City receives midyear CAPER update on housing, demolition and small-business support

City staff presented the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) midyear update on city programs funded by the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Pamela Trafton, senior neighborhood improvement services coordinator, told council the CAPER summarizes progress on the city's current annual action plan and reported specific midyear outcomes and ongoing initiatives.

Trafton said two demolitions identified in the plan are complete; nonprofit partners (including Onslow Community Outreach and Onslow Victim Center) have assisted 266 people with homelessness and disaster-related housing needs; residential rehab projects are underway; the city closed one down-payment-assistance case this year; and acquisition work has resulted in two completed acquisitions with another pending. She said partnerships are in place for multifamily development (an 84-unit goal with contracts pending) and that the city has launched Genesis Block's 'Jumpstart Academy' to support micro-enterprises. Trafton also highlighted an available newly constructed home (408 Ann Street) priced at $208,650 through the program and encouraged eligible residents to participate in homebuyer and money-management classes.

Council voted to accept the midyear CAPER update by voice vote. Staff highlighted that the CAPER and the subsequent annual action plan rely on public input and that the deadline for feedback on the draft action plan is noted in the presentation materials. The council recognized the department's community partnerships and outreach work during reports following the CAPER presentation.