DATE:
November 19, 2024
TO:
Mayor and City Council Members
FROM:
Rachel Molina, City Manager
BY:
Nathan R. Freeman, Development Services Director
SUBJECT:
Public Hearing to Gather Public Input on Community Needs and Priorities for the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025-2026 Action Plan
RECOMMENDED ACTION
It is recommended that the City Council conduct a public hearing to receive comments from members of the public concerning housing and community needs, proposed activities, program performance, strategies for furthering fair housing, and eligible uses of Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) funds.
BACKGROUND
As an “Entitlement Grantee,” Hesperia receives an annual allocation of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the CDBG program. These funds are essential for developing local programs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents by addressing infrastructure improvement needs, public service, and affordable housing.
To continue receiving these funds, the City must prepare and submit a Consolidated Plan, an Annual Action Plan, and a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). These documents serve as the City’s strategic framework for allocating federal resources and setting priorities for housing and community development over the next five years. Additionally, the Consolidated Plan will incorporate findings from the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice to address barriers and support housing equity.
The purpose of this public hearing is to gather input from Hesperia residents and stakeholders on what they consider to be the highest priority community development and housing needs, to evaluate program performance, and discuss strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing. This hearing will help to ensure that the City’s plans reflect the community’s needs and priorities.
In accordance with HUD regulations, the City is required to conduct at least one public hearing before publishing the draft Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for public review. This public hearing is a vital component of the City’s commitment to transparency and community engagement ensuring alignment with HUD’s standards.
ISSUES/ANALYSIS
The Consolidated Plan outlines the City’s housing and community development needs and proposes strategies for using HUD funds to address these needs over a five-year period. The Annual Action Plan details the specific activities that will be undertaken each year to achieve the goals set forth in the Consolidated Plan. Together, these documents form the basis of the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents, particularly those that are low- and moderate-income persons and families.
As part of the public participation process, the City has conducted two community meetings to gather feedback from residents on how federal funds may be used to address the community’s high priority needs. The two meetings were held on October 28, 2024, at 10:00 AM and 5:00 PM at the Hesperia Library (located at 9650 Seventh Avenue).
In addition, the City is distributing a survey to gather input on the community’s short- and long-term needs. The survey is available online at HYPERLINK "https://bit.ly/HesperiaResident" \t "_blank" \o "https://bit.ly/hesperiaresident"https://bit.ly/HesperiaResident and in paper format at the City of Hesperia’s front information counter, the Hesperia Library, the Animal Control facility, and the Public Works facility. The survey will remain open until December 2, 2024, allowing residents ample time to share their views.
The input received during this public hearing, the two community meetings, and the surveys will be used to refine the draft plans before they are finalized and made available for public review.
CITY GOAL SUPPORTED BY THIS ITEM
Future Development: Facilitate balanced growth to ensure cohesive community development and pursue economic development.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
NOTICING PROCEDURES:
In compliance with HUD regulations and the City’s Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), a Notice of Public Hearing was published on November 3, 2024. Notices were also distributed via social media, the City’s website, and posted at accessible locations. The two Community Meetings were also published with a Public Hearing Notice on October 13, 2024.
This Public Hearing had originally been scheduled for November 5, 2024 and was Noticed on October 13, 2024. The Public Hearing was rescheduled to November 19, 2024 and was Noticed on November 3, 2024 informing the public that the November 5, 2024 Public Hearing had been cancelled.
ALTERNATIVE(S)
Provide alternative direction to staff.
ATTACHMENT(S)
None
Page PAGE 2 of NUMPAGES 2
Staff Report to the Mayor and Council Members
Public Hearing for 2025-2029 CDBG Consolidated
November 19, 2024
City of Hesperia
STAFF REPORT