11-B
TO: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
ATTENTION: Ryan Smoot, 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 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan (AAP) and adopt Resolution No. 24-21 – A Resolution approving the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 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.
DATE: May 13, 2024
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 2024- 2025 CDBG and HOME funding recommendations and invite public comment. All comments received will be included in the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan.
RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL
1) Open the public hearing; take testimonial and documentary evidence; and after considering the evidence, adopt Resolution No. 24-21 and approve the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan; or
2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.
FISCAL IMPACT
The City will be receiving approximately $897,114 in CDBG funds and approximately $357,302 in HOME funds for Fiscal Year 2024-2025.
PUBLIC NOTICE
On April 12, 2024, a Notice of a 30-Day Public Comment Period and this Public Hearing was published in the Los Cerritos Community News newspaper. The AAP was made available for public review and comments from April 12, 2024, through May 13, 2024. 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.
Staff Report – Public Hearing: Annual Action Plan for FY 2024-2025 May 13, 2024
DISCUSSION
On May 7, 2024, HUD announced that the City of Bellflower will receive $897,114 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $357,302 in Home Improvement Program (HOME) funds.
CDBG Program and Funding
Funds from the CDBG Program may be used to 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 2024-2025, the City expects to receive approximately $897,114 in CDBG entitlement funds, and approximately $247,994 in carryover funds that the City received for FY 2023-2024 but did not spend. The total estimated funding the City is expected to receive is $1,145,108.
CDBG estimated funding recommendations for FY 2024-2025:
Program/Activity Funding Amount
Program Administration* $161,662
Fair Housing Services* $18,000
Volunteer Center** $109,567
Kingdom Causes Bellflower** $25,000
Section 108 Loan Repayment $538,567
Code Enforcement $142,312
Small Business Start-up Loan Program $150,000
Total: $1,145,108
*Subject to 20% Administration cap
**Subject to 15% Public Service cap
Under the CDBG regulations, up to 15% of the funds allocated 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 ($109,567). The City may also allocate up to 20% of the funds it receives to administer the 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 are being carried over from the FY 2023-2024 business assistance program budget. Staff is proposing to budget this funding in FY 2024-2025 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
Staff Report – Public Hearing: Annual Action Plan for FY 2024-2025 May 13, 2024
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 at the Belle Fleur Centre. Businesses awarded the loan would need to remain in business at the Belle Fleur Centre 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 2024-2025 HOME entitlement allocation that the City received is approximately $357,302. The City has approximately $1,984,632 in carryover funds. Program income often comes from HOME loan repayments and varies each year. The total estimated funding is $2,341,934 that the City will have for FY 2024-2025.
HOME estimated funding recommendations for FY 2024-2025:
Program/Activity Funding Amount
Program Administration $35,730
Home Improvement Program $250,000
Community Housing Development
Organization (CHDO)
$2,056,204
Total: $2,341,934
Under HOME regulations, up to 10% of the funds allocated 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. Staff recommends budgeting $2,056,204 for one or more CHDO development projects.
ATTACHMENTS
Resolution No. 24-21....................................................................................................... 4 FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan .................................................................................. 6
CITY OF BELLFLOWER
RESOLUTION NO. 24-21
A RESOLUTION APPROVING THE FISCAL YEAR 2024-2025
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. Recitals. 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 Annual Action Plan (AAP) to HUD detailing the City's proposed uses of its Fiscal Year 2024-2025 CDBG and HOME allocations;
C. The City prepared a draft AAP on April 12, 2024 and and published a Public Hearing Notice of a 30-day Public Comment Period in the Los Cerritos Community News newspaper and provided opportunities to receive public comments on the draft AAP during this period and through a noticed public hearing held on May 13, 2024.
SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council approves the AAP for Fiscal Year 2024-2025, attached and incorporated by reference as Attachment "A," and directs any necessary budgetary adjustments be incorporated into the Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Operating Budget.
SECTION 3. Authorizations. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take reasonable action needed to implement this Resolution, including submittal of the AAP 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 AAP.
SECTION 4. 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 provisions of this Resolution are severable.
SECTION 5. 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.
City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 24-21
SECTION 6. 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 7. 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 MAY 2024.
________________________________
Dan Koops, Mayor
ATTEST:
________________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
KARL H. BERGER, CITY ATTORNEY
________________________________
Ephraim S. Margolin, Deputy City Attorney
ATTACHMENT:
Attachment A: Fiscal Year 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan
1 City of Bellflower
2024-2025 Annual Action Plan
Adopted
TBD
2 This page is intentionally left blank.
3 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 AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) ………………………………………………………………………………8 AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)…………………………………………………………………………………………………….12 Expected Resources ......................................................................................................................... 13 AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2) ............................................................................................ 13 Annual Goals and Objectives .............................................................................................................15 AP-20 - Annual Goals and Objectives ...................................................................................................... 15 AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d) ...................................................................................................................... 19 AP-38 Project Summary ........................................................................................................................... 20 AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f) .............................................................................................. 23 Affordable Housing ...........................................................................................................................24 AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g) ..................................................................................................... 24 AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h) ............................................................................................................ 25 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) ............................................................. 26 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j) .................................................................................... 29 AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k) ............................................................................................................. 30 Program Specific Requirements ......................................................................................................... 29 AP -90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4) ....................................................................... 33
Appendices
A. Standard Form SF-424, Certifications and City Resolution: To be inserted B. CDBG Eligible Area Map
C. Public Notices/Public Comments: To be inserted
D. Local Market Survey - Bellflower
4 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, 2024, through June 30, 2025. This plan represents the last year of the City of Bellflower's Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development (ConPlan). The Annual Action Plan contained in this report 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 $897,114 in CDBG funds and $357,302 in HOME funds for FY 2024-2025. 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.
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
5 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
6 Evaluation of Past Performance
During FY 2023-2024, the City of Bellflower used HOME funds for Housing Rehabilitation of eight (8) households. The City also used CDBG funds to provide public services to over 1600 residents during the 2023-2024 FY.
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 2022-2023, CDBG funds were used to provide code enforcement, section 108 loan repayment, fair housing, administration, and public service activities.
Summary of Citizen Participation Process and Consultation Process For development of the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan, the planning and citizen participation activities began January 19, 2024, with the publishing of a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA). CDBG Applications, the NOFA and Community Needs Survey were all made available on January 19, 2024. A Public Service Technical Assistance and Community Workshop was held on January 30, 2024, 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 February 12, 2024. The City received four (4) applications comprised of two (2) public services, one (1) economic development and one (1) for Fair Housing Services. As Federal funding is limited, funding recommendations are to award funds to the selected local nonprofit organization and to the City’s departmental program that benefit low – and moderate- income residents.
The Citizen Participation Plan included the following:
• 30-day Public Comment Period (April 12, 2024 - May 13, 2024) • City Council Public Hearing on May 13, 2024
Summary of Public Comments
No public comments received.
Summary of Comments or Views Not Accepted & the Reasons for Not Accepting Them No public comments received, if they were received, they would have been accepted.
7 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
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. In addition, the City of Bellflower consults with local businesses and uses software to identify economic development needs within the City.
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 Analyst
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, CA 90706
(562) 804-1424 ext. 2013
[email protected]
8 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 2024-2025 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 24-25) and the Good Soil Industries Program ($25,000 budgeted for FY 24-25) 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
9 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 The City of 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.
10 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.
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.
11 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
Organizatio
n
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
Housing
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 the 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.
The City did consult with emergency management agencies during the 5 years Consolidated Plan process, however, the City did not consult with emergency management agencies as part of the FY 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan process. The City will make a concerted effort to reach out to emergency management agencies as part of its next 2025-2026 Consolidated Plan and FY 25-26 Annual Action Plan planning efforts.
12 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, 2024–June 30, 2025, began on January 19, 2024.
A Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) and CDBG Public Service Applications were also available beginning January 19, 2024. A technical assistance workshop and community meeting was held on January 30, 2024, 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 April 12, 2024, until May 13, 2024.
The AAP was made available online on the City’s website.
A Public hearing will be held on May 13, 2024, to receive citizen comments on needs and funding recommendations.
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
No comments
were received
No comments
were received
No comments
were received
2 Public
Comment
Period
Non English Speaking-
Specify other language:
Spanish
Non-targeted/broad
community
Residents of Assisted
Housing
No comments
were received
No comments
were received
No comments
were received
13 Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City of Bellflower anticipates using the following resources during the 2024-2025 Fiscal Year to meet its goals. The City received $1,200 of CDBG Program Income during the previous program year which was used to calculate the 15% public service cap.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of
Funds
Expected Amount Available Year 5 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative
Description Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public
-
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing Public
Improvements
Public
Services
$897,114
$1,200
$246,793.64
$1,145,108.64
$0
CDBG
funds will be
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
$357,302
$0
$1,984,632
$2,341,934
$0
HOME
funds will be
used to carry
out the goals
and
objectives of
the
Consolidated
Plan
Table 6 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
14 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 2023-2024, 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.
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.
15 Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Improve and
Conserve
Existing
Affordable
Housing
2024 2025 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Improve
and
Conserve
Existing
Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$250,000
Homeowner
Housing
Rehabilitated: 4
Households/
Housing Units
2 Neighborhood
Preservation
2024 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Neighborhood
Preservation
Citywide Neighborhood
Preservation
CDBG:
$142,312
Housing Code
Enforcement/
Foreclosed
Property Care:
70 Household
Housing Units
3 Development
of Affordable
Housing
2024 2025 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Development
of Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$2,056,204
1 Affordable
Housing Project
4 Affirmatively
Furthering
Fair Housing
2024 2025 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Affirmative
Further Fair
Housing for
All
CDBG:
$18,000
Public service
activities for
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 60
Households
Assisted
5 Public
Services
2024 2025 Public
Services
Citywide Public
Services
CDBG:
$109,567
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 200
Persons Assisted
16 Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geograp
hic Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
6 Employment
Training
2024 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Employment
Training
Citywide Employment
Training
CDBG:
$25,000 Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 10 Persons
Assisted
7 Section 108
Loan
Repayment
2024 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Section 108
loan
repayment
Citywide Repayment
of Section
108
CDBG:
$538,567
Other: 1
8 Economic
Development:
Business
Assistance
2024 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Citywide Small Business
Start Up Loan
CDBG:
$150,000
Small business start-
up in Low/Mod area
Benefit: 3 Small
Business
9 Administration 2024 2025 Administration Citywide Administration CDBG:
$161,662
HOME:
$35,730
Other: 0
Other
Table 7 – Goals Summary
17 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 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
18 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 five (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. The total estimated number of extremely low- income, low-income and moderate- income residents that will be assisted is a minimum of 24.
19 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 2024-2025 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 2024-2025 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 SMALL BUSINESS START-UP LOAN PROGRAM
6 CODE ENFORCEMENT
7 SECTION 108 LOAN REPAYMENT
8 HOME PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
9 SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM
10 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.
20 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: $161,662
Description PAYS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT, DESIGN, IMPLEMENTATION, AND COMPLIANCE OF ALL CDBG-
FUNDED PROJECTS
Target Date 6/30/2025
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 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
175 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: $25,000
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 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
20 PEOPLE
21 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: $109,567
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 6/30/2025
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 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 grants or forgivable loans to 3 eligible businesses. Forgivable Loans, up to $50,000, over four years will be offered to eligible businesses.
Target Date 06/30/2025
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.
6 Project Name CODE ENFORCEMENT
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Neighborhood Preservation
Needs Addressed Neighborhood Preservation
Funding CDBG: $142,312
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 6/30/2025
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
22 7 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: $538,567
Description REPAYMENT OF SECTION 108 LOAN
Target Date 6/30/2025
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
8 Project Name HOME PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Administration
Needs Addressed Administration
Funding HOME: $35,730
Description Pays for the development, design, implementation, and compliance of all home-funded projects.
Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description N/A
Planned Activities PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION
9 Project Name SINGLE-FAMILY HOUSING REHABILITATION PROGRAM Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Improve and Conserve Existing Affordable Housing 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 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit
from the proposed activities
5 HOUSEHOLDS
Location Description CITYWIDE
Planned Activities HOUSING REHABILITATION ASSISTANCE TO 5 HOUSEHOLDS 10 Project Name CHDO PROJECT
23 Target Area City of Bellflower
Goals Supported Development of Affordable Housing (Special Needs) Needs Addressed Development of Affordable Housing
Funding HOME: $2,056,204
Description CHDO Project
Target Date 6/30/2025
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 Summaries
24 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
25 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 8
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 8
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. Additionally, the City plans to continue implementing its homeowner housing rehabilitation program.
26 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 (LACDA).
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
27 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 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 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 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 will continue to allocate funding to Kingdom Causes Bellflower in FY 24-25 to provide homeless prevention and rapid rehousing services.
Lastly, the City of Bellflower is working with a developer to develop a Permanent Supportive Housing project with approximately 50 units.
28 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, 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 will continue 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 homelessness increases to receive suitable, affordable, housing. Additionally, the City’s Temporary Shelter 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 who can assess any needs and can provide appropriate services.
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
29 the program costs associated with case management activities such as resume building, financial planning, and goal setting. For Fiscal Year 2024-2025, the City has allocated $25,000 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 $60,225 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 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.
30 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 in 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
31 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 24-25 Annual Action Plan, which are as follows:
• Promote Fair Housing
• Housing Rehabilitation
• Public Services
• Neighborhood Preservation/Code Enforcement
• Section 108 Loan 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 24-25, 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 by using 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.
32 Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The majority of the City’s housing stock was built before 1980, which increases the likelihood that the unit contains 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 people 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. Additionally, because access to better-paying jobs as well as job training opportunities now requires our residents to have broadband service, the City of Bellflower is moving forward with Bellflower Connect, a free citywide wi-fi service targeted to low mod area households, which is expected to go live in June 2024.
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 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,
33 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.
34 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. The City intends to use their HOME funds for home rehabilitation projects. The City is also planning on using HOME funds and previous year CHDO set aside funds to fund an affordable housing project in the future.
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 1,200
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: 1,200
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 or moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan.
100.00%
35 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:
In FY 2024-2025, the City of Bellflower does not plan to use HOME funds for homebuyer down payment assistance. However, some homebuyers that were assisted in prior years may decide to sell their homes during the upcoming program year. In that event, the City will enforce the resale and recapture guidelines.
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 cost
Fair Return and Appreciated Value [24 CFR 92.254(a)(5)(i)]
a) Determination of Fair Return
i) Fair Return shall be the sum of:
(1) Down payment and closing costs paid from the buyer’s cash at purchase.
(2) Seller’s (homeowner’s) closing costs at sale.
(3) Principal payments only made by the buyer in excess of the amount required by the loan.
(4) Documented capital improvements in excess of $500.
b) Fair Return is paid to the buyer at sale once first mortgage debt is paid and all other conditions of this agreement are met.
i) In the event there are no funds for fair return, then fair return does not exist.
36 ii) In the event there are partial funds for fair return, then fair return shall remain in force.
c) Appreciated value is:
i) The Affordable Sales Price
ii) Less first mortgage debt
iii) Less Fair Return
iv) Equals appreciated value.
(1) If appreciated value is zero, or less than zero, then no appreciated value exists.
d) Appreciated Value is shared with the homebuyer based on the City’s initial investment of HOME funds as follows:
i) The homeowner’s initial investment of down payment and closing costs divided by the City of HOME investment equals the percentage of appreciated value that shall be paid to the homeowner.
ii) The balance of appreciated value shall be paid to the City.
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. The required period of Affordability is dependent on the project being funded with HOME funds. All affordability rates range from a minimum of 15 years to a maximum of 50 years.
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:
HOME funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans made or insured by any federal program, including the CDBG program. The City does not currently plan to use HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing.
Discussion
HOME funds are being programmed for owner-home housing rehabilitation projects open to all eligible homeowners located within the City's jurisdiction.
37 Appendix A: Standard Forms SF-424, Certifications and City Resolution (To be inserted prior to submission of plan to HUD)
38 Appendix B: Map of CDBG Low- and Moderate-Income Areas
39 "i.i.l.i'
40 Appendix C: Public Notices/Public Comments
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42 PUBLIC COMMENTS
May 13, 2024 Public Hearing:
Pending
43 Appendix D: Local Market Survey – Belflower
(95 percent area median value limit)
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