Item 2C: 2009/10 CDBG and HOME Funding

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families. Staff is currently investigating several potential landbank sites and anticipates identification of one or more sites for purchase within the next fiscal year. Timing is ideal for acquisition given declining real estate prices and an increase in the number of sites available for purchase. There are currently four sites in the landbank program for low-income housing: Willow Creek, County Farm Road, Willakenzie, and Westmoreland. The Willakenzie School site will be awarded for development through the 2009 Housing Request for Proposals (RFP), leaving three landbank sites. Housing Rehabilitation – $230,000: These funds along with program income and carryover from previous years will allow the City to respond to increased demand for rehabilitation funds. Program income is estimated at $325,000 for 2009/10. The program offers low-interest loans through the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program for improvements to residences occupied by low-income homeowners and tenants. Emergency repair grants and loans of up to $5,000 will be provided to very low-income homeowners for minor repairs and accessibility features. Grants for accessibility improvements will be made for tenants with disabilities. Public Services Operations - $350,000: Public Services funding supports the operations of nonprofit agencies selected and managed through the intergovernmental Human Services Commission (HSC). Public service funding is capped at 15% of new grant funds and program income from the prior fiscal year. This maintains the current funding level. Programs to be funded include: Catholic Community Services family counseling, FOOD for Lane County dinner program and food box distribution, Relief Nursery therapeutic preschool, St. Vincent DePaul singles and family day access centers, and White Bird medical/dental clinics and intensive case management. Public Services Non-profit Capital Projects - $0: Due to significant funding for Non-Profit Capital Facilities in previous years, the committee and staff recommend no new funding at this time. The typical selection process includes an RFP process with review and funding recommended to the full CDBG-AC by a team of four CDBG-AC members and a community member with construction expertise. Curb Ramps - $50,000: These funds will support the installation of curb ramps on existing streets and sidewalks to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. The funds will be used to install curb ramps at city-wide locations. The Public Works Department works in coordination with the Accessibility Committee of the Human Rights Commission to identify and prioritize placement of curb ramps. Accessible Pedestrian Signals - $30,000: These funds will support the installation of accessible pedestrian signals (APSs) at existing signalized intersections to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. The CDBG funded APSs provide audible and tactile cues to assist pedestrians in making safe decisions when crossing at intersection crosswalks. This safety concern is paramount to people who are visually impaired. The Public Works Department works in coordination with the Accessibility Committee of the Human Rights Commission to identify and prioritize placement of accessible pedestrian signals. Accessibility Improvements to City-Owned Facilities - $0: Due to significant funding for accessibility improvements in City-owned facilities in previous years, the committee and staff recommends no new funding at this time. Business Development Fund (BDF) - $0: The BDF will continue to operate using $970,000 in program income for loans to businesses creating jobs for low-income persons. Loan repayments are Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc