REPORT TO THE CITY COUNCIL
March 4, 2021
SUBJECT
Title
***RESOLUTION - Authorizing the City of Fresno's Participation in the State Rental Assistance Program (Subject to Mayor's Veto)
Body
RECOMMENDATIONS
The Administration recommends Council approval of the Resolution authorizing the City's participation in the State Rental Assistance Program (SRAP)
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
This Resolution is a requirement of the State of California in order for the City of Fresno (City) to receive a block grant award of SRAP funds currently estimated at $19,136,295, which includes 10% in administration fees (8.5% for the City and subgrantees and 1.5% for the State). This grant will be combined with the City's direct federal allocation of $15,804,678 from the Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) for a total of $34,940,973 in funding to provide rental assistance for qualifying residents in the City.
BACKGROUND
The Administration is working closely with the six community benefit organizations (CBO) who are disbursing the City's Housing Retention Grants to provide a coordinated approach to disbursing these funds to keep City residents in their housing and to prevent evictions. In accepting the SRAP block grant (currently estimated at $19,136,295, including 10% in administrative fees), the City is required to commit to the State that the entirety of the estimated $34,940,973 received between ERAP and SRAP will conform to SRAP guidelines. Both the City and the CBOs will administer programs in conformity with SRAP guidelines and will share a City-created database to avoid duplication of benefits and prevent fraud.
The Administration has received guidance on how this program must be operated and administered from the federal government through the U.S. Department of Treasury and from the State of California through the Department of Housing and Community Development. A detailed description of the program will be available and presented to the City Council as part of the...
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