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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2009 - Community Development Block Grant Commission - Work PlanCOMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMISSION 2009 WORK PLAN The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Commission is responsible for: overseeing both current cycles of the Competitive Process for the funding of affordable housing and community development projects and programs; reviewing related activities; and making funding recommendations to City Council. The following items are included in the CDBG Commission's 2009 Work Plan: 1. Competitive Funding Process: Program Development The CDBG Commission will continue to work to improve the Competitive Process for CDBG, HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Affordable Housing Fund (AHF), and Human Services Program (HSP) funds. The work program involves a review of processes for application selection, solicitation of proposals, funding criteria recommendations and the final selection of applications and recommendations for funding to City Council. A Customer Service survey conducted in 2008 revealed no areas of major concern regarding the Competitive Process. The enhancement of the Process is an ongoing goal, and is usually made in direct response to applicant feedback and regulatory changes. The Commission will also, if needed, review financial management of program funds, so that program viability can be enhanced, and the City can be assured of the best return on its investment dollars (e.g., loans vs. grants, when possible). The Commission will also continue to work with staff to pursue a change to the Commission's name and corresponding legal documents to more appropriately reflect its funding recommendation purview over several funding streams, -- currently two federal (CDBG and HOME) and two local (Affordable Housing Fund and Human Services Program). The Commission will also continue to work with staff and affected agencies to evaluate the effectiveness of having two Competitive Process cycles each year, as opposed to one cycle. A subcommittee of the Commission will also continue working with staff to develop a more effective Criteria Ranking point chart to assess Competitive Process applications. 2. CDBG FY 2008-2009: Program Development CDBG Program Development involves the continuation of the federally funded grant program for activities such as affordable housing, public facilities, and public services. The process includes a review and update of the processes for City of Fort Collins CDBG Commission: 2007 Work Plan application selection, solicitation of proposals, criteria for funding, and funding recommendation. The efficiency and effectiveness of funding distribution is becoming increasingly critical in the face of lessening and uncertain continuation of federal funding. 3. HOME FY 2008-2009: Program Development HOME Program Development involves the continuation of the federally funded grant program for affordable housing and will include review of the processes for application selection, solicitation of proposals, criteria for funding, and funding selection. 4. Human Services Program FY2009: Program Development Human Services Program Development includes the continuation of the locally funded grant program (from the City's General Fund), highlighting human services needs within the community. The process includes a review of the application selection process, solicitation of proposals, criteria for funding, and funding selection. The Commission may also review impacts to HSP funding in the face of municipal budgetary challenges as the City enters a new 2-year budget cycle. The Commission will also work to make sure that funding distribution is not only aligned with the City's municipal purposes, but is coordinated with other developing community initiatives such as Pathways Past Poverty.