Title
Discussion of CDBG Public Process and Current Fund Status
Body
Issue:
Should the Council make changes to the CDBG process and timeline?
City Manager's Recommendation:
Receive a report on the CDBG Program process timeline and consider program enhancements.
Staff Contact:
Anna Schlecht, Housing Program Manager, 360.753.8183
Presenter(s):
Anna Schlecht, Housing Program Manager
Background and Analysis:
Referral: The Council made a referral to General Government Committee to review the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program process and timeline to consider changes that would better accommodate:
1) Council deliberation of funding priorities;
2) Public participation; and,
3) Staff time to meet key deadlines and ensure a fully compliant program.
The Council also stated a need for compliance reporting on the "timeliness" of the CDBG spend-down requirements.
Program Timeline: The City's CDBG program year runs from September 1st through August 31st of each year with the following milestones:
September 1 Program Year Starts / Contracts Executed
November Program Annual Report due to HUD - (CAPER)
Public hearing (one of two required public hearings)
Nov - May Council deliberation to establish CDBG program goals
Conduct Request for Proposals (RFP)
Public hearing on proposed activities
Council review and approval of funding recipients
July 15 Next program year annual action plan due to HUD
August 31 Program year ends
Options for Enhancement
Past Program Timelines: The Council's CDBG timeline has varied over the past eight (8) years. Prior to 2006, the Council held two public hearings on the CDBG Program and directed staff to manage the program administratively. Between 2007 - 2010, the Council met approximately four (4) times annually to deliberate - twice in committee (General Government) and twice in public hearings. Staff initiated a formal "Request for Proposals" (RFP) process and developed a more ...
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