CDBG Review on Council Schedule

Yesterday I discussed the upcoming agenda items, excluding the CDBG because my article was so big. Here is my take -

CDBG GRANT

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is a formula grant allocated to local governments for the purpose of developing viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities principally for persons of low and moderate-income. To date, the City has received $9,815,727 in CDBG funding. These funds were utilized for various housing and neighborhood improvement programs that provide housing and support services to the City’s low to moderate-income residents. Each year in Sept we must file a report and this is the deadline.

Here’s a summary of how we spent our money last year –

· Assistance was provided to 3,854 individuals through various public services.

· Nine nonprofit programs provided services to Lake Forest’s underserved population including food pantries; primary health care and mental health services; counseling/advocacy and referral services for fair housing; case management services for seniors; and before and after school care programs for children. Expenditures for these activities totaled $47,500.

· As part of the annual Neighborhood Pride Paint Program, nine homes (three more than the FY 2015-2016 goal) were professionally prepped and painted. This included seven mobile homes and two single family residences that were income-eligible and selected through a lottery system. Expenditures for this activity totaled $35,326.

· The City continued implementation of its long-term, phased ADA Sidewalk Access Ramps Improvement Program. During 2015-2016, the City neared completion of Phases 8 and 9 of the program. ADA Phase 8 involved constructing an ADA compliant ramp from the street sidewalk into Tamarisk Park. The ramp consists of a 5-foot wide walkway and related improvements constructed into the slope leading down into the park. CDBG funds expended for Phase 8 during 2015-2016 totaled $124,611. ADA Phase 9 removed and reconstructed 16 curb ramps in the neighborhoods around Winding Way, Serrano Road, and Ridge Route Drive. CDBG funds expended for Phase 9 during 2015-2016 totaled $30,350.

· Eleven income-qualified homeowners (six more than the anticipated goal for FY 2015-2016) participated in and completed needed repairs and improvements through the City’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program (e.g., roofing, plumbing, electrical, and flooring improvements). Expenditures for this activity totaled $251,946.48, including $125,058.98 in Revolving Loan repayment funds.

· The City is allowed up to 20 percent of grant funds for program administration. FY 2015-2016 expenditures for this activity totaled $65,095 equaling 12.8 percent of grant and revolving loan funds.

WHO GOT SERVED

According to the City report, 3874 people were given some type of service. Of these 59% were Hispanic, 25% were White (Non-Hispanic), 4% were Asian and 3% were White. Compared to the general City population, Hispanics were over-represented and the other racial groups were under-represented.

80% of the people served were classified as “extremely low income”. A further 16% were classified as “low income” and 4% were “moderate income”

With regard to specific groups

· No CDBG funds were spent specifically on the homeless, although homeless people were able to avail themselves of the services (e.g., foodbank, health center)

· 21 adults with developmental disabilities were assisted with economic opportunities

· 184 people were helped with “rental assistance”

· Elementary school children received childcare before and after classes

· 11 of the 17 housing units rehabilitated belonged to mobile home owners. Mobile homes are about 5% of the City’s housing stock.

· An estimated 2470 Lake Forest residents took advantage of one or both of the City funded foodbanks.

· No new affordable housing was built.

WHO GOT WHAT?

Here are the agencies and how much they received –

· Agewell Senior Services - $7344

· Families Forward – $7180

· South County Outreach - $5000

· Camino Health Center - $10,000

· Fair Housing Council - $5750

· Human Options – $745.34

· SVUSD - $6481

· Vocational Visions - $5000

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Jim Gardner is on the City Council for Lake Forest. You can check him out on LinkedIn and/or Facebook and you can share your thoughts about the City at Lake Forest Town Square on Facebook. His comments are not meant to reflect official City Policy.

Dr. Gardner has office hours every Tuesday from 4 pm to 6 pm at the City Hall. In addition, he holds a Town Hall meeting every quarter. The next meeting will be in November at the Foothill Ranch Public Library.