NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD
The Tacoma Housing Authority (THA) is holding a public comment period for the following proposed changes to the Administrative Plan and operational procedures. We will receive comments during a 30-day public comment period beginning February 3 – March 5, 2026.
Leave a Comment on the Proposed Changes
Residents, program participants, landlords, those on the waitlist and members of the public may submit comments on the proposed changes. You may fill out our online form or use one of the options below:
- Phone: (253) 999-1080
- Email:
- Address: 902 S. L Street, Tacoma, WA 98405
Proposed Changes to THA’s Grievance Policies and Procedures
THA is proposing to make the following changes to its Administrative Plan (Chapter 16, Section III), Grievance Process, and other related documents. These changes are occurring to be aligned with requirements and recommended practices based on HUD’s PIH Notice PIH 2020-32 and for administrative efficiencies.
THA is following the requirements of 24 CFR 966.52(c) and providing at least 30 days notice setting forth proposed changes in the PHA grievance procedure, and providing an opportunity to present written comments.
Summary of Changes
| Related Topic | Original Policy/Process | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Hearing Officer Selection | THA will appoint a Hearing Officer at THA’s expense. The Hearing Officer shall be an attorney. | THA will continue to appoint a Hearing Officer at THA’s expense; however, THA is expanding who may serve as that Hearing Officer. A Hearing Officer, at the appointment of THA, may be an attorney, or staff jointly appointed by THA’s Rental Assistance and Property Management Directors. |
| Clarifying Allowances for Remote Informal Reviews, Informal Settlement Talks, and Informal Hearings. | Under Section 16-III.C. Grievance Process for Participants, THA stated that grievance hearings based on criminal conduct may be held in person, by telephone, or by video conference. | THA is clarifying that meeting in person is strongly recommended. However, all informal reviews, informal settlement talks, and grievance hearings may be conducted remotely either by phone, video conferencing, or other virtual platforms which are accessible to persons with disabilities and conducted in accordance with Section 504 and accessibility requirements. |
| Hearing Packet – Remote Informal Hearings | No policy or process stated. | THA will mail copies of the hearing packet to the head of household, their representatives (if any), and the hearing officer at least three days before the scheduled remote informal hearing. |
| Submission of Evidence – Remote Informal Hearings | No policy or process stated. | THA will require the family to provide any documents directly relevant to the informal hearing at least 3 business days before the scheduled hearing through mail or email. THA will scan and email copies of these documents to the hearing officer and THA representative. |
| Proactive Outreach | No policy or process stated. | THA staff will attempt to contact households before the hearing to ensure the hearing packet was received. For remote hearings, staff will seek to address any questions related to accessing the video conferencing or call-in information. |
| Submission of Evidence – Copying Documents | The family will be allowed to copy any documents related to the hearing at a cost of $.25 per page. | The family will be allowed to copy any documents related to the hearing, at a cost to be determined by THA staff. |
Proposed Changes to THA’s Waitlist Preferences
THA is looking to update the waitlist preferences in Chapter 4 of the Administrative Plan to modify waitlist preferences. The proposed changes are outlined in the table below.
Summary of Changes
| Related Topic | Original Policy/Process | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| Local Preferences | Families Terminated Due to Funding The PHA will offer a preference to any family that has been terminated from its HCV program due to insufficient program funding. | Families Terminated Due to Funding The PHA will offer a preference to any family that has been terminated or is at risk of being terminated from HCV and other federally funded programs managed by THA due to insufficient program funding. |
| Local Preferences | THA Tenants on the Transfer/Choice Mobility Waitlist THA will allow those on the transfer waitlist to be served ahead of those on the regular waitlist. As they become available, THA will offer a voucher or unit to households on the transfer waitlist (families are not required to accept the HCV). | THA Tenants on the Transfer/Choice Mobility Waitlist THA will allow those on the transfer waitlist to be served ahead of those on the regular waitlist. As they become available, THA will offer a voucher or unit to households on the transfer waitlist (families are not required to accept the HCV). Households on the list due to the rehabilitation of their unit may be granted priority over other households on the Transfer/Choice Mobility waitlist. |
About Tacoma Housing Authority
Established in 1940, Tacoma Housing Authority provides high-quality, stable, and sustainable housing and supportive services to people in need, in ways that help our clients prosper and help our communities develop equitably. THA develops and manages real estate, provides rental housing, and partners with thousands of private landlords to help families pay the rent in the private rental market. In addition, THA delivers supportive services to help families succeed as tenants, parents, students, wage earners, and builders of assets who can live without assistance. THA seeks to do its work in ways that help our community be an “attractive place to live, work, attend school, shop and play,” and that help Tacoma be “safe, vibrant, prosperous, attractive and just.”