City’s housing division receives “High Performer” rating for the fifth consecutive year

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has awarded the City of Cedar Rapids' Housing Services Division an overall rating of “High Performer” for its administration of the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program, through the Section 8 Management Assessment Program (SEMAP).

This is the fifth consecutive year that Housing Services has received this designation for outstanding service to the residents of Linn and Benton Counties. Overall, the division has received this ranking in seven of the last eight years.

“The SEMAP ranking demonstrates the diligence and commitment that employees have in delivering a high quality program that serves extremely low income populations” said LaSheila Yates, assisted housing program manager. “Administering a high quality program becomes imperative as we continue to explore ways to make processes leaner and improve customer service delivery.” Similar to last year, the Division scored the maximum points awarded by HUD.

Cedar Rapids' Housing Services Division received this award by reaching the 15 indicator benchmarks of the Section 8 Management Assessment Program. These indicators include expanding housing opportunities, documenting reasonable rent charges, adjusting utility allowance schedules, inspecting rental units annually, maintaining quality control and encouraging participation in the Family Self-Sufficiency program.

The Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program is a federally-funded housing program that assists very low-income families to lease safe, decent, and affordable privately-owned rental housing.

To ask about participating in the program, contact the City's Housing Services Office at 319-286-5872. To learn more about the program, visit the “Section 8 Rent Assistance” page of the City's website,

www.Cedar-Rapids.org.