Innovation Event TACKLING THE EOA MONSTER: WHO IS DOING WHAT AND HOW? September 22, 2015
From Program to Partnership Maria Varlokostas, Manager, Social Housing, City of Toronto, Social Housing Unit September 22, 2015
City of Toronto Social Housing Portfolio City oversees ~93,000 units of social housing, including 69,000 rentgeared-to-income (RGI) units Social housing is delivered by 247 housing providers (TCH, private non-profit, co-op) The annual budget for social housing is $434.5 Million 93,515 households are on the waiting list for RGI housing
Private Non-Profits Facing Expiry Former federal non-profits provide 9,300 units or 10% of units under City administration. Non-profit housing projects developed under the National Housing Act in the late 70s and 80s These include ~1700 rent supplement units and ~860 internally-funded RGI units. Projects begin to expire in 2015.
Federal Housing Co-ops Facing Expiry There are about 100 federally funded co-ops in Toronto with 7,200 total units. About 2,300 of these units are internally subsidized. These co-ops are administered by The Agency for Co-operative Housing or CMHC. Projects began to expire in 2014.
Impact of EOA in Toronto 16,500 units of affordable housing stock at risk: 9,300 units in non-profits under City administration 7,200 units in federal co-operatives Potential loss of internal RGI subsidy: ~700-800 units in non-profits ~2,300 units in federal co-ops Loss of public investment and its benefits
Toronto Context for EOA Providers will have options: Most providers will be viable and in a better position at expiry Hot development environment = demand for land & properties Increasing property values improve options Competitive rental market with higher-income renters City has some tools to preserve affordability: City of Toronto Rent Supplement agreements will continue Some providers have ongoing obligations to the City (leases, loans etc) Rental Housing Protection by-law limits demolition/conversion
Our Approach to Address EOA Adopted a strategic direction to develop a new partnership model based in mutual interests in consultation with housing providers facing EOA Steps include: -Analysis of portfolio -Clarifying the City s goals and interests -Consulting with providers to identify their goals and document issues and opportunities -Investigating options for a toolbox of supports and incentives
City of Toronto Interests Our Housing Stability Service Plan sets out the City s interests in supporting a social housing system that focuses on achieving positive housing stability outcomes for people, and Offers a range of housing types and affordability options Protects and invests in assets Builds capacity of community partners Fosters integration and partnerships Encourages ongoing improvement and innovation 9
Housing Providers Interests Housing providers identified many interests at our consultations: Capital renewal and development Refinancing/financial viability Continue, renew, expand Mission Services for tenants Affordability assistance System navigation Governance capacity Status post-expiry
New Partnership Model Draft Framework Policy Framework Objectives, Principles, Outcomes Partnership Levels May vary depending on requirements and contributions, and allow access to different incentives and benefits Roles/Contributions Defines City and Housing Provider roles & contributions Toolbox
New Partnership Model Toolbox ideas Toolbox Loan Guarantees Asset Management Property Tax Exemption Access to Financing Development Supports Access to Land Housing Allowances Market/My Choice Rental Tenant Supports Training Partnership Facilitation Community Development
Challenges in moving forward Getting to yes on City interests Navigating multiple City divisions Agreement on future role of EOA portfolio Managing budget pressures and priorities (e.g. Toronto Community Housing) Choosing the approach Individual, one-off agreements or a program/framework approach Implications for ongoing administration How to create status Working out who goes first City needs to know provider plans to develop responses Providers want to know what City can offer before finalizing plans
How EOA Is Changing Our Thinking Redefining social/affordable housing Moving beyond legacy programs New relationship model to use with other providers Based in City of Toronto housing stability goals New roles for the City as Service Manager Transitioning from funding-focused role to facilitator/enabler role Opportunities for capacity development and innovation Focus on improving capacity and outcomes across the portfolio
Transforming Social Housing in Toronto The City is undertaking multiple change strategies: Raising the Bar: Improving social housing outcomes Capital Repair Financing Strategy Toronto Community Housing Mayor s Task Force and Service Manager Assessment My Choice Rental/Wait List Review Housing Allowance Framework
Advocacy for Change Closing the Housing Gap campaign: To persuade the federal and provincial governments to continue funding social housing at existing levels and provide new, long-term funding for social housing capital repairs LTAHS Review submission: Request to Province to develop a new regulatory framework to enable and encourage housing providers to continue as affordable housing after operating agreements expire
Next Steps Next Steps for EOA include: Work with housing providers to assess viability and explore options post-expiry Further discussions with City Divisions and external partners to develop options Continue mutual interests discussions with housing providers Follow-up report to Council in 2016
Thank you Contact information: Name: Maria Varlokostas Telephone #: 416-338-8224 E-mail: mvarlok@toronto.ca