REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
FROM: JENNIFER CLARK, Director
Planning and Development Department
PHIL SKEI, Assistant Director
Planning and Development Department
BY: KIMBERLY ARCHIE, Senior Management Analyst
Housing and Community Development Division
SUBJECT
Title
RESOLUTION - Awarding Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) subrecipient agreements to Resources for Independence Central Valley (RICV) for $50,000 to operate a Fair Housing Outreach Program and $35,000 for a Fair Housing Public Services Program in accordance with the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan; and authorizing the City Manager to sign all implementing documents required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as approved to form by the City Attorney.
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
Staff recommends the City Council approve the award of CDBG funds for activities received in application to the 2022-2023 Fair Housing Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and authorize the City Manager to sign all subrecipient agreements as approved to form by the City Attorney.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On May 26, 2022, the City Council adopted the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan which included two CDBG allocations to Fair Housing projects totaling $85,000. The City released a NOFA on June 30, 2022 to request applications for the approved Fair Housing projects. Staff reviewed the applications for eligibility and scored the applications according to the criteria distributed with the NOFA. Staff recommends awarding $50,000 to RICV for a Fair Housing Outreach Program and another $35,000 to RICV for a Fair Housing Public Services Program.
BACKGROUND
In order to qualify for and receive federal grant funding through HUD, the City is required to prepare an Annual Action Plan detailing the projects proposed for funding through CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA programs. On May 26, 2022, the City Council adopted the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan which included $85,000 in CDBG funding for Fair Housing programs.
Following adoption of the 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan, staff prepared a NOFA requesting applications for the Fair Housing projects outlined in the Annual Action Plan. The NOFA requested applications for recommended activities specifically identified in the 2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice, which were grouped into three main categories:
1. Fair Housing Complaint and Referral Services
2. Public Fair Housing Education and Outreach; and
3. Fair Housing Education and Outreach for Housing Industry Professionals
Staff published the NOFA to the website of the Housing and Community Development Division on June 30, 2022, with an application deadline of July 28, 2022. Staff communicated the NOFA by email to a list of 500+ stakeholders who have expressed interest in receiving updates regarding planning and funding activities. Staff also presented a virtual webinar and offered technical assistance to prospective applicants.
The City received two applications in response to the NOFA: both from RICV, one for the Fair Housing Outreach program and the other for the Fair Housing Public Services program. After evaluating the applications, staff determined the two proposals are eligible for CDBG funding and recommend that the City enter into two separate Subrecipient Agreements with RICV for $50,000 and $35,000 for their proposed Fair Housing activities.
ENVIRONMENTAL FINDINGS
This is not a project for purposes of CEQA pursuant to CEQA guidelines Section 15378. Activities approved for funding are contingent on the successful completion of a HUD NEPA review and finding of no significant impact.
LOCAL PREFERENCE
Local preference is not applicable because of the use of federal funding.
FISCAL IMPACT
Activities approved through this resolution will have no general fund impact and are appropriated HUD activities in the FY23 budget.
Attachments:
Resolution
2022-2023 Fair Housing Funding Recommendations
2022-2023 Fair Housing Funding Requests
CDBG Agreement - RICV Fair Housing Outreach
CDBG Agreement - RICV Fair Housing Public Services