What is Moving to Work?
Moving to work (MTW) is an initiative through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that enables public housing authorities (PHAs) to create and test innovations in the Housing Choice Voucher and Public Housing programs. Innovations are designed to help residents move towards self-sufficiency, to increase housing choices for low-income families, and to boost the cost-effectiveness of the program.
MTW provides Boulder Housing Partners the opportunity to combine our expertise in affordable housing with an entrepreneurial approach to enhance opportunities in our community.
How it Works
Each year we complete an Annual MTW Plan with new proposed activities to improve upon programming that is submitted to HUD for approval. At the end of each year, we submit an Annual Report on the outcomes achieved for all the approved and implemented activities. HUD evaluates findings across all the MTW agencies to determine which ones may be beneficial to expand to all Housing Authorities nationwide.
MTW Since 2011
Since 2011, we have taken part in this demonstration program seeking new ways to improve upon Boulder Housing Partners’ programming as well as HUD rules nationwide.
Successful MTW activities
Successfully renovated over 275 public housing apartments by combining MTW flexibilities with HUD’s Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) program through Project Renovate (Link to Development Page). We additionally developed or remodeled community centers at four of these communities, which support innovative Bringing School Home programming for children and families;
Leveraged funds to add 26 units of affordable housing to our inventory along with 5+ acres of land for future affordable home development;
Streamlined the recertification and home inspection process for all of our voucher holders and removed disincentives to increase income; and
Implemented other activities to increase housing choices and use federal dollars more effectively.
2024 Moving to Work Annual Plan
BHP is pleased to release our draft 2024 Moving to Work Annual Plan for public review. There will be a public hearing on Tuesday, October 24, 2023, at 5 p.m. at the BHP office located at 4800 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304. Comments can also be provided to Karen Brunnemer via:
- Email: brunnemerk@boulderhousing.org,
- Phone: 720-564-4631
- Fax: 303-302-1658
- Mail: 4800 Broadway, Boulder, CO 80304
The draft plan was adopted by the BHP Board of Commissioners on November 8, 2023, at the regular board meeting at 9 a.m. The draft plan was then adopted by HUD on February 15, 2024.
The 2024 MTW Annual Plan includes the following amendments to current activities:
- Adding goals and increasing the escrow amounts for participants in the Family Self Sufficiency Program.
- Creating a move-on strategy for project-based voucher holders when their income reaches the 60% of Area Median Income Limit, thereby freeing up a deeply affordable unit with assistance for the next family who needs it.
- Implementing a three-year time frame before project-based voucher participants can request the next available voucher with which to move from the community. This allows communities to be more stable and more vouchers each year to be available to applicants who are trying to enter the program.
Please reach out to Karen Brunnemer at brunnemerk@boulderhousing.org or 720-564-4631 with any comments or questions.
