The powers and functions of the Housing Commission shall be as follows:

   A.   To assist the Planning Commission and the City Council in developing housing policies and strategies for implementation of general plan housing element goals;

   B.   To recommend policies for implementation and monitoring of affordable housing projects;

   C.   To facilitate innovative approaches to affordable housing development and to generate ideas and interest in pursuing a variety of housing options;

   D.   When requested by the Director of Community Development or the City Council, to make recommendations to the Planning Commission and the City Council regarding affordable housing proposals in connection with applications for development including, but not limited to, recommendations for possible fee waivers, other incentives, the number and type of affordable units and the target groups to be served.  Any referral to the Housing Commission shall be limited to consideration of affordable housing proposals which exceed normal housing requirements under the applicable provisions of the City’s general plan or ordinances related thereto;

   E.   To make recommendations regarding requests for money from the CDBG and Affordable Housing Funds;

   F.   To provide information about affordable housing;

   G.   To meet with neighborhood, community, regional and business groups as necessary to receive input and assist in generating affordable housing;

   H.   To help identify sources of funds to develop and build affordable housing;

   I.   To perform any other advisory functions authorized by the City Council.