REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
June 25, 2020
FROM: Jennifer Clark, Director
Planning and Development Department
THROUGH: Mike Sanchez, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: Sophia Pagoulatos, Planning Manager
Planning and Development Department
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing Application for, and Receipt of, Local Government Planning Support Grant Program Funds from the California State Department of Housing and Community Development and Execution of a Standard Agreement and Other Required Program Documents for a Local Early Action Planning Grant to Accelerate Housing Production in the City of Fresno (Subject to Mayor’s Veto).
Body
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends approval of the Resolution authorizing submission of a grant application to the California State Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for funding under the Local Government Planning Support Grant Program and authorizing the City Manager, or her designee, to execute standard agreement and other required program documents for a Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) grant to accelerate housing production in Fresno.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Staff is seeking approval of a resolution authorizing submission of an application and acceptance of a California HCD grant for up to $750,000 to conduct planning work that will accelerate housing production in Fresno. This report provides background on the grant and describes how the city proposes to utilize the funds.
BACKGROUND
The California HCD issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Local Government Planning Support Grant Program with a total of $119 million available in one-time LEAP funds for cities and counties to apply for by July 1, 2020. The purpose of the program is to assist local governments prepare and adopt planning documents and process improvements that:
1. Accelerate housing production; and
2. Facilitate compliance to implement the sixth-cycle Regional Housing Needs Assessment, which is the basis for the next Housing Element update.
Staff is proposing a multi-faceted application entitled Building a Foundation: Housing Acceleration Project, which will include planning tools to accelerate housing production and implement programs in the housing element. While the funds are not for actual construction, they will be used for planning tools that will facilitate more development of market rate and affordable housing. Components include the following:
1. Housing Element (6th cycle)
2. Housing Trust Fund
3. Focused Infill Overlay District and Rezoning of High Opportunity Sites
4. Catalyst Housing Sites and Small Area Plans (including infrastructure plans)
5. ADU Ordinance Update and Pre-approved designs
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for the purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA Guidelines Section 15378. Application for and acceptance of the grant will allow the City to develop a number of planning tools that may be used for future discretionary actions. However, the City is not committing to those discretionary actions with this approval. When future discretionary actions are ready for review by this Council, they will be assessed pursuant to CEQA, and any resulting environmental documents will be presented for consideration at that time.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT
The LEAP grant will not impact the City’s General Fund. The State of California will provide up to $750,000 for city staff and/or consultants to complete the housing acceleration planning activities called for in the grant.
ATTACHMENT
Exhibit A - Resolution