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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 02 CDBG Annual Action PlanAGENDA ITEM SUMMARY Meeting Date: Meeting Type: Staff Contact/Dept.: Staff Phone No: Estimated Time: 5/23/2022 Work Session Erin Fifield / DPW 726-2302 20 Minutes SPRINGFIELD Council Goals: Encourage Economic CITY COUNCIL Development and Revitalization through Community Partnerships ITEM TITLE: FISCAL YEAR 2023 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN ACTION Review funding recommendations and provide direction to staff to prepare final REQUESTED: Fiscal Year 2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan for approval. ISSUE Each spring, City Council must approve funding allocations for the use of STATEMENT: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the next fiscal year in a document called the Annual Action Plan. A public hearing was held on the draft plan by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) on March 9 and May 11, 2022. The CDAC has subsequently made a recommendation to Council on the funding allocation for the Annual Action Plan. Council will have the opportunity to formally approve the FY2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan during the June 6 Regular Session. ATTACHMENTS: 1: Council Briefing Memo 2: 2020 Eugene -Springfield Consolidated Plan strategies 3: FY2023 CDAC Recommendation DISCUSSION/ The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) has made a FINANCIAL recommendation to Council for the FY2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan, following IMPACT: a public hearing on March 9 and May 11, 2022 and a 30 -day public comment period. The FY 2023 CDBG allocation is an estimated allocation; The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has still not released final numbers. The CDAC's recommendation includes a proposal on how to adjust the final allocation based on final revenues. The FY2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan process included a Request for Proposals (RFP) to non -profits, public agencies, and other eligible organizations seeking CDBG funds for various community projects that would serve low -moderate income people. The RFP was released on February 2 and closed mid-March. One application (and one letter of intent) for CDBG funds were received through the RFP process. During a CDAC meeting on March 30, the CDAC reviewed both requests; applicants were available to speak to their proposals and answer questions from the committee. The CDAC's Annual Action Plan recommendation includes funding for both requests from the RFP, as well as funding for existing City programs and contributions, including the Home Repair Program, contribution to the Lane County Human Services Commission (HSC), renewed funding for homeownership assistance, funding to increase the supply of affordable housing, and grant administration and planning, MEMORANDUM City of Springfield Date: 5/23/2022 To: Nancy Newton, City Manager COUNCIL From: Erin Fifield, Community Development Analyst BRIEFING Tom Boyatt, Community Development Director Subject: FISCAL YEAR 2023 COMMUNITY MEMORANDUM DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) ANNUAL ACTION PLAN ISSUE: Each spring, City Council must approve funding allocations for the use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the next fiscal year in a document called the Annual Action Plan. A public hearing was held on the draft plan by the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) on March 9 and May 11, 2022. The CDAC has subsequently made a recommendation to Council on the funding allocation for the Annual Action Plan. Council will have the opportunity to formally approve the FY2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan during the June 6 Regular Session. COUNCIL GOALS/ MANDATE: Encourage Economic Development and Revitalization through Community Partnerships MIT/1 CICe4 Z1111►113 FY2022 Annual Action Plan Each year, the City is entitled to receive an allocation of CDBG funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). To do so, the City must develop a One -Year Action Plan describing how it plans to allocate funds to address local community needs. The proposed uses of funding must align with allowed uses and with the local community needs and strategies identified in the 2020 Eugene -Springfield Consolidated Plan [see Attachment 2 of this packet]. Revenues The revenues expected in Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 through the CDBG program include an estimated entitlement allocation of $571,956 from HUD, as well as the repayment of CDBG loans and other carryover funds from the previous year. CDBG REVENUES (estimated) Amount (TOTAL) FY 2022-2023 Entitlement Funds $ 571,956 Other Resources: Unused funds from previous years, program income, loan repayments $ 762,402 TOTAL $ 1,334,358 Attachment 1 Page 1 of 4 MEMORANDUM Council Direction Page 2 During Council work session on January 24, 2022, Council directed staff to release a DRAFT FY 2023 CDBG One Year Action Plan for public comment, outlining strategies and activities for funding. Council also directed staff to release a Request for Proposals, soliciting applications for the proposed amount of anticipated unallocated CDBG funds. Public Participation The DRAFT FY2023 CDBG One Year Action Plan was released for public comment for 30 days in March. Three comments were received over email. Additionally, two public hearings were held on the draft plan by the Community Development Advisory Committee on March 9, 2022 and May 11, 2022. No one spoke at the public hearings. This is a summary of all comments received: Kristen Karle with St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. — Kristen emailed to inform the City about the need of older affordable housing stock in need of capital repairs (e.g. re -roofing, window replacement). These projects are income restricted, and the state has limited programs to fund these types of rehabilitation needs. Thus, it would be helpful to use CDBG funds to help maintain these properties for these residents. June Fothergill with the Springfield Shelter Rights Alliance — June emailed to share a list of action items that her group would like to see the City Council act upon to address the needs of our unhoused neighbors. One of the items on the list: "Make the priority for CDBG fund to make positive impacts on reducing homelessness." June Fothergill with Ann's Heart Women's Shelter — June emailed to share a letter sent to City Councilors about the vision for Ann's Heart to create a "transitional shelter to help unhoused women have a safe space to recover from trauma and start to rebuild their lives." June expressed what the nonprofit would be able to do once they had funds to purchase and obtain a house. Request for Proposals The City released a 2022 CDBG Request for Proposals (RFP) on February 2, asking local non -profits and organizations to submit project proposals that align with the CDBG program and Eugene - Springfield Consolidated Plan. Given Council's proposed funding for existing City programs and contributions, including the Home Repair Program, contribution to the Lane County Human Services Commission (HSC) for social services, and grant administration and planning, an estimated $260,000 was made available through the RFP. The RFP was released February 2, 2022 and was open through March 15, 2022. One application and one letter of intent was received. The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) met on March 30, 2022 to evaluate proposals and meet with the applicants. After discussion and review, the CDAC recommended funding both requests with CDBG funds in FY2023: Summary of Proposals: 1. Applicant / St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County Organization .................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Project Name Ash Meadows Roof Rehabilitation Summary Replace roofs on 14 units (out of 18 total) in order to help Description of maintain this existing stock of affordable housing. St. Vincent de proposal Paul owns Ash Meadows, an existing affordable housing complex located at 69t'' and A Street. There are 2- and 3 -bedroom ........ ......... ......... ... ..... .................................................................................................................. Attachment 1 Page 2 of 4 MEMORANDUM 2. Page 3 ...................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................... Applicant / City of Springfield — Development and Public Works Organization ............................................................................................................:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................1 Project Name Tree Planting Pilot Project Summary To plant trees in low-income neighborhoods with a low tree Description of canopy cover. The City of Springfield Operations Division is proposal revamping the tree program, and would work with Friends of Trees to ...........................................................................................................:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................: CDBG $ request $ 75,000 ...........................................................................................................:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................: Estimated staff $ 10,000 delivery costs ............................................................................................................:........................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................................: Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAQ recommendation At the time the Community Development Advisory Committee met on March 30 to discuss an allocation recommendation, the City had received additional revenues which exceeded the amount in the draft allocation and RFP requests. The CDAC expressed interest in additional funding for the City's Home Repair Program and Springfield Home Ownership Program (SHOP), and recommended meeting again in May to discuss options, requesting additional information about both programs: Home Repair Program — The City has continued to see the demand for this program. With increased labor and materials costs, annual program expenses are closer to $180,000 - $200,000. With increased outreach, staff estimate the program could reach more folks and take on more expensive repairs (e.g. roof repairs), without needing to hire more staff. Staff suggested allocating $250,000 for this program in FY2023. Homeownership Assistance — The City has struggled to provide homeownership assistance under this program in recent years. Staff spoke with mortgage loan officers, and staff at devNW, about ways to reconfigure the program to meet demand. It is thought CDBG funds could still be helpful in assisting low-income homebuyers in purchasing a home in the current market, though only with changes to the current program (e.g. increasing the loan amount up from $7,000 per household; increasing outreach to lenders on ways to use the program; and allowing greater flexibility in how the funds can be used). Staff suggested allocated $100,000 for this program in FY2023. The CDAC also expressed interest in supporting the strategy to "Increase the Supply of Affordable Housing", but was uncertain as to what the demand is for these funds, and whether there'd be a project ready to move forward in the next year. For Fiscal Year 2023, the CDAC recommends funding the Home Repair Program at $275,000, and funding Homeownership Assistance at $100,000. The CDAC also recommends increasing the loan limit for homeownership assistance to $25,000 per household. The remaining unallocated funds were recommended to be allocated toward the strategy to increase the supply of affordable housing. Attachment 1 Page 3 of 4 MEMORANDUM Page 4 The CDAC recognized that some projects may or may not move forward as hoped. In turn, the CDAC aims to meet again in 6 months to monitor how the programs are moving forward, re-evaluate the need, and make a renewed recommendation for amendment to Council if needed. To note: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development has still not released the final allocation of CDBG funds for FY2023, though changes are expected to be minimal. As such, the CDAC further recommends that any changes to funding (either increased or decreased) be adjusted as follows: Maximize the funding allowed to "Support a Human services Delivery System" and Grant Planning and Admin; and Make any remaining funding adjustments to the strategy to "Increase the Supply of Affordable Housing". See Attachment 3 for the CDAC's recommendations for FY2023 CDBG One Year Action Plan. Next steps Following Council direction, a final draft of the FY2023 CDBG Annual Action Plan will come to Council during the June 6 Council Regular Session for approval and submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. RECOMMENDED ACTION: Provide direction to move forward with the CDAC recommendation on how to allocate funds for the FY2023 CDBG One Year Action Plan - either as presented or with changes as identified by Council. Attachment 1 Page 4 of 4 Priority Needs EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing E Community Development Priority Need Explanation Comments Renters . About three quarters of moderate- and low- • Between 2010 and 2019, the median rental rate rose to $1,373 in Low- and very low-income income renters spend more than 30% of their Eugene (47% increase) and $1,181 in Springfield (58% increase) people need increased access income on housing costs (Eugene — 79%, . Significant increase in need from 2013 to 2017; to quality affordable rental Springfield —74%) Many more moderate -income households spend more housing as well as rental . The majority of low-income renters spend than 30% on housing assistance more than 50% of their income on housing Many more low- and very income households spend costs (Eugene — 68%, Springfield — 57%) more than 50% on housing Homeowners . A significant majority of low-income owners • Low-income households spending more than 30% of income Low- and very low-income experience over -crowding, substandard housing have increased in Eugene but remains steady in people need increased access housing, or a housing cost burden (Eugene — Springfield to affordable homeownership 78%, Springfield —59%) . Low-income households spending more than 50% of income opportunities and support to . A significant majority of moderate- and low- housing have increased in both Eugene and Springfield remain homeowners income owners spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 66%, Springfield — 57%) • A large percentage of low-income owners spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 59%, Springfield — 39%) 2020 Consolidated Plan 15 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 1 of 5 If zINNY 41:q:Y!1 EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing E Community Development Priority Need Explanation Comments People experiencing . A total of 2,165 homeless individuals were • Majority of the homeless population in Eugene (73%) and Homelessness served in FY 2019 by agencies funded by Springfield (88%) are experiencing unsheltered homelessness People need access to Lane County Shortage of low -barrier year-round emergency shelter housing and supportive . The three public school districts in Eugene and shelter beds in Eugene and Springfield services to prevent them from and Springfield report 1,629 homeless youth • In 2017, one in four persons exiting permanent housing in Lane becoming homeless and to during 2019 (includes students who are County returned to homelessness leave homelessness staying with friends orfamily) . There are no youth -specific resources for transition -age youth • The definition of homeless for purposes of this (18-24) Plan includes people who are"doubled-up" . Due to low rental vacancy (3.6% in Eugene and 3.4% in • Shortage of year-round low -barrier emergency Springfield) and even lower affordable unit rental vacancy, the shelter beds, especially for single individuals Lane County Continuum of Care struggles with voucher or tenant - and victims of Domestic Violence based programs • Lack of diversion and rapid exit services for those exiting Permanent Housing Non -Homeless Special . People with special needs including families • There were 32,438 elderly (over the age of 65) and 3,310 frail Needs Populations with children, seniors, ex -offenders, people elderly (that need assistance with daily living) in Eugene - Special needs populations with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, Springfield (2017 ACS) need additional support as it people with drug and alcohol addictions, . The disability rate is 13.5 percent in Eugene and 18.6 percent in relates to affordable people who are evicted or foreclosed, people Springfield housing, human services, and with physical and mental disabilities, . Physical disabilities can include hearing, vision, cognitive, employment opportunities veterans, youth, and youth aging out of foster ambulatory, self-care or independent living difficulties care . In the Community Survey, respondents identified mental health and addiction services and housing services as the greatest social service needs. Respondents also identified assist human service agencies with facilities acquisition or improvements as the most needed Community Development Need 2020 Consolidated Plan 16 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 2 of 5 EUGENE - SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing E Community Development Employment Opportunities . Job growth and low unemployment rates has • The United Way ALICE report found that 58% of all jobs in Oregon People who have low not yielded better wages for many younger are low-wage (less than $20/hour), with contract positions (non - incomes, are unemployed or residents and workers lacking necessary skills benefited) increasing, a factor in job and housing insecurity underemployed need a . The new workforce of youth 16-24 years old • There is a need to increase high -wage and living wage career broader range of employment accounts for 38% of the workforce employment opportunities for youth opportunities, including self- . Current low unemployment rates and • Lower wages are exacerbating housing affordability for some employment retirements in workforce has created demand workers for skilled workers in some industries Low -Income Areas & Areas . There are several areas in this community that • Need to support low- and moderate- income neighborhoods of Slums and Blight are or could meet the HUD requirement for an through public improvements such as infrastructure and public Geographic areas that meet area of slums and blight which would allow facilities federal criteria as areas of different uses of CDBG funds. These areas . Low -Income Areas have been mapped for both jurisdictions slums and blight or as low- could benefit from increased investments in . Support currently designated slum/blight areas income areas and need the area additional support for . There are several areas of this community that rehabilitation and public are characterized by 51% or more low- to improvements moderate -income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in this area 2020 Consolidated Plan 17 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 3 of 5 Affordable Housing Strategy EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing E Community Development 2020 Consolidated Plan 18 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 4 of 5 Priority Needs HOME Eugene Springfield Strategy/Goal Addressed possible Examples p Measurements Consortium CDBG CDBG Increase the supply of Renters, Land Acquisition. Number of housing units 400 5 5 affordable housing Homeowners, Development of new rental constructed, reconstructed, acquired (HOME and CDBG) Homeless, Special housing. Operating Support or preserved Number of CHDOs assisted 3 Needs for Community Housing Development Organizations. Housing for homeless added 100 Number of sites acquired 2 2 Rehabilitate existing Renters, Homeless, Continue and expand publicly Number of rental units rehabilitated 350 5 housing stock Special Needs, Low- supported rehabilitation and Number of homeowner units rehabilitated affordable to low- Income Areas, accessibility improvements. income persons Homeowners 150 300 CDBG Provide down Homeowners Assist low-income residents Households assisted with direct assistance payment assistance with the first-time purchase of to home buyers for homeownership a home. 20 20 (CDBG) Provide rental Renters Assist low-income residents to Households provided rental assistance assistance for remain in stable housing. housing stability 20 and homelessness prevention (HOME) Remove barriers to Renters, Support programs that assure Maintain Housing Policy board affordable and Homeowners, housing opportunities are Number of fair housing events 20 supportive housing Homeless, Low - provided without Maintain fair housing services ,/ ,/ (CDBG) Income Area discrimination. Support Non -Homeless Housing Policy Board. Update Fair Housing Plan. Update Fair Housing Plan Special Needs 2020 Consolidated Plan 18 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 4 of 5 Community Development Strategy EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing E Community Development 2020 Consolidated Plan 19 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 5 of 5 e Eugene Springfield Strategy Priority Needs Possible Examples Measurements CDBG CDBG Addressed Support a human Homeless, Fund capital improvements to facilities Persons assisted with public facility activities 20,000 5,000 services delivery Special Needs owned by non -profits. Persons assisted with public service activities system to address the Fund non-profit services through the needs of homeless Human Services Commission. 100,000 60,000 persons, special needs, and other low-income Fund job training. Number of public facilities improved p P 5 2 populations (CDBG) Fund housing stability counseling and Number of transitional or emergency beds assistance. added 20 5 Promote economic Employment Provide below market financing to local Jobs created or retained 150 5 development and Opportunities businesses creating or retaining jobs. Businesses assisted 25 1 employment Provide micro -enterprise training, Micro business trainees opportunities through and development opportunities. the creation of jobs and business development 150 5 (CDBG) Make strategic Renters, Owners, Provide financing for activities which Businesses assisted with fagade treatment or investments to improve Homeless, Special eliminate slums and blight, including building rehab 1 low- income Needs, Low -Income acquisition, clearance, rehab and historic Number of projects completed neighborhoods and Areas and Slums & preservation and economic development 2 2 other areas of slums Blight, Employment activities, infrastructure and public facility persons assisted with public improvement activity and blight (CDBG) Opportunities improvements. 5,000 5,000 2020 Consolidated Plan 19 Eugene and Springfield, OR Attachment 2, Page 5 of 5 CDBG REVENUES (estimated) TOTAL Funds FY 2022-2023 Entitlement Funds $ 571,956 Other Resources • Unused funds from previous years, program income, $ 762,402 loan repayments TOTAL $ 1,334,358 CDGB EXPENDITURES (estimated) CDAC recommendation Con Plan Strategy Activity Amount (TOTAL) 1. Increase the supply of Acquisition, improvements, $ 500,104 affordable housing etc 2. Rehabilitate existing housing stock affordable to low-income Home Repair Program $ 275,000 persons 3. Provide down payment Springfield Homeownership $ 100,000 assistance for home ownership Program (SHOP) 4. Remove barriers to Support programs that assure affordable and supportive housing opportunities are $ housing provided without discrimination 5. Support a human services Human Services Commission $ 104,863 delivery system to address the (HSC) (15%) needs of homeless persons and special needs populations Non-profit capital $ 155,000 improvements 6. Promote employment Economic development $ - opportunities 7. Make improvements to low Public improvements in $ 85,000 income neighborhoods sidewalks, streets Grant planning and admin Grant planning and admin $ 114,391 (20%) TOTAL $ 1,334,358 Attachment 3 Page 1 of 1