Item 5: 2011/12 Funding Allocation for Federal CDBG and HOME Programs

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Landbanking for Low-Income Housing Development – $428,600 is recommended for allocation to the landbanking for affordable housing program. Through this program, the City provides critical resources for the purchase of land and associated infrastructure costs to be made available for the development of homes and rental units for low-income households. 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. In addition, it will be necessary to make infrastructure improvements to one parcel already owned by the City. Housing Rehabilitation Fund – No new funds are recommended and as the program can sustain itself through prior year allocations and $400,000 in program income. The Housing Rehabilitation Fund is a revolving loan fund that offers low-interest loans for improvements to residences occupied by low- income homeowners and renters. In addition, emergency repair grants and loans of up to $5,000 are available to very low-income homeowners for urgent repairs and accessibility features. Grants of up to $5,000 for accessibility improvements are available for renters with disabilities. Public Services Operations - $350,000 is recommended to support 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. Non-profit Capital Facility Projects – No new funds are recommended for allocation to nonprofit capital facilities. Given changes in funding for human service operations and uncertainty regarding the CDBG allocation, staff and the committee did not issue a specific request for non-profit capital facility projects. Curb Ramps – No new funds are recommended to support the installation of curb ramps on existing streets and sidewalks to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. Some funds previously allocated for curb ramps are available for use in FY11/12. 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 – No new funds are recommended to support the installation of Accessible Pedestrian Devices (APDs) at existing signalized intersections to remove barriers for persons with disabilities. Some funds previously allocated for accessible pedestrian signals are available for use in FY11/12. 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. Business Development Fund - No new funds are recommended and as the program can sustain itself through prior year allocations and $1,100,000 in program income to finance loans to businesses resulting in the creation of jobs for low-income persons. The Business Development Fund is a CDBG revolving loan fund for new and expanding local businesses that promotes job creation for low and moderate income individuals. Although the program is mainly focused on job creation, commercial revitalization projects that eliminate conditions of slums and blight are also eligible. \\Cesrv500\cc support\CMO\2011 Council Agendas\M110425\S1104255 - and att's A,B and C.doc