Item 18: 2021-2022 CDBG Action Plan

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COSM_Admin

Administrator
Staff member
Receive a staff presentation and hold a public hearing to obtain the views of citizens on housing and community development needs, including non-housing community needs, and the selection of proposed activities for $755,351 in new funding and $56,932.87 to be reallocated in the 2021-2022 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan; and provide staff direction.
 
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MBaker

Council Member
Could this money be used for mold abatement in low-income housing complexes?

Could this money be used to establish a program to fight "redlining"?

Would there be a cost to the City to ask for a housing discrimination study/audit? I've anecdotally heard that some student focused apartments complexes "keep people out" that would otherwise qualify. While it doesn't often make sense for families, my father was able to live in one and the waived move in fees and free meals provided by the complex were great bonuses for an old dude.
 

COSM_Admin

Administrator
Staff member
Responses provided by Carol Griffith, Housing and Community Development Manager:
Mold remediation is only taken care of by CDBG funding as a secondary issue when necessary as part of a housing rehabilitation project; it is not eligible as a stand-alone activity for CDBG Entitlement funding.

More clarification may be needed on the type of program envisioned. HUD requires cities that receive CDBG funds to affirmatively further fair housing, and staff does this by trying to ensure that everyone is aware of the number to call with fair housing complaints. An ad in English and Spanish is placed in the newspaper and in utility bills annually, and the information is on the City’s website year-round at http://sanmarcostx.gov/618/Fair-Housing . It would be possible to place additional ads and to use social media to broadcast the information.

Yes, there would be a cost since this would have to be contracted to a consultant or through Texas State. CDBG funding can be used to pay for an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, such as was done for the City of San Marcos in 2013 and updated by staff in 2017 (copies available here: http://sanmarcostx.gov/618/Fair-Housing ). If CDBG funds are used, the cost of the analysis would have to be charged against the 20% maximum that can be used for planning and administration, and staffing more than expends this 20% now; therefore, the City would need to contribute more for staffing or simply pay for the Study using City funds.
 
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