OVERVIEW OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, LONDON (HDC)

Transcription

1 OVERVIEW OF HOUSING DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION, LONDON (HDC) Information for Persons Interested in Applying to Serve on the HDC Board of Directors STEPHEN GIUSTIZIA EXECUTIVE LEAD EXT 2314

2 Municipal Council Appointments to the Board of Directors of the Housing Development Corporation, London (HDC) Municipal Council is seeking applications from qualified individuals wishing to be considered for appointment to serve on the Board of Directors of the Housing Development Corporation, London (HDC). Applicants must be at least 18 years of age, a Canadian citizen, a resident of London or Middlesex County, meet the requirements of the Ontario Business Corporations Act and have consented to becoming a Member. This appointment is for the period of three years from September 2016 to September 2019, with eligibility for reappointment for further terms which will allow for staggering of board members through future appointments. Prior to submitting an application, interested parties are asked to review the desired skills and competencies available online at: Persons interested in being considered for appointment are asked to obtain, complete and return an application form that is available on the City s website at or from the City Clerk s Office, 3rd Floor, City Hall, 300 Dufferin Avenue; or by phoning ext by 4.30 p.m., Friday, June 24, Applicants should clearly outline their skills and competencies. The Board, as a whole, should possess most or all of the following: Financial and legal knowledge related to housing development and/or real estate transactions and/or other financial instruments related to land and housing investment; An understanding of accounting, financing, and taxation matters as they relate to housing and land development and development financing; A comprehensive understanding of the core business and objectives of the Corporation; Strategic planning, including resource planning and partnership development; Understanding of affordable and social housing in an Ontario context; Corporate stewardship and risk management; Knowledge of capital planning, development, funding, foundation, and investment, and related regulatory knowledge; Experience in a competitive business enterprise; Awareness of the local housing market (rental and ownership) and associated needs; Experience with local (London and Middlesex), Southwestern Ontario and Ontario issues and environment in real estate, property management, and/or housing construction; Leadership and integrity; and Primary residency in London or Middlesex County. Personal information collected in applications or related communications are collected under the authority of the Municipal Act, 2001, as amended, and will be used by Members of Council and City of London staff in their review of this matter. The written submissions, including names and contact information, will be made available to the public, including posting on the City of London s website, video recording of the standing committee and Council meetings where this matter will be discussed. Questions about this collection should be addressed to the City Clerk at 300 Dufferin Avenue, London, ON N6A 4L9 or by to csaunder@london.ca. 1

3 Housing Development Corporation, London (HDC) The HDC centralizes the knowledge, skills, expertise, and tools required to support sustainable housing development, inclusive of affordable housing, throughout London and Middlesex. HDC engages in a full range of services including development, new financial instruments, land acquisition and sale, affordable housing consultation and promotion with all partners and sectors. HDC Mandate The HDC stimulates the development and sustainability of affordable housing throughout London and Middlesex by: supporting the local need for revitalized and strengthened neighbourhoods, and diverse and inclusive communities; and collaborating with all sectors to create and sustain affordable housing and stimulate economic growth. HDC Key Objectives The following are the corporate objectives of the HDC: Assist in addressing affordable housing needs of low income households; Engage in housing development activities including but not limited to the design, financing, and construction management of housing; Seek out new resources, funding, and partnerships to support the housing stock needs of local low income households; Develop housing projects and/or programs to address affordable housing needs of local low income households; Promote co-operation, partnerships and initiatives between community agencies, the private sector and governments to improve access to affordable housing stock for low income households; and Receive, purchase, transfer, sell or dispose of any property necessary to attaining the objects of the Housing Development Corporation. 2

4 Corporate and Working Relationship between the HDC and the City HDC s relationship with the City of London includes: 1. Advancing the interests and accountability rules defined by the City of London s Municipal Council as the sole shareholder of HDC. This includes partnerships and shared service relationships with the City s administration to minimize costs and maximize efficiencies of HDC (including technology, facility, planning, and financial supports) 2. Working in collaboration with the City and in advancing available affordable housing based on the needs and actions outlined in the 2013 Homeless Prevention and Housing Plan; 3. Working with City Housing Division staff in the City s role as Service Manager related to provincial and federal legislated management and administrative requirements. HDC will be responsible for new affordable housing as well as potential future social housing regeneration; and 4. Working in partnership with various City s service areas related to the integration and advancement of affordable housing solutions (including Planning, Development, and Finance, as well as those within Housing Division s Housing Access Centre). The City of London is a designated Housing Service Manager - the legislated delivery agent of housing programs with responsibilities for local and provincial program delivery, compliance, and reporting requirements. Service Management functions related to homeless prevention and social housing remain within the City s direct administration. 3

5 The HDC Difference HDC will provide the specialized focus, expertise, tools and competencies to advance beyond past successes and activities related to affordable housing development, including: The capacity to negotiate and engage in concept planning and innovation related to affordable housing development such as working with other orders of government and the private and not-for-profit sectors, bridging land and development opportunities including those related to schools, hospital, church land or other community based greyfield (commercial) land redevelopment; Negotiate, acquire, purchase, and sell lands and real property that include or support the goals of HDC. These activities may either directly support affordable housing through revenues or indirectly through negotiated partnerships; Engage an independent board of experts in strategies and plans related to affordable housing; and Build and retain local industry knowledge in public and social housing regeneration and redevelopment. A small dedicated administration, led by a Chief Executive Officer will work with the HDC Board of Directors to advance business utilizing: Expertise and knowledge with a strong understanding of the local housing market and development opportunities; Legal tools as a business corporation that would allow HDC to independently engage in acquisition and sale of land and housing, establish revenue generating activities (such as consulting), and manage costs outside of a prescriptive policy framework; Financial instruments and the exploration of new tools needed to free available assets in public/social housing stock to enable regeneration and redevelopment of sites; and Direct development tools, such as public housing sites, surplus lands, or surplus bluefields (schools, hospitals, churches, etc.). Board of Directors The HDC Board will have a minimum of three (3) members and a maximum board of seven (7) members, with the number to be determined by the London Municipal Council. Appointments are subject to London Municipal Council approval. As the governing body of an independent corporation established under the Ontario Business Corporations Act, the HDC Board will oversee all strategic management, business activities, and other affairs of the Corporation. Directors will have a fiduciary duty to HDC, requiring them to act honestly and in good faith with a view to the best interests of HDC, and to exercise their care, diligence, and skills on behalf of the City of London as the sole shareholder (owner) of HDC and local Service Manager. The Board shall provide direct supervision of the Chief Executive Officer of HDC and will guide the strategic direction and business and development plans of HDC. 4

6 Selection of the HDC Board Recruitment of HDC Board Members is subject to City of London policies and procedures, as well as applicable. The Municipal Council will be seeking the best possible candidates with competencies and expert skills that will support and advance the activities of the HDC and interests of the City as the sole shareholder. Desired Competencies for Directors The City of London and HDC seek the following skills, competencies, and qualifications of HDC Board Members from members of the public who are interested applicants: Financial and legal knowledge related to housing development and/or real estate transactions and/or other financial instruments related to land and housing investment; An understanding of accounting, financing, and taxation matters as they relate to housing and land development and development financing; A comprehensive understanding of the core business and objectives of the corporation; Strategic planning, including resource planning and partnership development; Understanding of affordable and social housing in an Ontario context; Corporate stewardship and risk management; Knowledge of capital planning, development, funding, foundation, and investment, and related regulatory knowledge; Experience in a competitive business enterprise; Awareness of the local housing market (rental and ownership) and associated needs; Experience in the local (London and Middlesex as well as south-west Ontario and provincial) issues and environment in real estate, property management, and/or housing construction; Leadership and integrity; and Primary residency in London or Middlesex County. Anticipated Board Meeting Schedule It is anticipated that the Board will meet a minimum of four (4) times per year. It will determine its meeting schedule on an annual basis. The Board will report to the Municipal Council at an annual shareholder meeting. It will be bound by the requirements set out in the Shareholder s Declaration and the accountability rules, and in accordance with the Ontario Business Corporations Act. 5

7 Term of Office Board appointments will generally be for a three (3) year term with an option to renew for an additional three (3) year term. However, in order to ensure stability, continuity, and knowledge transfer, the Shareholder may direct that appointments be made in manner that provides for staggered terms. Remuneration of Board Members Board members will be recruited as volunteers without remuneration. Chargeable expenses and cost reimbursements will be in accordance with the Shareholder declaration and in keeping with corporate policies and procedures modelled after those in place for the Board of Directors for London & Middlesex Housing Corporation. Governance The Board will establish a committee structure, which is anticipated to be as follows: i) Governance Committee/Committee of the Whole, for matters related to strategic planning, corporate policy development, and organizational governance; ii) Finance and Administration, for matters related to budget monitoring, audit, compliance, support services, procurement, and shared services; and iii) Development Committee overseeing activities related to operations, development projects, and general business activities of HDC. Each committee shall meet no fewer than two (2) times each calendar year. Application for Membership The Board of Directors for the HDC will be directly engaged in the development and advancement of program strategies and new tools. Please complete the attached application for Appointment to City of London Boards, Commissions, and Committees, clearly reflecting your relevant and applicable knowledge, skills, and experience in keeping with the desired qualifications: SEE THE CITY OF LONDON WEBSITE FOR THE CLOSING DATE FOR SUBMISSIONS. 6