From
Katherine Garcia-Thomson
Title
Public hearing and an ordinance adopting the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and PY2015 CDBG and HOME budgets
Presenter
William A. Hills, Director, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Recommended Action
Approve
Analysis
2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and PY2015 CDBG/HOME Budgets
The Consolidated Plan serves as a planning document meeting the federal government statutory requirements in 24 CFR 91.200-91.230, with revisions for preparing a Consolidated Plan and guiding the use of CDBG and HOME funding based on applications to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). A copy of the Consolidated Plan is available for review in the Housing and Neighborhood Services office.
The Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, combines several previous federal programs for community development into a single block grant. CDBG activities must primarily benefit low to moderate income persons and/or neighborhoods. Community development activities must meet 1 of 3 primary CDBG objectives, decent housing, suitable living environments, or expanded economic opportunity.
Total CDBG funding has decreased slightly by $10,554, from $1,350,254 (2014) to $1,339,700 (2015). As in previous years, the number of CDBG proposals exceeded the amount of CDBG funds available. Attached is a summary of the 2015 proposed programs as Exhibit 1. The CDBG Program Development Process included neighborhood public hearings in February, Request for Proposals (RFP) and the Housing and Community Improvement Commission (HCIC) priority rating meeting in April.
Exhibit 2 includes the proposed 2015 CDBG/HOME budget which continues funding for existing CDBG/HOME programs and funding for new projects based on the HCIC priority rating and the recommendations from staff.
CDBG Program Administration is decreasing by $2,110 and includes the continued funding of the Neighborhood Services Manager and Neighborhood Services Specialist positions. The program administration budget is below the 20% cap limitation that is required by law. This budget includes indirect cost allocation and Fair Housing Activity funding.
Rehabilitation, Code, Housing
Direct Delivery funds the salaries of 2 Rehabilitation Coordinators and 2 Senior Office Assistants. It also funds operational expenses. Housing Rehabilitation funds are utilized to rehabilitate and repair single family homes. Emergency Small Home Repair will provide emergency repairs to single family homeowners with a 24-48 hour response time. Buying Power provides down payment and closing cost assistance to low/moderate income first time home buyers. Code inspections are focused in CDBG low/moderate designated areas.
As in the past, Public Service Activities will be capped at 15% of the total CDBG grant and will decrease from last year's levels by $1,583.
Public Facility Improvements will fund a sidewalk repair and replacement program in CDBG low/moderate areas.
PROPOSED 2015 HOME
The HOME Program was created by the National Affordable Act of 1990 (NAHA) to provide decent affordable housing to low/moderate income households and to leverage private sector participation. Eligible activities are limited to homeowner rehabilitation, homebuyer activities, rental housing, and tenant-based rental assistance.
Grand Prairie is receiving $377,081, a decrease of $52,383 HOME funds from last year's $429,464. Exhibit 1 also identifies the HOME funding for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and Community Housing and Development Organizations (CHDO) programs.
Financial Consideration
The 2015 CDBG and HOME Programs, funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), will commence on October 1, 2015, and end on September 30, 2016. The total amount estimated to be available, including reallocated funds is summarized below.
2015 DECREASE DIFFERENCE FROM LAST YEAR
CDBG Entitlement, $1,339,700, a decrease of $10,554 from 2014 total.
HOME PJ Funds, $377,081, a decrease of $52,383 from 2014 total.
Body
AN ORDINANCE OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ADOPTING THE 2015-19 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND PY2015 CDBG AND HOME BUDGETS
WHEREAS, the Consolidated Plan application provides federal funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and
WHEREAS, the CDBG and HOME Programs are authorized by entitlement (Community Development Act of 1994) and participating jurisdiction (National Affordable Housing Act <NANA> of 1990) respectively as amended within the Federal Code of Regulations; and
WHEREAS, the CDBG and HOME Programs allow the City to provide various projects, activities, and programs benefiting low and moderate income persons and families as developed through a five year Consolidated Plan, a one year Action Plan; and
WHEREAS, the CDBG and HOME Programs application provides funding in the amount of $1,339,700 and $377,081 respectively through HUD; and
WHEREAS, the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and PY2015 budgets have been developed through public hearings and in accordance with the CDBG and HOME Program guidelines and regulations;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ORDAINED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS:
SECTION 1. That the City Council of Grand Prairie adopt the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan and PY2015 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Programs and budget as contained in the attached Exhibits 1 and 2; and
SECTION 2. That the City Council approves and authorizes the City Manager or his designee to enter into contracts utilizing CDBG/HOME funding as allocated by the City Council within designated federal guidelines not to exceed $50,000; and
SECTION 3. That this Ordinance shall become effective upon passage and approval and it is accordingly so ordained.
PASSED AND APPROVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF GRAND PRAIRIE, TEXAS, ON THIS THE 14TH DAY OF JULY, 2015.