TO: Housing Authority Commissioners
FROM: Jennifer Palmer, Executive Director
REPORT BY: Alex Carrasco, Project Manager
SUBJECT: California Human Development Corporation Agreement No. 260018B (NCHA)
RECOMMENDATION
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Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260018B (NCHA) with California Human Development Corporation for a maximum amount of $1,152,577 for the term July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, for onsite management of the three Napa County farmworker centers known as the River Ranch Center, Mondavi Center, and Calistoga Center. (Fiscal Impact: $1,152,577 expense; Napa County Housing Authority Fund, Budgeted, Discretionary)
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BACKGROUND
California Human Development Corporation (CHDC) provides onsite management services for the three farmworker centers (centers). CHDC specializes in working with the farmworker population and has provided excellent service to the Housing Authority for the past 17 years. CHDC staff, including managers, cooks, and janitors, are onsite 24/7 to provide three meals a day, collect and record rent rolls, perform ongoing and preventative maintenance, oversee general operations (including daily janitorial services) and ensure lodgers have access to safe, welcoming and affordable housing.
The Napa County Housing Authority has contracted with CHDC for the past 17 years as they provide specialized services for farm workers and provide the most cost-effective service. The proposed contract includes an increase from prior fiscal year of 4%, reflecting operational increases in information technology, fringe benefits, and marketing, for example.
CHDC will also operate to provide 56,430 possible bed nights for farm workers (total for the three centers). The opening and closing schedule is:
Calistoga: Open: 07/01/25 Close: 11/22/25 Reopen: 12/29/25
Mondavi: Open 07/01/25 Close: 11/15/25 Reopen: 12/22/25
River Ranch: Open 07/01/25 Close: 12/27/25 Reopen: 02/02/26
The operating schedule ensures there is always one center open, and times the closing of two centers to the slowest period of the year (November - December) when demand for agricultural work is reduced and many farmworkers return home to family outside of the Napa Valley. Although the centers have seen a resurgence in occupancy rates after significant decreases during the COVID-19 pandemic, supply and demand within the agricultural industry fluctuates year over year and may increase or decrease demand for housing. Nonetheless, County staff will continue marketing efforts and collaboration with CHDC to obtain a 95% occupancy rate to maximize revenues and meet State requirements. Historically, the centers have averaged above 90% overall throughout the eleven months each one is licensed to operate, owning to the year-round demand for specialized agricultural and vineyard management labor.
CHDC has a strong working relationship with County staff and local non-profits such as Cinco de Mayo, Inc./Farmworker Committee, which hosts an annual golf tournament to fundraise for on-going maintenance needs at each of the centers as well as provide for an annual holiday meal and gifts for the farmworkers.
Requested Action: Approve and authorize Agreement No. 260018B (NCHA) with California Human Development for a maximum amount of $1,152,577 for the term July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026.
FISCAL & STRATEGIC PLAN IMPACT
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Is there a Fiscal Impact? |
Yes |
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Is it currently budgeted? |
Yes |
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Where is it budgeted? |
Housing Authority |
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Is it Mandatory or Discretionary? |
Discretionary |
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Discretionary Justification: |
The Housing Authority contracts with CHDC each year to provide onsite management of the centers. In the previous three RFP’s for a service provider, CHDC was chosen as the best and most cost efficient fit to provide these services. |
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Is the general fund affected? |
No |
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Future fiscal impact: |
Each year, the Housing Authority will contract with a service provider for onsite management of the centers. |
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Consequences if not approved: |
Current staff do not have the capacity to provide the services CHDC does. If the contract is not approved, the centers would close. |
ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT
ENVIRONMENTAL DETERMINATION: The proposed action is not a project as defined by 14 California Code of Regulations 15378 (State CEQA Guidelines) and therefore CEQA is not applicable.