Attachment E
Potential Program Concepts for Council Consideration
The following list outlines potential rental assistance and housing stability programs for future Council consideration. These concepts reflect varying levels of complexity, innovation, and feasibility. Some build on existing models, while others are community- based or incentive-driven. Most are still in the early idea stage and would require further legal review, financial modeling, and administrative planning to determine whether they are viable or implementable.
These concepts reflect a broad range of approaches, including some that are unconventional or exploratory, to show the variety of directions the City could take in supporting housing stability. While not all ideas may be feasible or appropriate for implementation, they are included to spark discussion and present a full spectrum of possibilities.
No cost estimates are provided at this stage; actual budgets would depend on program design, depth of assistance, and the number of participants served. Several models could be piloted on a small scale to evaluate effectiveness and community response before full program implementation.
1.Relocation Assistance for Tenants in 3–4 Unit Properties Tenants in smaller multifamily buildings (3–4 units) currently do not qualify for relocation assistance when evicted for major rehabilitation. A targeted program could offer fixed relocation assistance to support these renters when evicted for major rehabilitation. While the annual eligible population is relatively small, costs may be significant depending on the amount of support provided.
2.Short-Term Emergency Rental Assistance Pool
Reestablish a flexible emergency rental assistance fund for tenants experiencing unexpected financial hardship (such as job loss, illness etc.). Assistance could cover one-time or short-term needs (e.g., 1–3 months) and would be aimed at renters not currently receiving other forms of ongoing support.
3.Eviction Support Fund
This program would assist tenants actively facing eviction by helping cover overdue rent, relocation costs, or security deposits for new housing. Support could be offered as a fixed amount or based on individual needs and would target tenants not already receiving mandated relocation assistance.
4.Unpaid Rent Relief
Offer one-time or limited-term support to tenants with accumulated rent debt. The program would be designed to prevent eviction by helping tenants resolve back rent owed due to verified financial hardship. Eligibility would be income-based and require proof of rent arrears.
5.First Month’s Rent Assistance
Provide support to help displaced tenants secure new housing by covering the cost of their first month’s rent. This assistance would reduce upfront financial barriers, especially for tenants recently evicted or forced to relocate. Proof of new lease or housing would be required.
6.Landlord Improvement Grant Program (Affordable Rent Exchange) Offer landlords one-time grants (e.g., $30,000) to renovate units in exchange for committing to keep rents affordable for a fixed period (e.g., 3–5 years). This preserves the city’s aging rental stock while securing below-market rents. A $1 million fund could serve around 30 units. Legal and enforceability frameworks would need to be developed.
7.Utility Bill Forgiveness for Affordable Housing Residents Council could consider allocating City funds to Glendale Water & Power (GWP) to cover bills for tenants living in affordable housing developments. The City would directly subsidize utility costs, further reducing housing expenses for low- income renters already paying below-market rents.
8.Rent Subsidy for High-Rent Affordable Units
In certain affordable housing developments, tenants—despite qualifying for affordable units—may still face high rent burdens due to variability in rent limits across funding sources and affordability tiers. Council could fund a targeted rent gap subsidy to assist tenants in the highest-cost affordable units. Staff would identify developments where rents are highest relative to tenant income and design a program to reduce the rent burden for those most impacted.
9.First Lease Support Program
One-time assistance for low-income renters under 35 entering the workforce or transitioning from shared/family housing to independent living. Funds could help cover first and last month’s rent or a security deposit. Younger renters often lack savings or rental history and are locked out of housing due to upfront costs.
10.Workforce Housing Incentive Stipends
Provide small stipends ($300–$500/month) to low-income essential workers (teachers, nurses, and service staff) who live in Glendale. The goal is to help retain a stable local workforce and reward community contribution.
11.Sponsor-a-Senior Rental Relief Fund (Community Matching Model) Invite higher-income residents, local businesses, or donors to sponsor low- income seniors by contributing $10, $25 or more monthly. The City could match or augment contributions, and pooled funds would be distributed monthly as rental support to low-income seniors in need.
The model fosters civic engagement and solidarity, connecting donors directly to a visible local impact. It could also serve as a low-barrier entry point for philanthropy and business sponsorship. Depending on participation, the number of seniors served could be greatly increased, potentially scaling from a small pilot to a broader support network.
However, success depends on donor engagement, administrative capacity, and fair, transparent fund distribution. Legal and privacy considerations must also be addressed.
12.Targeted Assistance for Specific Senior and/or Disabled Populations Design small-scale programs for specific senior groups, such as:
Seniors with Adult Children with Developmental Disabilities: These households often face compounded financial and caregiving burdens, requiring tailored support to maintain housing stability. Seniors Not Receiving Family Support or Other Income: These individuals are entirely self-reliant and often face greater financial vulnerabilities due to a lack of supplemental resources or support systems. Non-Senior Disabled Adults
These populations may require tailored housing stabilization strategies due to their unique vulnerabilities.