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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolution No. 5295COUNCIL RESOLUTION NO. 5295 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EUGENE- SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. PASSED: 8:0 R ECTED: OPPOSED: ABSENT: CONSIDERED: Apr0 29, 2020 0 RESOLUTION NO. 5295 A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE EUGENE-SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT. The City Council of the City of Eugene Finds that: A. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield have formed a consortium in order to be eligible as an entitlement community to receive HOME Investment Partnership funds. Preparation of a Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development is a federal requirement in order for local entitlement jurisdictions to receive federal housing and community development funds administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. B. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield have jointly prepared the Eugene - Springfield 2020 Consolidated Plan in order to meet that federal requirement, a summary of which is attached hereto as Exhibit A and incorporated herein by reference. C. The thirty -day period for the purpose of receiving public comment on the draft Consolidated Plan began on March 2, 2020 and ended on April 1, 2020. During that period, public hearings were held to receive testimony on the draft Consolidated Plan by representatives of Springfield and Eugene serving on the Eugene -Springfield Consolidated Plan Advisory Committee. D. The City Council has reviewed and considered the Consolidated Plan Summary (Summary) attached hereto as Exhibit A. Copies of the Summary and the complete Consolidated Plan submittal were made available to the public for review on the City of Eugene website and at the City Atrium, located at 99 West 10"' Avenue. A reference to a digital copy of the complete Consolidated Plan submittal is included in the Summary. E. The City Council has reviewed and considered the testimony presented at the public hearings. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EUGENE, a Municipal Corporation of the State of Oregon, as follows: Section 1. Based on the above findings, which are adopted herein, and after consideration of the public testimony provided at the hearings held on the Eugene -Springfield Resolution - Page 1 of 2 2020 Consolidated Plan, the Eugene -Springfield 2020 Consolidated Plan Summary, attached as Exhibit A hereto, is hereby approved. Section 2. This resolution shall become effective immediately upon its adoption. The foregoing Resolution adopted the 27"1 day of April, 2020. City Recorder t>e fLLA3 Resolution - Page 2 of 2 Eugene -Springfield 2020 Consolidated Plan EXECUTIVE SUMMARY A Five -Year Strategic Plan for Housing and Community Development • EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN 1=19=1 for Housing 8 Community Development Executive Summary The Eugene -Springfield 2020 Consolidated Plan presents a strategic vision for housing and community development for the period beginning in July 2020 and ending in June 2025. The goals and activities outlined in the Consolidated Plan are based on priorities identified through an analysis of community needs as well as an extensive community outreach process. This analysis and subsequent refinements through further public input took place primarily from October 2019 through April 2020. The strategy laid out in this document relied on a snapshot of economic, housing and social conditions using data available at that time. While data is limited, efforts have been made to reflect the emerging impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic. What is clear is that the pandemic will have severe impact on the local economy, housing market, and welfare of the residents of Eugene and Springfield. These changes will have the greatest impact on the low -and moderate- income and other vulnerable residents that programs identified in the plan seek to assist. Conditions faced by these residents and priority needs identified in this plan will remain critical. Some concerns, such as housing and food instability, domestic violence, and the viability of small businesses may be exacerbated. The strategies identified in this plan will continue to alleviate some hardships faced by our lower income residents in the wake of the pandemic. The cities of Eugene and Springfield will continue to analyze local conditions and strategically deploy the resources identified in this plan, as well as new federal resources from the CARES Act that will be made available in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield must complete and adopt a Consolidated Plan every five years in order to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and other grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of CDBG and HOME is to advance the following statutory objectives principallyfor extremely low-income, low-income and moderate -income residents: • Provide decent, safe, and affordable housing • Create suitable living environments (CDBG) • Expand economic opportunities (CDBG) • Expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing (HOME) In addition, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield must complete a One Year Action Plan (Action Plan) for each fiscal year within the five-year period. The Action Plan describes the Cities' annual allocation process for specific uses of HOME and CDBG funds during a specific fiscal year. The first Action Plan, for HUD program year 2020 will be completed and submitted to HUD along with the 2020 Consolidated Plan. The following summary of the Eugene -Springfield Consolidated Plan provides an overview of the Consultation and Citizen Participation process, Community Profile and Needs, Priority Needs, and a Strategic Plan. This document is a summary of materials submitted through HUD's electronic plan submission template. • EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN 1=19=1 for Housing 8 Community Development Consultation and Citizen Participation The Cities of Eugene and Springfield conducted extensive consultation with key partners, stakeholders and community members in identifying Housing and Community Development needs from November 2019 through January 2020. The consultation process built on work that has been ongoing by committees and boards that bring together a broad range of stakeholders. In addition to consultations with stakeholders, the needs identified reflect information gathered through web -based surveys for both service agencies and community residents, public forums to hear community members, and input from the Consolidated Plan Advisory Committee. Individuals representing government and policy makers, nonprofit organizations, affordable housing providers, and other interested parties were invited to participate to ensure that as many points of view as possible were heard. Over the course of one-on-one interviews and twelve small focus group meetings, approximately 133 public participants and 21 city staff provided their feedback in person. Advisory Body Consultations The assessment engaged several committees that are actively evaluating and addressing housing, homeless, fair housing, and community development needs including: Lane County Poverty & Homelessness Board Intergovernmental Human Services Commission Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board United Way of Lane County Community Investment Steering Committee Eugene Affordable Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee Eugene Planning Commission 2020 Consolidated Plan 2 Eugene and Springfield, OR • EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN 1=19=1 for Housing 8 Community Development Agency Survey In addition to these meetings, online surveys were completed by 68 representatives from 38 agencies. The responders noted that the greatest barrier to finding and maintaining housing in the cities was rental costs and finding vacant units, and that creating additional affordable housing is the greatest housing need. The responders also identified needs for housing rehabilitation and emergency repairs, as well as accessibility improvements and down payment assistance. Preventing homelessness and providing housing for homeless individuals was also identified as a high priority, and the homeless population was identified as the population most in need of housing assistance and services. Survey responses were received from the following agencies: Applegate Catholic Community Services of Lane County Lane County Health and Human Services Centro Latino Americana Lane Independent Living Alliance (LILA) Cornerstone Community Housing Looking Glass Community Services Department of Human Services Options Counseling and Family Services DevNW Oregon Law Center Ebbert Memorial United Methodist Church Relief Nursery, Inc. Emerald Village Eugene ShelterCare First Place Family Center Sponsors, Inc. FOOD for Lane County Springfield Eugene Tenant Association Head Start of Lane County SquareOne Villages Here to Help Housing St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County HIV Alliance Supportive Services for Veteran Families Home for Good Housing Agency White Bird Clinic Hosea Youth Services Womenspace, Inc. Jennings Group Inc Lane Council of Governments 2020 Consolidated Plan 3 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Information from the Public Written Comments Written public comments were accepted during the 30-day public comment period and were incorporated into the Consolidated Plan. Community Survey A survey was developed to collect input from community members to identify priority needs and collect information on conditions in the community. The survey was distributed on the internet and through social media in both English and Spanish. Partner agencies also helped by distributing the survey to their clients, where appropriate. A total of 216 responses were received. Responders to the Community Survey identified the most needed services for both renters and owners. For renters, responders identified top needs as ongoing rental assistance, security Deposit assistance, and emergency rental assistance. For owners, responders identified mortgage assistance, foreclosure prevention, and utility/energy payment support as the highest needs. Responders identified menial health and addiction services and housing services as the greatest social service needs. Respondents also identified assist human service agencies with facilities acquisition or improvements as the most needed Community Development Need. Open House The Cities of Eugene and Springfield hosted an Open House on Affordable Housing and Community Development, on February 12, 2020. Community members had the opportunity to learn about and provide feedback on the draft priority needs and draft strategies for the 2020 Consolidated Plan. The event was attended by over 130 community members, who were also asked to rank the proposed strategies and to provide comments. Resident Participation Plan A requirement of the Consolidated Plan is to develop and utilize a strategy to achieve resident public participation. This plan was updated in 2020 and is summarized here. The Cities will continue to encourage participation by low- and moderate -income persons throughout the community. Emphasis will be placed on reaching out to minority populations, non- English -speaking persons, and persons with disabilities, in the preparation of the Plan. The Cities will also notify and seek the participation of local and regional institutions and other organizations, including businesses, developers, community and faith -based organizations, in the development and implementation of the Consolidated Plan. 2020 Consolidated Plan 4 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development The Cities will make vital information That pertains to The Consolidated Plan available to The resident, public agencies and other interested parties on an annual basis. The information to be made available includes the amount of assistance the Cities expect to receive, available unspent prior year's funds and related program income, the range of activities to be undertaken, including the estimated amount of CDBG and other funds that will be expended on low- and moderate - income persons. The Cities will provide interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the Plan or on any amendments to the Plan. The Cities will consider any comments or views of interested parties received in writing or orally, at any of the public hearings, or during the specified public comment review period. Meetings are announced through posting on City websites and in the Register Guard. All public hearings are advertised in the Register -Guard Newspaper 14 days or more prior to the hearing. For the development of the Consolidated Plan, one public hearing in addition to multiple public meetings to obtain resident views regarding the proposed priority needs and strategies for the five-year period. Public meetings are held at times convenient to potential and actual beneficiaries in locations that meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. With 48 hours' notice prior to any public meeting, the Cities can provide the following services: an interpreter and audio equipment for the hearing impaired; a reader to review printed materials with the sight impaired, and a foreign language interpreter for non-English speaking residents. Due to public health concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic, the final meetings and public hearings had to be held in an online format. Efforts were made to provide call -in options to facilitate access for individuals with limited technology access. 2020 Consolidated Plan 5 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Community Profile and Needs The Eugene -Springfield Consolidated Plan relies upon multiple forms of qualitative and quantitative data as well as community input in order to identify housing, homelessness, and community development needs and trends. This picture of need is the basis of the proposed objectives and outcomes for the 2020 Consolidated Plan. In addition to the US Census, updated American Community Survey (ACS) data and community surveys that provides the foundation for development of the document, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield built on the work of several active committees and recent studies that addressed housing, homeless and community development. The assessment was also informed by additional consultations with city officials and other important stakeholders such as the Intergovernmental Human Services Commission, United Way of Lane County, Lane County Poverty & Homelessness Board, Homes for Good (PHA), and the Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board. In 2020, the regional economy has continued to diversify and improve, while at the same time leaving many in the community still struggling to find jobs with wages to cover increasing housing costs. There is a significant number of households who cannot meet the basic needs for food, shelter, medical care and transportation. In addition, there are a growing number of seniors, persons with disabilities, and others who are unable to work. These factors, combined with a very tight housing market, have resulted in many households paying more than they can afford, and a growing number of persons experiencing homelessness. It is important to note that the impacts of the COVID-1 9 are too recent to be reflected in the data used for the analysis provided below. Population Growth The overall population has grown steadily in both cities since 2000, reaching a combined 223,958 in 2017. Population grew to 163,135 in Eugene (18% growth since 2000) and 60,823 in Springfield (15% growth) in 2017. Age Distribution The population of Eugene and Springfield is aging. In 2000, people aged 60 to 75 accounted for 8% of the total population. This grew to 14% in 2017. For the same period, people under 45 accounted for 67% of the population in 2000, and this has dropped to 63% in 2017. Racial and Ethnic Composition Eugene and Springfield are becoming increasingly racially and ethnically diverse. Latino residents are the fastest growing population, representing 10.2% of the population in the two cities, and this population has grown 26.4% between 2000 and 2017. Approximately 21 % of the population of the cities are either Latino or minority race. 2020 Consolidated Plan 6 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Household Composition As of 201 7,family households still make up the largest percentage of households with 54% (Eugene — 52p/o, Springfield — 59%), and of those, 10% of households is single female headed households. There has also been a significant increase in single person households which now make up 45% of all households. The largest growth in household type is non -family households which increased 57% between 2000 and 2017. Average household size 2.33 in Eugene and 2.50 in Springfield. Income and Poverty Although growing, Median Household Income for both Eugene ($47,489) and Springfield ($41,700) is lower than the US ($57,652) and Lane County ($47,710). Further, there are many residents in both cities that are struggling, as evidenced by other indicators: 1 9% of Eugene residents and 28% of Springfield residents receive food stamp benefits (SNAP), and 49% of students from the three Public School Districts in Eugene and Springfield are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Low wages also contribute to financial instability. In 2017, 21 % of households in Eugene and 20% of households in Springfield had incomes below the poverty level. LOW-INCOME AREAS IN EUGENE & SPRINGFIELD Areas where 51%+of the population earns less than 80% of Area Median Income (AMI). For the Eugene/Springfield area, 80%AMI for one person is f36K. and four people is $52K. Eugene/Springfield city limits Information based on census block groups. Data has a high margin of error. 2020 Consolidated Plan 7 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Persons with Disabilities In The Cities of Eugene and Springfield, about 32,438 people, or 14%, live with one or more disabilities. The highest reported disabilities include ambulatory (8%), cognitive (8%), and difficulty with independent living (7%). Persons Experiencing Homelessness The 2019 Point -in -Time Count (PIT) identified 2,165 people in Lane County experiencing homelessness, a 32% increase from 2018 and 49% increase from 2016. Over two-thirds of this population, or 1633 individuals, met HUD's definition of unsheltered, which includes 411 persons staying in "alternative to shelter" programs such as Dusk to Dawn, Opportunity Village, and Conestoga Huts. The 2019 PIT count also found that 759 persons experiencing homelessness were seriously menially ill, 724 were chronically homeless, 525 reported substance abuse, 173 were veterans, and 113 were families with children staying in a shelter. For FY 2018, Lane County reported that 2,753 unduplicated individuals who were homeless received human services from one or more agencies. During the 2018-2019 school year, the three public school districts in Eugene and Springfield report 1,629 homeless youth, includes students who are staying with friends or family. The reported number includes 482 homeless youth who were unaccompanied. Persons with Special Needs who are not Homeless Limited new data exists specific to non -homeless special needs populations in the cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are numerous sub -populations in this community. Of those, there are some that have both sufficient numbers and unique housing and service needs that warrant identification. Those include the following: families with children, seniors, ex -offenders, people with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, people with drug and alcohol addictions, people who are evicted or foreclosed, people with physical and menial disabilities, veterans, youth and young adults, and youth aging out of foster care. Employment and Economy Economic conditions in Eugene and Springfield have recovered significantly in the past decade, and the region has emerged as a more diversified economy than it was during the Great Recession. The number of jobs has grown steadily during the decade, and unemployment rates have remained relatively low during recent years (below 6%). Wages have risen as well, although the loss of manufacturing jobs still has tempered wage growth in the region. In 2018, unemployment was 4.50%. Employment growth combined with retirements and declining unemployment rates is creating a strengthening economy. As the economy continues to improve, the labor market tightens, availability of skilled workers may create a challenge for employers. Unemployment in the region has been decreasing but opportunities are limited for young unskilled 2020 Consolidated Plan 8 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development workers. The new workforce of youth 16-24 years old accounts for 38% of The workforce. Getting younger workers to work in skilled career opportunities will allow the younger workforce to establish the experience and income that first jobs provide, a key workforce challenge facing both cities. The workforce problems facing younger workers today may follow them well into the future through lower lifetime earnings. While there have been recent and significant job losses as a result of COVID-19, it is unclear how sustained these job losses will be as social distancing measures diminish. It is apparent however that many people with limited incomes are experiencing financial instability as a result of recent events. Housing Units and Tenure Together, Eugene and Springfield contain 97,224 housing units. The majority (61%) of the housing stock is single-family units, with the remainder consisting of multi -family units (33%) and a small share of mobile/manufactured homes (6%). This balance has remained relatively stable since 1990, although planners in both cities anticipate a gradual increase in multi -family housing to accommodate future population needs. For rental households, 41 % in Eugene and Springfield live in 2-bedroom homes. Increasingly, homes with three -bedrooms are being occupied by renters, climbing to 30% in 2017 from 25% in 2010. Renter households occupying studios and one - bedroom homes has stayed relatively stable since 2010, edging up from 29% to 30%. Eugene has recently shifted to a majority renter city, where 52% of households rented their home in 2017. Springfield retains a slight majority of owner -occupied homes, where 51 % of households own and 49% rent. Manufactured dwelling parks are areas where people rent or lease a space for their manufactured home, which they may rent or own. A manufactured dwelling is a more affordable way for many people to own a home or live independently in an environment for older individuals. About 5% of the housing units in Eugene and Springfield are manufactured home park spaces, with nearly 40% of the homes in three census tracts. These tracts are located in west Eugene, Glenwood, and mid - Springfield. Assisted and Public Housing A variety of assisted housing developments are currently available and serving low-income persons in the cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are at total of 4,452 assisted housing units in 113 developments in both cities, including projects subsidized with Section 8, Low -Income Housing Tax Credits, or other project -based subsidies. Eugene and its urban growth boundary have a total of 3,516 units in 83 developments and Springfield and its urban growth boundary have 866 units in 28 developments. 2020 Consolidated Plan 9 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Homes for Good serves as The housing authority for The cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are a total of 595 public housing units in Lane County with 383 of those in Eugene and Springfield, and as of February 2020, 98.9% were leased. Additionally, Homes for Good has 3,065 total vouchers (3,056 in use), of which 236 are designated as Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (192 in use). For all voucher programs, 6% are held by households with one or more persons who identify as a minority race or ethnicity. Homes for Good maintains a waiting list for all their public housing units. There are approximately 1800 households on public housing waiting lists with typical wait times between 1 and 5 years. The Section 8 waiting list was last opened in 2019 and 4,887 people responded to the online application. At this point in time, 74% of families issued vouchers are able to lease a unit. Housing Cost Burden While wages and incomes have continued to rise in recent years, they have not kepi pace with the cost of both owner and rental housing in both cities. From 2010 to 2017, Median Household Income rose 14% in Eugene and by 15% in Springfield. Housing costs in the Eugene -Springfield area have risen more sharply since 2010, especially in recent years. Median home prices have increased by about 130% between 2000 and 2019 in both Eugene and Springfield, reaching $320,000 in Eugene and $270,100 in Springfield (Zillow October 2019). Median Rental Rates have also increased substantially faster than incomes, if not as dramatically as home values. Between 2010 and 2019, the median rental rate rose to $1,373 in Eugene (47%increase) and $1,181 in Springfield (58%increase). As a result, many households pay more for housing than is affordable, or are unable to afford any housing. Households paying more than 30% of household income are considered to have a 'housing cost burden'. A majority of all renters in Eugene (55%) and slightly under half of all renters in Springfield (48%) are considered housing cost burdened, while a smaller but significant share of all homeowners in each jurisdiction are also cost burdened (Eugene — 27%, Springfield — 29%). Housing Conditions and Lead Based Paint In the cities of Eugene and Springfield, approximately 60% (55,005) of the total housing units were built prior to 1980 and may contain lead -based paint. Approximately 11,437 homes pose potential lead -based paint hazards in the cities of Eugene and Springfield. Despite the age of the housing stock, the physical condition of the housing in Eugene and Springfield is generally good, as there are relatively few housing units (1,875) in the area that are considered substandard according to HUD. Of those, 90% are rental units, and 59% are occupied by people making 50% or less of the average median income. Based on input received during provider and 2020 Consolidated Plan 10 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development public consultations, units available to low-income residents Tend to have more significant issues, and because of the scarcity of affordable low-income housing, residents are reluctant to raise their concerns for fear of losing the housing. Priority Needs The purpose of identifying the community needs and trends, conducting surveys and meeting with providers is to identify what the priority needs are for the low -and moderate -income households in this community for the next five years. Listed below are the needs that were identified through the analysis that have been identified as priority needs to address using HUD funds. Renters Rising rents has created a substantial gap in decent quality housing affordable to very low-, low - and moderate -income households in both cities. There are 21,535 such households earning less than 80% of AMI in Eugene, and 7,270 such households in Springfield, which make up 63% of all renters. • Renter households earning less than 80% of area median income (very -low, low- and moderate- incomes): Over three quarters of these households spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (79% in Eugene, 74% in Springfield). Moreover, 54% of these households in Eugene and 35% of these households in Springfield spend 50% of their income on housing costs. • Renter households earning less than 50% of area median income (very -low and low- income): A modestly greater share of these households also spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. However, the significantly more of these households pay more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 68%, Springfield — 57%). • By April 2020, a growing number of residents have experienced a severe loss of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic, raising the risk of housing instability and homelessness, and potentially destabilizing existing affordable housing developments due to interruptions in rental income. Homeowners Rising home values have also reduced the availability of quality housing affordable to low -and moderate- income households. There are 7,390 owner households (23% of all owners) earning less than 80% of AMI in Eugene, and 4,470 owner households (37% of all owners) in Springfield, substantially fewer than the number of renters in this income bracket. Low, very low- and even 2020 Consolidated Plan 11 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development moderate -income homeowner households need increased access to affordable homeownership opportunities and support to remain homeowners. The high costs also reduce opportunities for potential homebuyers. • A significant majority of low-income owners experience a housing cost burden, over- crowding, and/or substandard housing conditions (Eugene —78%, Springfield —59%). • Owner households earning less than 80% of area median income (very -low, low- and moderate- incomes): A significant majority of these homeowners spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 669/o, Springfield — 57%). Moreover, 41 % of these households in Eugene and 28% of these households in Springfield spend 50% of their income on housing costs. • Owner households earning less than 50% of area median income (very -low and low- income): There are 3,370 owner occupied households in Eugene, and 2,030 in Springfield earning less than 50% AMI. Over three quarters (77%) of these households in Eugene and over half (56%) of households in Springfield spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs. 59% of these owner households in Eugene and 39% in Springfield spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs. People Experiencing Homelessness People need access to housing and supportive services to prevent them from becoming homeless and to leave homelessness. • The 2019 Point in Time Count identified 2,165 people experiencing homelessness. • Of those, 1,633 were unsheltered, 84 were families with children staying in a shelter, 841 were chronically homeless, 197 were veterans, 525 reported substance abuse and 759 were seriously mentally ill. • The 2019 PIT Count identified 145 unaccompanied youth, with 21 in Emergency Shelter (6 youth under age 18), 16 in Transitional Housing (6 youth under age 18), and 108 unsheltered (14 youth under age 18). A total of 26 unaccompanied homeless youth were under age 18, 119 were ages 18-24. • Lane County reports 26 agencies with 170 projects in WellSky, a management information system used to share information among service providers on services provided to at -risk, homeless, or near homeless clients. • Lane County reported that 2,753 unduplicated individuals who were homeless received human services from one or more agencies in fiscal year 2018. • The three public school districts in Eugene and Springfield report 1,629 homeless youth during 2019, and this definition includes students who are staying with friends or family. The definition of homeless for purposes of the Plan includes people who are "doubled -up". 2020 Consolidated Plan 12 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Non -Homeless Special Needs Populations People with special needs need additional support for housing and supportive services. This includes families with children, seniors, ex -offenders, people with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, people with drug and alcohol addictions, people who are evicted or foreclosed, people with physical and menial disabilities, veterans, youth and young adults, and youth aging out of foster care. • Special needs populations need additional support as it relates to affordable housing, human services, employment opportunities, and accessibility improvements in housing and public facilities. • In both cities, 49% of students in the three public districts are eligible for free or reduced lunch. • One in seven Oregonians and one in five children in Oregon are food insecure. • Free local bus passes, gasoline, care repair, driver's license, ID card or birth certificate fee were all identified as difficult to access based upon feedback provided by the constituency surveyed. • There is one domestic violence provider in Eugene. Records indicated there are minimal domestic violence and sexual assault providers, with limited shelter space and housing assets dedicated to survivors and those fleeing domestic violence. • In the Community Survey, respondents identified mental health and addiction services and housing services as the greatest social services needs. Respondents also identified Assist human service agencies with facilities acquisition or improvements as the most needed Community Development Need. Employment Opportunities People who have low incomes, are unemployed or underemployed need a broader range of employment opportunities, including self-employment • After Lane County lost 18,000 jobs between 2007 and 2010, employment has continued to grow [back to pre -recession levels], currently peaking at 95% as of 2017. As unemployment rates have declined in recent years, so too has job growth since 2016. • Workers in the Eugene Metropolitan Statistical Area had an average (mean) hourly wage of $22.75 in May 2018, about 9 percent below the nationwide average of $24.98. • Not all sectors have returned to pre -recession levels, including financial activities, construction, manufacturing, and information. • In 2019, the top three reasons employers found it difficult to fill vacancies were: (1) lack of applicants, (2) unfavorable working conditions, and (3) lack of qualified candidates (Hiring Challenges for unfulfilled job vacancies, May 2019). 2020 Consolidated Plan 13 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development • The loss of jobs combined with the subsequent recession, have widened the page between employed wages and housing gaps. • Community Survey responders identified creating jobs in low-income neighborhoods as the greatest economic development need. Low -Income Areas and Areas of Slums and Blight Geographic areas defined as areas of slums or blight or as low-income areas need additional support for rehabilitation and public facility and infrastructure improvements. • There are several areas in this community that are or could meet the HUD requirement for an area of slums and blight which would allow different uses of CDBG funds. These areas could benefit from increased investments in the area. There are also specific properties with deteriorated conditions that could addressed using CDBG funds. • There are several areas of this community that are characterized by 51 % or more low- to moderate -income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in this area. Strategic Plan As part of the consolidated planning process, priority needs were identified based on the needs assessment, market analysis, stakeholder consultation, and input from residents. Next, strategies and goals were developed to address these priority needs with the cities' anticipated CDBG and HOME grants, which will help leverage additional public and private resources. Below is a summary of the strategies that have been identified that both meet priority needs and are also eligible uses of HUD funds. A table following this section shows the relationship between identified strategies and the priority needs of Eugene and Springfield for use of federal funds received from HUD. During the public comment period in March 2020, nonprofit partners and stakeholders reported concerns about residents already experiencing sudden and significant losses of income due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Beyond the real threats among residents of housing instability and homelessness, affordable housing agencies reported concerns about the destabilization of existing affordable housing developments due to interruptions in rental income. As a result of these comments, a fifth housing strategy — Provide Rent Assistance — was added to provide an option to address housing instability among renters and preserve existing affordable rental housing. 2020 Consolidated Plan 1A Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Priority Needs Priority Need Explanation Comments Renters • About three quarters of moderate- and low- • Between 2010 and 2019, the median rental rate rose to $1,373 in Low- and very low-income income renters spend more than 30% of their Eugene (47% increase) and $1,181 in Springfield (58% increase) people need increased access income on housing costs (Eugene — 79%, • Significant increase in need from 2013 to 2017, to quality affordable rental Springfield —74%) Many more moderate -income households spend more housing as well as rental • The majority of low-income renters spend than 30% on housing assistance more than 50% of their income on housing Many more low- and very income households spend costs (Eugene — 68%, Springfield — 57%) more than 50% on housing Homeowners • A significant majority of low-income owners • Low-income households spending more than 30% of income Low- and very low-income experience over -crowding, substandard housing have increased in Eugene but remains steady in people need increased access housing, or a housing cost burden (Eugene — Springfield to affordable homeownership 78%, Springfield —59%) • Low-income households spending more than 50% of income opportunities and support to • A significant majority of moderate- and low- housing have increased in both Eugene and Springfield remain homeowners income owners spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 66%, Springfield —57%) A large percentage of low-income owners spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene — 59%, Springfield — 39%) 2020 Consolidated Plan 15 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Priority Need Explanation Comments People experiencing • A total of 2,165 homeless individuals were • Majority of the homeless population in Eugene (73%) and Homelessness served in FY 2019 by agencies funded by Springfield (88%) are experiencing unsheltered homelessness People need access to Lane County Shortage of low -barrier year-round emergency shelter housing and supportive • The three public school districts in Eugene and shelter beds in Eugene and Springfield services to prevent them from and Springfield report 1,629 homeless youth • In 2017, one in four persons exiting permanent housing in Lane becoming homeless and to during 2019 (includes students who are County returned to homelessness leave homelessness staying with friends orfamily) • There are no youth -specific resources for transition -age youth The definition of homeless for purposes of this (18-24) Plan includes people who are"doubled-up" • Due to low rental vacancy (3.6% in Eugene and 3.4% in Shortage of year-round low -barrier emergency Springfield) and even lower affordable unit rental vacancy, the shelter beds, especially for single individuals Lane County Continuum of Care struggles with voucher or tenant - and victims of Domestic Violence based programs Lack of diversion and rapid exit services for those exiting Permanent Housing Non -Homeless Special • People with special needs including families • There were 32,438 elderly (over the age of 65) and 3,310 frail Needs Populations with children, seniors, ex -offenders, people elderly (that need assistance with daily living) in Eugene - Special needs populations with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, Springfield (2017 ACS) need additional support as it people with drug and alcohol addictions, • The disability rate is 13.5 percent in Eugene and 18.6 percent in relates to affordable people who are evicted or foreclosed, people Springfield housing, human services, and with physical and mental disabilities, . Physical disabilities can include hearing, vision, cognitive, employment opportunities veterans, youth, and youth aging out of foster ambulatory, self -care or independent living difficulties care . In the Community Survey, respondents identified mental health and addiction services and housing services as the greatest social service needs. Respondents also identified assist human service agencies with facilities acquisition or improvements as the most needed Community Development Need 2020 Consolidated Plan 16 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Employment Opportunities . Job growth and low unemployment rates has • The United Way ALICE report found that 58% of all jobs in Oregon People who have low not yielded better wages for many younger are low -wage (less than $20/hour), with contract positions (non - incomes, are unemployed or residents and workers lacking necessary skills benefited) increasing, a factor in job and housing insecurity underemployed need a . The new workforce of youth 16-24 years old • There is a need to increase high -wage and living wage career broader range of employment accounts for 38% of the workforce employment opportunities for youth opportunities, including self- . Current low unemployment rates and • Lower wages are exacerbating housing affordability for some employment retirements in workforce has created demand workers for skilled workers in some industries Low -Income Areas & Areas . There are several areas in this community that • Need to support low- and moderate- income neighborhoods of Slums and Blight are or could meet the HUD requirement for an through public improvements such as infrastructure and public Geographic areas that meet area of slums and blight which would allow facilities federal criteria as areas of different uses of CDBG funds. These areas . Low -Income Areas have been mapped for both jurisdictions slums and blight or as low- could benefit from increased investments in . Support currently designated slum/blight areas income areas and need the area additional support for . There are several areas of this community that rehabilitation and public are characterized by 51% or more low- to improvements moderate -income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in thisarea 2020 Consolidated Plan 17 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Affordable Housing Strategy Priority Needs HOME Eugene Springfield Strategy/Goal Addressed Possible Examples Measurements Consortium CDBG CDBG Increase the supply of Renters, Land Acquisition. Number of housing units 400 5 5 affordable housing Homeowners, Development of new rental constructed, reconstructed, acquired (HOME and CDBG) Homeless, Special housing. Operating Support or preserved Number of CHDOs assisted 3 Needs for Community Housing Development Organizations. Housing for homeless added 100 Number of sites acquired 2 2 Rehabilitate existing Renters, Homeless, Continue and expand publicly Number of rental units rehabilitated 350 5 housing stock Special Needs, Low- supported rehabilitation and Number of homeowner units rehabilitated affordable to low- Income Areas, accessibility improvements. income persons Homeowners 150 300 CDBG Provide down Homeowners Assist low-income residents Households assisted with direct assistance payment assistance with the first-time purchase of to homebuyers for homeownership ahome. 20 20 (CDBG) Provide rental Renters Assist low-income residents to Households provided rental assistance assistance for remain in stable housing. housing stability 20 and homelessness prevention (HOME) Remove barriers to Renters, Support programs that assure Maintain Housing Policy board affordable and Homeowners, housing opportunities are Number of fair housing events 20 supportive housing Homeless, Low- providedwithout Maintain fair housing services (CDBG) Income Area discrimination. Support Non -Homeless Housing Policy Board. Update Update Fair Housing Plan Special Needs Fair Housing Plan. 2020 Consolidated Plan 18 Eugene and Springfield, OR EUGENE • SPRINGFIELD 2020 CONSOLIDATED PLAN for Housing & Community Development Community Development Strategy Eugene Springfield Strategy Priority Needs Possible Examples Measurements CDBG CDBG Addressed Support a human Homeless, Fund capital improvements to facilities Persons assisted with public facility activities 20,000 5,000 services delivery Special Needs owned by non -profits. Persons assisted with public service activities system to address the Fund non-profit services through the needs of homeless Human Services Commission. 100,000 60,000 persons, special needs, and other low-income Fund job training. Number of ubicfacilitiesim roved P P 5 2 populations (CDBG) Fund housing stability counseling and assistance. Number of transitional or emergency beds added 20 5 Promote economic Employment Provide below market financing to local Jobs created or retained 150 5 development and Opportunities businesses creating or retaining jobs. Businesses assisted 25 1 employment Provide micro -enterprise training, Micro business trainees opportunities through and development opportunities. the creation of jobs and business development 150 5 (CDBG) Make strategic Renters, Owners, Provide financing for activities which Businesses assisted with facade treatment or investments to improve Homeless, Special eliminate slums and blight, including building rehab 1 low-income Needs, Low -Income acquisition, clearance, rehab and historic Number of projects completed neighborhoods and Areas and Slums& preservation and economic development 2 2 other areas of slums Blight, Employment activities, infrastructure and publicfacility Persons assisted with public improvement activity and blight (CDBG) Opportunities improvements. 5,000 5,000 2020 Consolidated Plan 19 Eugene and Springfield, OR SPRINGFIELD A-MCITY OF EI CITY OF SPRINGFIELD eugene-or.goihudoJhudconplan springfieldor.gov OREGON