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HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 2C: 2009/10 CDBG and HOME Funding ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Approval of 2009/10 Funding Allocations for Federal Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnership Programs Meeting Date: April 27, 2009 Agenda Item Number: 2C Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Stephanie Jennings www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 682-5529 ISSUE STATEMENT The City Council is asked to approve the allocation of funds in two federal programs funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, Eugene will allocate an estimated $1,410,000 in entitlement grant funds and unused funding from previous years as well as $1,295,000 in program income. Through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Eugene will allocate an estimated $983,029 in entitlement grant funds as well as $85,000 in program income. BACKGROUND Annually in the spring, the City Council approves funding allocations for Federal HUD grant programs for the upcoming fiscal year starting on July 1. The City has received CDBG funds since 1975. HOME funding has been received by the Eugene-Springfield Consortium since 1992, with Eugene receiving 70% of the funds and serving as the lead agency. The annual funding allocations, called One-Year Action Plans, are prepared in the context of the five-year HUD Consolidated Plan. Fiscal Year 2009/10 will be the fifth year in the Consolidated Plan 2005. The CDBG Advisory Committee advises the Planning and Development Department on the use of CDBG funds. The Housing Policy Board (HPB) advises the City Council on the use of HOME funds. In past years, the City has received a specific allocation of new CDBG and HOME funds prior to the deadline for submission of the One-Year Action Plan to HUD. Due to delays in approval of the federal budget, HUD has not yet released the City’s allocation but the timeline for submission of the One-Year Action Plan has not changed. As a result, staff has developed an allocation plan based on an estimate of funding to be received. The allocation plan also identifies uses of funds should the City receive an allocation greater than the estimated budget. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee (CDBG-AC) conducted a public hearing on April 14, 2008, on the preliminary recommendation for use of funds. The CDBG-AC and staff recommend the following use of CDBG funds for 2009/10. The allocation includes $1,360,000 in new grant funds, $50,000 in unused funds from previous years, and $1,295,000 in program income from the housing and business loan programs. Grant funds are recommended for use as follows. Landbanking for Low-Income Housing Development – $ 300,000: This is the first request for landbanking funds in the past five years. Through this program, the City provides critical resources for the purchase of land to be made available for the development of homes and rental units for low-income Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc 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 restricted to re-lending activity within the revolving fund. The BDF 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. The Loan Advisory Committee, a six- member citizen advisory committee, reviews all loan proposals prior to approval. Lane MicroBusiness - $30,000: These funds will support micro-enterprise training conducted by Lane MicroBusiness. These funds will provide micro-enterprise business development services such as training, education, and workshops for Eugene low-income micro-business entrepreneurs. Public Improvements to Low-Income Neighborhoods - $0: Due to significant needs in other areas due to current economic conditions, the committee and staff recommend no new funding at this time. CDBG funds are used to make capital improvements to low-income neighborhoods in Eugene. The improvements may include streets, alleys, sidewalks, neighborhood parks, street lighting, and traffic calming within areas that meet CDBG requirements. Most recently, CDBG funds have been used to improve facilities within Acorn Park, add traffic calming measures to Acorn Park Street, and install a sidewalk along a portion of Acorn Park Street. Other previously funded projects include pedestrian- level street lights in the West University neighborhood and a pedestrian path along Bethel Drive adjacent to the Trainsong Neighborhood. Administration - $420,000: These funds will support project implementation, fair housing activities, the City’s Central Services allocation, the annual audit, and general program administration. The amount of funds for administration has remained the same for the past four years. Uses of Additional CDBG Funds Given that the exact amount of CDBG funds is not yet known, the committee and staff developed a recommendation for use of any additional funds received up to $200,000. Funding would be added to any amounts specified above. The CDBG Advisory Committee recommends funding of the following items ranked in order, as funding allows: 1.Curb Ramps - $10,000 2.Accessible Pedestrian Signals - $35,000 3.Micro-Enterprise Training Program - $10,000 4.Sheldon Community Center Accessible Bathroom - $25,000 5.Hult Center Accessible Toilet - $15,000 6.Housing Rehabilitation Program - $55,000 7.Landbanking Program - $50,000 Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program In July 2006, HUD approved the City’s Section 108 application for funding to create a $9,895,000 loan pool, together with Brownfield Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grant funds, for redevelopment projects within the downtown and riverfront urban renewal districts. On February 26, 2007, the City Council approved an ordinance authorizing the use of the HUD Section 108 loan as a financing tool. The non-emergency ordinance established the City’s general ability to borrow for Section 108 projects with the stipulation that individual projects be approved by council resolution. The City received approval for its first individual Section 108 project for the acquisition of downtown property from the Portland field office in August of 2007. Due to unanticipated changes in the Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc development financing and plan for the West Broadway redevelopment area, the individual project application was revised in March 2008. The revised application proposed to utilize a combination of federal and local funds to support the redevelopment of properties at the heart of downtown, along Broadway and Willamette Street. Under this revised application the City acquired two properties (four tax lots) with $2.7 million in Federal Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program funds and $0.685 million in BEDI grant funds. The City has an agreement with Beam Development to transform the important intersection of Willamette and Broadway into a vital area with restaurants, retailers, and office space. The scale of the buildings will entail new construction of a five-story building and historic rehabilitation of the existing five-story and two-story buildings known as the Centre Court and Washburne buildings, respectively. The City anticipates participation in the Beam project through the use of Section 108/BEDI in a second phase also. In the first phase (Section 108 Loan #1), the City acquired the properties. For the second phase, the City anticipates providing construction financing to Beam through a loan of Section 108/BEDI funds. The construction financing would be the City’s Section 108 Loan #2. HOME Investment Partnerships Program/American Dream Down Payment Initiative The Eugene-Springfield Consortium will receive an estimated $1,404,328 in Federal HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funding in fiscal year 2009/10. These funds will continue to be split 70/30 between the two jurisdictions; Eugene will receive $983,029 and Springfield will receive $421,299. HOME funds can be used for acquisition and development of housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households; rehabilitation; homebuyer programs; rental assistance; support of local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO); and HOME program administration. Staff proposes that HOME funds be divided among three program areas: 1) Housing Development Programs; 2) Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP); and 3) CHDO Operating Support. This proposal is similar to the allocation of funds in the last fiscal year. In addition to these programs, Eugene staff anticipates up to $1,000,000 will be available for HOME interim financing. This amount may change depending upon project timing and overall availability of funds. Housing Development – $670,726: Housing Development includes funding for acquisitions, new development construction, rehabilitation and project-related soft costs incurred by the jurisdictions. Funds can be used for rental or homeownership developments. Eugene awards funds in this category through an annual RFP processes. Eugene’s 2009 RFP was released March 26 and proposals are due May 29. The Allocations Committee of the Housing Policy Board will review the proposals in June, Housing Policy will hold a public hearing and make a recommendation in July, and the recommendation will be considered by council in September. Homebuyer Assistance Program (HAP) – $165,000 in new funds and up to an additional $85,000 based on how much program income is received. Eugene offers up to $10,000 in down payment assistance at closing to eligible households seeking to purchase homes. The funds are repaid upon resale . of the homeEugene set a goal for 25 HAP loans for the 2008-09, fiscal year, and has completed 15 loans thus far. Staff continues to actively seek out opportunities to partner with developers to create more affordable home ownership options. In these cases, staff recommends increasing the loan amount up to $20,000 when appropriate. Community Development Housing Organization (CHDO) Operating Funds – The Consortium may award up to 5% of new HOME funds for CHDO general operating grants. The total budgeted amount Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc for this item is $70,000. Eugene’s contribution is $49,000 and Springfield’s contribution is $21,000. Consortium CHDO operating funds will be split equally between the four active CHDOs: Mainstream Housing, Inc, Metropolitan Affordable Housing Corporation (Metro), Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO), and St.Vincent dePaul Society of Lane County, Inc. Each CHDO will receive $17,500. All CHDOs must be certified or recertified each year in order to receive CHDO Operating Funds. Administration - $98,303: The Federal grant management system automatically budgets 10% of new HOME funds for administration. Eugene will receive 70% of the amount awarded to the Consortium. Additional Funds – HPB recommends that any additional funds received above the estimated budget be added to the Housing Development budget. RELATED CITY POLICIES This allocation plan is based on the Consolidated Plan 2005 which guides the use of federal CDBG, HOME, and ADDI funds through 2010. In order to allocate funds to specific programs or projects, HUD regulations require a citizen participation process, including advertising and conducting a public hearing, followed by City Council action. COUNCIL OPTIONS The City Council can approve, not approve, or modify the One-Year Action Plan for use of Federal CDBG and HOME funds for 2009/10. CITY MANAGER’S RECOMMENDATION The City Manager recommends approval of the One-Year Action Plan for use of Federal CDBG and HOME funds in 2009/10. SUGGESTED MOTION Move to approve the One-Year Action Plan for use of Federal CDBG and HOME funds in 2009/10. ATTACHMENTS A. CDBG-Five Year Summary of One-Year Action Plans B. Summary of HOME Allocations C. CDBG Advisory Committee, CDBG Non-Profit Capital Project Review Team, and Housing Policy Board Members Lists FOR MORE INFORMATION Staff Contact: Stephanie Jennings Telephone: 682-5529 Staff E-Mail: stephanie.a.jennings@ci.eugene.or.us Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc ATTACHMENT A City of Eugene CDBG Allocations Summary Consolidated Plan 2000 Consolidated Plan 2005 2000-01 2001-02 2002-03 2003-04 2004-05 2005-06 2006-07 2007-08 HOUSING Housing Rehabilitation 173,000 195,000 0 0 0 0 250,000 215,784 230,000 Program Income 363,380 395,000 446,000 510,000 450,000 425,000 400,000 450,000 325,000 Housing Development 300,000 300,000 100,000 385,400 400,000 0 0 0 300,000 Program Income 255,000 200,000 0 PUBLIC SERVICES Operations 392,000 395,000 370,000 389,350 389,350 390,000 350,000 350,000 350,000 Non-profit Capital Projects 90,000 110,000 250,000 240,000 165,000 246,773 277,978 150,500 0 Program Income 76,708 CITY CAPITAL PROJECTS Facilities Access Improvements 125,000 130,000 178,000 159,000 130,530 297,379 0 50,000 0 Curb Ramps 50,000 50,000 50,000 75,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 60,000 50,000 Neighborhood Projects 42,250 70,000 0 0 0 0 Neighborhood Matching Grants 21,000 10,000 10,000 0 0 0 0 0 0 Neighborhood Parks 0 13,000 61,000 0 35,000 140,000 0 92,000 0 Accessible Pedestrian Signals 0 59,990 65,000 30,000 ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT Business Loan Program 0 0 200,000 0 0 0 0 215,500 0 Program Income 584,286 610,000 575,000 518,000 710,000 650,000 625,000 785,000 970,000 Micro-enterprise Training 25,000 30,000 35,000 25,000 0 25,000 0 30,000 30,000 ADMINISTRATION Planning & Implementation 370,000 370,000 400,000 412,000 416,120 420,000 420,000 420,000 420,000 Total Annual Grant Allocation $1,546,000 $1,603,000 $1,584,000 $1,713,000 $1,666,000 $1,579,152 $1,417,968 $1,415,794 $1,360,000 Total Estimated Program Income $947,666 $1,005,000 $1,021,000 $1,028,000 $1,160,000 $1,075,000 $1,356,708 $1,435,000 $1,295,000 Prior Years’ Funding $0 $0 $75,000 $15,000 $0 $40,000 $0 $233,000 $50,000 GRAND TOTAL $2,493,666 $2,608,000 $2,680,000 $2,756,000 $2,826,000 $2,694,152 $2,774,676 $3,083,794 $2,705,000 Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc ATTACHMENT B City of Eugene HOME and ADDI Allocations Summary HOMEProgram New Construction/ CHDO Operating* Administration Downpayment Assistance Total Acquisition HOME ADDI 2000-01 $812,750 $50,715 $101,430 $50,000 $1,014,300 2001-02 $959,140 $56,420 $112,840 $0 $1,128,400 2002-03 $862,115 $56,595 $113,190 $100,000 $1,131,900 2003-04 $872,915 $57,230 $114,461 $100,000 $56,702 $1,201,308 2004-05 $972,548 $57,209 $114,417 $0 $66,910 $1,211,084 2005-06 $782,795 $54,288 $108,576 $125,000 $38,154 $1,108,813 2006-07 $810,466 $51,170 $102,350 $59,514• $19,037 $1,042,537 2007-08 $655,983• $50,806 $101,619 $207,805• $19,037 $1,035,253 2008-09 $693,462• $49,000 $ 98,308 $142,309• $ 7,692 $ 990,770 2009-10P $670,726 $49,000 $ 98,303 $165,000• $0 $ 983,029 ROPOSED •Supplemented by program income (earned by loan payments) and prior year carryover funds. * CHDO=Community Housing Development Organization Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc ATTACHMENTC Committee Membership CDBG Advisory Committee Members: Victoria Bosch Drix John Fisher Linda Hamilton Joel Iboa Jericho Schwab Tim Shearer, Chairperson Rita Svanks Janet Yood Housing Policy Board Members: Lane County, Bill Dwyer At Large: City of Eugene, Chris Pryor Norton Cabell, Chairperson City of Springfield, Dave Ralston Brita Fischer Susannah Meininger Virginia Thompson John Wagner John VanLandingham Z:\CMO\2009 Council Agendas\M090427\S0904272C and atts A,B,C.doc