PRESENTER: Presenter
Jennifer Gates, Grants Coordinator
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SUBJECT: Title
Public hearing regarding the Program Year 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-CV Grant programs.
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DEPARTMENT: Finance
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COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City of New Braunfels has received annual grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement Program since 1994. The annual funding amount varies each year as it is determined on a formula basis and then provided to entitled cities, counties, and states to help develop viable urban communities. Funds are distributed by the City throughout the community to provide eligible subrecipients with grant funding that can be used to revitalize neighborhoods, support affordable housing, provide economic opportunities, and improve community facilities and services intended for low- and moderate-income (LMI) residents. Any unallocated funds, including from previous Program Years, are held in reserve in the U.S. Treasury to be utilized by the City for eligible projects at a future date in accordance with timeliness requirements.
To receive HUD entitlement funds, the City annually submits a one-year Action Plan, including proposed projects and federal certifications. The Action Plan is developed in accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan and subsequently approved by City Council and HUD. After submission, projects are then implemented in accordance with the approved one-year budget and certifications.
The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is an annual report required by HUD at the conclusion of a program year that identifies the level of progress and accomplishments in meeting the priorities, goals and objectives of the HUD-approved Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic planning document, and this CAPER completes Program Year 2020 of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. CDBG program years operate from October 1 to the following September 30.
The City received $413,188 in housing and community development funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for PY20. The PY20 Action Plan was approved by HUD in September 2020, allowing the program year to begin on October 1, 2020 as per the standard CDBG schedule.
However, the City was also fortunate to receive $423,819 in CDBG-CV funding from HUD during PY20 to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). To support residents affected by COVID-19, HUD approved the City’s request to amend the previously approved PY20 Action Plan in February 2021 thereby formally incorporating the CDBG-CV funding into the program year. As the program is ongoing, the PY20 CAPER reflects the CDBG-CV expenditures through September 30, 2021.
HUD requires a 15-day comment period, and a public hearing prior to submission, allowing for citizens to comment on the information provided in the CAPER. The comment period for PY20 is November 1 to November 15; the public hearing is on November 8 during the City Council meeting. A full draft of the report is available for review at the City Secretary’s Office and the New Braunfels Public Library, and information is also available for review on the City’s Community Development - CDBG Program website during this time. As required by the agency, the final CAPER will be delivered to HUD no later than December 29, 2021.
ISSUE:
Not applicable.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City as the CAPER is a reporting document and does not affect the City’s budget.
Recommendation
RECOMMENDATION:
No action by City Council is necessary as this is a public hearing required by HUD to allow citizens to make comments on the Program Year 2020 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-CV Grant programs.