Title
An Informational Report on the Community Development Division’s 2019 Annual Action Plan (AP) and Proposed Use of the City’s 2019 grant funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Presenter:
Steve Posey, HUD Program Administrator, Community Development Division (CDD).
Body
Summary:
CDD estimates that the City will receive approximately $4.5M in HUD funds in 2019. The funds will come from 3 different grant programs: $2.8M from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, $1.4M from the HOME Investment Partnership program, and approximately $.25M from the Emergency Solutions Grant program. This Informational Report provides a high-level summary of trends related to homelessness and affordable housing, as well as an outline of CDD strategies to use HUD funds to address these critical issues.
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Background:
Each year the Community Development Division (CDD) must prepare and submit to HUD an approved Annual Action Plan (AP) outlining the proposed use of HUD grant funds in the coming year. The 2019 AP is the last plan of a five year Consolidated Plan cycle covering 2015-2019. A draft of the 2019 AP along with a resolution to adopt the plan will be presented to City Council early next year. CDD must have an adopted AP for submittal to HUD 45 days prior to the start of the program year on April 1, 2019.
This item supports the City’s strategic goal related to building community and collaborative relationships by aligning CDD’s Annual Action Plan with goals established in the City Strategic Plan, PlanCOS, the Continuum of Care Strategic Plan, Age-Friendly Colorado Springs, and Universal Design goals encouraged by the Independent Living Center.
Financial Implications:
CDD’s estimate of HUD grant funds is 5% less than the allocation received in 2018. The estimated allocation is included in the City’s 2019 budget. If a different amount is made available by HUD, the AP will include contingency language that will determine how projects and activities will be affected. CDD will request a Supplemental Appropriation for any additional spending authority needed as a result of increased HUD funding.
Board/Commission Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
The AP is first and foremost a collaborative effort. CDD pays close attention to the trends related to homelessness & housing and listens closely to what the community identifies as its greatest needs. CDD has already held a series of listening sessions to solicit feedback on the content of the AP, as well as more focused discussions with key stakeholders like the Continuum of Care, the CS Housing Authority, CONO and other neighborhood groups, non-profit affordable housing providers, and internal City Departments. All comments & suggestions will be collected and made available with a draft of the AP in February, 2019.
Alternatives:
N/A
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
N/A
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A