MPHA: A High Performing, Innovative Housing Authority

Moving to Work (MTW) is a special designation awarded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). First established by HUD in 1998, MPHA was one of the original 39 public housing authorities from around the country to earn MTW status. This status affords agencies budgeting flexibility while also providing an opportunity to modify or amend applicability of HUD regulations with the intent of developing unique, innovative solutions for localized housing challenges.

Specifically, HUD developed the MTW designation for local housing authorities to develop and test innovative programs in three key areas:

• Cost Savings: Examples include finding new opportunities to leverage annual HUD funding with state, local, and other financing tools, streamlining HUD policies and procedures to realize administrative cost savings, and simplifying resident rent processes.
• Self-Sufficiency: Examples include better connecting residents and program participants with supportive services, increasing case management services available to residents and program participants, and helping connect residents and program participants with employment support.
• Housing Choice: Examples include connecting residents and program participants with home ownership resources, developing programs to enable greater flexibility and choice for Section 8 voucher-holders, and deploying a greater percentage of project-based Section 8 vouchers.

While MPHA uses its MTW status in many ways, some of the most recognizable recent uses include the nationally recognized Stable Homes Stable Schools program and the internationally lauded Family Housing Expansion Project . These innovative initiatives are being pioneered and tested by MPHA, providing HUD and public housing authorities across the country a blueprint for how to recreate the success of these critical programs.

Though, it’s important to note that while MTW agencies have considerable flexibility, they must still abide by all other federal rules and regulations, including the Fair Housing Act, the Civil Rights Act, labor standards, environmental rules, procurement guidelines, demolition and disposition procedures, and relocation regulations. For all activities that affect their residents’ rent payments, public housing authorities must also conduct an impact analysis that recognizes the unforeseen circumstances that may affect their residents and develop an appropriate hardship policy. These safeguards help minimize any potentially negative impact of MTW on residents and communities.

Every year, MTW agencies submit a plan to HUD to explain how they will use MTW flexibility in their programs the following year. They also show note the program’s success through an annual report as well.