Application and Outreach Subgroup – Draft RETR Recommendations Challenge Recommendation Additional Information RETR Application and Review form (renewal) is difficult to fill out, confusing or overly cumbersome Make application more user friendly Increase the font size on the application to make it easier to read term goal- make the online application a fillable PDF or Word Template Long term goal- Build application into website so applicants can complete online Make changes to Renewal Application/RETR Review form to avoid confusion about the deadline Currently, there are three dates listed in the first paragraph and two different deadlines. Timeline Extend initial application deadline to November 15 Outreach List of orgs., events, groups that should be targeted (see attached list) Cadre of volunteers to conduct outreach; ex. County Fair, beauty shops Deliberate outreach to Participation has declined
English speaking residents Liabilities Add liabilities section to application medical fees Fire severe home damage Large, unforeseen condo special assessment Need to better understand condo fees Program Oversight/ Improvement Citizens Advisory Group should regularly review RETR program, investigate any issues, and make recommendations. The Advisory Group should be appointed by the County Manager RETR program shall provide comprehensive reporting on all aspects of program management (ex. Uncollected revenue, number of denials, initial applicants that never filed, etc.) Extension Codify County Manager’s authority to review hardship cases up until Jan. 31 (extension policy for chapter 41)
Technical Assistance RETR program provide office hours and workshop at senior centers, libraries, AARP tax preparation clinics, and other outreach locations to get help applicants with their applications Deferrals and Mortgage lenders Long Term Goal- County staff should work banks and lenders to help RETR recipients that have a mortgage and are receiving a tax exemption or deferral to alleviate lenders’ concerns that recipients are not paying their property taxes Language added to State statute to recognize County deferment programs Mortgage lenders do not like when RETR recipients with a mortgage appear to not be paying their property taxes. RETR recipients with a mortgage often need to manage their own escrow account- which makes lenders uncomfortable. Appeals The RETR program needs to advertise appeals process as part of the application Places for Outreach Arlington Independent Media- radio Arlington Virginia Network (AVN)
also include the program guidelines. Condo Fees (#1) Condo fees should not be considered when determining eligibility as what the fees cover vary among properties. Utility Programs (#1) Promote utility programs through the RETR application that provide financial assistance to home and condo owners. Dominion Energy and Washington Gas have financial assistance programs that should be promoted on the RETR application: Attachment 3
Other (#13) Explore ways to enable seniors to age in the community in multi-age developments with accessibility. Recent studies have documented the benefits of multi-generational housing. Such a program could include partnerships with local colleges and universities (including George Mason Law School and Marymount University) to provide students and older Arlington residents the opportunity to live in multi-generational developments, achieving both companionship and reduced housing costs.