Property tax bills indicate signs of easing

Most Maricopa County homeowners saw slight relief on their property taxes this year. But the overall decline wasn’t as steep as the drop in the value of their houses, continuing a pattern that has held true for six years, according to an Arizona Republic analysis.

The lower tax bills generally were the result of moderate cuts in school tax rates and special-district taxing rates, along with a final year of lower property values on which the taxes were based. But exceptions abound because of the county’s confusing array of taxing districts.

Read more...Property tax bills indicate signs of easing

Property-tax bills may dip for many

The total property-tax levy for all taxing districts in Maricopa County is down by $29 million this year, though some county taxpayers’ 2013 bills will not be any less than last year’s when they land in the mailbox this month.

The county Board of Supervisors cut the county’s projected property-tax revenue by $33 million. However, that revenue decline is offset slightly by tax increases in other districts imposing levies for things like K-12 schools, community colleges and public amenities, Treasurer Charles “Hos” Hoskins said.

Read more...Property-tax bills may dip for many

Valley Home Values 2013 : Median home prices for 2011-12 by city in Maricopa County

The following is a sampling of median home prices for Maricopa County municipalities with at least 50 sales of single-family detached houses during the past two years. (Some municipalities overlap into Pinal County.) See how your community's median home price for 2012 compared to last year's price and which municipality had the biggest overall increase:

Read more: Valley Home Values 2013 : Median home prices for 2011-12 by city in Maricopa County

Valley Home Values 2013 : Median home prices for 2011-12 by city in Maricopa County

The following is a sampling of median home prices for Maricopa County municipalities with at least 50 sales of single-family detached houses during the past two years. (Some municipalities overlap into Pinal County.) See how your community's median home price for 2012 compared to last year's price and which municipality had the biggest overall increase:

Read more: Valley Home Values 2013 : Median home prices for 2011-12 by city in Maricopa County

Maricopa County homeowners likely to see property-tax bill lowered

Property-tax bills are in the mail, and most Maricopa County homeowners should owe less than last year.

The typical metro Phoenix homeowner can expect his or her bill to drop by $18, the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office says. Last year, when home values were even lower, the average homeowner saw a bigger decrease, about $60.

This year's tax bills are based on 2010 valuations, when Valley home prices dropped a median of 11 percent. But the drop in a house's value does not translate to the same drop in a homeowner's taxes.

Read more: Maricopa County homeowners likely to see property-tax bill lowered

Maricopa County homeowners likely to see property-tax bill lowered

Property-tax bills are in the mail, and most Maricopa County homeowners should owe less than last year.

The typical metro Phoenix homeowner can expect his or her bill to drop by $18, the Maricopa County Treasurer's Office says. Last year, when home values were even lower, the average homeowner saw a bigger decrease, about $60.

This year's tax bills are based on 2010 valuations, when Valley home prices dropped a median of 11 percent. But the drop in a house's value does not translate to the same drop in a homeowner's taxes.

Read more: Maricopa County homeowners likely to see property-tax bill lowered

Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Maricopa County residents in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure may seek help from Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix.

In a partnership with grocery chain Bashas', the non-profit housing organization is setting up a home-aid stand today at a Southwest Valley Food City grocery store to help troubled homeowners take the first step to getting help. Help will be available from 4- 7 p.m. today at Food City, 6544 W. Thomas Ave., Phoenix.

A similar opportunity was offered Wednesday at a Food City in Avondale.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, said that counseling won't be conducted at the home-aid stand but that homeowners can go there to begin getting help to save their homes through mortgage modification or to find a reasonable alternative to foreclosure, such as a short sale.

The workers at the stand will set up appointments for homeowners to see counselors and tell them which documents they need to take to those appointments.

"We will advocate for a better (mortgage) payment overall," Garcia Duarte said. "I would say to homeowners: Take advantage that we are here. We're a trusted source. We know what we're doing, and if there is a way, we're going to make sure we explore every avenue. The worst thing is not to do anything."

The housing-services group has been operating in Maricopa County for 37 years, offering a wide range of homeownership programs and services, Garcia Duarte said.
Neighborhood Housing Services is a member of the national NeighborWorks network, which gives it access to financial support, technical assistance and training.

Since 2009, the Phoenix housing services program has helped more than 1,580 families stay in their homes.

"There are too many people who are still not seeking help," Garcia Duarte said.
More information is available on at www.facebook.com/nhsphoenix.

By David Madrid, The Republic|azcentral.com Jun 9, 2012


Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Maricopa County residents in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure may seek help from Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix.

In a partnership with grocery chain Bashas', the non-profit housing organization is setting up a home-aid stand today at a Southwest Valley Food City grocery store to help troubled homeowners take the first step to getting help. Help will be available from 4- 7 p.m. today at Food City, 6544 W. Thomas Ave., Phoenix.

A similar opportunity was offered Wednesday at a Food City in Avondale.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, said that counseling won't be conducted at the home-aid stand but that homeowners can go there to begin getting help to save their homes through mortgage modification or to find a reasonable alternative to foreclosure, such as a short sale.

The workers at the stand will set up appointments for homeowners to see counselors and tell them which documents they need to take to those appointments.

"We will advocate for a better (mortgage) payment overall," Garcia Duarte said. "I would say to homeowners: Take advantage that we are here. We're a trusted source. We know what we're doing, and if there is a way, we're going to make sure we explore every avenue. The worst thing is not to do anything."

The housing-services group has been operating in Maricopa County for 37 years, offering a wide range of homeownership programs and services, Garcia Duarte said.
Neighborhood Housing Services is a member of the national NeighborWorks network, which gives it access to financial support, technical assistance and training.

Since 2009, the Phoenix housing services program has helped more than 1,580 families stay in their homes.

"There are too many people who are still not seeking help," Garcia Duarte said.
More information is available on at www.facebook.com/nhsphoenix.

By David Madrid, The Republic|azcentral.com Jun 9, 2012


Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Maricopa County residents in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure may seek help from Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix.

In a partnership with grocery chain Bashas', the non-profit housing organization is setting up a home-aid stand today at a Southwest Valley Food City grocery store to help troubled homeowners take the first step to getting help. Help will be available from 4- 7 p.m. today at Food City, 6544 W. Thomas Ave., Phoenix.

A similar opportunity was offered Wednesday at a Food City in Avondale.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, said that counseling won't be conducted at the home-aid stand but that homeowners can go there to begin getting help to save their homes through mortgage modification or to find a reasonable alternative to foreclosure, such as a short sale.

The workers at the stand will set up appointments for homeowners to see counselors and tell them which documents they need to take to those appointments.

"We will advocate for a better (mortgage) payment overall," Garcia Duarte said. "I would say to homeowners: Take advantage that we are here. We're a trusted source. We know what we're doing, and if there is a way, we're going to make sure we explore every avenue. The worst thing is not to do anything."

The housing-services group has been operating in Maricopa County for 37 years, offering a wide range of homeownership programs and services, Garcia Duarte said.
Neighborhood Housing Services is a member of the national NeighborWorks network, which gives it access to financial support, technical assistance and training.

Since 2009, the Phoenix housing services program has helped more than 1,580 families stay in their homes.

"There are too many people who are still not seeking help," Garcia Duarte said.
More information is available on at www.facebook.com/nhsphoenix.

By David Madrid, The Republic|azcentral.com Jun 9, 2012


Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Maricopa County residents in danger of losing their homes to foreclosure may seek help from Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix.

In a partnership with grocery chain Bashas', the non-profit housing organization is setting up a home-aid stand today at a Southwest Valley Food City grocery store to help troubled homeowners take the first step to getting help. Help will be available from 4- 7 p.m. today at Food City, 6544 W. Thomas Ave., Phoenix.

A similar opportunity was offered Wednesday at a Food City in Avondale.

Patricia Garcia Duarte, president and CEO of Neighborhood Housing Services of Phoenix, said that counseling won't be conducted at the home-aid stand but that homeowners can go there to begin getting help to save their homes through mortgage modification or to find a reasonable alternative to foreclosure, such as a short sale.

The workers at the stand will set up appointments for homeowners to see counselors and tell them which documents they need to take to those appointments.

"We will advocate for a better (mortgage) payment overall," Garcia Duarte said. "I would say to homeowners: Take advantage that we are here. We're a trusted source. We know what we're doing, and if there is a way, we're going to make sure we explore every avenue. The worst thing is not to do anything."

The housing-services group has been operating in Maricopa County for 37 years, offering a wide range of homeownership programs and services, Garcia Duarte said.
Neighborhood Housing Services is a member of the national NeighborWorks network, which gives it access to financial support, technical assistance and training.

Since 2009, the Phoenix housing services program has helped more than 1,580 families stay in their homes.

"There are too many people who are still not seeking help," Garcia Duarte said.
More information is available on at www.facebook.com/nhsphoenix.

By David Madrid, The Republic|azcentral.com Jun 9, 2012


Foreclosure help offered - USATODAY.com

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County approves housing project

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors has decided to spend $3.8 million in federal funds to purchase and rehabilitate a Phoenix complex to house veterans and low-income and formerly homeless residents.

Catholic Charities Community Services, a non-profit, is in escrow for the Villa Tomas Apartments near 52nd Street and Thomas Road in Phoenix. After renovation, slated to begin this fall, there will be at least 46 studio, one-bedroom and two-bedroom units.

The complex is scheduled to open in summer 2013.

Maricopa County will use part of its Neighborhood Stabilization Program funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The county uses the money to work with community partners to buy abandoned homes, fix them up and sell or rent them to low-income families.

The county is required to provide at least 25 percent of the available units for residents who do not exceed 50 percent of the area's median income.

But at this property, all of the residents will fit that criterion, meaning they need help finding permanent housing. The target population is veterans or formerly homeless families coming out of transitional housing.

The county Board of Supervisors unanimously voted last week to use neighborhood-stabilization funds for the project.

"It creates less burden on taxpayers. Otherwise, you recycle them through emergency services," said Ursula Strephans, acting assistant director of community development at the county Human Services Department.

Catholic Charities will own the property and provide services for residents.

Steve Capobres, vice president of Catholic Charities in Phoenix, said the goal is to create a community environment for the residents to help them get reintegrated into society.

Veterans are used to working and living with a group of soldiers and homeless families may have lived at transitional shelters for up to two years, interacting with volunteers, staff and other families, he said.

"They need that support system. A lot of times, these clients, the reason they have issues is they've lost that support system. They've lost that family," Capobres said. "So where we come in is, essentially, we create that family and create that community."

Services and programming will be voluntary for residents.

They will range from events like barbecues and farmers markets to counseling and classes on various topics, such as parenting.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - May. 27, 2012 09:11 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County approves housing project

Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors revised its Housing Authority's ethics code and will require adherence to the new code by any housing project seeking federal funding through the county program.

The intent is to bring the program in line with federal standards and avoid repeating problems found by a critical audit two years ago.

The code revision, approved last week, is part of an ongoing effort to clean up the county housing agency, which two years ago came under scrutiny after a federal audit found evidence of financial and operational mismanagement. The authority helps provide affordable housing to low-income county residents by issuing housing vouchers and subsidizing public-housing units.


Supervisors in December 2010 took closer control of the Housing Authority amid the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's findings of mismanagement. They appointed a veteran housing administrator, Gloria Muñoz, to direct the organization after having for years handed day-to-day control to handpicked commissioners.

The authority's ethics code now includes a section that spells out standards it must meet as a part of its HUD contract. The authority operates primarily on HUD funds. Its most recent budget was $15 million.

Among the new ethics provisions are guidelines on how to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest with contractors or with members of the organization's governing board. The code now prohibits certain hiring practices that may indicate favoritism or nepotism.

Muñoz said adding HUD contract provisions to the Authority's ethics code was one of the main changes she has sought since taking office, because it is a HUD requirement.

"It's something ... that we needed to take care of since I started, just to make sure that we're in compliance with every requirement that we say we're going to be in compliance with with HUD," Muñoz said. "Anytime you have it in policy, it's much better."

The annual HUD contract outlines operations and management requirements that must be met to receive HUD funding.

The housing agency's former executive director, Doug Lingner, resigned two years ago amid an investigation stemming from allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

Then, the 2010 HUD audit found "a history of unsatisfactory performance in financial, procurement, governance and personnel areas," including Lingner's violation of procurement regulations by awarding a contract to his brother -- a violation of county and federal contracting requirements.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Apr. 3, 2012 10:01 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors revised its Housing Authority's ethics code and will require adherence to the new code by any housing project seeking federal funding through the county program.

The intent is to bring the program in line with federal standards and avoid repeating problems found by a critical audit two years ago.

The code revision, approved last week, is part of an ongoing effort to clean up the county housing agency, which two years ago came under scrutiny after a federal audit found evidence of financial and operational mismanagement. The authority helps provide affordable housing to low-income county residents by issuing housing vouchers and subsidizing public-housing units.


Supervisors in December 2010 took closer control of the Housing Authority amid the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's findings of mismanagement. They appointed a veteran housing administrator, Gloria Muñoz, to direct the organization after having for years handed day-to-day control to handpicked commissioners.

The authority's ethics code now includes a section that spells out standards it must meet as a part of its HUD contract. The authority operates primarily on HUD funds. Its most recent budget was $15 million.

Among the new ethics provisions are guidelines on how to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest with contractors or with members of the organization's governing board. The code now prohibits certain hiring practices that may indicate favoritism or nepotism.

Muñoz said adding HUD contract provisions to the Authority's ethics code was one of the main changes she has sought since taking office, because it is a HUD requirement.

"It's something ... that we needed to take care of since I started, just to make sure that we're in compliance with every requirement that we say we're going to be in compliance with with HUD," Muñoz said. "Anytime you have it in policy, it's much better."

The annual HUD contract outlines operations and management requirements that must be met to receive HUD funding.

The housing agency's former executive director, Doug Lingner, resigned two years ago amid an investigation stemming from allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

Then, the 2010 HUD audit found "a history of unsatisfactory performance in financial, procurement, governance and personnel areas," including Lingner's violation of procurement regulations by awarding a contract to his brother -- a violation of county and federal contracting requirements.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Apr. 3, 2012 10:01 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors revised its Housing Authority's ethics code and will require adherence to the new code by any housing project seeking federal funding through the county program.

The intent is to bring the program in line with federal standards and avoid repeating problems found by a critical audit two years ago.

The code revision, approved last week, is part of an ongoing effort to clean up the county housing agency, which two years ago came under scrutiny after a federal audit found evidence of financial and operational mismanagement. The authority helps provide affordable housing to low-income county residents by issuing housing vouchers and subsidizing public-housing units.


Supervisors in December 2010 took closer control of the Housing Authority amid the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's findings of mismanagement. They appointed a veteran housing administrator, Gloria Muñoz, to direct the organization after having for years handed day-to-day control to handpicked commissioners.

The authority's ethics code now includes a section that spells out standards it must meet as a part of its HUD contract. The authority operates primarily on HUD funds. Its most recent budget was $15 million.

Among the new ethics provisions are guidelines on how to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest with contractors or with members of the organization's governing board. The code now prohibits certain hiring practices that may indicate favoritism or nepotism.

Muñoz said adding HUD contract provisions to the Authority's ethics code was one of the main changes she has sought since taking office, because it is a HUD requirement.

"It's something ... that we needed to take care of since I started, just to make sure that we're in compliance with every requirement that we say we're going to be in compliance with with HUD," Muñoz said. "Anytime you have it in policy, it's much better."

The annual HUD contract outlines operations and management requirements that must be met to receive HUD funding.

The housing agency's former executive director, Doug Lingner, resigned two years ago amid an investigation stemming from allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

Then, the 2010 HUD audit found "a history of unsatisfactory performance in financial, procurement, governance and personnel areas," including Lingner's violation of procurement regulations by awarding a contract to his brother -- a violation of county and federal contracting requirements.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Apr. 3, 2012 10:01 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code

The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors revised its Housing Authority's ethics code and will require adherence to the new code by any housing project seeking federal funding through the county program.

The intent is to bring the program in line with federal standards and avoid repeating problems found by a critical audit two years ago.

The code revision, approved last week, is part of an ongoing effort to clean up the county housing agency, which two years ago came under scrutiny after a federal audit found evidence of financial and operational mismanagement. The authority helps provide affordable housing to low-income county residents by issuing housing vouchers and subsidizing public-housing units.


Supervisors in December 2010 took closer control of the Housing Authority amid the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's findings of mismanagement. They appointed a veteran housing administrator, Gloria Muñoz, to direct the organization after having for years handed day-to-day control to handpicked commissioners.

The authority's ethics code now includes a section that spells out standards it must meet as a part of its HUD contract. The authority operates primarily on HUD funds. Its most recent budget was $15 million.

Among the new ethics provisions are guidelines on how to avoid real or apparent conflicts of interest with contractors or with members of the organization's governing board. The code now prohibits certain hiring practices that may indicate favoritism or nepotism.

Muñoz said adding HUD contract provisions to the Authority's ethics code was one of the main changes she has sought since taking office, because it is a HUD requirement.

"It's something ... that we needed to take care of since I started, just to make sure that we're in compliance with every requirement that we say we're going to be in compliance with with HUD," Muñoz said. "Anytime you have it in policy, it's much better."

The annual HUD contract outlines operations and management requirements that must be met to receive HUD funding.

The housing agency's former executive director, Doug Lingner, resigned two years ago amid an investigation stemming from allegations of nepotism and mismanagement.

Then, the 2010 HUD audit found "a history of unsatisfactory performance in financial, procurement, governance and personnel areas," including Lingner's violation of procurement regulations by awarding a contract to his brother -- a violation of county and federal contracting requirements.

by Michelle Ye Hee Lee - Apr. 3, 2012 10:01 PM The Republic | azcentral.com



Maricopa County board revises Housing Authority's ethics code