Operating Housing Authorities

1. Operating Housing Authorities National Policy Forum on Housing and Water Sheraton Centre Hotel – Toronto, Ontario February 6-8, 2007

2. Fundamental Principles • Support and advocate FN self determination through long term strategic planning • Support for developing FN authority within FN jurisdiction through FN Housing Mechanisms • Assist FN’s in building and maintaining sustainable housing environments • Transfer housing information, technologies and processes into FN hands • Realize economic development and job creation potential in all areas of housing Assembly of First Nations

3. Common Process • Sell the Housing Authority Concept • Define a suitable Strategy • Design the Housing Authority Framework • Generate an Operational Business Plan • Build Operational Capacity • Implement the Plan • Operate and Maintain Inform, Consult, Execute Assembly of First Nations

4. Wants and Needs • Care and Control of FN Housing Assets • Addressing Core Social Housing Needs • Individual and Private Home Ownership • Potential for Off Reserve Activity • Creating Sound Operational Structure • Support for Capacity Development of Operations Assembly of First Nations

5. How it can work Established Authority Best Practices Operational Readiness Building Capacity Emerging Authority Assembly of First Nations

6. AREAS of FOCUS • Communications (internal and external) • Exploring Economic Development Potential • Funding and Finance Sources and Mechanisms • First Nations Housing Policy and Programs • Social Housing Portfolio (subsidy, grant, relief, transfer) • Administration and Management Processes • Training and Professional Development • Design, Durability and Affordability Assembly of First Nations

7. What Can It Do • The First Nation would work out the governance processes and controls involved in the Housing Authority and provide the authority the mandate and its operating parameters. • The Housing Authority could then take care of the details of planning, design, financing, construction and management of housing stock within FN territory on behalf of participating First Nations. • They could also work to access capital to increase the number of houses built on reserve. • The authority could help to build the knowledge, skills and capacity necessary to achieve results at the community level. It may deal with significant elements of housing such as policy and program analysis and design, codes and standards, benchmarks of performance, training and certification requirements, research and development, and the strengthening of strategic alliances. Assembly of First Nations

8. Role of the Authority This housing authority at the community level could do a number of things: • Receive its mandate from Chief and Council and community members • Support the development of a community owned housing entity • Operate as a corporation that is one step removed from community administration • Develop land for the benefit of the community and the community interests • Provide control over growth by zoning for various land use densities • Manage and administrate land and housing assets Assembly of First Nations

9. Benefits of this Approach • Relieves Chief & Council of operational responsibility for housing • Allows Chief and Council and community members greater options and increased opportunity • Removes a high percentage of housing debt from the FN books • Assists First Nations in achieving sustainable long term results • Increased efficiencies mean cost savings in areas of construction, operation and maintenance • Increased durability of housing stock translates into positive cash flow for social housing concerns Assembly of First Nations

10. Common Authority Elements • Governance Structure • Operational Controls • Funding and Finance • Management and Administration • Portfolio and Asset Maintenance Assembly of First Nations

11. Operational Options • Chief and Council w/ Committee • Chief and Council w/ Housing Authority and Community Circle • Member driven Coop w/ Board of Directors • First Nation mandated corporation operating as a Non Profit • Independent corporation w/ Board of Directors operating w/ Land Trust Assembly of First Nations

12. First Nation Control • Ensures that decisions and recommendations reflect a FN perspective, provide reports to the Chief and Council, meet with key stakeholders as required. • Invite private sector participation and seek expert advice to ensure options have been thoroughly researched and evaluated. • Protect and maintain Aboriginal and Treaty Rights to housing, provide technical and political advice, make recommendations, and devise strategies on all matters. • Coordinate the community consultation, maintain communications, and ensure continuous information flow. • Be responsible for spearheading research and analysis of new and emerging issues around policy, programs, and legislation. Assembly of First Nations

13. Consultation • Assessing community conditions and needs • Defining goals and objectives • Consideration of identified models of authority • Developing workplans and strategies • Surveying community members and implementing consultation process • Refining housing policies and programs • Generating a sound business plan • Exploring potential aggregate authority structure with other FN’s and FN technical service providers Assembly of First Nations

14. The Dynamics of ‘HOW’ • Progressive and Proactive Leadership • Active Community Participation • A Sound Policy Framework • Solid Financial Management • Effective and Efficient Operational Control • Development of Codes, Standards, Benchmarks and Performance Measures • Sustainable Quality Assurance Device • Skilled and Proficient Workforce • Develop New Multilateral Relationships • Optimize Value for Dollar Assembly of First Nations

15. Greater Integration • 5 Year Capital Planning • Land Use Planning • Comprehensive Community Design • Public Works and Infrastructure • Linkage to First Nation Support Services • Liaise with Federal, Provincial and Municipal Partners • New Relationships with Key Stakeholders • Opportunities with New Partnerships Assembly of First Nations

16. Conditions for Success • Active community participation • Continuous intelligence and communication • Managing risk and liability • Transparent and accountable management and administration • Collaboration among all parties and stakeholders • Skills and proficiency in all aspects of housing Assembly of First Nations

17. Common Questions • What approach does the community intend to take in developing a Housing Authority • How will the new approach solve old problems • What results is the community looking for • What resources are available • Will there be an economic impact • How will this Housing Authority influence fundamental change in the community • What are the particular challenges the community would like to address • Does there need to be active community engagement Assembly of First Nations