Report Prepared by: Laura Ivancich, Housing Program Specialist and Leah Brown, Management Analyst
Title
SUBJECT: Introduction of the Public Participation Process for U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Grant Programs and Annual Plan Process
REPORT IN BRIEF
Staff to provide a report on the public participation opportunities, as well as the HUD grant programs received by the City of Merced and the HUD Annual Plan Process.
RECOMMENDATION
Information Only.
Body
DISCUSSION
The purpose of this report is to identify key dates and opportunities for public participation. The HUD Annual Action Plan is a yearly report describing the projects that the City intends to implement using HUD grant funds. The process in developing the Plan begins with community input to determine the needs and priorities related to housing, homelessness, public services, and infrastructure. Following a detailed and months long community outreach campaign, the first Public Hearing will be March 2023, followed by a 30-day public review and comment period, then a Final Public Hearing in May 2023 for City Council approval prior to submission of the report to HUD.
This year we are also seeking input on a special one-time funding allocation that was given to the City of Merced in response to the long-term impacts from the Coronavirus Pandemic. These funds are called the Home Investment Partnership Program - American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP). The City allocation is $1,988,778. These funds have specific qualifying populations:
* Homeless
* At Risk of Homelessness
* Fleeing/Attempting to flee Domestic Violence, Dating Violence, Sexual Assault, Stalking, or Human Trafficking
* Other Populations (assistance would prevent family's homelessness, serve those with greatest risk of housing instability)
* Veterans and families that include a veteran family member that meet the criteria for one of the Qualifying Populations described above
Eligible activities for the qualifyi...
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