Title
Resolution to approve the HOME-ARP Allocation Plan draft for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Presenter:
Catherine Duarte, AICP, Senior Analyst, Community Development Division
Peter Wysocki, AICP, Director of Planning and Community Development
Body
Summary:
To address the critical need for homelessness assistance and supportive services across the country, Congress appropriated $5 billion in American Rescue Plan funds to be administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the HOME Investment Partnerships program. These funds are known as HOME-ARP funds.
The City of Colorado Springs will receive $5,741,978 to carry out activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or other vulnerable populations. This amount is in addition to the annual allocation of HOME funds that the City receives from HUD and is not part of the City’s general ARPA award.
This draft plan describes the City’s intended use of the additional HOME funds as required in HUD Notice CPD-21-10. The City expects to support up to 470 new units of affordable housing with these funds between now and the grant expenditure deadline of 2030.
Background:
N/A
Previous Council Action:
N/A
Financial Implications:
With approval, the City will receive $5.7 million from HUD to create new affordable housing and fund essential supportive services for those experiencing homelessness. Without approval, the City will not meet the administrative requirements to receive the $5.7 million.
City Council Appointed Board/Commission/Committee Recommendation:
N/A
Stakeholder Process:
Since December 2021, Community Development staff has held five consultation meetings with over 42 organizations share basic info about the HOME-ARP funding guidelines and solicit feedback about the size and needs of the qualifying populations served by the subject matter expert attendees.
The consultations aided the research in building the allocation plan. The current draft is a product of this robust process. The general public review of this draft and comment period begins on April 13 and concludes April 28.
Summary of the consultation and public process:
(1) Virtual consultation via Microsoft Teams (12/16/21) with over 45 attendees
(2) Follow-up one-on-one discussions with stakeholders who requested one (December 2021 - February 2022)
(3) Consultation with the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care’s ad hoc HOME Funds Committee (January 27, 2022)
(4) Consultation with governing board of the Pikes Peak Continuum of Care (March 25, 2022)
(5) Incorporate feedback into version for public review and comment (Present)
Alternatives:
There is no other funding source of this scale dedicated to the construction of housing and services for extremely low-income residents who are homeless or at risk of homelessness.
Recommended Action
Proposed Motion:
Approve a resolution allowing the submittal of the City’s HOME-ARP Allocation Plan draft to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
Summary of Ordinance Language
N/A