Report Prepared by: Mark E. Hamilton, Housing Program Supervisor, Housing Division, Department of Development Services
Title
SUBJECT: Request to Set a Public Hearing for the 2018 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan
REPORT IN BRIEF
Request to set a Public Hearing for Monday, April 16, 2018, to consider the 2018 Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Annual Action Plan.
RECOMMENDATION
City Council - Adopt a motion setting a Public Hearing for Monday, April 16, 2018, to consider the Housing and Urban Development Annual Action Plan.
Body
ALTERNATIVES
1. Approve, as recommended by staff; or,
2. Approve, subject to conditions other than recommended by staff; or,
3. Deny; or,
4. Refer to the City Manager for reconsideration of specific items (specific items to be addressed in the motion); or,
5. Continue to a future meeting (date and time to be specified in the motion).
AUTHORITY
Charter of the City of Merced, Sections 405 and 411, et seq., of the City of Merced, and Pursuant to 24 CFR 91.520, the City will submit the 2018 HUD Annual Action Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development.
DISCUSSION
Staff is requesting Council to set a Public Hearing to consider the 2018 HUD Annual Action Plan. The 2018 HUD Annual Action Plan outlines programs and activities to be funded with Community Development Block Grant funds next Fiscal Year. In order for an activity or program to become eligible, they must meet the HUD criteria, which includes National Goals and Objectives designed to eliminate blight and provide housing for low-income families.
Guidelines for each program dictate how the funds may be spent. Staff works with each recipient to ensure eligibility for and compliance with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) or HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) federal grant programs.
The Action Plan describes how funds will be used by the City of Merced. Whether the funds are being used for administrative or program activities, the proposed activities must meet a HUD-approved national objective to be considered eligible. The three national objectives are: 1) Directly benefit low- and moderate-income persons; 2) Aid in the prevention and elimination of slums or blight; or, 3) Meet an urgent need such as flood, hurricane, or tornado cleanup and repair.
The common goal of these programs is to make Merced a more livable community. This goal is achieved in three ways. First, by granting funds to local nonprofit organizations and assisting them with providing funds to expand their programs. Second, by providing affordable, safe, and decent housing throughout the community. Lastly, these funds can be used for upgrades to existing public facilities to make them accessible for individuals with disabilities.
History and Past Actions
Each year the City of Merced prepares an Annual Action Plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The framework for the Annual Action Plan finds its roots in the City of Merced 2015-20 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a five-year planning document, outlining the City's strategy for pursuing federal, state, and local resources to meet housing and community development needs of low- and moderate-income residents.
IMPACT ON CITY RESOURCES
No appropriation of general funds is needed.