Title
Amendments to the City’s Plans for Housing and Community Development
Action
Action:
Approve proposed amendments to the City’s Fiscal Year 2020 Housing and Urban Development Consolidated Plan and the Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Action Plan.
Body
Staff Resource(s):
Shawn Heath, City Manager’s Office
Rebecca Hefner, Housing and Neighborhood Services
Policy
§ The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) mandates the development of a five-year Consolidated Plan and an Annual Action Plan to receive federal funding for housing and community development activities.
§ When the City wishes to change activities related to HUD funding or receives new HUD funding, HUD requires that the City adopt a substantial amendment to its plans to reflect the changes.
Explanation
New Funding
§ In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Congress passed the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) providing the City a total of $11,566,784 in federal funding through the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
§ The City proposes to use the funds to assist individuals and households who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, and other vulnerable populations experiencing housing instability across the city. Services provided will include temporary housing subsidies and supportive services for qualifying households, such as case management, substance abuse counseling and financial skills training.
§ These proposed activities were developed with input received by community stakeholders and nonprofit professionals directly working with vulnerable populations.
Change in Activities
§ On November 22, 2021, City Council approved $1,400,000 in HUD HOME funds to be used as down payment assistance to create affordable homeownership opportunities in partnership with Habitat for Humanity of the Charlotte Region (Habitat). This requires an update to the City’s written documentation related to the use of HUD funds and review through the Consolidated Plan amendment process.
§ The updated documentation will reflect Habitat’s down payment assistance activities, update required restrictions related to HOME program funding, and will also include technical corrections recommended by legal counsel.
Community Input
§ As part of the amendment process, the City is required to conduct a public hearing to provide residents the opportunity to comment on the proposed amendments.
§ City Council conducted a public hearing regarding the proposed amendments on February 28, 2022. There were no comments.
§ The amendments were available for public comment and advertised in general circulation newspapers.
Attachments
Attachment(s)
Fiscal Year 2020 Consolidated Plan Amendment - Executive Summary
Fiscal Year 2021 Annual Action Plan Amendment - HOME ARP Allocation Plan