11-A — Bellflower City Council, September 23, 2024

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11-A
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 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) and adopt Resolution No. 24-55 – A Resolution authorizing the City Manager to submit the 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (“CAPER”) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”).

DATE: September 23, 2024

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This action approves the FY 2023-2024 CAPER, following the incorporation of any public comments received during the Public Hearing and Public Comment period ending on September 23, 2024. It also authorized the City Manager to submit the CAPER to HUD.

RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL

1) Open the public hearing; take testimonial and documentary evidence; and after considering the evidence, adopt Resolution No. 24-55 with the addition of any public comments received during the Public Comment period; or

2) Alternatively, discuss and take other action related to this item.

FISCAL IMPACT

None.

PUBLIC NOTICE

The FY 2023-2024 CAPER was made available for a public review period beginning on September 9, 2024, through September 23, 2024. A notice of availability was duly published in the Los Cerritos Community newspaper on September 6, 2024. The CAPER was made available for public review on the City’s website at www.bellflower.org .

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Staff Report – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 CAPER
September 23, 2024

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BACKGROUND

HUD requires the City to annually submit the CAPER which summarizes its activities and expenditures supported through Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (“HOME”) funds. At the conclusion of the fiscal year, the City must prepare a year-end performance report known as the CAPER. The FY 2023-2024 CAPER covers the period of July 1, 202 3, through June 30, 2024, and provides a summary of activities undertaken within CDBG and HOME funds during the report period.

CDBG: All activities funded by the City through the CDBG Program must meet one of the following three national objectives:

1. Benefit low- and moderate-income persons, as defined by federal statutes;

2. Prevent or eliminate slums or blight; or

3. Address a community development urgent need posing a severe and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.

The federal statutes for the various grant programs covered by the CAPER include several basic goals. These goals relate to HUD’s major commitments and priorities, as set by Congress, covering the following three major areas:

1. Provide decent housing by assisting the homeless in obtaining appropriate housing; preserve the affordable housing stock; increase the availability of permanent housing that is affordable for low-income households without discrimination, and increase the supply of supportive housing for those with special needs;

2. Provide suitable living environment by improving the safety and livability of neighborhoods; reduce the isolation of income groups within an area through decentralization of housing opportunities and revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods; restore and preserve properties of special architectural, historical, or aesthetic value; and conserve energy resources; and

3. Expand economic opportunities by creating jobs accessible to low -income persons; provide access for low-income households to mortgage financing and credit for development activities that promote long-term community viability and empower low-income persons to achieve self-sufficiency to reduce poverty in federally assisted and public housing.

DISCUSSION

The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report is comprised of the following components:

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Staff Report – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 CAPER
September 23, 2024

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1. Narrative: The narrative provides the description of activities undertaken during the 2023-2024 fiscal year. It compares achievements to the goals identified in the Annual Action Plan at the beginning of the same year.

2. PR-26: The Financial Summary lists the CDBG obligations and expenditures for the program year. It includes an analysis of those expenditures for the purpose of confirming that the caps on planning/administration costs (20%) and public services (15%) have not been exceeded. It also verifies that the funds were used to benefit low-and-moderate-income people. CDBG-CV funds are not subject to the 15% cap on the amount of grant funds that can be used for public services activities.

Summary of Annual Goals and Objectives: The Summary of the Annual Goals and Objectives provides the budgeted amounts, expenditure amounts, and program outcomes for each program activity.

Summary of Accomplishments

The CAPER reports the accomplishments of CDBG and HOME programs. Summarized below is a list of accomplishments from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.

CDBG: A total of $866,001 was received in CDBG Funds. An additional $498,055 was available as carryover funds. During fiscal year 2023-2024, the City receipted $25,000 in CDBG program income. Total CDBG expended during FY 2023-2024 was $1,151,604.74.

Accomplishments included:
• 198 tenant/landlord issues addressed via the Fair Housing Program • 1,386 persons were assisted via Public Services
• 1,033 households were assisted with Neighborhood Preservation • 19 persons were assisted with job placements through Kingdom Causes

CDBG-CV: In 2020, the City also received $1,188,480 in supplemental CDBG Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding to help prepare, prevent, and respond to the COVID-19 pandemic. The City amended its 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan to allocate funds to programs and activities throughout the City to help struggling residents in the community.

To date, the City has expended $723,836 of CDBG-CV funds. The activities are still in progress. Below is a summary of the accomplishments thus far.

• 10 small businesses were assisted
• 42 households were assisted with Rental Assistance
• 403 persons were serviced by public services including Food Insecurity, Homeless Shelter Meals Program, and Youth/Family/Senior Services

HOME: A total of $401,503 was received in HOME Funds. An additional $1,926,829 was available as carryover funds. During this program year, the City received program income in the amount of $83,751. The total HOME funds expended during the FY were $322,459.

Accomplishments included:

• 11 homes were rehabilitated

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Staff Report – Fiscal Year 2023-2024 CAPER
September 23, 2024

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NEXT STEPS

Public comments received during the public comment period will be included in the 2023- 2024 CAPER before its submittal to HUD. Following the receipt of all public comments, and City Council adoption, the amended CAPER will be submitted to HUD for approval.

Once it is approved by HUD, the CAPER will be posted on the City’s website.

ATTACHMENTS

1. Resolution No. 24-55……………………………………………………………………5

2. Draft Fiscal Year 2023-2024 CAPER……………………………………………….....7

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CITY OF BELLFLOWER

RESOLUTION NO. 24-55

A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO
SUBMIT THE 2023-2024 CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL
PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION REPORT (“CAPER”) TO
THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN
DEVELOPMENT (“HUD”)

THE CITY COUNCIL RESOLVES AS FOLLOWS:

SECTION 1. The City Council finds and declares as follows:

A. The City receives both Community Development Block Grant (“CDBG”) and Home Investment Partnership (“HOME”) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (“HUD”);

B. Pursuant to Title 24 of the Code of Federal Regulations, the City is required to submit a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to HUD, detailing the City’s uses of CDBG and HOME funds during the 2023-2024 Fiscal Year;

C. The City has prepared this CAPER and provided opportunities to receive public comments during a 15-day public review period through a noticed public hearing heal on September 23, 2024 and during this period provided for public review and comment of the draft CAPER.

SECTION 2. Approval. The City Council approves the CAPER for Fiscal Year 2023-2024, attached as Exhibit “A”, and incorporated by reference.

SECTION 3. Authorizations. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take reasonable action needed to implement this Resolution, including submittal of the CAPER to the appropriate HUD office on behalf of the City.

SECTION 4. Limitations. The City Council’s analysis and evaluation of the project is based on the best information currently available. It is inevitable that in evaluating a project that absolute and perfect knowledge of all possible aspects of the project will not exist. One of the major limitations on analysis of the project is the City Council’s lack of knowledge of future events. In all instances, best efforts were made to form accurate assumptions. Somewhat related to this are the limitations on the City's ability to solve what are in effect regional, state, and national problems and issues. The City must work within the political framework within which it exists and with the limitations inherent in that framework.

SECTION 5. Summaries of Information. All summaries of information in the findings, which precede this section, are based on the substantial evidence in the record. The absence of any particular fact from any such summary is not an indication that a particular finding is not based in part on that fact.

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City of Bellflower
Resolution No. 24-55

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SECTION 6. Construction. This Resolution must be broadly construed to achieve the purposes stated in this Resolution. It is the City Council’s intent that the provisions of this Resolution be interpreted or implemented by the City and others in a manner that facilitates the purposes set forth in this Resolution.

SECTION 7. Severability. 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 8. 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 9. The Mayor, or presiding officer, is authorized to affix its signature to this Resolution signifying its adoption by the City Council of the City of Bellflower, and the City Clerk, or its duly appointed deputy, is directed to attest.

SECTION 10. Effective Date. This Resolution will become effective immediately upon adoption and will remain effective unless repealed or superseded.

PASSED, APPROVED, AND ADOPTED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BELLFLOWER THIS 23RD DAY OF SEPTEMBER 2024.

________________________
Dan Koops, Mayor
ATTEST:

_________________________
Mayra Ochiqui, City Clerk

APPROVED AS TO FORM:

KARL H. BERGER, CITY ATTORNEY

By:_______________________________
Justin A. Tamayo, Deputy City Attorney

ATTACHMENT:

Exhibit A – Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for FY 2023-2024

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CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE

EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER)
FISCAL YEAR 2023-2024

Funding Source Allocations:

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG)
HOME Investment Partnership Programs (HOME)

DRAFT
September 23, 2024

Submitted By:

CITY OF BELLFLOWER, CALIFORNIA

Economic Development Department
Housing and Grants Division
City of Bellflower
16600 Civic Center Drive
Bellflower, California 90706

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 2

TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .................................................................................................................... 3 CR-05: GOALS AND OUTCOMES – 91.520(A) ............................................................................. 4 CR-10: RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF BENEFICIARIES ....................................... 8 CR-15: RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS – 91.520(A) .......................................................... 10 CR-20: AFFORDABLE HOUSING – 91.520(B) ............................................................................ 15 CR-25: HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS – 91.220(D,E); 91.320(D,E);

91.520(C) ............................................................................................................................................ 18 CR-30: PUBLIC HOUSING – 91.220(H); 91.320(J) ..................................................................... 20 CR-35: OTHER ACTIONS – 91.220(J,K); 91.320(I,J) ................................................................. 21 CR-40: MONITORING – 91.10(D,E); 91.520(C)........................................................................... 26 CR-45: CDBG– 91.520(C)................................................................................................................ 29 CR-50:– HOME 91.520(D) ............................................................................................................... 30 CR-58 – Section 3 ............................................................................................................................. 34 APPENDICES .................................................................................................................................... 36

APPENDIX A: Proof of Public Notice – pending
APPENDIX B: Public Comments – pending
APPENDIX C: IDIS Reports – PR26 & Section 3 -pending

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 3

City of Bellflower
FY 2023-2024 Consolidated Annual Performance
Evaluation Report

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

The Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) is a summary of the City’s progress toward meeting the goals specified in the City's 2020-2025 Five-Year Consolidated Plan (Consolidated Plan). The Consolidated Plan coordinates all elements of housing and community development, neighborhood revitalization and economic development into a single plan, and vision of activities to be undertaken during the five-year period. The CAPER is the main document that the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) utilizes to measure the City’s success in meeting the local and national objectives of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnership Act (HOME) Programs.

The Consolidated Plan 1) identifies needs and problems; 2) analyzes market conditions and resources; and 3) sets priorities and adopts goals and strategies for addressing identified activities and programs within a program year. Within the general parameters of each of the HUD programs, the City of Bellflower developed its own local needs and priorities and tailored a strategy and funding plan which will provide services that preserve and revitalize neighborhoods.

Each year, the City of Bellflower also completes an Annual Action Plan that describes the City’s budget and planned activities for carrying out the Consolidated Plan goals and objectives. The approved and adopted 2023-2024 Annual Action Plan (Action Plan) established the goals, objectives, and activities to be undertaken in that year. The CAPER evaluates and measures the accomplishments as they pertain to the goals, objectives, and activities set forth in the Action Plan.

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 4

CR-05: GOALS AND OUTCOMES – 91.520(A)

Summary of Objectives and Outcomes identified in the Consolidated Plan Needs Assessment Overview.

Objectives

▪ Decent Housing – Seek opportunities to expand affordable housing, retain affordable housing stock, and increase the availability of affordable permanent housing.

▪ Suitable Living Environment – Improve the safety and livability of neighborhoods by providing access to quality facilities and services; create affordable housing opportunities and revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods; restore and preserve natural and physical features of special value for architectural or aesthetic reasons; and conserve energy resources.

▪ Economic Opportunity – This includes job creation and or retention activities for low- and very low- income persons and provides access to credit for community development projects that promote long-term economic and social viability.

Performance Outcomes (New or Improved)

▪ Availability/Accessibility
▪ Affordability
▪ Sustainability

Outcomes

During this CAPER reporting period, the City implemented the following projects, programs, and/or activities to meet Consolidated Plan goals:

▪ Single Family Rehabilitation Program
▪ Fair Housing Services
▪ Section 108 Loan Repayment
▪ Acquisition/Development of Affordable Housing
▪ Code Enforcement
▪ Public Services – Bellflower Volunteer Center
▪ Economic Opportunities – Kingdom Causes Bellflower (Good Soil Industries) ▪ Small Business Start Up Loan Program
▪ Collaboration with Public Agencies – Los Angeles Homeless Service Authority (LAHSA), Our Place Housing Solutions (OPHS), the Housing Authority of the County of Los Angeles, local non-profits, and community members to meet the needs of the underserved.

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 5

Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan. 91.520(a)

For the 2023-2024 Program Year, the City of Bellflower (City) received CDBG and HOME funds to facilitate accomplishing the goals set by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The City funded public service programs which made significant progress in meeting the annual goals. Programs including providing rehabilitation loans and grants to Bellflower homeowners, employment training, and fair housing services. Table 1 outlines the progress made accomplishing the program year goals.

Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward meeting goals and objectives. 91.520(g)

For comparison purposes, the City of Bellflower generally attained the goals and objectives during this reporting period. The majority of CDBG funds is used to repay a Section 108 loan.

Since there are limited CDBG funds and no redevelopment (RDA) funds available, community development activities are more difficult to carry out. The City will continue to look at market trends and funding opportunities and amend the Consolidated Plan, as necessary, upon review of the progress being made towards its annual goals and five-year goals.

Accomplishments-ANNUAL ACTION PLAN- FY 2023-2024
Goal Category Expected
Program Year 23-24
Actual
Program Year 23-24
Percent
Completed
Improve and
Conserve Existing
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing
4 Households
Assisted
11 Households Assisted 275%
Development of
Affordable Housing Affordable Housing 1
Housing Unit
0 Housing Unit(s)
Assisted
0%
Affirmatively
Furthering
Fair Housing
Public Service
175
Households
Assisted
198
Households Assisted 113%
Neighborhood
Preservation
Non-Housing
Community
Development
70 Household Assisted
1033
Households Assisted 1476%
Public Services Public Services
Programs
200
Persons Assisted
1367
Persons Assisted 684%
Employment Training Employment
Training
10 Persons Assisted
19 Persons Assisted 190%
Section 108 Loan
Repayment
Section 108 Loan
Repayment N/A N/A N/A

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 6

Administration Administration N/A N/A N/A
Economic
Development
Non-Housing
Community
Development
3 Businesses Assisted
0 Businesses Assisted 0%
Table 1 – Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date

Goal Category Strategic Plan Actual
Percent
Completed
Improve and
Conserve Existing
Affordable Housing
Affordable Housing
16 Households
Assisted
28 Households Assisted 175%
Development of
Affordable Housing Affordable Housing 1
Housing Unit 0 0%
Affirmatively
Furthering
Fair Housing
Public Service
300
Households
Assisted
726
Households Assisted 242%
Neighborhood
Preservation
Non-Housing
Community
Development
600
Household
Assisted
2200
Households Assisted 366%
Public Services Public Services
Programs
9500
Persons Assisted
5800
Persons Assisted 61%
Employment Training Employment Training 50
Persons Assisted
78 Persons Assisted 156%
Section 108 Loan
Repayment
Section 108 Loan
Repayment N/A N/A N/A
Administration Administration N/A N/A N/A
Economic
Development
Non-Housing
Community
Development
12 Businesses
Assisted
10 Businesses Assisted 83%
COVID-19 Pandemic
Response N/A
100
Households
Assisted
253
Households Assisted
thus far
253%
COVID-19 Pandemic
Response N/A
10 Businesses
Assisted
10 Businesses
Assisted
100%
Table 2 – Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date

The following table identifies the activities funded during FY 2023-2024 to meet Consolidated Plan goals and objectives:

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 7

CDBG Activity Funded Amount Actual
Expenditures
CDBG Program
Administration $155,200 $155,200
Fair Housing Foundation $18,000 $18,000
Kingdom Causes $25,000 $25,000
Bellflower Volunteer
Center $125,600 $125,600
Code Enforcement $338,124 $299,587
Section 108 Loan
Payment $528,218 $528,218
Business Assistance $150,000 $0
Table 2 – Program Funding Accomplishments

Assess how the jurisdiction’s use of funds, particularly CDBG, addresses the priorities and specific objectives identified in the plan, giving special attention to the highest priority activities identified.

The City’s use of funds is based on several factors including, but not limited to, priority needs, Consolidated Plan and Action Plan Objectives, and available financial resources. Through various meetings with community stakeholders, residents, and non-profit agencies, the City works to identify high-priority community development and housing needs. Subsequently, annual funding may be limited, and addressing specific objectives with high-priority needs is given special attention by the City Council. The City Council assesses the highest needs, along with the available resources and the specific objectives to be achieved, and allocates funding to agencies that submitted proposals in alignment with the goals and objectives outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan.

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 8

CR-10: RACIAL AND ETHNIC COMPOSITION OF

BENEFICIARIES

The following table identifies the race and ethnic breakdown of families assisted with program funds 91.520(a):

Table 3 – Assistance to racial & ethnic populations by source funds

Fair Housing Foundation – Assisted a total of 198 Bellflower residents with fair housing services, including outreach, education, and discrimination counseling.

Kingdom Causes – A social organization that provides employment opportunities to low- and moderate-income residents at risk of becoming homeless. These employment opportunities are offered through Good Soils Industries. In addition, the programs assist “hard-to-hire” populations in need of reintegration skills. More specifically individuals with criminal records and at risk of becoming homeless are provided with work experience, job acquisition skills , and certification programs. During FY 23-24, the agency employed 19 low-income individuals.

In addition, the organization provides services including a community center; life skills classes including 24/7 Dad, Love Notes, Job Preparedness, and Money Smarts; and employment case management. In total, Kingdom Causes assisted 19 low-income individuals.

Bellflower Volunteer Center – The City funded youth services by providing assistance to Bellflower Volunteer Center. The Bellflower Volunteer Center recruits, trains, supervises youth, and recognizes individuals who volunteer their time to serve low- and moderate- income area residents in the City of Bellflower. This past fiscal year, the Volunteer Center served 1,367 unduplicated persons.

CDBG HOME
White 1,315 10
Black or African American 185 0
Asian 23 1
American Indian or Alaskan Native 13 0
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 16 0
American Indian/Alaskan Native & White 5 0
Black/African American & White 6 0
Other (Multi-Racial) 21 0
Total 1,584 11
Hispanic 1,184 6
Non-Hispanic 400 5

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 9

Code Enforcement – The City inspected 1,033 housing units through targeted code enforcement in CDBG-eligible areas.

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 10

CR-15: RESOURCES AND INVESTMENTS – 91.520(A)

The following table identifies the resources made available to the City:

Sourc e of Funds Resources Made
Available for 2023-24
Amount Expended During
Program Year
Federal - CDBG
2023-2024 $1,389,055 $1,151,605
Federal – HOME $2,412,083 $322,459
Housing Successor Agency
Residual Receipts $335,000 $162,501
Table 4 – Resources made available
Resources
A total of $866,001 was received in CDBG Funds. An additional $498,055 was available as carryover funds. During this program year, the City received program income in the amount of $25,000 and a total of $1,151,605 was expended in CDBG activities.

A total of $401,503 was received in HOME Funds. An additional $1,926,829 was available as carryover funds. During this program year, the City received program income in the amount of $83,751 and a total of $322,459 was expended in HOME rehabilitation projects and HOME Administration.

Geographic Distribution and Location of Investments

Target Area Planned Percentage of
Allocations
Actual Percentage of
Allocation
Narrative
Description
City of Bellflower 100% 100% Citywide
Table 5 – Geographic distribution & location of investments

As funding has been reduced and a majority of CDBG funds are being used to repay a Section 108 loan, the City has not established a target area to distribute the investment of CDBG and HOME funds. The City’s approach is rather to address the needs and fill the gaps whenever possible. The City concentrates on projects that have the greatest positive impact on the community as a whole while meeting the needs of the underserved. A few projects are geared towards low- and moderate-income areas in the City, which are defined as block groups where at least 51 percent of the population have incomes not exceeding 80 percent of the Area Median Income. Investments and provision of 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. One hundred percent of all funds will benefit low- and moderate-income persons.

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 11

Leveraging

The City does not own any public land. The City of Bellflower used HOME, CDBG, and Successor Agency Housing Set Aside funds to meet the housing and community development needs outlined in the Consolidated Plan. In addition, the City uses services/resources from Los Angeles County and Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority. The City continues to search for competitive funds through various sources including federal and state grant funding opportunities when available.

HOME Match Report

As a recipient of HOME funds, the City is required to make non-Federal financial contributions to projects that qualify as affordable housing under the HOME Program.

Annually, the contributions must total a minimum of 25 percent of the HOME funds expended from the City’s HOME entitlement amount, less administration costs, unless the City has received a reduction in the match requirement.

To receive a match reduction, the City must meet the following distress criteria: 1) family poverty rate, and/or 2) per capita income (PCI). When a City meets one of the distress criteria, it is determined to be in fiscal distress and receives a 50 percent reduction of match. If a City satisfies both of the distress criteria, it is determined to be in severe fiscal distress and receives a 100 percent reduction of match.

FY 2023 Distress Calculations

The City’s poverty rate for FY 2023-2024 was 12.95% and the PCI was $25,477. As such, the City met the PCI criterion and qualifies for a 50% HOME Match reduction.

Fiscal Year Summary – HOME Match

1. Excess match from prior Federal fiscal year $951,632.86

2. Match contributed during current Federal fiscal year $0

3. Total match available for current Federal fiscal year (Line 1 plus Line 2) $0

4. Match liability for current Federal fiscal year $0

5. Excess match carried over to next Federal fiscal year (Line 3 minus Line 4) $951,632.86 Table 6 – Fiscal Year Summary - HOME Match Report

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 12

Table 7 – Match Contribution for the Federal Fiscal Year

HOME MBE/WBE Report

The City advertises its contracting opportunities in a local paper, the Los Cerritos Community News and at the City’s major facilities. The City will continue its efforts to offer contracting opportunities to minority and women-owned businesses.

A total of $401,503 was received in HOME Funds. An additional $1,926,829 was available as carryover funds. In addition, the City received HOME-funded housing loan repayments in the amount of $83,751 increasing the total FY 2023-2024 HOME available funds to $2,412,083.

During this program year, program income funds totaling $8,375 were expended on HOME Administration and $75,376 were expended on HOME rehabilitation projects.

Program Income – Enter the program amounts for the reporting period Balance on
hand at
beginning of
reporting period
Amount
received during
reporting period
Total amount
expended
during reporting
period
Amount
expended for
TBRA
Balance on
hand at end of
reporting period
$0 $83,751 $83,751 $0 $0

Table 8 – Program Income

Match Contribution for the Federal Fiscal Year
Project
No. or
Other ID
Date of
Contribut
ion
Cash
(non-
Federal
sources)
Foregone
Taxes,
Fees,
Charges
Appraised
Land/Real
Property
Required
Infrastruc
ture
Site
Preparation,
Construction
Materials,
Donated
labor
Bond
Finan
cing
Total
Match
Rental
Assistance
and Other
SHA
funded
Assistance FY 23-24 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0 $0

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 13

Minority Business Enterprises and Women Business Enterprises – Indicate the number and dollar value of contracts for HOME projects completed during the reporting period Total Minority Business Enterprises White
Non-
Hispanic
Alaskan
Native or
American
Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black Non-
Hispanic
Hispanic
Contracts
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Sub-Contracts
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Total Women
Business
Enterprises
Male
Contracts
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0
Number 0 0 0
Sub-Contracts
Number 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0
Table 9 - Minority Business and Women Business Enterprises

Minority Owners of Rental Property – Indicate the number of HOME assisted rental property owners and the total amount of HOME funds in these rental properties assisted Total Minority Property Owners White Non-
Hispanic Alaskan
Native or
American
Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black Non-
Hispanic
Hispanic
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Dollar
Amount 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 10 – Minority Owners of Rental Property

RELOCATION AND REAL PROPERTY ACQUISITION

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 14

During FY 2023-2024, there was no voluntary or involuntary displacement that would trigger the requirements of the Uniform Relocation Act. The City of Bellflower’s policy is to minimize displacement, whether permanently or temporarily, of person(s) from projects funded with Federal funds, such as Property Acquisition, Single or Multi-Family Rehabilitation and Demolition. If the City undertakes any of these activities with funds provided under the CDBG or HOME Programs, the City would follow the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Act of 1978 (URA) and Section 104 (d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.

Relocation and Real Property Acquisition – Indicate the number of persons displaced, the cost of relocation payments, the number of parcels acquired, and the cost of acquisition Parcels Acquired 0 0
Businesses Displaced 0 0
Nonprofit Organizations
Displaced 0 0
Households Temporarily
Relocated, not Displaced 0 0
Households
Displaced
Total Minority Property Enterprises White Non-
Hispanic Alaskan
Native or
American
Indian
Asian or
Pacific
Islander
Black Non-
Hispanic
Hispanic
Number 0 0 0 0 0 0
Cost 0 0 0 0 0 0
Table 11 – Relocation and Real Property Acquisition

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report Page 15

CR-20: AFFORDABLE HOUSING – 91.520(B)

The following tables represent the City’s progress in providing planned affordable housing, including the number and types of families served:

One-Year
Goal Actual
# of homeless households to be provided
affordable housing units 0 8
# of non-homeless households to be provided
affordable housing units 5 0
# of special needs households to be provided
affordable housing units 0 0
Total 5 8
Table 12 – Number of Households

One-Year
Goal Actual
# of households supported through rental
assistance 0 19
# of households supported through production of
new units (Partnership Housing) 0 0
# of households supported through the rehab of
existing units (Housing Rehab) 5 11
# of households supported through acquisition of
existing units (1st Time Homebuyer) 0 0
Total 6 30
Table 13 – Number of Households Supported

Difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting these goals

During this reporting period, the City allocated funds to the following programs/activities, through various sources of funds to meet housing affordability goals:

Project Source of Funds Priority Amount
Allocated
Amount
Expended
Single-Family Housing
Rehabilitation Program HOME High $250,000 $220,031
CHDO Project HOME High $1,908,187 $0
Fair Housing CDBG High $18,000 $18,000
Table 14 – Funds Made Available

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Problems Encountered in Meeting Affordable Housing Goals

Overall, the largest impact on the identified housing and community development goals and outcomes has been the coronavirus pandemic. The uncertainty of the pandemic caused minor delays to projects, however, new concerns are the cost of housing and materials.

The following activities were conducted in FY 2023-2024 to preserve existing affordable housing stock through homeowner rehabilitation and preventing slum and blight through Code Enforcement Activities in targeted areas.

Activity Accomplishment Data
Code Enforcement Inspections 1,033 housing units inspected in CDBG-eligible areas
Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation 11 housing units rehabilitated CHDO Project 0 project
Table 15 – Programs Made Available

The following housing activities assisted in meeting the affordable housing goals:

A Rapid Re-Housing program funded with Housing Successor Agency Low and Moderate Housing Funds assisted 19 persons with rental assistance.

Approximately 198 unduplicated persons were assisted with fair housing services through a Public Service Agreement with Fair Housing Foundation.

Under the Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program, 11 loans/grants were funded, and all 11 were completed during the year.

The City has made progress in meeting most of its goals as evidenced in the outcomes.

How outcomes will impact future annual Action Plans

The annual goals are modest with specific consideration being given to the current housing trends, the availability of funds, and interested investors that will assist in the development of affordable housing. Outcomes of the prior annual report period may impact future annual Action Plans as they provide an assessment of the City’s success in meeting established goals and outcomes.

The City will reassess areas, projects, or types of activities where program year goals were not met. Prioritizing needs will continue to impact future annual Action Plans. The City is interested in developing affordable owner-occupied projects and will entertain assisting developers with viable projects as they present themselves.

The City regularly reviews projects to ensure compliance with Section 215 Homeownership requirements. The City’s consultant verifies that affordable housing projects funded with HOME are in compliance with rent restrictions, purchase price, resale and recapture provisions, and energy efficiency standards for new construction.

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The City also collaborates with local Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) to provide affordable housing.

Include the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons served by each activity where information on income by family size is required to determine the eligibility of the activity.

# of Persons Served CDBG Actual HOME Actual
Extremely Low-Income 1,141 3
Very Low-Income 336 6
Low-Income 107 2
Total 1,584 11
Table 16 – Number of Households Served

The numbers above reflect the number of low-income persons funded with CDBG and HOME activities. CDBG funds were used to benefit low-income persons under the Fair Housing Program administered by the Fair Housing Foundation and Good Soil Industries Program administered by Kingdom Causes Bellflower. During FY 23-24, 198 unduplicated persons were served under the Fair Housing Program and 19 persons were provided employment opportunities through the Kingdom Causes public service activity. In addition, 30 households were served by local non-profit Kingdom Causes Bellflower through the organization’s Homeless Prevention and Rapid Rehousing Program funded partially through the City’s Low- and Moderate-Income Housing Asset Funds (LMIHAF).

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CR-25: HOMELESS AND OTHER SPECIAL NEEDS –

91.220(D,E); 91.320(D,E); 91.520(C)

The following narrative reflects the City’s progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending homelessness.

Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs

Bellflower recognizes the importance of outreach and will continue to provide input and referrals to Kingdom Causes Bellflower and LAHSA to assist efforts to end homelessness.

According to the 2022 Greater Los Angeles Homeless Count by City/County conducted by the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (CoC), in Bellflower, there are 175 homeless persons, 111 of whom are unsheltered persons. This number includes 82 persons on the street, 7 persons in makeshift shelters, and 22 persons in cars, vans, and campers.

As funds are extremely limited the City must rely primarily on LAHSA, OPHS, and public service agencies to address this need. 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. Most of the funded activities include an outreach component.

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons

In May 2020, the City opened New Hope Temporary Homeless Shelter, which provides beds and services to homeless persons in the City. The Shelter provides temporary and short-term housing needs for persons experiencing homelessness in the City. Services at the Shelter include Intake/Bed Reservations, Food/Meals, Laundry, Storage, Animal/Pet Assistance, Security, Transportation, Recreational Activities, Assessment and Housing Navigation, Case Management, Housing Placement Services, Life Skills Classes, Employment/Job Referrals, Health Care Resources, Mental Health Resources, Drug & Alcohol Treatment Referrals, and Benefits Enrollment.

Because the City does not receive Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) or CoC funding to assist the homeless, the City relies heavily on LAHSA and local non-profit organizations to provide additional homeless services.

Helping low income and extremely low income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, and those who are likely to become homeless after 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) and those receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.

CDBG funds are used to benefit low-income persons under the Fair Housing Program

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administered by the Fair Housing Foundation and Good Soil Industries Program administered by Kingdom Causes Bellflower. The City has a public service agreement with Kingdom Causes Bellflower, in which the non-profit provides a job training and employment program for nonviolent offenders reentering society. The program assists in hiring Bellflower’s unemployed and under-employed. The program provides on-the-job training, certification programs, and job acquisition skills.

The City also has the newly built homeless shelter which opened in 2020 where it assists individuals who are discharged from public facilities. Individuals who are being discharged from public facilities may be referred to the shelter to avoid homelessness.

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. This includes shortening the 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 its efforts to assist in such endeavors through the preservation of existing affordable units through the rehabilitation program, the creation of new affordable units, or helping to fill vacant assisted units with people who meet the requirements of this category. The direct work in assisting the homeless is done through LAHSA’s CoC initiatives.

However, as CDBG funds become available, Bellflower will assist by providing funding through supportive services. The City funds local public services including Kingdom Causes, which provides employment opportunities to under employed and unemployed Bellflower residents. Kingdom Causes also provides on-the-job training, certification programs, and job acquisition skills for those who may have criminal records or are at risk of homelessness.

Collaboration with local community housing developer non-profits such as Partnership Housing Inc. CHDO can provide affordable housing for special populations such as veterans and their families.

Chronically homeless persons require rehabilitation services, employment training and placement, health services, and case management services to move from homelessness to transitional housing, and then to supportive/permanent housing. The CoC Strategy coordinated by LAHSA offers a full range of services and facilities. The City supports LAHSA’s strategy for constructing housing facilities that help transition chronically homeless persons to a stable housing situation and receive supportive services that would improve their employment skills. LAHSA’s main goals include Housing First (permanent supportive housing), Housing Plus (wraparound services and support), Homeless Prevention, Enhanced Data Collection, and Securing Mainstream Resources.

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CR-30: PUBLIC HOUSING – 91.220(H); 91.320(J)

Actions taken to address the needs of public housing

Not applicable as the City of Bellflower does not have any public housing.

Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership

Not applicable as the City of Bellflower does not have any public housing.

Actions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs

Not applicable as the City of Bellflower does not have any public housing.

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CR-35: OTHER ACTIONS – 91.220(J,K); 91.320(I,J)

Actions taken 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

Governmental and market barriers both have the potential to affect the City's ability to provide and maintain affordable housing. The City's land use controls, although developed to ensure quality and sound development, may play a role in limiting the production of affordable housing for all income levels. In addition, requirements mandated by state and federal agencies (e.g., energy conservation requirements and the American Disabilities Act) may impede the production of affordable housing. The City’s updated 2021-2029 Housing Element was adopted on September 7, 2022, by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The purpose of the Housing Element is to ensure the City establishes policies, procedures, and incentives in its land use planning and redevelopment activities that will result in the maintenance and expansion of the housing supply to adequately accommodate households currently living and expected to live in Bellflower. It institutes policies that will guide City decision-making and establishes an action program to implement housing goals through 2029. The Housing Element has been designed to address key housing issues in the City. The foremost issue is providing a mix and balance of housing types and costs to meet the needs of all segments of the population of Bellflower. As such, the Housing Element makes provisions for affordable and accessible housing for special needs groups in the City and is designed to provide guidance in the maintenance of existing affordable housing. The Housing Element provides goals, policies, and policy actions to guide the development, redevelopment, and preservation of a balanced inventory of housing to meet the needs of present and future residents of the City. Goal 3 is to minimize the impact of governmental constraints on housing production and affordability. Actions to be taken in fulfillment of this goal include:

1. Remove Development Constraints

2. Objective Design Standards

3. Affordable Housing Incentives

4. Planning and Development Fees

5. Streamline Processing

6. Zone code updates to address housing for special needs populations

7. Water and sewer service providers

The City will continue to pursue the following course of action to eliminate any negative effects that may result from public policies:

• Maintain dialogue with developers, residents, and nonprofit organizations involved in housing projects to assist Bellflower in making the best planning, infrastructure, and development decisions.
• Continue to work toward increasing public awareness and acceptance of the need for affordable housing throughout the City
• Research housing programs and determine feasibility with consideration of the current housing market and funding for programs
• Develop and update the City’s affordable housing plan

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Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The City has had success in supporting 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 Human or Health Services and depends on the Los Angeles County system and LAHSA to meet these needs.

Additionally, using CDBG funds, the City supports local non-profits such as Kingdom Causes Bellflower whose programs, such as Our Place Housing Solutions and Good Soil Industries, strive to address the needs of underserved neighbors through employment and training, technology access, classes, and workshops, as well as homeless assistance and referrals.

CDBG funds also support the non-profit agency, Fair Housing Foundation to help households and landlords understand fair housing laws and prevent undue evictions or other conditions that make housing unaffordable.

The primary obstacle to addressing the needs of the underserved is funding availability. Since the elimination of redevelopment in California and the 20% Low and Moderate Housing Set Aside funding that was part of redevelopment, it is more difficult to undertake revitalization projects. Another obstacle to meeting the needs of the underserved is lack of local data. While some data is available from LAHSA and other local service agencies, the data is generally aggregated for the region and not specific to Bellflower. To help bridge this gap, the City is working to establish closer ties and ways to support local non-profits such as Kingdom Causes Bellflower along with the public service agencies who provide homeless resources: Beacon Light Mission, Catholic Charities, Christian Outreach Appeal, Year Round Shelter Hotline, Little House, Long Beach Rescue Mission, Lutheran Social Services of Southern California, Rio Hondo Transitional Housing, Salvation Army, and United Way Hotline.

Actions taken to address obstacles to lead based paint hazards 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

Most of the City’s housing stock was built before 1980 which increases the likelihood of the unit containing lead-based paint. According to CHAS data 82% of the owner-occupied units and 74% of rental units were built before 1980. The City's efforts are not restricted to a specific area: since most of the City’s housing stock is over 40 years old, efforts will be made citywide. HUD’s Lead Based Paint (LBP) regulations require all units assisted with CDBG and HOME funds to be inspected for LBP and abated if LBP is found to be present.

Bellflower’s program guidelines include measures to ensure compliance with the regulations.

The guidelines include testing, LBP 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 taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The City of Bellflower regularly provides service referrals to those living below the poverty line. The City provides a listing of public service agencies, homeless resources and contact information/links to social service agencies on the City’s website:
www.bellflower.org . In addition, the City supports other government agencies, private developers, and non-profit agencies that are involved in creating affordable housing and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents.

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The City continually reviews its own policies and procedures and attempts to implement policies that help reduce poverty and coordinate available resources and services. For example, the city implemented a mixed-use development zone downtown which encourages integration of services and higher density development around transit centers.

Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The City seeks to maintain effective and efficient methods of communicating with other agencies to develop programs and projects that ensure cost effective program delivery. To overcome gaps in the institutional structure, the City maintains communication with HUD, the State Department of Housing and Community Development, the Economic Development Administration, interagency staff, and neighboring cities to help overcome gaps in institutional structure.

In addition, the City consulted with both public and private agencies to develop the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan . Agencies consulted include the Los Angeles County Health Department, (specifically the Childhood Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Program), the Los Angeles County Housing Authority, LAHSA, the Department of Health and Human Services, HUD, the California Department of Housing and Community Development, the Department of Social Services, the Fair Housing Foundation, local public services agencies, and CHDOs.

The community was asked to rank the priority of various CDBG and HOME eligible activity categories as high, medium, or low. The City actively sought to understand the needs of the community and more specifically low-and moderate-income populations and those most in need of CDBG and HOME funds. A list of Public Service Agencies and other interested community members were notified via e-mail about the development of the Consolidated Plan.

The agencies contacted are included in the Consolidated Plan.

Strengths and gaps regarding the institutional structure emerged from stakeholder and community meetings, community needs surveys, and other coordinated communication. The City continues to streamline and make improvements to the delivery system to best serve the community through activities and services. As the needs of low- to moderate-income residents’ change, the demand for types of services and programs will also change.

Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The City maintains a contact list of interested nonprofits, public agencies, social services agencies, and private housing developers that have the 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, posted at various locations in the City, and posted on the City website. Staff participate in 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. When funds are available the City maintains a web presence and it actively provides technical assistance throughout the year to assist interested citizens and agencies applying

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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 the homeless and other services are addressed. The City will also 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 Action Plan.

Actions Taken to Overcome the Effects of any Impediments identified in the City’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice 91.520(a)

In 2020 the City of Bellflower updated its Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice.

Its conclusions provide the basis for the recommendations also made in the report.

Impediments are defined as:
• Any action, omission, or decision taken because of race, color, religion, sex, familial status or national origin which restricts housing choices or the availability of housing choices; or
• Any action, omission, or decision which have the effect of restricting housing choices or the availability of housing choices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, disability, familial status, or national origin; or
• An assessment of the availability of affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes.

Through counseling and case management, the Fair Housing Foundation identified that the most common complaints were on the basis of disability, race, familial status, and retaliation.

During FY 2023-2024, the City continued to monitor and implement the recommendations in the AI through a public service agreement with the Fair Housing Foundation.

The Fair Housing Foundation provided the City with comprehensive Fair Housing Program services that include:

1. Discrimination Counseling and Complaint Intake and Investigation

2. General Housing (landlord/tenant) Counseling and Resolutions

3. Enforcement and Impact Litigation

4. Education and Outreach Programs

Proposed Actions to Address Identified Impediments

Proposed actions to address the impediments to fair housing choice identified within the City are as follows:

Action 1 – Continue to Provide Fair Housing Services

The City will continue to contract with the Fair Housing Foundation to provide fair housing services to Bellflower residents, which includes the processing of housing discrimination complaints and landlord/tenant counseling services.

Action 2 – Provide Targeted Fair Housing Education and Outreach

The Fair Housing Foundation will collaborate and coordinate with multiple agencies, including

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lenders, realtors, and cultural groups to provide increased efforts in educating residents.

Action 3 – Increase Fair Housing Awareness and Education Through the City’s Website

The City, on its website, will increase efforts in educating residents on potential sources of discrimination and avenues to address fair housing.

Action 4 – Provide Information on Property Management Practices at Landlord Workshops

The Fair Housing Foundation will continue to hold Landlord Workshops via virtual or in person as permitted and include discussions on the prohibited discriminatory practices pertaining to service and companion animals, reasonable accommodations, and reasonable modifications.

Action 5 – Continue Affirmative Marketing Actions for CDBG and HOME Programs

The City will continue to affirmatively market CDBG and HOME funded programs. Marketing efforts will include advertising housing programs in local publications and on the City’s website. The City will continue to promote fair housing by ensuring outreach t o all potential eligible households.

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CR-40: MONITORING – 91.10(D,E); 91.520(C)

Describe the standards and procedures that will be used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will be used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and comprehensive planning requirements.

The objective of monitoring is to ensure that all projects and activities that receive funding are in compliance with all HUD regulations. For all the City’s housing programs, including Home Rehabilitation, and New Housing Construction Projects, the City works closely with its Building and Safety Department to ensure that all projects meet Housing and Quality Standards and are free from any building substandard issues. Monitoring of public service agencies and CHDOs is conducted on a 1–3-year basis depending on the number of housing units. The monitoring emphasizes program and financial performance and regulatory compliance. The City uses a monitoring checklist, which includes a review of federal compliance and relevant documentation to be monitored as required by HUD, including program performance, record keeping, financial performance, and regulatory compliance.

In FY 23-24 the City of Bellflower enlisted the services of Avant-Garde Inc. to complete onsite desk monitoring for three (3) rental HOME-Assisted properties (Our place Housing Solutions, HOPE CHDO Project and Bellflower Terrace Senior Apartments). Unit inspections were not required this year. The City created a schedule and coordinated with property managers to provide supporting documentation and demonstrate compliance with the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME regulations. The monitoring consisted of review of all relevant tenant, maintenance, financial and administrative files as well as property standards that meet HUD requirements along with other applicable regulations.

Desk monitoring was conducted for Our place Housing Solutions (8822 Oak Street) in FY 21-22. During that monitoring, it was determined that the supporting income documentation being collected was used incorrectly. Staff had calculated income using net wages instead of gross wages for all household members. As a corrective action, Property Management was required to submit appropriate source documentation and demonstrate correct income calculations for the current household recertification. Once Property Management completed recertification correctly, it was determined that Kingdom Causes tenants were over income. As such, Kingdom Causes was in noncompliance in accordance with 24 CFR

92.252 (i) Over-income tenants. In FY 22-23 monitoring was not conducted as the organization continues to be non-compliant. During FY 23-24, no monitoring was conducted, a monitoring will be conducted in the new FY 24-25. The City will continue to work with property owners to resolve their noncompliance determination.

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HOME regulations in accordance with 24 CFR 92 Part 203 for FY 2023-2024. To assist Winn Co. Management in being compliant, an information session was performed, and it was recommended that they refer to HUD recommended tools and resources and a copy of the “Compliance in HOME rental projects: A guide for property owners” guidebook was provided. Winn Co Senior Vice president presented a letter indicating the organization’s understanding of the severity of non-compliance and indicating their commitment to meet compliance requirements. The City will continue to work with property owners to resolve noncompliance determination.

To ensure long-term compliance with its programs, the City requires all subrecipient’s, including City departments, to submit performance reports and requests for reimbursements quarterly. Upon submission, staff review the performance reports which note how many participants benefitted from the service and compare it to the subrecipient's goals for the program. Staff also review all reimbursement requests to make sure that expenses are eligible and are used to meet the program/project goals. For FY 23-24 subrecipient’s monitored included the Fair Housing Foundation ($18,000), Kingdom Causes ($25,000), and the Bellflower Volunteer Center ($125,600).

For CDBG-CV, prior to allocating funding to subrecipients City staff review program applications to ensure that proposed activities respond to, prevent, and/or prepare for the COVID-19 pandemic. Staff also request that performance reports and requests for reimbursements are submitted quarterly to review program progress and eligibility of expenses.

Citizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d)

The City of Bellflower’s 2023-2024 CAPER was developed in accordance with requirements and federal regulations. To ensure compliance with program and comprehensive planning requirements, the Economic Development Department staff regularly conducts a review of projects and programs to ensure that they are eligible and meet national objectives. In addition, the City conducts periodic self-audits of all programs and projects to ensure compliance and verify supporting documentation is in the project files. Subrecipient quarterly reports and summary reports were used as the source of information for CAPER reporting.

The Draft CAPER adheres to the City’s Citizen Participation Plan for public noticing, public review and comment period, public hearings, and meetings.

Description of the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports.

To provide notice to citizens, the City published a Notice of a Public Hearing and 15 -day comment period to receive comments on the performance report.

To ensure all City residents had ample opportunity to take notice of all scheduled public hearings, all notices regarding such hearings were published, including the date, time and location, and availability of the CAPER for public review and comment for a period of at least 15 days, from September 9, 2024, through September 23, 2024. The notice was physically posted at several locations including Bellflower City Hall, the Brakensiek Library, the Bellflower substation, and various city owned park and recreation facilities. The City’s notice was also published in the Los Cerritos Community News. The document was made available

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to the public for review on the City’s website, www.bellflower.org ,. and mail upon request.

After HUD approval, it will be included on the City’s website.

Summary of Public Comments

Pending public comments.

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CR-45: CDBG– 91.520(C)

Specify the nature of, and reasons for, any changes in the jurisdiction’s program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences.

The City amended its 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan to program and re-program unspent CDBG-CV funds to multiple public services described below.

The City funded an emergency rental relief program, which assisted 42 Bellflower residents.

In addition, CV funds were also allocated to food insecurity programs including, a homeless shelter meal program, which was able to assist 112 persons with food, as well as a food insecurity program which assisted 15 families with biweekly grocery prick up.

The City has also allocated CV funds to a youth/family/senior services program which was able to assist 276 low-moderate Bellflower residents.

CDBG-CV Activity Funded Amount Expenditures
Thus far
CV-Program
Administration $237,696 $237,696
CV-Emergency Housing
Needs Assistance $186,784 $181,443
CV-Food Insecurity
Program $27,000 $24,564
CV-Homeless Shelter
Meals Program $30,000 $30,000
CV-Youth/Family/Senior
Services $507,000 $155,933
CV-Business Grant
Assistance $100,000 $94,500
CV-New Small Business
Start-Up Loan Program $100,000 $0
Table 17 – CDBG-CV Programs

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CR-50:– HOME 91.520(D)

Include the results of on-site inspections of affordable rental housing assisted under the program to determine compliance with housing codes and other applicable regulations.

92.252 (i) Over-income tenants. In FY 22-23 monitoring was not conducted as the organization continues to be non-compliant. During FY 23-24, no monitoring was conducted, a monitoring will be conducted in the new FY 24-25.The City will continue to work with property owners to resolve their noncompliance determination.

Monitoring for HOPE CHDO Project located at 9610 Laurel Street was conducted during the FY. HOPE has two outstanding corrective action items which staff is working on resolving with organization. Moving forward and in an effort to ensure ongoing compliance HOPE CHDO Project review the HUD recommended resources and tools (“Compliance in HOME rental projects: A guide for property owners” guidebook) with all their staff members.

The City of Bellflower will continue to monitor property management and inspect units (when applicable) to ensure ongoing compliance with HUD HOME regulations.

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Finally, monitoring was conducted for Bellflower Terrace Senior Apartments located at 9920 Flora Vista Street. During the on-site desk monitoring session, the income source documentation for the tenants were not provided. As a corrective action, Staff requested the information to be submitted within 15 calendar days. Property manager submitted the missing documents for review. Additionally, staff identified one finding during the on-site visit. A unit did not pass the sanity conditions inspection, in accordance with 24 CFR 982.401. To remedy this noncompliance, Winn Co. management will have to follow all HOME regulations in accordance with 24 CFR 92 Part 203 for FY 2023-2024. To assist Winn Co. Management in being compliant, an information session was performed, and it was recommended that they refer to HUD recommended tools and resources and a copy of the “Compliance in HOME rental projects: A guide for property owners” guidebook was provided. Winn Co Senior Vice president presented a letter indicating the organization’s understanding of the severity of non-compliance and indicating their commitment to meet compliance requirements. The City will continue to work with property owners to resolve noncompliance determination.

An assessment of the jurisdiction's affirmative marketing actions for HOME units.

92.351(b)

The City has the mechanisms in place to affirmatively market CDBG and HOME funded programs. Marketing efforts include advertising housing programs in local publications. The City collects and maintains statistical information on race and ethnicity to ensure all segments of the community are being served. The City’s Limited English Proficiency Plan has identified that the City has a significant portion of Spanish-speaking residents. To ensure that all residents are aware of programs, publications are provided in both English and Spanish brochures of programs, and program information is placed at City department desks and libraries as well as on the City’s website.

A total of $401,503 was received in HOME Funds. An additional $1,926,829 was available as carryover funds from prior years. In addition, the City received HOME-funded housing loan repayments in the amount of $83,751 increasing the total FY 2023-2024 HOME available funds to $2,412,083.

Data on the amount and use of program income for projects, including the number of projects and owner and tenant characteristics.

During FY 2023-2024, a total of $401,503 was received in HOME Funds and $83,751 was received in HOME program income. The total program income received was receipted in IDIS during the program year. An additional $1,926,829 was available as carryover funds from prior years.

HOME Program activities are consistent with the City's stated goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan. The City’s identified housing needs included preservation and upgrading of existing housing, development of home ownership and rental opportunities as its principal housing goals. During this reporting period, the City allocated HOME funds to the following projects/programs:

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Project Activity Amount
Allocated
Actual
Expended
Home Administration
Administration $40,150 $102,429
Single-Family Housing
Rehabilitation Program Rehabilitation $250,000 $220,031 CHDO
Acquisition,
Rehabilitation,
and/or
Construction
$1,908,187 $0
Table 18 – Funds Made Available

The Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program provides grants and/or loans to low- and moderate-income owner-occupied households that need financial assistance to bring their house up to current housing quality standards. 11 loans/grants were given to eligible Bellflower residents during this program year.

The City has three HOME-funded projects in its rental housing portfolio. They are: 1) Bellflower Terrace Senior Apartments on 9920 Flora Vista Street; 2) Our Place Housing Solutions CHDO on 8822 Oak Street; and 3) HOPE CHDO Project on 9610 Laurel Street.

Rental monitoring and on-site inspections are conducted according to a schedule as prescribed by federal regulations at 24 CFR 92.504(d). Depending on the number of units, the project is monitored annually or as required. Staff and the City’s Consultant, Avant Garde, Inc., conducted HOME rental inspections in April 2024. The inspections included 15% of all units and the exteriors of the buildings. In addition, the City’s consultant, Urban Futures conducts affordability and occupancy compliance annual reports on Bellflower Terrace Senior Apartments to ensure HOME assisted units are income compliant within affordable housing income limits.

Describe other actions taken to foster and maintain affordable housing. 91.220(k) (STATES ONLY: Including the coordination of LIHTC with the development of affordable housing). 91.320(j)

In the 2023-2024 program year, the City allocated funds to the following housing activity:

Single-Family Housing Rehabilitation Program This program assists the City with meeting the goals and objectives as adopted in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Housing Element.

In addition, the City will continue to make efforts to facilitate the development of affordable housing, including:

1. Efforts to streamline the environmental review process for housing developments, using available state categorical exemptions and federal categorical exclusions when applicable.

2. Annually pursue state, federal and other funding opportunities to increase the supply

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of safe, decent, affordable housing in Bellflower for lower income households (including extremely low-income households), such as seniors, the disabled, the homeless, and those at risk of homelessness.

3. Amend the Zoning Code to provide zoning incentives for affordable housing projects, such as increases in density, or provide incentives through existing affordable housing provisions of the Bellflower Municipal Code.

4. Support and refer residents to LACDA and LAHSA for emergency housing, shelters and special needs housing, and supportive services.

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CR-58 – Section 3
Identify the number of individuals assisted and the types of assistance provided Total Labor Hours CDBG HOME
Total Number of Activities 0 0
Total Labor Hours
Total Section 3 Worker Hours
Total Targeted Section 3 Worker Hours
Table 2 – Total Labor Hours

Qualitative Efforts - Number of Activities by Program CDBG HOME Outreach efforts to generate job applicants who are Public Housing Targeted Workers 0 0
Outreach efforts to generate job applicants who are Other Funding Targeted Workers. 0 0
Direct, on-the job training (including apprenticeships). 0 0 Indirect training such as arranging for, contracting for, or paying tuition for, off-site training. 0 0
Technical assistance to help Section 3 workers compete for jobs (e.g., resume assistance, coaching). 0 0
Outreach efforts to identify and secure bids from Section 3 business concerns. 0 0
Technical assistance to help Section 3 business concerns understand and bid on contracts. 0 0
Division of contracts into smaller jobs to facilitate participation by Section 3 business concerns. 0 0
Provided or connected residents with assistance in seeking employment including: drafting resumes, preparing for interviews, finding job opportunities, connecting residents to job placement services.
0 0
Held one or more job fairs. 0 0
Provided or connected residents with supportive services that can provide direct services or referrals. 0 0
Provided or connected residents with supportive services that provide one or more of the following: work readiness health screenings, interview clothing, uniforms, test fees, transportation. 0 0
Assisted residents with finding child care. 0 0
Assisted residents to apply for, or attend community college or a four year educational institution. 0 0

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Assisted residents to apply for, or attend vocational/technical training. 0 0
Assisted residents to obtain financial literacy training and/or coaching. 0 0
Bonding assistance, guaranties, or other efforts to support viable bids from Section 3 business concerns. 0 0
Provided or connected residents with training on computer use or online technologies. 0 0
Promoting the use of a business registry designed to create opportunities for disadvantaged and small businesses. 0 0 Outreach, engagement, or referrals with the state one-stop system, as designed in Section 121(e)(2) of the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act.
0 0
Other. 0 0
Table 3 – Qualitative Efforts - Number of Activities by Program

Narrative
The City did not have active Section 3 eligible activities for Program Year 2023-2024

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APPENDICES

APPENDIX A:

Proof of Public Notice – pending

APPENDIX B:

Public Comments – pending

APPENDIX C:

IDIS Reports – PR26

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APPENDIX A:

Proof of Public Notice

Pending

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report

APPENDIX B:

Public Comments

Pending

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2023-24 Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report

APPENDIX C:

IDIS Reports –PR26 & Section 3

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Bellflower City CouncilSeptember 23, 2024

Bellflower City Council
September 23, 2024