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Home My WebLink About2008 Draft CDBG Action Plan City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM 2008 ACTION PLAN 33 East Idaho Avenue Meridian, ID 83642 208/888-4433 Upon request, this document will be provided in a format accessible to persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency. The City of Meridian prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, religion, national origin, handicap, or familial status. City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan TABLE OF CONTENTS CITY OF MERIDIAN, IDAHO 2008 ACTION PLAN SECTION PAGE INTRODUCTION Purpose of this Document 1 City of Meridian CDBG Program Mission Statement 1 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 Program Year and submission to HUD 2 Summary of PY08 Objectives and Outcomes 3 Evaluation of the City’s Past Performance 5 Summary of the Citizen Participation Process 5 Summary of Efforts Made to Broaden Public Participation 8 Summary of Public Comments 8 Citizen comments not accepted RESOURCES Federal, State and Local Resources 9 Federal resources that may be made available 9 State resources that may be made available 9 Local resources that may be made available 10 PROGRAM SPECIFIC REQUIREMENTS PY08 Allocation of CDBG funds 11 PY08 CDBG activities to benefit LMI persons 12 OBJECTIVES, ACTIVITIES, & MEASURES 13 PY08 Priority #1: Community Improvement/Suitable Living Environment 13 Annual community improvement objectives 13 Description of community improvement activities 13 Geographic allocation of community improvement investments 14 Number, type of families that will benefit from community improvement activities 14 Specific community improvement objectives and priority needs 14 Proposed accomplishments, outcome measures, and target dates 15 Reasons for these allocation priorities 15 Obstacles to addressing underserved needs 15 PY08 Priority #2: Affordable Housing Annual affordable housing objectives 16 Description of affordable housing activities 16 Geographic allocation of affordable housing investments 17 Number and type of families that will benefit from affordable housing activities 18 Specific objectives and priority needs 18 Reasons for these allocation priorities 19 Proposed affordable housing accomplishments, outcome measures, target dates 19 Obstacles to addressing underserved needs 20 Affordable housing 20 Coordination with housing and social service agencies 20 Public housing 21 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Homeless and other special needs activities 22 Barriers To Affordable Housing 23 PY08 Priority #3: Economic Development Annual community improvement objectives 24 Description of community improvement activities 24 OTHER ACTIONS Institutional structure 25 Enhancement of Coordination 25 Monitoring 26 Subrecipient Monitoring 26 APPENDICES Appendix A: Maps 28 Appendix B: Tables 32 Appendix C: Certifications 46 Appendix D: SF 424 Form 59 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Local resources that may be made available (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(2)) Meridian General Funds Meridian Development Corporation Ada County Association of Realtors Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority Neighborhood Housing Services Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships El-Ada Community Action Partnership United Way Faith-based Organizations Local utility companies Individual and Business Donors Civic Organization Donations Volunteer in-kind services City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan APPENDIX A: MAPS City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan APPENDIX B: TABLES City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3A: Summary of Specific Annual Objectives Grantee Name: CITY OF MERIDIAN Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing (DH-1) Specific Annual Objective Source of Funds Year Performance Indicators Expected Number Actual Number Percent Completed 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 0 0 0 1 unit/facility 0 0 0 0 1 0 % % % % % DH 1.1 Objective 2-6: The City will help non-profit and for-profit developers and builders construct one (1) new housing facility CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: One (1) new housing or facilities for homeless, special needs, or elderly populations % 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 1 0 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 150 0 0 0 0 150 0 0 0 0 % % % % % DH 2.3 Objective 2-7: The City will provide information, referral to housing counseling services, first- time homebuyer assistance, and accessibility improvements grants through Community Resource Directory CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Distributed to fifty (50) residents of Meridian’s LMI Areas and one hundred (100) other residents Sustainability of Decent Housing (DH-3) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 1 DH 1 100% 3.1 Objective 2-4:The City will participate on boards City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % SL 2.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Sustainability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-3) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2 CE Cases 2 CE Cases 2 CE Cases 2 CE Cases 2 CE Cases 2 2 2 2 2 % % % % % SL 3.1 Objective 3-1: Code Enforcement will help to reduce deterioration of this neighborhood by working with residents to enforce property maintenance codes CDBG/ Other MULT-YEAR GOAL: Ten (10) CE Cases opened and resolved in LMI Census Tracts 10 2007 2008 2009 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3A: Summary of Specific Annual Objectives Grantee Name: CITY OF MERIDIAN Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity (EO-1) Specific Annual Objective Source of Funds Year Performance Indicators Expected Number Actual Number Percent Completed 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % EO 1.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Affordability of Economic Opportunity (EO-2) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % EO 2.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Sustainability of Economic Opportunity (EO-3) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 0 2 2 2 0 City of Meridian, Idaho City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3B ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETION GOALS City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan ’($ " $ !)/01 !3 (5 --’(#),( -) .)/016( "! ’ City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Program Administration Project Title Program Administration Description The City’s Overall CDBG program management, coordination, monitoring, reporting, and evaluation will include the following types of assistance: Coordinating Fair Housing activities with Boise and Nampa Ensuring compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan Preparing program budgets, schedules and amendments Evaluating program results against stated objectives Coordinating resolution of audit and monitoring findings Developing systems for assuring compliance with program requirements Monitoring program activities for progress and compliance Preparing reports and other documents for submission to HUD Developing agreements to carry out program activities Coordinate training activities Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Citywide as applicable Objective Number Project ID HUD Matrix Code 21A CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.206 Type of Recipient Entitlement CDBG National Objective N/A Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator N/A Annual Units N/A Local ID Units Upon Completion N/A The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs Funding Sources: CDBG $47,557.80 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $47,557.80 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Affordable Housing Project Title Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority Homeownership Description The City intends to provide funding for the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority to provide direct homeownership assistance to help LMI individuals purchase homes. Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Citywide as applicable Objective Number 2-2 Project ID HUD Matrix Code 13 CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.201(n) Type of Recipient Subrecipient CDBG National Objective LMH Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator DH-2 Annual Units 5 Local ID Units Upon Completion The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs Funding Sources: CDBG $50,000 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $50,000 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding Total $50,000 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Public Facilities Project Title Boys and Girls Club Description The City intends to provide funding for the Meridian Boys and Girls Club to design part of their facilities for Meridian youth Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Citywide as applicable Objective Number 3-2: 3-3 Project ID HUD Matrix Code 03D CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.201(C) Type of Recipient Entitlement CDBG National Objective LMC Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator SL-1 Annual Units 1 facility improvement Local ID Units Upon Completion The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs + Funding Sources: CDBG $40,000 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $40,000 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding Total $40,000 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Community Development Project Title LMI Area Code Enforcement Description Code Enforcement will help to reduce deterioration of qualifying Meridian LMI neighborhood by working with residents to enforce property maintenance codes, zoning and other ordinances affecting buildings, lot appearance, and health, safety, and welfare. CDBG funds will be utilized to increase the support for these activities. Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI), Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (72.05% LMI), and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI) Objective Number 3-1 Project ID HUD Matrix Code 15 CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.202(c) Type of Recipient Entitlement CDBG National Objective LMA Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator SL-3 Annual Units 2 CE cases Local ID Units Upon Completion 10 CE cases The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs + Funding Sources: CDBG $20,000 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $20,000 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding Total $20,000 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Affordable Housing Project Title Boise Habitat for Humanity Housing Project Description The City intends to provide funding for Boise Habitat for Humanity to acquire a lot to build housing for a qualifying LMI Meridian family. Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Citywide as applicable Objective Number 2-3 Project ID HUD Matrix Code 01 CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.201(a) Type of Recipient Entitlement CDBG National Objective LMH Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator DH-1 Annual Units 1 Local ID Units Upon Completion The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs + Funding Sources: CDBG $60,000 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $60,000 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding Total $60,000 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Table 3C Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Meridian, Idaho Priority Need: Public Facilities Project Title Senior Center Public Facilities Description The City intends to provide funding for the Meridian Senior Center to update their facilities and phone system to address a growing need for expanded services and capabilities Objective category: Suitable Living Environment Decent Housing Economic Opportunity Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Affordability Sustainability Location/Target Area Citywide as applicable Objective Number 3-2;3-3 Project ID HUD Matrix Code 03A CDBG Citation 24 CFR § 570.201(C) Type of Recipient Entitlement CDBG National Objective LMC Start Date 10/01/2008 Completion Date 09/30/2009 Performance Indicator SL-3 Annual Units 1 facility improvement Local ID Units Upon Completion The primary purpose of the project is to help: The Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs + Funding Sources: CDBG $20,000 ESG HOME HOPWA Total Formula $20,000 Prior Year Funds Assisted Housing PHA Other Funding Total $20,000 City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan Appendix C: Certifications City of Meridian, Idaho 2008 Action Plan ,#-#)$ ,$ ! 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" # $% ! ! ! " # ! &% ’( ) ’(* %+,, ( -) .)/01( !2 $ !)/01% 3 $ -( -) .)/01( !2 !" #$ % &’ !" & $ !)/01 "! ! ’((*( -) .)/01( !2 !" #$ % &’ !" ’($ $ !)/01 "! (4 (%,&$ - &(*( -) .)/01( !2 !" #$ % &’ !" & 2008 Action Plan 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % O 1.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Other (O-2) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % O 2.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % 0 2 2 2 % % % % % EO 3.1 Objective 1-1: The City will support the efforts of the Meridian Development Corporation to implement the Urban Renewal Area Plan in revitalizing downtown CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Six (6) new LMI jobs 6 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 0 3 3 4 0 0 3 3 4 % % % % % EO 3.2 Objective 1-2: The City will improve economic conditions in the Meridian Urban Renewal Area, creating access to services and jobs for LMI persons CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Ten (10) businesses locate in Meridian URA 10 % Neighborhood Revitalization (NR-1) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % NR 1.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Other (O-1) 2010 2011 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 Activity 1 1 1 1 1 % % % % % SL 3.2 Objective 3-2: The City will organize neighborhood clean-up and/or improvement activities CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Five (5) clean-up/and or improvement activities 5 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 5 residents 5 residents 5 residents 5 residents 5 residents 5 5 5 5 5 % % % % % SL 3.3 Objective 3-3: The City will help address key social and human service needs, especially those related to family support, youth development, child care, senior services, substance abuse, homelessness support services, financial counseling, victims of domestic violence, veteran’s affairs, transportation, educational, and employment training CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Twenty-five (25) LMI residents will show increased awareness of available social and human services programs 25 % and committees of local organizations and cooperate with other local governments to promote affordable rental housing opportunities CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Five (5) fair housing activities 5 1 20% 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 20 persons 20 persons 20 persons 20 persons 20 persons 20 20 20 20 20 DH 3.2 Objective 2-5: Planning/Building Department will continue to inform and educate the public, non profit agencies, and the private sector housing industry about the dangers of lead-based paint CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: One hundred (100) persons educated on lead based paint 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2 families 2 families 2 families 2 families 2 families 2 2 2 2 2 % % % % % DH 3.3 Objective 2-9: The City will support activities that increase the awareness of available affordable homeownership opportunities and programs CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Ten (10) families with increased awareness 10 % Availability/Accessibility of Suitable Living Environment (SL-1) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 % % % % % SL 1.1 N/A MULTI-YEAR GOAL % Affordability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-2) 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 % % % % % DH 1.2 Objective 2-3: As deemed feasible the City will acquire and demolish, clear and/or dispose of property to make way for new affordable housing units CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: One (1) structure or lot acquired, removed, and/or disposed of % 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 0 % % % % % DH 1.3 Objective 2-8: Based upon availability, the City will purchase a Dollar HUD Home and sell as affordable housing CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: One (1) HUD Dollar Home purchased, marketed % Affordability of Decent Housing (DH-2) 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 1 AHTF Estab. 0 0 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 1 100% % % % % DH 2.1 Objective 2-1: The City will create an Affordable Housing Task Force to make recommendations to the Mayor and City Council to facilitate the creation of, preservation of, and dissemination of information regarding affordable owner-occupied housing. CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: AHTF continues to work toward improving affordable housing opportunities in the City 1 100 % 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 0 1 1 1 2 0 5 1 1 2 % % % % % DH 2.2 Objective 2-2: The City will invest CDBG funds in funding and filling affordable housing units CDBG/ Other MULTI-YEAR GOAL: Five (5) affordable housing units available to LMI residents 9 For currently funded projects in development, at a minimum the City CDBG administration staff will meet with each subrecipient’s designated representative to review their project’s accomplishments and investigate any failures to meet anticipated benchmarks at quarterly intervals. If deemed necessary, the City of Meridian CDBG administrative staff will conduct a formal monitoring visit to evaluate the progress and risk associated with the CDBG funded projects. If at any point the City CDBG administration staff determines a project is failing to move forward the subrecipient funds may be revoked and reallocated towards another project. In 2008 a risk analysis will again be completed and monitoring visits will be scheduled according to the CDBG funding at risk in open projects. Again given the limited number of recipients it is expected the City may be able to monitor all subrecipients with open projects during 2008 and review the financial management, asset maintenance, and over all management of the CDBG funded activities by the subrecipients Monitoring (24 CFR § 91.230) As specified in 24 CFR § 85.40, the City shall be responsible for managing the day-to-day operations of their CDBG Program and ensuring that funds are used in keeping with program requirements. The three primary goals of monitoring are to: 1) ensure production and accountability; 2) ensure compliance with CDBG and other federal requirements; and 3) evaluate organizational and project performance. The City will maintain detailed records to enable staff, HUD, auditors and the public to determine the status of each funded activity, as well as overall program progress and status. To ensure compliance with federal regulations, including those regarding the timeliness of expenditures, staff will develop checklists and monthly reports for all programs and activities implemented by the City. Internal quarterly progress reports will also be produced and provided to the Mayor and City Council. On this quarterly basis and then at program year’s end, the City will conduct an assessment of accomplishments to date. These assessments will be imperative in completing the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The City will follow the Citizen Participation Plan (see Consolidated Plan, Appendix A) in this process. Information will be entered into the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (“IDIS”) database from monthly activity reports and the quarterly progress reports. This vital information is tracked to record and then analyze how projects are conforming to the Plan’s priority needs, objectives and performance measurements. Subrecipient Monitoring The City of Meridian, as the grantee for CDBG grants, will monitor the subrecipients on a quarterly basis. Staff will maintain a close working relationship with the CDBG subrecipients. One benefit of being a small entitlement community with a limited grant amount is that the City typically provides only one award per program year. This enables the City Staff to closely follow the progress of CDBG projects and maintain open communication with Subrecipients. This year the City intends to partner with four non-profit/quasi-governmental agencies to achieve the goals and objectives set forth in its Consolidated Plan. The City is committed to ensuring that CDBG funds are used as specified in State and Federal regulations through: public and City Council monitoring through public hearings; staff evaluation; annual evaluation of the priorities set forth in the Consolidated Plan; periodic site visits and program evaluations; financial monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements. The City requires recipients of CDBG funds to provide a project timeline with benchmarks for completion which is incorporated into the subrecipient application and agreement for use of CDBG funds. The City remains in regular contact with each subrecipient throughout the projects development to monitor their accomplishments, ensure they are meeting the projected benchmarks, and provide information on CDBG regulations. Other Actions Institutional structure The institutional structure for the CDBG grant will change slightly for PY08. In PY07 the City Attorney’s office was to oversee the implementation and monitoring of the action plan and CAPER. However, due to recent changes, the Meridian Planning Department will be overseeing the administration, monitoring and implementation of CDBG activities. The City Attorney’s office will still play an active role in ensuring the City’s compliance with federal regulations and the Citizen Participation Plan when appropriate. The Finance Department will complete and certify all IDIS draw downs and reporting. City staff and officials from the Mayor’s Office, City Council, the City Clerk’s Office, Planning Department, Building Department, Parks and Recreation Department, and the Meridian Police Department will continue to work together to implement the activities set forth herein. During PY08, the City intends to utilize subrecipient expertise to complete some of the projects. The subrecipient monitoring structure is outlined below. Enhancement of Coordination The City will also maximize its CDBG investments in implementing the action plan by enhancing coordination with established public and private housing and social service agencies and programs to maximize the impact of its CDBG investments, including: IHFA’s Family Self- Sufficiency program, the United States Department of Health and Human Services’ Head Start program, the Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care, El-Ada Community Action Partnership; the Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho (CAPAI); Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare and Division of Health, Bureau of Community and Environmental Health; Meridian Senior Center; Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA); Idaho Commission on Aging; and Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity. Coordination with these agencies will take place as appropriate in implementing the action plan. The agencies will maintain and open conduit of communication by attending both individual and inter-agency meetings of these service providers, and by joining the Continuum of Care, Housing Resource Group, and Treasure Valley Regional Housing Roundtable. Coordination will also occur through the Affordable Housing Task Force, the Mayor’s Faith Ambassadors Council, and the Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council, which will invite these service providers to work together toward the objective of reducing poverty by providing decent and affordable housing in Meridian. During PY08, the City is showing its commitment to enhance coordination with different key players by working with BCACHA, Boise Habitat for Humanity, the Senior Center and the Meridian Boys and Girls Club to address a variety of issues affecting the community. These partnerships will allow the City to leverage funds to utilize CDBG funds to their best use possible. Specifically, during PY08 the City will partner with non-profit and quasi-governmental agencies to create additional affordable housing opportunities within the City of Meridian. It will also work to establish good networking opportunities for businesses and residents interested in affordable housing issues. PY08 Priority #3: Economic Development Annual economic development objective (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(3)) In PY08, the City intends to promote economic development by improving conditions in the Meridian Urban Renewal Area, thereby contributing to community and inter-agency efforts to improve access to services and jobs for LMI persons and to address spot slum and blight. Although no money is directly allocated towards achieving specific economic goals, the City intends to foster partnerships and work with businesses and the Meridian Development Corporation to make the community more attractive to businesses. Description of economic development activities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) In PY08, the City will not invest CDBG funds directly into economic development activities. However the City does intend to partnership with and support the endeavors of other agencies as they invest funds into the urban renewal district and create job opportunities for LMI residents. • New growth should finance public service expansion • Prevent school overcrowding/enhance education services • Expand commercial and industrial development • Protect Meridian’s self-identity After thorough evaluation and consideration of the elements of the 2008 Update, no specific barriers to affordable housing, controlled by the City, were identified. These considerations were relative to local tax policies, land use controls, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limits, and policies that affect the return on residential investment. To preclude the development of potential barriers, the 2008 Update identified Goals, Objectives and Action items focusing on housing that will be undertaken during the next five years. Identified Barriers The primary reason identified for lack of affordable housing in Meridian is the significant growth in population, increasing the demand for housing units. Housing affordability has been restricted by: • Increased costs of land for new or infill development • Increased costs of building materials and supplies • Increased costs of available labor • Increased costs of transportation • Increased costs of County tax assessments Strategy to Ameliorate Barriers Meridian’s Planning Department has primary responsibility for developing and implementing plans to guide growth and development, and administering the standards of the Zoning and Subdivision Ordinances. One of the Planning Department’s primary responsibilities is to coordinate with and provide the City Council and the Planning and Zoning Commission with information on planning and development issues. In fulfilling its responsibilities, the Department often acts as the coordinator between other service providers within the City, such as the Public Works Department, Parks Department, the Police Department, the Fire Department, Meridian School District, and Sanitary Services Company (solid waste disposal). The Planning Department serves as staff to the Planning Commission, the Historic Preservation Commission, and the Meridian Development Corporation. Through these efforts and coordination of service providers, the City will continue to implement the Comprehensive Plan’s Goals, Objectives, and Action items pertaining to affordable housing. The AHTF will also address the need for more affordable housing units, and Meridian’s Planning Department staff will continue to utilize the resources of both the Regulatory Barriers Clearinghouse and HUD User websites to draw on important information pertaining to potential barriers to affordable housing that might effect developments. will also utilize the Affordable Housing Task Force to provide coordination between BCACHA and other private and governmental health, mental health, and service agencies. Homeless and other special needs activities (24 CFR § 91.220(i)) In PY08, the City’s efforts to address emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless individuals and families, to prevent low-income individuals and families with children from becoming homeless, to help homeless persons make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, to address chronic homelessness, and to address the special needs of non-homeless persons will occur within its partnership with the Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care (CoC) service providers. PY08 CDBG funds will not be invested in activities specifically targeted to these objectives. The City will actively participate in the CoC to identify ways of supporting area housing providers’ efforts to increase affordable transitional and permanent housing facilities. As additional information is obtained regarding homelessness within Meridian, the City will determine whether other federal, state or local/private funds can be leveraged with CDBG funding to effectively address these needs within the community in future program years. Barriers To Affordable Housing (24 CFR § 91.220(j)) Public Policies Impacting the Cost of Housing The Meridian Comprehensive Plan, March 2008 Update integrates the concerns and expressions of the community into a document that recommends how the City should grow and develop. All legislative requirements, specifically the Idaho Local Land Use Planning Act, are addressed in the plan. The components specified in the Idaho Code include: private property rights; population; economic development; community design; special areas or sites; natural resources; hazardous areas; school facilities recreation; transportation; public services; facilities and utilities; land use; housing; implementation, and any other component, which may be necessary. Citizens, developers, the Planning and Zoning Commission, as well as the City Council and other groups are all involved in questions of community development and have a primary responsibility to coordinate and direct the overall pattern of development activities within the community. The Planning and Zoning Commission and the City Council make development decisions concerning annexation, rezoning, subdivision, conditional use permits, zoning variances, and planned developments. Due to these responsibilities, it has been necessary for the City to implement technical guidelines and adopt policies which will provide the framework for resolving questions relating to quality of life and physical development on an ongoing basis. The City continues to establish long-range implementation items for coordinated and unified development of public improvement projects. Throughout this comprehensive planning and updating process, citizens affirmed that the goals, objectives, and action items contained in the plan were based on six key community values: • Manage growth to achieve high-quality development • Enhance Meridian’s quality of life for all residents In carrying out its affordable housing plan, the City will work in cooperation with the following private industry entities, non-profit organizations, community and faith-based organizations, and public institutions: • El-Ada Community Action Partnership • The Community Action Partnership Association of Idaho (CAPAI) • Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) • Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Health, Bureau of Community and Environmental Health • Meridian Senior Center • Mayor’s Faith Ambassadors Council • Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) • Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) • Idaho Commission on Aging • Idaho Council on Developmental Disabilities • Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care • Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity • City of Boise, Planning and Development Services Department, Housing and Community Development Division • City of Nampa, Departments of Community Development and Community Grants • Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS) The City will draw on the strengths of these established entities, including their delivery systems, longevity and experience, the comprehensive nature of coverage they provide, and their willingness to partner with and mentor the City in housing-related CDBG programming. The City will be aware of, and work to minimize any impact of, potential weaknesses of this delivery system, including a need for ongoing attention to communication, coordination of efforts, and ensuring a consistent stream of funding. The City will work toward overcoming these potential gaps by maintaining ongoing communications, both by remaining visible in the housing service provider community – attending meetings, joining e-mail list-servs, proactively networking – and through the AHTF, which will invite these service providers to work together toward the objective of providing decent and affordable housing in Meridian. Public housing (24 CFR § 91.220(h)) Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) serves as the housing authority for the City of Meridian. HUD considers BCACHA to be a “High Performer” under the Public Housing Assessment System (“PHAS”) and because BCACHA has always received a score of 90 or above. BCACHA does not own or manage any public housing units in Meridian. Implementing a public housing program is outside the scope of the City’s 2008 program. Pursuant to 24 CFR § 91.215(l), however, the City will implement its housing plan in coordination with BCACHA, and • Two Meridian families will demonstrate increased awareness of affordable homeownership opportunities and programs by September 30, 2009. • Twenty persons will be educated on lead-based paint hazards, precautions, symptoms, and laws by September 30, 2009. • By partnering with BCACHA, five families will be able to obtain access to direct homeownership assistance and purchase a home by September 30, 2009 (funds may be extended into future years if necessary). • Help Boise Habitat for Humanity acquire one lot to build affordable housing by September 30, 2009. Obstacles to addressing underserved needs (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), (k)) CDBG-funded activities in the priority goal category of Affordable Housing will work to address the following obstacles: • Escalating costs for rehabilitation and new construction (e.g. limited availability of building lots, price increases in building materials and shortage of available construction trades). • Lack of credit-worthiness. • Lack of information about financial assistance programs. • High adjustable-rate mortgages • Slowing economy The City will undertake the following actions in PY08 to address these identified obstacles: • The AHTF will discuss construction of subsidized housing units for LMI persons with non-profit housing developers. • The City will promote awareness of financial assistance programs offered by IHFA, NHS, BVHFH, BCACHA and El-Ada Community Action Partnership. • The City will provide information regarding local credit counselors and homebuyer education programs through affordable housing activities. • The City will assist non-profit in locating and obtaining funding to promote their services to LMI Meridian residents. Affordable housing (24 CFR § 91.220(g)) The City’s overall goal is to provide housing units that are suitable for any household, whether non-homeless, homeless, or special-needs. In PY08, the City will focus on investing funds to increase opportunities for homeownership by partnering with BCACHA and Habitat for Humanity. The City hopes to help five households afford a home through direct homeowner assistance programs and to help Habitat for Humanity acquire a vacant lot to build affordable housing. In PY08 the City does not intend to invest CDBG funds in the provision of rental assistance, production of new units, or rehabilitation of existing units. Coordination with housing and social service agencies (24 CFR § 91.220(k)) families and/or individuals in Meridian. The City will also work, through the AHTF and through inter-jurisdictional fair housing awareness activities, to educate and distribute information about affordable housing programs and opportunities to these types of persons. Reasons for these allocation priorities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) According to statistics from the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, affordable homes for large-family households (families with five or more persons) to buy or rent is a major problem. One hundred percent of large-family households with income at 0 to 30% of the median income level have unmet housing needs, both as to rental and owner-occupied units. Furthermore, even small families struggle with 75% of small family renters (2 to 4) persons having unmet housing needs and 80% of small-family owners having unmet housing needs. This demonstration of greatest need is the basis of the City’s rationale for targeting this category of priority needs persons as the top priority for affordable housing CDBG investments. While this statistical data has not been recently updated by a local study of comparable detail, it is clear that in Meridian, as in the entire region, housing costs are a significant problem, both for homeowners and for renters. Though the economy has slowed, and housing prices have somewhat declined, “housing prices continue to outpace wages around the state,” affecting Idahoans trying to find a place to call home (Idaho Housing and Finance, April 2008). Poverty rates have increased over the last five years and the subprime loans rates with their adjustable- rate mortgages are all factors affecting homeownership in Meridian. These economic conditions are a large reason why CBDG funding is being allocated to address affordable housing. Consultation with community partners, including Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA), Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA), Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS), Boise Valley Habitat for Humanity (BVHFH), Supportive Housing Innovative Partnerships (SHIP), El-Ada Community Action Partnership, cities of Boise (Housing and Community Development Division), Nampa (Community Development/Grants Department), Eagle, Garden City (Garden City Urban Renewal Agency, and Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), confirms that there is a need for affordable housing, both in Meridian generally and within the identified LMI areas, particularly for large, and for both renters and owners. For these reasons, the City finds that its resources and housing-targeted CDBG funds for PY08 will be most effectively invested in providing, and/or working with community partners to provide, decent housing for Meridian residents. Proposed affordable housing accomplishments, outcome measures, and target dates (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), 91.220(e)) The anticipated outcomes and target dates of these activities are as follows: • The Affordable Housing Task Force will be implemented by September 30, 2009. • The City will have conducted/assisted one Fair Housing awareness activity by September 30, 2009. Meridian contains the following Census Tracts: 10310, 10313, 10321, 10322, and 10332. According to Census 2000, only Block Group 2 within Census Tract 10322 meets HUD’s 51% or more LMI criteria, listing this Block Group at 72.04% LMI. However, Meridian qualifies under the exceptional criteria category, which allows it to add two additional Census Tracts; Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI) and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI) A map of these Census Tracts may be found in Appendix A. As set forth above, there are zero areas of minority concentration in Meridian. While there is no guarantee that families receiving BCACHA assistance will buy within these areas, they will qualify based on income status. Additionally, although Boise Habitat may not be able to purchase a lot in the identified LMI areas, families must income-qualify to be considered as future homeowners. Therefore the plan will meet the needs of LMI clientele. Number and type of families that will benefit from affordable housing activities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) The AHTF will, in time, be positioned to target the segments of the Meridian community most in need of affordable housing, however, during the AHTF’s inaugural year it will primarily be dedicated to identifying priority needs and strategizing to meet those needs. For this reason, the number and type of families that will benefit from the PY08 activity is currently unknown. The City intends to help at least five families buy homes through the use of BCACHA as a subrecipient of CDBG funds for direct homeownership assistance. The funds provided to BCACHA will be used for a variety of activities such as buying down the mortgage, down payment assistance, closing costs, etc. The City will help at least one family afford a home by providing CDBG funds for Boise Habitat for Humanity to acquire one lot. The inter-jurisdictional fair housing awareness activities are projected to benefit several people. The City’s goal is that at least two families will demonstrate an increased awareness of affordable homeownership opportunities and programs through the City’s educational efforts. The City of Meridian expects to become an active participant on the fair housing forum which discuses housing issues throughout the state of Idaho. It is expected that 20 persons will be educated on lead-based paint hazards, precautions, symptoms, and laws through the City’s efforts in PY08. Specific objectives and priority needs (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), 91.215) The City’s greatest housing need, and therefore its highest housing priority in PY08, is decent housing for large-family households, both in the identified LMI Census Tracts and citywide. In PY08, through partnerships with affordable housing partnerships, this priority need will be addressed through the City’s plans to utilize CDBG funds to purchase an available Dollar Home, help Boise Habitat for Humanity acquire a buildable lot and provide funds for BCACHA to extend their service capabilities to provide direct homeownership assistance to low income “sweat equity” labor into building their own homes and the homes of others. Utilizing volunteer labor and donated or discounted materials they are able to build safe, simple, decent, affordable housing in Ada County. The homes are then sold to qualifying low-income families. Last year the Meridian school district joined forces to construct the first home in Meridian. We intend to promote this partnership again in the PY08 action plan by providing funding for Boise Habitat to acquire a lot in Meridian. (2) Second, during the 2008 Program Year, the City expects to foster and maintain affordable housing (through the activities of the AHTF) that preserves existing affordable housing stock. AHTF will continue to assist the City in developing a working plan to address this need within the community. (3) Third, in the forthcoming program year, the City expects to improve affordable homeownership opportunities for low-income families through inter-jurisdictional fair housing awareness activities. This includes participation in regional affordable housing groups, boards, and committees along with other local governments to promote housing opportunities for individuals and families. The City of Meridian will align with other fair housing organizations to gain information and build partnerships; work in partnership with the cities of Boise and Nampa to conduct, sponsor, or co-sponsor one activity that increases the awareness of fair housing within the community; and provide information and referral to housing counseling services (as provided by IHFA, BCACHA, NHS, SHIP, and El-Ada), first time homebuyers assistance, and accessibility improvement grants. Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) was established in 1967 under Idaho statute. It functions as a quasi-governmental entity authorized to perform essential governmental functions. They are authorized to perform a variety of activities some of those include direct homeowner assistance activities for qualifying families. The City intends to provide $50,000 of CDBG funding for BCACHA to help buy down mortgages, pay closing costs, assist in down payments and other viable homeownership programs allowed by HUD. Additionally, pursuant to 24 CFR § 91.220(k), the City will continue to inform and educate the general public, non-profit agencies, and the private sector housing industry about the dangers of lead-based paint. The City’s Planning and Building departments will work with homeowners, landlords, developers, contractors, and builders in facilitating building permits. Any work to be proposed on residential dwellings built prior to 1978 will trigger City staff to distribute information on lead-based paint hazards, precautions in dealing with lead-based paints, and symptoms of lead poisoning. Questions and concerns relative to lead-based paint testing and assessments will be referred to the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare’s Indoor Air Quality Program, which is the state agency responsible for dealing with health hazards related to lead- based paint. The City will, as necessary, coordinate its efforts with the Indoor Air Quality Program. Geographic allocation of affordable housing investments (24 CFR § 91.220(f)) • Need for expanded code enforcement activity to educate home occupants regarding, and addressing, noncompliance. • Need for additional education and training opportunities leading to new employment. • Lack of a neighborhood association in Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 and surrounding neighborhoods. • Lack of information about social services and supportive programs. • Need for expanded facilities to address Meridian’s growing population and deteriorating infrastructure. PY08 Priority #2: Affordable Housing Objectives (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(3)) The City expects to achieve the following affordable housing objectives during the forthcoming program year: • Facilitate the creation of new affordable, single-family, multi-family and special needs housing through partnerships with non-profit organizations and private developers. • Help preserve existing affordable housing stock and the long-term affordability of single- family and rental units for LMI persons. • Improve affordable homeownership opportunities for low income families. • Educate the public, businesses, nonprofit entities, etc. on affordable housing issues and opportunities. Description of affordable housing activities (24 CFR § 91.220(d), (k)) (1) The City expects to facilitate the creation of new affordable, single-family, multi-family, and special needs housing through partnerships with non-profit organizations and private developers by implementing the Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF). In a direct effort to increase affordable housing stock, the City also intends to provide Boise City Habitat for Humanity approximately $60,000 to purchase a vacant lot to build affordable housing unit(s). The AHTF will assist the City in developing a working plan to meet these and other affordable housing needs within the community, identifying new development projects (both owner and rental) and potential sources of funding for such development. These projects will include the investment of CDBG funds for housing activities as well as continue the search for a HUD Dollar Home. Like many cities in the west, Meridian has experienced phenomenal growth. With this growth come many benefits and difficulties. Short supply and rapidly escalating prices and rents have made it extremely difficult for families to find suitable housing within Meridian’s city limits. In the 2008 state of the city address Mayor de Weerd stated “What I imagine for our future is a more prosperous city for all citizens; with better jobs to support our families; affordable housing to shelter us…” In establishing this affordable task force we answer that challenge and make Meridian a city that will provide ample housing opportunities for its inhabitants. The Boise City Habitat for Humanity is a non-profit, ecumenical Christian housing organization, committed to helping local residents earning a low-income to finance and construct their own affordable homes. They work in partnership with families, who invest hundreds of hours of The Boys and Girls Club will also be a recipient of CDBG funds to help in the design of the gymnasium for the new center located in downtown Meridian. While the Boys and Girls Club opens it doors to all children within the area, due to the nature of its services, the predominate users are low and moderate income children. The current facilities can no longer house the influx of interested participants and so the Boys and Girls club must expand to address this pressing need. Proposed community improvement accomplishments, outcome measures, and target dates (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), 91.220(e)) The anticipated outcomes and target dates of these activities are as follows: • Two (2) code enforcement cases for Meridian’s LMI areas will be opened and resolved by September 30, 2009. • One neighborhood clean-up or improvement activity will be accomplished by September 30, 2009. Senior Center will have new flooring by September 30, 2009 Boys and Girls Club gymnasium will be designed utilizing CDBG funds by September 30, 2009 Senior Center phone system will be updated by September 30, 2009 • Five residents of Census Tract 10322, Block 2 will demonstrate increased awareness of social and human service providers and programs by September 30, 2009. Reasons for these allocation priorities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) During the many public meetings conducted during the planning stages, residents expressed the desire for a neighborhood association to encourage cohesion and community spirit, education on neighborhood watch programs and increased public safety to prevent and deal with crime, and City-organized clean-up activities and enforcement activity to address code compliance issues. Comments provided by citizens in the development of the PY07 action plan and during the 30- day public comment period on the PY07 draft action plan demonstrated the community’s opinion that there is a need for these community improvement activities in Meridian, particularly in the LMI income areas. Although advertized and published, only two residents participated in the development of the PY08 action plan. The City believes that the needs identified by constituents in the 2007 Consolidated Plan are still of concern and is continuing similar efforts for this year. Obstacles to addressing underserved needs (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), (k)) CDBG investments in community improvement activities will address the following obstacles to meeting underserved needs in Meridian: (4) In PY08 CDBG funds will be used to design the gymnasium for the local youth center facility. The Boys and Girls Club provides recreational and other services to children in need throughout the City of Meridian. While these services are available to all Meridian residents, the fee structure of the Boys and Girls Club targets the low- and moderate- income children of the City. Geographic allocation of community improvement investments (24 CFR § 91.220(f)) Code enforcement activities will target the identified LMI census tracts. As stated above, under the exceptional criteria, Meridian has three census blocks available for CDBG funding: Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI), Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (72.05% LMI) and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI). Clean up activities that occur through non- profit or other city activities will be targeted in these areas as well. There are no areas of minority concentration in Meridian as defined by federal standards. The Meridian Senior Center and Meridian Boys and Girls Club conduct a broad range of activities and services for many Meridian residents. However, the large majority of their consumers are low and moderate income persons. Therefore, although individuals who use these services may reside outside the identified census blocks, they qualify under the federal standards of low and moderate income clientele. Number and type of families that will benefit from community improvement activities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) A majority of these community improvement activities are designed to address physical conditions and improve general neighborhood liability. Because the conditions themselves are targeted by this activity rather than the persons who will benefit, the specific number and type of families that will benefit from this activity is unknown. Due to the general nature of these objectives, however, one may surmised that these activities will directly or indirectly benefit all, or a large number of, the 2,010 households (5,351 individuals) residing in Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2, Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 and Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (according to Census 2000 data). The Senior Center serves approximately 75 elderly a day. Specific community improvement objectives and priority needs (24 CFR §§ 91.220(d), 91.215) The City’s greatest community improvement need, and therefore the City’s highest community improvement priority in PY08, is neighborhood revitalization activities in the LMI census tracts. In PY08, through partnerships with service providers, this priority need will be addressed through the City’s plans to invest CDBG funds into reducing deterioration of this neighborhood through proactive code enforcement activity, addressing overgrown weeds and vegetation; inoperable vehicles; junk, litter, and debris; open or vacant buildings; illegally parked vehicles; and graffiti. The City recognizes an unmet need in regards to its senior citizens. CDBG funding will be utilized to replace the deteriorating floors in the building and to update the archaic phone system. Objectives, Activities & Measures PY08 Priority #1: Community Improvement/Suitable Living Environment Annual community improvement objectives (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(3)) In the forthcoming program year, the City expects to achieve the community improvement objective of supporting activities in Meridian LMI Areas that promote neighborhood revitalization and public health, safety, and welfare. The City will focus its endeavors on improving public facilities that serve predominately LMI clientele as well as code enforcement activities targeted towards Meridian’s identified LMA census tracts. Description of community improvement activities (24 CFR § 91.220(d)) During PY08, the City expects to invest CDBG funds for the following projects: (1) CDBG funds will be used to fund the resolution of two code enforcement issues within Meridian LMI Areas. Due to Meridian’s current economic structure it has few areas in which 51% of the residents are low and moderate income. CDBG law authorizes an exception criterion in order for such grantees to undertake area benefit activities. Meridian’s exception criterion is 45% which allows the City to focus on three particular census blocks: Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI), Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (72.05% LMI) and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI). These neighborhoods contain a large proportion of older homes within the community. The City will reduce deterioration of these neighborhood through proactive code enforcement activity, working with residents to enforce property maintenance standards, including those related to overgrown weeds and vegetation; inoperable vehicles; junk, litter, and debris; open or vacant buildings; illegally parked vehicles; and graffiti. (2) Secondly, in PY08, funded by general administration CDBG funds, the City intends to utilize and create in-kind partnerships to educate and promote available programs that further the health, safety, and welfare of the residents in LMI areas, including programming on fire protection, crime awareness and prevention, lead-based paint hazards, youth development, senior services, substance abuse prevention and treatment, financial counseling, domestic violence, veteran’s issues, transportation, education, and/or employment training. The City will assist the Old Town residents to form and support neighborhood clean-up activities, including two annual clean-up days, Neighborhood Housing Services sponsored “Paint the Town” and “Rake the Town” events. (3) CDBG funds will be utilized to help renovate the Meridian Senior Center. The Center has struggled to find funding to address necessary updates to their facilities. During PY08, funding will be provided to the Senior Center to update their phone system and replace the old floors. The current phone system does not have voice mail or other modern capabilities. This hinders their ability to respond to public inquiries and function efficiently and effectively. Updating the phone system with modern features allows individuals better opportunities to access and utilize the Center’s facilities. Total Allocations: PY 08 Priority Amount of PY08 CDBG Funds Allocated Percent of PY08 CDBG Funds Allocated Affordable Housing $110,000.00 46.26 % Community Improvement/Suitable Living Environment $80,000.00 33.64% Economic Development $0.00 0% Administration $47,557.80 20% TOTAL $237,557.80 99.9% PY08 CDBG Activities to Benefit LMI persons (24 CFR § 91.220(l)(1)(iv)) All PY08 activities identified in the PY08 Action Plan totaling $237,558.00 will be used to benefit LMI persons. The locations of some of the affordable housing activities have yet to be determined due to the nature of the activity. However, all housing activities will benefit LMI clientele. Facility improvements to the Meridian Senior Center and Boys and Girls Club will benefit low and moderate income clientele. The service centers themselves are located within Meridian’s identified LMA. However, due to the nature and openness of their services, they attract clients from all over the city. While this disqualifies the centers as a LMA service area, their clientele is predominately LMI persons. Code enforcement activities will occur within the designated LMI census tracts: Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI), Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (72.05% LMI) and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI) Maps of Meridian’s LMI Census Tracts are found in Appendix A. Program Specific Requirements (24 CFR § 91.220(l)(1)(i)) In PY08, the City of Meridian expects to spend its funds to benefit low and moderate income persons or households specifically addressing the LMI National Objective. The City is allocated $237,789 to spend during PY08. The City plans to spend these funds on the following activities. OBJECTIVES Suitable Living Environment: $80,000 ACTIVITIES: Open and resolve two (2) code enforcement cases for Meridian LMI areas. Improve Meridian’s Senior Center Facilities. Improve Meridian’s Boys and Girls Club Facilities. Affordable Housing: $ 110,000.00 ACTIVITIES: Work with BCACHA to provide grants to low income families to become homeowners. Purchase vacant lot for non-profit to build home for low income families. Economic Opportunities: $0.00 Administration: $47,557.80 ACTIVITIES: Oversee and coordinate inter-jurisdictional and inter-agency rules. Assist Mayor in the development and implementation of the Affordable Housing Task Force. Ensure compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan. Prepare program budgets, schedules, and any amendments. Monitor, evaluate, and implement audit results regarding the program. Prepare reports and documents for submission to HUD. Develop agreements to carry out program activities. Complete training and other educational programs to enhance the CDBG administration process. Assist in regional and community activities that promote awareness of fair housing and other important programs relating to CDBG. Resources Federal, State and Local Resources (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(1-2)) At this time, CDBG and City general funds are available to support program activities. The City does have plans to pool money from Meridian Development Corporation and BCACHA to achieve maximum results for their goals and objectives. The following funding sources have been identified as resources to help address the needs of low/moderate income (LMI) individuals and families. Some of these resources may be directly leveraged to help fund CDBG eligible activities, in which case all HUD regulations and requirements regarding matching will be satisfied, pursuant to 24 CFR § 91.220(c)(2). While other resources may not be able to contribute directly toward a CDBG eligible activity, they may be able to provide assistance and support programs. These leveraged funds will be tracked and documented as part of the monitoring compliance. Federal resources that may be made available (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(1)) U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: - Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program - HOME Investment Partnership Program - Emergency Shelter Grant - Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS U.S. Department of Health and Human Services U.S. Department of Education Federal Housing Administration Homeownership Program Fannie Mae Federal Emergency Management Administration U.S. Veterans Administration State resources that may be made available (24 CFR § 91.220(c)(2)) Idaho Community Foundation Idaho Housing and Finance Association Idaho Department of Education Idaho Department of Environmental Quality Idaho Association of Mortgage Brokers Idaho Department of Agriculture State Tax Credits Idaho Department of Health and Welfare: - Community Services Grant - Family and Child Services - Public Health Services - Domestic Violence Grant - Idaho Children’s Trust Fund Idaho Office on Aging Idaho Department of Justice • Draft plans available for review June 10, 2008 – June 24, 2008 • Public hearing June 24, 2008 • Public comment period June 24, 2008 – July 25, 2008 • City Council resolution adopting Plans July 29, 2008 • City submitted Plans to HUD August 5, 2008 • HUD received Plans August 15, 2008 Summary of Efforts Made to Broaden Public Participation (24 CFR §§ 91.200(c) and 91.220(b)) As set forth above, the City undertook the following efforts to broaden citizen participation: • Distributed press release to Spanish Tu Mirada magazine, Idaho Statesman and The Valley Times. • Distributed Town Hall Flyer to Meridian Planning Department, Meridian City Hall, Meridian Senior Center and Meridian Public Library. • E-mailed and mailed press releases to agencies and organizations representing minorities. • Published notice in Idaho Statesman and the Valley Times. Summary of Public Comments (24 CFR § 91.200(c)) Comments were provided for the development of the 2008 action plan in the April 30, 2008 Town Hall meeting. Only two individuals showed up to the meeting to participate in the planning process. One member was interested in potential opportunities for economic development for small businesses within the downtown area. While this is definitely something the City will consider as it continues to disburse CDBG funds, the City is concerned about the administrative costs needed to undertake such a project. The City will look into undertaking this activity for Program Year 2009. No other comments or interests were advocated at the public meeting. The City continued to focus on addressing the comments iterated through the development of the Consolidated Plan and achieving those goals and objectives. beneficial for the City of Meridian. Boise City suggested a good use of funds would be to ensure handicap accessibility throughout the city. Jennifer Nye-Yost, Administrator for Nampa’s CDBG program, attended a meeting at the Meridian Planning Department to discuss other options. Jennifer suggested that a meeting with Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) may provide some ideas on direct homeownership assistance programs. She was also helpful in interpreting HUD guidelines and administrative procedures. On April 10 th a meeting was held with the Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority (BCACHA) to discuss programs and other collaborative functions that would benefit both the City and the Authority in creating affordable housing. BCACHA informed City Staff of their role and responsibility in accordance with Idaho Statute and their goals and objectives. There was some discussion on the role BCACHA has taken with regards to other HUD home ownership programs. April 15, 2008 City Staff had a meeting to discuss potential projects ranging from creating better sewer systems to developing relationships with nonprofit entities to construct affordable housing. Additionally, the City attended the following meetings to discuss development of the 2008 action plan draft and community needs: • City Staff February 28, 2008 • City of Boise Community Development March 21, 2008 • Nampa Community Development March 25, 2008 • Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority April 10, 2008 • City Staff, Mayor Representative April 15, 2008 • Town Hall Meeting April 30, 2008 • Meridian Senior Center May 6, 2008 • Meridian Development Corporation May 14, 2008 Following these opportunities for community and citizen participation, the City, in compliance with the Citizen Participation Plan, held a public hearing and provided a 30-day public comment period on the draft Plans. The following timeline describes the chronology of Citizen Participation Plan events prior to the receipt of the Plans by HUD. • Published notice, Valley Times, to announce the development of the draft proposal April 30, 2008 April 16, 2008 • Published notice, Idaho Statesman, to announce the development of the draft proposal April 30, 2008 April 16, 2008 • Town Hall Meeting April 30, 2008 • Published notice, Valley Times, to announce the availability of the draft proposal June 10, 2008 June 11, 2008 • Published notice, Idaho Statesman, to announce the availability of the draft proposal for review June 10, 2008 June 11, 2008 with the City’s approval of the draft Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report. These meetings give the residents an opportunity to comment on all aspects of the CDBG program’s administration, as well as all substantial activities undertaken by the City. A public meeting is also held when any substantial amendments are made to the Consolidated or Action Plans. For all public meetings concerning CDBG, the City runs an advertisement in the local newspaper, the Valley Times and the regional paper, the Idaho Statesman, two weeks prior to the meeting. The notice includes information about the availability of draft and final Plans. Access to Information The City has all Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan and Consolidated Annual Reports available for viewing. The City makes these plans and reports available on its website convenient for on-line viewing, downloading and printing. The plans can be found at http://meridiancity.org/planning_zoning/community_development/index.asp or http://weblink.meridiancity.org/weblink7/Browse.aspx. Draft versions of all plans are available before they are approved and submitted to HUD for citizens, public agencies and other interested parties to view and comment upon. Copies of final and draft reports are available for free at the City’s Planning Department. Requests for access to specific information must be made in advance and coordinated with City personnel. The City staff is also available to persons or interested parties who require technical assistance in understanding the Plan, the preparation of comments and the preparation for requests of funding. This availability and responsiveness is also employed in handling and responding to whatever reasonable complaints are made concerning the Plan and its undertakings. PY08 Process Several collaborative meetings were held among City staff to identify potential projects that would meet the goals identified in the City’s five year strategic plan. Due to staff transition and plan amendments, official approval from HUD was obtained in January of 2008. The City began its process to develop its PY08 Action Plan in February. On February 28, 2008 City staff had a meeting to discuss the 2007 Action Plan implementation and ideas for PY08. Notice was published in both the Idaho Statesman and local Valley Times on April 16, 2008 notifying Meridian residents of the Town Hall Meeting to discuss the development of the 2008 Action Plan. In addition to the public hearing notice, a press release was sent to the Idaho Statesman, Valley Times, and the Spanish Tu Mirada magazine. Flyers were posted at the Meridian Planning Department, Meridian City Hall, Meridian Senior Center and Meridian Public Library. Two people attended the town hall meeting on April 30 th to express their ideas and obtain a better understanding of the CDBG program. There was interest in economic improvement opportunities for smaller businesses. Those ideas were noted and will be researched for feasibility with CDBG funds. Staff met with multiple non-profit entities as well as other CDBG entitlement communities to learn about ideas and projects that have worked well in the past. On March 21, 2008 staff met with Boise City’s Community Development Program to discuss projects and ideas that would be Evaluation of the City’s Past Performance (24 CFR § 91.220(b)) The City has successfully applied for and received the following CDBG grants through the Idaho CDBG Small Cities Program. Awarded Amount Project Status 1985 $272,697 Revolving Loan Fund Closed Out 1985 $4,388 Renovate Senior Center Closed Out 1987 $5,000 Renovate Senior Center Closed Out 1988 $400,000 Public Infrastructure Closed Out 1991 $400,000 Downtown Revitalization Closed Out 1995 $52,000 Renovate Senior Center Closed Out 2004 $100,000 Renovate Senior Center Closed Out 2006 $52,900 Renovate Senior Center Closed Out 2006 $250,000 Job Creation Closed Out 2007 $230,544 CDBG Processing Summary of the Citizen Participation Process (24 CFR § 91.220(b)) The City of Meridian has a thorough and extensive community process that is employed for all projects. The City seeks to include the input of Meridian residents in all phases and aspects of its Community Development initiatives, from the initial planning, to project and program implementation to the reporting and assessment of accomplishments. The effectiveness of this process is essential in delivering proper services and programs to City residents, while ensuring that the overall direction of the CDBG program is consistent with residents’ expectations and is responsive to neighborhood concerns. A summary of this process is presented below as identified in 24 CFR § 91.220(b). A complete copy of the Citizen Participation Plan can be found in the Appendix submitted with the original Consolidated Plan. Participation The City encourages citizen participation in all stages of the planning process. From the drafting of the Consolidated Plan to the filing of the annual Performance Evaluation Report the City hosts Public Meetings, provides draft copies of the Plan before submission, accepts and incorporates citizen input and feedback, and holds special public hearings whenever any substantial amendments are made. The City also works in an on-going capacity with key non-profit organizations in encouraging the participation of the citizens they work directly with, including many of the low and moderate-income residents who are the primary targets of our HUD funded programs. Bi-lingual services are available for those who request them. Public Meetings The core of Meridian’s Citizen Participation Plan occurs during public meetings. Meridian CDBG staff hosts three public meeting during each phase of the funding cycle; one in preparation for the Consolidated Plan and its annual update through the One-Year Action Plan, one in conjunction with obtaining approval of the draft plans and the third is held in conjunction 5. Improve Meridian’s Senior Center PY08 Priority #2 Affordable Housing $ 110,000.00 GOALS: 1. New Affordable housing: Facilitate the creation of new affordable, single family, multi-family, and special needs housing through partnerships with non-profit organizations and private developers. 2. Existing affordable housing: Help preserve existing affordable housing stock and the long-term affordability of single-family and rental units for LMI persons. 3. Affordable home ownership: Improve affordable homeownership opportunities for low income families. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: 1. Partner with Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority to implement Section 8 Vouchers to provide affordable housing opportunities ($50,000) 2. Partner with Meridian School District and Boise City Habitat for Humanity to buy a vacant lot to build at least one affordable housing unit for LMI clientele. 3. One Fair Housing awareness activity 4. 20) persons educated on lead-based paint hazards, precautions, symptoms, and laws 5. Increase awareness of affordable homeownership opportunities and programs. PY08 Priority #3 Economic Development $0.00 GOALS: Improve economic conditions in the Meridian Urban Renewal Area by addressing slum and blight. ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: 1. Partnership with the Meridian Development Corporation to target businesses that will fit well with Meridian’s downtown revitalization vision. 2. The City will support the efforts of the Meridian Development Corporation to implement the Urban Renewal Area Plan in revitalizing downtown Executive Summary (24 CFR § 91.220(b)) As an Entitlement Community, the City of Meridian will receive funds each year from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. Program Year 2008 (PY08) funding for the City of Meridian is anticipated to be $237,789. This funding will be used to fund priorities within the HUD performance measurement system to, respectively: (1) create a suitable living environment for Meridian residents, (2) Provide Decent Housing for Meridian residents and (3) Create Economic Opportunities for Meridian residents. Specifically for PY08 Meridian plans to invest its funds into: completing public facility improvements for the Meridian Senior Center and Boys and Girls Club, purchase a vacant lot for affordable housing, work with other agencies to provide accessibility for affordable housing, improve code enforcement throughout Meridian’s LMI (low/moderate income) areas, promote cleanup activities in the identified LMI areas and administer and plan CDBG programs. These activities will focus on improving the lives of LMI individuals and families. Under the exceptional criteria, Meridian has three census blocks eligible to qualify as LMA (low/moderate income areas) which include Census Tract 10322, Block Group 1 (45% LMI), Census Tract 10322, Block Group 2 (72.05% LMI), and Census Tract 10321, Block Group 2 (46.1% LMI). The City will be responsible for implementing the designated programs and completing the eligible activities in cooperation with other entities and organizations in the region. Summary of PY 08 Objectives and Outcomes (24 CFR §91.220(b)) In Program Year 2008, the City intends to invest its CDBG funds according to the following priorities PY08 Priority #1: Providing a Suitable Living Environment (Community Improvement) PY08 Priority #2: Affordable Housing (Providing Decent Housing) PY08 Priority #3: Economic Development A summary of the goals and anticipated outcomes that the City will pursue within these priorities is as follows: PY08 Priority #1: Community Improvement $80,000.00 GOALS: Support neighborhood revitalization activities in Meridian’s LMI Areas that promote public health, safety and welfare ANTICIPATED OUTCOMES: 1. Two code enforcement cases for Meridian’s three LMI Census Block Areas will be opened and resolved 2. One neighborhood clean-up or improvement activity 3. Five residents of Meridian’s LMI Areas demonstrate increased awareness of social and human service providers and programs 4. Design gymnasium for Meridian’s Boys and Girls Club so they can extend their services to LMI residents CAPER: At the end of each program year, the City of Meridian is required to prepare a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to provide information to its constituents and HUD about that year’s accomplishments. This information allows HUD, City Officials and the general public to evaluate the City’s performance and determine whether the activities undertaken during the year helped to meet the City’s five-year goals and to address priority needs identified in the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan. This annual performance report, prepared with public review and comment, must be submitted to HUD annually no later than December 31. Program Year and Submission to HUD (24 CFR §§91.10; 91.15) The City’s CDBG program will be administered on a program year running from October 1 to September 30. In Compliance with 24 CFR § 91.15(a), and in order to facilitate continuity in its program and provide accountability to citizens, the City shall submit this action plan no later than August 15, 2008. The City shall submit on an annual basis; a summary of its citizen participation and consultation process, its annual action plan, and certifications. At least every five years, the City shall submit a housing and homeless needs assessment, market analysis and strategic plan. 2008 Program Year Action Plan Overview Purpose of this Document: The City of Meridian has been designated as an entitlement community by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This designation allows the City to directly receive funds from HUD’s Community Development Block Grant (CBDG) Program. The 2008 program year will mark the City’s second year as an entitlement community. Federal regulations (24 CFR § 91.200(a) and 91.220) require the City to submit an action plan annually. The plan describes how the CDBG funds will be invested in the community for that program year. This action plan was developed with a strong emphasis on community input, following the Citizen Participation Plan set forth in Meridian’s consolidated plan. Through this planning effort, the City has prepared the following strategy, which will guide eligible activities beginning October 1, 2008 through September 30, 2008. City of Meridian CDBG Program Mission Statement: In accordance with the stated overall goal of the CDBG program, as set forth in 24 CFR § 91.1(a)(1), the City’s mission is to utilize CDBG funding to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, providing a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for low/moderate income (LMI) persons. The City’s primary means toward this end shall be to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing. Consolidated Plan: A consolidated plan must be submitted every 3 to 5 years in order to receive federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan is designed to be a collaborative process where a community can scrutinize its current situation and establish a unified vision for community development actions. It provides local jurisdictions a venue to shape various housing and community development programs. The City of Meridian’s Consolidated Plan spans program years 2007 through 2011 and addresses the community’s most critical housing and community development needs. Action Plan: For every year identified in the Consolidated Plan, the City of Meridian is required to prepare a one-year Action Plan to notify citizens and HUD officials of the City’s intended actions to occur during that specific year. This action plan identifies the goals and objectives the City hopes to achieve from October 1, 2007 through September 30, 2008.