11-A
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Jeffrey L. Stewart, City Manager
FROM: Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
SUBJECT: Consideration and possible action to conduct a public hearing to receive comments on the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and adopt Resolution No. 22-28 – A Resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and the amended Citizen Participation Plan (CPP); authorizing the City Manager to submit the AAP to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD); and authorizing the City Manager to take all actions necessary to implement the programs identified in the AAP.
DATE: June 13, 2022
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year, the City must submit an application to HUD for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) entitlement funds.
The Annual Action Plan (AAP) serves as the City’s application and details the proposed uses of its funds within a given year. At this public hearing, staff will present the proposed FY 2022-2023 CDBG and HOME funding recommendations and invite public comment. All comments received will be included in the FY 2022-2023 Action Plan.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Open the public hearing; take testimonial and documentary evidence; and after considering the evidence, adopt Resolution No. 22-28 and approve the amended Citizen Participation Plan; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will be receiving $861,437 ($82,175 less than estimated) in CDBG funds and $390,077 ($30,554 more than estimated) in HOME funds for Fiscal Year 2022-2023.
The CDBG funding that can be allocated to the Volunteer Center is subject to the 15% public service cap so the General Fund will transfer in funds to provide for program costs in excess of the grant funds.
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Staff Report – Public Hearing: Annual Action Plan for FY 2022-2023 June 13, 2022
PUBLIC NOTICE
On March 25, 2022, a Notice of a 30-Day Public Comment Period and this Public Hearing was published in the Bellflower Herald American (The Wave) newspaper. This public hearing is continued from the previously noticed public hearing on April 25, 2022.
The AAP was made available for public review and comments from March 25, 2022, through June 13, 2022. At this time, no comments have been received during this period. Any comments received during tonight’s public hearing will be incorporated in the AAP before submittal to HUD.
DISCUSSION
On April 4, 2022, the City of Bellflower was notified by HUD that a waiver had been issued advising cities to not submit Annual Action Plans to HUD until CDBG Funding allocations for FY 22-23 had been received. HUD waived 24 CFR 92.212(b) allowing cities to submit their Annual Action Plan 60 days after allocation announcements.
On May 13, 2022, HUD announced that the City of Bellflower will receive $861,437 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $390,077 in Home Improvement Program (HOME) funds. This is $82,175 less than what was estimated for CDBG and $30,554 more than what was estimate for HOME.
CDBG Program and Funding
The CDBG Program can finance public facilities, economic development, public services, partnerships with non-profits that provide vital services, and housing improvements to improve deteriorating conditions in low-to moderate-income areas.
In FY 2022-2023, the City will receive $861,437 in CDBG entitlement funds, $5,500 in program income from downtown kiosk rentals and other reimbursed costs, and approximately $303,810 in carryover funds. The total estimated funding is $1,170,747.
CDBG estimated funding recommendations for FY 2022-2023:
Program/Activity Funding Amount
Program Administration* $154,287
Fair Housing Services* $18,000
Volunteer Center** $104,215
Kingdom Causes Bellflower** $25,000
Section 108 Loan Repayment $518,218
Code Enforcement $201,027
Small Business Start-up Loan Program $150,000
Total: $1,170,747
*Subject to 20% Administration cap
**Subject to 15% Public Service cap
Under the CDBG regulations, up to 15% of the annual allocation can be used to support public services. Staff is prepared to provide CDBG funds to two public service providers, Kingdom Causes Bellflower Good Soils Program ($25,000) and the City’s Volunteer Center ($104,215). The City may also allocate up to 20% to administer the - Page 2 of 67 -
Staff Report – Public Hearing: Annual Action Plan for FY 2022-2023 June 13, 2022
DISCUSSION – Continued
CDBG program. This includes in-house staff time, consultant fees, and fair housing services.
A majority of CDBG funds are allocated towards an annual debt service payment for a Section 108 loan that removed blight in the downtown, as well as code enforcement activities in low-income neighborhoods with deteriorating conditions.
Approximately $150,000 in CDBG funds is being carried over from the FY 2021-2022 business assistance program budget. Staff is proposing to budget this funding in FY 2022-2023 for a targeted Small Business Start-up Loan Program. The program would be limited to new small businesses in the “Orchard at Belle Fleur Centre” project to help eligible businesses with start-up capital. This project is located in a CDBG Low- and Moderate-Income Area. The program would offer one-time forgivable loans up to $50,000, which would be forgiven over a 4-year period, with 25% of the loan being forgiven each year the business remains operating. Businesses awarded the loan would need to remain in business at the Bellflower location throughout the term of the loan for the loan to be completely forgiven.
HOME Program and Funding
HOME funds may be used to expand affordable housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons through acquisition, rehabilitation, and construction of housing, as well as the provision of first-time homebuyer loans or rental assistance.
The FY 2022-2023 HOME entitlement allocation is $390,077. The City also conservatively estimates $1,000 in program income and $1,774,470 in carryover funds.
Program income often comes from HOME loan repayments and varies each year. The total estimated funding is $2,165,547.
HOME estimated funding recommendations for FY 2022-2023:
Program/Activity Funding Amount
Program Administration $39,007
Home Improvement Program $350,000
Community Housing Development
Organization (CHDO)
$1,776,540
Total: $2,165,547
Under HOME regulations, up to 10% of the annual allocation can be used for general administration. In addition, at least 15% of the annual allocation must be set aside for Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) activities. CHDO activities are affordable housing projects constructed by City-approved non-profit organizations and developers. To this effect, staff recommends budgeting $1,776,540 for one or more CHDO development projects.
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Staff Report – Public Hearing: Annual Action Plan for FY 2022-2023 June 13, 2022
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN
The Citizen Participation Plan outlines the process when conducting program planning and reporting for the CDBG and HOME programs. The Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) sets forth policies and procedures to encourage citizen involvement and provides an opportunity for nonprofit service agencies and the community to work in partnership with the City to identify needs and allocate CDBG and HOME funds.
Currently, the Plan requires City Council approval of activity funding changes of less than 50 percent to an existing activity. The amended Plan will allow the City Manager to approve activity funding changes of less than 50 percent and documentation of the change by the Economic Development Director via memorandum in the project file.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 22-28....................................................................................................... 5 FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan .................................................................................. 7 Citizen Participation Plan………………………………………………………………… ..... 53
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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
RESOLUTION NO. 22-28
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2022-
2023 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP); AUTHORIZING
THE CITY MANAGER TO SUBMIT THE AAP TO THE
U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT (HUD); AND AUTHORIZING THE CITY
MANAGER TO TAKE ALL ACTIONS NECESSARY TO
IMPLEMENT THE PROGRAMS IDENTIFIED IN THE AAP
THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:
SECTION 1. The City Council finds and declares as follows:
A. The City participates in the Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Consolidated Plan Process and receives both Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home
Investment Partnership (HOME) funds;
B. Pursuant to Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the City is required to submit an Action Plan to HUD detailing the City's proposed uses of its Fiscal Year 2022-2023 CDBG and HOME allocations;
C. The City prepared a draft Annual Action Plan on March 25, 2022 and provided opportunities to receive public comments through a noticed public hearing held on June 13, 2022 and during this period provided for public review and comment of the draft Annual Action Plan.
SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council approves the Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2022-2023, attached as Attachment "A," and directs any necessary budgetary adjustments be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Operating Budget including making a General Fund transfer into the CDBG Fund to provide for any volunteer center program costs in excess of the grant funds.
SECTION 3. Adoption. The City Council adopts the Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2 022-2023, attached as Attachment "A," and incorporated by reference.
SECTION 4. Authorizations. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take reasonable action needed to implement this Resolution, including submittal of the Action Plan to the appropriate HUD office on behalf of the City. The City Manager, or designee, is further authorized to promulgate and implement administrative policies and procedures needed to effectuate the Action Plan.
SECTION 5. If any part of this Resolution or its application is deemed invalid by a court of competent jurisdiction, the City Council intends that such invalidity will not affect the effectiveness of the remaining provisions or applications and, to this end, the - Page 5 of 67 -
City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 21-28
provisions of this Resolution are severable.
SECTION 6. Electronic Signatures. This Resolution may be executed with electronic signatures in accordance with Government Code §16.5. Such electronic signatures will be treated in all respects as having the same effect as an original signature.
SECTION 7. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is hereby authorized to affix his signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption and the City Clerk, or her duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest thereto.
SECTION 8. This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER THIS 13th DAY OF JUNE 2022 .
ATTEST:
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM: Karl H. Berger, City Attorney Ray Dunton, Mayor
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A: Fiscal Year 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan
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City of Bellflower
2022-2023 Annual Action Plan
DRAFT
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Table of Contents
Executive Summary ............................................................................................................................ 4 AP-05 Executive Summary – 24 CRF 91.200(c), 91.220(b) ........................................................................ 4 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b) ................................................................................................. 7 Expected Resources ........................................................................................................................... 8 AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2) ............................................................................................. 8 Annual Goals and Objectives ............................................................................................................ 11 AP-20 - Annual Goals and Objectives ..................................................................................................... 11 AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d) ...................................................................................................................... 14 AP-38 Project Summary .......................................................................................................................... 15 AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f) ............................................................................................. 19 Affordable Housing .......................................................................................................................... 20 AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g).................................................................................................... 20 AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h) ........................................................................................................... 21 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) ............................................................ 22 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j) ................................................................................... 25 AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k) ............................................................................................................. 26 Program Specific Requirements ........................................................................................................ 29 AP -90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4) ...................................................................... 29
Appendices
A. Standard Form SF-424, Certifications and City Resolution: Pending Adoption B. Map: CDBG Eligible Area Map
C. Public Notices/Public Comments
D. Local Market Survey – Bellflower
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Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary – 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
Introduction
This Action Plan describes the activities and uses of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) program funds for the program year beginning July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023. This plan represents the third year of the City of Bellflower's Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (ConPlan). The Annual Action Plan contained summarizes how the City will utilize and administer its available community development resources to address the needs of Bellflower's low- and moderate-income households.
The City of Bellflower is an entitlement jurisdiction that anticipates receiving an estimated $943,612 in CDBG funds and an estimated $359,523 in HOME funds for FY 2022-2023. Bellflower does not receive funding under the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) or Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) programs. In recent years, the levels of CDBG and HOME funds for Bellflower have fluctuated.
The level of program income received varies from year to year. Program income received will be re- programmed to fund activities that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income individuals or remove blighted conditions.
Objectives and Outcomes Identified in the Plan
The 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) establishes the City’s priority needs and goals, in addition to planning and programmatic administration with associated goals to be met over the five-year period.
See the objectives and outcomes table for a summary of those identified in the Con Plan.
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Estimated
Funding
Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Improve and
Conserve
Existing
Affordable
Housing
2020
2025
Affordable
Housing
Citywide
Preserve the
Supply of
Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$800,000
Homeowner
Housing
Rehabilitated:
16 Households/
Housing Units
2 Neighborhood
Preservation
2020
2025
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Neighborhood
Preservation
Citywide
Neighborhood
Preservation
CDBG:
$640,498
Housing Code
Enforcement/
Foreclosed
Property Care:
600
Households/
Housing Units
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3 Development
of Affordable
Housing
2020
2025 Affordable
Housing
Citywide
Development of
Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$1,858,711
1 Affordable
Housing Project
4 Affirmatively
Further Fair
Housing
Choice
2020
2025
Affordable
Housing
Citywide
Fair Housing
CDBG:
$90,000
Public Service
Activities Other
than Low/
Moderate
Income Housing
Benefits:
300 Persons
Assisted
5 Public Services
2020
2025
Public Services
Citywide
Public Services
CDBG:
$621,629
Public Service
Activities Other
than Low/
Moderate
Income Housing
Benefits:
1,000 Persons
Assisted
6 Employment
Training
2020
2025
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Employment
Training
Citywide
Job Creation/
Retention
CDBG:
$125,000
Jobs Created/
Retained:
50 jobs
7 Section 108
Loan Payment
2020
2025
Public Services
Citywide
Repayment of
Section 108
Loan
CDBG:
$2,586,834
Other:
1 Other
8 Business
Assistance
2020
2025 Job Creation/
Retention
Citywide Job Creation/
Retention
CDBG:
$320,000
Assist 12 small
businesses
9 Administration
2020
2025
Administration
Citywide
Administration
CDBG:
$870,917
HOME:
$176,861
Other:
0 Other
Table 1 – Objectives and Outcomes
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Evaluation of Past Performance
During FY 2020-2021, the City of Bellflower used HOME funds for Housing Rehabilitation of four (4) households. During FY 20219-2020, the City of Bellflower used HOME funds for Housing Rehabilitation of approximately seven (7) households.
The City also allocated HOME funds to pay for program administration. During FY 2017-2018, HOME/CHDO funds were allocated to and expended by Partnership Housing Inc. to develop six (6) three (3) bedroom owner-occupied units. During FY 2021-2022, CDBG funds were used to provide code enforcement, public services, section 108 loan repayment, fair housing, administration, business assistance, and public service activities. During the 2015-2020 Consolidated Planning period, the City exceeded the quantified objectives of the Consolidated Plan with one exception. That exception is the Home Improvement Program which rehabilitated 21 homes compared to the five-year objective of 25 homes.
Summary of Citizen Participation Process and Consultation Process
For development of the FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan, the planning and citizen participation activities began February 10, 2022 with the publishing of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). CDBG Applications, the NOFA and Community Needs Survey were all made available on February 10, 2022. A Public Service Technical Assistance and Community Workshop was held on February 23, 2022 to provide the residents and community- based agencies with information on Federal grants and to receive input on community needs. The deadline for applications and the survey was March 7, 2022. Four (4) external applications were received for public service activities As Federal funding is limited, funding recommendations are to award funds to selected local nonprofit organizations and to a few departmental projects that benefit low – and moderate- income residents for low- and moderate-income residents
The Citizen Participation Plan included the following:
2022-2023 Community Needs Survey
30-day Public Comment Period (March 25, 2022-April 25, 2022) City Council Public Hearing on April 25, 2022
Summary of Public Comments
PENDING.
Summary of Comments or Views Not Accepted & the Reasons for Not Accepting Them
N/A
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Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator Bellflower Economic Development
Department
HOME Administrator Bellflower Economic Development
Department
Table 2 – Responsible
Agencies
Narrative
(optional)
The Department of Economic Development of the City of Bellflower is responsible for the preparation and administration of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, AAP, and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The Economic Development Department creatively uses both its CDBG and HOME funds to plan, coordinate, promote, and manage programs that spur and create economic growth including public and private development projects, business outreach, job recruitment and retention and marketing programs. Specifically, projects that will have a significant and positive impact on the community in the form of increased sales tax base, increased property values, community beautification and improving the quality of life for Bellflower residents.
The City of Bellflower has incorporated performance objectives and outcome measures for all activities funded with CDBG and HOME funds. Each funded activity will meet one of the performance objectives and outcomes. Specific performance objectives and outcomes can be found in the AAP.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Mr. Jim DellaLonga, Director of Economic Development
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 804-1424 ext. 2224
[email protected]
Ms. Karla Pineda, Management Assistant
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 804-1424 ext. 2013
[email protected]
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AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
Introduction
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) now requires that entitlement jurisdictions submit the AAP and the Five-Year Consolidated Plan on the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). The IDIS template contains relevant sections and a series of questions to complete the plan. The City of Bellflower’s 2022-2023 AAP was developed using the IDIS template and in accordance with statutory requirements and federal regulations.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l))
The City of Bellflower enhances coordination and supports collaborative efforts with the public by supporting assisted housing providers as well as public and private agencies such as, the Los Angeles County Health Department, including the Childhood Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Program, the Housing Authority of Los Angeles County, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the Department of Health and Human Services, HUD, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Department of Social Services, the Fair Housing Foundation, local public service agencies, and CHDOs.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
A Continuum of Care (CoC) is a regional or local planning body that coordinates housing and service funding for homeless families and individuals. HUD’s definition of a CoC is a community plan to organize and deliver housing and services to meet the specific needs of people who are homeless as they move to stable housing and maximize self-sufficiency. Outreach, intake and assessment, emergency shelter, transitional housing with supportive services and permanent housing with supportive services are all components of this strategy. The City of Bellflower consults and collaborates with the Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA) and local service providers to determine the available resources to address the needs of chronically homeless persons in Bellflower.
The City of Bellflower also contributes Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF) to Kingdom Causes Bellflower to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program provides financial assistance and services to prevent households from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The Extremely Low-Income Rental Assistance Voucher Program assists extremely low-income households with a subsidy to help them secure affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
CDBG funds are used to benefit low-income persons under the Fair Housing Program administered by the Fair Housing Foundation ($18,000 budgeted for FY 22-23) and the Good Soil Industries - Page 14 of 67 -
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Program ($11,750 budgeted for FY 22-23) administered by Kingdom Causes Bellflower. The Fair Housing Foundation provides fair housing services to residents to prevent housing discrimination.
Their services include but are not limited to referrals, investigations, case management, litigation, and resolving landlord tenant disputes. The City of Bellflower has a public service agreement with Kingdom Causes Bellflower, in which the non-profit assists in hiring Bellflower’s unemployed and under-employed persons. The program provides on-the-job training, certification programs, and job acquisition skills. The hope is that providing funding for this program may aid in homeless prevention and greater self-sufficiency for at-risk individuals.
The City also works with LAHSA to address homelessness. LAHSA oversees the collection of regional homeless data, serves as a clearinghouse for regional information and resources, identifies gaps in services, and leads strategic planning efforts to get people from homelessness to permanent housing. Needed services include housing counseling; temporary shelters; hotel and motel vouchers; emergency food and transportation; clothing; and job search assistance.
Additionally, to provide the most resources possible, the City maintains a partnership and contact information for public service agencies for emergency shelter and aid. These agencies include the following: Beacon Light Mission, Catholic Charities, Christian Outreach Appeal, Year- Round Shelter Hotline, Little House, Long Beach Rescue Mission, Lutheran Social Services of So.CA, Rio Hondo Transitional Housing, Salvation Army, and United Way Hotline.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS Bellflower does not receive or allocate Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds. The City collaborates with local service providers and will generally fund agencies based in Bellflower, as well as neighboring communities to meet the needs of the homeless and provide regional coverage. The homeless population is difficult to track and tends to move from place to place. A regional approach is the best strategy to address the needs of the homeless in the City. The City continues to collaborate with LAHSA and local service providers to assist this segment of the population.
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Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities.
Table 3 – Participating Agencies, Groups, Organizations
1 Agency/Group/Organization LOS ANGELES HOMELESS SERVICES AUTHORITY Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Homelessness Strategy
Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless
Homeless Needs - Families with children
Homelessness Needs - Veterans
Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth
Anti-poverty Strategy
How the Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
LAHSA was consulted as to the homeless count in the City of Bellflower.
2 Agency/Group/Organization KINGDOM CAUSES BELLFLOWER
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Employment
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Employment opportunity for nonviolent ex-offenders
How the Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Kingdom Causes Bellflower was consulted through
emails, phone, and in person meetings. The
anticipated outcome is to provide employment
training for the hard to employ population, specifically employment training for ex- offenders re-entering the
community.
3 Agency/Group/Organization Fair Housing Foundation
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Fair Housing
How the Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was consulted in regards to fair housing in the City of Bellflower.
4 Agency/Group/Organization Los Angeles County Department of Public Health Agency/Group/Organization Type Childhood Lead Based Poisoning What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Lead-Based Paint Strategy
How the Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This Agency was contacted about lead based
paint cases in the City of Bellflower.
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5 Agency/Group/Organization SOUTHEAST LOS ANGELES COUNTY WORKFORCE
INVESTMENT BOARD
Agency/Group/Organization Type Regional organization
Planning organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Economic Development
Employment Training and Services
How the Agency/Group/Organization consulted
and what are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was consulted about employment
services available to Bellflower residents.
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
No agency type was excluded from providing input.
Table 4 - Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Name of Plan Lead
Organization
How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?
City Council
Goals
City of Bellflower Goals include plans to improve the City through economic development, public services, housing rehabilitation and development.
Housing
Element
Planning
Department/
Successor
H o u s i n g
Agency
The Housing Element provides goals and recommendations for improving housing conditions in the City of Bellflower.
Continuum of
Care
LAHSA LAHSA establishes goals and objectives that overlap and address th e following areas of the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan: SP-60 Homeless Strategy, MA-30 Homeless Facilities, AP-65 Homeless and other Special Needs Activities, NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment.
Narrative (optional)
The City will continue its coordination of efforts with local, regional and federal agencies to further the goals and objectives of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The City of Bellflower will continue to cooperate and coordinate with public and private agencies such as, the Los Angeles County Health Department, (specifically the Childhood Lead- Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Program), the Los Angeles County Housing Authority, the Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority, the Department of Health and Human Services, the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), the Department of Social Services, the Fair Housing Foundation, local public services agencies, and CHDOs. - Page 17 of 67 -
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AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation.
Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal setting.
The planning and citizen participation activities for July 1, 2022–June 30, 2023 began on February 10, 2022. A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), CDBG Public Service Applications and Community Needs Surveys were also available beginning February 10, 2022. A technical assistance workshop and community meeting was held on February 23, 2022, to receive input on community needs and to provide information on the anticipated Federal resources anticipated and eligible uses.
The AAP was available for a 30-day public comment period from March 25,2022 until April 25, 2022. The AAP was made available online on the City’s website.
Public hearings were held on April 25, 2022 to receive citizen comments on needs and preliminary funding recommendation.
Table 5- Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort
Order
Mode of Outreach
Target of Outreach
Summary of
response/
attendance
Summary of
comments
received
Summary of
comments not
accepted and
reasons
1 Public Hearing
Minorities
Non-targeted/broad
community
Residents of Assisted
Housing
Applicant
Organizations
See Appendix C
See Appendix C
All comments
accepted
2 Public
Comment
Period
Non English Speaking-
Specify other language:
Spanish
Non-targeted/broad
community
Residents of Assisted
Housing
See Appendix C
See Appendix C
All comments
accepted
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Bellflower anticipates using the following resources during the Fiscal Year 2022-2023 to meet its goals.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of
Funds
Expected Amount Available Year 3 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative e
Description Annual
Allocation
: $
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public
-
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvement
s
Public
Services
$943,612
$5,400
$360,525
$1,309,537
$1,547,386
CDBG
funds will used
to carry out
the goals of
the
Consolidated
Plan
HOME public
-
federal
Acquisition
Homebuyer
assistance
Homeowner
rehab
Multifamily
rental new
construction
Multifamily
rental rehab
New
construction
for
ownership
TBRA
$359,523
$1,000
$1,656,400
$2,016,923
$746,500
HOME
funds will be
used to carry
out the goals
and objective s
of the
Consolidated
Plan
Table 6 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
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Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied.
Leveraging
The City regularly seeks resources and projects to leverage to meet its community development and housing needs. The City has identified the following potential leveraging resources below and will continue to make efforts to identify and leverage other resources.
Low-Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC)
New State Low Income Housing Tax Credits Program
Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Housing Program Building Homes and Jobs Act (SB 2)
Mixed Income Program
CalHome Program
Matching
A requirement of the HOME program requires that entitlement Cities contribute a 25% match of non- HOME dollars for every dollar of HOME funds spent. HOME allows for a reduction of the matching contribution under three conditions, which include (1) fiscal distress, (2) severe fiscal distress, and (3) presidential disaster declarations. In FY 2022-2023, the City was granted a 50 percent match reduction, reducing the required HOME match to 12.5%. The City anticipates that it will continue to meet the requirements to be eligible for the same match reduction. The City has maintained an excess in match requirements from previous years which will be used to continue to meet its HOME match requirements.
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If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan There is not currently any publicly owned land available to address needs identified in the plane.
Discussion
Not applicable.
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geograp
hic Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Improve and
Conserve
Existing
Affordable
Housing
2022 2023 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Improve
and
Conserve
Existing
Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$250,000
Homeowner
Housing
Rehabilitated: 4
Households/
Housing Units
2 Neighborhood
Preservation
2022 2023 Non-
Housing
Community
Developme
nt
Neighborho
od
Preservation
Citywide Neighborh
ood
Preservati
on
CDBG:
$136,054
Housing Code
Enforcement/
Foreclosed
Property Care:
70 Household
Housing Units
3 Development
of Affordable
Housing
2022 2023 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Developm
ent of
Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$1,730,971
1 Affordable
Housing Project
4 Affirmatively
Furthering
Fair Housing
2022 2023 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Affirmativ
e Further
Fair
Housing
for All
CDBG:
$18,000
Public service
activities for
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 60
Households
Assisted
5 Public
Services
2022 2023 Public
Services
Citywide Public
Services
CDBG:
$129,792
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 200
Persons Assisted
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Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geograp
hic Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
6 Employment
Training
2022 2023 Non-
Housing
Community
Developme
nt
Employmen
t Training
Citywide Employme
nt
Training
CDBG:
$11,750
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 10 Persons
Assisted
7 Section 108
Loan
Repayment
2022 2023 Non-
Housing
Community
Developme
nt
Section 108
loan
repayment
Citywide Repaymen
t of
Section
108
CDBG:
$ 518,218
Other: 1
Other
8 Economic
Developme
nt: Business
Assistance
2022 2023 Non-
Housing
Community
Developme
nt
Citywide Commerci
al
Rehabilita
tion
Business
Assistance
CDBG:
$ 325,000
.
Businesses
Assisted: 3
Commercial
Rehabilitation: 5
9 Administratio
n n
2022 2023 Administrati
on on
Citywide Administr
ation
CDBG:
$170,722
HOME:
$35,952
Other: 0
Other
Table 7 – Goals Summary
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Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Improve and Conserve Existing Affordable Housing Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to help low- and moderate-income residents rehabilitate their homes.
2 Goal Name Neighborhood Preservation
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to conduct code enforcement activities in eligible areas to preserve neighborhoods.
3 Goal Name Development of Affordable Housing
Goal Description HOME funds will be allocated to a future CHDO affordable housing development. 4 Goal Name Affirmatively Further Fair Housing Choice
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to pay for fair housing services to promote equal housing opportunities.
5 Goal Name Public Services
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to provide public services through the Volunteer Center and non-profit public service agencies.
6 Goal Name Employment Training
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to provide employment training. 7 Goal Name Section 108 Loan Payment
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to repay a Section 108 loan. 8 Goal Name Business Assistance
Goal Description CDBG funds will be used to help eligible businesses with commercial façade projects.
Funds will also be used to provide start up grants and/or forgivable loans to eligible small businesses in the City.
9 Goal Name Administration
Goal Description CDBG and HOME funds will be used to help implement their respective programs.
Table 8 – Goal Descriptions
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Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.215(b):
Under the HOME Program, the City will provide the following affordable housing programs:
1. HOME CHDO Program for the Development of Affordable Housing
2. HOME Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation
Through implementation of the above-mentioned programs, the City will assist the following estimated number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families: Single Family Rehabilitation Program loans and/or grants to four (4) persons. The City will seek qualified CHDOs for a CHDO project in the City. In addition, the Successor Housing Agency provides funds to Kingdom Causes Bellflower to provide housing vouchers and services for approximately twenty (20) residents to assist those that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Total estimated number of extremely low- income, low-income and moderate- income residents that will be assisted is minimum 24. - Page 25 of 67 -
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Projects
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
The United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) has established that all Participating Jurisdictions that receive CDBG and HOME funds must prepare an Annual Action Plan that shows the jurisdiction's needs and resources and established goals and objectives. These goals must address decent housing, suitable living environments, and expansion of economic opportunities for residents, including low and moderate-income people. Annual Action Plan activities to be undertaken are updated annually and or as needed through the amendment of the Consolidated Plan.
The FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan describes all available resources and lists activities by type. The City will use CDBG, HOME, and all available resources to provide and or expand affordable housing opportunities and to address community development needs. The lead agency responsible for overseeing the development of the FY 2022-2023 Annual Action Plan is the Economic Development Department. The Annual Action Plan includes the Standard Forms 424, which are the formal applications to HUD for CDBG and HOME funds.
Projects
# Project Name
1 CDBG PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
2 FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION
3 KINGDOM CAUSES BELLFLOWER
4 BELLFLOWER VOLUNTEER CENTER
5 COMMERCIAL FACADE
6 SMALL BUSINESS START-UP LOAN PROGRAM
7 CODE ENFORCEMENT
8 SECTION 108 LOAN REPAYMENT
9 HOME PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
10 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
11 CHDO PROJECT
Table 9 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs.
Priority funding for CDBG and HOME activities are given to activities that:
have a high benefit to low- and moderate-income persons; have a detailed plan for permanent funding;
are likely to achieve their objectives and be successful; use other public and private sources to the greatest extent possible; support or coordinate with other community development efforts; present a reasonable, sound budget; and
are implemented by organizations with a solid track record. - Page 26 of 67 -
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AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
1 Project Name CDBG PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Administration
Needs Addressed Administration
Funding CDBG: $170,722
Description PAYS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND COMPLIANCE OF ALL CDBG-
FUNDED PROJECTS
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION, OVERSIGHT AND MONITORING 2 Project Name FAIR HOUSING FOUNDATION
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing
Needs Addressed Affirmative Further Fair Housing for All Funding CDBG: $18,000
Description CDBG funds will be used to provide fair housing services to residents to prevent discrimination, provide referrals, investigations, case management, and litigation, and resolve landlord tenant disputes.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
60 HOUSEHOLDS
Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities FAIR HOUSING SERVICES TO 6O HOUSEHOLDS 3 Project Name KINGDOM CAUSES BELLFLOWER
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Employment Training
Needs Addressed Employment Training
Funding CDBG: $11,750
Description Offer employment opportunities through good soils industries. the program will assist in hiring residents that are under employed and unemployed. provides on-the-job training, certification programs, and job acquisition skills for those who may have a criminal record, at-risk of being homeless, and single fathers.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
12 PEOPLE
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Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities EMPLOYMENT TRAINING TO 12 PEOPLE
4 Project Name BELLFLOWER VOLUNTEER CENTER
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Public Services
Needs Addressed Public Services
Funding CDBG: $129,792
Description This program will recruit, train, supervise, and recognize individuals who volunteer their time to serve the low- and moderate-income residents of Bellflower Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
200 PEOPLE
Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities Recruit, train and supervise 200 people 5 Project Name COMMERCIAL FAÇADE
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Economic Development
Needs Addressed Business Assistance
Funding $175,000
Description Commercial Facade Improvement program will offer a grants to existing or new business owners to make exterior commercial improvements.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
5 Businesses
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Commercial Facade Improvement program will offer a grants to existing or new business owners to make exterior commercial improvements.
6 Project Name SMALL BUSINESS START-UP LOAN PROGRAM
Target Area Northeast C/O Bellflower Blvd. & Cedar Street Goals Supported Economic Development: Business Assistance Needs Addressed Business Assistance
Funding CDBG: $150,000
Description Provide forgivable loans to 3 eligible businesses. Forgivable Loans, up to $50,000, over four years will be offered to eligible businesses.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
3 eligible businesses
Location Description Northeast C/O Bellflower Blvd. & Cedar Street Planned Activities Provide grants or forgivable loans to 3 eligible businesses. Forgivable Loans, up to $50,000, over four years will be offered to eligible businesses.
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7 Project Name CODE ENFORCEMENT
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Neighborhood Preservation
Needs Addressed Neighborhood Preservation
Funding CDBG: $136,054
Description Enforcement of the bellflower municipal code relating to property maintenance and zoning in low- and-moderate income areas and slum/blight areas.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
INSPECT 70 HOUSING UNITS IN ELIGIBLE AREAS
Location Description INSPECT 70 HOUSING UNITS IN TARGETED ELIGIBLE AREAS THROUGHOUT THE CITY Planned Activities INSPECT 70 HOUSING UNITS IN TARGETED ELIGIBLE AREAS THROUGHOUT THE CITY 8 Project Name SECTION 108 LOAN REPAYMENT
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Section 108 Loan Repayment
Needs Addressed Repayment of Section 108
Funding CDBG: $518,218
Description REPAYMENT OF SECTION 108 LOAN
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description N/A
Planned Activities SECTION 108 LOAN REPAYMENT
9 Project Name HOME PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Administration
Needs Addressed Administration
Funding HOME: $35,952
Description Pays for the development, design, implementation, and compliance of all home-funded projects.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description N/A
Planned Activities PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
10 Project Name SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Improve and Conserve Existing Affordable Housing - Page 29 of 67 -
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Needs Addressed Improve and Conserve Existing Affordable Housing Funding HOME: $250,000
Description Provides forgivable loans and grants to low-and-moderate income owner-occupied households to make necessary improvements to bring noncompliant properties up to current zoning and building codes.
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
4 HOUSEHOLDS
Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE TO 4 HOUSEHOLDS 11 Project Name CHDO PROJECT
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Development of Affordable Housing (Special Needs) Needs Addressed Development of Affordable Housing
Funding HOME: $1,730,971
Description CHDO Project
Target Date 6/30/2023
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
1 Housing Project
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities 1 Housing Project
Table 10 – Project Summarys
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
The City concentrates on projects that have the greatest positive impact on the community while meeting some of the needs of the underserved. Low- and moderate-income areas in the City (defined as a block group where at least 51 percent of the population with incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the Area Median Income). Investments and services serving special needs populations and primarily low- and moderate-income persons will be made throughout the City; however, housing assistance and housing acquisition will be available to income-qualified households citywide.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Citywide 100
Table 11 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
The majority of both CDBG and HOME funds will be used Citywide. Activities identified under the public services category and targeted to special needs populations are offered on a citywide basis and/or where resources can be coordinated with existing facilities or services.
Discussion
Not Applicable
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Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
The City plans to use its HOME funds to support a number of authorized housing activities, including the Home Rehabilitation Program and Affordable Housing Development. The needs of the homeless are handled through nonprofit organizations and the CoC (LAHSA), and local community non-profit Kingdom Causes Bellflower through the use of Successor Housing Agency funds.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 4
Special-Needs 0
Total 4
Table 12 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 4
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 4
Table 13 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type
Discussion
Through its partnership with Kingdom Causes Bellflower and by utilizing low- and moderate-income housing asset funds from the Successor Housing Agency, the City is able to offer rental assistance to residents in need. Kingdom Causes Bellflower provides housing assistance by administering housing vouchers to households that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and homeless prevention outreach. The City also plans on continuing implementation of its homeowner housing rehabilitation. - Page 32 of 67 -
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AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
No public housing is located in the City of Bellflower.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing
The needs of public housing are addressed by the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles (HACoLA).
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
Not applicable to the City of Bellflower
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance
Not applicable to the City of Bellflower
Discussion
Not applicable to the City of Bellflower
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) Introduction
The City of Bellflower opened a Temporary Shelter (TS) in May 2020, New Hope, which provides beds and services for 50 persons. New Hope is operated by a non-profit service provider, Mercy House, who assists program participants with creating a housing plan, making connections to housing resources and ending their homelessness as soon as possible.
The majority of homelessness activities are undertaken by the local CoC (LAHSA) and its member agencies that access funding to run shelters and provide services to those who are on the verge of homelessness and those who are already homeless. Little House is a longstanding local nonprofit that provides transitional housing for women with alcohol and substance abuse problems. Additionally, temporary rental vouchers and outreach are provided by Kingdom Causes Bellflower to homeless population and at-risk homeless.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs.
The City of Bellflower will continue a coordinated effort with LAHSA, City Net, and Kingdom Causes Bellflower in their efforts to prevent homelessness. The Consortium will assist by providing funding to help homeless and near homeless individuals and families with the transitional and permanent affordable housing. This could be in the form of rehabilitation to facilities that provide temporary housing, housing vouchers, shelters, motel vouchers, and or supportive services and job training to those who are homeless. Public services activities may also indirectly provide services to those that are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The City of Bellflower contributes Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset funds (LMIHAF) to Kingdom Causes Bellflower and City Net to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program provides financial assistance and services to prevent households from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The Extremely Low-Income Rental Assistance Voucher Program assists extremely low-income households with a subsidy to help them secure affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market. The City continues to allocate funding to Kingdom Causes Bellflower in FY 22-23 to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The City of Bellflower opened a Temporary Shelter (TS) in May 2020, New Hope, which provides beds and services for 50 persons. Persons receiving services in the Shelter are “Bellflower based,” meaning that provided services will be limited to those persons who can reasonably justify that Bellflower is indeed their home. The temporary shelter provides the following services: Intake/Bed Reservations, - Page 34 of 67 -
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Foods/Meals, Laundry, Storage, Animal/Pet Assistance, Security, Transportation, Recreational Activities, Assessment and Housing Navigation Case Management, Housing Placement Services, Life Skills Classes/Tenant Education, Employment/Job Placement Referrals, Health Care Resources, Crisis Evaluation/Mental Health Resources, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Referrals, and Benefits Enrollment.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again
Bellflower continues to provide funding for housing rehabilitation and the development of housing units for low- and moderate-income individuals and families. By increasing the number of affordable housing units in the City, the opportunity for those experiencing or at-risk of experiencing homeless increases to receive suitable, affordable, housing. The City’s Temporary Shelter (opened May 2020) also assists those experiencing homelessness by providing referral services for transitional and long-term support services and programs.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.
The City of Bellflower contributes Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset funds (LMIHAF) to Kingdom Causes Bellflower to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. Individuals in need are referred to local nonprofits that can assess need and can provide appropriate services. As previously mentioned, the City contracts with the non-profit City Net to provide additional homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. City Net conducts street outreach to homeless neighbors, to engage them in case management with the goal of transitioning people into - Page 35 of 67 -
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long-term permanent housing, reducing homelessness in Bellflower. City Net builds upon existing efforts in the City and promotes collaborative efforts with agencies such as city governments, law enforcement and other city first responders, advocacy and civic groups, nonprofit organizations, businesses, homeless neighbors, and the faith community.
Since 2012, the non-profit Kingdom Causes Bellflower (KCB) has offered employment opportunities and job training through its Good Soils Industries program. Good Soils Industries assists in the hiring of underemployed or unemployed residents/neighbors who may have a criminal record or be at-risk of being homeless. Since 2012, the City has contributed CDBG funds to KCB’s Good Soils program to partially cover the program costs associated with case management activities such as resume building, financial planning, and goal setting. For Fiscal Year 2022-2023, the City has allocated $11,750 of CDBG funds to partially pay for the costs associated with KCB’s Good Soils Industries Program. Additionally, the City of Bellflower contributes Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF) to Kingdom Causes Bellflower to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. The Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program provides financial assistance and services to prevent households from becoming homeless and helps those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. The Extremely Low- and Very Low-Income Rental Assistance Voucher Program assists extremely low- and low-income households with a subsidy to help them secure affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
Discussion
Special Needs Housing: Little House is a longstanding local nonprofit that provides transitional housing for women with alcohol and/or substance abuse problems. The Little House project in Bellflower created stable, affordable rental housing options for Extremely Low-Income women with alcohol and substance abuse problems and who were at risk of becoming homeless. In 2014, the City contributed $342,000 of Successor Housing Agency funds and $239,506 of CHDO HOME funds to Little House for the construction of a 3-Bedroom ADA Unit with a Multipurpose Room and Kitchen for qualified extremely low-income Bellflower women with alcohol and/or substance abuse problems and who are at risk of becoming homeless. This project was completed in 2016.
Low-Income Population: The City of Bellflower contributes Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF) to Kingdom Causes Bellflower and City Net to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services. Both non-profits provide financial assistance, case management, and services to prevent households from becoming homeless, helping those who are experiencing homelessness to be quickly re-housed and stabilized. A few years ago, the City amended its Agreement with Kingdom Causes Bellflower to expand the target population to include Very Low-income households in an effort to potentially assist individuals/households that are on public assistance and/or fixed incomes, and are at risk of being homeless. Kingdom Causes Bellflower’s extremely Low- to Very Low-Income Rental Assistance Voucher Program assists households with a subsidy to help them secure affordable, decent, safe, and sanitary housing in the private market.
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
The City continues to support policies to remove barriers to affordable housing development.
Previously, Partnership Housing Inc., utilized the City’s Affordable Housing Density Bonus program to provide an additional affordable unit on site (more than what is traditionally allowed). The program also allowed the developer to reduce the number of required parking spaces.
Separately, the City prepared a Transit Oriented Development Specific Plan to remove additional barriers and to increase density at areas near the future Bellflower light rail project.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment.
Market barriers affect the City's ability to provide and maintain affordable housing. The City's land use controls, site improvement requirements, building codes and application fees, ensure quality and sound development. The production of affordable housing for all income levels is becoming increasingly harder in California with the dissolution of redevelopment agencies and reduction in federal funds. The City will continue to waive certain fees and provide density bonuses for projects that provide lower income and senior citizen housing. The City is built-out and has no available land to build upon. To address this deficiency, the City has prepared a mixed-use development zone in the town center area and the Bellflower Alondra Mixed Use Overlay Zone so that underutilized sites may be considered for housing development.
Discussion:
See Above
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AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
The priority needs established in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the FY 22-23 Annual Action Plan, which are as follows:
Promote Fair Housing
Employment Training
Housing Rehabilitation
Public Services
Neighborhood Preservation/Code Enforcement
Section 108 Debt Repayment
Administration for HOME and CDBG
Affordable Housing Development
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
The City has been successful assisting homeless families with children, female victims of abuse or female alcoholics by offering public service agency funds to local non-profits and non-profits that provide services to Bellflower residents. The City does not provide its own health or human services and depends heavily on the Los Angeles County system and LAHSA to meet these needs.
The primary obstacle to address the needs of the underserved is funding availability. Since the elimination of Redevelopment Agencies and its funding, it is more difficult to undertake projects addressing underserved population. Additionally, high housing costs and lack of available properties serve as financial barriers to developing projects to meet underserved needs. The City will make efforts to secure additional funding sources to leverage the resources required to overcome these obstacles.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
In FY 22-23, the City plans to allocate approximately $2,016,923 to Housing Programs for authorized housing activities. These programs include the program administration, HOME-funded Rehabilitation Program, and a future CHDO project(s). Funds may be moved from the other housing program funds to these HOME Entitlement programs on an as-needed basis based on market conditions and demand.
These programs assist the City with meeting the goals and objectives as adopted in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Housing Element. In addition, the City will make efforts to facilitate the development of affordable housing, including:
Continue to streamline the environmental review process for housing developments, using - Page 38 of 67 -
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available state categorical exemptions and federal categorical exclusions when applicable. Annually pursue State, Federal and other funding opportunities to increase the supply of safe, decent, affordable housing in Bellflower for lower income households (including extremely low income households), such as seniors, disabled, the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness. Amend the Zoning Code to provide zoning incentives for affordable housing projects, such as increases in density.
Support and refer residents to local non-profits and LAHSA for emergency housing, shelters and special needs housing, and supportive services.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The majority of the City’s housing stock was built before 1980 which increases the likelihood of the unit to contain lead based paint. According to Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) data, 82 percent of the owner occupied units and 74 percent of rental units were built before 1980. The City's efforts are not restricted to a specific area and since the majority of the City’s housing stock is old efforts will be made citywide. HUD’s Lead Based Paint regulations require all units assisted with CDBG and HOME funds be inspected and abated. Bellflower’s program guidelines include measures to ensure compliance with the regulations. The guidelines include testing, and lead paint removal and control activities. The City will refer any cases of suspected lead poisoning to the Los Angeles County Public Health Department for investigation.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
According to the 2013-2017 American Community Survey, 26 percent of female head of households with children under the age of 18 were below the poverty level. Women and youth are the most impacted by poverty; the City's anti-poverty strategy focuses on revitalization efforts that will create and rehabilitate affordable housing, revitalize neighborhoods and support economic opportunities that will create jobs for this segment of the population. The City anticipates its revitalization efforts will eventually increase foot traffic in the downtown and spur economic interest thereby increasing access to services, training and employment for those households most impacted by poverty. When possible, the City will promote job-training opportunities, especially those aimed at young persons that will help them develop adequate skills to compete for better-paying jobs. The City will also use the HUD Section 3 Economic and Employment Opportunities requirement to promote the creation of local job opportunities in conjunction with construction projects funded with Federal assistance.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The City will take actions to develop and improve institutional structure by improving delivery of service, concentrating and expanding affordable housing opportunities with the non-profit housing sector, improving coordination with County agencies and other agencies that provide services for low and moderate income residents and continuing collaborative ventures. The City will encourage communication with all stakeholders including LAHSA, Los Angeles County Department of Health - Page 39 of 67 -
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Services, Bellflower Sheriff’s Substation, for profit developers, nonprofit developers, housing advocates, Children's Services, and Social Services, local nonprofits, schools, CHDOs, neighboring cities, churches, and community leaders. The City will continue to support appropriate grant applications made by non- profits, which are consistent with the goals of the Consolidated Plan. The City will provide technical assistance and support to agencies requiring help in the preparation of applications. The City will continue to encourage and disseminate information, Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) or other information about available resources to agencies or groups that are willing and capable of undertaking activities and programs consistent with the goals of the Consolidated Plan. The City will encourage development and capacity building of: Housing and economic development corporations; Tenant advocacy groups, neighborhood development organizations; Emergency and transitional housing providers; and Continuum of Care (LAHSA) services for the homeless.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The City maintains a contact list of interested nonprofits, public agencies, social services agencies, and private housing developers that have capacity and potential to carry out activities and meet some of the goals described in the Consolidated Plan. Letters or notices announcing the availability of funds are emailed to potential applicants and interested agencies when funding is available. In addition, notices are published in the local newspaper and notices are posted at various locations in the City and on the City website. Staff attends local and regional meetings, which include service providers, neighboring agencies and elected officials to keep abreast of issues impacting the quality of life for Bellflower’s low- income residents.
Discussion:
When funds are available the City maintains a web presence and is pro-active in providing technical assistance throughout the year to assist interested citizens and agencies in understanding and applying for CDBG and HOME funds. The City will continue to strengthen its coordination and consultation efforts with other agencies, including State and local public agencies, to ensure that needed services and funding for homeless and other services are addressed. The City will continue to work with agencies and organizations to strengthen coordination, assess gaps in the delivery of services, and develop strategies to overcome the gaps and carry out the goals and objectives of the Annual Action Plan. - Page 40 of 67 -
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed
5,400
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan.
0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan
0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 5,400
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan.
100.00%
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HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is as follows:
None
2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
Resale Provisions:
The City of Bellflower uses the resale provision in cases where direct HOME assistance is received by a Developer to develop new affordable housing for sale. In this case, an Affordability Covenant is attached to the property for an affordability period. Agreements contain language restricting resale to another low-income buyer that is 80% or below AMI. Language is included that state the home must be the principal residence of the purchaser. Additionally, language is included that stipulates the owner will receive a fair return on their investment including capital improvements and that the unit will be available to low income buyers. Fair share is defined as:
1. Return of borrower’s original down payment
2. Return of principal reduction payments on the first mortgage loan
3. Return of documented capital improvement costs
3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows:
An Affordability Covenant is recorded on the property for an affordability period if units are acquired with HOME funds. Agreements contain language restricting resale to another low-income buyer that is 80% or below AMI. Language is included that state the home must be the principal residence of the purchaser.
4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
The City does not currently plan to use HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing.
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Appendix A: Standard Forms SF-424, Certifications and City Resolution (To be inserted prior to submission of plan to HUD)
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Appendix B: Map of CDBG Low- and Moderate Income Areas
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Appendix C: Public Notices/Public Comments
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PUBLIC COMMENTS
April 25, 2022 Public Hearing:
(To be inserted prior to submission of plan to HUD)
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Appendix D: Local Market Survey – Bellflower
(95 percent area median value limit)
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CITY OF BELLFLOWER
DETERMINATION OF 95 PERCENT MEDIAN PURCHASE PRICE LIMIT 2022
The City of Bellflower uses HOME funds for rehabilitation of owner-occupied single- family properties. In order to qualify as affordable housing, the housing to be rehabilitated must be determined to be modest housing. The use of HOME funds for homeowner rehabilitation activities requires that the value of the HOME assisted property after rehabilitation must not exceed 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area. The HOME Final Rule offers two options for determining the 95 percent of median purchase price limit for owner-occupied single family housing, as noted below:
(1) HUD will provide limits for affordable housing based on 95 percent of the median purchase price for the area;
Or
(2) Perform a local market survey to determine the 95 percent of median purchase price limit.
After review of the published FY 2021 HOME Homeownership Value Limits for Los Angeles County for determining 95 percent of the median purchase price limit, it was determined that the median price for Bellflower homes is $536,500. Based on a comparison of local housing market listing prices and sales information, it was determined that these limits do not accurately reflect current actual home purchase prices for the area. Therefore, a local market survey was conducted for Bellflower home sales for a three month period which resulted in a median price of $680,000 and a 95% median value price of $646,000.
As a result of this conclusion, it is our recommendation that the City of Bellflower use the local market survey price as the determinant of the 95 percent median purchase price limit as it is higher than the local market median of $536,500.
Attachment: City of Bellflower 3 Months Sales Data (November 2021 to January 2022) - Page 50 of 67 -
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City of Bellflower Local Market Survey Sales
Data (November 2021 to January 2022)
# Sale Date Situs Address Price
1 11/23/2021 8608 Ramona St Unit B $415,000
2 12/02/2021 8634 Park St Unit 3 $420,000
3 12/06/2021 14729 Leahy Ave $425,000
4 12/21/2021 9441 Flower St Unit 101 $451,000
5 12/01/2021 8545 Park St $475,000
6 11/23/2021 14532 Woodruff Ave $485,000
7 12/13/2021 13544 Cowley Ave $493,500
8 01/04/2022 9317 Cedar St Unit C $500,000
9 01/10/2022 9907 Arkansas St $505,000
10 12/22/2021 14435 Cabell Ave $520,000
11 12/30/2021 9335 Olive St $565,000
12 01/21/2022 9335 Walnut St $565,000
13 11/23/2021 14534 Woodruff Ave $579,000
14 12/16/2021 9365 Mandale St $587,000
15 11/29/2021 17722 Regency Cir $591,000
16 01/11/2022 9241 Park St $595,000
17 01/31/2022 16410 Cornuta Ave Unit 7 $605,909
18 11/12/2021 13726 Hanwell Ave $610,000
19 12/21/2021 17618 Regency Cir $610,000
20 01/26/2022 10240 Artesia Blvd $615,000
21 12/01/2021 8621 Ramona St $620,000
22 11/24/2021 13619 Mcnab Ave $625,000
23 11/23/2021 13426 Charlemagne Ave $630,000
24 12/20/2021 8842 Flower St $630,000
25 11/23/2021 13630 Regentview Ave $640,000
26 11/19/2021 9808 Hoback St $642,000
27 11/12/2021 9569 Rosecrans Ave $645,000
28 12/16/2021 13733 Carfax Ave $650,000
29 11/29/2021 10178 Lindale St $655,000
30 12/22/2021 10553 Plunkett St $660,000
31 01/05/2022 16415 Cornuta Ave $660,000
32 12/03/2021 15765 Faculty Ave $665,000
33 12/06/2021 9104 Hargill St $668,500
34 01/07/2022 9741 Maple St $670,000
35 11/03/2021 13612 Stanbridge Ave $675,000
36 12/23/2021 13512 Premiere Ave $675,000
37 01/12/2022 10328 Park St $675,000
38 11/30/2021 9211 Faywood St $680,000
39 12/22/2021 13508 Premiere Ave $680,000
40 01/31/2022 9446 Flower St $680,000
41 01/04/2022 9846 Foster Rd $685,000
42 01/14/2022 9916 Artesia Blvd Unit 404 $690,000
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43 12/01/2021 9133 Hargill St $695,000
44 11/01/2021 16213 Oregon Ave $700,000
45 12/28/2021 14502 Cabell Ave $700,000
46 11/08/2021 8728 Oak St $705,000
47 12/08/2021 9640 Prichard St $708,000
48 01/31/2022 15732 Cornuta Ave $710,000
49 01/28/2022 9502 Mandale St $714,500
50 12/30/2021 9918 Artesia Blvd Unit 501 $715,000
51 12/23/2021 9621 Mayne St $725,000
52 11/23/2021 10408 Ferina St $730,000
53 11/19/2021 9228 Janna St $740,000
54 01/07/2022 9343 Heiner St $740,000
55 12/01/2021 15567 Ryon Ave $755,000
56 12/06/2021 13431 Charlemagne Ave $760,000
57 11/16/2021 9107 Harvard St $765,000
58 01/31/2022 16255 Oregon Ave $775,000
59 12/14/2021 9306 Maple St $791,500
60 11/08/2021 9648 Prichard St $800,000
61 01/20/2022 9651 Arthurdale St $800,000
62 01/28/2022 10621 Carnaby St $800,000
63 11/18/2021 9862 Hoback St $805,000
64 12/14/2021 16914 Santa Ana Ave $825,000
65 01/31/2022 9143 Los Angeles St $828,000
66 11/24/2021 17043 Ripon Ave $829,000
67 12/01/2021 10306 Felson St $835,000
68 01/12/2022 9239 Ives St $840,000
69 12/16/2021 10511 Artesia Blvd $850,000
70 01/10/2022 14542 Cornuta Ave $860,000
71 12/15/2021 10328 Spruce St $865,000
72 11/04/2021 10305 Hacienda St $870,000
73 11/05/2021 10051 Beach St $905,000
74 01/21/2022 14727 Ryon Ave $980,000
75 12/03/2021 9138 Rendalia St $1,050,000
Bellflower Area Median Housing Value is $680,000
Therefore, 95% of Bellflower Area Median Value is $646,000 - Page 52 of 67 -
City of Bellflower
Citizen Participation Plan
Adopted
July 26, 1999
Amended
April 25, 2022
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 1
Table of Contents
I. Purpose ........................................................................... 2 II. Definitions ......................................................................... 2 III. Citizen Participation Strategy ........................................... 3 A. Decision Making Bodies ....................................... 3 B. Program Planning Process ................................... 4 IV. Public Notification ............................................................. 9 A. Public Meetings and Hearings .............................. 9 B. Documents for Public Review ............................. 10 V. Access to Meetings ........................................................ 10 VI. Availability of Documents for Public Review ................... 10 VII. Access to Records .......................................................... 11 VIII. Technical Assistance ...................................................... 11 IX. Comments and Complaints ............................................ 12 A. Comments .......................................................... 12 B. Complaints ......................................................... 12 X. Antidisplacement/Relocation .......................................... 12 XI. Appeals .......................................................................... 13
Appendix A: Public Comments
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 2
City of Bellflower
Citizen Participation Plan
For the Consolidated Plan Documents
I. Purpose
The City of Bellflower is an entitlement jurisdiction receiving Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds directly from the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Pursuant to the CDBG and HOME program regulations, the City is required to prepare a five-year Consolidated Plan and annual updates to guide and report on the use of CDBG and HOME funds.
Annual reviews of program performance are also required.
This Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) sets forth the City of Bellflower's policies and procedures for citizen participation in the development of the Consolidated Plan Documents and any subsequent amendments. The CPP provides an opportunity for nonprofit service agencies and the community to work in partnership with the City to identify needs and allocate CDBG funds. While this plan will aim to ensure the participation of all citizens, special assurances will be made to ensure the participation of the following: extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons; persons living in areas where federal funds are proposed to be used; residents of assisted housing; low income residents of target revitalization areas; minorities; non-English speaking persons; and persons with physical disabilities.
II. Definitions
For purposes of the CDBG and HOME programs, the following definitions will apply:
Consolidated Plan Documents (CPD) - For the CDBG and HOME programs for the City of Bellflower, the Consolidated Plan Documents will include the following:
• Five-Year Consolidated Plan
• Five-Year Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice
• Citizen Participation Plan
• One Year Action Plan
• Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation and Report (CAPER)
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 3
Low and Moderate Income Households - Pursuant to HUD regulations, the primary beneficiaries of the CDBG and HOME programs should be low and moderate income households, generally defined by HUD as follows:
Extremely Low-Income 0-30% of County Median Family Income (MFI) adjusted for household size
Low-Income 31-50% of County MFI adjusted for household size
Lower-Income 0-50% of County MFI adjusted for household size
Moderate-Income 51-80% of County MFI adjusted for household size
Specific income limits for the CDBG and HOME programs will be adjusted annually based on County Median Family Income data published by HUD
Low and Moderate-Income Area - Generally defined as a census tract(s) or block group(s) in which a minimum of 51 percent of the residents have an income not exceeding 80 percent of the County median income.
Slum or Blighted Area - An area meeting the definition of a slum, blighted, deteriorated or deteriorating area under State or local law, typically identified as a Redevelopment Project Area, or where there is a substantial number of deteriorating or dilapidated buildings or improvements throughout the area.
III. Citizen Participation Strategy
The City of Bellflower recognizes that CDBG and HOME funds are tax money returned to the City to be used primarily to benefit: extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income persons. City staff and officials are stewards of this public money and will openly discuss all records, except those confidential records protecting a household's privacy The City presents the following as its policy defining its Citizen Participation Strategy
A. Decision Making Bodies
The City of Bellflower has established a Staff Working Group to assist the City Council in making funding decisions relating to the CDBG and HOME programs. The functions and composition of these groups are described below
1 Staff Working Group
The Staff Working Group is comprised of the Economic Development Director, Economic Development Staff and the City Manager. The Staff Working Group performs in an advisory manner to the City Council concerning making funding decisions, planning, implementing, and assessing the CDBG programs/activities - Page 56 of 67 -
Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 4
related to capital expenditures, public services and economic development and HOME-funding housing programs/activities. This will be accomplished through the following tasks:
• Information dissemination during the CDBG/HOME funding application process, and other HUD application processes as applicable;
• Preparation of project recommendations for City Council's review and final approval; and
• Review of project/program process.
2 City Council
After reviewing the recommendations from the Staff Working Group, the City Council makes the final funding determination on the use of CDBG and HOME funds.
B. Program Planning Process
The City of Bellflower will adhere to the following citizen participation process when conducting program planning and reporting for the CDBG and HOME programs.
1 Citizen Participation Plan
a. Plan Development
i) Plan Review and Comment - The Draft Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) will be made available for public review for a 30-day period.
Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review.
A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be attached to the CPP
ii) Public Hearing - The City Council will conduct a public hearing to accept public comments on the Draft CPP
b. Plan Amendment
i) Public Review and Comment - Substantial amendments to the CPP will be made available for public review for a 30-day period. Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review. A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be attached to the amendment.
ii) Public Hearing - No public hearing is required.
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 5
2 Five-Year Consolidated Plan
a. Plan Development
i) Consultation - The City of Bellflower shall encourage its residents, especially those residing in predominately low- and moderate- income neighborhoods, to participate in the development and subsequent adoption and implementation of the Consolidated Plan.
This could be done through publications, notices, and public meetings and public hearings.
Other actions to encourage citizen participation are providing notices through press releases and direct mailings of notices to social service agencies, including those that provide assisted housing, health services, and social services (including those focusing on services to children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, and those that provide services to the homeless during the preparation of the Consolidated Plan) A variety of mechanisms may be utilized to solicit input from these services/agencies. These include telephone or personal interviews, mail surveys and consultation workshops. Notices shall be provided in Spanish and English and or contain a statement asking non- English-speaking residents to contact the City if they need assistance in the translation of these notices.
ii) Public Review and Comment - The Draft Consolidated Plan will be made available for public review for a 30-day period. Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review. A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be attached to the Consolidated Plan.
iii) Public Hearings/Meetings - Pursuant to HUD regulations, at least two public meetings/hearings per year are required for the Consolidated Plan development. City Staff will conduct the first public hearing/meeting to accept public input on community needs during the development stage of the Draft Consolidated Plan. The City Council will then conduct a second public hearing/meeting to accept comments on the Draft Consolidated Plan which will be provided for public review for a 30-day period (see above).
b. Plan Amendment
i) Substantial Change - The City will formally amend its approved - Page 58 of 67 -
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CDBG and HOME Programs Page 6
Five-Year Consolidated Plan whenever a decision is made to propose a substantial change in allocation priorities or method of distribution of funds.
For the purpose of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, a "substantial change" will constitute a cumulative change equal to or in excess of 50% of the City's CDBG or HOME entitlement for a program year
For example, if the Five-Year Consolidated Plan's Priority Needs Summary Table indicates a "Low Priority Need" for multi-family housing rehabilitation and third year into the five-year time frame, the City decides to change the priority to "High" level priority in order to implement the multi-family rehabilitation program using 50% or more of the City's annual CDBG allocation, this change in allocation priority would constitute a substantial change to the Five- Year Consolidated Plan and a formal amendment to the Plan is warranted.
Changes in the allocation priorities not amounting to 50% of the entitlement will not be considered as a substantial change to the Five-Year Consolidated Plan, no formal amendment to the Plan requiring public review and comment will be warranted. City Council approval of the priority changes is still required.
However, if a program or type of programs is indicated in the Five Year Consolidated Plan as "No Such Need,” the City will need to amend the Consolidated Plan in order to implement the program(s) regardless of the level of funding. Any time a change from “No Such Need" to a Low, Medium, or High level priority is considered by HUD as a substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan.
ii) Public Review and Comment - Substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan will be made available for a 30-day public review. Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review. A summary of the comments and views, and City
responses must be attached to the amendment.
iii) Public Hearings - No public hearing is required.
3. One Year Action Plan
a. Plan Development
i) Consultation - In addition to Bellflower residents, the City will ensure that public (including City staff) and private agencies that - Page 59 of 67 -
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CDBG and HOME Programs Page 7
provide the following services will be consulted in the development of the One Year Action Plan.
• Health Services
• Social Services for Children, Elderly, Disabled, Homeless, Persons with AIDS, State and Local Health Agencies
• Adjacent Local Governments
• Economic Development Interests
• Public Housing Agency
These persons/agencies will be contacted and brought into the process in the following manner.
• Each year, the City will send written Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to each cooperating department and
nonprofit agency advising them that the planning cycle
has begun for CDBG and HOME funds, and that the City
is accepting project proposals, provided funds are
available.
• City staff will conduct outreach to special interest groups in Bellflower, such as at risk youths, senior citizens, and the disabled, when appropriate and necessary
• The City will conduct an eligibility analysis on all project proposals submitted, and review the eligible proposals for service provider grants with the Staff Working Group for funding consideration.
ii) Public Review and Comment - The Draft Action Plan incorporating the City's proposed uses of CDBG and HOME funds will be made available for public review for a 30-day period. Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review. A summary of the comments and views, and City responses, must be attached to the Action Plan.
iv) Public Hearings – The City Council will hold one public hearing to discuss all eligible project proposals and funding recommendations for both public service grants and capital outlay project, and make funding decisions. At this public hearing, the Council will accept comments and community input on the Draft Annual Action Plan, - Page 60 of 67 -
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CDBG and HOME Programs Page 8
which will be available for public review for a 30-day period prior to the public hearing.
b. Plan Amendment
i) Substantial Change - The City will formally amend its approved Action Plan whenever a decision is made to propose a substantial change to the Plan, either by
• carrying out an activity not previously described in the Action Plan;
• canceling an activity previously described in the Action Plan;
• increasing or decreasing the amount to be expended on a particular activity from the amount stated in the Action Plan by more than 50 percent; or
• substantially changing the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity.
Changes in funding for an existing activity not amounting to more than 50 percent of activity allocation will not be considered as a substantial change to the One Year Action Plan; no formal amendment to the Action Plan requiring public review and comment will be warranted. The change in funding will be at the discretion of the City Manager. The change will be documented by the Economic Development Director via memorandum in the project file.
ii) Public Review and Comment - Substantial amendments to the Action Plan will be made available for a 30-day public review.
Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review.
A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be attached to the Action Plan.
iii) Public Hearings - No public hearing is required.
4. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Development
a. Public Review and Comment - The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) will be made available for a 15-day public review Written comments will be accepted during the 15-day public review A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be attached to the CAPER.
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CDBG and HOME Programs Page 9
b. Public Hearing - A second public hearing will be conducted to receive public input on annual accomplishments contained in the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report and to meet the federal requirements at 24 CFR 91.105 (e).
5. Five-Year Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) Development
a. Consultation - During the development of the Five-Year AI, the City will consult the following services/agencies to solicit their input on fair housing issues in the City·
• Fair Housing Organizations
• Other local governments
• Advocacy groups for special needs households
• Affordable housing providers
• Banks and other financial institutions
• Educational institutions
A variety of mechanisms may be utilized to solicit input from these services/agencies. These include telephone or personal interviews, mail surveys, and consultation workshops.
b. Public Review and Comment - The Draft AI will be made available for public review for a 30-day period. Written comments will be accepted during the 30-day public review. A summary of the comments and views, and City responses must be made attached to the AI.
c. Public Hearings - The City Council will conduct a public hearing/meeting to accept public input on fair housing issues during the development stage of the Draft AI. The City Council will also conduct a public hearing to accept comments on the Draft AI which will be provided for public review for a 30-day period (see above).
IV. Public Notification
A. Public Meetings and Hearings
Staff will ensure adequate advance notice of all public meetings and hearings to reach out to the entire community. Adequate noticing will include:
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 10
• Publishing notices in the Long Beach Press-Telegram and/or other newspapers of general circulation in the City
• Posting Notices at City Hall and the Brakensiek Branch of the County of Los Angeles Library.
Notices will be published and posted at least ten (10) days prior to the meeting date. For those non-English-speaking residents who wish to participate and be heard at any of these public meetings, the City will make all efforts to provide the necessary interpreters upon request and with advance notice of two (2) business days prior to the meeting.
Agendas of all public meetings and hearings are posted and available for review on the Internet, located on the City of Bellflower's Web Page at www.bellflower.org .
B. Documents for Public Review
Notices of availability of draft CPD for public review and a summary of the CPD will be published in a display ad in the Long Beach Press-Telegram.
V. Access to Meetings
All public hearings will be conducted at the following location:
City Council Chambers, Bellflower City Hall
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
It is the intention of the City of Bellflower to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) in all respects. If an attendee or participant at a public hearing needs special assistance beyond what is normally provided, the City of Bellflower will attempt to accommodate these people in every reasonable manner. The City Clerk must be notified at least 48 hours prior to the public hearing.
VI. Availability of Documents Public Review
The City will place draft copies of the Consolidated Plan Documents and substantial amendments to these documents for public review at:
Front Counter of the Economic Development Department
Bellflower City Hall, Second Floor
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 11
The counter is open to the public Monday to Thursday, from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and every other Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
The City will provide a reasonable number of free copies of the documents to citizens and groups that request copies. Notices of availability of draft documents for public review will be published as specified in Section IV.B of this CPP.
VII. Access to Records
The City will ensure timely and reasonable access to information and records related to the development of the Consolidated Plan Documents (CPD), and the use of monies for programs funded by CDBG and HOME funds. Information to be made available will include budget and program performance information, meeting minutes, and comments received by the City during the development of the CPD. Requests for information and records must be made to the City of Bellflower in writing. Staff will respond to such requests within 15 working days or as soon as possible thereafter.
VIII. Technical Assistance
Upon request, staff will provide technical assistance to groups representing extremely low and low-income persons to develop funding requests for CDBG- and HOME-eligible activities. Technical assistance will be provided as follows:
• Establish an annual project proposal submission and review cycle Notice of Funding Availability {NOFA) that provides information, instructions, forms and advice to interested extremely low-, low- and moderate-income citizens or representative groups so that they can have reasonable access to the funding consideration process.
• Provide self-explanatory project proposal forms and instructions to all persons who request them whether by telephone or by letter. The City’s funding application form is designed to be easily understood and short, while still covering all key items necessary to judge the validity of the request. Statistics concerning specific areas of the City are furnished by City staff upon request.
• Answer, in writing, all written questions and answer verbally all verbal inquiries received from citizens or representative groups regarding how to write or submit eligible project proposals.
• Meet with groups or individuals as requested, to assist in identifying specific needs and to assist in preparing project proposal applications.
• Obtain information in the form of completed project proposal forms from citizens or non-profit agencies and assemble a list of proposals available for public review.
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 12
• Conduct a project eligibility analysis to determine, at an early stage, the eligibility of each project. In cases where only minor adjustments are needed to make proposals eligible or otherwise practical, City staff will advise the applicants on the options available and desired changes to the proposals.
IX. Comments and Complaints
A. Comments
Citizens or the City government, as well as agencies providing services to the community, are encouraged to state or submit their comments in the development of the CPD and any substantial amendments to the CPD. Written and verbal comments received at public hearings or written comments received during the comment period, will be considered and summarized, and included as an attachment to the City's final CPD. Written comments should be addressed to:
Economic Development Department
Bellflower City Hall, Second Floor
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
A written response will be made to all written comments within ten working days, acknowledging the letter and identifying a plan of action, if necessary every effort will be made to send a complete response within 15 working days to those who submit written proposals or comments.
B. Complaints
Complaints regarding the CPD planning process and CPD amendments must be made within 30 days from the date the document is published for comment. A written response will be made to all written complaints within 15 working days, acknowledging the letter and identifying a plan of action, if necessary.
The City will accept written complaints provided they specify
• The description of the objection, and supporting facts and data, if any • Provide name, address, telephone number, and a date of complaint.
X. Anti-displacement/Relocation
In the event that any residential displacement and relocation must take place in order to carry out a program activity, the City of Bellflower ensures that it will develop an Anti- displacement and Relocation Plan in connection with that project as applicable per Federal regulations.
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 13
In the event that any acquisition and relocation must take place in order to carry out a program activity, Bellflower will also comply with the acquisition and relocation requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1 070, as amended, and implementing regulations of 49 CFP part 24.
XI. Appeals
Appeals concerning the CPD, statements, or recommendations of the staff should be made to the following persons in order presented:
• Economic Development Director
• City Manager
• City Council
• Los Angeles Area Office of HUD (if concerns are not answered)
Appendix A
Public Comments
2014 Amendment
The Draft Amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) for Consolidated Plan Documents was made available for a 30-day public review period beginning on March 1, 2014. Copies of the Draft Amendment to the CPP were placed at the front counter of the City of Bellflower Economic Development Department.
0 comments were received on the Draft Amendment to the CPP during the review period.
Adoption of the amended CPP for Consolidated Plan Documents occurred on March 31, 2014.
2019 Amendment
The Draft Amendment to the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) for the Con Plan Public Hearings/Meetings and the Annual Action Plan Pubic Hearing was made available for a 30-day public review period beginning on May 2nd, 2019 and ending on June 1st, 2019.
Copies of the Draft Amendment to the CPP were placed at the front counter of the City of Bellflower Economic Development Department.
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Citizen Participation Plan for the City of Bellflower
CDBG and HOME Programs Page 14
0 comments were received on the Draft Amendment to the CPP during the review period. Adoption of the amended CPP for Consolidated Plan and Action Plan Public Hearings/Meetings occurred on June 2, 2019.
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