75B - PH - CDBG FY 2009-2010 - Laserfiche WebLink

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Public Hearing - Community Development Block Grant Program Fiscal Year 2009-2010 April 6, 2009 Page 2 These funds have been used for a diverse range of programs including housing, street improvements, parks and public facilities improvements, social services, historic preservation and community services. The City's entitlement for fiscal year 2009-2010 has yet to be determined by HUD. The funding allows for no more than fifteen percent of this entitlement to be used for social service programs. The proposed CDBG program and budget for fiscal year 2009-2010 reflect the culmination of a process that solicited proposals from outside organizations and City agencies for the use of the annual entitlement. Invitations to apply for funds were distributed to 219 organizations in September 2008. Staff then met with the Human Relations Commission (HRC) in its capacity as the CDBG Citizen Advisory Board to review the public service applications and conducted three public hearings held on January 14, 21, and 29, 2009, in the City Council Chambers. Following the public hearings, staff met again with the HRC to draft a recommended social service program and budget for City Council's consideration. Traditionally, the only organization to apply for funding of fair housing counseling services has been the Fair Housing Council of Orange County. This year, as a result of the City's notice of funding availability, the City received a total of three applications. City staff evaluated applications and reviewed the organizations' experience, deliveries and references. Applicants were also invited to be interviewed by a panel composed of City staff from various departments. Based on this evaluation process, Fair Housing Council of Orange County is being recommended to continue providing fair housing counseling. Fair Housing of Orange County offices are located in an extremely convenient location in the City of Santa Ana, attracting a high percentage of walk- in clients. Their local expertise and deep roots in the community are invaluable. They are accustomed to Santa Ana's housing issues and have a very progressive outreach program. Staff recommends funding Fair Housing of Orange County to provide continuity and quality service to Santa Ana residents. The proposed fiscal year 2009-2010 CDBG program and budget (Exhibit 1) consists of the Commission's recommendations for social service funding and staff's funding recommendations for the remainder of the program, including capital projects, code enforcement and program administration. The HRC ranking and funding recommendations for the social service programs are also provided in Exhibit 2. The City Council public hearing will provide another opportunity for public input and the 75B-2