DATE:
Monday, April 27, 2020
TO:
Countywide Priority Setting Committee
FROM:
Molly Kron, Planner
Jillian Zeiger, Planner
Leelee Thomas, Planning Manager
SUBJECT:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) Funding Recommendations for FY 2020-21 and CARES Act Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) Funding and Priorities for FY 2019-20
MEETING LOCATION:
Virtual Hearing - registration is required using the following link: https://zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_tEMOLMKESc-C3iU_oRRbsQ
MEETING DATE:
Thursday, May 7, 2020
REQUEST:
- Consider funding recommendations for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for the County Other Planning Area and HOME program for the 2020-21 fiscal year and approve recommendations.
- Consider funding recommendations provided by the Novato City Council regarding the Novato Planning Area and from the San Rafael City Council for the San Rafael Planning Area for the 2019-20 fiscal year and approve recommendations.
- Consider priorities and funding recommendations for The Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG-CV) funding for the County Other Planning Area 2019-20 fiscal year and approve recommendations.
- Consider the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the Consolidated Plan Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan and related documents, in substantially the form attached.
RECOMMENDATION:
- Consider and Recommend CDBG and HOME funding for fiscal year 2020-21 to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
- Consider and Recommend CDBG-CV priorities and funding for fiscal year 2019-20 to the Marin County Board of Supervisors
-
Consider and Recommend the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the Consolidated Plan Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan and related documents, in substantially the form attached.
SUMMARY:
The Consolidated Plan and accompanying Annual Action Plan guide the distribution of funding and serve as the grant application to HUD for formula funding from the CDBG and HOME programs. These federally funded programs of HUD provide resources for housing, community facilities, and services for low income households.
In response to COVID-19, HUD has received $5 billion in additional Community Development Block Program (CDBG-CV) funding to appropriate to state and local governments. These funds are made available through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (the “CARES Act”) which was signed into law on March 27, 2020.
To access federal resources provided through CDBG and HOME’s annual entitlement allocation, Marin's fifth Consolidated Plan, which covered Fiscal Years 2015-2019, needs to be replaced with a new Consolidated Plan. In addition, to accommodate the additional funding available through CDBG-CV, the County must amend the 2019 Annual Action Plan approved by the Board of Supervisors on May 7, 2019.
Both the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and the Consolidated Plan Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan are prepared in HUD’s Integrated Disbursements & Information System, using their required format.
DISCUSSION:
2020-2024 Consolidated Plan
The 2020-2024 five-year Consolidated Plan includes an analysis of affordable housing and community development needs and statements of policies for the entire period, as well as CDBG and HOME project budgets for the first year of the five-year plan. In the second, third, fourth, and fifth years, the Consolidated Plan must be amended with an “Annual Action Plan” to add each year’s CDBG and HOME project budgets.
July 1, 2020 is the beginning of the first year covered by the Consolidated Plan. The attached proposed five-year Consolidated Plan includes an analysis of needs and statements of goals and policies covering federal Fiscal Years 2020-2024, as well as budgets (the "Annual Action Plan" component) for the use of $1,594,625 in federal Fiscal Year 2020 CDBG funds and $808,057 in federal Fiscal Year 2020 HOME funds. In order to meet HUD’s strict time limits on spending, the budget also includes CDBG and HOME funds from prior years which are recommended for reprogramming (reallocation) to new projects, and allocations of CDBG and HOME program income.
Marin’s actual grant amounts are affected by changes in the overall program funding in the federal budget and Marin’s ranking in comparison with other grantees based on demographic factors. This year’s funding is projected to increase slightly from the prior fiscal year funding levels.
The attached Consolidated Plan strategies and priorities were approved at the December 5, 2019 meeting of the Countywide Priority Setting Committee (PSC), which is made up of community members representing protected classes and elected representatives from city, town, and County. The CDBG and HOME budget information in the Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Year 2020 expenditures has been developed through a series of public hearings held in the Planning Areas and culminating in the May 7, 2020 PSC public hearing. The other hearings include: one hearing held by the Novato City Council on April 14, 2020 and two hearings held by the San Rafael City Council on March 23, 2020 and April 6, 2020.
Consolidated Plan Process
The Consolidated Plan is a five (5) year strategic plan that identifies goals for federal funding programs provided through HUD, including the Community Development Block grant program (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The Consolidated Plan provides a framework for identifying priorities and programs to address affordable housing, community development needs, and public services for extremely low- up to moderate-income families, persons with disabilities, seniors, and youth.
Understanding the needs of a community is critical to planning the use of federal grant funds. As part of the 2020-24 Consolidated Planning process, staff engaged the community using various methods to gather information about housing, community spaces and infrastructure, and public service needs in Marin. In addition, staff reached out to surrounding jurisdictions implementing federal grant programs to learn smart practices to improve impact and effectiveness of Marin County’s federal grants program.
Over the course of six (6) months County staff engaged the community in four ways: a community survey, service provider survey, community meetings, and interviews. The community survey was available online and in paper form in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese. An overview of the community engagement findings for the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan can be accessed in Attachment 1.
The recommended goals for the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan are informed by the findings of this community engagement process include the following priorities:
Housing
- Rental Housing – Acquisition, New Construction, and Rehabilitation
- Homeowner Housing – Acquisition, New Construction, and Rehabilitation
- Down Payment Assistance for First-time Homebuyers
- Special Needs Housing
The on-going Voluntary Compliance Agreement with HUD requires the County to prioritize family housing outside areas of minority concentration.
The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (Analysis of Impediments), approved by the Board of Supervisors on February 11, 2020, establishes a priority for applications proposing a land trust model in eastern Marin that provides home ownership opportunities, with specific inclusion for African Americans.
Community Infrastructure and Capital Projects
- Accessibility Improvements
- Community Facilities
- Homeless Shelters
Public Services
- Basic Health Services
- Children, Youth, and Parent Support Services
- Domestic Violence Services
- Education and Job Training
- Food Security
- Housing Support Services
- Legal Services
- Economic Development Assistance for Business including Microenterprise and Job Training
- Senior Services
- Subsistence Payments
In response to COVID-19 and the immense need for emergency rental assistance identified by the County’s Emergency Operations Needs Assessment discussed later in this report, staff have added Subsistence Payments to the previously approved list of priorities.
Federal Grant Program Enhancements
Through the Consolidated Plan outreach process County staff interviewed several neighboring jurisdictions that administer federal grant programs and numerous nonprofit service organizations. These interviews were designed to identify practices for increasing impact and effectiveness of funding allocations and address common issues that arise in the implementation of CDBG programs. Two common themes arose from these conversations that informed two (2) program enhancements. Those enhancements approved by the PSC are:
- Increase minimum grant size to $15K per year.
- Conduct application cycles every 2 years.
These two (2) enhancements increase impact of funded organizations and enables nonprofit partners to better plan their programs.
While applications are only received every two years, funding allocations must be approved annually based on the past performance of the project and expected funding allocated by HUD.
A draft of the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan is available under Attachment 2.
2020-2021 Funding Year
Examples of CDBG and HOME funded projects throughout the County include site acquisition for transitional housing; development of affordable housing; rehabilitation of affordable housing, group homes, and childcare centers; and a wide range of public services. CDBG funds are divided into three activity categories consisting of: 1) housing, 2) capital projects, and 3) public services. Federal regulation stipulates at least 85% of the CDBG funds must be spent on housing and capital projects, and up to 15% may be spent on public services[1]. HOME funds are designed to provide affordable housing options for people with lower incomes. Subject to approval by the Marin County Board of Supervisors on May 12, 2020, the funding recommendations in this report, which include recommendations adopted by the Novato City Council and the San Rafael City Council for their respective planning areas, will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funding recommendations will be included in the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and serve as a plan and budget for the use of CDBG and HOME funds during the 2020-21 fiscal year. A complete list of applications is available in Attachment 3.
Federal Funding Update
Funds for Marin County’s 2020-21 CDBG and HOME program come from the federal budget for Fiscal Year 2020, which is from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021. This coming year, Marin County’s CDBG allocation is estimated at $1,594,625 while the HOME allocation is estimated at $808,057. Estimates for funding are determined based on the proposed budget for HUD programs, and are subject to change in accordance with the federal budget approved by Congress and official grant agreements received by HUD.
If Marin’s grant amount differs from these assumptions, to avoid the need for an additional hearing, staff recommend the grant amounts approved by the Priority Setting Committee be subject to revision. At that time, staff would recalculate the amounts available for each planning area, and for each activity category. To the extent that cuts are needed staff would adjust the preliminary project grant amounts and make funding recommendations to the Board of Supervisors consistent with the PSC and City Councils’ recommendations not to fall below $15,000. If additional funds are available, the adjustment would be limited so that no project receives more than the amount the sponsor agency requested.
Threshold Requirements for all Funding Recommendations:
Locally, there has been an increasing emphasis on the extent to which members of the protected classes are served by CDBG and HOME projects, and the quality and effectiveness of each project sponsor’s affirmative marketing plan. At the December 5, 2019 meeting, the Priority Setting Committee (PSC) established local funding priorities and reaffirmed requirements for funding, which are used by staff in evaluating applications. As required by HUD, staff also focus on monitoring and measurable outcomes.
All project applications are evaluated based on their ability to meet HUD’s national objectives, the PSC’s enhanced thresholds for evaluating projects, and standard project evaluation criteria as follows:
Locally, there has been an increasing emphasis on the extent to which members of the protected classes are served by CDBG and HOME projects, and the quality and effectiveness of each project sponsor’s affirmative marketing plan. At the December 5, 2019 meeting, the Priority Setting Committee (PSC) established local funding priorities and reaffirmed requirements for funding, which are used by staff in evaluating applications. As required by HUD, staff also focus on monitoring and measurable outcomes.
All project applications are evaluated based on their ability to meet HUD’s national objectives, the PSC’s enhanced thresholds for evaluating projects, and standard project evaluation criteria as follows:
National Objectives Thresholds:
- Benefit low- and moderate- income persons,
- Prevent or eliminate blight, or
- Meet other community development needs for low- and moderate-income persons.
PSC Enhanced Thresholds:
- Support projects that Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and have the commitment and capacity to engage in Affirmative Marketing.
- Prioritize projects that serve members of the protected classes as defined by HUD.
- Prioritize projects that serve low-income persons.
Project Evaluation Criteria:
- Readiness—can awarded funds be completely expended during the grant year?
- Sustainability—does the organization have capacity to sustain a project or program beyond this federal funding period?
- Effectiveness and Accountability—does the organization have the capacity and track record to effectively conduct the project and administer federal funds?
- Prioritize greatest impact.
In addition to the criteria set forth by both HUD, through the Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments process, the Countywide Priority Setting Committee established priorities for funding CDBG and HOME housing projects:
- Family Housing
- Land trust model in eastern Marin that provides home ownership opportunities. (Eastern Marin in this case is defined as all of the areas of Marin, except for West Marin)
The PSC also established the following priorities for CDBG funds allocated to public service projects during Fiscal Year 2020:
- Basic Health Services - includes services that prevent or treat medical conditions for individuals who are un-insured, under-insured, or people with low-incomes who cannot afford their deductible. Programs and services include but are not limited to preventative health such as immunizations, well-childcare from birth, periodic health evaluations for adults, voluntary family planning services, children’s eye and ear examinations conducted to determine the need for vision and hearing correction, and hygiene services. Services may also include medically necessary emergency health care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, diagnostic laboratory and diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic services, and provision of prescription drugs.
- Children, Youth, and Parent Support Services - includes services that address disparities in access to early childhood education and high costs of childcare county wide by targeting low-income families. Programs and services include but are not limited to supporting childcare scholarships, student extracurricular activities, parent engagement and training, therapeutic services, teacher salaries, transportation, and home visitations.
- Housing Support Services - includes services that assist individuals in accessing stable housing, prevent discrimination in housing choice, and aid renters in maintaining stable housing. Programs and services include but are not limited to fair housing counseling, legal support, housing locators, down payment and rental assistance.
Additional detail regarding the application of thresholds and principles guiding recommendations including spending deadlines can be found in Attachment 4.
Funding Analysis:
Recommendations For CDBG
County Other Planning Area Funding Recommendations for CDBG Program
Based on projections, the County Other Planning Area is expected to receive a total CDBG allocation of approximately $611,111 to allocate in FY 2020-21, which includes program income from past projects and reprogrammed funds from past projects that either underspent or did not move forward. A minimum of $278,013 is designated for housing projects, a maximum of $91,957 may be applied to public services[2], and the remaining $241,141 can be applied to either capital projects, housing, or COVID-19 connected public service. A total of 37 applications were received for the County Other Planning Area—24 Countywide projects and 13 serving the County Other Planning Area only. The total funding request for the County Other Planning Area is $2,221,738.
Housing Projects
The County Other Planning Area is expected to receive a minimum allocation of approximately $278,013 for housing projects in FY 2020-21. A total of nine (9) applications were received for the County Other Planning Area—five (5) Countywide projects and four (4) serving the County Other Planning Area only. The five (5) projects serving the entire County have a total funding request of $2,360,000, with $902,375 earmarked for the County Other Planning Area. This allocation is based on the percentage of housing services provided for the County Other Planning Area. The combined requests for both the area specific projects and the County Other portion of the Countywide projects is $1,112,426.
Funding recommendation
Staff recommend allocating a total of $278,013, to support funding six (6) of the nine (9) housing projects. Unfortunately, two (2) of the projects that applied for funding and met the family housing priority are ineligible per regulation 24 CFR 55.1(c), as they are located within a Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) designated floodway.
|
Organization
|
Total Request
|
FY 2020-21 County Other
Recommendation
|
Countywide Recommendation
|
|
Bolinas Community Land Trust
3755 Shoreline Highway
|
$75,000
|
Ineligible
|
Ineligible
|
|
Community Land Trust Association of West Marin
Rental Houses Exterior Repairs
|
$30,000
|
$25,000
|
$25,000
|
|
Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO)*
Whistlestop Healthy Aging Campus
|
$1,500,000
|
$53,759
|
$53,759
|
|
Galilee Harbor Community Association
Galilee Harbor Electric Upgrade
|
$30,051
|
$25,000
|
$25,000
|
|
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, Inc.*
Pre-development Redwood Blvd. Homes
|
$250,000
|
$92,250
|
$235,797
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Predevelopment and Construction of Veterans and Workforce Housing in Novato
|
$125,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Marin Center For Independent Living*
Residential Access Modification Program
|
$60,000
|
$6,000
|
$30,922
|
|
Marin Housing Authority*
Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP)
|
$425,000
|
$76,004
|
$230,095
|
|
San Geronimo Valley Affordable Housing Association
Brookside Apartments Rehabilitation
|
$75,000
|
Ineligible
|
Ineligible
|
|
Housing Subtotal
|
|
$278,013
|
|
*Countywide request
Capital Projects
The County Other Planning Area is expected to receive an allocation of approximately $234,641 for capital projects in FY 2020-21. A total of eight (8) applications were received for the County Other Planning Area—four (4) Countywide project and four (4) serving the County Other Planning Area only. The projects serving the entire County has a total funding request of $563,355 with $317,131 earmarked for the County Other Planning Area. This allocation is based on the percentage of clients residing in the County Other Planning Area. The combined requests for both the area specific projects and the County Other portion of the Countywide projects is $778,631.
Funding recommendation
Staff recommend allocating a total of $234,641, to support funding four (4) of the eight (8) capital projects. This total includes $118,500 in reprogramed funds from previous years projects.
|
Organization
|
Total Request
|
FY 2020-21 County Other
Recommendation
|
Countywide Recommendation
|
|
Community Action Marin*
CAM Community Intake & Welcome Center
|
$98,455
|
$5,000
|
$35,000
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Building a Gender-Neutral Bathroom at the New Beginnings Center Shelter
|
$35,000
|
Application Withdrawn
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Marin City Community Development Corporation*
Empowerment Clubhouse Pre-Construction and Development
|
$279,900
|
$78,893
|
$163,893
|
|
Marin City Community Services District*
Manzanita Center Facility Master Plan
|
$150,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Coastal Health Alliance
Point Reyes Station Clinic Laboratory and Accessibility Renovations
|
$150,000
|
$90,748
|
$90,748
|
|
Marin Horizon School
Horizon Community School Playground
|
$133,000
|
$60,000
|
$60,000
|
|
Petaluma Health Center
Emergency Response Mobile Medical/Dental Clinic
|
$150,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Tomales Town Hall
ADA Pathway & Regrading
|
$28,500
|
-
|
-
|
|
Capital Subtotal
|
|
$234,641
|
|
* Countywide Request
Public Services
The County Other Planning Area is expected to receive an allocation of approximately $98,457 for public service projects in FY 2020-21. A total of 21 applications were received for the County Other Planning Area— 16 Countywide projects and five (5) serving the County Other Planning Area only. The projects serving the entire County have a total funding request of $605,439 with $201,381 earmarked for the County Other Planning Area. This allocation is based on the percentage of clients residing in the County Other Planning Area. The combined requests for both the area specific projects and the County Other portion of the Countywide projects is $345,681.
Funding recommendation
Staff recommend allocating a total of $98,457, to support funding 8 of 21 public service projects. This recommendation includes $5,946 in program income, $1,500 in reprogrammed funds, and an additional $6,500 above the public service cap of 15%. The additional funding over the public services cap is allowed by HUD for fiscal years 2019-20 and 2020-21 in response to COVID-19 and will allow the ability to realign funds and cover the reduction from the San Rafael Planning Area to Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California.
|
Organization
|
Total Request
|
FY 2020-21 County Other
Recommendation
|
Countywide Recommendation
|
|
10,000 Degrees
Financial Aid Awareness and Completion Campaign
|
$30,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Community Action Marin
CAM Community Intake and Welcome Center
|
$50,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Covia Foundation
Home Match Marin
|
$30,000
|
$2,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Early Vibes Inc.
The Turn
|
$25,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California
Fair Housing Counseling and Education
|
$75,000
|
$25,000
|
$64,000
|
|
Family & Children's Law Center
Domestic Violence Legal Services for Low Income Families
|
$15,000
|
$3,150
|
$15,000
|
|
Hannah Project Partnership for Academic Achievement
Hannah Freedom School
|
$31,300
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
House of Life Ministries
Family First
|
$22,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Jewish Family and Children's Services
Skyview Day Club Financial Assistance Program
|
$30,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Legal Aid of Marin
Keeping Marin Residents in their Homes
|
$40,000
|
$8,307
|
$32,640
|
|
Marin City Community Services District
MCCSD Manzanita Center Free Youth Recreation Programs
|
$30,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Performing Stars of Marin
After School and Summer Enrichment Programming of Low-Income Marin County Youth
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Project Avary
Support Service for Children of Incarcerated Parents
|
$15,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
RotaCare Bay Area
RotaCare Clinic of San Rafael
|
$20,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Spahr Center
Readiness for Housing Program
|
$162,139
|
Application Withdrawn
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Women's Rights and Peace of Bay Area
Korean Education Project (KEP)
|
$15,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Bridge the Gap College Prep
Bridge the Gap College Prep Early Childhood Education Literacy Programming
|
$15,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
Fairfax-San Anselmo Children's Center (FSACC)
After School Transportation Program
|
$16,500
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Marin Horizon School
Horizon Community School Family and Child Support Services
|
$30,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
San Geronimo Valley Affordable Housing Association
Homeowner and Renter Assistance
|
$20,000
|
-
|
-
|
|
San Geronimo Valley Community Center
Human Services/ Food Pantry
|
$62,800
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Public Services Subtotal
|
|
$98,457
|
|
* Countywide request
Novato Planning Area Funding Recommendations for CDBG Program
On Tuesday April 14, 2020 the Novato City Council passed a resolution approving CDBG funding recommendations for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Staff recommend the Priority Setting Committee adopt the City of Novato’s recommendations, listed below, in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement governing the administration of the Novato Planning Area.
|
Organization
|
Total Request
|
FY 2020-21 Novato
Recommendation
|
|
HOUSING PROJECTS
|
|
Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO)*
Whistlestop Healthy Aging Campus
|
$1,500,000
|
-
|
|
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, Inc.*
Pre-development Redwood Blvd. Homes
|
$250,000
|
$59,200
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Predevelopment and Construction of Veterans and Workforce Housing in Novato
|
$125,000
|
-
|
|
Marin Center For Independent Living*
Residential Access Modification Program
|
$60,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Marin Housing Authority*
Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP)
|
$425,000
|
$54,091
|
|
Housing Subtotal
|
|
$128,291
|
|
CAPITAL PROJECTS
|
|
Community Action Marin*
CAM Community Intake & Welcome Center
|
$98,455
|
$20,000
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Building a Gender-Neutral Bathroom at the New Beginnings Center Shelter
|
$35,000
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Marin City Community Development Corporation*
Empowerment Clubhouse Pre-Construction and Development
|
$279,900
|
$25,000
|
|
Marin City Community Services District*
Manzanita Center Facility Master Plan
|
$150,000
|
-
|
|
North Bay Children's Center
C Street Campus Renovation/Expansion
|
$150,000
|
$20,000
|
|
North Marin Community Services
680 Wilson Enrichment Project
|
$77,345
|
$55,000
|
|
Capital Subtotal
|
|
$120,000
|
|
PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS
|
|
10,000 Degrees*
Financial Aid Awareness and Completion Campaign
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
Community Action Marin*
CAM Economic Opportunity and Safety Net Services
|
$50,000
|
-
|
|
Covia Foundation*
Home Match Marin
|
$30,000
|
$5,000
|
|
Early Vibes Inc.*
The Turn
|
$25,000
|
-
|
|
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California*
Fair Housing Counseling and Education
|
$75,000
|
$14,000
|
|
Family & Children's Law Center*
Domestic Violence Legal Services for Low Income Families
|
$15,000
|
$5,100
|
|
Hannah Project Partnership for Academic* Achievement
Hannah Freedom School
|
$31,300
|
-
|
|
House of Life Ministries*
Family First
|
$22,000
|
-
|
|
Jewish Family and Children's Services*
Jewish Family and Children's Services, Skyview Day Club Financial Assistance Program
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
Legal Aid of Marin*
Keeping Marin Residents in their Homes
|
$40,000
|
$3,949
|
|
Marin City Community Services District*
MCCSD Manzanita Center Free Youth Recreation Programs
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
Marin YMCA- YMCA of San Francisco
Camp University
|
$20,000
|
-
|
|
North Bay Children's Center, Inc.
Childcare Scholarships
|
$20,000
|
$15,000
|
|
North Marin Community Services
Child Care Scholarships
|
$15,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Performing Stars of Marin*
After School and Summer Enrichment Program of Low-Income Youth
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
Project Avary*
Support Service for Children of Incarcerated Parents
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
RotaCare Bay Area*
RotaCare Clinic of San Rafael
|
$20,000
|
-
|
|
Spahr Center*
Readiness for Housing Program
|
$162,139
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Women's Rights and Peace of Bay Area*
Korean Education Project (KEP)
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
Public Services Subtotal
|
|
$58,049
|
|
TOTAL Planning Area Allocation
|
$306,340
|
* Countywide request
San Rafael Planning Area Funding Recommendations for CDBG Program
On Monday, March 23, 2020 the San Rafael City Council reviewed funding recommendations provided by staff. The Council gave staff guidance to reduce funding from three Countywide projects including Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, Inc. ($13,732), Marin City Community Development Corporation’s Empowerment Clubhouse ($20,000), and Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California ($6,500). The Council advised staff to reallocate those funds to the following San Rafael specific projects respectively: Bridge Housing’s Centertown Apartments, City of San Rafael’s Canal Area Pump Stations, and Pickleweed Preschool. On Monday, April 6, 2020 the San Rafael City Council passed a resolution approving the amended CDBG funding recommendations for the 2020-21 fiscal year. Staff recommend the Priority Setting Committee adopt these recommendations, listed below, in accordance with the Cooperation Agreement governing the administration of the San Rafael Planning Area.
|
Organization
|
Total Request
|
FY 2020-21 San Rafael
Recommendation
|
|
HOUSING PROJECTS
|
|
Bridge Housing
Centertown Apartments
|
$345,000
|
$63,732
|
|
Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO)*
Whistlestop Healthy Aging Campus
|
$1,500,000
|
-
|
|
Habitat for Humanity Greater San Francisco, Inc.*
Pre-development Redwood Blvd. Homes
|
$250,000
|
$84,347
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Predevelopment and Construction of Veterans and Workforce Housing in Novato
|
$125,000
|
-
|
|
Marin Center For Independent Living*
Residential Access Modification Program
|
$60,000
|
$9,922
|
|
Marin Housing Authority*
Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program (RLP)
|
$425,000
|
$100,000
|
|
San Rafael Rotary Manor
Rotary Manor Window Rehabilitation
|
$266,545
|
-
|
|
Housing Subtotal
|
|
$258,001
|
|
CAPITAL PROJECTS
|
|
City of San Rafael Department of Public Works
Canal Area Pump Station Improvements
|
$270,000
|
$85,328
|
|
Community Action Marin*
CAM Community Intake & Welcome Center
|
$98,455
|
$10,000
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin*
Building a Gender-Neutral Bathroom at the New Beginnings Center Shelter
|
$35,000
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Marin City Community Development Corporation*
Empowerment Clubhouse Pre-Construction and Development
|
$279,900
|
$60,000
|
|
Marin City Community Services District*
Manzanita Center Facility Master Plan
|
$150,000
|
-
|
|
Capital Subtotal
|
|
$155,328
|
|
PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS
|
|
10,000 Degrees*
Financial Aid Awareness and Completion Campaign
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
City of San Rafael, Library and Recreation Department
Pickleweed Preschool
|
$49,440
|
$21,500
|
|
Community Action Marin*
CAM Economic Opportunity and Safety Net Services
|
$50,000
|
-
|
|
Covia Foundation*
Home Match Marin
|
$30,000
|
$8,000
|
|
Early Vibes Inc.*
The Turn
|
$25,000
|
-
|
|
Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California*
Fair Housing Counseling and Education
|
$75,000
|
$25,000
|
|
Family & Children's Law Center*
Domestic Violence Legal Services for Low Income Families
|
$15,000
|
$6,750
|
|
Hannah Project Partnership for Academic* Achievement
Hannah Freedom School
|
$31,300
|
-
|
|
House of Life Ministries*
Family First
|
$22,000
|
-
|
|
Jewish Family and Children's Services*
Jewish Family and Children's Services, Skyview Day Club Financial Assistance Program
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
Legal Aid of Marin*
Keeping Marin Residents in their Homes
|
$40,000
|
$20,384
|
|
Marin City Community Services District*
MCCSD Manzanita Center Free Youth Recreation Programs
|
$30,000
|
-
|
|
Performing Stars of Marin*
After School and Summer Enrichment Program of Low-Income Youth
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
Project Avary*
Support Service for Children of Incarcerated Parents
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
RotaCare Bay Area*
RotaCare Clinic of San Rafael
|
$20,000
|
$15,000
|
|
Spahr Center*
Readiness for Housing Program
|
$162,139
|
Application Withdrawn
|
|
Women's Rights and Peace of Bay Area*
Korean Education Project (KEP)
|
$15,000
|
-
|
|
Public Services Subtotal
|
|
$96,634
|
|
TOTAL Planning Area Allocation
|
$509,963
|
* Countywide request
Recommendations For Reprogramming Funds for CDBG Program
At its January 1992 meeting, the Priority Setting Committee decided that unspent CDBG balances allocated to projects two or more years prior be considered for reallocation or “reprogramming” to other projects which may be able to more quickly spend the funds and/or be in greater need of the funds. In compliance with this policy, CDBG staff sent the required 30-day notice to all project sponsors with unspent balances so that the Committee would have the option of reprogramming these resources.
Staff prioritize reprogramming funds in the planning area the funds originated from to ensure continuity and equity across planning areas. For FY 2020-21 staff recommend a total of $120,000.42 in CDBG funds be reprogrammed. All reprogrammed funds come from the County Other Planning Area. Staff recommend the following:
- Coastal Health Alliance for the Point Reyes Station Clinic Laboratory and Accessibility Renovations - $8,500 to be reprogrammed from the Nicasio Preschool ($10,000 total from 2019) and $50,000 to be reprogrammed from the Center for Domestic Peace ($50,000 from 2016)
- Hannah Project Partnership for Academic Achievement - $1,500 to be reprogrammed from the Nicasio Preschool ($10,000 total from 2019)
- Marin City Community Development Corporation for the Empowerment Clubhouse Pre-Construction and Development – $30,000.21 to be reprogrammed from the Marin City Community Services District ($17,056.75 from 2014, $10,000 from 2015, $3,000 from 2016, and $10,129 from 2018)
- Marin Horizon School for the Horizon Community School Playground – $30,000.21 to be reprogrammed from the Marin City Community Services District $3,419.67 from 2009, $16,395 from 2013, and $17,056.75 from 2014)
A detailed account of reprogrammed funds can be found in Attachment 5.
Recommendations For Program Income for CDBG Program
When the CDBG program receives revenue from a completed project, this amount is considered program income, which must be made available to fund new CDBG activities. The opportunity for revenue generation is created by a lien agreement or a deed of trust recorded on a property funded by CDBG for either acquisition or major rehabilitation of real estate. In fiscal year 2018-19 the County received $643 (Rotary Valley Apartments) and in fiscal year 2019-20 the County received $39,000 (Lifehouse Inc.) to be allocated in fiscal year 2020-21. Staff recommend $5,946 of program income be allocated to Public Services, $25,896 to Capital or Housing projects, and the remaining $7,800 be allocated to administration. A list of program income distributions can be found in Attachment 5.
Recommendations For HOME
Countywide Funding Recommendations for HOME Program
The Countywide HOME Investment Partnership Program is projected to receive a total allocation of approximately $880,681 including annual entitlement and program income for FY 2020-21. After accounting for the 10% administration costs, it is expected that $792,612 will be available for projects. HOME requires a minimum of 15% of the annual entitlement or $121,209 be allocated to a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO). A total of three (3) applications were received for the Countywide HOME program totaling $1,950,000.
Funding recommendation
Staff recommend allocating a total of $792,612, to support funding two (2) of the three (3) housing projects.
|
Organization
|
Request
|
FY 20-21
Recommendation
|
|
Bridge Housing
Centertown Apartments
|
$450,000
|
$450,000
|
|
Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO)
Whistlestop Healthy Aging Campus
|
$1,500,000
|
$342,612
|
|
Homeward Bound of Marin
Predevelopment and Construction of Veterans and Workforce Housing in Novato
|
$1,000,000
|
-
|
|
HOME Subtotal
|
|
$792,612
|
Recommendations For Program Income for HOME Program
When the HOME program receives revenue from a completed project, payment of accrued interest, or repayment of a loan, this amount is considered program income, which must be made available to fund new HOME activities. In 2019, the County received $72,623.54 program income from three projects (Fireside Apartments - $19,529, Casa Vista - $35,079, and ADDI loans – 18,015.54). Staff recommend allocating $65,361.19 to Centertown and the remaining $7,262.35 be provided to administration. A list of program income distributions can be found in Attachment 6.
Consolidated Plan Amendment to the 2019 Annual Action Plan (CARES Act funds)
HUD announced the allocations of the first $2 billion in CARES Act funding for current CDBG grantees. The CARES Act builds on features of the existing CDBG program as well as precedent set by CDBG Disaster Response (CDBG-DR) supplemental appropriations. The act directs HUD to administer these funds pursuant to Section 106 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 U.S.C. 5306). This provision calls for HUD to allocate the supplemental funds to CDBG grantees—including eligible local governments, states, and insular areas—proportional to their conventional Fiscal Year 2020 CDBG allocation, as published by HUD in April 2020.
CARES CDBG-CV funding is intended to prevent, prepare for, and respond to impacts of the coronavirus based on public health needs, risk of transmission of coronavirus, number of coronavirus cases compared to the national average, and economic and housing market disruptions. The remaining funds will be distributed to states and units of local government on a rolling basis, at the discretion of the Secretary of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with formula factors to be defined by HUD.
The County was awarded $938,065 in CDBG-CV funds and is proposing to allocate these funds across county jurisdictions relying upon the standard calculations that are used to distribute the annual CDBG funding. These funds are additional dollars and will not impact the 2019-2020 or 2020-2021 recommendations for CDBG.
The CARES Act permits HUD to waive, or specify alternative requirements for, any provision of any statute or regulation that the Secretary administers in connection with the CDBG-CV funds, except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment. To this end, HUD has waived the 15% cap on public service dollars for the CDBG-CV funds, allowing for more flexibility in directly serving low- to moderate-income residents. Proposed changes to the 2019 Annual Action Plan related to the CDBG-CV funds are detailed in Attachment 7.
Needs Assessment
Staff worked with the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) to determine the greatest needs for our low-income communities in this time of crisis. EOC staff have been conducting an ongoing needs assessment in the County’s low-income communities in coordination with various nonprofit organizations and found that the greatest needs are subsistence payments for low income households, also defined as emergency rental assistance payments.
On March 24, 2020, the Board of Supervisors created a $1 million Safety Net COVID-19 Response Fund to support safety-net response efforts to address major issues related to the community impacts of the COVID-19 response, including emergency rental assistance for low-income residents. This fund was supported by a $500,000 grant from the Marin Community Foundation (MCF) and $500,000 from the County’s General Fund. These grant funds were quickly expended, and the Board of Supervisors made an additional allocation on April 21, 2020. However, the need for additional resources remains extensive.
Funding Recommended
Staff recommend the $938,065 provided through CDBG-CV fund subsistence payments for people across Marin County who are housed and at risk of homelessness due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The distribution of funds throughout the County will be allocated to the established Planning Areas in the CDBG program. CDBG funding is distributed across three (3) Planning Areas: Novato, San Rafael and the remainder of the County (County Other). The percentage of funding to each Planning Area is based on HUD’s distribution formula which looks at the latest available countywide data on population, the extent of poverty, and the extent of housing overcrowding, with the provision that the extent of poverty be counted twice. Using this model, the funds will be allocated to nonprofits serving residents in the following manner:
- County Other Planning Area - $346,145.99
- Novato Planning Area - $222,133.79
- San Rafael Planning Area - $369,785.22
The use of CDBG-CV funding for subsistence payments has been reviewed and recommended by the Novato and San Rafael Planning Area Subcommittees, comprised of elected officials, and the Countywide Priority Setting Committee (PSC), which is made up of community members representing protected classes and elected representatives from city, town, and County jurisdictions.
FISCAL IMPACT: There is no direct cost or revenue impact on local jurisdiction’s general funds generated by the recommended action, as the Priority Setting Committee is directing HUD funds to specific projects. Allocating funds to projects may allow County and City general and capital funds to be allocated to other priorities.
OPTIONS:
- Approve the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan and 2019-20 Amendment to the Annual Action Plan and make allocations of CDBG and HOME funding as recommended by staff.
- Approve the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan and 2019-20 Amendment to the Annual Action Plan and make different allocations of CDBG and HOME funding. (Funds may be shifted between CDBG categories but increases to Public Service must be tied to a COVID-19 activity and the Housing category cannot be reduced.)
- Provide direction to staff.
ACTION REQUIRED:
- Adopt recommendations for CDBG and HOME project funding for the FY 2020-21 to be presented to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
ATTACHMENTS:
Attachment 1 Overview of the community engagement findings for the 2020-24 Consolidated Plan
Attachment 2 2020-24 Draft Consolidated Plan
Attachment 3 Applications and funding recommendations for fiscal year 2020-21
Attachment 4 Additional guiding principles for funding recommendations
Attachment 5 CDBG Reprogrammed Funding and Program Income
Attachment 6 HOME Program Income
Attachment 7 Draft Amendments to the 2019 Annual Action Plan
Attachment 8 Funding Applications (viewing access and digital download is available here:
Community Infrastructure/Capital Projects:https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-received/202022-community-infrastructure_capital-improvement-applications3.pdf?la=en
Housing Projects: https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-received/202022-housing-applications3.pdf?la=en
Public Services Projects: https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-received/202022-public-services-applications1.pdf?la=en
[1] The recently passed CARES Act has suspended the 15% maximum for public services for the 2019-20 and 2020-21 fiscal years to respond to COVID-19.
[2] This can be increased during fiscal year 2020-21 if there is a correlation between the increase and COVID-19 response.