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Housing Opportunities Commission Minutes January 14, 2026 1. Call to Order at 5:22 pm 2. Introduction of New Member – N/A 3. Roll Call a. Present: Jessica Schoen, Christina Thurn, Cody Filipczak, Laura Lash, Angie Stokes, Carrie Poser b. Absent: Madison Buechner, Erin Hanson, Todd Schwartz c. Staff: Billie Hufford, Megan Oertel, Nicole Kragness, Jessica Oleson-Bue 4. Approval of meeting minutes of November 12, 2025 – Motion to approve by Stokes, Seconded by Poser, passed unanimously. 5. Open Public Comment Period – No one came forward 6. Public Discussion A. What is a Comprehensive Plan? Hufford shared a presentation about the comprehensive plan and what it is. • Questions were asked about HOCs participation in the plan. Hufford shared the various public outreach methods and committees including seeking feedback from HOC. • Question about including history of accomplishments from last plan. Hufford shared that should be a part of existing conditions review. • Question on who selects the consultant. Hufford shared the process for selecting consultants is based on the RFP requirements and typically staff will review and score the proposals. • Question to reiterate how housing relates to the comprehensive plan. • Question about how RFP is shared. Hufford shared the process. • Question on who finalizes the public participation plan. Hufford shared that staff works on it and presents to Council for feedback. • Questions about zoning changing with the comp plan update. Hufford shared that zoning code would have to change if items are discovered that don’t work. • Discussed land use with the comp plan. • Question about cost of plan. Hufford shared that she would follow up with the budgeted amount. B. Work Plan Thrun shared the workplan. Commission and staff discussed the changes and HOC advised on the changes and voted on a final document to recommend to Council. HOC discussed the importance about having people on HOC that are committed and represent various needed voices. Motion to approve workplan by Poser, seconded by Lash, passed unanimously. C. Workforce Housing TID – Item postponed to future meeting for more information on the letter. Schoen motioned to postpone action on the letter. Seconded by Poser. Passed unanimously. D. Affordable Housing Fund Community Outreach – discussed matrix and workplan will go to the next council meeting. Discussed timeframe for RFP to be released, educational sessions, and time for organizations to create required projects. Concerns were raised over the timeline for the RFP to be released. Discussed the need for time to make sure people understand the info and have time to prepare required materials. E. Other Business Agenda items a. Staff updates (15 min) i. Housing Projects Update – Oertel shared work she has been doing with foreclosure data. 7. Discussion and Direction A. Future Agenda Items a. February – Housing Program Education - Staff will discuss with Thrun to determine specific topic. B. Announcements a. Next meeting: February 11, 2026 b. Poser shared WIBOS conference information. i. Request for virtual meeting in February due to multiple Commissioners being at the conference. ii. Poser shared information on two pieces of legislation that have public hearings upcoming. iii. Poser shared information about the point in time count. iv. Poser shared information about funding available to use in Eau Claire County, but not in the City of Eau Claire. 8. Adjournment - Motion to adjourn by Lash. Seconded by Poser. Unanimously approved. Adjourned at 7:25