CDBG Five Year Consolidated Plan DraftE IDIAN
®AHO
June 14, 2012
M1;MORANDUM
TO: Mayor De Weerd and City Council
FROM: Lori Den Hartog, CDBG Administrator
CC: City Clerk
Bruce Chatterton
Caleb Hood
RE: Community Development Block Grant 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan
June 19, 2012 City Council Agenda Item
1. Introduction
In order to make application each year for Community Development Block Grant funds through the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the City was required to prepare a new Five
Year Consolidated Plan. Over the last 10 months, City staff has been working with BBC Research and
Consulting to draft the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan. The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to 1)
identify a city's housing and community development needs, priorities, goals, and strategies, and 2) to
stipulate how funds will be allocated to housing and community development activities to address the
city's housing and community development needs. The strategies and objectives identified in the Plan are
based on the current conditions within the City, input from residents and community stakeholders, and the
requirements from HUD for the CDBG program.
2. Process and Timeline
The public hearing to be conducted on June 19, 2012 will open the required 30-day public comment
period on the draft Consolidated Plan. The comment period will close on July 24, 2012 which is also the
anticipated date for Council adoption of the plan. After Council adoption, staff will submit the
Consolidated Plan to HUD for review and approval.
3. 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan Identified Needs and Priorities
Needs:
• The area of greatest need is in downtown Meridian, where HUD has identified three low-moderate
income (LMI) census block groups. This area contains the city's oldest housing stock and
Community Development Department . 33 E. Broadway Avenue Meridian, ID 83642
Phone zo8-684-5533 • Fax zo8-868-6854 . www.meridiancity.org
Page 2
accounts for the lowest average home sales price which was $103,000 in 2010. This was 63% less
than the city's overall average home sales price in the same year.
There are over 1,000 households at risk of homeless in Meridian. These are extremely low-
income households that are severely cost burdened for their current place of residence. HUD
defines severely cost burdened as a household which spends more than 50% of its gross income
for housing expenses and utilities.
There is a shortage of over 1,000 affordable rental units available to those households earning less
than $25,000 per year. HUD defines affordable rents or housing expenses as no more than 30% of
annual gross income. Under this definition, those earning $25,000 or less can afford to pay no
more than $625/month in housing expenses.
Priorities:
As part of the preparation for this plan, the city conducted a survey and received 330 resident
responses. Overall, survey respondents were satisfied with their current living situation in Meridian.
Eight-six percent of respondents ranked their level of satisfaction with their current living situation
between a "6" and "9", with "6" representing "satisfied" and "9" representing "extremely satisfied."
The city's housing stock is in relatively good condition, which could be aiding in residents' overall
satisfaction with their current living situafion.
The survey did identify a group of renters in the city who would like to purchase a home in Meridian.
Thirty-eight percent (38%) of renter survey respondents said they were "extremely interested" in
buying a home in Meridian. Nearly three in four renters (73%) said they have not purchased a home
because they do not have money for a down payment.
As part of the resident survey, residents were asked to rate the level of need for services within the
following categories:
^ Community facilities;
^ Infrastructure;
^ Special needs;
^ Community services;
^ Neighborhood services;
^ Businesses and jobs; and
^ Housing.
Based on resident responses, the most important identified need was job creation retention.
4. 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan Strategies and Objectives
In order to address the identified needs and priorities discussed above, the City has developed the
following strategies and objectives:
Strategy No. 1 (Affordable Housing): Improve access to affordable housing opportunities for
Meridian Residents.
• Objective 1.1: Address the need for affordable decent housing by supporting a down payment
assistance program for qualifying households.
Page 3
o Five-Year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 7 households assisted with the purchase of home
in Meridian.
Strategy No. 2 (Suitable Living Environment): Support services, programs, and projects for the city's
LMI residents, including persons with special needs and residents at-risk of homelessness.
• Objective 2.1: Support public service activities that serve the city's LMI residents.
o Five-Year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 10,000 people assisted and/or provided with
services
• Objective 2.2: Invest in public facility improvements that serve person with special needs and low
income residents, as well as public facility improvements located in the city's LMI areas.
o Five-Year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 3 public facilities
Strategy No. 3 (Economic Opportunities): Improve economic opporhxnities in the city's LMI areas.
• Objective 3.1: Support public service activities that provide employment training or job
creation/retention for the city's LMI residents.
o Five-Year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 20 residents assisted
• Objective 3.2: Invest in public facility improvements or activities in the downtown area that
address one or more of the conditions which contributed to the deterioration of the area.
o Five-Year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 2 businesses or public facilities
Draft Report
PY2012-2016 Five-year
Consolidated Plan
~~E IDIAN:--~-
City of Meridian, Idaho
DRAFT REPORT
June 6, 2012
PY207 2-207 6 Five-year
Consolidated Plan
Prepared for
City of Meridian
33 E. Broadway Ave.
Meridian, Idaho 83642
Prepared by
BBC Research Sz Consulting
1999 Broadway, Suite 2200
Denver, Colorado 80202
303.321.2547 fax 303.399.0448
www. bbc resea rch.com
bbc@bbcresearch.com
Table of Contents
IV.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Background on the Consolidated Plan ...........................................................
Compliance with Consolidated Plan Regulations ...........................................
Lead and Participating Organizations ............................................................
Top Housing and Community Development Needs ......................................
Five-Year Strategies (2012-201 6) ...................................................................
Introduction
... ES-1
... ES-2
... ES-2
... ES-3
. ES-10
Purpose of the Consolidated Plan ................................................................................................ I-1
Compliance with Consolidated Plan Regulations ......................................................................... I-1
Lead Agency and Participating Organizations .............................................................................. I-2
Organization of Report ................................................................................................................I-2
Index of HUD Requirements ........................................................................................................I-3
Housing and Community Development
Population and Household Composition .......................................... .......................................... II-1
Homelessness ................................................................................... .......................................... I I-8
Economic Characteristics .................................................................. ........................................II-12
Housing Market Analysis .................................................................. ........................................ II-15
Housing Condition and Needs Indicators ......................................... ........................................ II-24
Public Input and Participation
Resident Survey .................................
Stakeholder Survey and Focus Group
Five-year Strategic Plan
Consultation, Institutional Structure and Coordination 91 .200(b)...
Citizen Participation 91 .200 (b) ......................................................
Institutional Structure 91.215 (k) ....................................................
Coordination 91.21 S (I) ..................................................................
Housing Needs 91.205 ...................................................................
Homeless Needs 91.2015 (c) ..........................................................
Non-homeless Special Needs 91.205 (d) including HOPWA ...........
Lead-based Paint 91.205 (e) ...........................................................
.III-1
III-15
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING
Table of Contents
IV. Five-year Strategic Plan (CONTINUED)
Housing Market Analysis 91.210 ................................................................................ ............. IV-18
Public and Assisted Housing 91.210 (b) ..................................................................... ............. IV-18
Homeless Inventory 91.201 (c) .................................................................................. ............. IV-20
Special Need Facilities and Services 91.210 (d) .......................................................... ............. IV-21
Barriers to Affordable Housing 91.210 (e) .................................................................. ............. IV-21
General Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies 91 .21 S (a) .......................................... ............. IV-23
Specific Objectives/Affordable Housing (Priority Housing Needs) 91.21 S (b) ............. ............. IV-24
Public Housing Strategy 91 .215 (c) ........................................................................... ............. IV-25
Priority Homeless Needs and Homeless Strategy ........................................................ ............. IV-26
Specific Objectives/Homeless (91 .215) ...................................................................... ............. IV-30
Priority Non-Homeless Needs 91.215 (e) ................................................................... ............. IV-30
Special Needs Objectives 91.215 (e) .......................................................................... ............. IV-30
Priority Community Development Needs 91 .21 S (f) .................................................. ............. IV-30
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas 91 .215 (g) ............................................. ............. IV-30
Antipoverty Strategy 91.215 (I) ................................................................................. ............. IV-31
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA) ............................................. ............. IV-36
Append ices
A. City of Meridian Citizen Participation Plan ...........................................................................A-1
B. Residential Anti-Displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan ............................................. B-1
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Meridian PY2012-2016 Consolidated Plan
Background on the Consolidated Plan
Beginning in fiscal year 1995, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
required local communities and states to prepare a Consolidated Plan in order to receive federal
housing and community development funding. The Plan consolidates into a single document the
previously separate planning and application requirements for Community Development Block
Grants (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG), the HOME Investment Partnerships Program
including the new American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI), Housing Opportunities for
People with AIDS (HOPWA) finding and the Comprehensive Housing and Affordability Strategy
(CHAS). Consolidated Plans are required to be prepared every three to five years; updates are
required annually.
The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is:
1. To identify a city's or state's housing and community development (including neighborhood
and economic development) needs, priorities, goals and strategies; and
2. To stipulate how funds will be allocated to housing and community development activities.
This report is the PY2012-2016 Five-year Consolidated Plan for the City of Meridian (city). The
only federal grant through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) the
city receives is CDBG.
Annual Action Plan. In addition to the Consolidated Plan, cities and states receiving block grant
finding must complete an annual Action Plan. The Action Plan designates how cities and states
propose to spend the federal block grant funds in a given program year.
CAPER. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is also required
yearly. The CAPER reports on how fiends were actually spent (v. proposed in the Action Plan), the
households that benefitted from the block grants and how well the city/state met its annual goals for
housing and community development activities.
Fair housing requirement. HUD requires that cities and states receiving block grant funding take
actions to affirmatively further fair housing choice. Cities and states report on such activities by
completing an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) every three to five years. In
general, the AI is a review of impediments to fair housing choice in the public and private sector.
An update to the city's AI was completed in conjunction with this Consolidated Plan.
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 1
Compliance with Consolidated Plan Regulations
The City of Meridian's PY2012-2016 Consolidated Plan was prepared in accordance with Sections
91.100 through )1.230 of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Consolidated
Plan regulations.
Lead and Participating Organizations
The Ciry of Meridian is the lead agency for the completion of the Five-year Consolidated Plan,
annual Action Plan and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
The city receives and administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
CDBG is both the oldest and largest of the HUD programs for housing and community
development. CDBG can be used for a number of activities, such as:
^ construction and rehabilitation of community facilities including those that help special
needs populations (e.g., homeless shelters);
^ removal of accessibility barriers from public buildings;
^ loans or grants to business for job training and hiring of lower income workers;
^ demolition of property;
^ provision of operating dollars to social service organizations;
^ public infrastructure improvements (streets, sidewalks);
^ code enforcement;
^ housing activities, such as infrastructure extension in support of affordable housing,
housing rehabilitation, site acquisition, lead-based paint detection and removal, and
downpayment assistance; and
^ social service programs including childcare, homeless services, youth programs, disability
services, neighborhood revitalization and senior services.
The city retained BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) of Denver to complete the City's Five-Year
Consolidated Plan.
PAGE 2, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
Top Housing and Community Development Needs
The top housing needs identified through the quantitative (data collection and analysis) and
qualitative (public input) research conducted for this Consolidated Plan are summarized in this
section.
Downtown Meridian-the city's area of greatest need. The city's lowest income
households largely live in the city's original downtown area. As demonstrated in Figure ES-1, two
Census block groups in the downtown area contain concentrations of low income households. ~
Figure ES-1.
Geographic
Distribution of Low
Income Households,
City of Meridian,
2010
Note:
Households earning less than
$25,000 per year used as a
proxy for low income.
Source:
2010 Claritas.
~, _ __ __
Us~~o-
,irz4.~n
v
66
Legend
Less than 10.0% ~~~ "
10.0'b to 26.0% ~ ~
More than 26.096
Meridian has three Census block groups that HUD has designated as LMI areas.
1
A concentration occurs when an area has 10 percentage points or more of a particular group than the city overall. This
definition of concentration aligns with HUD's definition of disproportionate need.
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 3
The city's downtown area also contains its oldest housing stock, as well as its lowest home average
home prices. Figure ES-2 displays average sales prices by Census tract for homes sold in 2010. The
average sales price for homes in one of the city's LMI areas was $103>000 in 2010, which is 63
percent less than city's overall average sales price for the year.
Figure ES-2.
Average MLS Sales
Price by Census
Tract, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
COMPASS and Intermountain
MLS .
~
_- zoo- -_
_
56
rr. r ~
103.13 $305,631 $197,150
-35.5%
Z
103.21 $208,229 $130,599 -37.3%
103.22 $170,319 $103,177 -39.4%
103.31 $338,371 $233,869 -30.946
i
103.32 $251,264 $160,474 -36.1 ~~
I ~
103.33 $251,640 $162,566 -35.470
~.
103.34 $222,421 $139,081 -37.5~~
103.35 $285,419 $172,668 -39.5%
Legend `55
Less than $150,000 I
S 150 000 to $200
000 69 ~ i ~
-
, _
'lore than 5200,000
PAGE 4, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
Residents at-risk of homelessness. The Meridian Food Bank and the Meridian School District
work directly with children, adults and families at-risk of or currently experiencing homelessness in
Meridian. In the focus groups conducted for this study, both organizations have mentioned that they
have seen a surge in demand for services. Indeed, there are households in Meridian that are cost-
burdened, which could lead to homelessness. As demonstrated in Figure ES-3, there are 1,700
extremely low income households in Meridian severely cost burdened. However, cost burden is not
limited to the city's low income residents, as nearly 1,200 moderate income homeowners in the city
are currently cost burdened.
Figure ES-3.
Summary of the Severe Cost Burden
Being Experienced by Renters and
Owners by Income Category, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
BBC Research and Consulting, 2010 American Community Survey
and HUD CHAS database.
Household income less than 30%MFI
Cost Burden > 30% 1,271 722
Severe Cost Burden > 50% 1,096 604
Household Income 30 to 50% MFI
Cost Burden > 30% 876 1,367
Severe Cost Burden > 50% 376 686
Household Income 50 to 80% FMI
Cost Burden > 30% 564 1,630
Severe Cost Burden > 50% 106 316
Household Income greater than 80%MFI
Cost Burden > 30% 120 1,168
Severe Cost Burden > 50% - 53
Figure ES-4 quantifies the number of households in the city currently at-risk of homeless. More than
1,000 households in Meridian are currently at-risk of homelessness. Many of these households
include small family households and elderly.
Figure ES-4.
At-risk of Homelessness: ' ~'
Extremely Low Income Renters Total At Risk
and Severely Cost
Burdened Households, Elderly 52 Elderly 224
City of Meridian, Small families 290 Small families 471
Large families 54 Large families 119
Others 151 Others 216
Source:
Owners
BBC Research and Consultin 2000 and
9. Total at risk
2010 Census, and SOCDS CHAS Elderly 172 for homelessness 1
030
database. ,
Small families 181
Large families 65
Others 65
BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 5
Housing market mismatch. Figure ES-5 presents the findings from the city's rental market gaps
analysis. There are 682 renters earning less than $10,000 per year living in Meridian-but just 229
units to serve them. This leaves a shortage of 453 units for the city's lowest income households.
These renters have such low incomes that they can only afford to pay $250 per month in rent and
utilities`.
Altogether, the City's rental gap is 1,077 for renters earning less than $25,000 per year. Renters
earning more than this can find an adequate supply of units. In particLllar, renters earning between
$25,000 and $50,000 have an abundance of units affordable to them.
Figure ES-5.
Mismatch in Rental Market by Household Income, City of Meridian, 201 O
Less than $10,000 682 12% $ 250 229 4% (453)
$10,000 to $14,999 442 8% $ 375 197 3% (245)
$15,000to$19,999 336 6% $ 500 74 1% (262)
$20,000 to $24,999 270 S% $ 625 153 2% (117)
$25,000to$34,999 703 13% $ 875 1,768 29% 1,065
$35,000 to $49,999 1,037 18% $ 1,250 2,804 46% 1,767
$SO,000to$74,999 1,371 24% $ 1,875 775 13% (596)
$75,000 to $99,999 357 6% $ 2,500 147 2% (210)
$100,000 to $149,999 288 S% $ 3,750 0 0% (288)
$150,000 or more 123 2% $ 3,751 0 0% (123)
Tota I 5,609 100% 6,147
Source: BBC Research u Con su ltinq
Figure ES-6 displays market options for renters wanting to buy a home in Meridian. The city's
homeownership market is well-suited for households earning $35,000 or more per year. However,
some renter households may be challenged to save for a downpayment, given the increase in rental
rates in Meridian in the last 10 years.
This is based on 30 percent of household income.
PAGE 6, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
Figure ES-6.
Market Options for Renters Wanting to Buy, City of Meridian, 2010
Less than $10,000 682 1295 $ 39,840 396 396 -996
$10,000 to $14,999 442 895 $ 59,757 095 496 -796
$15,000to$19,999 336 695 $ 79,677 096 496 -696
$20,000to $24,999 270 595 $ 99,597 195 596 -496
$25,000 to $34,999 703 1395 $ 139,437 895 1396 -496
$35,000to$49,999 1,037 1895 $ 199,198 3495 4796 1696
$SO,000to $74,999 1,371 2495 $ 298,799 3695 8396 1296
$75,000 to $99,999 357 695 $ 398,400 1195 9595 596
$100,000 to $149,999 288 595 $ 597,602 596 9996 -196
$150,000ormore 123 295 $ 597,603 195 100% -1%
Total 5,609 10096 10045
Source: BBC Research & Consulting.
Top needs identified in quantitative research. The following summarizes the major findings
from the public input process. The public input process was comprised of three parts:
^ A resident survey was distributed online and on paper between November 16`h and December
15`h of 2011-330 residents participants in the survey;
^ An online stakeholder survey was promoted by city staff and BBC in fall 2011-15 housing and
social service professionals responded; and
^ A focus group and in-depth interviews with service providers and housing developers were
conducted in fall and winter 2011-11 individuals participated.
Residents. Overall, survey respondents were satisfied with their current living situation in Meridian.
Eight-six percent of respondents ranked their level of satisfaction with their current living situation
between a "6" and ")", with "6" representing "satisfied" and "9" representing "extremely satisfied."
The city's housing stock is in relatively good condition, which could be aiding in residents' overall
satisfaction with their current living situation. As see in Figure ES-7> approximately three out of every
four survey participants said their home does need any necessary repairs. Some survey participants did
state that their home needed some necessary repairs; however, nearly all of those respondents said
these home repairs did not make their home unlivable.
BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 7
Figure ES-7.
Housing
Condition, City of
Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=327 and n=84.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Are there any necessary repairs
that you (homeowner) or your
landlord (renter) have not
made to your hom
No (74
No (96%)
The survey did identify a group of renters in the city who would like to purchase a home in
Meridian. As demonstrated in Figure ES-8, 38 percent of renter Survey respondents said they were
"extremely interested" in buying a home in Meridian. Nearly three in four renters (73%) said they
have not purchased a home because they do not have money for a down_payment.
Figure ES-8.
Renter Interest in Buying
a Home in Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=45.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Are any of these necessary repairs
so significant that they make your
home unfivahle? Yes (4%)
7
04b 20% 40% 6045 80% 100%
As part of the resident survey, residents were asked to rate the level of need for services within the
following categories:
^ Communiry facilities;
^ Infrastructure;
^ Special needs;
^ Communiry services;
^ Neighborhood services;
^ Businesses and jobs; and
^ Housing.
Extremely
interested 9 37.846
8 ^ 11.145
7 , 6.745
Interested 6 ^ 13.3%
5 ' 4.445
4 12.245
Somewhat 3' 4.445
interested
2 .8.995
1 12.245
Not at all .
interested 0 8.9%
PAGE 8, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
The results of this exercise are summarized in Figure ES-). Residents consider job creation and
retention the most important need within the city.
Figure ES-9.
Summary of Housing and Community Development Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Senior Centers
Youth Centers
_~ Child Care Centers
-~~'
7
Park and Recreational Facilities
~ . Health Care Facilities
c W Community Centers
u Fire Stations and Equipment
Libraries
a Drainage Improvement
y Water/Sewerlmprovement
i Street/Alley Improvement
Street Lighting
'~° Sidewalk Improvements
ADA Improvements
Centers/Services for Disabled
s Accessibility Improvementr
~+ Domestic Violence Services
= Substance Abuse Services
m Homeless Shelters/Services
a HIV/AIDS Centers and Services
os Neglected/Abused Children Center and Services
Family Self-Sufficiency Services
Senior Activities
~ Youth Activities
Child Care Services
£ > Public Transportation Services
e h Anti-Crime Programs
u Health Services
Mental Health Services
Legal Services
e Tree Planting
L Trash and Debris Removal
c v Graffiti Removal
s ~ Code Enforcement
s
?r ~
Parking Facilities
= Cleanup of Abandoned Lots and Buildings
Start-Up Business Assistance
Small Business Loans
y lob Creation/Retention
Employment Training
m Fa4ade Improvements
Business Mentoring
Commercialllndustrial Rehabilitation
Accessibility/ADA Improvementr
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Rental Housing Rehabilitation
Homeownership Assistance
~ Affordable Rental Housing
z
Housingfor Disabled
o Senior Housing
= Housingfor Large Families
Fair Housing Services
Lead-Based Paint Testing/Abatement
Energy Efficient Improvementr
Housing for Foster Youth
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 9
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
Stakeholders. Stakeholders identified downtown redevelopment, affordable housing, and services for
persons at-risk of homelessness as the ciry's greatest housing and community needs.
Downtown redevelopment. Stakeholders would like to see continued investment in Meridian's
downtown area. Stakeholders would like to see the area improved for the LMI households that live
close to downtown, and stakeholders would also like to see more job creation and retention in the
downtown area. There are currently few businesses in the downtown area. One stakeholder
participating in the focus group stated that "I live in Boise only two miles from downtown Meridian
and I have no reason to come to downtown Meridian."
Affordable housing. Stakeholders would like to see the city increase its inventory of affordable rental
housing. Stakeholders recognize that federal and state funding is limited, but they encourage the city
to be creative in finding ways to encourage affordable housing in Meridian.
Services for persons at-risk of homelessness. Stakeholders said that the recent national economic
downturn has impacted Meridian households. Stakeholders have seen an increase in demand for
services, and that these services are often necessary for families to remain in their homes (e.g., food
bank, medical services).
Five-Year Strategies (2012-2016)
Meridian has three strategies for its 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan.
Strategy No. 1: Improve access to affordable housing opportunities for Meridian
residents.
Strategy No. 2: Improve the lives of Meridian residents with special needs and
residents at-risk of homelessness.
Strategy No. 3: Improve economic opportunities in the city's LMI areas.
Strategy No. 1 (Affordable Housing): Improve access to affordable housing opportunities
for Meridian residents.
Objective 1.1: Address the need for affordable decent housing by supporting a down
payment assistance program for qualifying households.
HUD S~iecific Objective Category:
Availability/Affordability of
Decent Housing (DH-2)
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.•
7 households
^ Strategy No. 2 (Suitable Living Environment): Support services, programs and projects
for the city's LMI residents, including persons with special needs and residents at-risk of
homelessness.
Objective 2.1: Support public service activities that serve the city's LMI residents.
HUD S~iecific Objective Category:
Sustainability of Suitable
Living Environment (SL-3)
S year Coruolidated Plan Outcome.•
10,000 people
PAGE 10, EXECUTIVE SUMMARY BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
Objective 2.2: Invest in public facility improvements that serve persons with special needs
and low income residents, as well as public facility improvements located in the city's LMI
areas or serving LMI residents.
HUD S~iecifzc Objective Category:
Sustainability of Suitable
Living Environment (SL-3)
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.•
3 public facilities
^ Strategy No. 3 (Economic Opportunities): Improve economic opportunities in the city's
LMI areas.
Objective 3.1: Support public service activities that provide employment training or job
creation/retention for the city's LMI residents
HUD S~iecific Objective Category.•
Availability/Accessibility of
Economic Opporamiry (EO-1}
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.•
20 residents
Objective 3.2: Invest in public facility improvements or activities in the downtown
area that address one or more of the conditions which contributed to the deterioration
of the area.
HUD S~iecifzc Objective Category:
Availability/Accessibility of
Economic Opporamiry (EO-1}
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.•
2 businesses or public facilities
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING EXECUTIVE SUMMARY, PAGE 11
SECTION I.
Introduction
SECTION I.
Introduction
Purpose of the Consolidated Plan
Beginning in fiscal year 1995, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
required local communities and states to prepare a Consolidated Plan in order to receive federal
housing and community development funding. A Consolidated Plan is required of any city, county or
state that receives federal block grant funding for housing and community development funding,
including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergenry Shelter Grant (ESC), the
HOME Investment Partnerships Program and the Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
(HOPWA) program. Consolidated Plans are required to be prepared every three to five years; updates
are required annually.
The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is:
1. To identify a city's, county's or state's housing and community development (including
neighborhood and economic development) needs, priorities, goals and strategies; and
2. To stipulate how funds will be allocated to housing and community development activities.
Consolidated Plan and Action Plan. This report is the PY2012-2016 Five-year Consolidated
Plan for the City of Meridian (City). The city is eligible to receive CDBG funds annually.
CAPER. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is also required
yearly. The CAPER reports on how fiords were acaially spent (versus how proposed in the Action
Plan), the households that benefitted from the block grants and how well the jurisdiction met its
annual goals for housing and community development activities.
Fair housing requirement. HUD requires that recipients of its block grant fiends take actions to
affirmatively further fair housing choice and, as such, an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing
Choice (AI) is required every three to five years. In general, the AI is a review of impediments to fair
housing choice in the public and private sector. An update to Meridian's current AI was completed in
conjunction with this Consolidated Plan.
Compliance with Consolidated Plan Regulations
This PY2012-2016 Consolidated Plan was prepared in accordance with Sections 91.100 through
91.230 of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's Consolidated Plan regulations.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION I, PAGE 1
Lead Agency and Participating Organizations
The City of Meridian's Department of Community Development Planning Division administers the
city's annual allocation of the Comnnmiry Development Block Grant, or CDBG.
For Program Year 2012(PY2012), the city is estimated to receive $256,727 in CDBG.
CDBG is both the oldest and largest of the HUD programs for housing and community
development. CDBG can be used for a variety of activities including:
^ Public infrastructure improvements (streets, sidewalks) in CDBG eligible areas or to support
affordable housing development;
^ Removal of accessibility barriers;
^ Loans or grants to business for hiring of lower income workers;
^ Provision of supportive service dollars to social service organizations;
^ Demolition of property;
^ Construction and rehabilitation of community facilities including those that help special needs
populations (e.g., homeless shelters); and
^ Down payment assistance for homeownership.
The Ciry retained BBC Research & Consulting (BBC) of Denver to complete the Five-year
Consolidated Plan and assist with the 2012 Action Plan.
Organization of Report
The Consolidated Plan is organized into six sections and five appendices.
^ The Executive Summary summarizes the top housing and community development needs for
Meridian and details how the city intends to allocate CDBG in the next five years.
^ Section / is the introduction to the report.
^ Section 11 contains an analysis of the housing market in Meridian. It also provides demographic
information and discusses the location and availability of assisted housing.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION I, PAGE 2
^ Section 111 reports the findings from the public and stakeholder outreach process conducted for
the Consolidated Plan. This process included a survey of residents that asked them to assign a
priority rank to housing and community development needs, community meetings with
stakeholders and residents; and interviews of stakeholders who work with low income and special
needs populations.
^ Section /V contains the city's Five-year Strategic Plan.
Appendix A -Citizen Participation Plan, along with any comments received during the 30-day
public comment period.
Index of HUD Requirements
The following table serves as an index for the HUD Consolidated Plan reviewer. It identifies the
HUD Consolidated Plan and Action Plan requirements (as specified in the Consolidated Plan Review
Guidance list) and shows where the items are located in this document.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION I, PAGE 3
Figure 1-1.
Consolidated
Plan, HUD
Regulations
Index
Source:
BBC Research &
Consulting.
Stand Alone Executive Summary
HUD required tables
Proposed outcomes
Proposed NRSA or target area
Consultation process and list of organizations participating
in Consolidated Plan
Citizen Participation Plan
Citizen comments
Lead agency
Estimated housing needs by family type for five-year period
Disproportionate need
Discussion of nature and extent of homelessness, including by
racial/ethnic group
Homeless facilities and services, including an estimate of the
percentage of beds and supportive service programs serving
chronically homeless
Homeless strategy
Estimated supportive housing needs of non-homeless persons
Estimated number of housing units with lead-based paint hazards
Executive Summary
Section IV, beginning on page 10
Begins in Executive Summary,
Page 10. Also Section IV.
None
Section III. Also Section IV/Page 2.
Appendix A
Section IV/Page 6
Introduction /Page 2
Strategic Plan /Page 8
Strategic Plan /Page 13
Section II /Page 8-10
Strategic Plan /Page 21
Strategic Plan /Page 27
Strategic Plan /Page 16
Strategic Plan /Page 26. Also
Section II/Page 26
Description of significant characteristics of the housing market Section II
Areas of low income and minority concentrations, including Section II /Page 3,4,7
definition of concentration
Units expected to be lost from the inventory of assisted housing Strategic Plan/Page 20
Facilities and services needed to assist non-homeless persons in Strategic Plan /Page 16
need of supportive housing
Barriers to affordable housing and strategies to remove barriers Strategic Plan /Various
Barriers sections
Estimate of the number of vacant and abandoned buildings and Not available
suitability for rehabilitation
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION I, PAGE 4
Figure 1-1. (cont'd)
Consolidated Flan,
HUD Regulations
Index
Source:
BBC Research & Consulting.
Basis for priority assignments
Obstacles to meeting underserved needs
Priorities, objectives, outcomes
(accomplishments) and resources
Affordable housing needs, basis for priorities
Justification for use of TB RA
Priority non-housing community
development needs and goals
Actions proposed to evaluate and reduce
lead-based paint hazards
Anti-poverty strategy
Institutional structure
Coordination
Public housing strategies
Monitoring
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan /Various
Obstacles sections
Executive Summary/Page 10 and
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan
N/A
Executive Summary/Page 10 and
Strategic Plan
Strategic Plan /Page 19
Strategic Plan /Page 32
Strategic Plan /Page 1
Strategic Plan /Page 1
No PHA units in Meridian. PHA
initiatives discussed in Strategic
Plan /Page 20
Action Plan
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION I, PAGE 5
SECTION I1.
Housing and Community Development
SECTION II.
Housing and Community Development
This section partially fulfills HUD's Consolidated Plan requirements for an analysis of Housing and
Homeless Needs Assessment, the Housing Market Analysis and required elements of the Strategic
Plan for the Ciry of Meridian. The remaining requirements are fulfilled in the Strategic Plan.
The primary data sources for the demographic and housing profile include the following: the Census
(2010), American Community Survey (ACS) 1-year (2010), 3-year (2008-2010) and 5-year (2005-
2009) estimates, Claritas (2010), COMPASS, and the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BL.S).
Population and Household Composition
Population growth. The current population in Meridian is 75,0)2. Meridian is a fast growing
community that has more than doubled its population in the last 10 years. In fact, Meridian
accounted for 44 percent of Ada County's growth in the last 10 years.
Figure 11-1.
Population of Cities ~
within Ada County, ,,, _ _
2000 and 201 O
Meridian 34,919 75,092 115% 12%
Source:
2000 and 2010 U.S. Census. Boise 185,787 205,671 11 % 1
Eagle 11,085 19,908 80% 8%
Garden City 10,624 10,972 3% 0%
Kuna 5,382 15,210 183% 18%
Star 1,795 5,793 223% 22%
Ada County Total 300,904 392,365 30% 3%
Age. Like many commu nities in the U.S., Meridian's popula tion is aging. The city's popu lation
contains a larger proportion of Baby Boomers and seniors now than 10 years ago.
Figure 11-2.
Age Distribution, ~ ~ ~ ~ ~
City of Meridian,
2000 and 201 O
Infants and Toddlers (Age 0 [0 4) 3,973 119'0 6,981 9%
School Aged Children (Age 5 to 19) 8,493 24% 19,685 26%
Source:
College Aged Adults (Age 20 to 24)
1,717 5%
3,296
4%
2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.
Young Adults (Age 25 to 44) 12,964 37% 22,875 300
Baby Boomers (Age 45 to 64) 5,521 16% 15,542 21%
Seniors (Age 65 and older) 2,251 6% 6,713 9%
Senior residents currently comprise 9 percent of the city's population. As demonstrated in Figure II-3>
there are three block groups within the city that contain a relatively large proportion of seniors. One
of the block groups (tract 103.22, block group 2) encompasses the core of the downtown business
district.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 1
Figure II-3.
Percent Seniors of
Total Population by
Block Group, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
2010 U.S. Census.
Rate and ethnitity. The City of Meridian is largely racially White (92 percent) and ethnically non-
Hispanic (93 percent). The city's Hispanic population has been the fastest growing racial or ethnic
group in the last 10 years, and now comprises 7 percent of the city's population, compared with just 3
percent in 2000. As displayed in the "change in proportion" column on the right, all non-White
racial groups now account for a slightly larger proportion of the city's population compared to 2000.
Figure II-4.
Race and Ethnicity, City of Meridian, 2010
American Indian and Alaska Native 11 7 0.3% 375 0.5% 0.2%
Asian 516 1.5% 1,345 1.8% 0.3%
Black or African American 43 0.1 % 573 0.8% 0.6%
Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander 66 0.2% 106 0.1 % 0.0%
White 32,776 94.0% 69,071 92.0% -2.0%
Some other race 479 1.4% 1,449 1.9% 0.6%
Two or more races 861 2.5% 2,173 2.9% 0.4%
Hispanic/Latino 1,128 3.2% 5,111 6.8°k 3.6°6
Non-Hispanic/Latino 33,730 96.8% 69,981 93.2% -3.6%
Source: 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 2
Racial and ethnic concentration. This report examines racial and ethnic concentrations in
Meridian using HUD's definitions of disproportionate need and minority area/impacted area.
According to HUD, a disproportionate greater need exists when the percentage of persons in a
category of need who are members of a particular racial or ethnic group is at least 10 percentage
points higher than the percentage of persons in the category as a whole. Using this definition, an area
of racial and ethnic concentration is defined as where the percentage of persons in a particular race or
ethnicity is at least 10 percentage points higher than the percentage of persons in the category for the
city as a whole.
The following maps show the proportions of Non-White and Hispanic residents by Census block
group for the Ciry of Meridian. The concentration thresholds used for the concentration maps are:
^ Non-White. In 2010, 8 percent of residents in the city reported their race as something other
than White. Census block groups that have 18 percent and more non-White residents are
concentrated by the disproportionate need definition.
^ H ispanie concentrations. In 2010, 7 percent of residents in the city reported their ethnicity as
Hispanic. Census blocks that have 17 percent and more Hispanic residents are concentrated by
the disproportionate need definition.
The maps also report areas that HUD terms "minority areas" or "racially/ethnically-impacted areas"
which are block groups in which minority populations are 20 percentage points higher than the City
of Meridian overall.
As demonstrated in Figures II-5 and II-6, there are no areas of concentration or any impact areas in
the city. The Census block group with the largest proportion of non-White residents (14%) is block
group 2 of Census tract 103.22, which encompasses the city's downtown business district. The
Census block group with the largest proportion of Hispanic residents (14 percent) is block group 2 of
tract 103.21. This block group lies adjacent to the city's main downtown area.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 3
Figure II-S.
Concentration of
Non-White
Residents, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
2010 U.S. Census.
Figure II-6.
Concentration of
Hispanic/Latino
Residents, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
2010 U.S. Census.
~~
Legend ' 1
i65'
Less than 5.0% 7
~r I
S.0% to 18.0%
_ More than 18.0%
Impacted Area I ~~
-_ - ~ - ,
~j ~y~
f['_ ..._...
___-...~
v
Legend
u'
Less than 5.096
S.0?G to 17.0% ~" '
i
_ Mure than 17.0% a ~'
Impacted Area
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 4
Type of households. Seventy-nine percent of the city's households are family households, including
64 percent husband and wife families. By comparison, family households comprise a much larger
proportion of Meridian's household composition than neighboring Boise. Family households only
account for 59 percent of Boise's households, and 44 percent of Boise's households are husband and
wife families.
Figure II-7.
Household Composition,
City of Meridian, 2010
Family Households 19,916 79%
Source:
zolou.s.census. Husband-wife family 16,173 64%
with children 8,859 35%
without children 7,314 29%
Male Householder - no wife 1,117 4%
with children 777 3%
without children 340 1%
Female Householder - no husband 2,626 10%
with children 1,761 7%
without children 865 3%
Nonfamily Households 5,386 21%
Total Households 25,302 100%
Seven percent of Meridian's households are single female households with children. Families
comprised of a single female householder and children are far more likely to live in poverty, and may
require some form of public assistance to afford housing and other basic needs. This is certainly the
case in Meridian. For example, 5 percent of all Meridian families live in poverty compared with 13
percent of all single female headed households and 45 percent of female households with children
tender the age of 5 years old. As demonstrated in Figure II-8, female-headed households are most
likely to reside in the city's downtown area.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE S
Figure II-8.
Geographic
Distribution of
Single Female
Households with
Children, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
2010 U.S. Census.
Legend
less than 5.096
SA9n to 15.0%
Male than 15.096
Income and poverty. The American Community Survey (ACS) estimated the city's 2010 median
household income at $60,230. Meridian's households earn more than state and national residents; the
median household income is $43,490 in Idaho and $50,046 for the U.S. overall.
Figure II-) displays Meridian's household income distribution. Meridian households are most likely
to earn between $25,000 and $50,000 per year. Sixteen percent of the city's households earn less than
$25,000 per year, which qualify as low income households using HUD's income definitions.
Figure 11-9.
Household Income
Distribution, City of
Meridian, 2010
Source:
2010 American Community Survey.
Less than $10,000 1,012 4'%
$10,000 to $24,999 3,140 12%
$25,000 to $49,999 6,563 2S%
$50,000 to $74,999 6,370 24%
$75,000 to $99,999 3,473 13%
$100,000 to $149,999 2,911 11%
$1 50,000 or more 2,563 10%
Figure II-10 displays the geographic distribution of the city's lowest income households by Census
block group. Two block groups contain more than 26 percent low income households. By HUD's
definition of disproportionate need, these two block groups contain a concentration of low income
households in the city. Both block groups are located in downtown Meridian.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 6
Figure II-10.
Geographic
Distribution of Low
Income Households,
City of Meridian,
2010
Note:
Households earning less than
$25,000 per year used as a
proxy for low income.
source:
201 o aar~tas.
zap
i
.`;'sR
inr.,,
I-~_
F.,..,a„
,,. ~.
I
v
66'
Legend
Lr.; than 10.0% e.'
1 u Cwo [0 2b.0% ~x
l
- Clore than 26.040
Median Family Income (MFI) is used by HUD and state and local policy makers to qualify
households for various housing programs. According to HUD, the MFI for the Boise-Nampa MSA in
2012 was $62,900. The following classifications utilize MFI to define income levels according to
HUD's categorization:
^ Extremely low-30 percent and less of MFI ($18,870 and less);
^ Very low-31 to 50 percent of MFI ($18,871 to $31,450);
^ Low and moderate-51 to 80 percent ($31,451 to $50,320);
^ Above low and moderate-80 percent and above of MFI (more than $50,320);
Figure 11-11.
Household Income Distribution, City of
Meridian, 2010
30% of
MFI (11.0%)
sow of
MFI (11.8%)
Above 80%
MFI (58.8%)
~"`~ 80% of
MFI (18.3%)
Source: 2010 American Community Survey.
Figure II-11 shows the percentage of Meridian
households within each MFI category. The
largest proportion of households in Meridian
(59%) were considered "above low and
moderate income," earning more than $50,320.
These households would likely not qualify for
HUD-funded programs. Eleven percent of
Meridian's households earn less than 30 percent
of the local MFI and would be considered by
HUD's standards "very low income."
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 7
Meridian's 6 percent poverty rate is relatively low compared to the poverty rate in Idaho (16 percent)
and the U.S. (15 percent). Moreover, Meridian's child poverty rate of 7 percent is much lower than
the national child poverty rate of 21 percent. ~
Figure II-12 displays poverty rates by age group for Meridian residents. The city's college age students
have the highest poverty rate at 14 percent, which is not surprising given that many of these
individuals are likely enrolled in college or are just beginning careers. Moreover, this segment of the
population has been heavily impacted by the recent economic downtown. Surprisingly, only 1 percent
of the city's seniors are living in poverty. Given that this segment of the population often lives on a
fixed income, poverty rates among seniors are typically higher than 1 percent.
Figure II-12.
Poverty Status by Age, _
City of Meridian, 2010
Infants and Toddlers (Age 0 to 4) 520 10.9o/u 8.3%
source: School Aged Children (Age 5 to 1 7) 1,175 24.5% 6.2%
201 o American Community Survey. College Aged Adults (Age 18 to 24) SS1 11.5% 13.8%
Young Adults (Age 25 to 44) 1,71 S 35.8% 7.4%
Baby Boomers (Age 45 to 64) 763 15.9% 4.5%
Seniors (Age 65 and older) 65 1.4% 1.1%
Total 4, 789 l OOa/o
Homelessness
The State of Idaho conducts an annual Point in Time (PIT) Count of homeless individuals. The most
recently published PIT, conducted on January 25, 2012, reports homeless tabulations for seven
regions across the state. Region 7 includes only Ada County. To estimate the number of homeless, it
is assumed that the number of homeless individuals in Meridian represents the same proportion of
Ada County residents that are Meridian residents. In other words, approximately 19 percent of Ada
County residents live in Meridian, therefore approximately 19 percent of the Region 7 homeless
population (Ada County) is assumed to be located in Meridian. According to this count, there were
159 people who were homeless in Meridian. An estimated 119 of these people were individuals in
adult only households and 39 were persons in families with children.'
Homelessness in Meridian public schools. The McKinney-Vento Act is the first and only federal
legislative response to homelessness.; The Act was originally passed in 1987. It was amended in 1990
to expand programming to at-risk and homeless children, and to "specify in greater detail the
obligation of states and local educational agencies in assuring the access of homeless children and
youth to public education."~ It was amended again in 1994 to "provide local educational authorities
with greater flexibility in the use of grant funds," among other important changes impacting homeless
r Poverty rate includes all children under the age of 18. Data source is the 2010 U.S. Census.
The number of people within each homeless suhpopulation is provided in the Strategic Plan (Section IV), consistent with
HUD requirements.
s The National Coalition for the Homeless provides a fact sheet on the McKinney-Vento Act:
hrma/cc~cc~v.narinnalhnmeless.nr /nnhlicarinns/facts/McKinne~~_~f
4 The National Coalition Eor the Homeless provides a fact sheet on the McKinne}'-Vento Act:
hrma/cvcc~~.narinnalhnmeless.nrg/4~rrhlirarinns/Fac-rs/MrKinnP~ZrIF
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 8
parents and children.' The Meridian Joint School District No. 2 (district) is just one benefactor of
McKinney-Vento grant finding. The district uses grant funding for counseling homeless students and
has recently increased efforts to connect homeless students with community resources.
The McKinney-Vento Act defines homelessness as "individuals who lack a fixed, regular and adequate
nighttime residence." Children and youth sharing the housing of other persons due to loss of housing
or economic hard or living in temporary housing such as hotels, campgrounds, shelters, cars or other
public spaces are all considered homeless by McKinney-Vento Act's definition of homelessness.
Anecdotally, most of Meridian's homeless students and their families are homeless because they are
sharing housing with other related and unrelated families.
According to interviews with Meridian stakeholders, the nature of homelessness has changed in
Meridian. In the last five years, homelessness has gone from primarily impacting the city's working
class population to affecting a more economically diverse group of residents stnlggling with
unemployment and foreclosures. As such, the number of homeless children and youth in the
Meridian School District has increased. Daring the 2005/2006 school year, there were 172 homeless
students enrolled in the district. This increased to 464 students in 2010/2011. As of October 2011,
160 homeless students have been identified for the current school year, which is substantially higher
than the number identified in October of last year.
It should be noted that the Meridian School District extends beyond the City of Meridian
boundaries. Not all children identified as being homeless are Meridian residents. During the
2010/2011 school year, 262 of the 464 (56 percent) homeless students were attending schools located
in Meridian.
Figure II-13 displays the number of homeless students identified in the school district in the last six
school years. It is assumed that approximately half of all homeless children in the School District
reside in Meridian.
Figure II-13.
Homeless Students Attending zoos to zoo6
Meridian Joint School District
No. 2, 2005 to 2011 zoo6 to zoo?
u 2007 to 2008
Source: Y
Meridian Joint School District No. 2 ~
O
~ 2008 to 2009
N
2009 to 2010
2010 to 2011
s Ibid.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 9
0 50 100 150 200 250 300 350 400 450 500
Number of Homeless Children
Racial and ethnic homelessness. To estimate the number of homeless by racial and ethnic group,
the same methodology is used as is used for the homeless population overall: approximately 19
percent of Ada County residents live in Meridian, therefore approximately 1) percent of the Region 7
homeless population by race and ethnicity (Ada County) is assumed to be located in Meridian. Figure
II-14 breaks down the city's homeless population by race and ethnicity.
Figure II-14.
Homeless Population by Race and Ethnicity, City of Meridian, 2012
American Indian or Alaska Native 5.0 1.0 6.0 3.8%
Asian 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.6%
Black or African American 4.8 0.0 6.0 3.8%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 6.0 0.0 1.0 0.6%
White 114.0 7.6 122.0 76.7%
Two or more races 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0%
Hispanic/Latino 11.0 0.0 11.0 6.9%
Note: Homeless residents were allowed to chose more ffian one racial or ethnic category. Data by race and ethnicity do not add to homeless count.
Source: State of Idaho 2012 Point-in-Time Count.
There is a higher proportion of American Indian/Alaska Native and African American/Black homeless
residents in Meridian compared to the city overall. For example, less than 1 percent of the city's
residents identify themselves as American Indian/Alaska Native, compared to 4 percent of the city's
homeless population.
Characteristics of homeless. Figure II-15 displays subpopulation demographics and disabling
characteristics of the city's homeless population. Again, the same methodology is used to estimate
from the PIT count the proportional characteristics of homeless in the Ciry of Meridian (estimated to
be 1) percent.)
Figure II-15.
Disabling Characteristics of Homeless
Population, City of Meridian, 2012
Source:
State of Idaho 2012 Point-in-Time Count.
Veterans 26
Victims of Domestic Violence 19
Substance Abuse 33
Serious Mental Illness 22
Serious Physical Illnesss/Disability 16
Other/ Prefer Not to Disclose 11
The most common disabling characteristics are substance abuse and serious mental illness. For many
of these residents, their homeless status will not end until they are connected with necessary mental
health and rehabilitation services.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 10
At-risk of homelessness. In addition to those who have experienced homelessness in the past or
are captured in a point-in-time estimate of current homelessness, there are some residents in Meridian
that are at risk of future homelessness because they cannot afford their current apartment or home, or
are living in temporary sialations.
A lower bound estimate of the city's population of persons at risk of homelessness can be calculated
using HUD's Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data from 2000. The CHAS
data provide estimates of severe cost-burden and housing need for low income households with
various characteristics. In general, households with the highest risk factors for homelessness tend to
have the lowest incomes and have trouble paying their housing costs. They are also more likely to be
renters and have limited social supports.
Figure II-16 shows the estimated number of persons at risk of homelessness by household category for
the City of Meridian. The estimates in Figure II-16 apply incidence rates from CHAS data to 2010
Census estimates. There are an estimated 1,030 households currently at risk of homelessness.
Figure II-16.
At-risk of Homelessness: ' ' ~ '
Extremely Low Income
and Severely Cost Renters Total At Risk
Burdened Households, Elderly 52 Elderly 224
City of Meridian, Small families 290 Small families 471
Large families 54 Large families 11 9
source: Others 151 Others 216
BBC Research and Consulting, 2000
Owners
and 2010 Census, and SOCDS CHAS Total at risk
database. Elderly 172 for homelessness 1,030
Small families 181
Large families 65
Others 65
As the ciry's only food bank resource, the Meridian Food Bank works closely with the ciry's at-risk
population. The food bank has experienced an increase in the total number of clients accessing the
food bank, as well as first time food bank clients. According to the staff at the food bank,
approximately 41,500 individuals accessed the food bank between January and October 2011, which
was higher than the total number of persons visiting the food bank for all of 2010 (41,098).
Approximately 5,000 individuals were served at the food bank in October 2011, which was the largest
number of clients the food bank served in a month since its inception seven years ago. Of those
clients served in October 2011, 134 clients were visiting the food bank for the first time. In fact,
between January and October 2011, 1,028 clients were using the food bank for the first time,
indicating a growing need for food services in Meridian.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 11
According to food bank staff, the demographic and household profile of food bank clients has
changed in recent years. For example, it has become increasingly common for multiple heads of
household to reside in the same home, indicating that more households are "doubling-up" to save on
housing costs. Food bank administrators also noted an increase in households where spouses have left
the area to find work outside of Meridian, and the remaining family members still reside in the area
until the home is sold.`
Economic Characteristics
Unemployment. In the midst of the recent economic recession, the Boise region and the Ciry of
Meridian have not been immune to increases in unemployment. The city and the region experienced
substantial job loss between 2007 and 2009, which resulted in unemployment rates in Meridian
growing from 2.5 percent to 7.`) percent between 2007 and 200). Meridian's unemployment rates have
historically trended below the MSA, the state and the U.S., and it remains that way in October 2011.
A
C
C
d
T
0
a
E
d
c
2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011
(October)
Note Daly are not seasonally adjusted annual averages.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics.
6 This is anecdotal information. There is no data to support changing demographics among food bank users.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 12
Figure II-17.
Unemployment Rate, Boise MSA, Idaho, U.S, 2000 to 2011
Jobs and wages. As demonstrated in Figure II-18, Ada County's employment base is largely
associated with service jobs (85%) that pay an average annual wages of $37>000 per year.
Manufacturing jobs pay the highest wages in the county; however, they only comprise) percent of
the county's total employment. Overall, the county's private sector employment oppornlnities pay an
average of $40,000 per year.
Figure II-18.
Employment and Wages,
Ada County, 1 Q2011
Note: Goods Producing 23,252 14.6% $58,344
Employment data only available by county.
Source: Natural Resources and Mining 722 0.5% $32,084
Bureau of Labor Statistics. ConstrUCtlOn 8,118 5.1% $39,156
Manufacturing 14,412 9.0% $70,512
Servicing Producing 136,317 85.4~h $37,024
Trade, Transportation, and Utilities 36,306 22.8% $36,036
Information 3,514 2.2% $46,072
Financial Activities 10,661 6.7% $51,688
Professional and Business Services 32,785 20.5% $43,680
Education and Health Services 30,241 19.0% $39,936
Leisure and Hospitality 17,649 11.1% $14,664
Other Services 5,143 3.2% $24,024
Unclassified 18 0.0% $50,908
Total Private Employment 159,568 $40,092
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 1 3
Largest employers. Figure II-19 displays the largest employers in the Boise-Nampa MSA. Many of
the region's largest employers have multiple locations, some of which are in Meridian (e.g., St. Luke's
Regional Medical System, Wal-Mart). The Meridian Joint School District No. 2 is the fifth largest
employer in the region with 4,000 employees. The school district is very large, and does extend
outside the city's boundaries. Most of the region's largest private sector employers included in Figure
II-17 are located in Boise. Meridian's employment base is primarily comprised of smaller firms
involved in retail and services.
Figure 11-19.
Major Employers, Boise City-Nampa MSA, 2011
State of Idaho 8,489 Government
St. Luke's Regional Medical System 7,677 Healthcare Services
Micron Technology, Inc. 5,000 Semi Conductor Mfg.
WalMart 4,235 Retail/Grocery
Meridian Joint School District #2 4,000 Education
Boise State University 3,952 Education
St. Alphonsus Regional Medical System 3,407 Healthcare Services
Hewlett-Packard Company 4,000 Laser Printing Div
Albertson's/ASupervaluCompany 2,500 Grocery/Retail
Ada and Canyon County 2,308 Government
Boise School District 2,200 Education
IDACorp. (Idaho Power) 1,961 Utility
J. R. Simplot 1,800 HQ/Food Production
Nampa School District 1,700 Education
City of Boise 1,600 Government
DirecN 1,400 Customer Service
Citi 1,250 Inbound -Credit Card Sales/Service
Darmody Enterprises (Mc Donald's) 1,250 Retail Food
Veteran's Affairs/Medical Center 1,250 Healthcare Services
Fred Meyer 1,200 Retail/Grocery
WDS Global Services 1,100 Customer Service Call Center
EDS 1,000 Inbound - 3rd Party (military)
Teleperformance USA 950 Inbound Customer Service
Vallivue School District #139 950 Education
URS 900 Construction/Engineering Services
(Gov't, Mininq St Power Industries)
Source: Boise Valley Economic Partnership
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 14
Housing Market Analysis
Development trends. Figure II-20 displays the number of residential building permits issued in
Meridian. As is the case in many communities, residential permitting peaked in the middle portion of
the last decade and drastically declined starting in 2007.
Figure II-20.
Residential Permits, 2001
City of Meridian, zooz
2001 to 2010
2003
Source: 2004
COMPASS. 2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
Figure II-21 displays the percent of regional permits issued in Meridian between 2001 and 2010.
Meridian typically accounts for approximately 30 percent of the region's residential development.
This was not the case, however, in 2006 and 2007, where more regional development occurred
outside the city.
Figure 11-21.
Percent of Regional Permits,
City of Meridian, 2001 to 2010
2001
zooz
200 3
2004
2005
2006
2007
2008
2009
2010
1 3.1%
113.9%
-24.3%
31.5°/a
30.0%
21.2%
.17.4%
-^ 28.8%
31.6°/a
32.7%
Source:
COMPASS.
0% S% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40% 100%
Percent of Regional Total
Figure II-22 examines the number of permits issued in Meridian by product type. According to
permit data, single family units comprised much of the city's development in the last 10 years.
Assuming permits resulted in built units, the largest proportion of multifamily units was constructed
in 2008 when 26 percent of all permits were issued for multifamily development.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 15
0 500 1,000 1,500 2,000 2,500 3,000 3,500 4,000
Number of Residential Permits
Figure II-22.
Percent of Regional Permits by Product Type, City of Meridian, 2001 to 201 O
Note: Percentages based on estimates with imputations.
Source: U.S. Census Building Permit Estimates.
Housing supply. There are currently 26,674 housing units in the City of Meridian. The vacanry
rate reported in the 2010 Census was 5.1 percent, indicating that 1,372 of the ciry's housing units
were vacant at the time of the Census. Most units were vacant because they were either for sale (612)
or for rent (293).
The city's housing market has experienced remarkable growth in the last 20 years. The city had
approximately 3,700 housing units in 1990 and 12,300 in 2000. The 600 percent increase in the size
of the city's housing inventory since 1990 has resulted in the city's evolution from a small farm
community to the 3`~ largest community in Idaho.
Tenure. Between 1990 and 2000, the proportion of homeowners in the city grew from 71 percent to
84 percent. However, the percentage of homeowners decreased in the last 10 years and currently
stands at 77 percent, which indicates that 23 percent of the city's households currently rent their
home.
Figure II-23.
Housing Tenure, City of
Meridian, 1990, 2000 and
2010
Source:
1990, 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.
1990
2000
2070
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 16
2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010
100°10 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
Renter
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Homeowner
The stiving in the city's homeownership rate has been dramatic, and is likely the result of changes to
the ciry's housing composition, overall population growth and tightening of the credit market. As the
city's job base becomes more robust and begins attracting more regional employers, the city's
workforce and residents have likely also diversified. Some of these new residents will rent. The city
may have lost some homeowners during the economic downturn of the last few years. While there are
renters in the city waiting to become homeowners, it has become increasingly more difficult to obtain
financing.
Eagle and Kuna are the only Ada County communities with homeownership rates higher than
Meridian. Both communities had homeownership rates of about 80 percent in the 2010 Census.
Figure II-24.
Housing Tenure in
Boise MSA, 1990,
2000 and 201 O
Source:
1990, 2000 and 2010 U.S. Census.
Eagle
Kuna
Meridian
Star
Nampa
Garden City
Boise
81.6%
Type. Despite the extensive growth in the local housing market, the distribution by type of housing
unit has changed very little in the last few years. This means that housing construction in the last 10
years reflected the ciry's existing housing stock in 2000. The city has lost some of its existing mobile
home stock, which has resulted in a larger proportion of single family detached units.
Figure 11-25.
Distribution by Type
of Housing Unit, City
of Meridian, 2000
and 201 O
Source:
2000 U.S. Census and 2008-2010
American Community Survey.
Detached
Single
Family
Attached
2 to 4 Units
5 to 50 Units
50 or more units
Mobile Homes
8s.z~°
88.29'0
2.696
2000
2.996
6.096
4.7%
1.4%
0.896
0.396
1 796 ^ 2010
4.596
1.896
095 2095 4096 6096 8096 100°.5
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 1 7
100% 80% 60% 40% 20% 0%
Renter
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100°/a
Homeowner
Age. Given the city's rapid growth in the last 20 years, it's no surprise that nearly 90 percent of the
city's housing units were constructed after 1990. However, there are homes in Meridian constructed
in the 1970x, indicating that 6 percent of the city's homes are approaching 40 years of age. Figure II-
26 displays the age distribution of the city's housing stock.
Figure II-26.
Age Distribution of Housing Stock, City Built 2005 or later
of Meridian, 201 O Built 2000 to 2004
Built 1990 to 1999
Source: Built 1980 to 1989
2010 American Community Survey. Built 1970 to 1979
Built 1960 to 1969
Built 1950 to 1959
Built 1940 to 1949
Built 1939 or earlier
Housing demand and cost. This section discusses the cost of housing for both rental and
homeownership housing. It then discusses demand and gaps in provision of housing to determine the
greatest housing needs in Meridian.
Rental costs. The gross median rent in the Ciry of Meridian in 2010 was $965> which was an
increase of 53 percent from the 2000 median rent of $629. The city's median gross rent is
significantly higher than the median gross rent for Ada County overall ($751), as well as neighboring
Boise $718.
Figure II-27 displays the distribution of gross rental rates within the City of Meridian in 2000 and
2010. In the last 10 years, the city's rental rates have become increasingly more expensive. In 2000,
residents would be challenged to find a unit requiring a rent of $1,000 or more; currently, half the
city's rental units have rents of $1,000 or more.
The Census Bureau defines gross rent as "the amount of the contract rent plus the estimated average monthl}~ cost of
utilities (electricity, gas, water and sewer) and fuels (oil, coal, kerosene, wood, etc.) if these are paid for by d1e renter (or paid
for the renter by someone eLse).
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 18
Og'o 10% 20g'o 30% 40% 100%
Figure II-27.
Gross Rental Rate Less than $250
Distribution ,City of
Meridian, 2000 and 2010
$250 to $499
Source: $500 to $749
2000 and ZO10 Cenniz.
$750 to $999
$1,000 to $1,249
$1,250 to $1,499
$1,500 ar mare
Renter incomes have increased in the last 10 years to account for increased rental rates. The median
household income of a renter household in 2000 was $27,148; it was $38,494 in 2010. While the
city's median renter household income did not grow as quickly rental rates in Meridian, the median
household income of renters is enough to afford the city's median gross rental rate.
Despite increases in renter's income, the city's median rental rates now require a larger proportion of
renters' household income. Median gross rent as a percentage of renter household income in 2000
was 26 percent; the 2010 ACS reported that the percentage had increased to 33 percent. HUD's
generally accepted definition of affordability is for "a household to pay no more than 30 percent of its
annual income on housing."s On average, Meridian's renter households slightly exceed HUD's
affordability standard.
Rental gaps. To understand more specifically where the rental market in Meridian fails to meet
residents' needs, we performed an exercise called a "gaps analysis." The gaps exercise compares the
supply of rental housing at various price points to the number of households who can afford such
housing. If there are more rental units than households, the market is "over-supplying" rental housing
at that price range. Conversely, if there are too few units, the market is "under-supplying" housing.
Figure II-28 displays the results of the rental market gaps analysis.
s htrpa/www_hud_gov/offices/end/affordahlehousin~/
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 19
0% 10% ZO% 30% 40% SO% IUU%
Figure II-28.
Mismatch in Rental Market by Household Income, City of Meridian, 2010
Less than $10,000 682 12% $ 250 229 4% (453)
$10,000 to $14,999 442 8% $ 375 197 3% (245)
$15,000 to $19,999 336 6% $ 500 74 1% (262)
$20,000 to $24,999 270 5% $ 625 153 2% (11 7)
$25,000to $34,999 703 13% $ 875 1,768 29% 1,065
$35,000 to $49,999 1,037 18% $ 1,250 2,804 46% 1,767
$50,000 to $74,999 1,371 24% $ 1,875 775 1 3% (596)
$75,000 to $99,999 357 6% $ 2,500 147 2% (210)
$100,000 to $149,999 288 5% $ 3,750 0 0% (288)
$150,000 or mare 123 2% $ 3,751 0 0% (123)
Tota I 5, 609 100% 6,14 7
Source: BBC Research & Consulting
As shown in Figure II-28, there are 682 renters earning less than $10,000 per year living in
Meridian-but just 229 units to serve them. This leaves a shortage of 453 units for the city's lowest
income households. These renters have such low incomes that they can only afford to pay $250 per
month in rent and utilities (based on 30% of household income for housing costs).
Altogether, the City's rental gap is 1,077 for renters earning less than $25>000 per year. Renters
earning more than this can find an adequate supply of units. In particular, renters earning between
$25,000 and $50,000 have an abundance of units affordable to them. The City's highest income
renters could pay more in rent than what the market has available to serve them; however, these
renters likely pay less than their maximum affordable rent to save for a down payment for a home
purchase.
Owner costs. The median value of an owner-occupied home in the City of Meridian is $190,400
according to the 2010 Census. By comparison the median home value in Boise is $188,900.
In 2000, the Census estimated Meridian's median home value to be at $119,800. Based on these
estimates, the median has increased by $70,600 (59 percent), or by an average of $7>060 per year.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 20
Figure II-29 demonstrates how the city's owner-occupied housing market has changed in the last 10
years. More than half the city's homes were valued between $100,000 and $150,000 in 2000. Many
of those homes likely appreciated between 2000 and 2010, and are now valued higher than $150,000.
Additional changes to the distribution of the city's housing market are likely attributed to new
construction that occurred in the last 10 years. New construction likely favored homes valued at
$200,000 or more.
Figure II-29.
Owner-Occupied Home Less than $SO,000
Value Distribution, City
of Meridian, 2000 and $50,000 to $99,999
2010
$100,000 to $149,999
Source:
2000 and 2010 Census. $150,000 to $199,999
$200,000 to $299,999
$300,000 to $499,999
$500,000 to $999,999
$1,000,000 or more
The housing market downturn impacted Meridian profoundly both in sales activity and sales prices.
In the last four years, the average sales price has declined by 37 percent. And, 2010 produced the
lowest number of annual sales of the last five years.
Figure 11-30.
Frequency and Average Sales Price
of MLS Sales, City of Meridian, 2006 to 201 O
2006 3,271 $ 269,515
2007 1,864 $ 167,924
Source:
2008
1,464
$
234,706
COMPASS and Intermountain MLS.
2009 1,614 $ 187,171
2010 1,426 $ 168,547
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 21
0°h 10°.6 20°.6 3036 4036 50% 60°.6 10036
Figure II-31 maps the 2010 median sales price by Census tract. There was no portion of the city that
did not experience a decline in home prices in the last five years. Average sales prices declined by 35 to
40 percent in every Census tract in the city but one (103.31).
Figure II-31.
Average MLS
Sales Price
by Census
Tract, City of
Meridian,
2010
Source:
COMPASS and
Intermountain MLS .
~
_ ---- 20 _
- -
1 -
. - _ _
6 6
F~•r ~i
v
r
11. 1 1
103.13 $305,631 $197,150
-35.546
- -
~~
103
21 $208
229 $130
599 -37
3°
6
.
,
, .
,
103.22 $170,319 $103,177 -39.446
103.31 $338,371 $233,869 -30.946
103.32 $251,264 $160,474 -36.196 1 -.
103.33 $251,640 $162,566 -35.4%
103.34 $222,421 $139,081 -37.5~k
103.35 $285,419 $172,668 -39.5~~5
155
Legend
Less than 5150,000
1
5150,000 to 8200,000 -
s91
_ More than $200,000
Homeownership gaps. Figures II-32 and II-33 present the findings from the homeownership gaps
analysis. Figure II-32 presents the analysis for renters transitioning into homeownership. Figure II-33
presents the analysis for current homeowners.
As demonstrated in Figure II-32, renters earning $35>000 or less make up 44 percent of all renters in
the city. However, these 2,433 renter households only have about 13 percent of the city's owner
occupied housing units to choose from if they are looking to buy. The cumulative proportion of
affordable units to buy increases substantially for renters earning $35,000 to $50,000 per year: renters
earning at least $50,000 are able to afford 47 percent of homeownership units. In other words if a
renter is not earning at least $35,000 it is difficult to own a home.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 22
Figure II-32.
Market Options for Renters Wanting to Buy, City of Meridian, 201 O
Less than $10,000 682 1296 $ 39,840 396 395 -995
$10,000to$14,999 442 896 $ 59,757 096 495 -795
$15,000 to $19,999 336 696 $ 79,677 096 495 -695
$20,000to$24,999 270 596 $ 99,597 196 595 -495
$25,000 to $34,999 703 1396 $ 139,437 896 1395 -495
$35,000to$49,999 1,037 1896 $ 199,198 3496 4795 1695
$SO,000to$74,999 1,371 2496 $ 298,799 3696 8395 1295
$75,000to$99,999 357 696 $ 398,400 1195 9595 595
$100,000 to $149,999 288 596 $ 597,602 596 9995 -195
$150,000 or more 123 295 $ 597,603 195 10095 -195
Total 5,609 10090 10096
Source: BBC Research & Consulting.
As seen in Figure II-33, the city's homeownership market is well-suited for households earning
$35>000 or more per year. The gap for households earning $75,000 or more demonstrates that the
city's highest income households will find Meridian's housing market relatively affordable.
The city has a relatively small proportion of low income homeowners. Some of these homeowners are
likely seniors who purchased their homes a number of years ago and now live on a fixed income.
Figure 11-33.
Mismatch in Homeownership Market by Household Income, City of Meridian, 2010
Less than $10,000
$10,000 to $14,999
$15,000 to $19,999
$20,000 to $24,999
$25,000 to $34,999
$35,000 to $49,999
$50,000 to $74,999
$75,000 to $99,999
$100,000 to $149,999
$150,000 or more
Total
Source: BBC Research & Consulting.
356 2% $ 39,840 607 3% 3% 251
344 2% $ 59,757 91 0% 4% (253)
505 3% $ 79,677 18 0% 4% (487)
769 4% $ 99,597 165 1% 5% (604)
1,487 8% $ 139,437 1,619 8% 13% 132
2,125 11% $ 199,198 6,698 34% 47% 4,573
5,002 26% $ 298,799 7,045 36% 83% 2,043
3,939 20% $ 398,400 2,227 11% 95% (1,712)
3,086 16% $ 597,602 888 5% 99% (2,198)
1,911 10% $ 597,603 166 1% 100% (1,745)
19,524 100% 19,524 100%
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 23
Housing Condition and Needs Indicators
Substandard living conditions and overcrowding. HUD classifies substandard units as those
that lack complete kitchen or plumbing facilities, are dilapidated9, do not have electricity, or do not
have a safe or adequate source of heat. Approximately 1 percent of the city's housing units lack
kitchen and phimbing facilities; according to the Census, all of these units are unocctipied.10 Virtually
all of the city's occupied housing units have an identified heating source.) I As such, it is likely that
approximately 300 housing units in the city are considered substandard because they lack sufficient
kitchen and plumbing facilities. The ACS does not compile data on dilapidated homes or homes
without electricity.
Overcrowding in housing can threaten public health, strain public infrastructure and neighborhoods,
and points to the need for affordable housing. The amount of living space required to meet health
and safety standards is not consistently specified; measurable standards for overcrowding vary by
community. According to HUD, the most widely used measure assumes that a home becomes
overcrowded when there is more than one household member per room.)' 13 Using HUD's definition
of overcrowding, 1.6 percent of the city's occupied housing units are considered overcrowded. Renter
households are slightly more overcrowded (2.5 percent) than owner households (1.4 percent).14
The number of overcrowded units has decreased since 2000, when 2.9 percent of all housing units
were considered overcrowded. Specifically, overcrowding was very prevalent in the city's rental units,
as 8.5 percent of all occupied rental units were considered overcrowded.
Figure II-34.
Summary of the Substandard Housing
Conditions by Tenure by Income, 201 O
Household income less than 30% MFI
Household Income 30 to 50%MFI
Household Income 50 to 80% FMI
Household Income greater than 80% MFI
Figure II-34 breaks out substandard
housing condition by tenure and
income. The defmition of
_ substandard presented in Figure II-34
includes units that are overcrowded or
o v lack complete kitchen and plumbing
~ 2 62 facilities. By this definition,
~ 03 ~$ approximately 700 housing units in
1 35 319 the city are considered substandard.
Note: Includes overcrowding (1.01 or more persons per room) and/or without complete
kitchen or plumbing facilities. Numbers may not aggregate to total substandard
units reported by ACS due to variation in sampling.
Source: 2010 American Community Survey, CHAS and BBC Research ~ Consulting.
' Does not provide safe and adequate shelter; endangers health, safety, or well being of family; OR has a combination of intermediate
defects insufficient number or extent to require considerable repair or rebuilding.
to
Taken Erom statistics on kitchen and plumbing facilities for occupied and total housing units from the 2010 American
Community Surve}' 1-}'ear estimate.
I I According to the 2000-2010 American Community Stuvey 5-year estimate, only 11 oEthe city's housing units lacked an
identified heating source.
I ~ For information on HUD's definition of overcrowding, see:
httpJ/wwcv_hnrlnser_rn~ /nnhlicarinns/nrlf/Measuring_(wPrrmwrling=in_Hsg_~nrlf
13
The HUD American Housing Survey defines a room as an enclosed space used for living purposes, such as a bedroom,
living or dining room, kitchen, recreation room, or another finished room suitable for year-round Ilse. Excluded are
batluoums, laundry rooms, utility rooms, pantries, and unfinished areas.
14 2008-2010 American Conunmiity Survey 3-year estimate.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 24
If the housing units with condition problems are not addressed, the number of households without
sufficient kitchen, plumbing, or heating facilities may increase to 847 by 2015.
Severe cost and cost burden. Figure II-37a. shows cost burden and severe cost burden being
experienced by households in Meridian by income level. The data are based on CHAS and updated
ACS and COMPASS estimates.
Applying COMPASS population growth estimates to the 2000 CHAS data indicates that there are
7,720 (2,832 renters and 4,888 owners) households in 2010 that are cost burdened, 3>237 of which
are severely cost burdened (50 percent or more of a household's income is spent on housing).
Figure 11-37a.
Summary of the Severe Cost Burden Being
Experienced by Renters and Owners by
Household income less than 30%MFI
Income Category, City of Meridian, 2010
Cost Burden > 30% 1,271 722
Source: Severe Cost Burden > SO% 1,096 604
BBC Research and Consulting, 2010 American Community Survey
and HUD CHAS database. Household Income 30 to SO% MFI
Cost Burden > 30% 876 1,367
Severe Cost Burden > 50% 376 686
Household Income SO to 80% FMI
Cost Burden > 30% 564 1,630
Severe Cost Burden > SO% 106 316
Household Income greater than 80% MFI
Cost Burden > 30% 120 1,168
Severe Cost Burden > 50% - 53
Figure II-37b. displays the number of cost burdened households in Meridian by 2015 using
COMPASS population growth estimates. By 2015, 9,238 households will be cost burdened in
Meridian.
Figure II-37b.
Cost Burden,
City of Meridian, 201 S
Note:
Assumes same household income
distribution in 2015 as in 2010.
Source:
COMPASS, CHAS and BBC Research
& Consulting.
Household income less than 30%MFI
Household Income 30 to SO%MFI
Household Income 50 to 80% FMI
Household Income greater than 80% MFI
2,385
2,685
2,626
1,542
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 25
Lead-based paint. Housing built before 1)78 is considered to have some risk of lead-based paint,
but housing built prior to 1940 is considered to have the highest risk. After 1940, paint
manufacturers voluntarily began to reduce the amount of lead they added to their paint. As a result,
painted surfaces in homes built before 1940 are likely to have higher levels of lead than homes built
between 1940 and 1978. Lead-based paint was banned from residential use in 1978. It is difficult to
determine the precise number of households at risk of lead-based paint poisoning. However, people
living in substandard units or older housing, and who are low income, are more likely to be exposed
to lead-based paint than higher income households living in newer or rehabilitated older housing.
Less than 1 percent (199 housing units) of Meridian's housing stock was built before 1940, when
lead-based paint was most common. An additional 2 percent (519 housing units) were built between
1940 and 1960, when lead-based paint was still used, but the amount of lead in the paint was being
reduced. Finally, 1,969 Meridian housing units (7%) were built between 1960 and 1979, just as lead-
based paint was being phased out and eventually was banned. Therefore, the majority of the housing
stock in the city (approximately 25,300 units) was built after lead-based paint was prevalent in
residential housing.
If (as HUD estimates) 90 percent of the pre-1940 units in Meridian are at risk of containing lead-
based paint, 80 percent of the units built between 1940 and 1960 are at risk, and 62 percent of units
built between 1960 and 1979 are at risk then 1,815 Meridian housing units may contain lead paint.
The estimated number of households with lead-based paint hazard is displayed in Figure II-28.
Figure 11-38.
Estimated Households with
Lead-Based Faint Risk, City of
Meridian, 2010
1939 and Earlier 199 90% 179
Source:
HUD-"Guidelines for the Evaluation and 1940 to 1 960 519 80% 41 5
Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing", 1960 to 1 979 1
969 62% 1
221
2010 American Community Survey. , ,
Tota I 2, 687 1,815
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 26
The map in Figure II-39 displays the number of housing units that may beat risk of lead-based paint
hazards. All of the housing units identified on the map were built in the years before lead-based paint
was banned from usage and are low to moderate income households (earning less than 80 percent of
MFI). As demonstrated in the map, the greatest risk of lead-based paint is found in the city's
downtown area.
Figure II-39.
Estimated Number
of Households with
Lead-Based Paint
Risk by Block Group
Source:
Claritas 2010, BBC Research Sz
Consulting.
Foreclosures. According to RealtyTrac, there were 324 new foreclosure filings in Ada County in
November 2011. This foreclosure rate indicates that one in every 485 homes in the county received a
foreclosure filing in November 2011. This was a higher foreclosure rate than the State of Idaho (one
in every 770 housing units), but lower than the U.S. overall (one in every 579 housing units).
Meridian's housing stock represents 17 percent of the counry's housing stock. Assuming foreclosures
in Meridian occur in proportion with the city's contribution to the county's housing stock (17%),
Meridian may have had 55 foreclosure filings just in November 2011.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 27
Figure II-40 maps the percentage of bank owned properties of total home sales in 2010 by block
group. Since foreclosures are not identified in the MLS, bank owned properties are used as a proxy for
foreclosures. Bank owned properties accounted for 30 to 50 percent of all home sales in 2010 in most
of the city's block groups. The proportion of banked owned properties of total sales exceeded 50
percent in two of the city's block groups. Both block groups were located in central Meridian.
Figure II-40.
Percent Bank
Owned Properties,
of Total Sales by
Block Group, 2010
Source:
COMPASS and BBC Research
& Consulting.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION II, PAGE 28
SECTION III.
Public Input and Participation
SECTION III.
Public Input and Participation
This section discusses input from citizens, stakeholders and service providers regarding the
development of the Five-year Consolidated Plan. Public input was gathered in the following ways:
^ A resident survey was distributed online and on paper between November 16`h and December 15`F'
of 2011-330 residents participants in the survey;
^ An online stakeholder survey was promoted by city staff and BBC in fall 2011-15 housing and
social service professionals responded; and
^ A focus group and in-depth interviews with service providers and housing developers were
conducted in fall and winter 2011-11 individuals participated.
The results and input received from these methods of public engagement were used in conjunction
with quantitative analysis to develop the five-year goals, strategies and objectives of the Consolidated
Plan.
Resident Survey
This section presents the results from the resident survey.
Distribution strategy. A variety of organizations and mediums were used to publicize and
distribute the resident survey. They are summarized in Figure III-1. Additionally, the resident survey
was publicized in utility bills mailed to Meridian residents.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 1
Figure 111-1.
Survey Distribution,
City of Meridian, 2011
Source:
BBC Research & Consulting
and City of Meridian.
Ada County Boys and Girls Club
Boise City/Ada County Housing Authority
Chief Joseph Elementary School
City of Meridian City Clerk
City of Meridian Planning Department
EI Ada Community Action Partnership
Friends in Action
Idaho Leagal Aid Services
Idaho Office for Refugees
Intermountain Fair Housing Council
Linder Elementary School
Meridian Community Center
Meridian Elementary School
Meridian Food Bank
Meridian High School
Meridian Library
Meridian Middle School
Meridian Senior Center
Terry Reilly Health Services
United Way of Treasure Valley
City of Meridian website
City of Meridian electronic newsletter
City of Meridian Facebook page
City of Meridian Twitter page
HOA email distribution lists
Press release to local newspapers
Public school email list
The resident survey was publicly promoted though the city's website and public schools, as well as
distributed through nonprofit organizations. As such, the survey is not meant to be interpreted as a
statistically valid survey of all Meridian residents. Rather, the survey reflects the experiences and
opinions of residents who were interested in responding to questions about their housing experiences.
Demographic profile. The resident survey included several demographic and socioeconomic
questions. Where possible, comparisons are made between survey respondent demographics and those
for the city overall.
Geography. Figure III-2 displays survey respondents' place of residence in Meridian. The largest
proportion of survey respondents live in North Meridian, defined as the area of the city north of
Fairview Avenue/Cherry Lane. The remaining 44 percent of respondents were equally split between
South Meridian (south of the Interstate 84) and Downtown/Central Meridian.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 2
Figure 111-2.
Residence of Survey
Respondents, City of
Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=329.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011 and
BBC Research ~ Consulting.
zo
Northern
Meridian _ - kr~mlllan
(56%)
u,l~~ v ~Hn. _
u,u~k.xa.
cno~y ~:
v
r;d:
`<
Central ' ;~: .
~..s ~
~ ~ Meridian
~
i l..
~ ` -.
~..
- -.
s
5
~ O.c.lana
. ..~%.. .: ~
Southern ~
~-~ .... Meridian
~.'~ ~;
°~ , Victory
P
Amiry
Household profile. Figure III-3 compares the household size of survey respondents to the size of all
households in Meridian. On average, survey respondents have larger households than residents in the
city overall. The vast majority of survey respondents have a household size of four (31%).
Figure 111-3.
Household Size of Survey Respondent Compared with Household Size for Meridian, 2011
looms
Household
Size of Survey
31.4°.6 31.2°.6 Respondent
21.696
16~ 15.896- _
14.496
9596 10'696 ^ Household
~ fi ;96 Size (Census)
1 person 2 person 3 person 4 person S person More than 5
person
Note: n=292; According to the 2010 ACS, the average household size in Meridian is 2.89.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011 and 2010 U.S. Census.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 3
Survey participants were asked to identify the language most commonly spoken in their home. Most
respondents speak English (98%) at home. ~
Race and ethnicity. Figure III-4 presents the race/ethnicity of survey respondents. Ninety-two
percent of survey respondents identified themselves as racially White. Approximately 3 percent of
survey respondents identified themselves as Hispanic. Compared to the proportion of Hispanics in
the city (7%), a smaller proportion of Hispanics responded to the resident survey.
Figure 111-4.
Race/Ethnicity of
Survey Respondents,
City of Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=305.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Other (1.6%)
Native Hawaiian or
Other Pacific Islander (0.3°h)
Hispanic/Latino (2.6°h)
n (2.335)
Black or African American (1.0°h)
Income. Figure III-5 compares the household income distribution of survey participants with the
distribution of the city overall. The largest proportion of survey participants earn between $50,000
and $75>000 per year (28%), which is close to the proportion those households represent in the city
(24%). Overall, the survey has strong participation from the city's highest earning households. It
should be noted that many survey respondents chose not to disclose their household's income.
Figure 111-5.
Household Income of Survey Respondents
Compared with the Overall Household Income for Meridian, 2011
27.7°h
25.2% 24.5%
1 4.7°h
12.196
8.2%
3.9% 3.9%
Less than $10,000 to $25,000 to
$10,000 $24,000 $49,999
Note: n=231.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
~ n=299.
$50,000 to
$74,999
Household
Income
of Survey
Respondentr
26.4%
21.04%
19.045
13.3% Household
Income
(Census)
$75,000 to $100,000
$99,999 or more
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 4
Caucasian/White (92.1°.5)
Age. Figure III-6 compares the age of survey respondents with the age of the city's householders. The
survey had high participation from residents between 35 and 44 years of age. Sixteen percent of the
city's householders are seniors, compared with) percent of survey respondents.
Exhibit I11-6.
Age of Survey Respondent Compared with Age of Householder, City of Meridian, 201 1
37.9oh Age of Survey
Respondent
23.645
20%
19.245
18.3%
20.34%
14.5% 16.345 Age of
10.04'0 ~ Householder
10% 8'60 (Census)
1.7% 3.2%
0%
Less than 25 25 to 34 35 to 44 45 to 54 55 to 64 65 years
years old years old years old years old years old and older
Note: n=301.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011 and 2010 U.S. Census
Disability. Ten percent of survey respondents reported that a member of their household had a
mental and/or physical disability. This is a higher rate of disability than that seen citywide (7%).~
Most households with a disabled household member live in housing that meets their accessibility
needs, as shown in Figure III-7. Only one survey respondent provided information on their home's
accessibility deficiencies. That individual was a senior in need of home modifications to make their
home livable for their wheel chair, walker and oxygen machine (e.g., no bathroom on main floor,
wider doorways).
Exhibit 111-7.
Disability and
Housing
Accessibility of
Survey Respondents,
City of Meridian,
2011
Note:
n=322 and n=33.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Do you or any
member of
your famil y have
a disability?
No (90%)
Yes (94%)
Housing profile. Survey participants were asked a series of questions on their current housing
situation.
2010 1-}'ear flinerican Conununity Sun'e}'.
Does your current home meet the needs of the disabled
members of your current household?
No (6%)
Yes (10%) ,
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE S
Tenure. Most survey respondents own their current home (86%).3 Subsequently, 14 percent of survey
respondents currently rent their home. According to the U.S. Census, the city has a larger proportion
of renters (23%) than this survey captured.
The survey contained two questions specific to renters. These questions were used to determine how
difficult it is to find an affordable rental unit in Meridian and to better understand the potential
barriers renters face in becoming homeowners in Meridian.
Renters were asked to rate their experience finding an apartment in Meridian on a scale between "0"
and "9," where "0" indicates that it was "extremely diffiailt" to find an apartment in Meridian and
"9" indicates that it was "extremely easy" to find an apartment in Meridian. As demonstrated in
Figure III-8, survey respondents reported varying experiences when looking for apartments in the city.
About one-fourth of renters found their experience looking for a rental unit moderately easy.
Exhibit I11-8. Extremely
Experience in Locating easy
Rental Units in Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=45. Easy
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Difficult 3
Extremely 0
difficult
One third of renters said it was difficult to find a rental unit in the city. Most of those renters said this
because there were "very few available rental units in my price range."4
Current renters were asked to measure their level of interest in buying a home in Meridian. Thirty-
eight percent of renter survey respondents said they were "extremely interested" in buying a home in
Meridian. About 11 percent were not at all interested in buying. Figure III-9 summarizes these
results.
3
n=329.
4 n=13. Twelve renters (92%) provided this response.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 6
096 2036 4096 60°,6 80°,6 10036
Figure 111-9.
Renter Interest in Buying
a Home in Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=45.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
37.8%
' 11.130
6.7%
13.3%
' 4.4%
2.290
1 4.490
II 2.290
.8.990
0% 20% 40% 60% 80% 100%
Figure III-10 summarizes the reasons why renters have not yet purchased a home in Meridian. Nearly
three in four renters (73%) said they have not purchased a home because they do not have money for
a downpayment. Forty percent of renter survey respondents said they had not bought a home because
of poor credit.
Figure 111-10.
Reasons Renters Have Not I do not have enough
Purchased a Home in money far a downpayment
Meridian, 2011
I have poor credit
Note:
n=45. Percentages do not add to 100 percent I cannot afford maintenance
because the question allowed multiple reasons for costs associated with
not buying.
homeownership.
Source: I cannot afford
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011. a mortgage.
Other
Extreme) y
interested 9
s
7
Interested 6
5
4
Somewhat 3
interested
2
1
Not at all
interested 0
I cannot find somethinc
I want to buy.
I plan to move tc
another city.
Type of home. Ninety-four percent of respondents reside in a single family home.' This is reflective
of the city's housing stock, which largely consists of single family homes.
Housing satisfaction. As demonstrated in Figure III-11, survey respondents are largely satisfied with
their current living situation. More than three in four survey participants (77%) ranked their level of
satisfaction with their current living situation between a "7" and "9", with "9" representing
"extremely satisfied."
5
n=328.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 7
0°,6 20% 4096 6090 80°k 100%
Figure III-11. Extremely
Housing Satisfaction, satisfied 9
City of Meridian, 2011 8
Note: ~
n=329.
Satisfied 6
Source:
5
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
4
Disatisfied 3
2
Extremef y 0
dissatisfied
Although most residents in Meridian are satisfied with their current living situation, some residents
did cite dissatisfaction with their current circumstances. In total, survey respondents gave 70 reasons
why they were dissatisfied with their cttrrent living sintation. Six common themes rose out of
residents' responses, which included the following:
^ Mortgage value greater than housing value (underwater on mortgage);
^ Rise in HOA fees/property taxes; quality of home and lack of upkeep;
^ Quality of neighborhood;
^ Housing size; and
^ Lack of desired home amenities (e.g., too few bathrooms, yard too small).
Housing condition. As displayed in Figure III-12, 26 percent of survey respondents said there were
necessary repairs needed for their home. However, only 4 percent of respondents that reported
needing home repairs said those repairs were significant enough to make their home unlivable. In
other words, most home repairs were cosmetic in nature or were not urgent (e.g., replace roof, new
paint).
Figure 111-12.
Housing
Condition, City of
Meridian, 2011
Note:
n=327 and n=84.
Source:
Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
No (74%)
Are there any necessary repairs
thatyou (homeowner) or your
landlord (renter) have not
made to your home?
Are any of these necessary repairs
zo significant that they make your
home unlivable? Yes (4%)
I
No (96%)
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 8
096 20% 40°h 6096 80°h 100°h
Foreclosure. Very few of the city's homeowner
Survey respondents are strongly concerned about
losing their home to foreclosure. In fact, nearly 90
percent of homeowners said their concerned varied
between "not at all concerned and "somewhat
concerned." Three percent of homeowner survey
respondents reported being "extremely concerned"
about their home going into foreclosure.
Housing and community development needs.
Survey respondents were asked to rate the level of
need for services within the following categories:
^ Comnn>.niry facilities;
^ Infrastructure;
^ Special needs;
^ Community services;
^ Neighborhood services;
^ Businesses and jobs; and
^ Housing.
Figure III-13.
Concern of Foreclosure,
City of Meridian, 2011
Extremely 9
concerned
s
Concerned 6
S
4
Somewhat 3
concerned
2
1
Not at alf 0
concerned
096 2096 4096
Note: n=272.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
The results of this exercise are described in this section.
6096 8095 10096
Community facilities. As demonstrated in Figure III-14, park and recreational facilities, community
centers and youth centers were most likely to be identified by residents as being a moderate to high
need in Meridian.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 9
Figure III-14.
Community Facility Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Libraries
Fire Stations and Equipmem
Community Centers
Health Care Facilities
Park and Recreational Facilities
Child Care Centers
Youth Centers
Senior Centers
096 2096 40°h 6096 80°.6 100°h
0 1 !~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Lowest Highest
Need Need
Note: n=291 to 304.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Infrastructure. Sidewalk improvements were identified as the community's highest infrastructure
need by survey respondents.
Figure 111-1 S.
Infrastructure Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
ADA Improvements tz.3vb
Sidewalk Improvements s.~vn
Street Lighting s.ovn
Street/Alley Improvement to.ana
Water/Sewerlmprovement tt.avb
Drainage Improvement n.t%
1 1.5°Po
n s%
~~ro cv~ro tivyo ov~ro o~~ro ivv~ro
0 1 r 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Lowest Highest
Need Need
Note: n=285 to 288.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 10
Special needs. Sixteen percent of survey respondents identified services for neglected and abused
children as the highest need among the city's special needs population.
Figure 111-16.
Needs of Persons with Special Needs, City of Meridian, 201 1
Family Self-Sufficiency Services
Neglected/Abused Children
Center and Services
HIV/AIDS Centers and Services
Homeless Shelters/Services
Substance Abuse Services
Domestic Violence Services
Accessibility Improvements ta.z%
Centers/Services for Disabled n.a%
0% 20% 40% 60%
0 1 L! 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5
Lowest
Need
Note: n=278 to 287.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
80% 100%
6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Highest
Need
Community services. Twenty percent of survey respondents identified public transportation services
as Meridian's highest community service need.
Figure III-17.
Community Services Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Legal Services
Mental Health Services
Health Services
Anti-Crime Program
Public Transportation Service<
Child Care Service_
Youth Activitie_
Senior Activitie<
13.7%
11.6%
14.2%
I a.o%
10.3%
0%
0 1
Lowest
Need
Note: n=278 to 284.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
20% 40% 60%
® 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5
80% 100%
6 7 ^ 8 ~ 9
Highest
Need
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 11
Neighborhood services. Residents identified the cleanup of abandoned buildings and lots as the
most important neighborhood services need in the community.
Figure 111-18.
Neighborhood Services Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Cleanup of Abandoned
Lots and Buildings
Parking Facilities
Code Enforcement
Graffiti Remova
Trash and Debris Remova
Tree Planting
0% 20% 4096 60% 80% 100%
0 1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5 6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Lowest Highest
Need Need
Note: n=281 to 284.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
Businesses and jobs. Thirty percent of survey respondents identified job creation and retention as
the top economic development need in Meridian. Job creation and retention received the largest
proportion of "top need" responses across all categories.
Figure 111-19.
Businesses and Jobs Needs, City of Meridian, 201 1
Commercial/Industrial Rehabilitation 9.991, 5.996 5.596 __, _ ~ 14.796 ns96 F'•
Business Mentoring 9.
Fa4ade Improvements
Employment Training 7.t
t -99s
fob Creation/Retention 4.99f
Small Business Loans ti
Start-Up Business Assistance t~
096
0
Cowes[
Need
Note: n=272 to 284.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
14.196
2096 4096 6096
1 ~ 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ S
6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Highest
Need
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 12
Housing. Most respondents consider housing activities a "modest" need of the community. Energy
efficient improvements received the largest proportion of "high need" responses (13%), followed by
homeownership assistance (11%) and housing for foster youth (11%).
Figure III-20.
Housing Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Housing for Foster Youth
Energy Efficient Improvement_
Lead-Based Paint Testing/Abatement
Fair Housing Services
Housing for Large Families
Senior Housing
Housing for Disabled
Affordable Rental Housing
Homeownership AssistancE
Rental Housing Rehabilitation
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Accessibility/ADA Improvement_
Note: n=267 to 276.
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
13.8%
t a.z%
13.2%
n.z%
10.5% E
10.6%
t z.z%
t t.a%
lz.t%
t zs%
13.5%
0%
0
Lowest
Need
20% 40% 60%
1 ® 2 ~ 3 ~ 4 ~ 5
80% 100%
6 7 ~ 8 ~ 9
Highest
Need
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 1 3
Summary of housing and community development needs. Figure III-21 summarizes the average
response ranking for all activities across all seven housing and community development categories. Job
creation and retention was the top need identified by residents, followed by youth activities and
public transportation services.
Figure III-21.
Summary of Housing and Community Development Needs, City of Meridian, 2011
Senior Centers
Youth Centers
_~' Child Care Centers
~ ~ Park and Recreational Facilities
E ° Health Care Facilities
C LL Community Centers
u Fire Stations and Equipment
Libraries
d Drainage Improvement
,~, Water/Sewerlm provement
~ Street/Alley Improvement
Street Lighting
i Sidewalk Improvements
ADA Improvementr
Centers/Services for Disabled
,~ Accessibility Improvements
~+ Domestic Violence Services
= Substance Abuse Services
A Homeless Shelters/Services
a HIV/AIDS Centers and Services
~+ Neglected/Abused Children Center and Services
Family Self-Sufficiency Services
Senior Activities
~ Youth Activities
~ d
7 ~+ Child Care Services
E i Public Transportation Services
E N Anti-CrimePrograms
V Health Services
Mental Health Services
Legal Services
o Tree Planting
t Trash and Debris Removal
c v Graffiti Removal
a i Code Enforcement
t
a N
Parking Facilities
= Cleanup of Abandoned Lots and Buildings
Start-Up Business Assistance
Small Business Loans
y Job Creation/Retention
~ Employment Training
m Fa4ade Improvementr
Business Mentoring
Commerdal/Industrial Rehabilitation
Accessihility/ADA Improvementr
Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation
Rental Housing Rehabilitation
Homeownership Assistance
~
e Affordable Rental Housing
Housing for Disah led
o Senior Housing
= Housing for Large Families
Fair Housing Services
Lead-Based Paint Testing/Ahatement
Energy Efficient Improvements
Housing for Foster Youth
Source: Meridian Resident Survey, 2011.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 14
0.0 1.0 2.0 3.0 4.0 5.0 6.0 7.0 8.0 9.0
Stakeholder Survey and Focus Group
Fifteen stakeholders participated in the online stakeholder survey, and an additional 11 stakeholders
participated in a stakeholder focus group or key person interview.G Organizations participating in the
public input process represent individuals from a number of protected classes including seniors,
immigrants, low income residents, persons with disabilities, persons and families who are homeless,
persons with HIV/AIDS, persons with substance abuse/addition, victims of domestic violence, youth
refugees, and veterans.
Stakeholder survey and focus group results are summarized below.
Comments on resident survey findings. Focus group participants were asked to comment on
the findings from the resident survey. Stakeholders felt that residents overestimated the need for
youth services. The Meridian School District recently implemented a "pay to participate" policy for
extracurricular activities. This new polity may have influenced residents' survey responses.
Stakeholders felt that residents underestimated the need for affordable health services, as local
affordable health care providers have seen an increase in demand for services. Stakeholders also felt
that residents underestimated the need for affordable housing opportunities in Meridian, particularly
given Meridian's relatively high median rental rate. Resident's identified "energy efficient
improvements" as Meridian's greatest housing need; stakeholders believe this is indicative of residents'
need to lower their housing costs.
Greatest needs. Stakeholders identified downtown redevelopment, affordable housing, homeless
and at-risk of homeless services and transportation services as the city's greatest housing and
community needs.
Downtown redevelopment. Stakeholders would like to see continued investment in Meridian's
downtown area. Stakeholders would like to see the area improved for the LMI households that live
close to downtown, and stakeholders would also like to see more job creation and retention in the
downtown area. There are currently few businesses in the downtown area. One stakeholder
participating in the focus group stated that "I live in Boise only two miles from downtown Meridian
and I have no reason to come to downtown Meridian."
Affordable housing. Stakeholders would like to see the city increase its inventory of affordable rental
housing. Stakeholders recognize that federal and state funding is limited, but they encourage the city
to be creative in finding ways to encourage affordable housing in Meridian.
Services for persons at-risk of homelessness. Stakeholders said that the recent national economic
downturn has impacted Meridian households. Stakeholders have seen an increase in demand for
services, and that these services are often necessary for families to remain in their homes (e.g., food
bank, medical services).
~' Stakeholders were allowed to participate in the online survey and participate in the focus group or key person inten~iews.
As such, there may be some overlap.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION III, PAGE 15
SECTION IV.
Five-year Strategic Plan
SECTION IV.
Five-year Strategic Plan
This document serves as the Strategic Plan for the City of Meridian's 2012-2016 Five-year
Consolidated Plan. This document is organized as follows:
1) The first section contains the required language for HUD Consolidated Plans.
2) The remainder of the document contains the priority needs, strategies and objectives organized by:
> General Strategies and Geographic Allocation;
> Housing;
> Public Housing;
> Homelessness;
> Non-Homeless Special Needs Populations;
> Community Development; and
> Other strategies: Reducing Barriers to Housing, Addressing Lead Based Paint Hazards,
Antipoverty Strategy, Institutional Structure and Resources.
Mission: This Strategic Plan is part of the five-year City of Meridian Consolidated Plan and Action
Plan, covering program years 2012-2016. The City receives the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The Ciry is required to complete a Consolidated Plan, Five-year Strategic Plan and Annual Action
Plan prior to receiving the block grant funding. These documents describe the housing and
community development needs in the city and outline how the city proposes to use the HUD block
grant to fulfill the needs.
The City of Meridian has elected to use afive-year Consolidated Planning period. The City's
program year start date is October 1; the end date is September 30.
Consultation, Institutional Structure and Coordination 91.200(b)
Identify agencies, groups, and organizations thatpdrticipdted in theproeess.
The Ciry of Meridian conducted an extensive outreach effort to ensure full participation from the
community in the development of the Consolidated Plan. The public input effort included a resident
survey, social services stakeholder survey and a focus group with social service stakeholders that work
directly with Meridian's lowest income households. Below each item (General, Homeless Strategy,
Metropolitan Planning, HOPWA, Public Housing), the organizations and agencies that participated
in the Consolidated Plan process are listed.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 1
General §91.100 (a)(1). Consult with public and private agencies that provide health services, social
and fair housing services (including those focusing on services to children, elderly persoru, persons with
disabilities, persons with HIU/AIDS and their families, homeless persons) during thepreparation of the
plan. A full list of organizations consulted during the consolidated plan process is listed in Figure IV-1.
Figure IV-1.
Organizations Consulted During Five-Year Consolidated Plan Process
Ada County Boys and Girls Club City of Meridian website
Boise City/Ado County Housing Authority City of Meridian electronic newsletter
Chief Joseph Elementary School
City of Meridian City Clerk
City of Meridian Planning Department
EI Ada Community Action Partnership
Friends in Action
Idaho Leagal Aid Services
Idaho Office for Refugees
Intermountain Fair Housing Council
Linder Elementary School
Meridian Community Center
Meridian Elementary School
Meridian Food Bank
Meridian High School
Meridian Library
Meridian Middle School
Meridian Senior Center
Terry Reilly Health Services
United Way of Treasure Valley
Source: City of Meridian and BBC Research & Consulting.
City of Meridian Facebook page
City of Meridian Twitter page
HOA email distribution lists
Press release to local newspapers
Public school email list
Homeless strategy §91.100 (a)(2). Consult with public and private agencies that provide assisted
housing, health services, and social services to determine what resources are available to address the needs of
any persons that are chronically homeless.
Participants: Boise City/Ado County Continuum of Care Coordinating Team, Terry Reilly Health
Services, Meridian School District McKinney-Vento Homeless Coordinator
Metropolitan planning §91.100 (a)(S). Consult with adjacent units ofgeneralloealgovernmen~
including local government agencies with metropolitan-wide planning responsibilities, particularly for
problems and solutions thatga beyond a single jurisdiction, i. e. transportation, workforce development,
economic development, etc.
Participants: Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS), Idaho
Department of Labor, Boise Valley Economic Partnership, Idaho Office for Refugees, Idaho Housing
and Finance Association (IHFA), Mercy Housing, Meridian Development Corporation, City of
Meridian Planning Department, Meridian School District, Northwest Real Estate Capital
Corporation, Neighborhood Housing Services, Ciry of Boise, City of Nampa and the Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 2
HOPWA §91.100 (b). Largest city in EMSA consult broadly to develop metropolitan-wide strategy for
addressing needs ofpersons with HIU/AIDS and their families.
N/A; The Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) is a HUD Formula
Program which uses astatutorily-mandated method to allocate fund to eligible cities on behalf of their
metropolitan areas and to eligible States to address the specific needs of persons living with
HIV/AIDS and their families. The City of Meridian is not an eligible applicant.
Public housing §91.100 (e). Consult with the local public housing agency concerning public housing
needs, planned programs, and activities.
The Boise Ciry Ada County Housing Authority was consulted throughout the Consolidated Plan
development process.
The following table summarizes the organizations the City of Meridian consulted with during the
development of the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan.
Figure IV-2.
Consolidated
Plan Consultation 24CFR Requirement Yes No
91.100(a)(1) Housing Services ® ^
source: Social Services ® ^
City of Meridian and BBC Fair Housing Services ® ^
Research & Consulting.
Health Services ® ^
Homeless Services ® ^
91.100(a)(2)* Chronically Homeless ® ^
91.100(a)(3)** Lead-based Paint ® ^
91.100(a)(4)*** Adjacent Government ® ^
State (Non-housing) ® ^
County (Metro. City) ® ^
-----------------------
91.100(a)(5) ------------------------------------
Metro. Planning Agencies -------------
® -----------
^
91.100(c) PHA Plan ® ^
Did the grantee indicate that it consulted with other organizations that provide housing and supportive
ser-uices to special needs populations (including elderly persons, persoru with disabilities, persons with
HIU/AIDS, homeless persons? Yes.
Did the grantee consult with Public Housing Agencies during Consolidated Plan development? Yes, the
Boise City Ada County Housing Authority was consulted.
Did the grantee coruult with state/local health and child welfare agencies on lead based paint issues? Yes,
the State of Idaho Department of Health and Welfare was consulted.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 3
Citizen Participation 91.200 (b)
Based on the jurisdiction's current citizen participation plan, provide a summary of the citizen
participation process used in the development of the Consolidated Plan. Include a description of actions
taken to encourage participation ofall its residents, including the following.•
> Low and moderate income residents where housing and community development funds
may be spent,•
> Minorities and non-English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities;
> Local and regional institutions and other organizations (including businesses, developers,
community and faith-based organizations);
> Residents ofpublic and assisted housing developments and recipients of tenant- based
assistance; and
> Residents of targeted revitalization areas.
This section discusses input from citizens, stakeholders and service providers regarding the
development of the Five-year Consolidated Plan. Public input was gathered in the following ways:
^ A resident survey was distributed online and on paper between November 16`h and December 15`h
of 2011-330 residents participants in the survey;
^ An online stakeholder survey was promoted by city staff and BBC in fall 2011-15 housing and
social service professionals responded; and
A focus group and in-depth interviews with service providers and housing developers were
conducted in fall and winter 2011-11 individuals participated.
The resident survey was an important piece of the citizen participation process. As such, the city
implemented an extensive survey distribution process to ensure all residents, including the city's
lowest income residents, were aware of the resident survey. A variety of organizations and mediums
were used to publicize and distribute the resident survey. They are summarized in Figure III-1.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 4
Figure IV-3.
Survey Distribution,
City of Meridian,
2011
Source:
BBC Research ~ Consulting and
City of Meridian.
Ada County Boys and Girls Club
Boise City/Ado County Housing Authority
Chief Joseph Elementary School
City of Meridian City Clerk
City of Meridian Planning Department
EI Ada Community Action Partnership
Friends in Action
Idaho Legal Aid Services
Idaho Office for Refugees
Intermountain Fair Housing Council
Linder Elementary School
Meridian Community Center
Meridian Elementary School
Meridian Food Bank
Meridian High School
Meridian Library
Meridian Middle School
Meridian Senior Center
Terry Reilly Health Services
United Way of Treasure Valley
City of Meridian website
City of Meridian electronic newsletter
City of Meridian Facebook page
City of Meridian Twitter page
HOA email distribution lists
Press release to local newspapers
Public school email list
Utility bills
Section III of the Consolidated Plan provides more information on the citizen participation plan. It
also provides detailed results of the resident survey and social service stakeholder outreach.
Provide a description of the process used to allow citizens to review and submit comments on the proposed
consalidatedplan, including how theplan (or a summary of theplan) waspublished far review; the dates,
times and locations ofa public hearing, or hearings; when and how notice was provided to citizens of the
hearing(s~; the dates of the 30 day citizen comment period and if technical assistance was provided to
groups developing proposals for funding assistance under the consolidated plan and how this assistance was
provided.
The city conducted outreach prior to drafting the Consolidated Plan to determine needs in the
community and the potential to align resources to meet those needs. The resident survey was
administered between November 16`h and December 15`h of 2011. The survey asked residents to
identify the level of need for a variety of CDBG-eligible activities falling within the following
categories: community facilities, infrastntcaire, special needs, community services, neighborhood
services, businesses and jobs and housing. A total of 330 residents participated in the survey.
On March 7, 2012, the draft of the Consolidated Plan Priorities was presented to the Meridian City
Council for consideration and comment. The City Council Meeting was conducted at the Meridian
City Hall at 7 p.m. The public was notified of this public comment opportunity through official
public notices in the local newspapers and through notice on the City's CDBG website and the City's
monthly newsletter which is distributed electronically to the residents who subscribe to that service.
The complete draft of the Consolidated Plan Priorities was provided on the City's CDBG website.
Citizens were invited to provide input via phone, standard mail, e-mail, or in person at the City
Council meeting.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE S
On March 15> 2012, the City hosted a CDBG workshop from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Meridian Ciry
Hall for all past, current, and potentially interested sub-recipients and/or community members or
partners to discuss the draft Consolidated Plan Priorities and the process for the 2012 CDBG
Program Year. Invitations were sent via e-mail to all available City of Meridian CDBG contacts.
Participants of the workshop were encouraged to provide comments and feedback on the draft
Consolidated Plan Priorities.
On May 15, 2012, the Meridian City Council conducted apre-draft public hearing for the
Consolidated Plan (2012-2016) and the Annual Action Plan for Program Year 2012. This hearing
took place at the Meridian City Hall at 7 p.m., and was advertised through official public notices in
the local newspapers and through notice on the City's CDBG website. In addition, the City CDBG
staff sent out an e-mail notice to all City CDBC7 contacts of the hearing and provided a web link to
the pre-draft documents. Copies of the pre-draft documents were made available at the Meridian
Library and Meridian Ciry Hall.
On June 19, 2012, the Meridian City Council conducted a public hearing and officially opened the
30-day public comment period on the Consolidated Plan (2012-2016). This hearing took place at
the Meridian City Hall at 7 p.m., and was advertised through official public notices in the local
newspapers and through notice on the City's CDBG website. In addition, the City CDBG staff sent
ottt an e-mail notice to all Ciry CDBC7 contacts of the hearing and provided a web link to the
complete Consolidated Plan document. Copies of the complete Consolidated Plan document were
made available at the Meridian Library and Meridian City Hall.
On July 24, 2012, the Meridian City Council conducted the final public hearing and closed the
minimum 30-day public comment period. This public hearing took place at the Meridian City Hall
at 7 p.m.
Efforts made to broaden citizen participation. The city made a strong effort to encourage
citizen participation in the development of the Consolidated Plan. The resident survey was publicized
in utility bills mailed out to all residents of Meridian. An email blast was sent to all parents in schools
located within the city. City staff distributed flyers with a link to the online survey throughout the
city including City Hall and the Meridian Food Bank. The city used its social media outlets to
promote the survey (e.g., Facebook, Twitter, electronic newsletter). Finally, the survey was heavily
promoted to social service providers, and the city encouraged providers to distribute the survey to its
clients.
Provide a summary of citizen comments or views received on the plan and explain any comments not
accepted and reasons why these comments were not accepted.
Please refer to Section III for a summary of comments received from stakeholders and citizens during
the development of the Plan, as well as an analysis of citizen survey. Written and verbal comments
regarding the plan, including those received during the 30-day public comment period and at public
hearings, are included in Appendix A.
During the 30-day public comment period, all comments received in person, by mail, and email were
considered in the development of the Consolidated Plan. XXX-summarize if comments were received.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 6
Institutional Structure 91.215 (k)
Provide a concise summary of the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its
consolidated plan, including private industry, non profit organizations, community and faith-based
organizations, and public institutions.
Administration. The city's Department of Community Development Planning Division is
responsible for the development and monitoring of the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plans,
the year-end CAPER, the IDIS reporting process, and monitoring. Staff will be responsible for
citizen participation and fair housing outreach and implementation activities. Staff will coordinate on
an ongoing basis with the Mayor's Office, City Council, City Clerk, Public Works, Parks and
Recreation, and Public Safety Departments to address the identified priority community needs.
Public, non-profit service providers. Staff will implement the Annual Action Plan elements
with the support of community partners. Projects and activities will be a collaborative effort with
other city Departments, public entities, non-profits, social service providers, health care agencies and
private sector entities.
Private sector. Staff will implement the Annual Action Plan elements with the support of some
private sector partners. Projects and activities will be a collaborative effort with other city
Departments, public entities, non-profits, social service providers, health care agencies and private
sector entities.
Provide an assessment of the strengths andgaps in the delivery system.
The city believes the current instiaitional structure to be a competent and capable mechanism to
administer the CDBG funds. Should gaps in the service be identified, the city will work to remedy
those shortcomings in an effort to insure smooth operations within both the administration and
service delivery components of the program.
It should be noted that when conducting the outreach activities to encourage citizen participation for
the Consolidated Plan development, new entities, organizations and service providers were identified
who expressed an interest in better serving Meridian residents. The city will continue to engage these
organizations to ensure all of Meridian's residents are served.
Describe efforts to enhance coordination with private industry, businesses, developers, and social service
agencies, particularly with regard to the development of the jurisdiction's economic development strategy.
(91.21 S(l)).
The city intends to enhance coordination with private industry, businesses and developers for the
purpose of advancing the economic development strategy primarily through its relationship and
involvement with the Meridian Development Corporation, the city's Urban Renewal Agency. In
addition the City has its own Economic Development Administrator who focuses solely on the
economic development goals of the City.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 7
Coordination 91.21 S (I)
Describe the efforts to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and
governmental health, mental health, and service agencies.
Boise CitylAda County Housing Authority (BCACHA) resources are critical for helping house
Meridian's lowest income residents. While there are no public housing units in Meridian, an
estimated 185 Section 8 vouchers are currently used in Meridian. The BCACHA was contacted
during the Consolidated Planning process to help the city better understand the BCACHA's resources
and needs. The city will continue to stay engaged with the BCACHA.
The city also engaged affordable housing developers during the Consolidated Plan process. The city is
dedicated to increasing its affordable housing inventory in Meridian to ensure residents of all income
levels can find housing in Meridian. City staff will continue to stay engaged with the affordable
housing community to ensure the city provides important tools and resources to these developers.
The city recognizes the importance of staying abreast of programs and resources available from
governmental health, mental health and service agencies. As such, the city will continue to explore
ways to connect to these communities.
Describe efforts in addressing the needs ofpersoru that are chronically homeless with respect to the
preparation of the homeless strategy.
Please see the Homeless Strategy on page 27.
Describe the means of cooperation and coordination among the state and any units ofgeneral local
government in the metropolitan area in the implementation of the plan.
The following units of state and general local government contributed to the development of the plan
through interview, focus groups and survey participation: The Boise City Ada County Housing
Authority; the State of Idaho Health and Welfare Department; planning and community
development staff of the cities of Nampa and Boise; the Idaho Housing and Finance Association; and
the Community Planning Association of Southwest Idaho (COMPASS).
Describe the jurisdiction's efforts to coordinate its housing strategy with local and regional transportation
planning strategies to ensure to the extent practicable that residents of affordable housing have access to
public tranuportation.
City staff are mindful of the importance of public transportation in ensuring low income residents are
connected to job opportunities in Meridian and the region. As such, the city is very active in a
number of local and regional transportation planning strategies. City staff actively participate in the
Meridian Transportation Task Force, the Ada County Highway District (ACHD) Capital
Improvement Citizen Advisory committee, the COMPASS Regional Technical Advisory Committee
and the Meridian Traffic Safety Task Force.
The city identified limited public transportation opportunities as a fair housing impediment in its
2012-2016 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice report (AI). The city is committed to
exploring opportunities to expand and improve its existing public transportation network.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 8
Housing Needs 91.203
Describe the estimated housing needs projected for the next five year period for the following categories of
persons: extremely low-income, law-income, moderate-income, and middle-income families, renters and
owners, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, including persons with HIU/AIDS and their families,
single persons, large families, residents, victims of domestic violence, families on the public housing and
section 8 tenant-based waiting list, and discuss specific housing problems, including.• cost-burden, seaere
cost- burden, substandard housing, and overcrowding (especially large families).
Five-year projected housing needs. The estimated housing needs are projected for the next five-
year period for the following categories of persons:
^ Extremely and very low income renters. The gaps analysis completed for the housing market
analysis found a current need for 960 rental units for the nearly 1,500 renter households earning
less than $20,000 per year. If the city maintains current population growth, very low income
renters experience the same population growth as the city overall, and no new units are developed
to assist this group, this need will increase to 1,152 in 2015.
^ Low income renters. According to quantitative research, there is a small gap (117 units) for the
city's low income renter households. If the city maintains current population growth, low income
renters experience the same population growth as the city overall, and no new units are developed
to assist this group, this need will increase to 140 units in 2015.
^ Moderate income renters. No affordability gap currently; no future gap estimated.
^ Middle income renters. No affordability gap currently; no fiinire gap estimated.
^ Extremely low and low income owners. An estimated 2,089 homeowners were cost burdened in
2010. By 2015, this could exceed 2,500, if the city maintains its current population growth.
^ Moderate income owners. No affordability gap currently; no future gap estimated.
^ Middle income owners. No affordability gap currently; no fiiaire gap estimated.
^ Elderly persons. The housing needs table completed for the plan indicates that there is a gap of
434 units to serve the city's frail elderly population. ~ If population growth trends continue
through 2015, this number may increase to 521.
^ Persons with disabilities. For developmentally disabled, housing needs are estimated to increase
from 387 in 2010 to 464 in 2015. Housing the mentally ill is a growing concern for service
providers and currently, an estimated 228 individuals that are severely mentally ill have housing
needs. By 2015, this need is estimated to increase to 274. Physically disabled individuals with
housing needs are estimated to increase from 387 in 2010 to 464 in 2015.
Frail elderly includes seniors who cannot live independently or need assistance with activities of daily living due to mobility limitations
and/or a disability.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 9
^ Persons with HIV/AIDS and their families. Housing needs are expected to increase from 69 in
2010 to 75 in 2015.
^ Families. New data on the specific housing needs of resident by family type are not available for
2010. To the extent that these populations have housing needs in the next five years, they are
captured in the needs projections by income categories above.
^ Victims of domestic violence. In 2010 there were an estimated 225 victims of domestic violence
with housing needs. By 2015> this number may increase to 270, if the city maintains its current
population growth.
^ Public housing and Section 8 residents. There are no public housing units in Meridian. The
Section 8 waiting list for the Boise City Ada County Housing Authority contained an estimated
5,300 individuals. The Housing Authority does not decipher between Boise City and Ada
County vouchers, which means it is difficult to determine the number of Meridian residents on
the waitlist. Meridian residents currently account for 40 percent of Ada County's active vouchers;
assuming Meridian residents account for the same proportion of the Section 8 waitlist, as many as
480 households may currently be on the Section 8 waitlist. The Boise City Ada County Housing
Authority recently closed its Section 8 waitlist. It is unknown whether they will re-open the
waitlist in the fitaire. As such, no future gap is estimated.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 10
Figure IV-4.
Table 2A -Priority Housing Needs/Investment Plan 2012-2016
Renter Small Related 0-30% Low 290 75%
31-SO% Low 374 85%
51-80% Low 129 35%
Large Related 0-30% Medium 54 100%
31-50% Medium 41 83%
51-80% Low 65 7S%
Elderly 0-30o/a Low 52 44%
31-SO% Medium 116 100%
51-80o/a Medium 92 46%
All Other 0-30% Medium 151 88%
31-SOo/a Medium 118 100%
51-80o/a Low 118 35%
Owner Small Related 0-30% Medium 180 81%
31-50% Medium 194 75%
51-80o/a Low 772 63%
Large Related 0-30% Medium 65 100%
31-SO% Medium 95 69%
51-80% Medium 288 69%
Elderly 0-30% Medium 172 62%
31-50% Low 97 21%
51-80% Medium 150 26%
All Other 0-30% Low 65 75%
31-SO% Low 161 72%
51-80% Low 247 77%
Non-Homeless/ Elderly 0-80% Medium 1,237
Special Needs Frail Elderly 0-80% Medium 434
Severe Mental Illness 0-80% Low 229
Physical Disability 0-80% Medium 387
Developmental Disability 0-80o/o Medium 1,029
Alcohol/Drug Abuse 0-80% Medium 1,257
HIV/AIDS 0-80% Low 6
Victims of Domestic Violence 0-80% Low 242
Note: Need was estimated based on population growth between 2000 and 2010. The city grew 11596 in the last 10 years
Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data set, U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 11
Figure IV-5.
Table 2A-Priority Housing Activities
Acquisition of existing rental units
Production of new rental units
Rehabilitation of existing rental units
Rental assistance
Acquisition of existing owner units
Production of new owner u nits
Rehabilitation of existing owner units
Homeownership assistance 7 1 2 1
O M E N/A
Acquisition of existing rental units
Production of new rental units
Rehabilitation of existing rental units
Rental assistance
Acquisition of existing owner units
Production of new owner u nits
Rehabilitation of existing owner units
Homeownership assistance
IOPWA N/A
Rental assistance
Short term rent/mortgage utility payments
Facility based housing development
Facility based housing operations
Supportive services
Source: City of Meridian Community Development.
2
Cost burden and overcrowding. Please see pages 23 and 24 of Section II of this report for a
discussion of cost burden and overcrowding in the Meridian housing market.
Standard and substandard Conditions. Please see pages 23 and 24 of Section II of this report for
a discussion of housing in substandard condition and the number of households occupying such
housing.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 12
Disproportionate racial and ethnic housing problems. To the extent that any racial or ethnic
group has a disproportionately greater need for any income category in comparison to the needs of that
category as a whole, the jurisdiction must complete an assessment of that specific need. For this purpose,
disproportionately greater need exists when the percentage ofpersons in a category of need who are members
of a particular racial or ethnic group is at least ten percentage points higher than the percentage ofpersons
in the category as a whole.
According to the Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data the following groups
have a disproportionate need:
^ Hispanic households.
^ All other renter households earning less than 30 percent of MFI;
^ All other renter households earning between 51 and 80 percent of MFI; and
^ All other owner households earning between 31 and 50 percent of MFI
Other racial/ethnic groups may have disproportionate needs however; data currently available are
insufficient to identify and estimate needs for these groups.'
Homeless Needs 91.201 S (c)
In the Housing and Community Profile (Section II) a description of the nature and extent of
homelessness, individuals and families at risk of homelessness, and homeless subpopulations begins on
page 8. A description of homelessness by racial/ethnic group is also included.
The figures below summarizes the characteristics ofpersons who are homeless in Meridian. These
estimates are based on the State of Idaho annual Point-in-Time (PIT) Count of homeless individuals.
The most recently published PIT, conducted on January 25, 2012, reports homeless tabulations for
seven regions across the state. Region 7 includes only Ada County. To estimate homelessness in
Meridian it is assumed that the number of homeless individuals in Meridian represents the same
proportion of Ada County residents that are Meridian residents. In other words, approximately 19
percent of Ada County residents live in Meridian, therefore approximately 19 percent of the Region 7
homeless population (Ada County) is assumed to be located in Meridian.
It should be noted that the most recent State of Idaho PIT count and Continuum of Care documents
do not contain estimates of Unmet Needs/Gaps or persons with HIV/AIDS who are homeless. It
should also be noted that Meridian does not have any homeless shelters, and all homeless Meridian
residents that are sheltered by a homeless provider live outside the community.
The most recent CI LSS data tabulated by I IUD is from 2000. In this year, the percentage of non-I Iispanic minorit}' groups was so small
that no CI IAS data was published for these groups. The 2010 Census will provide updated CI IAS data, which will likely include non-
IIispanic minority groups.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 1 3
Racial and ethnic homelessness. Figure IV-6a provides a description of the proportional racial
and ethnic characteristics of the homeless population in Meridian.
Figure IV-6a.
Homeless Population by Race and Ethnicity, City of Meridian, 2012
American Indian or Alaska Native 5.0 1.0 6.0 3.8%
Asian 1.0 0.0 1.0 0.6%
Black or African American 4.8 0.0 6.0 3.8%
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 6.0 0.0 1.0 0.6%
White 114.0 7.6 122.0 76.7%
Two or more races 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0%
Hispanic/Latino 11.0 0.0 11.0 6.9%
Note: Homeless residents were allowed to chose more than one racial or ethnic category. Data by race and ethnicity do not add to homeless count.
Source: State of Idaho 2012 Point-in-Time Count.
There is a higher proportion of American Indian/Alaska Native and African American/Black homeless
residents in Meridian compared to the city overall. For example, less than 1 percent of the city's
residents identify themselves as American Indian/Alaska Native, compared to 4 percent of the city's
homeless population.
Characteristics of homelessness. Figure II-66 displays subpopulation demographics and disabling
characteristics of the city's homeless population. Again, the same methodology is used to estimate
from the PIT count the proportional characteristics of homeless in the Ciry of Meridian (estimated to
be 1) percent.)
Figure IV-6b.
Disabling Characteristics of Homeless
Population, City of Meridian, 2012
Source:
State of Idaho 2012 Point-in-Time Count.
Veterans 26
Victims of Domestic Violence 19
Substance Abuse 33
Serious Mental Illness 22
Serious Physical Illnesss/Disability 16
Other/ Prefer Not to Disclose 11
The most common disabling characteristics are substance abuse and serious mental illness. For many
of these residents, their homeless status will not end until they are connected with necessary mental
health and rehabilitation services.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 14
Non-homeless Special Needs 91.205 (d) including HOPWA
The figure below displays the estimated population of non-homeless special needs groups within
Meridian needing services. The needs of these populations will continue to be addressed through the
allocation of CDBG public service dollars during the Five-year Consolidated Planning period.
Figure IV-7.
Table 1 B-Special Needs
(Non-Homeless) Populations
Source:
BBC Research & Consulting.
T ~
Non-Homeless Special Needs Including ~ ~ ~
~ m -
HOPWA
z
~ _
L ra
~ >
U Q
52. Elderly 1,237 0
53. Frail Elderly 434 0
a
a
54. Persons w/ Severe Mental Illness
229
0
v 55. Developmentally Disabled 387 0
z
o,
56. Physically Disabled
1,029
0
c
~,
57. Alcohol/Other Drug Addicted
1,257
0
~ 58. Persons w/ HIV/AIDS & their families 6 0
59. Public Housing Residents from local PNA
Total 4,579 0
~ 60. Elderly 1,467 D
v 61. Frail Elderly 666 0
v
z
u,
62. Persons w/ Severe Mental Illness
729
0
°; 63. Developmentally Disabled 986 0
64. Physically Disabled 842 0
~ 65. Alcohol/Other Drug Addicted 5,914 0
~
0 66. Persons w/ HIV/AIDS & their families 28 0
67. Public Housing Residents from local PHA
`^ Total 1D,633 0
Other than the Section 8 voucher program, there are no public housing options or resources in
Meridian to address the housing needs of residents with special needs. Special needs residents can
access regional housing options within the nearby communities of Boise and Nampa.
Lead-based Paint 91.205 (e)
Housing built before 1)78 is considered to have some risk of lead-based paint, but housing built prior
to 1)40 is considered to have the highest risk. After 1940, paint manufacturers voluntarily began to
reduce the amount of lead they added to their paint. As a result, painted surfaces in homes built
before 1940 are likely to have higher levels of lead than homes built between 1)40 and 1)78. Lead-
based paint was banned from residential use in 1)78. It is difficlilt to determine the precise number of
households at risk of lead-based paint poisoning. However, people living in substandard units or older
housing, and who are low income, are more likely to be exposed to lead-based paint than higher
income households living in newer or rehabilitated older housing.
Less than 1 percent (199 housing units) of Meridian's housing stock was built before 1940, when
lead-based paint was most common. An additional 2 percent (519 housing units) were built between
1)40 and 1960, when lead-based paint was still used, but the amount of lead in the paint was being
reduced. Finally, 1,969 Meridian housing units (7%) were built between 1960 and 1979, just as lead-
based paint was being phased out and eventually was banned. Therefore, the majority of the housing
stock in the city (approximately 25,300 units) was built after lead-based paint was prevalent in
residential housing.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 15
If (as HUD estimates) 90 percent of the pre-1940 units in Meridian are at risk of containing lead-
based paint, 80 percent of the units built between 1)40 and 1)60 are at risk, and 62 percent of units
built between 1960 and 197`) are at risk than 1,815 Meridian housing units may contain lead paint.
The estimated number of households with lead-based paint hazard is displayed in Figure IV-8.
Figure IV-8.
Estimated Households with
Lead-Based Paint Risk, City of _ _
Meridian, 2010
Source: 1939 and Earlier 199 9096 1 79
HUD-"Guidelines for the Evaluation and 1940 to 1 960 519 80% 415
Control of Lead-Based Paint Hazards in Housing",
2010 American Community Survey. 1960 to 1979 1,969 62% 1,221
Tota I 2, 687 1,815
The map in Figure IV-9 displays the number of housing units that may be at risk of lead-based paint
hazards. All of the housing units identified on the map were built in the years before lead-based paint
was banned from usage and are low to moderate income households (earning less than 80 percent of
MFI). As demonstrated in the map, the greatest risk of lead-based paint is found in the city's
downtown area.
Figure IV-9.
Estimated Number
of Households with
Lead-Based Paint
Risk by Block Group
Source:
Claritas 2010, BBC Research &
Consulting.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 16
Describe the jurisdiction 's plan to evaluate and reduce lead-based paint hazards and describe how lead
based paint hazards will be integrated into housing policies and programs, and how the plan for the
reduction of lead-based paint hazards is related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards.
The state agenry responsible for dealing with health hazards related to lead-based paint is the Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare. Within this agency are the Division of Health, Bureau of
Environmental Health and Services, the Division of Medicaid Programs and Resource Management,
and the Regional Health Departments. Region IV District Health located in Boise provides medical
clinic services. They publish and distribute a fact sheet about lead-based paint. It recommends that
those living in a home built prior to 1978 (where the paint is in poor condition and/or where there
has been remodeling) should consult a physician about having their children tested. A simple blood
test is the only way to know if a child has lead poisoning.
The Meridian Community Development Department works with homeowners, landlords,
developers, contractors, and builders in generating building permits. Staff will provide information on
lead-based paint hazards, precautions and symptoms for building permit applications on dwellings
built prior to 1)78. Questions and concerns related to lead-based paint testing assessments will be
referred to the Idaho Indoor Air Quality Program. The City has posted information and resources
regarding lead-based paint on the City's Community Development Block Grant webpage at
xxnxnx~ min r~ionri ri, nrv~rr~h.r
Housing Market Analysis 91.210
The significant characteristics of the housing market in terms of supply, demand, condition, and the
cost of housing, the housing stock available to serve persons with special needs and their families is
described in the Community and Housing Profile (Section II). The current conditions of the housing
market were considered along with public and stakeholder comments on needs in crafting the
strategic plan and annual objectives.
Public and Assisted Housing 91.210 (b)
In cooperation with the public housing agency or agencies located within its boundaries, describe the
needs of public housing, including:
^ The number of public housing units in the jurisdiction;
^ The physical condition of such units;
^ The restoration and revitalization needs of public housing projects within the jurisdiction;
^ The number of families on public housing and tenant-based waiting lists; and
^ Results from the Section 504 needs assessment of public housing projects located within its
boundaries (i.e. assessment of needs of tenants and applicants on waiting list for accessible units as
required by 24 CFR 8.25).
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 1 7
Inventory and waitlist. The BCACHA administers 1,7)4 Section 8 vouchers in Ada County.
Most BCACHA vouchers are used within the City of Boise (64%). The remaining 36 percent of
vouchers are spread throughout the remaining portions of Ada County, including Meridian. The
BCACHA currently administers 185 vouchers to residents of Meridian.
As of May 2011, there were 5>331 households on the Section 8 waitlist. It is likely that as many as 550
households are currently waiting for a Section 8 voucher.' The BCHACHA estimates that households
on the waitlist will wait four to five years for a voucher.
The BCACHA does not have any public housing units in Meridian.
Assisted units. There are 50 assisted units in Meridian developed from federal subsidies. All units
are contained in one building, the James Court Apartments, located in central Meridian. The
affordability requirement of this facility is set to expire in 2018.
Figure IV-10.
Units with Subsidized Rent, City of Meridian, 2011
dames Court Apartments 2190 N. Meridian Rd. 2018 50 0 20 20 10
50 O 20 20
Source: U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
Physical condition and revitalization needs. Meridian is not aware of any condition problems
or revitalization needs for the James Count Apartment complex. There are no public housing units in
Meridian.
Public housing authority. As of May 2011, there were 5,331 households on the BCACHA Section
8 waitlist. It is likely that as many as 550 Meridian households are currently waiting for a Section 8
voucher.` The BCHACHA estimates that households on the waitlist will wait four to five years for a
voucher. The BCACHA closed its Section 8 waitlist on Apri129, 2011 citing "large demand for rental
assistance in the community, a limited amount of funding and federal budget cuts."
Programs, activities, and strategic initiatives. The following strategies will guide public housing
and associated programs in the upcoming five years.
^ Identify infrastructure and locations and gain site control within the BCACHA service area which
will support housing developments for the elderly and disabled.
^ Bttild a collaborative and cooperative partnership with identified city & county officials to
provide complementary and overlapping services for low income, and the elderly and disabled.
^ Implement partnership opportunities for collaboration among community stakeholders to
provide additional services to participants/prospective homeowners.
The BCACI IA does not differentiate between City of Boise and Ada County applicants on the waitlist. Meridian residents account for
lU percent of all voucher recipients, and are assumed to account for lU percent of all waitlisted households.
The BCACI IA does not differentiate between City of Boise and Ada County applicants on the waitlist. Meridian residents account for
lU percent of all voucher recipients, and are assumed to account for lU percent of all waitlisted households.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 18
Homeless Inventory 91.201 (c)
Existing homeless facilities. There are no homeless shelters in Meridian. Meridian residents that
experience homelessness likely utilize homeless shelter facilities in Boise. Figure IV-11 displays the
name and number of beds in homeless facilities located in Boise.
Figure IV-11.
Homeless Housing Inventory
Boise Rescue Mission/River of Life„ ~ Emergency Shelter 241 Men, Women and Children
City Light Home Emergency Shelter 105 Women and Children
Boise Rescue Mission/3rd Floor Transitional Transitional Housing 34 Men
Serenity Womens Shelter Transitional Housing Women
Dorothy Day Place Transitional Housing 7 Women
Chorpus Christi House Day Shelter Individuals
Hays Shelter Home Emergency Shelter 20 Youth (9-17 years old)
Interfaith Sanctuary Emergency Shelter 138 Families and Individuals
Salvation Army Safe Center Emergency Shelter 52 Families and Individuals
Total Beds 597
Note: (1) In April, 2010, 19 of the beds at River of Life were dedicated for Veterans
Source: City of Boise, BBC Research and Consulting.
Consistent with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Office of Special Needs
Assistance Program Homeless Reporting Guidelines, the City of Meridian tracks housing inventory
for persons experiencing homelessness primarily through the Homeless Management Information
System (HMIs). Permanent housing beds specifically designated for chronically homeless are
determined through an annual housing inventory. According to the most recent Boise Ciry/Ada
County Continuum of Care Housing Inventory Chart completed in June 2011, all permanent
housing supportive programs report having some designated chronically homeless beds. Out of the
region's 205 year-round beds, 110 or 54 percent are designated for chronically homeless.
Idaho Housing and Finance Association is the State of Idaho's Homeless Management Information
System lead for the two Continuum of Cares (CoC) in Idaho. The CoCs include the Boise City/Ada
County Continuum of Care and the balance of the State. HMIs tracks permanent housing beds that
are readily available and targeted to house chronically homeless persons, including individuals and
households with children. Data reported into HMIs is used to generate the annual housing inventory
chart.
Existing homeless services. The following programs are designed to move homeless individuals
and families from homelessness to independent living.
Stewart B. McKinney Homeless Assistance Act -Supportive Housing Program. The Supportive
Housing Program (SHP) is designed to provide housing and services that will allow homeless persons
to live as independently as possible. Grants under the SHP are awarded through an annual national
competition. The Ciry of Boise is the lead agency for the Boise Ciry Ada County Continuum of Care
(which Meridian participates in) and prepares the application on behalf of the region. SHP programs
offer transitional and permanent housing programs to local homeless families, and chronically
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 19
homeless individuals. The Boise Ciry/Ado County Housing Authority has historically operated
programs financed with SHP funding.
Shelter plus care program (S+C). The Shelter Plus Care Program provides tenant-based and/or
chronic substance abuse issues). The program is designed to provide housing and supportive services
to participants on a long-term basis. The services for the program are funded by other Federal, State,
or local resources, as well as private sources.
Special Need Facilities and Services 91.21 O (d)
Describe, to the extent information is aaailable, the facilities and services that assist persons who are not
homeless but require supportive housing, and programs for ensuring persons returning from mental and
physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing.
The city has received CDBG for five years. Throughout the first five years of the program, the City
has provided funding to the Meridian Food Bank. The Food Bank has used CDBC7 funds to
purchase food and deliver food directly to Meridian residents in need. The City also funded health
screenings through the Meridian Senior Center in coordination with a local hospital. The Meridian
Boys and Girls Club has used CDBG funding to transport low-income students from area schools to
the Meridian Club for after-school programs; in addition, the Club has utilized CDBG funding to
provide scholarships for students to use the fee-based educational programs provided by the Club.
The city will continue to foster partnerships with these organizations to continue these important
activities.
The city is part of the larger Boise-Nampa MSA, and residents of Meridian have the choice of
accessing services outside the city. There are a number of organizations in the region providing
important services for individuals at risk of homelessness, including the Salvation Army, Catholic
Charities and the El-Ada Communication Action Partnership.
Barriers to Affordable Housing 91.210 (e)
Describe the strategy to remove or ameliorate negative effects ofpublic policies that serve as barriers to
affordable housing, except that, if a State requires a unit ofgeneral localgovernment to submit a regulatory
barrier assessment that is substantially equivalent to the information required under this part, as
determined by HUD, the unit ofgeneral localgovernment may submit that assessment to HUD and it shall
be considered to have complied with this requirement.
Throughout the first five years of the City's CDBBG program, the City has partnered with BCACHA
and Neighborhood Housing Services to provide down payment assistance to low-moderate income
Meridian residents wishing to purchase a home in Meridian. This has been an important and
successful way for the city to increase access to housing for its low to moderate income residents.
The city's Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) was completed in conjunction with
this Con Plan. The plan identified a lack of affordable housing as an impediment to fair housing. The
following presents the language presented in the AI.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 20
IMPEDIMENT NO. 1. Lack of affordable housing. The city has a limited inventory of affordable
units for its size. Affordable housing development has recently been limited to acquisition and
rehabilitation of single family units in the downtown area. As such, low and moderate income
residents may have a hard time finding an affordable unit, particularly outside the downtown area.
Stakeholders participating in the public outreach efforts all suggested that a lack of affordable housing
was a barrier to fair housing in Meridian.
Why is this a barrier? Lack of affordable housing can lead to income, racial and ethnic segregation
and may disproportionately restrict housing choices for certain protected classes. This may occur
because racial and ethnic minorities have lower incomes or because persons with disabilities require
specific housing accommodations and need affordable housing due to limitations on employment.
Action item 1.1. -Preserve existing affordable housing units in the city. The city has a limited
affordable housing stock. The city should aggressively attempt to preserve existing affordable units in
the city by working with current property owners to ensure that existing affordable housing contracts
do not expire. This would include identifying affordable housing owners in the city and
understanding their needs for retaining the affordability component of their property.
Action item 1.2. -Convene an affordable housing task force to investigate ways to develop new
affordable housing. The city should convene an affordable housing task force to identify ways to
encourage affordable housing development in Meridian. The task force should include community
development staff, developers, representatives of the finance and banking industry and representatives
from the city's economic development organizations. The task force could also include existing
affordable housing property owners.
The primary task of the committee would be to identify tools used by other neighboring and regional
communities to encourage affordable housing development, and determine what may work in
Meridian. Some of these tools, which were identified by local affordable housing developers during
the public input process, include the following:
^ Property tax abatements on affordable projects (this task will require input from Ada County);
^ Relaxed design guidelines for affordable projects (rehabilitation and new construction);
^ Expedited review and permitting process for affordable housing projects to alleviate additional
carrying costs; and
^ Development fee waivers (e.g., building permits, infrastructure costs, utility hook ups).
The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) is responsible for administering the Low Income
Housing Tax (LIHTC) program in Idaho. Local communities are required to contribute 5 percent of
the cost of the project to be eligible for LIHTCs projects in their community. As such, Meridian
should identify ways to generate funds for this local match if a potential affordable project is proposed
in their community. The city should investigate the fiscal tools other Idaho communities have
implemented to generate this local contribution.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 21
General Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies 91.21 S (a)
In this narrative, describe the reasons for setting priorities for allocating investment among different
activities and needs, as identified in tables*preseribed by HUD.92.215(a)(1)
See Table lA, Table 1B, Table 2A, and Table 2B above for identification of priorities and
information on how resources will be allocated among the priorities.
Basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction. Figure IV-12
displays the city's LMI areas.
Figure IV-12
Geographic Distribution
of Low Income
Households, City of
Meridian, 2010
Note:
Households earning less than $25,000 per
year used as a proxy for low income.
Source:
2010 Claritas.
The City of Meridian hosts an annual CDBG Workshop in which past, current and potential future
sub-recipients can learn more about the city's CDBG program and how they might participate and/or
submit funding applications. After the workshop, potential sub-recipients are encouraged to fill-out
an application form for their proposed project. All eligible proposals that are submitted are considered
for funding within the context of the broad goals and objectives established in the Strategic Plan.
Funding recommendations under the 2012 Action Plan were made in response to the application
process that is largely driven by the capacity of social service providers that provide services in
Meridian. Consideration was given to the overall readiness of the project, efficiency of the program,
populations identified to be served and the degree to which the project or program addressed the
priorities and objectives defined in the Strategic Plan. Projects are scored and ranked in five categories
1) goals and outcomes, 2) need, 3) plan and implementation, 4) capacity, and 5) leverage.
In sum, the city's basis for allocating investments has not and likely will not be geographically
delineated within the city's boundaries. Funding is determined upon meeting national objectives,
qualifying eligible activities, and the competitive application process described above.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 22
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas (NRSA). jfapplicable, identify the census tracts for
NRSAs and/or any local targeted areas.
At this time the Meridian does not have any HUD designated Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy
Areas (NRSA).
If appropriate, the jurisdiction should estimate the percentage of funds the jurisdiction plans to dedicate to
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas and/or any local targeted areas.
Not applicable for the City of Meridian.
Obstacles to meeting underserved needs. The primary obstacle to meeting underserved needs
is limited funding. State and federal funding has declined in recent years, making it more difficult to
fund the city's growing needs.
The other obstacle to meeting underserved needs is simply identifying those needs in the community.
The city has grown and changed dramatically in the last 10 to 20 years that it has been difficult to
keep a pulse on the needs in the community. And, data is not always available to understand the
magnitude of needs in the community.
Specific Objectives/Affordable Housing (Priority Housing Needs) 91.215 (b)
Priority needs. The priority needs are listed in the HUD needs tables beginning on page 10. The
priorities for the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan were assigned based on the following: 1) Results of
the housing market analysis conducted as part of the Consolidated Plan. 2) Input from stakeholders
and residents who participated in the Consolidated Plan process. 3) Activities that the city has funded
in the past that met the needs of our residents.
Strategies and Objectives
Strategy No. 1 (Affordable Housing): Improve access to affordable housing opportunities for
Meridian residents.
Objective 1.1: Address the need for affordable decent housing by supporting a down payment
assistance program for qualifying households.
HUD Specific Objective Category: Availability/Affordability of Decent
Housing (DH-2)
5-year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 7 households
If the jurisdiction intends to use HOME funds for tenant-based rental assistance, specify local market
conditions that led to the choice of that option.
The city does not anticipate receiving HOME funds.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 23
Public Housing Strategy 91.215 (c)
The BCACHA partners with governmental entities, social service agencies, non-profit agencies, and
the faith-based community to create a safety net that is able to address more than just the housing
needs of low and moderate income residents. The BCACHA has initiated several strategies with these
partnering entities to empower residents and program participants in achieving the goal of self-
sufficienry.
Stewart B. McKinney supportive housing programs. The Supportive Housing Programs
(SHP) are designed to provide housing and services that will allow homeless persons to live as
independently as possible. Grants under the SHP are awarded through HUD's national competition
for McKinney Vento Homeless fiords held annually under the Boise Ciry/Ada County Continuum of
Care. SHP programs offer Transitional and Permanent housing programs to local homeless families,
and chronically homeless individuals.
Shelter plus care program (S+C). The Shelter Plus Care Program provides tenant-based rental
assistance. The program is designed to provide housing and supportive services to participants on a
long-term basis. The services for the program are funded by McKinney Vento Homeless funds, other
Federal, State, or local resources, as well as private sources.
Transitional housing for victims of domestic violence. The Transitional Housing program is
a Department of Justice federally funded grant designed to provide temporary housing for families
and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, and/or stalking. The program also provides services
to participants which may include case management, mental health counseling, transportation, and
support groups. These services are provided under a contract by a local service provider.
Public housing and Section 8 Housing Choice vouchers. The Boise City/Ada County
Housing Authority (BCACHA) owns, manages and maintains 160 public housing units for low-
income households. Of those, 160 are for elderly/disabled and the remaining are family units. In
addition, BCACHA owns and manages an 80 unit HUD-multi-family Section 8 New Construction
complexes also serves the elderly/disabled, and three affordable housing complexes (109 units).
BCACHA also operates the Section 8 Voucher Program serving approximately 185 low-income
households in Meridian. The program allows clients to choose any unit that meets the program
requirements within Ada County. Tenants pay a portion of the rent, based on their income, and
BCACHA provides a rental assistance payment directly to private landlords participating in the
program.
Addressing revitalization needs. BCACHA conducts a new needs assessment every year that
includes a detailed survey of all public housing residents to pinpoint deficiencies and plan for
corrections. The results are included in the BCACHA's rolling Five-Year Capitol Fund Plan.
As part of the current five-year plan (from fiscal year 2010 through 2014), the scheduled
improvements at Capitol and Franklin Plazas include new energy efficient windows and door sliders,
new energy efficient heating and ventilating units (hall ways, and stair casings), replace shower stalls,
landscape improvement, reseal exterior brick, seal & strip parking lots, replace carpet, new patio doors
in accessible units to meet ADA requirements, TPO roofing, upgrade fire alarm system and conduct
energy audit.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 24
Troubled PHA. Not applicable.
Priority Homeless Needs and Homeless Strategy
As a member of the Continuum of Care, Meridian staff will be able to develop relationships and
understand the support network of the area's homeless and many service providers. They will work
closely with each of the following housing providers listed in the charts to assist in meeting the needs
of the homeless and at risk of becoming homeless.
In coordination with other members of the Continuum of Care, the City of Meridian will support
the efforts of the Continuum in implementing the 10-year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness,
called Improving Access to Mainstream Resources for the Chronically Homeless, the following goals
will be addressed:
^ New permanent housing beds for chronically homeless persons (to be achieved with the
development of Recovery Village);
^ Increase the percentage of homeless persons staying in permanent housing by increasing access to
supportive services and removing barriers to staying in permanent housing;
^ Increase the percentage of homeless persons moving from transitional housing into permanent
housing by increasing the permanent housing stock and increasing access to supportive services
such as substance abuse, detoxification, and treatment;
^ Increase the percentage of homeless persons becoming employed; and
^ Ensure that the Continuum of Care has a functioning Homeless Management Information
System.
Chronic homelessness. Meridian is partnering with Boise City to support the objective to assure
that safe, decent, and affordable transitional and permanent housing facilities are available for the
homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless. The following goals reflect the Ten-Year Plan to
End Chronic Homelessness. Together they will support the creation and operation of a sound
human service delivery system-recognizing the importance of providing holistic versus episodic care
and encourage personal responsibility.
Homeless prevention. Developing a successful strategy to break the cycle of homelessness and
prevent future homelessness requires accurate, unduplicated, reliable data on the numbers and needs
of homeless individuals and families. Point-in-time data is crucial to determining immediate unmet
needs for services, shelter, and housing options and is helpful in identifying in-depth system
weaknesses such as the need for shelter/housing options to meet the needs of treatment or service-
resistant individuals or families who present special challenges. However, for truly effective planning,
annualized, unduplicated data, including the numbers and needs of those turned away by providers,
must be considered as well. This is particularly important in the development of prevention
strategies. The Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care conducts an annual point-in-time count
of the homeless population. This involves simultaneously counting of individuals/families both on
the streets and in shelter facilities.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 25
In order to utilize population data to effectively address structural and individual factors creating and
perpetuating homelessness, further classification and categorization is required. Amore deliberate,
effective plan is possible if it focuses on distinct subpopulations as well as on categories of individuals
that cut across these distinct subgroups. This is especially true since, in reality, there are separate
programs and continuums of services and housing options for each subgroup. Providers have also
developed separate programs for categories of individuals that cross subgroups. In addition to the
homeless, others clients are represented as well: victims of domestic abuse, persons with mental and/or
physical illness, veterans, racial/ethnic minorities, persons with drug/alcohol abuse issues and those
facing unemployment are served. Emergenry shelters and transitional housing is needed by these
populations to provide stabilization while they work with social service agencies to access housing.
The three major subgroups of the Boise Ciry/Ada County homeless population are: 1) substance
abusers (alcohol and drugs); 2) persons with serious mental illness and/or dual diagnoses of mental
illness complicated by substance abuse; and 3) families with children. The major categories of
homeless people that are included in these subgroups are veterans, persons with HIV/AIDS, and
victims of domestic violence.
While social service agencies work to get more people into long-term housing, people need a safe and
secure shelter. Without access to an emergenry shelter, persons facing homelessness are more likely to
become the victim of a crime, in danger of inclement weather, or susceptible to disease. These threats
create a long lasting burden on the larger community, stressing safety and medical systems, which are
not designed to serve such populations. The overall well being of the community is impacted when
some of its members are "left out in the cold."
Interfaith Sanctuary's Executive Committee, consisting of representation from El Ada Community
Action Partnership, Supportive Housing/Innovative Partnership, Corpus Christi House, The
Interfaith Alliance, Catholic Charities of Idaho, and the Roman Catholic Diocese of Boise, has met
on a continuous basis to plan and implement a viable shelter system for Boise. Currently, the Board
of Directors is meeting to develop funding streams, locate and obtain a site for permanent operations,
and create anon-profit plan for operations.
A wide range of agencies and groups have become included in the process. Other shelters such as the
Rescue Mission, Booth Memorial Home, and Corpus Christi House, have developed working
relations with Interfaith Sanctuary. Area medical facilities and police coordinate services, relying on
the Sancntary to receive people who are homeless that have come into contact with their facilities.
Social service and governmental agencies such as SHIP, El-Ada, and the Veterans Administration
provide services in conjunction with Interfaith Sanctuary. Faith organizations, representing much of
the larger community, have contributed money, resources, and volunteers to support the Interfaith
Sanctuary project.
Discharge coordination policy. Meridian does not receive any of these funds directly. BCACHA
does administer Section 8 vouchers to City residents. The following service providers implement a
cohesive policy which the City endorses.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 26
Foster care. Idaho has a comprehensive State Plan for youth transitioning from foster care to self-
sufficienry under the Idaho Chafee Foster Care Independence Program. The services are a
compilation of intervention strategies for eligible youth that involve community partners, family
members, foster parents and case managers. The plan involves youth in foster care ages 15-18 with
continuing services until age 21. Goals of the program are to prevent homelessness, incarceration,
pregnancy, high risk behaviors and increase education and employment. In Idaho, children that are
returning to their families from the foster care program have a discharge plan created through the
court system that is unique to each family. The State's discharge plan for youth aging out of the foster
care program includes these standards:
^ The Ansell-Casey Life Skills Assessment is administered to assess the youth's needs. The
assessment includes participation from family members, foster parents, child welfare professionals
and anyone who has knowledge of the youth's ability to live independently.
^ Each youth age 15 and older must have a written case plan for permanence. Case plans are
currently designed to address the youth's physical and emotional health, culniral relevance, self-
sufficiency and life skills, community connections, birth family relationships, safety, legal
involvement, education, employment, and housing.
^ The State of Idaho's independent living program will provide funds for housing purposes that
include rent payments, security deposits, and assistance with utilities, foodstuffs, goods/supplies
and housing related expenses.
^ The State of Idaho has partnered with the Casey Family Programs who will provide two full-time
positions to assist the state in providing older youth who have left the foster care program.
Health care. There are formal administrative rules that govern discharge planning for hospitals. At
St. Luke's, in Boise, patients are served under their patient care policy and develop a discharge plan
while admitted to the hospital. Patients have the right to choose to follow or refuse the discharge
plan. Social workers are notified of any patient who identifies himself/herself as homeless. The
patient then meets with a social worker to discuss housing options and community resources. These
are the steps that the hospital follows:
^ Individual patient care plans are developed that address the needs of the patient including
housing, medical care, family and individual goals, and meeting the socio-psychological needs of
the patient.
^ Patients are assigned to a social worker and meet with them while the patient is at the hospital to
formalize a care plan.
^ The hospital makes every effort to secure safe permanent or emergenry housing for the patient
upon discharge; however, it is the choice of the patient to follow those plans.
^ Should a patient need immediate follow up care, the hospitals have the ability to house a patient
on their premises until care and tests are completed.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 27
Mental health. The State of Idaho has formal administrative rules related to discharge from state
mental health facilities. There is a formal liaison between State Hospitals and Idaho Department of
Health and Welfare, Region IV, the region to which the Boise City/Ada County Continuum of Care
belongs. All Region IV participants have an appointment set for psychiatry before they are released,
and if needed, have living arrangements made through a local extended-stay inn. These are the
measures taken to create a discharge plan:
^ While a patient is admitted to the hospital they meet with a social worker to discuss plans upon
discharge.
^ Patients are connected to outside resources that allow them to access mainstream services and
housing opportunities.
The hospitals make every effort to discharge patients to be in the most supportive environment
possible.
Corrections. Idaho Department of Corrections has a strict policy for how individuals are paroled. It
is the polity of the state to not discharge parolees without an appropriate residence. A parolee must
have a viable address to be released. To ensure the best possible situation for individuals exiting
corrections, the state works closely with Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships to assist the
prisoners who suffer from substance abuse and need a more intensive transition into the community.
The current discharge policy from Corrections includes these measures:
^ Case workers assist the prisoner in setting up a plan for release which includes housing, how to
access work or supportive services, treatment for drug and alcohol problems, mental health, sex
offender or other, and different types of educational resources. For those exiting to parole the
state is able to provide some financial assistance through the Transitional Funding Program to
allow a parolee time to implement their parole plan.
^ The plan is thoroughly investigated to ensure housing is suitable and safe.
^ At the local level, the jail makes available needed referrals to community resources and how to
access the resources upon release.
^ Inmates are offered a variety of programs to prepare them to reenter the community. The current
local jail programs are: Substance Abuse Treatment Program (SATP), Active Behavioral Change
(ABC), General Education Development (GED), and inmates have the option to participate in
the Transitional Aftercare Program (TAP). The jail will be adding the Matrix Model, a parenting
class, and financial management class to the opportunities available to inmates.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 28
Specific Objectives/Homeless (91.21 S)
Priority Non-Homeless Needs 91.215 (e)
Strategy No. 2 (Suitable Living Environment): Support services, programs and projects for the
ciry's LMI residents, including persons with special needs and residents at-risk of homelessness.
^ Ob%ective 2.1: Support public service activities that serve the ciry's LMI residents.
HUD Specific Objective Category: Sustainabiliry of Suitable Living Environment (SL-3)
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.• 10,000 residents
Ob%ective 2.2: Invest in public facility improvements that serve persons with special needs and
low income residents, as well as public facility improvements located in the ciry's LMI areas.
HUD Specific Objective Category: Sustainabiliry of Suitable Living Environment (SL-3)
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome.• 100 residents
Special Needs Objectives 91.21 S (e)
See the priority non-homeless needs, priorities and objectives above for priority needs regarding the
non-homeless special needs.
Priority Community Development Needs 91.215 (f)
Strategy No. 3 (Economic Opportunities): Improve economic opportunities in the city's LMI areas.
Ob%ective 3.1: Support public service activities that provide employment training or job
creation/retention for the city's LMI residents.
HUD Specifzc Objective Category.• Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity (EO-1)
5 year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 2 businesses
^ Ob%ective 3.2: Invest in public facility improvements or activities in the downtown area that
address one or more of the conditions which contributed to the deterioration of the area.
HUD Specific Objective Category.• Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity (EO-1)
S year Consolidated Plan Outcome: 1 business or public facility.
Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas 91.215 (g)
If the jurisdiction has one or more approved Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas, the jurisdiction
mustproaide, with the submission of a new Consolidated Plan, either: thepriorHUO-approved strategy, or
strategies, with a statement that there has been no change in the strategy (in which case, HUD approval for
the existing strategy is not needed a second time or submit a new or amended neighborhood reaitalization
strategy, or strategies, (for which separate HUD approval would be required).
N/A
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 29
Antipoverty Strategy 91.215 (j)
In 2006, Boise City compiled an antipoverty strategy which included the MSA as a component of its
consolidated plan. This MSA area includes residents of Ada County, and the Cities of Garden Ciry,
Meridian, Kuna, Star and Eagle. In discussions with Boise City staff and the other communities
included in the MSA, it was decided to utilize the current antipoverty strategy developed by Boise.
Only a few adjustments have been made to reflect Meridian specific information. This strategy is
included herein to meet HUD's Consolidated Plan guidelines.
The Census 2010 American Community Survey reported 4,789 individuals (6.4%) living in poverty
in Meridian. The primary use of Community Development Block Grant funds (70%) will go to help
people rise out of poverty, rather than merely easing their situation temporarily. Although essential
short-term direct aid such as emergenry food and shelter maybe provided, the thrust of the
antipoverty strategy is to address poverty's root causes and assist people in becoming self-sufficient in
the long-term. Two key components of helping people attain self-sufficienry are employment and
housing.
Examples of programs that directly influence people's ability to escape poverty include job education,
micro-enterprise training and assistance, enrichment, development, and job placement services as well
as housing advocacy, homelessness prevention, expiring use prevention and rental and
homeownership assistance. Projects that indirectly affect poverty include those that upgrade the
community, and provide transportation and child care services that help people access employment
and services. CDBG and HOME fiords are often used as matching funds for other grants that also
contribute to reducing the number of poverty level families. Thus, the power of these federal dollars
is leveraged to the fullest extent possible.
Recognizing that limited fitnds should be focused where the need is greatest, Meridian will give
preference to projects that directly benefit low- and moderate-income residents or serve low- and
moderate-income neighborhoods. This strategy will ensure that scarce resources are directed to best
serve those who have the greatest need, including those areas with the greatest concentrations of
poverty.
A number of other public, private, and partnership resources are available to assist the city in the
reduction of poverty rates in Meridian. These programs include IHFA's Family Self-sufficienry
program, the United States Department of Health and Human Services' Head Start program, the
Boise Ciry/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; Mayor's Faith Ambassadors Council; Meridian Senior Center; Boise City/Ada County
Housing Authority (BCACHA); Idaho Commission on Aging; and Boise Valley Habitat for
Humanity.
Antipoverty funding. Last year, Ada County residents and businesses received $207 million from
the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare programs that help people in need. The disbursement
of state and federal tax dollars amounts to $638 for every man, woman and child residing in Ada
County. This includes citizens who may not receive a single direct service from the Department.
The statewide average is $839 per capita.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 30
The Department distributed over one billion dollars in 2006 to Idaho communities. These fiends
came from Medicaid, additional payments to hospitals, Food Stamps, Idaho Child Care Program,
Women, Infants and Children nutritional program, foster care and a variety of other assistance
programs.
The Department's Medicaid Division spent $173 million on health care for residents of Ada County,
a $ 9 million increase over the previous year. Total Medicaid spending in Ada County was $220
million because many people from other counties travel to Boise for medical care.
Last year, Ada County hospitals received $2.8 million in Disproportionate Share. That money can be
used for any hospital purpose, so it has the potential of providing service for any patient, not just
Medicaid clients. The money is in addition to payment for regular services to Medicaid clients. Five
hospitals in Ada County, including St. Luke's and St. Alphonsus, received $64 million for inpatient
and outpatient care bringing the total Medicaid investment in Ada County hospitals to $67 million.
Ada County residents received $15.5 million in Food Stamps, spending $13.9 million with grocers in
the county to help feed their families.
Antipoverty initiatives. The Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Division of Welfare
administers self-reliance programs serving low-income individuals and families. Field-based personnel
in offices around the state process applications for services that help families in crisis situations.
Those services also assist families in becoming more self-reliant. The Division manages state and
federal programs including Child Support, Food Stamps, Child Care, Temporary Assistance for
Families in Idaho (TAFI), and Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled (AABD). Welfare programs
provide critical aid for families while requiring participants to strive for employment and self-reliance.
The Division does not manage the Medicaid Program but does determine Medicaid eligibility. Other
programs, managed through contracts with local organizations, include Food Commodities, Energy
Assistance, Telephone Assistance, and Weatherization Assistance. The Division of Welfare promotes
stable, healthy families through program access and support services.
Self-reliance services. The Division provides services in the following categories:
^ Benefit Program services provide food, medical, child care, and cash assistance. Applications are
available in field offices around the state, by phone, mail, and the Internet. These services have
strict eligibility requirements and inchide:
> Food assistance (Food Stamps);
> Child care assistance (Idaho Child Care Program);
> Medical assistance under a variety programs for children, adults with low income, pregnant
women, disabled individuals, nursing home care, and help with health insurance costs or
Medicare premiums; and
> Cash assistance (TAFI, AABD).
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 31
^ Child Support services, helping families by:
Locating an absent parent, conducting paternity testing, or creating a new or enforcing an
existing child support order;
Mandating child support participation for individuals receiving Food Stamps, Medicaid, or
TAFI. This requirement is an effort to encourage participant self-reliance and increase
household income while receiving benefit program services; and
Providing help to other states to enforce and collect child support for parents living in
Idaho. These interstate services account for about one-fifth of Idaho's cases.
^ Contracted services in local communities include:
> Locating an absent parent, conducting paternity testing, or creating a new or enforcing an
existing child support order;
> Nutrition-related services and food commodities;
> Low-income home energy assistance;
> Telephone assistance;
> Child care provider education; and
> Weatherization.
Benefit programs. The Division of Welfare manages benefit payments in four major programs:
Food Stamps, Child Care, Medical, and Cash Assistance (through Temporary Assistance for Families
in Idaho-TAFI, and Aid to the Aged, Blind, and Disabled).
The Food Stamp Program helps low-income families maintain good health and nutrition. Federally
fitnded> it is managed by the state, and helps families buy the food they need using an Electronic
Benefits Transfer card, which works like a debit card. Participation is sensitive to changes in the
economy. During the economic downturn from 2001 to 2004, participation increased 53 percent. In
June 2005, statewide enrollment peaked at 94,956, up slightly from 92,963 in June 2004. Enrollment
has leveled off, but participation remains high. The leveling off of the Food Stamp growth rate
indicates the economy is rebounding, but the working poor remain in low-paying jobs. Recipients fall
into two groups: working poor families and families with adults who are elderly or disabled. As of
June 2005, 69 percent of recipient families included adults working or seeking work. The average
monthly benefit in 2005 was $229 per family. The remaining 31 percent of Food Stamp households
are families where all adults are elderly or disabled. Forty-eight percent of all individuals receiving
Food Stamps in Idaho are children. The average monthly earnings for households containing three to
four family members are $1,020.
The Idaho Child Care Program (ICCP) helps low-income families pay for child care while parents
work or attend educational or training programs. ICCP subsidies are an essential support that helps
families become self-reliant and maintain employment. Of families participating: 88.7% are
employed; 9.5 percent are in training or going to college; and 9.3 percent attend college and work.
Ninety-two percent of families served have three or fewer children, and most of these families have
monthly incomes at or below $1,500. Many families receiving ICCP benefits contribute to their child
care expenses through a co-payment with the state.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 32
The Division of Welfare determines financial and personal eligibility for individuals who apply for
Medicaid Services. The Division of Medicaid determines health care services or coverage that an
individual may receive, depending on the Medicaid program approved or the type of care a person
requires. Each year, more than 72,000 applications are processed statewide for Medicaid and
completed for re-determination of continuing eligibility for 171,000 Medicaid beneficiaries. In a
typical year, more than 220,000 people access health coverage through Medicaid programs, which
includes more than 125,000 children.
Temporary Assistance for Families in Idaho (TAFI) provides temporary cash assistance for needy
families with children, while encouraging personal and family responsibility. Families who receive
TAFI cash assistance are required to participate in work preparation activities so they can become
financially independent. A typical TAFI participant is a single mom with one or two children under
age eight. Each family receives a maximum of $30) monthly, regardless of family size. An adult
usually is eligible for only 24 months of TAFI cash assistance in a lifetime. Families receiving TAFI
also are eligible to receive vouchers for assistance to obtain short-term training to become employed or
sustain employment. A typical TAFI family is on assistance for only four months. Approximately
67% of individuals receiving TAFI are children whose parents are unable to care for them, typically
because of drug problems or incarceration. Often, grandparents care for children who may receive
TAFI without regard for grandparent income. This cash assistance payment improves the opportunity
for children to stay with their extended families while their parents are unable to care for them. There
is no work participation for these TAFI cases.
Child support services. The Child Support Program promotes the physical and economic health
of families by ensuring parents are financially responsible for their children. The program helps locate
non-custodial (absent) parents and enforces their obligations to provide financial and medical support
for their children.
Contracted services. Contract services include:
^ Enhanced Work Services (EWS) works with self-reliance participants to help them gain, sustain,
or upgrade employment opportunities. Adults receiving services through TAFI (Cash
Assistance), Food Stamps, non-custodial parents in child support cases, and those at risk of
coming onto TAFI are candidates for EWS.
Job Education Training (JET) contracts support participant efforts in securing employment, job
retention, wage enhancement, and short-term job education/training (12 months or less).
Participants are referred from EWS contractors or may volunteer through the contractor, if they
meet TAFI eligibility. Eligible participants, after intense assessments, enhance their
employability through education and skills training.
^ Child Support Customer Service (CSCS) delivers professional and proficient child support
receipting, case management, financial analysis audits, and customer service call center services
for Idaho Child Support.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 33
^ Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) revitalizes low-income communities, helps eliminate
the causes of poverty, and enables families and individuals to become self-reliant. Within
Meridian, services are delivered through the El-Ada Community Action Agency that provides
Emergenry and supportive services, employment readiness training, individual and family
development counseling, food, shelter, and transportation assistance.
^ The Emergency Food Assistance Program (TEFAP) helps supplement the diets of Idaho's low-
income citizens. USDA purchases surplus food commodities from American food producers
and distributes them to states. EI-Ada Community Action Agency distributes these commodities
through local food banks and soup kitchens.
^ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) pays a portion of low-income
household heating bills and provides energy conservation education through the EI-Ada
Community Action Agency. Payment is made to heating suppliers and vendors.
^ Service Assistance Program assists low-income households by paying a portion of their expense
for telephone installation and/or monthly service fees. Benefits are funded by 19 telephone
companies through fees included in the monthly invoices of Idaho telephone service customers.
^ Weatherization Assistance Program helps low-income families conserve energy, save money, and
improve their living conditions. Idaho's weatherization program is funded by utilities, the U.S.
^ U.S. Department of Health and Httman Services, Petroleum Violation Escrow, and the U.S.
Department of Energy.
Antipoverty five-year Strategy. Meridian will target available federal, state, and local resources
to accomplish the following non-housing community development objectives:
1. Establish effective liaisons with neighborhoods, adjacent municipalities, county, state, and federal
agencies to ensure the community is influential in affecting policies impacting residents.
2. Develop and implement quantitative and qualitative outcome measurements to assure that
publicly funded programs and/or services meet the highest possible standards of progressiveness,
innovation, quality of care, effectiveness and accountability.
3. Encourage publicly funded human service providers/programs to examine entrepreneurial
opporamities in an effort to reduce/eliminate their dependence on continued public funding and
to promote the long term viability of the organization.
4. Encourage and expand collaborative relationships with the academic community which provide
for student internships and/or practicum experiences and promote the efficient transfer of
technology.
5. Encourage improved educational, training and employment opportunities for residents.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 34
6. Encourage the development of affordable quality child-care accessible to lower income
households, and
7. Expand supervised, educational and recreational after-school activities for at risk school age
children.
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)
N/A
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING SECTION IV, PAGE 35
APPENDIX A.
City of Meridian Citizen Participation Plan
APPENDIX A.
City of Meridian Citizen Participation Plan
The Consolidated Plan is a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
requirement for a city to receive federal housing and community development funding. The
Consolidated Plan report examines the housing and community development needs of a city, sets
priorities for HUD grant monies to which a city is entitled, identifies the city's performance in
meeting its goals, and establishes an action plan for meeting current and future needs. Each
Consolidated Plan is also required to have a strategy for citizen participation in the Consolidated Plan
process.
Between November 2011 and Jttly 2012, the Ciry of Meridian prepared a draft of its Five Year
Consolidated Plan covering program years 2012-2016 and its 2012 Action Plan. This document
outlines the city's process and plan for soliciting and receiving citizen input during the preparation
review period of the draft Consolidated Plan as well as in the event that amendments are made to the
Plan. Included in this is the city's approved Citizen Participation Plan for all aspects of the
Consolidated Plan process inchiding: the Five Year Strategic Plan, the Action Plan, amendments to
the Consolidated Plan, and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Purpose of Citizen Participation Plan
The Ciry of Meridian recognizes the importance of public participation in both defining and
understanding current housing and community development needs, and prioritizing resources to
address those needs. The city's Citizen Participation Plan is designed to encourage citizens to
participate in the development of the Consolidated Plan, annual Action Plans, any substantial
amendments to the Plan, and the annual performance report. The Citizen Participation Plan is
intended to encourage citizens of all ages, genders, economic levels, races, ethnicities and special
needs equal access to become involved in the Plan each year. This Citizen Participation Plan was
written in accordance with Sections 91.100 and 91.105 of HUD's Consolidated Plan regulations.
In order to ensure maximum participation in the Consolidated Plan process among all populations
and needs groups, and in order to ensure that their issues and concerns are adequately addressed, the
City of Meridian will follow the standards set forth in its adopted Citizen Participation Plan during
development of its Consolidated Plan, annual Action Plans and Consolidated Annual Performance
and Evaluation Report (CAPER), and for any substantial amendments to the Plan. The participation
process will be developed and monitored by the Planning Division of the City of Meridian's
Community Development Department.
Glossary of Relevant Terms
Action Plan. The yearly portion of the Consolidated Plan that identifies the specific activities and
projects to be undertaken by the city with CDBG funds during that program year.
CAPER. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report as required by HUD
regulations, which reports the city's completion of projects and activities as outlined within the
Action and Consolidated Plans and the expenditure of Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG).
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING APPENDIX A, PAGE 1
CDBG. The Community Development Block Grant Program, as established under Title 1 of the
Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, Public Law 93-383 and the
finding received under such program, which assists communities to address housing and community
development needs, primarily for low and moderate income residents.
Consolidated plan. A three to five year plan of a city's housing and community development
needs, resources, priorities, and proposed activities to be undertaken for the CDBG programs (a.k.a.,
Housing and Community Development Plan).
Relevant Areas and Programs. The Ciry of Meridian 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan covers the
geographic area within the city limits of Meridian. The City of Meridian is entitled to receive CDBG
finding from HUD during the program years between 2012 and 2016.
Public Comment
Consolidated Plan and annual Action Plans. Prior to the adoption of a Consolidated Plan and
annual Action Plans, the city will make available to interested parties the draft Plan for a comment
period of no less than 30 days and will conduct a public hearing at the conclusion of the comment
period. The 30 day comment period and the public hearing for the Consolidated Plan and the
annual Action Plans will be noticed in the local newspapers, the 1/alley Times and the Idaho
Statesman, and by posting the notice on the city's Web site. The public notice shall be published at
least two weeks in advance of the public hearing and shall include information regarding the subject
of the hearing and the date, time, and location of the public hearing as well as a notice of opportunity
to provide written or oral comment.
The draft Consolidated Plan will contain the amount of assistance the city expects to receive through
the HUD CDBCT grants and the top level strategic goals that will guide funding over the five
planning periods. The annual Action Plan will show how the city plans to allocate the funds for that
particular program year.
Prior to the 30-day comment period on the draft Action Plan, City staff shall provide a Department
Report to the Council regarding submitted funding applications and the relative scores and ranking
of these applications. The report should include an analysis of how the applications are proposed to
be prioritized in relation to the adopted Consolidated Plan.
The Plans will be available electronically on the city's Web site. Hard copies will be available for
review at city offices and will be provided to the public at a specific request.
The Council will consider any comments or views of individuals or groups received in writing or
orally during the Plan process and at the public hearing to beheld at the end of the 30-day public
comment period. The Council shall at its regular or a special public meeting, review the proposed
Consolidated Plan or annual Action Plan and the summaries regarding the incorporation of citizen
comments or views provided, and shall vote on a resolution to adopt the final Consolidated Plan or
annual Action Plan.
The city will provide a written response to all written citizen complaints related to the Plans within
15 working days of receiving the complaints. Copies of the complaints, along with the city's response
will be sent to HUD if they occur outside of the Consolidated Planning process and> as such, do not
appear in the Consolidated Plan.
APPENDIX A, PAGE 2 BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
CAPER. A public notice of the CAPER availability and the date, time and location of the public
hearing will be published in the local newspapers, Malley Times and the Idaho Statesman, and by
posting the notice on the city's Web site at least two weeks in advance of the public hearing. After the
notice is published, citizens will have a period of not less than 15 days to comment on the CAPER,
and the city will conduct a public hearing on the CAPER at the conclusion of the comment period.
The city will consider any comments or views of citizens received in writing. A summary of these
comments or views, and a summary of any comments or views shall be attached to the CAPER. The
Council shall at its regular or a special public meeting, review the CAPER and the summaries
regarding the incorporation of citizen comments or views provided, and shall vote on a resolution to
adopt the final CAPER.
Substantial Amendments
Occasionally, public comments or a change in circumstances warrant an amendment to the
Consolidated Plan and/or an annual Action Plan. The criteria for whether to amend is referred to by
HUD as Substantial Amendment Criteria. The following conditions are considered to be
"Substantial Amendment Criteria:"
Any change in the described method of distributing program funds.
Elements of a "method of distribution" are:
- Changing the funding of a particular activity which increases or decreases the amount
spent by 25 percent of the total funding amount.
- Making a change in the allocation priorities.
- Carrying out an activity using CDBG fiords or program income not previously
described in the action plan or the consolidated plan.
2. An administrative decision to reallocate all the funds allocated to an activity in the Action Plan
to other activities of equal or lesser priority need level, unless the decision is a result of
A federal government rescission of appropriated fiends, or appropriations are so much less
than anticipated that the city makes an administrative decision not to fund one or more
activities; and/or
The governor declares a state of emergenry and reallocates federal funds to address the
emergency.
Citizen participation in the event of a substantial amendment. In the event of a substantial
amendment to the Consolidated Plan or annual Action Plan, the city will publish a notice of the
recommended changes and the date, time, and location of the public hearing in the Valley Times and
the Idaho Statesman newspapers and on the city's Web site at least two weeks in advance of the public
hearing. The Ciry will provide a 30-day public comment period in advance of the public hearing on
the proposed substantial amendment. The Council shall at its regular or a special public meeting,
review the proposed substantial amendment and the summaries regarding the incorporation of citizen
comments or views provided, and shall vote on a resolution to adopt the substantial amendment.
Following the Council's passage of the resolution adopting the substantial amendment, the City will
notify HUD of the amendment and shall submit a copy of each substantial amendment to HUD as
such occurs.
BBC RESEARCH ST CONSULTING APPENDIX A, PAGE 3
Consideration of public comments on the substantially amended plan. In the event of
substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan or Action Plan, the Ciry Council will consider any
comments on the substantially amended Plan from individuals or groups. Comments must be
received in writing or orally at public hearings. A summary of the written and public hearing
comments on the substantial amendments will be included in the final Plan. Also included in the
final Plan will be a summary of all comments not accepted and their reasons for dismissal.
Changes in federal funding level. Any changes in federal funding levels after the draft
Consolidated Plan or Action Plan's comment period has expired and the resulting effect on the
distribution of funds will not be considered an amendment or a substantial amendment.
Public access to records
The city will provide all interested parties with access to information and records related to the ciry's
Consolidated Plan, annual Action Plans, CAPER and the city's use of funds under all programs
covered by the Consolidated Plan daring the preceding five years.
All materials, announcements, and notices of the hearing will include information about how persons
with disabilities and non-English speaking persons may request accommodations in order to review
the proposed plan and provide written or oral comments. Upon request, or in the case of public
hearings where a significant number of non-English speaking residents can reasonably be expected to
participate, the Ciry will provide both written interpretation(s) of the proposed consolidated or
action plan one (1) week prior to the public hearing or within 48 hours of a request; and/or oral
interpretation at the public hearing.
Consultation with Organizations and City Agencies
When preparing the Consolidated Plan and the annual Action Plans, the city will actively consult
with public and private agencies that provide housing, health, and social services in order to ensure
that the interests and needs of all groups are being adequately addressed. This consultation will occur
through interviews conducted with such organizations (including those that provide services to
special needs populations), and incorporation of data and reports produced by such organizations
into the Consolidated Plan and the annual Action Plans.
APPENDIX A, PAGE 4 BBC RESEARCH St CONSULTING
APPENDIX B.
Residential Anti-Displacement
and Relocation Assistance Plan
APPENDIX 6.
Residential Anti-Displacement
and Relocation Assistance Plan
All HUD-assisted programs and projects are subject to the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real
Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA), set forth at 42 U.S.C. g 4601, as well as
Department of Transportation regulations set forth at 49 CFR part 24. The Ciry further recognizes
that it is subject to applicable provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974,
set forth at 42 U.S.C. g 5304(d)> as set forth in 24 CFR gg 42.301 et seq. Therefore, it shall be the
declared polity of the City of Meridian to establish and follow the plan described below to minimize
the adverse impacts on persons of low and moderate income resulting from acquisition and relocation
activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of
1974, as amended.
Displacement Strategy
The Ciry shall assure that it has taken all reasonable steps to minimize the displacement of families,
individuals, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and farms as a result of CDBG-assisted activities.
Further, consistent with the goals and objectives of activities assisted under the Housing and
Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, the City may take any or all of the following
steps, as appropriate under the circumstances, to minimize the displacement of persons from their
homes:
^ Stage any rehabilitation of assisted housing to allow tenants to remain during and after
rehabilitation, rehabilitation of empty units to allow the shifting of tenants during rehabilitation
of occupied units;
^ Establish facilities to house persons who mast be relocated temporarily daring rehabilitation;
^ Provide counseling to assist homeowners and renters to understand the range of assistance
options available, utilizing existing housing counseling programs to the greatest extent possible;
^ Give priority in assisted housing units in the neighborhood to area residents facing displacement;
^ Target Section 8 existing program certificates to households being displaced, and recruit area
landlords to participate in the program;
^ Provide counseling and referral services to assist displaced homeowners and renters find
alternative housing in the affected neighborhood;
^ Work with area landlords and real estate brokers to locate vacancies for households facing
displacement;
^ Evaluate housing codes and rehabilitation standards in reinvestment areas to prevent their
placing undue financial burden on long-established owners or tenants of multi-family buildings;
and/or
^ Adopt public policies to identify and mitigate displacement resulting from intensive public
investment in neighborhoods.
BBC RESEARCH Si CONSULTING APPENDIX B, PAGE 1
Replacement of Dwelling Units
The Ciry will replace all occupied and vacant occupiable LMI dwelling units demolished or converted
to a use other than as LMI housing as a direct result of activities assisted with CDBG fiords on a one-
for one basis, unless a written waiver has been received. All replacement housing will be provided
within three years of the commencement of the demolition or rehabilitation relating to conversion.
Before obligating or expending funds that will directly result in such demolition or conversion, the
City will make public and submit to HUD the following information, in writing:
1. A description of the proposed activity
2. The location on a map and number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be
demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate income dwelling units, as direct
result of the assisted activities
3. A time schedule for the commencement and completion of demolition or conversion
4. The location on a map and the number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will
be provided as replacement dwelling units. If such data is not available at the time of the general
submission, the City will identify the general location on an area map and the approximate
number of dwelling units by size, and provide information identifying the specific location and
number of dwelling units by size as soon as it is available
5. The source of finding and a time schedule for the provision of the replacement dwelling units
6. Per 24 CFR g 42.375(6)(5), the basis of concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will
remain glow-moderate income dwelling unit for at least ten (10) years from the date of initial
occupancy
7. Information demonstrating that any proposed replacement of dwelling units with smaller
dwelling units (e.g. a 2-bedroom unit with two 1-bedroom units) is consistent with the housing
needs of low-income households in the jurisdiction
Relocation Assistance
The Ciry will provide relocation assistance, as described in 24 CFR ~ 42.350, to each LMI household
displaced by the demolition of housing or by the conversion of a LMI dwelling to another use as a
direct result of CDBG-assisted activities.
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