Item HA 03 - Update to the Housing Choice Voucher Administrative Plan

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Administrative Plan 7/1/2025 Page 16-14 Conducting Remote Informal Reviews The PHA must ensure that the lack of technology or inability to use technology for remote informal reviews does not pose a disadvantage to families that may not be apparent to the PHA. The PHA should determine through a survey or other means if these barriers exist prior to conducting the remote informal review and, if the family does not have the proper technology to fully participate, either postpone the informal review or provide an alternative means of access. As with in-person informal reviews, the PHA must provide all materials presented, whether paper or electronic, to the family prior to the remote informal review. The family must also be provided with an accessible means by which to transmit their own evidence. The PHA must ensure that the applicant has the right to hear and be heard. All PHA policies and processes for remote informal reviews must be conducted in accordance with due process requirements and be in compliance with HUD regulations at 24 CFR 982.554 and guidance specified in Notice PIH 2020-32. SAHA Policy SAHA will conduct remote informal reviews via a video conferencing platform, when available. If, after attempting to resolve any barriers, applicants are unable to adequately access the video conferencing platform at any point, or upon applicant request, the informal review will be conducted by telephone conferencing call-in. If the family is unable to adequately access the telephone conferencing call-in at any point, the remote informal review will be postponed, and an in-person alternative will be provided promptly within a reasonable time. At least five business days prior to the scheduled remote review, SAHA will provide the family with login information and/or conferencing call-in information and an electronic and/or physical copy of all materials being presented via first class mail and/or email. The notice will advise the family of technological requirements for the informal review and request the family notify SAHA of any known barriers. SAHA will resolve any barriers using the guidance in Section 6 of Notice PIH 2020-32, including offering the family the opportunity to attend an in-person informal review. If the informal review is to be conducted remotely, SAHA will require the family to provide any documents directly relevant to the informal review at least 24 hours before the scheduled review through the mail, via email, in person or fax. SAHA will scan and email copies of these documents to SAHA representative the same day. Documents will be shared electronically whenever possible. SAHA will follow up the email with a phone call and/or email to the applicant at least one business day prior to the remote informal review to ensure that the applicant received all information and is comfortable accessing the video conferencing or call -in platform. SAHA will ensure that all electronic information stored or transmitted with respect to the informal review is secure, including protecting personally identifiable information (PII), and meets the requirements for accessibility for persons with disabilities and persons with LEP. EXHIBIT 1