Title
Public Hearing on the Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019 Action Plan Amendment
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee. Finance Committee was briefed on the housing and home fund budget on October 14, 2020.
City Manager Recommendation:
Hold a public hearing on the Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019 Action Plan Amendment to receive public comments
Report
Issue:
Whether to hear testimony on Draft CDBG 2019 Action Plan Amendment
Staff Contact:
Jessica Pollett, CDBG Grant Coordinator, Community Planning and Development, 360.280.8951
Presenter(s):
Jessica Pollett, CDBG Grant Coordinator
Background and Analysis:
On May 12, 2020, City Council approved allocation of $481,000 in unspent prior year federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement funds to COVID-19 response through economic development and public service activities. These funds were available for reallocation due to an increase of program income during program years 2015 - 2019. The City allocated $40,000 of those funds to install a hygiene unit at the City’s mitigation site. During project review, it was determined CDBG funds were not the appropriate source of funds as there are Davis-Bacon labor standards that must be followed during labor and construction projects requiring additional time, and hygiene was an urgent matter. Other funding was utilized to complete the project.
The City proposes to reallocate these funds ($40,000) to the Homeless Response Coordinator position. The Homeless Response Coordinator is currently funded with CDBG-CV ($70,160), program year 2014 ($19,000), program year 2018 ($20,310) federal CDBG entitlement funds. This additional funding will allow the position to extend through August 2021 to continue supporting the homeless population during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
All neighborhoods and community stakeholders have an interest in how federal CDBG funds are invested in community development programs and projects.
Options:
1. Hold a public hearing on the Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019 Action Plan Amendment to receive public comments.
2. Delay the public hearing on the Draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) 2019 Action Plan Amendment and provide staff direction on next steps.
Financial Impact:
Current funding for the Homeless Response Coordinator position is set to end April 2021. Allocating these additional CDBG funds will extend the position through August 2021.
Attachments:
Homeless Response Coordinator Responsibilities