Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing Staff Updates topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Housing staff report CDBG allocation rise, consolidated‑plan work and other program updates
Summary
Housing staff reported a higher HUD CDBG allocation, plans to hire a consultant for a five‑year consolidated plan, owner‑occupancy verification progress, recruitment for a housing planner, a minor incentive‑policy amendment approved by council, and a ranking committee recommendation for a bond‑funded home‑buyer services contract.
Housing staff provided several informational updates to the Housing Commission on May 20, covering federal grant allocations, program compliance and staffing.
Christine, a housing staff member, said the city received final notice from HUD that its Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation increased from about $588,000 last year to approximately $656,000 for the coming year. Staff intends to use the additional funds primarily in the public‑service category and recommended an extra award of roughly $19,000 to Community Assistance Teams of Flagstaff for homeless outreach. She said staff will ask City Council for final approval of the annual action plan and a resolution to submit the plan to HUD on June 3.
Christine said staff is soliciting quotes from consulting firms to complete the consolidated plan, a five‑year document that guides CDBG funding and includes a housing needs assessment and public participation; the consultant‑assisted process is expected to start with surveys and stakeholder meetings early in the fiscal year.
Marissa, another housing staff member, reported the city is halfway through its owner‑occupancy verification process for homeowners who benefited from programs that require primary residence occupancy (community housing assistance, employer housing, affordable homeownership and owner‑occupied rehab). She said forms went to more than 200 homeowners and about 100 responses have been received; contracts require payoff and program funds to recycle when homeowners no longer occupy properties as primary residences.
Jen, housing staff, said recruitment is underway for a housing planner position following a recent departure; she asked commissioners to share the job posting. Jen also said City Council on May 20 approved a narrow amendment to the affordable‑housing incentive policy to update terminology related to fees, noting that a comprehensive incentive policy overhaul remains for future work after the regional plan and code updates.
A staff member reported that a ranking committee reviewing a request for scope of qualifications (RSOQ) for a bond‑funded home‑buyer education program recommended Housing Solutions of Northern Arizona as the top proposer; staff expects to begin contract negotiations and bring a contract to the commission in June and to City Council for approval on July 1.
These items were informational; staff indicated follow‑up agenda items and formal actions (CDBG resolution, consultant contract, RSOQ contract) will come to the commission and council as required.
