I, Sarah Palin, Governor of the State of Alaska, under the authority of art. III, secs. 1 and 24, of the Alaska Constitution, and in accordance with AS 44.19.145(c), establish the Alaska Council on the Homeless in the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation.
Background and Purpose
Homelessness is one of the most challenging domestic issues facing the United States. Alaska is no exception. Alaska’s Faith-Based and Community Initiatives Task Force found housing to be the most commonly identified challenge facing those in need. The Alaska Council on the Homeless (council) was initially established by Administrative Order No. 214 in April 2004 to develop a statewide action plan addressing homelessness in Alaska.
The plan, Keeping Alaskans Out of the Cold, was completed and submitted in October 2005. Included in its recommendations was the appointment of a steering committee to assist the governor and the legislature to develop an affordable housing trust. The steering committee completed its work in 2006 and the current council has recommended that the Alaska Housing Trust Fund (fund) be created within the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation (AHFC) under AS 18.56. The purpose of this Administrative Order is to add additional members to the council and to expand the council’s duties.
Membership
The council consists of members appointed by the governor to serve at the pleasure of the governor. Continuing members of the original council are: one representative each from the Alaska Housing Finance Corporation, Alaska Mental Health Trust Authority, Department of Health and Social Services, Department of Education and Early Development, Department of Public Safety, and Department of Corrections serving on the effective date of this Order. New members are: one representative of regional Native housing authorities, one representative of municipal government, and four additional members with experience and expertise in housing development or as consumers of affordable housing.
The council may invite to its meetings non-voting representatives from federal and local government agencies, the business community, providers of services to the homeless, philanthropic agencies, faith-based organizations, homeless advocacy organizations, homeless persons, and community leaders. The council may elect a chair and other officers as determined necessary.
Duties of the Council
The council’s duties set out in Administrative Order No. 214 are amended by adding new duties as follows:
- Assist with the development of the fund.
- Upon establishment of the fund, annually evaluate housing needs and priorities to establish a statewide homeless action plan and recommend to the AHFC Board of Directors the allocation of money in the fund to implement the plan; other duties specific to the fund include monitoring implementation of the fund budget, recommending methods for evaluating and monitoring fund activities, recommending methodology for reporting to public and elected officials, coordinating the fund with other available financing sources, seeking additional money to support fund activities, and ensuring that projects supported by the fund are sustainable.
- Monitor and review implementation of the statewide homeless action plan and annually report to the governor the council’s findings and recommendations regarding implementation of the plan.
- Annually report to the governor on how state resources, in addition to the fund, may be used to end homelessness.
Administrative Support
The AHFC shall provide administrative support for the council. In accordance with law, the AHFC may enter into intergovernmental agreements necessary to accomplish the purposes of this Order.
General Provisions
The following general provisions apply to the activities of the council:
- Council members do not receive compensation as a member of the council. Per diem and travel expenses for state and federal members of the council are the responsibility of the state or federal agency the member represents.
- To reduce costs, the council may use teleconferencing or other electronic means to the extent practicable in order to gain the widest public participation at minimum cost.
- The council shall establish procedures for voting and meetings of the council.
- Meetings of the council shall be conducted, and notice of the meetings provided, in accordance with AS 44.62.310 and 44.62.320 (Open Meetings of Governmental Bodies).
This Order takes effect immediately. This Order supplements Administrative Order No. 214 on this matter.
DATED at Juneau, Alaska, this 1st day of May, 2007.
/s/Sarah Palin
Governor
