Housing Efficiency
A strongly unified department, teamwork and an emphasis on creativity
enabled the Housing Authority of the City of Austin’s Housing
Operations department to again thrive in 2004. Many new programs
were implemented to aid in the efficiency and effectiveness of the
department’s daily responsibilities.
An On-Time Rent Drawing is held monthly at every property. Residents
who pay their rent on the first day of the month are entered in the
drawing, and the winner receives a home-related prize. Since the
program’s inception, on-time rent payment has dramatically
increased.
The Good Housekeeping Sticker Program recognizes households with
favorable results on both the annual Uniform Physical Conditions
Inspections and the Annual Housekeeping Inspection. The sticker is
placed on the recipient’s door and encourages them and their
neighbors to take pride in their homes. This year HACA scored 28
out of 30 points in the UPCS inspections, earning the “High
Performer” rating from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.
Several of the new programs act as incentives and team builders
for staff. The Property of the Quarter Program recognizes communities
with superior unit turnaround, work order completion time and rent
collection rates. The Picture of the Week Program awards prizes to
staff who identify and repair a “mystery photo” that
is e-mailed to the department. The Zero Turnaround Drawing rewards
staff who complete the task of a make-ready in less than one day.
