May 14, 2025
James Fowler, Senior Planner
Community Development
City of Camarillo
601 Carmen Drive
Camarillo, CA 93010
Subject: CDBG Grants Services for FY 2025 – FY 2027 (July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2028)
Dear Mr. Fowler:
Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc. (VTA) is pleased to submit this proposal to provide CDBG Entitlement Program Administration to the City of Camarillo. VTA is a California Corporation and provides housing and community development services.
We provide technical assistance to local jurisdictions in the administration of CDBG funds. Our clients include the cities of Alhambra, Camarillo, Delano, Glendale, Glendora, Monterey, and Salinas, as well as the County of Monterey. We will continue to designate Erin Lay, our Grants Specialist, as the primary person responsible for this proposed scope of work for Camarillo. Erin has been assisting the City of Camarillo since 2021 and is familiar with the programs and City processes and procedures.
We look forward to discussing our proposal with you and your staff.
Regards,
Veronica Tam, AICP
Principal
Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc.
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
Firm Information
Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc. (VTA) is a California corporation focus ing on assisting local jurisdictions with housing and community development planning. Our services include preparation of the following:
▪ Consolidated Plan and related reports
▪ CDBG and HOME grants administration/technical assistance (including IDIS) ▪ Fair housing studies
▪ Housing Element
▪ General Plan
▪ Zoning Ordinance revisions
Our mailing address is:
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A #332
Arcadia, CA 91006
Person authorized to negotiate and sign contracts for the firm is Veronica Tam, President and Secretary of Veronica Tam and Associates, Inc.
Qualifications
VTA has served clients throughout California. Our clients include rural towns/communities, suburban and urban cities, metropolitan areas, and counties.
Consolidated Plans
We have prepared numerous Consolidated Plan and related reports, including annual Action Plans, Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER). The following represent our Consolidated Plan projects during the last five years:
▪ Alhambra ▪ Long Beach ▪ Monterey Urban County
▪ Delano ▪ Salinas ▪ Orange Urban County
▪ Glendale ▪ San Marcos ▪ Westminster
▪ Glendora ▪ Monterey
Grants Administration/IDIS Assistance
We provide various levels of grants administration services for local jurisdictions, and conduct subrecipient monitoring on behalf of our clients. We are well -versed in the use of IDIS, assisting both the program delivery staff and finance departments to manage project and financial information in IDIS. Several of our staff members are processed to have IDIS access.
▪ Alhambra ▪ Glendora ▪ Monterey
▪ Camarillo ▪ San Mateo ▪ Salinas
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice
We have prepared some of the most complex AI reports in the State. The San Diego County involves all 19 jurisdictions in the County.
▪ Alhambra ▪ Long Beach ▪ Riverside
▪ Glendora ▪ Monterey Urban County ▪ Salinas
▪ Glendale ▪ Pasadena ▪ San Diego County
In April 2025, HUD withdrew the Interim Rule for Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH).
Acknowledging a jurisdiction’s commitment to further fair housing in by signing the CDBG Certifications would be considered sufficient. It would be up to the local jurisdiction’s discretion to determine what constitutes actions to further fair housing. We anticipate this requirement for AI or AFFH analysis would be suspended for the foreseeable future.
Approach and Scope
Veronica Tam and Associates (VTA) takes pride in our customer service approach and emphasis o n timely response. Our staff work closely as a team . For the Camarillo CDBG administration service, Erin Lay, our Grants Specialist, would take the lead in communicating with staff and performing the majority of the tasks outlined in the detailed scope of work. She is supported by other VTA staff, including Principal Veronica Tam, to complete the scope. Much of the work will be conducted off site to ensure cost-efficiency.
Annually, our scope of work includes the following specific activities:
▪ NOFA
o Prepare and issue NOFA.
o Review funding requests for compliance with CDBG program regulations.
In April 2025, Executive Order (EO) 14173 eliminates Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) programs . As a result, HUD has instructed all entitlement jurisdictions to exclude the analysis and discussion of disproportionate needs by race/ethnicity in the Consolidated Plan and Action Plans. VTA will revise application forms to emphasize on low and moderate income benefits and de- emphasize disproportionate needs or racial/ethnic disparities.
▪ Outreach, Informal Meetings, and Public Hearings
o Conduct annual informational meetings and prepare any necessary meeting materials (e.g., PowerPoint presentation, updated funding application, sign -in sheets, newspaper advertisement).
o Prepare documents for public hearings (e.g., agenda reports, resolutions and exhibits; public hearing notices, PowerPoint presentations).
o Attend in -person, deliver presentations, and answer questions at the annual informational meeting, minimum of two mandatory public hearings, and potentially additional public hearings for Action Plan substantial amendments.
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
▪ Plan Preparation - Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans and CAPERs o Prepare SF-424 forms, assurances, and certifications for City signatures. o Prepare Annual Action Plans, and Amendments if/when necessary, and input into the Integrated Disbursement Information System (IDIS).
o Prepare CAPERs and submit to HUD in IDIS.
o Maintain compliance with Regional Consolidated Plan.
In light of EO 14173 referenced above, plan documents should be revie wed t o modify language relating to disproportionate needs, racial/ethnic concentration, etc.
▪ Program Implementation
o Coordinate the execution of the funding agreements with the subrecipients. o Complete project/activity set-up, funding, and close-out in the IDIS. o Review subrecipients’ Requests for Reimbursements for program compliance. o Report in IDIS on programmatic accomplishments on an ongoing basis. o Track the status of funding expenditures and subrecipients’ accomplishments. o Conduct in-person on-site monitoring of subrecipients. o Coordinate with City staff and gather all necessary files and documentation for audit preparation as well as HUD program monitoring and be available on -site as needed during HUD monitoring visits and external audits.
o Provide for the day -to-day operations, including public requests for information relative to the CDBG Program.
o Maintain CDBG and CDBG -CV program files to include all program materials and reports.
o Keep City staff informed about current HUD requirements. o Provide City staff and subrecipients with technical assistance. o Provide additional CDBG-related assistance as needed.
▪ Other HUD Reports
o Prepare annual reports, as needed (e.g., Davis Bacon, Section 3, Minority Business Enterprise).
o Prepare NEPA review and documentation for all activities, including exempt activities. (Please note p reparation of Env ironmental Assessment (EA), Environmental Impact Statement (EIS), or other technical studies is not included in this budget.)
Schedule and Budget
The detailed schedule, scope of work, and budget presented on the following page outline the tasks anticipated over the course of a year . The estimated budget for the first year (FY 202 5-2026) is $59,850, to be billed on a time-and-materials basis. Budgets for subsequent years (FY 2026-2027 and FY 2027-2028) are adjusted for small rate increases. The CDBG assistance budget is estimated based on prior years’ overall billings to the City, reflective of the realistic level of assistance needed. VTA is City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
known for our efficiency and being conscientious in billing. Our familiar ity with the City’s various activities would help conserve the budget.
FY 2025-2026
Tam Lay Power
$ 180 $ 145 $ 130
Quarterly
Work with subs on submission of quarterly Request for Reimbursement and Report, evaluate and submit sub invoices to the City (often need to work with subs on multiple revisions), and work with Finance on Drawdowns/IDIS
0 40 0 $ 5,800
October Outreach and NOFA Meeting Notice 0 20 0 $ 2,900 End of October/Early
November Draft NOFA Application and Scoring Tool to City 0 16 0 $ 2,320 Mid-November Consultant to conduct Outreach and Present NOFA Meetings / NOFA Opens 0 16 0 $ 2,320 Early December Meet with City Staff to Discuss CDBG Action Plan Narratives/Consultant to begin Action Plan Preparation 0 8 0 $ 1,160
Early January NOFA Submission Deadline 0 4 0 $ 580 Mid-January Evaluation of NOFA with City Evaluation Team 0 8 0 $ 1,160 End of January Rough Draft of CDBG Action Plan to City Staff for Review 0 20 8 $ 3,940 Early February Finalize Recommendations for Funding 0 8 0 $ 1,160 Mid-February Revised Draft Action Plan to City Staff for Review and Draft Public Hearing Notice to City 0 20 8 $ 3,940 Early March Final Draft Action Plan to City 0 8 4 $ 1,680 Mid-March SF 424’s and Certifications to be provided to City for Execution 0 2 0 $ 290 Start of April Draft CDBG Action Plan Staff Report and Resolution to City 0 8 0 $ 1,160 Mid-Late April City Council Adoption of Action Plan with Consultant providing presentation 0 8 0 $ 1,160 Late April – Early May Action Plan Submission into IDIS by Consultant 0 20 8 $ 3,940 Summer/Fall Funding agreements with HUD and subrecipients 0 20 0 $ 2,900 Early August First Draft of CAPER to City for Review 0 20 4 $ 3,420 Mid August Draft City Council Staff Report and Public Hearing Notice to the City. All CDBG Costs processed and approved in the City’s finance system associated with the CAPER 0 20 4 $ 3,420 Mid-Late August Final draft of CAPER, staff report, and Notice to the City 0 20 4 $ 3,420 Mid-September All IDIS drawdowns associated with CAPER complete; Consultant presents CAPER to City Council at Public Hearing; Consultant submits CAPER 0 16 0 $ 2,320 As Needed
TA to subs and City staff on eligibility of projects, regulatory compliance, new federal requirements, and program design. Complete reports to HUD (2516, Semi-Annual Labor Standards)
12 40 0 $ 7,960
As Needed Additional City Council Public Hearings to receive public input on Action Plan; and Amendments 20 0 $ 2,900
Total 12 362 40 $ 59,850
TotalProgram Timeline Program Process
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
FY 2026-2027
Tam Lay Power
$ 185 $ 150 $ 135
Quarterly
Work with subs on submission of quarterly Request for Reimbursement and Report, evaluate and submit sub invoices to the City (often need to work with subs on multiple revisions), and work with Finance on Drawdowns/IDIS
0 40 0 $ 6,000
October Outreach and NOFA Meeting Notice 0 20 0 $ 3,000 End of October/Early
November Draft NOFA Application and Scoring Tool to City 0 16 0 $ 2,400 Mid-November Consultant to conduct Outreach and Present NOFA Meetings / NOFA Opens 0 16 0 $ 2,400 Early December Meet with City Staff to Discuss CDBG Action Plan Narratives/Consultant to begin Action Plan Preparation 0 8 0 $ 1,200
Early January NOFA Submission Deadline 0 4 0 $ 600 Mid-January Evaluation of NOFA with City Evaluation Team 0 8 0 $ 1,200 End of January Rough Draft of CDBG Action Plan to City Staff for Review 0 20 8 $ 4,080 Early February Finalize Recommendations for Funding 0 8 0 $ 1,200 Mid-February Revised Draft Action Plan to City Staff for Review and Draft Public Hearing Notice to City 0 20 8 $ 4,080 Early March Final Draft Action Plan to City 0 8 4 $ 1,740 Mid-March SF 424’s and Certifications to be provided to City for Execution 0 2 0 $ 300 Start of April Draft CDBG Action Plan Staff Report and Resolution to City 0 8 0 $ 1,200 Mid-Late April City Council Adoption of Action Plan with Consultant providing presentation 0 8 0 $ 1,200 Late April – Early May Action Plan Submission into IDIS by Consultant 0 20 8 $ 4,080 Summer/Fall Funding agreements with HUD and subrecipients 0 20 0 $ 3,000 Early August First Draft of CAPER to City for Review 0 20 4 $ 3,540 Mid August Draft City Council Staff Report and Public Hearing Notice to the City. All CDBG Costs processed and approved in the City’s finance system associated with the CAPER 0 20 4 $ 3,540 Mid-Late August Final draft of CAPER, staff report, and Notice to the City 0 20 4 $ 3,540 Mid-September All IDIS drawdowns associated with CAPER complete; Consultant presents CAPER to City Council at Public Hearing; Consultant submits CAPER 0 16 0 $ 2,400 As Needed
TA to subs and City staff on eligibility of projects, regulatory compliance, new federal requirements, and program design. Complete reports to HUD (2516, Semi-Annual Labor Standards)
12 40 0 $ 8,220
As Needed Additional City Council Public Hearings to receive public input on Action Plan; and Amendments 20 0 $ 3,000
Total 12 362 40 $ 61,920
Program Timeline Program Process Total
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
FY 2027-2028
Tam Lay Power
$ 190 $ 155 $ 140
Quarterly
Work with subs on submission of quarterly Request for Reimbursement and Report, evaluate and submit sub invoices to the City (often need to work with subs on multiple revisions), and work with Finance on Drawdowns/IDIS
0 40 0 $ 6,200
October Outreach and NOFA Meeting Notice 0 20 0 $ 3,100 End of October/Early
November Draft NOFA Application and Scoring Tool to City 0 16 0 $ 2,480 Mid-November Consultant to conduct Outreach and Present NOFA Meetings / NOFA Opens 0 16 0 $ 2,480 Early December Meet with City Staff to Discuss CDBG Action Plan Narratives/Consultant to begin Action Plan Preparation 0 8 0 $ 1,240
Early January NOFA Submission Deadline 0 4 0 $ 620 Mid-January Evaluation of NOFA with City Evaluation Team 0 8 0 $ 1,240 End of January Rough Draft of CDBG Action Plan to City Staff for Review 0 20 8 $ 4,220 Early February Finalize Recommendations for Funding 0 8 0 $ 1,240 Mid-February Revised Draft Action Plan to City Staff for Review and Draft Public Hearing Notice to City 0 20 8 $ 4,220 Early March Final Draft Action Plan to City 0 8 4 $ 1,800 Mid-March SF 424’s and Certifications to be provided to City for Execution 0 2 0 $ 310 Start of April Draft CDBG Action Plan Staff Report and Resolution to City 0 8 0 $ 1,240 Mid-Late April City Council Adoption of Action Plan with Consultant providing presentation 0 8 0 $ 1,240 Late April – Early May Action Plan Submission into IDIS by Consultant 0 20 8 $ 4,220 Summer/Fall Funding agreements with HUD and subrecipients 0 20 0 $ 3,100 Early August First Draft of CAPER to City for Review 0 20 4 $ 3,660 Mid August Draft City Council Staff Report and Public Hearing Notice to the City. All CDBG Costs processed and approved in the City’s finance system associated with the CAPER 0 20 4 $ 3,660 Mid-Late August Final draft of CAPER, staff report, and Notice to the City 0 20 4 $ 3,660 Mid-September All IDIS drawdowns associated with CAPER complete; Consultant presents CAPER to City Council at Public Hearing; Consultant submits CAPER 0 16 0 $ 2,480 As Needed
TA to subs and City staff on eligibility of projects, regulatory compliance, new federal requirements, and program design. Complete reports to HUD (2516, Semi-Annual Labor Standards)
12 40 0 $ 8,480
As Needed Additional City Council Public Hearings to receive public input on Action Plan; and Amendments 20 0 $ 3,100
Total 12 362 40 $ 63,990
Program Timeline Program Process Total
City of Camarillo
May 14, 2025
122 E. Foothill Blvd. Ste A, #332
Arcadia, CA 91006 P (626) 818-9488
Personnel
Principal in Charge – Veronica Tam - $180/hour
Veronica Tam has been providing technical assistance to the City of Camarillo in CDBG administration for over 15 years. She is familiar with the CDBG program, IDIS system, and the connection between CDBG and the City’s housing and community development goals. Veronica also provides services to cities such as Glendora, Long Beach, and Salinas. She is able provide guidance to her clients by drawing experience from communities of different sizes, community contexts, and unique issues.
Project Manager – Erin Lay - $145/hour
Erin Lay will be the primary person in charge of delivering the majority of the outlined scope of work. As former Grants Manager for Santa Clarita for over 20 years , she has experience in all aspects with CDBG administration from a staff perspective. She has been assisting Camarillo for four years and is familiar with the City’s programs, partners, and processes.
Planner – Jamie Power - $130/hour
Jamie Power has been involved in the preparation of Consolidated Plans, Action Plans, and CAPERs for other VTA clients. These include San Marcos, Westminster, and Orange County. She will assist Erin in report preparation.
R E S U M E
V e r o n i c a T a m a n d A s s o c i a t e s
1 0 7 S . F a i r O a k s A v e n u e , S u i t e 2 12 , P a s a d e n a , C A 9 1 1 0 5 P ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4 - 0 4 4 0 F ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4 - 0005
EDUCATION
MA, Urban Planning, University of
California, Los Angeles
BES, Urban and Regional Planning
(Economics Minor), University of
Waterloo, Canada
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Certified Planners
American Planning Association
AWARDS
2023 APACA – Northen Section
Distinguished Planner
2016 APACA
Award of Excellence – Opportunity and
Empowerment: 2014-2015 Salinas
Housing Initiatives
2016 Northern Section, APACA
Award of Merit – Public Outreach: 2014-
2015 Salinas Housing Initiatives
2016 APACA
Award of Merit – Best Practice: Fresno
Multi-Jurisdictional Housing Element
2016 Central Valley Section, APACA
Award of Excellence – Best Practice:
Fresno Multi-Jurisdictional Housing
Element
2014 APACA
Award of Merit – Hard Won Victories:
2013-2021 El Cajon Housing Element
2014 San Diego Section, APACA
Comprehensive Planning, Small
Jurisdiction: 2013-2021 El Cajon
Housing Element
VERONICA TAM, AICP
PRINCIPAL
Ms. Tam has expertise in the areas of housing policy
development and community development planning. She has over 25 years of experience preparing a range of housing and community development plans and studies for jurisdictions throughout California.
RELATED PROJECT EXPERIENCE
6th Cycle Housing Elements (80 Jurisdictions)
Bell Gardens
Berkeley
Beverly Hills
Camarillo
Capitola
Claremont
Culver City
El Cajon
El Segundo
Escondido
Gardena
Glendora
Goleta
Hermosa Beach
Imperial Beach
La Mesa
Los Angeles County
Marin County
Mission Viejo
Pacific Grove
Palmdale
Palo Alto
Petaluma
Port Hueneme
Rancho Cucamonga
Salinas
San Clemente
San Diego County
San Fernando
San Ramon
Santa Barbara County
Santee
Simi Valley
Thousand Oaks
Vista
Walnut
5th Cycle Housing Elements (60 Jurisdictions)
Avalon
Buena Park
Chino
Corona
El Cajon
Encinitas
Glendora
Gonzales
Hawthorne
Lawndale
Lomita
Long Beach
Marina
Monterey County
Pomona
Rancho Santa Margarita
San Fernando
Seaside
Consolidated Plans
Alhambra
Carlsbad
Costa Mesa
El Cajon
Glendale
Glendora
Lancaster
Long Beach
Perris
Salinas
Santee
Santa Clarita
Simi Valley
Monterey County
Orange County
Fair Housing Studies
Chino
Glendale
Long Beach
Palm Springs
Pasadena
Perris
Pomona
Salinas
Santa Clarita
Monterey County
San Diego County
Ventura County
Special Studies
▪ City of Ventura Inclusionary Housing Policy
▪ Gateway Cities Council of Governments (GCCOG) Housing Assessment and Housing Element Implementation Assessment
▪ City of Long Beach HUD Pro-Housing Grant Application
R E S U M E
V e r o n i c a T a m a n d A s s o c i a t e s
1 0 7 S . F a i r O a k s A v e n u e , S u i t e 2 12 , P a s a d e n a , C A 9 1 1 0 5 P ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4 - 0 4 4 0 F ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4 - 0005
EDUCATION
BS, Communication, California State
University Northridge (18111 Nordhoff
Street, Northridge, CA 91330)
AWARDS
2020 Congressional Recognition of
Excellence Award – Three Oaks
Apartments
ERIN LAY
GRANTS SPECIALIST
Ms. Lay joined VTA in 2021 and has been the lead Project Manager on a number of Annual Action Plans (AAP) and
Consolidated Annual Performance Reports (CAPER). She has also provided technical assistance and directly managed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program
implementation for Grantees.
Ms. Lay has over 20 years’ experience in the areas of C DBG Entitlement and CDBG CV, HOME for State and Participating Jurisdictions, Housing Successor activities, and affordable housing.
RELATED EXPERIENCE
AAPs, CAPERs, and Technical Assistance
Camarillo Santa Clarita Alhambra
Glendora Delano Monterey County
Community Outreach and Engagement
• Community Needs Assessments
• Public Engagement Meetings
• Notice of Funding Availability Processes
• Development of Funding Priorities
Program Design and Implementation
• Proposal Evaluation and Scoring Processes
• Program Guideline Development
• Subrecipient Training and Technical Assistance
Regulatory Compliance Procedures
• Program Eligibility / National Objectives
• Risk Assessment
• NEPA/HEROS
• Section 3 Hiring Standards
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Prior to joining VTA, Ms. Lay worked for 23 years at the City of Santa Clarita developing and managing their CDBG, HOME, and Housing Successor programs.
R E S U M E
V e r o n i ca T a m a n d A s s o c i a t e s
1 0 7 S . F a i r O a k s A v e n u e , S u i t e 2 12 , P a s a d e n a , C A 9 1 1 0 5 P ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4- 0440 F ( 6 2 6 ) 3 0 4- 0005
EDUCATION
MA, Urban Planning, University of
California, Los Angeles
BES, Urban and Regional Planning
(Economics Minor), University of
Waterloo, Canada
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
American Institute of Certified
Planners
American Planning Association
AWARDS
CCAPA Outstanding Planning: El
Cajon Integrated Housing Element
and Consolidated Plan
Northern Section, CCAPA Focused
Issues: Contra Costa County
Analysis of Impediments to Fair
Housing
Northern Section, CCAPA Advocacy
Planning: East Palo Alto Housing
Element
JAMIE POWER
PLANNER
Ms. Power holds a bachelor’s degree in Environmental Studies from the University of California, Sant a Barbara. She joined VTA in 2020 and has be en assisting with the pr eparation of various housings studies.
VERONICA TAM AND ASSOCIATES
Ms. Power is well versed in using Census and CHAS datasets for housing and demographic analysis. As a planner, Ms. Power contributes to the preparation of a variety of housing studies and reports:
6th Cycle Housing Element
Berkeley Gardena Ojai
Beverly Hills Goleta San Clemente
Compton La Mesa San Diego County
El Cajon Los Angeles County San Ramon
El Segundo Los Gatos Simi Valley
Escondido Marin County Santa Barbara County
Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing Analysis
Chula Vista Jurupa Valley Pasadena
Consolidated Plans and Annual Reports
Lancaster Glendora Santa Clarita
Special Housing Studies
Gateway Cities Housing Assessment
Gateway Cities AFFH Housing Policy Analysis
PRIOR EXPERIENCE
Prior to joining VTA, Ms. Power worked at Rincon Consultants as an environmental planner . Ms. Power worked on v arious planning reports including Environmental Impact Reports, air quality and compliance analyses, and technical noise studies.
EDUCATION
Bachelor in Environmental Studies, 2020
University of California, Santa Barbara