic breakdown of those on the waiting lists was also shared. The majority of applicants fall into the extremely low-income category, earning 30% or below the area median income. The eligibility cap for the program is set at 50% of the area median income, offering some flexibility to maintain households on the waiting list even if their income slightly exceeds this threshold. Notably, the 2018 list has 54 remaining households, mostly single-person, while the 2024 list comprises over 5,500 households, representing a diverse mix of household types, including disabled and family households.

Looking ahead to 2026, plans for additional updates in February and September were revealed. Additionally, a new project-based voucher waiting list for the Roslyn property, restricted to individuals aged 55 and older, is set to open in January. In a query from a Commissioner, Salvador clarified that the age restriction necessitates a separate list due to administrative requirements.

Concerns about the impact of federal budgetary decisions on the waiting lists were raised, particularly in light of potential changes when Congress reconvenes in January. The update process was highlighted as an annual mechanism to purge the lists, removing households that fail to respond. Furthermore, proactive marketing efforts were discussed to ensure diverse community groups are aware and feel comfortable maintaining their positions on the lists.

In addition to the HCV updates, the meeting addressed financial challenges faced by the board, particularly in relation to its budget and levy. A recent city council meeting had seen the postponement of the Housing and Redevelopment Commission (HRC) levy vote to December 15th, with additional information requested.

One Commissioner, serving in an interim capacity, voiced disappointment over the council’s insufficient support for the board’s efforts, stating that it gave the impression that the board’s commitment and hard work were not fully appreciated. This sentiment resonated with other members, who expressed gratitude for the thoughtful contributions and insights shared during budget discussions.

The meeting marked the last participation of one commissioner as a council representative, with acknowledgments of their contributions and mentorship. Reflecting on their tenure, they emphasized the importance of housing in providing stability, dignity, and opportunities for families, sharing anecdotes about residents benefiting from board programs.

As the session continued, discussions arose about the need for clearer safety protocols during meetings due to recent audience behavior challenges. The board expressed interest in exploring safety training for commissioners in the coming year to ensure respectful discourse at public meetings.