Annual Action Plan
2022
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Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The Community Development Department is responsible for implementation of the City's housing program. The Current Planning division handles the processing of new development proposals. CDBG administration and the housing program are the responsibilities of the Housing and Development division. The Building division is responsible for housing codes and compliance activities.
The established institutional structure is working effectively. City staff will continue to maintain the established institutional structure and evaluate future improvements through multiple avenues, including the City’s process improvement team.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The Community Development Department will continue efforts to foster cooperation between City departments, neighboring cities, the County of San Diego, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the Board of the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), other public agencies, organizations and the citizens and business community of La Mesa. With regard to the transit system, the City will work closely with MTS staff to maintain and improve the high level of transit services currently enjoyed by residents of La Mesa, including trolley and fixed route bus services.
The City works with a number of community stakeholder groups to further coordinate efforts and ensure community needs are addressed. Some of these groups are sponsored by the City including, the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Traffic Commission, the Commission on Aging, the Environmental Sustainability Commission, the Parking Commission, and the Youth Advisory Commission. Other groups are private non-profit organizations promoting their area of interest, such as the La Mesa Village Association, La Mesa Beautiful, and the La Mesa Historical Society.
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4) Introduction
Program Specific Requirements are listed below.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 744
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 744
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00% Discussion
See above.
Annual Action Plan
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DRAFT
AMENDED
Annual Action Plan
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Contents
Executive Summary.......................................................................................................................................3 AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b) ....................................................................................3 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b) ......................................................................................6 AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) ...................................................................................7 AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c).....................................................................................10 Expected Resources....................................................................................................................................11 AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2) ..........................................................................11 Annual Goals and Objectives......................................................................................................................13 AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d) .........................................................................................................15 AP-38 Project Summary ..........................................................................................................................16 AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f) ................................................................................20 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j)........................................................................21 AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k) ................................................................................................22 Program Specific Requirements..................................................................................................................25
Annual Action Plan
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Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
Program Year 2 Action Plan Executive Summary
The 2021-2022 One-Year Action Plan implements the second year of the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan and addresses the HUD consolidated planning requirements for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). This Plan includes the funding allocations that the City will make to housing and community development programs and activities.
The City of La Mesa participates in the HOME program under the County of San Diego. HOME funds are being administered directly by the County of San Diego Housing and Community Development Department. Homebuyer assistance if available to current and future La Mesa residents via the County’s HOME-funded Down Payment and Closing Cost Program.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan The Action Plan incorporates outcome measures identified in the Consolidated Plan. Activities are selected in accordance with the Federal Register Notice dated March 7, 2006, which require the following Performance Measure Objectives/Outcomes to be associated with each activity funded:
General Objective Categories- Activities will meet one of the following:
• Decent Housing (DH)
• A Suitable Living Environment (SL)
• Economic Opportunity (EO) General
Outcome Categories- Activities will meet one of the following:
• Availability/Accessibility (1)
• Affordability (2)
• Sustainability (3)
The City of La Mesa has a range of housing and community development needs. CDBG funds alone are not adequate to address the various needs identified during the public outreach process and summarized in the Needs Assessment. Recognizing the national objectives of these funding programs and specific program regulations, the City intends to use these funds to coordinate programs and projects to create a decent and suitable living environment to benefit low- and moderate-income households and those with special needs. Needs which have been determined to be a High Priority level will receive funding during this five-year planning period. Needs with a Low Priority may be funded based on the availability of funds. Program goals established in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, which form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the 2021-2022 Action Plan, are as follows:
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Goal 1 – Improve public facilities and infrastructure to promote a healthy and vibrant city environment.
Goal 2 – Promote equitable access to affordable housing through preservation of existing units, assistance to homeowners, and fair housing services.
Goal 3 – Create programs to prevent and address homelessness and provide access to services.
Goal 4 – Provide local community services to support low- and moderate-income households.
These four goals represent the varied needs that emerged during the ConPlan development process.
Infrastructure emerged as the top priority of survey respondents. The goals identified above specifically address the uses of CDBG and HOME funds in La Mesa.
3. Evaluation of past performance
The City has successfully implemented housing and community development activities in the previous ConPlan cycle, reaching thousands of low- and moderate-income individuals. The City focuses its CDBG funding on infrastructure projects and, having completed 8 (eight) projects, made a significant impact on LMI neighborhoods and individuals in La Mesa. Through CSA San Diego, the City’s fair housing service provider, 750 residents were provided with fair housing services. The City’s affordable housing objective is to provide homeownership opportunities using HOME funds available through the County HOME Consortium. In prior years, the City also issued loans to lower-income homeowners through its Housing Rehabilitation Program, of which 10 loans are outstanding. No recent loans have been issued due to the limited amount of funding available.
Limited CDBG resources have impacted the City’s ability to simultaneously fund capital improvements and public services. The La Mesa City Council has established a policy guideline that suspends the public service program if the City’s annual CDBG funding allocation is below $450,000. One exception to this policy is that the City may pursue funding for homeless services. In addition, the City will continue to support fair housing services such as those that have been provided by the Center for Social Advocacy (CSA) of San Diego County. CSA assists people experiencing housing discrimination. However, the need for public services in the community is extensive.
CDBG funds have primarily supported multi-year improvement projects in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. Collier Park and Vista La Mesa Park are examples of complex, phased infrastructure rehabilitation projects. In 2016-17, the City completed three large undertakings and restored timeliness.
Due to rising construction costs and COVID-related delays, completion of the Collier Park Improvements Project Collier Park has been deferred to the 2021-22 program year. As the majority of CDBG funds are allocated to this undertaking, it is critical that the City complete this project to meet timeliness expectations.
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In evaluating past performance, the City recognizes that even relatively small projects are multi-year undertakings requiring multiple funding sources, which makes achieving and maintaining timeliness an ongoing challenge.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process The City’s community participation process is informed by the Citizen Participation Plan, which guides the implementation of a community engagement process and notification of community meetings and public hearings. In accordance with the adopted Citizen Participation Plan, two noticed public hearings were conducted in the formulation of the 2021-22 Annual Action Plan. Notice of public review periods were published in the Daily Transcript on April 9, 2021 (15-day review), and July 8, 2021 (30-day review).
Notice of the first hearing, held on March 23, 2021, was mailed to interested parties and published in the Daily Transcript on March 8, 2021. The second City Council hearing was held on April 27, 2021.
Public comments are encouraged and all input is considered in the formulation of CDBG needs, priorities, projects, and activities. An amendment was introduced at City Council at a notice public hearing held on March 22, 2022. Notice of a 30-day public review period was published in the Daily Transcript on March 25, 2022.
5. Summary of public comments
No public comments were received related to the 2021-22 Annual Action Plan. However, a significant amount of qualitative feedback on community needs was collected through community meetings, stakeholder consultations, a public comment period, and at formal public hearings during the development of the ConPlan. These comments provided insight into community needs and informed the CDBG program goals as well as the Annual Action Plan. Top priority needs were identified as infrastructure, community facilities, housing, homelessness, and transportation. Formal public comments for the ConPlan were received at meetings of City Council and during a public comment period.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them All public comments were accepted and addressed in the Consolidated Plan and subsequent Annual Action Plan review.
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator LA MESA Community Development
Department
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
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AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
The City of La Mesa has long communicated and collaborates with many governmental and non‐ governmental agencies in the region to address the needs of the City’s LMI population. The City’s formalized collaborative efforts include being a member of the County of San Diego’s HOME Consortium and recipient of Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8) through the County of San Diego’s voucher program. City staff also works closely with the County of San Diego Health and Human Services Agency, as well as nonprofit health and mental health providers.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)).
The City encourages agencies to work together to leverage resources and prevent duplication of services for the betterment of the people being served. During the community engagement process, the City consulted with these and other agencies and businesses at community meetings, through interviews and an online survey. An outreach list was compiled consisting of 187 agencies, including:
• Nonprofit service providers that cater to the needs of low- and moderate-income households and persons
• with special needs, including persons with disabilities; • Affordable housing providers;
• Housing advocates;
• Housing professionals;
• Public agencies (such as school districts, health services, public works); • Economic development and employment organizations; and • Community and neighborhood groups.
Additionally, members of the City’s governing body work closely with other regional entities and committees throughout the County. These affiliations include:
• San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), San Diego County’s federally recognized metropolitan planning organization (MPO)
• Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH), the region’s HUD Continuum of Care (CoC) • San Diego Regional Alliance for Fair Housing
• Quarterly meetings of local CDBG program administrators As of 2018, entitlement jurisdictions must account for narrowing the digital divide and increasing resilience to natural hazards. To do so, the City consulted with 2-1-1 San Diego, the region’s community information exchange, to understand the efforts throughout San Diego County to narrow the digital divide and bring broadband internet service to a broader swath of the population, especially LMI communities.
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Lastly, RTFH and the City’s fair housing service provider were both interviewed in developing the ConPlan. The City will continue to maintain partnerships with these and other agencies to achieve its long-term housing and community development goals.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
The City works closely with the Regional Task Force on the Homeless (RTFH), San Diego County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) entity. Coordinated activities include the annual Point-in-Time (PIT) count and services and shelters for those experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The PIT occurs annually allows the community to engage and survey those experiencing homelessness countywide to provide a count of the region’s sheltered and unsheltered homeless community. The 2019 PIT counted a total 46 unsheltered individuals in La Mesa and there was no data provided regarding sheltered individuals.
Below indicates the demographics of the unsheltered individuals experiencing homelessness in La Mesa:
Table PR-10.01: Homelessness Profile
Homeless Profile % of Unsheltered Homeless Total Homeless Persons Chronically Homeless 47% 22
Veteran 17% 8
Female 24% 11
Families 0% 0
Youth 7% 3
Source: RTFH 2019 Point-In-Time Count
In developing this ConPlan, RTFH was interviewed to provide insight on the challenges and progress on homelessness in the region and in La Mesa.
Given the community concern related to homelessness, the City created a Citizens Taskforce on Homelessness in 2019. The group is comprised of seven residents who meet to discuss matters pertaining to homelessness in La Mesa and surrounding areas. Ultimately this task force will develop recommendations and report back to City Council regarding additional actions the City can take to address homelessness.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction’s area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS The City of La Mesa does not administer ESG funds; however, City staff did consult with RTFH in developing the 2020-25 ConPlan.
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2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting No single agency or organization was purposely excluded from providing input on the Consolidated Plan.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization
How do the goals of your
Strategic Plan overlap with
the goals of each plan?
City of La Mesa Housing
Element, 2013-2021
City of La Mesa This Consolidated Plan
conforms to the adopted City
of La Mesa Housing Element,
2013-2021
Climate Action Plan City of La Mesa A Climate Action Plan to mitigate the impacts of
climate change.
Table 3 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Organization Agency/Group/Organization
What Section of the
Plan was addressed
by consultation?
Briefly describe how the
organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated
outcomes of the consultation
or areas of improved
coordination?
2-1-1 San Diego Community Information
Exchange (CIE)
Needs Assessment
Housing Market
Analysis
Provided localized data to
inform the ConPlan.
County of San Diego County government – Health
and Human Services Agency,
Housing and Community
Development Services, Office of
Emergency Services
Needs Assessment
Housing Market
Analysis
Consulted with various
agencies at the county
government to inform
development of ConPlan.
Legal Aid Society of San
Diego
Fair housing legal service
provider
Needs Assessment
Housing Market
Analysis
Interviewed staff about fair
housing needs and challenges
in San Diego
Regional Task Force on
the Homeless
Continuum of Care Needs Assessment
Market Analysis
Interviewed staff about
homelessness needs and
challenges.
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AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting Citizen participation is one of the most important components of the Consolidated Plan process. The City of La Mesa follows an adopted Citizen Participation Plan to ensure meaningful community involvement at each step. To obtain public input early in the Action Plan’s development, the La Mesa City Council conducted a public hearing on March 23, 2021. Notice of this hearing was published in the Daily Transcript, a newspaper of general circulation, and mailed to a list of 20 local agencies and organizations. At the hearing, the City reaffirmed CDBG program goals and priorities established in the Consolidated Plan and considered options for allocating anticipated funding resources. A copy of the public hearing notice is published in the appendix.
Input received at the first CDBG hearing was incorporated into the draft 2021-22 Action Plan. The plan was made available for public review on the City’s website and at the La Mesa Public Library with notice of public review periods published in the Daily Transcript on April 9, 2021 (15-day review), and July 8, 2021 (30-day review). A second public hearing was held on April 27, 2021. Notice of the second hearing was published in the Daily Transcript on April 9, 2021. An amendment was introduced at City Council at a notice public hearing held on March 22, 2022. Notice of a 30-day public review period was published in the Daily Transcript on March 25, 2022.
The Consolidated Plan, amendments, Annual Action Plans and performance reports will be available for five years at La Mesa City Hall.
Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/attendance
Summary of
comments received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL
if
applicable
1 Newspaper Ad Nontargeted/broad
community
N/A N/A
2 Mailing Nontargeted/broad
community
One inquiry received. N/A N/A
3 Public hearing Nontargeted/broad
community
N/A N/A
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City's allocation for Program Year 2021-22 is $450,233, which is consistent with prior year funding levels. Program Year 2021-22 is Year 2 of the 2020-2025 Consolidated Planning period.
Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses
of
Funds
Expected Amount Available Year 2 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative
Annual Description
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total: $
CDBG Federal $450,233 $0 $0 $450,233 $1,334,303 Estimated CDBG funding
available over
the planning
period is based
on 2020-21
allocation,
excluding funds
carried over
from prior years.
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The City has been successful in obtaining grants and identifying other funds to commit to Consolidated Plan priorities for capital improvement projects. As the City continues to work to carry out improvements that implement the Collier Park Master Plan, funding from California Parks, Environment, and Water Bond (Prop 68) are being sought to leverage CDBG resources. In addition, La Mesa Park & Recreation funds were used to resurface the tennis court in Collier Park and restripe for dual use as a pickleball court.
In FY 2018-19, the City received four HSIP grants totaling $1,014,000, two Active Transportation In FY 2018-19, the City received four HSIP grants totaling $1,014,000, two Active Transportation Program (ATGP) Capital Grants totaling $625,000, and one SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program Planning Grant for $169,000. These recently awarded funds will be used to improve pedestrian and bike safety and promote walkability citywide, including in and adjacent to CDBG eligible neighborhoods. The West La Mesa Street Improvement Project, a $6 million undertaking, completes a new road, Junior High Drive,
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completes missing sidewalk links, and provides over five miles of new Class II or Class III bike lanes adjacent to Helix High School and La Mesa Arts Academy, which are within walking distance of and served by surrounding CDBG eligible neighborhoods.
The City actively applies for grants to complete infrastructure projects in low-moderate income neighborhoods.
If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan Activities to be funded include improvements to a City-owned public park and related street improvements. Collier Park is a publicly-owned local park located in a CDBG-eligible neighborhood.
Right-of-way, including portions of Pasadena Avenue, Palm Avenue, and 4th Street, extend through and around the park. Portions of the adjacent streets are improved with curb, gutter and sidewalks.
Pasadena Avenue, which runs through the park, lacks sidewalks, curb and gutter.
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Improve
Facilities and
Infrastructure
2020 2025 Non-housing
Community
Development
Improve
Facilities and
Infrastructure
CDBG:
$
344,233
Public Facility or
Infrastructure
Activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 28,530
Persons Assisted
2 Fair Housing 2020 2025 Affordable
Housing NonHomeless
Special Needs
Fair Housing CDBG:
$30,000
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 100
Persons Assisted
3 Planning and
Administration
2020 2025 Administration Planning and
Administration
CDBG:
40,000
4 Homeless
Services
2020 2025 Homeless Homeless
Services
CDBG:
$30,000
Public Service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 25
persons assisted
5 Conserve the
Housing Stock
2020 2025 Affordable
Housing
Planning and
Administration
$6,000
Table 6 – Goals Summary
Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Improve Facilities and Infrastructure
Goal
Description
Improve and provide public and community facilities, and make necessary infrastructure improvements to serve low- and moderate-income persons. 2 Goal Name Fair Housing
Goal
Description
Provide fair housing services to foster equal housing opportunity.
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3 Goal Name Planning and Administration
Goal
Description
Program regulations allow the expenditure of up to 20 percent of the annual allocation to support program administration and planning activities. For the past two years, the City has committed 10-15 percent of the annual grant to fund staff and other administrative costs.
4 Goal Name Homeless Services
Goal
Description
Provide support services for those experiencing homeless and those at risk of becoming homeless.
5 Goal Name Conserve the Housing Stock
Goal
Description
Conserve the existing single-family and multi-family housing stock.
Prior to 2014, as a participant of the County's HOME consortium, the City of La Mesa directly received a small allocation of HOME funds for the City's affordable housing activities. HUD revisions to the program now require consortia lead agencies to deliver funds directly to HOME beneficiaries, eligible low-income households. The City no longer receives its specific allocation of HOME funds from the County.
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AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d)
Introduction
This plan outlines the action steps that La Mesa will use to address housing and community development needs in the City. The plan includes a listing of activities the City will undertake during FY 2021-2022 (July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022), that utilize CDBG funds. For FY 2021-22, the City has a total CDBG allocation of $450,233.
# Project Name
1 Collier Park Improvements Phase 2
2 Fair Housing (CSA San Diego County)
3 Program Administration
4 Homeless Services
5 Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Administration
Table 7 – Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
The primary obstacle to meeting underserved needs is the lack of financial and staff resources. Each year, the City of La Mesa City Council selects high priority projects for funding. Other projects, which are high priority and are important to the City’s community development goals, are not funded. In spite of limited resources, the City of La Mesa strives to successfully complete at least one high priority community development project each year.
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AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
1 Project Name Collier Park Improvements Phase 2
Target Area
Goals Supported Improve Facilities and Infrastructure
Needs Addressed Improve Facilities and Infrastructure
Funding CDBG: $ 344,233
Description CDBG has long supported rehabilitation efforts at Collier Park. A need was identified by the community to create a safer, more active use park with improved connections to the neighborhood. Following adoption of the Collier Park Renovations Project Master Plan in 2015, Phase I improvements commenced the following year. Funded with $267,000 of CDBG funds and $42,000 of park funds, the Phase I scope included grading, new hardscape, new landscape, and irrigation improvements to the panhandle portion of the park, near the park entry. Implementation of the master plan is continuing. In 2018-19, $311,500 was allocated to Phase II, which includes new restroom facilities, additional parking, and security upgrades in the heart of the park. Allocations of $378,000 CDBG 2019-20 and $419,676 CDBG 2020-21, together with CDBG 2021-22 funding of $ 344,233 and leveraged with park funds and Prop 68 funds, will allow the city to complete Phase II in the coming year.
Target Date June 2022
Estimate the number
and type of families that
will benefit from the
proposed activities
An estimated 28,530 persons are expected to benefit from this project.
Location Description Collier Park, 4401 Palm Avenue, La Mesa, 91941 Planned Activities FY 2021-22 CDBG funds will be used to complete the next phase of improvements. The scope of work includes grading, new restroom facilities, additional parking, drought tolerant landscaping, and security upgrades in the heart of the park.
2 Project Name Fair Housing (CSA San Diego County)
Target Area
Goals Supported Fair Housing
Needs Addressed Fair Housing
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Funding CDBG: $30,000
Description The Center for Social Advocacy (CSA) of San Diego County provides fair housing services to the City.
Target Date
Estimate the number
and type of families that
will benefit from the
proposed activities
An estimated 100 persons are expected to benefit from this activity.
Location Description City of La Mesa
Planned Activities Each year, the City must certify to HUD that the City is affirmatively furthering fair housing. The contract with CSA San Diego County helps the City meet this CDBG implementation requirement. The City's contribution to CSA, combined with that of several other jurisdictions including the Cities of El Cajon, Santee, National City, and Chula Vista, supports this organization and furthers fair housing goals within La Mesa and the region.
3 Project Name Program Administration
Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Needs Addressed Planning and Administration
Funding CDBG: $ 40,000
Description CDBG Administration is the responsibility of the Housing and Development Division of the Community Development Department.
Target Date
Estimate the number
and type of families that
will benefit from the
proposed activities
Location Description
Planned Activities Administrative activities include preparing annual plans and reports, public outreach, environmental review of projects, labor compliance monitoring, contract administration, subrecipient monitoring, and fair housing testing. Staff also maintains and updates the low-moderate eligible areas map.
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4 Project Name Homeless Services
Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Conserve the Housing Stock
Needs Addressed Homeless
Funding CDBG: $30,000
Description
Homeless services continue to be a critically important and an underserved need in the community. Outreach efforts coordinated through the City’s person-centered Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) program have identified a shortage of housing solutions. A single, coordinated housing stabilization program would most effectively provide a range of housing navigation services.
Leveraged with American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funding, the project would fund a prevention and diversion specialist, motel vouchers, and flex funds for rental applications, utility deposits, and move-in cost assistance over a two-year period.
The total proposed CDBG budget is $226,372, including $30,000 FY 2021- 22 CDBG funds. A provider will be selected through an RFP process.
Target Date June 30, 2023
Estimate the number
and type of families that
will benefit from the
proposed activities
An estimated 25 persons are expected to benefit from this activity.
Location Description City of La Mesa
Planned Activities A 2021-22 CDBG allocation of $30,000 would be used for housing navigation services, motel vouchers, and flex funds for rental applications, utility deposits, and move-in cost assistance. 5 Project Name Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program Administration Target Area
Goals Supported Planning and Administration
Conserve the Housing Stock
Needs Addressed Planning and Administration
Funding CDBG: $6,000
Description Loan portfolio management for the housing rehabilitation program.
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Target Date
Estimate the number
and type of families that
will benefit from the
proposed activities
Location Description
Planned Activities Although no new loans are being granted, there are administrative costs associated with monitoring the loan portfolio and processing loan payoff paperwork.
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2021
20 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The City is committed to a policy that uses CDBG funds to construct public improvements that benefit lower income neighborhoods or special needs populations. While there is some overlap between lower income neighborhoods and neighborhoods with minority concentrations, the City does not use minority concentration as a basis for distribution of assistance.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically Priorities for allocation are a result of various community outreach efforts and consultation meetings developed under the Citizen Participation process and approved by the La Mesa City Council. Generally the needs have been determined to be improvements to aging infrastructure systems, park improvements, and affordable housing. The small size of the community (nine square miles) precludes the need to establish specific Target Areas.
Annual Action Plan
2021
21 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j) Introduction
Public policies can have a negative effect on the development of affordable housing and residential investment. Public policies with potential negative effects include the complex approval process, permitting and other costs that add to project expenses and most importantly, zoning ordinances that inhibit affordable housing development, conversion or rehabilitation.
Actions planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment
Individual cities have little influence over market constraints, but can provide incentives or assistance to overcome the impacts of market constraints. Major governmental constraints to affordable housing development include land use policies governed by the Land Use Element of the General Plan, zoning and development codes, development and planning fees, and growth management policies. The City of La Mesa's Housing Element was adopted by the City Council on July 9, 2013, pursuant to State Housing Element Law. The Housing Element provides long-range policy direction consistent with the General Plan planning period, combined with short-term implementation of programs for the current housing element cycle. The Housing Element identifies the need to address and remove governmental constraints affecting the maintenance, improvement, and development of affordable housing and special needs groups. This includes emergency shelters, transitional housing, supportive housing, and SROs.
A number of recent actions have been taken by the City to reduce barriers to affordable housing. In 2017, the City adopted an Affordable Homes Bonus Program to implement State density bonus regulations. In early 2019 and 2020, the City adopted accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) ordinances to comply with state regulations and encourage new ADU development as an effective means to provide affordable housing. The City does not charge sewer connection fees for ADUs, waives sewer fees for any deed-restricted affordable unit, and waives sewer and park fees for all units in 100 percent deed-restricted affordable projects. Also in early 2019, the City adopted a new zoning ordinance that allows emergency shelters by-right.
Annual Action Plan
2021
22 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k)
Introduction
Program goals established in the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan, which form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the 2021-2022 One-Year Action Plan, are as follows:
Goal 1 – Improve public facilities and infrastructure to promote a healthy and vibrant city environment.
Goal 2 – Promote equitable access to affordable housing through preservation of existing units, assistance to homeowners, and fair housing services.
Goal 3 – Create programs to prevent and address homelessness and provide access to services.
Goal 4 – Provide local community services to support low- and moderate-income households.
These four goals represent the varied needs that emerged during the ConPlan development process.
Infrastructure emerged as the top priority of survey respondents. The goals identified above specifically address the uses of CDBG and HOME funds in La Mesa.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs The City proactively pursues grant funding from a variety of private and public sources. Over the past five years the City has been awarded several grants for street improvements that help address safe routes to school in CDBG eligible areas. In FY 2018-19, the City received four HSIP grants totaling $1,014,000, two Active Transportation Program (ATGP) Capital Grants totaling $625,000, and one SANDAG Smart Growth Incentive Program Planning Grant for $169,000. These recently awarded funds will be used to improve pedestrian and bike safety and promote walkability citywide, including in and adjacent to CDBG eligible neighborhoods. The West La Mesa Street Improvement Project, a $6 million undertaking, completes a new road, Junior High Drive, completes missing sidewalk links, and provides over five miles of new Class II or Class III bike lanes adjacent to Helix High School and La Mesa Arts Academy, which are within walking distance of and served by surrounding CDBG eligible neighborhoods.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The Community Development Department is responsible for the City’s housing programs. Staff is assigned to monitor the status of one “at-risk” affordable apartment project, to manage the housing rehabilitation loan portfolio, and to work with the private sector to develop proposals for new affordable housing construction.
In 2017 the City adopted an Affordable Homes Bonus Program to implement a statewide density bonus program that encourages new housing development across all income levels. In early 2019 the City adopted new accessory dwelling unit (ADU) and junior accessory dwelling unit (JADU) ordinances to
Annual Action Plan
2021
23 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
comply with state regulations and encourage new ADU development as an effective means to provide affordable housing. Another ordinance update intended to further ease ADU and JADU development constraints was adopted in 2020. The City does not charge sewer connection fees for ADUs and is considering waivers of all impact fees for deed-restricted affordable units. A grant-funded ADU guidebook is currently being developed to aid homeowners and builders in successfully planning and completing ADU projects.
In 2019 the City circulated a request for developer qualifications for a mixed-rate multi-family residential project on the former site of the City’s police station. The developer is currently working with the City to finalize the project design. The 1.27-acre site is expected to yield approximately 147 units, nearly all of which will be deed-restricted affordable to households of low and moderate income.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City of La Mesa Building Department provides information to the public regarding the implementation of lead-based paint regulations promulgated by the Environmental Protection Agency.
A handout notifies building department customers of the requirement to hire a lead certified contractor.
A slide with contact information for the EPA lead safe housing program and the need to hire qualified contractor is on the City’s government access television station and is posted on the City’s website.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families As a small city, La Mesa's actions have little direct impact on reducing the number of families living below the poverty level. The impacts of the policies of the County, the State and the Federal governments have a much greater impact. However, the existing housing stock in La Mesa remains relatively affordable and the City continues to support the production of new affordable housing.
The City has also adopted an Economic Development Strategy to define policies and programs to retain and expand local business opportunity. This long-term project is aimed at providing a full spectrum of jobs in the community. These activities could have a positive impact on very low-income families.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The Community Development Department is responsible for implementing the City's housing program.
The Current Planning division handles the processing of new development proposals. CDBG administration and the housing program are the responsibilities of the Housing and Development division. The Building division is responsible for housing codes and compliance activities.
The established institutional structure is working effectively. City staff will continue to maintain the established institutional structure and evaluate future improvements through multiple avenues, including the City’s process improvement team.
Annual Action Plan
2021
24 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The Community Development Department will continue efforts to foster cooperation between City departments, neighboring cities, the County of San Diego, the San Diego Association of Governments (SANDAG), the Board of the Metropolitan Transit System (MTS), other public agencies, organizations and the citizens and business community of La Mesa. With regard to the transit system, the City will continue to work closely with MTS staff to maintain and improve the high level of transit services currently enjoyed by residents of La Mesa, including trolley and fixed route bus services.
The City works with a number of community stakeholder groups to further coordinate efforts and ensure community needs are addressed. Some of these groups are sponsored by the City including, the Planning Commission, the Design Review Board, the Historic Preservation Commission, the Traffic Commission, the Commission on Aging, the Environmental Sustainability Commission, the Parking Commission, and the Youth Advisory Commission. Other groups are private non-profit organizations promoting their area of interest, such as the La Mesa Village Association, La Mesa Beautiful, and the La Mesa Historical Society.
Annual Action Plan
2021
25 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)
Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4) Introduction
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 3,720
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan.
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities
Total Program Income
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities
DATE: April 26, 2022
TO: Mayor and Members of the City Council
FROM: Councilmember Laura Lothian
SUBJECT: DISCUSSION AND POSSIBLE DIRECTION TO STAFF ON PROVIDING
A REGULAR REPORT OF PERMIT AND DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITY
FOR REVIEW BY THE CITY COUNCIL AND PUBLIC
Background
Over the last several months, the City Council was presented several regularly scheduled reports on a number of various items. Some examples:
• City Treasurer's Quarterly Report
• Budget Monitoring Report
• Homeless Outreach and Mobile Engagement (HOME) Program Quarterly Report • Police Chief's Quarterly Operations Report
• Annual Report on Implementation of the General Plan
• Regular Community Bulletin and Council Committee Reports • Annual Board and Commission Work Plans for the Environmental Sustainability, Community Parking, Planning, Historic Preservation, Youth Advisory, Community Services, Mobility, and Community Relations & Veterans Commissions, as well as the Community Police Oversight Board
A glance at that list speaks to the sheer breadth and scope of the myriad areas of City activity and interests, for which the City Council ultimately has responsibility.
Discussion and Consideration
Another of our core responsibilities as a City is to process permit and development applications, in support of our residents and businesses. Many applicants, especially businesses, might well have thousands of dollars committed to projects for which they are relying on the most efficient process feasible.
I believe it incumbent on the City Council to be regularly apprised on the number of applications in the pipeline at any given time, the types of permits and developments being sought, and the general length of time those applications have been in the queue.
By providing a regular report to the City Council and public, it accomplishes a few significant objectives:
• Providing information on whether permit activity is up or down at any given time, including whether trends may be the result of changes in the economic climate, etc.
• Educating the City Council and the public on the process itself. • Information on the types of issues faced by both staff and applicants during the process, which might be identified and improved to streamline the process to the benefit of the applicant and the City.
• Knowledge of additional resources potentially needed to facilitate the processing activity for City Council consideration as part of the annual budget process.
I would ask City Council consideration of requesting the City Manager to develop a process for the Community Development Department to present to the City Council and the public a current La Mesa Permit Activity Report, on a monthly or quarterly basis.
I look forward to any questions and discussion. Thank you for your consideration.