Agenda Section: Public Hearing

Agenda Item #

Report # 97-

DEPARTMENT: Economic Development

REVIEWED BY CITY MANAGER q

The Department of Housing and Community Development is accepting applications for the 1997 funding cycle of the State Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Planning and Technical Assistance (P/TA) Grants.

One of the application requirements is at least one Public Hearing be held at the activity design stage as well as prior to the application submittal. Further, the Public Hearings are to include general information as outlined in the CDBG application form.

In 1997 a total of $1,298,280 was made available for General Allocation Planning/Technical Assistance (P/TA) Grants. These P/TA Grants can be used for planning activities related to housing infrastructure, and community facilities. Some examples of activities that have been funded are: housing conditions surveys, senior center feasibility study, HOME Program application preparation, municipal basemapping, first time home buyer programs and model program development, to name a few. As a result of the City’s current participation in the ad-hoc greenhouse committee, one of the suggested uses of Planning/Technical Assistance funds is for a Jobs/Housing Balance study. Under the General Planning/Technical Assistance Allocation, each eligible city and county may receive up to two grants per year totaling no more than $35,000.

The CDBG program also has three national objectives: elimination of slums and blight, meeting urgent needs, and benefit to low and moderate income individuals. Anyone wishing to submit written comments regarding any element of the CDBG Program should contact Kevin Silk, Economic Development Director, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue, Carpinteria CA 93013. Additionally, groups representing low and moderate-income persons interested in or having questions concerning the Program are encouraged to obtain information at Carpinteria City Hall, 5775 Carpinteria Avenue.

Pursuing CDBG funds is consistent with City policy to obtain grants, wherever possible, to fund City projects.

Matching funds of 10% would be required by the City of Carpinteria should a Planning/Technical Assistance Grant be awarded. If the City were to receive the maximum award of $35,000, the match would be $3,500. Matching funds for this purpose are allocated in the current City Budget.

Hear the report on the CDBG Planning/Technical Assistance Allocation. Also encourage public comment, questions, participation and suggested uses for the funds.