DESIGN PROFESSIONAL SERVICES AGREEMENT
THIS AGREEMENT is made and entered into this _day of
, 20 _ by and between the City of Merced, a California Charter Municipal Corporation, whose address of record is 678 West 18" Street, Merced, California 95340, (hereinafter referred to as "City"') and RSG, Inc., a California Corporation, whose address of record is 170 Eucalyptus Avenue, Suite 200, Vista, California 92084, (hereinafter referred to as "Consultant").
WHEREAS, City is undertaking a project to prepare and submit the 2025- 2029 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") Consolidated Plan/ 2025 (First Year) Annual Action Plan, updates to the Citizen Participation Plan, Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choices, and assist the Housing Division with updating and creating HUD compliant Policies and Procedures pursuant to the requirements of 24 CFR Parts 91, 92, 200, and 570, relating to Consolidation Plan, Annual Action Plan, Citizen Participation, federal grant administration, Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Community Development Block Grant- Coronavirus (CDBG-CV), and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds and other related programs; and,
WHEREAS, Consultant represents that it possesses the professional skills to provide the requested housing consultant services in connection with said project.
NOW, THEREFORE, the parties hereto, in consideration of the mutual covenants hereinafter recited, hereby agree as follows:
1. SCOPE OF SERVICES. The Consultant shall furnish the following services: Consultant shall provide the housing consultant and other related services described in Exhibit "A" attached hereto.
No additional services shall be performed by Consultant unless approved in advance in writing by the City, stating the dollar value of the services, the method of payment, and any adjustment in contract time. All such services are to be coordinated with City and the results of the work shall be monitored by the Housing Program Supervisor and Housing Division Staff, as assigned or designee.
However, the means by which the work is accomplished shall be the sole responsibility of the Consultant.
X: \Agreements\Housing|2024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 1 2 TIME OF PERFORMANCE. All of the work outlined in the Scope of Services shall be completed in accordance with the Schedule outlined in Exhibit "A" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. By mutual agreement and written addendum to this Agreement, the City and the Consultant may change the requirements in said Schedule.
TERM OF AGREEMENT. The term of this Agreement shall
commence upon the day first above written and end on January 31, 2026, or by extension, to allow for any additional time needed to complete all plans and activities.
COMPENSATION. Payment by the City to the Consultant for actual services rendered under this Agreement shall be made upon presentation of an invoice detailing services performed under the Scope of Services, in accordance with the fee schedule set forth in Exhibit "B" attached hereto and incorporated herein by reference. The Consultant agrees to provide all services required under the Scope of Services in Exhibit "A" within the compensation amount set forth in Exhibit "B". For Consultant's services rendered under this Agreement, City shall pay Consultant the not to exceed sum of $94,065.
METHOD OF PAYMENT. Compensation to Consultant shall be
paid by the City after submission by Consultant of an invoice delineating the services performed.
6. RECORDS. It is understood and agreed that all plans, studies, specifications, data magnetically or otherwise recorded on computer or computer diskettes, records, files, reports, etc., in possession of the Consultant relating to the matters covered by this Agreement shall be the property of the City, and Consultant hereby agrees to deliver the same to the City upon termination of the Agreement. It is understood and agreed that the documents and other materials including but not limited to those set forth hereinabove, prepared pursuant to this Agreement are prepared specifically for the City and are not necessarily suitable for any future or other use.
7. CONSULTANT'S BOOKS AND RECORDS. Consultant shall
maintain any and all ledgers, books of account, invoices, vouchers, canceled checks, and other records or documents evidencing or relating to charges for services or expenditures and disbursements charged to the City for a minimum of three (3) years, or for any longer period required by law, from the date of final X: \Agreements Housing\2024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 2 payment to the Consultant to this Agreement. Any records or documents required to be maintained shall be made available for inspection, audit and/or copying at any time during regular business hours, upon oral or written request of the City.
8. INDEPENDENT CONTRACTOR. It is expressly understood that Consultant is an independent contractor and that its employees shall not be employees of or have any contractual relationship with the City. Consultant shall be responsible for the payment of all taxes, workers' compensation insurance and unemployment insurance. Should Consultant desire any insurance protection, the Consultant is to acquire same at its expense.
In the event Consultant or any employee, agent, or subcontractor of Consultant providing services under this Agreement is determined by a court of competent jurisdiction or the California Public Employees Retirement System (PERS) to be eligible for enrollment in PERS as an employee of the City, Consultant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless the City for the payment of any employee and/or employer contributions for PERS benefits on behalf of Consultant or its employees, agents, or subcontractors, as well as for the payment of any penalties and interest on such contributions, which would otherwise be the responsibility of City.
9. INDEMNITY.
A. Indemnity for Professional Liability. When the law establishes a professional standard of care for Consultant's Services, to the fullest extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, protect, defend, and hold harmless City and any and all of its officials, employees and agents from and against any and all losses, liabilities, damages, costs, and expenses, including legal counsel's fees and costs but only to the extent the Consultant (and its Subconsultants), are responsible for such damages, liabilities and costs on a comparative basis of fault between the Consultant (and its Subconsultants) and the City in the performance of professional services under this agreement.
B. Indemnity for Other Than Professional Liability. Other than in the performance of professional services and to the full extent permitted by law, Consultant shall indemnify, defend, and hold harmless City, and any and all of its employees, officials and agents from and against any liability (including liability for claims, suits, actions, arbitration proceedings, administrative proceedings, regulatory proceedings, losses, expenses or costs of any kind, whether actual, alleged or threatened, including legal counsel's fees and costs, court costs, X: \Agreements\Housing\20241RSG Consulting Contract.docx 3 defense costs, and expert witness fees), where the same arise out of, are a consequence of, or are in any way attributable to, in whole or in part, the performance of this Agreement by Consultant or by any individual or City for which Consultant is legally liable, including, but not limited to officers, agents, employees, or subcontractors of Consultant.
10. INSURANCE. During the term of this Agreement, Consultant shall maintain in full force and effect at its own cost and expense, the following insurance coverage:
a. Workers' Compensation Insurance. Full workers' compensation insurance shall be provided with a limit of at least One Hundred Thousand Dollars ($100,000) for any one person and as required by law, including Employer's Liability limits of $1,000,000.00 per accident. The policy shall be endorsed to waive the insurer's subrogation rights against the City.
General Liability.
(i) Consultant shall obtain and keep in full force and effect general liability coverage at least as broad as ISO commercial general liability coverage occurrence Form CG 0001.
(ii) Consultant shall maintain limits of no less than One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per occurrence for bodily injury, personal injury and property damage.
(iii) The City, its officers, employees, volunteers and agents are to be named as additional insureds under the policy, as respects liability arising out of work or operations performed by or on behalf of the Consultant.
(iv) The policy shall stipulate that this insurance will operate as primary insurance for work performed by Consultant and its sub-contractors, and that any other insurance or self insurance maintained by City or other named insureds shall be excess and non-contributory.
(v) Consultant shall maintain its commercial general liability coverage for three (3) years after completion of the work and shall add an additional insured endorsement form acceptable to the City naming the City of Merced, its officers, employees, X: Agreements\Housing\2024IRSG Consulting Contract.docx 4 agents and volunteers for each year thereafter for at least three (3) years after completion of the work. Copies of the annual renewal and additional insured endorsement form shall be sent to the City within thirty (30) days of the annual renewal.
Automobile Insurance.
(i) Consultant shall obtain and keep in full force and effect an automobile policy of at least One Million Dollars ($1,000,000) per accident for bodily injury and property damage.
(ii) The City, its officers, employees, volunteers and agents are to be named as additional insureds under the policy, as respects automobiles owned, leased, hired or borrowed by the
Consultant.
(iii) The policy shall stipulate that this insurance will operate as primary insurance for work performed by Consultant and its sub-contractors, and that any other insurance or self insurance maintained by City or other named insureds shall be excess and non-contributory.
d. Professional Liability Insurance. Consultant shall carry professional liability insurance appropriate to Consultant's profession in the minimum amount of One Million Dollars ($1,000,000). Architects and engineers' coverage is to be endorsed to include contractual liability.
e. Qualifications of Insurer. The insurance shall be provided by an acceptable insurance provider, as determined by City, which satisfies all of the following minimum requirements:
(i) An insurance carrier admitted to do business in California and maintaining an agent for service of process within this State; and,
(ii) An insurance carrier with a current A.M. Best Rating of A:VII or better (except for workers' compensation provided through the California State Compensation Fund).
f. Certificate of Insurance. Consultant shall complete and file with the City prior to engaging in any operation or activity set forth in this Agreement, X: Agreements\Housing\2024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 5 certificates of insurance evidencing coverage as set forth above and which shall provide that no cancellation or expiration by the insurance company will be made during the term of this Agreement, without thirty (30) days written notice to City prior to the effective date of such cancellation-—including cancellation for nonpayment of premium. In addition to any other remedies City may have, City reserves the right to withhold payment if Consultant's insurance policies are not current.
11. PREVAILING WAGES.
A. Labor Code Compliance. If the work performed under this Agreement talls within Labor Code Section 1720(a)(1) definition of a "public works" the Consultant agrees to comply with all of the applicable provisions of the Labor Code including, those provisions requiring the payment of not less than the general prevailing rate of wages. The Consultant further agrees to the penalties and forfeitures provided in said Code in the event a violation of any of the provisions occurs in the execution of this Agreement.
These wage rate determinations are made a specific part of this Agreement by reference pursuant to Labor Code Section 1773.2. General Prevailing Wage Rate Determinations may be obtained from the Department of Industrial Relations Internet site at http://www.dir.ca.gov/.
C. After award of the Agreement, and prior to commencing work, all applicable General Prevailing Wage Rate Determinations, if applicable, are to be obtained by the Consultant from the Department of Industrial Relations. Theses wage rate determinations are to be posted by the Consultant at the job site in accordance with Section 1773.2 of the California Labor Code.
D. Consultant agrees to include prevailing wage requirements, if applicable, in all subcontracts when the work to be performed by the subcontractor under this Agreement is a "public works" as defined in Labor Code Section 1720(a)(1) and Labor Code Section 1771.
E. The consultant agrees to comply with the requirements of the Secretary of Labor in accordance with the Davis-Bacon Act as amended, the provisions of Contract Work Hours and Safety Standards Act (40 U.S.C. 327 et seq.) and all other applicable Federal, State and local laws and regulations pertaining to labor standards insofar as those acts apply to the performance of this Agreement. The consultant agrees to comply with the Copeland Anti-Kick Back Act (18 U.S.C. 874 et seq.) and X: \Agreements\Housing12024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 6 its implementing regulations of the U.S. Department of Labor at 29 CFR Part 5. The consultant shall maintain documentation that demonstrates compliance with hour and wage requirements of this part. Such documentation shall be made available to the Grantee for review upon request.
12. ASSIGNABILITY OF AGREEMENT. It is understood and agreed that this Agreement contemplates personal performance by the Consultant and is based upon a determination of its unique personal competence and experience and upon its specialized personal knowledge. Assignments of any or all rights, duties or obligations of the Consultant under this Agreement will be permitted only with the express written consent of the City.
13. TERMINATION FOR CONVENIENCE OF CITY. The City may
terminate this Agreement any time by mailing a notice in writing to Consultant that the Agreement is terminated. Said Agreement shall then be deemed terminated, and no further work shall be performed by Consultant. If the Agreement is so terminated, the Consultant shall be paid for that percentage of the phase of work actually completed, based on a pro rata portion of the compensation for said phase satisfactorily completed at the time the notice of termination is received.
14. CONFORMANCE TO APPLICABLE LAWS. Consultant shall
comply with its standard of care regarding all applicable Federal, State, and municipal laws, rules and ordinances. No discrimination shall be made by Consultant in the employment of persons to work under this contract because of race, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, sex or religion of such person.
Consultant hereby promises and agrees to comply with all of the provisions of the Federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C.A. 1101 et seq.), as amended; and in connection therewith, shall not employ unauthorized aliens as defined therein. Should Consultant so employ such unauthorized aliens for the performance of work and/or services covered by this Agreement, and should any agency or instrumentality of the federal or state government, including the courts, impose sanctions against the City for such use of unauthorized aliens, Consultant hereby agrees to, and shall, reimburse City for the cost of all such sanctions imposed, together with any and all costs, including attorneys' fees, incurred by the City in connection therewith.
15. WAIVER. In the event that either City or Consultant shall at any time or times waive any breach of this Agreement by the other, such waiver shall not constitute a waiver of any other or succeeding breach of this Agreement, whether X: \Agreements\Housing|2024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 7 of the same or any other covenant, condition or obligation. Waiver shall not be deemed effective until and unless signed by the waiving party.
16. INCONSISTENT OR CONFLICTING TERMS IN AGREEMENT
AND EXHIBITS. In the event of any contradiction or inconsistency between any attached documents) or exhibits) incorporated by reference herein and the provisions of the Agreement itself, the terms of the Agreement shall control.
Any exhibit that is attached and incorporated by reference shall be limited to the purposes for which it is attached, as specified in this Agreement. Any contractual terms or conditions contained in such exhibit imposing additional obligations on the City are not binding upon the City unless specifically agreed to in writing, and initialed by the authorized City representative, as to each additional contractual term or condition.
17. AMBIGUITIES. This Agreement has been negotiated at arms' length between persons knowledgeable in the matters dealt with herein. Accordingly, any rule of law, including, but not limited to, Section 1654 of the Civil Code of California, or any other statutes, legal decisions, or common-law principles of similar effect, that would require interpretation of any ambiguities in this Agreement against the party that drafted this Agreement is of no application and is hereby expressly waived.
18. VENUE. This Agreement and all matters relating to it shall be governed by the laws of the State of California and any action brought relating to this agreement shall be held exclusively in a state court in the County of Merced.
19. AMENDMENT. This Agreement shall not be amended, modified, or otherwise changed unless in writing and signed by both parties hereto.
20. INTEGRATION. This Agreement constitutes the entire
understanding and agreement of the parties and supersedes all previous and/or contemporaneous understanding or agreement between the parties with respect to all or any part of the subject matter hereof.
21. AUTHORITY TO EXECUTE. The person or persons executing this Agreement on behalf of the parties hereto warrants and represents that he/she/they has/have the authority to execute this Agreement on behalf of their entity and has/have the authority to bind their party to the performance of its obligations hereunder.
X: lAgreements Housing|2024IRSG Consulting Contract.docx 8 22. COUNTERPARTS. This Agreement may be executed in one or more counterparts with each counterpart being deemed an original. No counterpart shall be deemed to be an original or presumed delivered unless and until the counterparts executed by the other parties hereto are in the physical possession of the party or parties seeking enforcement thereof.
IN WITNESS WHEREOF, the parties have caused this Agreement to be executed on the date first above written.
CITY OF MERCED
A California Charter Municipal
Corporation
BY:_
D. Scott McBride
City Manager
X: \Agreements\Housing|2024\RSG Consulting Contract.docx 9 ATTEST:
D. SCOTT MCBRIDE, CITY CLERK
BY:
Assistant/Deputy City Clerk
APPROVED AS TO FORM:
CRAIG J. CORNWELL, CITY ATTORNEY
BY: Saig Cornwell 10/18/2024
City Attorney Date
ACCOUNT DATA:
M. VENUS RODRIGUEZ, FINANCE OFFICER
BY:
Verified by Finance Officer
{Signatures continued on next page}
X: Agreements\Housing\2024 RSG Consulting Contract.docx 10 CONSULTANT
RSG, Inc.
A California Corporation
BY:_
(Signature)
Tara E. Matthews
-
(Typed Name)
Its:_ Vice President, Principal
(Title)
BY:
(Signature)
(Typed Name)
Its:
(Title)
Taxpayer I.D. No. 95-3435849
ADDRESS: RSG Inc.
170 Eucalyptus Avenue
Suite 200
Vista, CA 92084
TELEPHONE: (714) 541-4585
FAX: (714)541-4585
E-MAIL: [email protected]
X: \Agreements\Housing\2024IRSG Consulting Contract.docx City of Merced
California
REQUEST FOR PROPOSAL -
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT
AND HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP
PROGRAMS
CITY OF MERCED
HOUSING DIVISION
AUGUST 2024
RSG
BETTER COMMUNITIES.
BOLDER FUTURES
EXHIBIT A
BETTER COMMUNITIES
BOLDER futURES
August 23, 2024 Via Mail
Kim Nutt, Housing Program Supervisor
CITY OF MERCED
678 W.18h Street
Merced, CA 95349
PROPOSAL - COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME INVESTMENT
PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
Dear Ms. Nutt:
RSG, Inc. ("RS") is pleased to submit our proposal to the City of Merced ("City") in response to your Request for Proposals (RFP) released on August 2, 2024. We understand the City is looking for experienced consultants to update the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and First-Year (2025) Annual Action Plan ("AAP"), update the Analysis of Impediments ("Al") to Fair Housing Choice, and update the Citizen Participation Plan ("CPP").
RSG specializes in providing housing, real estate, economic development and fiscal health services to over 110 clients in California over the past year. We have provided housing consultant services to communities throughout California; including Consolidated Plan preparation to the County of San Diego ("County") and six (6) cities within the County's HOME Consortium. RSG also has substantial expertise in developing and updating policies and procedures for HOME, CDBG, and ESG programs. This includes assessing community needs, drafting guidelines for fund allocation, and reporting. RSG is poised at navigating the complexities of federal requirements to equip our clients with clear and actionable policies.
RSG also advises both Orange County and the City of Thousand Oaks, with CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs ensuring that program activities and expenditures comply with legal requirements and reporting in the IDIS portal. In addition, we partner with the cities of Fillmore, Tulare, and Westminster to ensure ARPA SLFRF funds are managed in full compliance with legal standards and are accurately reported in the Treasury portal.
RSG has been a key partner with the City of Merced, assisting with various housing programs and projects such as Housing Successor Agency, Property Disposition, and conducted a Pro- Housing Feasibility study. RSG discloses no conflict of interest in the outcome of this project.
The Principal-in-Charge of this engagement will be Tara Matthews, who is authorized to enter into contracts with the city. Should you wish to discuss any of the information presented, please contact me at [email protected] or at 714.316.2711.
Respectfully,
Tara & Matthaus
Tara Matthews, Principal
ANGE I KLAND
170 Eucalyptus Ave, Suite 200, Vista, CA 92084 | 714.541.4585 | rsgsolutions.com Table of Contents
2. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRM.... ...4
About RSG.................
.... ...4
Mission Statement and Core Valu.......... ...5
Creating and Achieving Strategic Planning Goals.. ...5
.....0.
State and Federal Regulatory Compliance... ....б
Community Engagement...................... ...6
Firm Experience.... ...7
3. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL.. ....................14
4. WORKPLAN AND SCHEDULE.. .........................21
Project Understanding and Scope of Services.... ..21
Consolidated Plan, Annual Action, and Updates to Citizen Participation Plan.. .21 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (Al/ AFH). ..24 Updates to the Housing Division Policies and Procedures... ..25 Schedule.......... ...26
5. Exceptions... ..28
6. Other Information.. ...29
7. Required Form....... ...30
9. Detailed Cost of Services.. 31
2. EXPERIENCE & QUALIFICATIONS OF FIRM
About PSG
RSG (formerly Rosenow Spevacek Group, Inc.) is a California-based, Subchapter "S" and Oakland).
RSG's federal taxpayer identification number is 95-3435849 and state taxpayer identification number is 27600915. RSG is a Small Business Enterprise ("SBE") certified by the California Department of General Services (Certification ID 2006876) and is a California licensed real estate broker (DRE License No. 01933174).
RSG is a creatively charged consultant to California public agencies. We collaborate with the people responsible for creating vibrant places to accomplish their goals. The inspired leaders at RSG create stronger communities capable of achieving bolder futures by bringing more than four decades of native knowledge to each engagement. RSG has proudly worked with over 110 clients in the last year.
At RSG, we believe housing is a basic human right and the foundation of a stable and successful community. We are passionate about creating opportunities for residents to live in housing they can afford, helping to provide the necessary platform to nurture and protect quality of life for all residents. RSG understands how critical housing is for all income levels.
Affordable housing is the key to providing residents with the income to support other needs and stimulate economic development in their communities, allowing children a safe place to return to after school and a greater chance of attaining educational success, allowing individuals a place to call home and recharge after work. Without an adequate supply of affordable housing, communities are deprived of the opportunity to thrive, and issues like homelessness, overcrowding, and economic decline can take hold.
We see our role as technicians, advisors, and extensions of staff to local governments and developers, sharing a common vision of producing and maintaining healthy and affordable housing in communities. As practitioners, we know firsthand that there is no one-size-fits-all solution to California's housing crisis and are ready to dig in and help our clients find solutions that work best for them. RS's housing clients have included cities, counties, housing successor agencies, housing authorities, and developers. We have experience working in coastal communities, major cities, urban areas, Central Valley agricultural communities, islands, and rural areas from Southern to Northern California. We are adept at brainstorming and developing strategies and programs, implementing and overseeing affordable housing programs and developments, performing complex affordable housing underwriting, 4 identifying gap financing resources, and ensuring compliance with State and Federal guidelines.
We are not only consultants in the field, but leaders in the industry as well. As active policy committee members of the San Diego Housing Federation and the Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California, we give a voice to the challenges our clients and communities face in California by influencing legislative initiatives. We collaborate with industry leaders, other consulting firms, and community stakeholders throughout the state to share local success stories, build capacity and broader successes in the state, and remove impediments to communities' ability to reach housing goals. Like you, we hope to solve the housing crisis in California and live in communities where all populations are adequately served and housed. We know there is a ton of work to do and, here at RSG, we are ready to roll up our sleeves and get to it!
and Core Values
RSG creates solutions to enhance communities' physical, economic, and social future. Our core values define who we are as people and the standards by which we provide services to our
OR RELATIONSHIPS OPPORTUNITIES DETERMINATION INVEST VALUE WISDOM Or tour
Creating and Achieving Strategic Planning Goals
Affordable housing can uplift and transform a community not only through elevating residents' quality of life, but also increasing diversity, improving neighboring property values, and attracting more businesses and jobs. Understanding community needs and the role trategic planning plays are key steps in advancing the development of affordable housing RSG evaluates community needs by understanding State and Federal housing goals and requirements, evaluating local housing element goals and RHNA requirements, evaluating local market opportunities and constraints, assessing local community demand and demographics, and understanding local politics and staffing resources.
RSG fully understands the nuances involved in developing both short- and long-term affordable housing strategies and market studies. We help our clients identify appropriate development programming alternatives, explore policy implementation, and identify available financial and real property resources to help reach goals. Some of our areas of expertise include inclusionary housing policies, grant writing, property disposition and leveraging, accessory dwelling unit ("ADU) financing and policies, and local discretionary funding analysis. We worl losely with our clients to formulate precise, accurate, and project-specific solutions anc analyses.
5 State and Federal Regulatory Compliance
we understand that regulatory compliance and reporting is a critical aspect of a local government's housing responsibilities. Our redevelopment agency roots have positioned our team well to address regulatory compliance and reporting needs. Understanding this work BESTE an be burdensome, time-consuming, and complex for some communities, RSG works closel ith our clients to ensure that all annual reporting for housing successor agencies, housin authorities, and cities is completed each year. As the State legislature continues to tighten up on local government housing production and compliance with annual reporting and regulatory compliance, it is imperative that reports accurately reflect community progress towards meeting housing goals.
We have hands-on experience in the administration of public agencies' affordable housing activities for multi-family rental projects and homebuyer assistance programs. RSG ensures that program and project operations are consistent with an applicable bond or other applicable financing provisions, including oversight of a project's financial status, tenant income recertifications, and affordability requirements, together with annual compliance monitoring and regulatory reporting. Additionally, our familiarity and experience with federal regulations positions us to successfully provide services to administer program compliance with the U.S. Treasury's American Rescue Plan Act ("ARPA"), Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG"), Home Investment Partnership Program ("HOME"), Emergency Solutions Grant ("ES") and other State and Federal grant programs. We understand the importance of federal reporting guidelines and assist our clients with getting into and maintaining compliance.
Commut
RSG's foundation in community engagement has been forged through a wide range of experiences. We are trusted by our clients to facilitate simple and complex public discussions ranging from household needs and shopping preferences to land use, public policy, and gentrification. We are proud to have been selected by communities, cities, and non-profit organizations to assist them in achieving their goals through an insightful process that embodies the belief that the community is the expert, which are the core values we hold as an organization.
Our team has worked on project tasks ranging from small group interviews to coordinating feedback from 3,000 residents and several hundred businesses through surveys, interviews, and workshops. The team is also experienced in working with culturally diverse groups, often in multiple languages, and managing sensitive situations, such as assisting households in neighborhood relocation projects and discussing potential policies affecting property owners and residents, including rent stabilization and inclusionary housing ordinances.
RSG has been in the affordable housing arena for over 40 years and intimately understands what it takes to see a project come to fruition and maintain affordability. Aside from our in- depth experience in multiple facets of affordable housing, we see providing housing services as an opportunity to embrace, inspire, and create the changes so desperately needed and deserved in communities across the state. To put it simply, we are passionate about affordable 6 Firm Experience
RSG is currently assisting the Cities of Carlsbad, Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, and Vista, as well as the County of San Diego, in the preparation of their respective Consolidated Plans (Con Plans) for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. Our work across these municipalities involves similar efforts to ensure each plan is tailored to the specific needs and priorities of the local communities hile adhering to regional and federal guidelines. For all these cities, as well as the Coun G is updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting community outreach and inp sessions, interviewing key stakeholders, analyzing community needs through a detailed needs assessment and housing market analysis, and drafting comprehensive, actionable consolidated plans.
One distinction in our approach is the scale of community engagement; while we are conducting 12 outreach events and workshops for the County, the number of such engagements for each city is appropriately scaled to match their size and specific community needs. Throughout this process, RSG is working closely with city and county staff, community partners, and other stakeholders to ensure that each Consolidated Plan is robust, reflective of local needs, and integrated within a cohesive regional strategy.
We also have experience in preparing and updating policies and procedures for multiple federal funding sources - HOME, CDBG, and ESG. We are an advisor to both Orange County and the City of Thousand Oaks to ensure that program activities and expenditures meet legal requirements and entered accurately into the IDIS portal. We also work with Fillmore, Tulare, and Westminster to ensure the ARPA State Local Fiscal Recovery Funds ('SLFRF") funds are spent in compliance with the law and entered accurately into the Treasury portal.
Our qualifications and responsiveness in serving our clients are demonstrated by our established long-term consulting relationships with dozens of public agency clients throughout the state. The following descriptions provide examples of successfully accomplishing related engagements as identified in the Scope of Services section and demonstrate the collective experience and expertise of the team members assembled for this proposal. We encourage you to contact our references or follow up with additional questions.
County of San Diego - Affordable Housing Services
• Consolidated Plan - RSG is currently assisting the County prepare their Consolidated lan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizer Participation Plan, conducting 12 community outreach and input sessions, interviewing stakeholders, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market), and drafting the consolidated plan.
• Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) Subsidy Program - RSG researched existing ADU programs to identify requirements, determine outcomes and overall success of the program, identify how the program is funded, and develop best practices. Based on the information gathered, RSG determined whether there was demand for the program and then researched and analyzed ADU construction trends to assist the County in determining the financial feasibility of ADU product types. RSG prepared a detailed 7 comprehensive report based on the collective research completed. The report provided RSG's recommendations on the parameters, guidelines, and supporting analysis for the design of the Program.
variety of services, including:
• Developer Reviews - San Diego County retained RSG to review and evaluate responses to multiple NOFAs that the County issued regarding funding Rental Assistance Project-Based Vouchers (PBVs), and Project-Based Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) Vouchers. For each project, RSG thoroughly reviewed each developer's pro forma, including construction cost estimates, proposed sources and uses of funding, income and expense assumptions, and cash flow projections.
Subsidy Layering Analyses - For each application, RSG performs a subsidy layering analysis to determine the project's compliance with the strictest requirements of the various proposed funding sources. For projects proposed to be funded with TCAC funding, RSG estimates the project's competitiveness for tax credit funding.
• Memorandums - For each development proposal we review, RSG provides the County a memo providing our recommendation regarding the amount of County funding warranted for the project and a summary of the strengths and weakness of the project. Our memo also details the developer's major pro forma and whether each assumption complies with County
requirements and TCAC Guidelines (if applicable).
Ramona Market Study - RSG evaluated a site located in the Ramona community plan area to determine whether it was suitable for the development of an affordable senior group home. RSG conducted a site assessment to identify the parameters by which an affordable senior group home could be developed on the site, as well as a market assessment to determine the level of local demand for this type of development. Based on our site assessment and market assessment, RSG found the property suitable for an affordable senior group housing development. RSG estimated that the property could be developed with up to 245 living units, a 60,000-square foot senior center, and a parking lot of about 245 spaces. The County moved forward with issuing a Request for Proposals ("RFP") to select a developer for the project. • Ramona Senior Housing RFP Review - RSG analyzed the financial feasibility of • Analysis of Rental Income Assistance - RSG assisted the County in analyzing the need for rental income assistance among individual investor landlords in the county. The 8 •
umber of their tenants who were significantly delinquent in rent and ineligible for existing rental assistance programs, and the average amount by which these tenant were delinquent.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot
Contact Person: Felipe Murillo, Housing Analyst
3989 Ruffin Road, San Diego, CA 92123
(858) 694-4807 / [email protected]
Date of Services: 2016 - Present
City of Carlsbad (Con Plan) - RSG is currently assisting the City of Carlsbad in preparing their Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting two (2) community input meetings, and one (I) stakeholder meeting, drafting community and stakeholder surveys, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market), and drafting the consolidated plan.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot, Dawna Morse Contact Person: Nicole Piano-Jones
1200 Carlsbad Village Dr., Carlsbad, CA 92008
(442) 339-2191 / Nicole. [email protected]
Date of Services: 2024 - Present
City of Encinitas (Con Pian) - RSG is currently assisting the City of Encinitas in preparing their Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting two (2) community input meetings, and one (I) stakeholder input meeting, drafting community and stakeholder surveys, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market), and drafting the consolidated plan.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot, Dawna Morse Contact Person: Cindy Schubert, Housing Management Analyst 505 S. Vulcan Avenue, Encinitas, CA 92024
(760) 633-2726 / [email protected]
Date of Services: 2024 - Present
9 City of La Mesa (Con Plan) - RSG is currently assisting the City of La Mesa in preparing their Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting two (2) community input meetings, drafting community and stakeholder surveys, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market) and drafting the consolidated plan.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot
Contact Person: Myra Pina, Sr. Management Analyst
8130 Allison Avenue, La Mesa, CA 91942
(619) 667-7159 / [email protected]
Date of Services: 2024 - Present
City of Santee (Con Plan) - RSG is currently assisting the City of Santee in preparing their Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting two (2) community input meetings, drafting community and stakeholder surveys, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market), and drafting the consolidated plan.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot
Contact Person: Bill Crane, Senior Management Analyst/Grants Coordinator 10601 Magnolia Avenue, Santee, CA 92071
(679) 258-4100 x288 / [email protected]
Date of Services: 2024 - Present
City of Vista (Con Pian) - RSG is currently assisting the City of Vista in preparing their Consolidated Plan for Fiscal Years 2025-2029. In this capacity, we are updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting two (2) community input meetings, drafting community and stakeholder surveys, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market). and drafting the consolidated plan.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Dominique Clark, Cindy Blot, Dawna Morse Contact Person: Johannah Knieff, Staff Assistant
200 Civic Center Drive, Vista, CA 92084
(760) 643-5256 / [email protected]
Date of Services: 2024 - Present
Orange County Community Resources - Affordable Housing Services (Procedures, Housing Successor Annual Reporting, and Project Implementation) 10 Since 2015, RSG has provided on-call housing consulting services to Orange County Community Resources for a wide variety of housing programs and projects. Our services have included:
• Policies and Procedures Manuals - RSG prepared policy and procedure manuals for the County's CDBG, HOME CoC, and ESG programs, as well as for the use of IDIS and their affordable housing compliance monitoring at properties assisted by the County. The anuals were written broadly enough to ensure compliance with federal requiremen hile giving staff flexibility to change internal procedures without a need to constant revise their policies and procedures. RSG continues to work with the City to routinely update the manuals in order to ensure compliance.
• SB 341 Reporting - RSG prepares the annual housing successor agency expenditure report for the County (as well as several other RSG clients). As part of this work, RSG is proactive in engaging our clients in the identification of issues and opportunities for investment to maximize the use of these resources. In this capacity, we have helped the County identify additional funding that was included in their most recent Permanent Supportive Housing NOFA. We also identify and track the use of the County's HOME funds to ensure they are leveraging funds and meeting legal requirements.
• HOME Compliance - RSG routinely identifies and tracks the use of the County's HOME funds to ensure they are leveraging funds and meeting legal requirements. Activities include conducting a Subsidy Layering Review that includes:
• Reviewing the developer's development pro forma to determine the reasonableness of estimated development costs, revenue assumptions and proposed financing structure, including, but not limited to, the potential for receiving HOME funds; and
Preparing a memorandum detailing our findings and recommendations regarding the economic feasibility of the proposed development, as well as whether the total requested amount of program funding and other governmental assistance exceeds the amount necessary to make the project feasible due to the unreasonableness of the costs and/or projected rate of RSG also conducts a Neighborhoods Standard Review that includes determining whether the Project site is of adequate size, exposure, and contour to the proposed development, has adequate utilities, and is not in an area of minority concentration. • Agreement Preparation - The County also requested that RSG serve as a projec oordinator on multiple projects wherein we were responsible for the preparation an oversight of controlling documents. We were responsible for working with legal counsel and coordinating with the entire development team to prepare project closing documents.
• Legislative Monitoring - RSG provides the County with frequent legislative updates regarding matters that may affect them. It is common that we are asked to research or provide input on how legislative matters may impact the work the County does. We most recently advised them on Opportunity Zones.
• Emergency Rental Assistance Program Evaluation - RSG drafted a memo detailing the evaluation of funding sources for emergency rental assistance payment programs derived by the federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ('CARES Act") and from the federal Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021 (CAA"). Both funding sources aim to provide financial assistance to tenants who, as a result of the financial hardships caused by COVID-19, were struggling to meet their monthly rental obligations. The memo detailed a comparative analysis of the requirements and intent of both emergency rental assistance payment programs. RSG evaluated the allocated funding amounts, targeted population, eligibility requirements, and application process and weighed in on the advantages and disadvantages for each program. • Compliance Monitoring - RSG partnered with the County to structure, streamline, and implement procedures for their affordable housing compliance monitoring portfolio.
Services included the following:
• Reviewing and summarizing each project's controlling agreement; • Detailing affordability restrictions, funding source amounts, and documentation requirements;
• Creating a manageable database that details project information and tracks compliance data, including inspection dates, annual and quarterly compliance reporting, project contact information, and affordability requirements; and • Training staff on policies and procedures as it relates to compliance monitoring.
In addition to setting up the compliance structure, RSG assisted with compliance monitoring coordination activities. Services included the following:
• Scheduling on-site monitoring visits;
• Conducting file audit reviews;
• Analyzing income-restricted reporting data;
• Reviewing certificates of compliance to confirm correct set-asides for ail income level limits; and
• Collecting management plans.
• Residual Receipt Analysis - RSG provided financial audit services to ensure compliance pursuant to related affordable housing agreements and loan documentation. The audits focused primarily on the review of financial statements and the creation of a cash flow analysis to determine residual receipt revenue for each project. Any variances between the property owner's calculation and RSG's were discussed among all relevant parties.
Relocation Oversight - RSG provided oversight on the draft Relocation Plan prepare y Overland, Pacific, and Cutler, LLC for Jamboree Housing Corporation's plans t Jotices to Vacate, Notices of Eviction, and a Notice of Ineligibility to ensure th locuments met the requirements of California Relocation Law (Government Cod inally, RSG was tasked with training staff to take on all monitoring activities and ensure the vere properly qualified in the field of compliance review and residual receipts, all whil 12 formulating knowledge of policy and procedures with a monitoring manual, previously authored by RSG.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Cindy Blot
Contact: Julia Bidwell, Director of Housing & Community Development 1770 N. Broadway, Santa Ana, CA 92706
(714) 480-2991/[email protected]
Date of Services: 2015 - Current
City of Westminster - Housing Consulting Services
• Compliance Monitoring - RSG currently provides compliance monitoring services for both rental and home ownership units. For rental units, we certify that the income eligibility and rent verification comply with funding source legal requirements. For home ownership units, we verify occupancy and primary residency. We also assist with any property resale eligibility restrictions and title clearance issues. • LEAP & PLHA Grant Assistance - The City obtained RSG's services to assist in the application process for the LEAP and PLHA Grants, both aimed at providing funding to cities to assist with promoting the development of affordable housing. RSG reviewed various funding activities and assisted the City in selecting those which would make best use of the funding while fitting the City's affordable housing needs. Additionally, RSG assisted the City with filling out the application, coordinating the receipt of required support documentation and submitting the application. • ARPA Fund Compliance and Reporting - The City hired RSG in 2022 to assist with compliance and reporting related to the expenditure of America Rescue Plan Act, Coronavirus State & Local Fiscal Recovery Funds. RSG provides ongoing assistance with preparing quarterly Project and Expenditure Reports via the Treasury's COVID-19 Relief Hub through the end of the award period in December 2026.
Lead Staff: Tara Matthews, Cindy Blot
Contact: Erin Backs, Finance Director
8200 Westminster Blvd., Westminster CA 92683
(714) 548-3185/[email protected]
Date of Services: 2014 - Current
13 3. EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS OF PERSONNEL
that a project is completed on time and within budget.
RSG has assembled a team of highly qualified consultants with extensive expertise in federal This engagement will be led by Tara Matthews, Principal-in-Charge. Additional RSG staff assisting with the engagement include Suzy Kim, Director and Project Manager; Dominique Clark, Director; Cindy Blot, Senior Associate; and Dawna Morse, Associate. Additional staff may be assigned as needed. Please see brief bios below and resumes following. RSG confirms the availability of the Project Manager and identified team members to assist with this project.
Tara Matthews, Principal - Tara will serve as the Principal-in-Charge of this engagement. Tara is a respected housing expert with over 20 years of experience focused primarily on all aspects of affordable housing. Tara prepared strategies to spend affordable housing funds and leverage properties based on community needs and legal requirements, such as how existing resources could help make progress towards RHNA requirements and Housing Element goals.
She also implemented strategies by issuing Requests for Proposals and Notices of Funding Availability, as well as direct property marketing. Additionally, she has assisted the cities of Pinole, Murrieta, Norco, and Merced develop property disposition strategies and helped secure affordable housing units. Tara oversees RS's compliance monitoring services and annual reporting requirements at the firm. She also oversees federal funding compliance work for Orange County, San Diego County, Fillmore, Tulare, and Westminster. She worked directly on preparing policy and procedure manuals for the County of Orange. She is a San Diego Housing Federation Policy Committee member and is sought out as a speaker at their annual conference and other housing conferences.
Suzy Kim, Director and Project Manager - Suzy has been with RSG since 2006 and has provided housing consulting services to the City of Merced since 2018. Suzy brings expertise in affordable housing and its intersection with real estate and public finance. She is knowledgeable about federal, state, and local Merced policies and requirements. Suzy California's Legislative Issues Committee, she is well informed of ongoing legislative changes that impact our clients.
Dominique Clark, Director - Dominique has been with RSG since 2013 and shares her knowledge and proficiency in affordable housing, real estate, and municipal finance to advance client and community objectives. Dominique most recently provided relocation 14 assistance to residents of a 225-space mobilehome park in the city of Carson, where work included counseling residents one-on-one, verifying household incomes, and drafting correspondence to residents regarding relocation benefit options. She has extensive property management experience and is very familiar with
Dominique's housing experience also spans advising San Diego County in their establishment of an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) subsidy program and conducting site assessments and market studies for potential affordable housing projects. She is also overseeing the completion of San Diego Countys Consolidated Plan. She is a licensed California Real Estate Agent (#01989248).
Cindy Blot, Senior Associate - Cindy specializes in federal funding compliance. Since joining RSG in 2021, she has been pivotal in ensuring ARPA expenditure compliance for municipalities like Fillmore, Tulare, and Westminster, while also managing IDIS data input. Notably, Cindy played a key role in updating the CDBG Policy and Procedures manual for the County of Orange and creating an extensive IDIS manual. Currently, Cindy assists several municipalities in developing Five-Year Consalidated Plans, updating Citizen Participation Plans, and conducting community outreach for compliance. Before her time at RSG, Cindy held significant roles as the Director of Community & Economic Development for Fayettevilie, NC, and New Bern, NC. Her responsibilities included administering vital programs such as CDBG, HOME, and ESG. She was instrumental in revitalizing severely distressed affordable housing using HUD's Choice Neighborhood grant funds. Cindy's oversight also extended to critical programs like CDBG-DR and HMGP housing relocation initiatives. Additionally, she led grant oversight for major reuse projects like a Workforce Development Training Center, ensuring compliance with EPA grant funds.
Dawna Morse, Associate - Dawna has over 15 years of experience in housing and economic development collaborating with municipalities and developers of all sizes. Since joining RSG in 2023, Dawna has contributed to assisting jurisdictions with implementing rental stabilization and control ordinances, including the City of Santa Ana Rent Stabilization ordinance and Palmdale's Mobile Home Space Rent Control ordinance, Also, she has helped draft affordable housing policies and guidelines for the City of Los Angeles. Currently, Dawna is assisting the County of San Diego and Cities of Encinitas, La Mesa, Santee, and Carlsbad in drafting their Consolidated Plan, updating the Citizen Participation Plans, reviewing and drafting of community and stakeholder surveys, and hosting community and stakeholder meeting. Prior to joining RSG, Dawna oversaw programs tied to federal funding sources like HOME, CDBG, ESG, and Section 8, working with the El Camino Real Housing Authority, County of San Diego, Kulshan Community Land Trust, and numerous developers. Dawna also provided critical analysis for the County of San Diego's Consolidated Plan and is an active member of the Washington Low Income Housing Alliance.
15 TARA MATTHEWS
Principal & Vice President
714.316.2111
[email protected]
PROFILE ABOUT TARA
"I enjoy problem solving and Driven by the passion to improve the lives of all sectors of a community, Tara working with people who expertly navigates projects with a comprehensive knowledge of communit make things happen to levelopment, affordable housing, and economic development. The complexity o improve their community. her projects includes property acquisition and relocation services, development Seeing a project that I worked impact fee analyses, and the creation and monitoring of affordable housing on come to fruition is very projects. Tara is skilled at client collaboration, strategic planning, research and exciting. I can say, I heiped analysis, financial projections, report writing, and outreach. make that happen!"
EDUCATION
OUT & ABOUT Tara joined RSG in 2004. She received a BS in Earth Sciences at the University of an Diego Housing Federation/Polic California, Santa Cruz, and a Certificate in Urban Planning and Development from committee and Conference Speake the University of California, San Diego. Tara is an active member of the San Diego The Kennedy Commission Housing Federation and serves on its Policy Committee. She shares her knowledge and proficiency in municipal finance, economic development policy analysis, and California Property Tax Managers real estate to advance client and community objectives.
Association, Annual Conference Speaker
California State Municipal Finance
Officers, Speaker RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
allfornia Association for Local Econom Overseeing the completion of San Diego County's FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan, evelopment (CALEC including updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting community outreach and workshops, interviewing stakeholders, analyzing community needs (needs Housing California assessment and housing market), and drafting the plan and tables.
Non-Profit Hausing Association of
Northern California (NPH) Conducted affordable housing underwriting and technical reviews for the County of San Diego for multiple projects including a variety of funding sources such as NPLH, Southern California Assoclation of Non-
Profit Housing (SCANPH) VASH, PBV, HOME, and LIHTC.
alfornia Association of Local Housin Provided multiple affordable housing services to the County of Orange, including inance Agencies (Cal-ALHFA underwriting and subsidy layering analyses, annual reporting and compliance, and San Diego Housing Federation (SHF) updates to policies and procedures for the HOME, ESG, CoC and CDBG programs. lifornia Association of Local Agen Prepare strategies to spend affordable housing funds and leverage properties based ormation Commissions (CALAFG on community needs and legal requirements. Including how existing resources could help make progress towards RHNA requirements and Housing Element goals.
Implement strategies by issuing Requests for Proposals, Notices of Funding Availability or direct property marketing, most recently in the cities of Lake Forest, Merced, Murrieta, Norco, Pinole and Tulare. Ensure proposals meet legal requirements tied to funding sources and properties, such as Senate Bill 341 and BETTER COMMUNITIES. LIHTC. Activities also included presenting findings to decision makers.
BOLDER FUTURES.
rsgsolutions.com San Diego • Los Angeles • Oakland • Corona | 714.541,4585
SUZY KIM
Director
714.316.2116
[email protected]
PROFILE ABOUT SUZY
"I value the close relationships Suzy has collaborated with over 80 jurisdictions throughout California during her I develop with clients driven by time at RSG, from rural unincorporated areas to large coastal cities. She has a broad a genuine interest in creating range of expertise; her work ranges from creating economic development solutions to improve our strategies, drafting affordable housing policies, implementing loan programs to communities." assist low-income homeowners, underwriting affordable housing financing requests, marketing City properties to meet placemaking goals, and monitoring the OUT & ABOUT fiscal health of public funds.
Callfornia Association for Local
Economic Development (CALED) EDUCATION
Economic Deveropment, Real Estate, Suzy joined RSG in 2006. She received a dual BA in Sociology and Asian American and Finance (EDFRE) Committee Studies from Scripps College and a Master of Urban and Regional Planning from the Member University of California, irvine.
alifornia Community Economic Suzy anchors RSG's Oakland office and has worked from the Bay Area since 2009.
Development Associatior
Association of Callfornia Cities RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Orange County (ACCOC)
Serve as an extension of staff for the City of Merced on managing over ten Orange County Business Council affordable housing projects at a time. Assist on all steps from developing policies, following the Surplus Lands Act, issuing RFPs and NOFA, underwriting developer Callfornia Association of Local proposals, drafting commitment letters and agreements, and taking proposals to Agency Formation Commissions City Council for consideration. In 2022, Suzy began an in-lieu fee study and (CALAFCO)
prohousing policy to help the City obtain a prohousing designation and funding from Housing California
Non-Profft Housing Association of Prepare HOME Subsidy Layering Analysis and Neighborhood Standards Reviews Northern Callfornla (NPH)
required for affordable housing projects that receive HOME funding, most recently Southern California Assoclation of in El Monte and Merced. Utilize HUD's multifamily underwriting template and cost Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) allocation tool to determine whether a project has reasonable development costs, is financially sound, and not over-subsidized.
California Association of Local
Housing Finance Agencles (Cal- Underwrite affordable multifamily rental and self-help ownership housing projects ALHA)
to help clients determine if they should provide financial assistance, most recently San Diego Housing Federation in El Monte, Merced, Pinole, Pleasant Hill, Tulare, Thousand Oaks, and the County (SDHF) of San Diego. Evaluate the reasonableness of each request based on the project's overall financial feasibility, the likelihood of being repaid, and financial assistance granted for comparable projects by other public agencies.
BETTER COMMUNITIES
BOLDER FUTURES.
rsgsolutions.com | San Diego • Los Angeles • Oakland | 714.541.4585
DOMINIQUE CLARK
Director
714.316.2143
[email protected]
PROFILE ABOUT DOMINIQUE
"My love for numbers, data, Dominique shares her knowledge and proficiency in real estate, municipal finance, and spreadsheets benefits and affordable housing to advance client and community objectives. Her work entire communities, not just includes real estate dispositlon, pro forma analyses, affordable housing work, fiscal one person or one company. Impact analyses, and fiscal consultant and continuing disclosure reports.
I'm grateful that my analytical
and project management skills EDUCATION
contribute to work that
matters to me." Dominique joined RSG in 2013. She earned a BA in Sociology from Wheaton College and a Master of Public Policy (MPP) from the University of Southern California.
OUT & ABOUT
RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Licensed California Real Estate
Agent (#01989248) Overseeing the completion of San Diego County's FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan, including updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting community outreach Neighborhood Housing Services of and workshops, interviewing stakeholders, analyzing community needs (needs the Inland Empire (NHSIE) Board assessment and housing market), and drafting the plan and tables. of Directors
Evaluated multifamily residential development proposals submitted in response to California Association for Local
Economic Development (CALED) County of San Diego and City of Murrieta Notices of Funding Availability (NOFAs) and provided recommendations regarding whether to provide the funding Housing California requested by the applicants. Conducted a comprehensive analysis of each project, including the development budget, proposed funding sources, and cash flow Non-Profit Housing Association of projections.
Northern California (NPH)
Provided relocation assistance to residents of a 225-space mobilehome park in the Southern California Association of
Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) city of Carson. Work includes counseling residents one-on-one, verifying household incomes, and drafting correspondence to residents regarding relocation benefit California Association of Local options.
Housing Finance Agencies (Cal-
ALHFA) Performed housing market analysis legally required to support an update to the City of Agoura Hills' residential impact fee schedule.
San Diego Housing Federation
(SDHF) Conducted an analysis and provided recommendations to support an update to the California Association of Local City of Montclair's Inclusionary housing requirements and in-lieu fees.
Agency Formation Commissions Assisted the County of San Diego with establishing an accessory dwelling unit (ADU) (CALAFCO) subsidy program. Analysis included researching ADU subsidy programs in comparable jurisdictions and assessing demand in the county for ADU development.
JETTER COMMUNITIES
SOLDER FUTURES
rsgsolutions.com | San Diego • Los Angeles • Oakland • Corona | 714.541.4585
CINDY BLOT
Senior Associate
714.316.2118
[email protected]
PROFILE ABOUT CINDY
"l am a creative problem solver Cindy's background includes community and economic development, asset who enjoys getting deeply management, and finance for affordable housing, mixed-income multifamily, and connected with my projects." commercial real estate developments. Having worked in commercial banking, Cindy developed strong skills financing complex residential and commercial projects utilizing a variety of funding sources and tax credits. Her community development OUT & ABOUT experience resulted in municipalities being awarded millions of dollars in federal Housing California grant funds.
Non-Profit Housing Association of
Northern Callfornia (NPH) EDUCATION
Southern Californla Association of Cindy joined RSG in October 2021 as a Senior Associate. She received a BS in Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) Business Management and a master's degree in Public Administration, with an California Assoclation of Local Housing emphasis on Economic Development, from Eastern Carolina University. Cindy has Finance Agencies (Cal-ALHFA) worked with multiple municipalities throughout the country, focusing on affordable San Diego Housing Federation (SDHF) housing and economic development. Her affordable housing experience includes both 9% and 4% LIHTC transactions, HUD HOME and CDBG projects, and mixed lifomia Association of Local Agen income/mixed use public/private partnership developments. Her economic rmation Commissions (CALAFC development experience includes new market and historic tax credit projects and (The list below is related to North public/private partnership development.
Carolina.)
Chamber of Commerce RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
Rotary Club, Director Completing San Diego County's FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan, including updating the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting community outreach and workshops, Habitat for Humanity interviewing stakeholders, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and The Entrepreneur Center-Grant housing market), and drafting the plan and tables.
Writer/Organizer
Completed HOME, CDBG, and ESG program compliance and reporting in IDIS and SCORE, Counselor HMIS for the City of Stockton.
Downtown Business Development Developed policies and procedures for federal compliance for the County of Orange.
Council
Assisted with the development and implementation of rent stabilization ordinances for the Cities of Santa Ana and Pomona.
Loan documentation and program compliance for affordable housing programs for the City of Cypress.
BETTER COMMUNITIES
BOLDER FUTURES
rsgsolutions.com | San Diego • Los Angeles • Oakland • Corona | 714.541.4585
DAWNA MORSE
Associate
714.516.8171
[email protected]
PROFILE ABOUT DAWNA
"I am dedicated to Dawna's dedication to tackling disparities in education, housing, and employment empowering communities to is evident through her 15-year track record of supporting communities throughout build the foundations of strong the United States. Her expertise lies in housing policy and program development, and resillent societies, where creation of employment and training programs, establishing employer-based every individual has an equal mortgage and down payment assistance programs, conducting feasibility analysis opportunity to thrive." and studies, and creating innovative housing solutions for municipalities and Community Land Trusts.
OUT & ABOUT
Housing California EDUCATION
Non-Profit Housing Association Dawna possesses an MBA in Management and Strategy, a BA in Educational Studies of Northern California (NPH) with a focus on Adult Learning Theory and holds a Housing Development Finance Professional certification.
Southern California Association
of Non-Profit Housing RECENT ENGAGEMENTS
(SCANPH)
Completing San Diego County's FY 2025-29 Consolidated Plan, including updating California Association of Local the Citizen Participation Plan, conducting community outreach and workshops, Housing Finance Agencies (Cal- interviewing stakeholders, analyzing community needs (needs assessment and housing market), and drafting the plan and tables.
San Diego Housing Federation Assisted in the review of the annual Development Impact Fee Reports for the City (SDHF) of Atwater to aid in achieving compliance.
California Association of Local Assisting the City of Santa Ana with the implementation of their Rental Stabilization Agency Formation Ordinance.
Commissions (CALAFCO)
Assisting in the creation of affordable housing policies to guide the implementation Housing Advisory Committee of affordable housing incentives for the City of Los Angeles. of Whatcom County
Review annual registration documents submitted by owners of mobilehome parks Washington Low Income in the City of Palmdale and communicate back-and-forth with the owners until Housing Alliance (WLIHA) registration is completed pursuant to City requirements.
Assisted in drafting an Affordable Housing Incentive Guide for the City of Los Angeles.
Assisted in calculating maximum affordable purchase price for the Carson Housing Authority.
Assisted in the compliance monitoring of affordable LIHT projects, including resident
ETTER COMMUNITIE
OLDER FUTURE file review, for the City of Fontana.
rsgsolutions.com | San Diego • Los Angeles • Oakland • Corona | 714.541.4585
4. WORKPLAN AND SCHEDULE
Pro cope c
RSG understands that HUD grantees are required to submit various plans to ensure compliance with grant requirements. The City must use the Information Disbursement and Information System ("IDIS") to complete the following plans:
1. Consolidated Plan
2. Annual Action Plans ("AAP")
3. Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report ("CAPER") HUD requires recipients of CDBG, HOME, ESG, and HOPWA funds to develop a 5-Year Consolidated Plan every five years and an Annual Action Plan each year. The 5-Year Consolidated Plan is intended to assist states and local jurisdictions in evaluating their affordable housing and community development needs, as well as market conditions, to support data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The year 1 Annual Action Plan is included in the 5-Year Consolidated Plan. The Annual Action Plans outline the expected funding resources for the upcoming year, how the City's intends to allocate these funds, and anticipated outcomes. These plans also serve as the annual grant application to HUD. AIl HUD grantees must submit their 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans using the Consolidated Plan template in the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
RSG has extensive experience with IDIS and has successfully submitted the required information on behalf of numerous clients.
RSG recognizes that the Consolidated Plan provides a foundation for community-wide discussions to identify housing and community development priorities that align with and direct funding from HUD's Community Planning and Development formula block grant programs.
Consolidal on, and Updates to Citizen rticipati
Consolidated Plan - RSG will draft all relevant sections of the Consolidated Plan specific to the City of Merced for input into IDIS, acknowledging that some auto-generated sections may not be applicable. RSG will support the City with inputting required data into IDIS. RSG will gather the necessary information, perform required analyses, and summarize data to draft the following sections:
• Executive Summary (ES-05) - This section provides a concise overview of the plan's ke indings, strategic priorities, community input, funding allocations, and expecter outcomes. It serves as a quick guide for stakeholders to understand the plan's main objectives and how it will address community needs over the next five years. RSG will draft a comprehensive Executive Summary for both the Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan.
for the Consolidated Plan. RSG will summarize this process and draft for inclusion. 21 • Needs Assessment. (NA 05 through NA 50) - RSG will conduct detailed demographic, socio-economic, and public facility and CIP analysis to determine both housing and non-housing needs in the City as required by HUD.
Housing Market Analysis (MA 05 through MA 65) - RSG will conduct a housing market analysis, looking at indicators, such as housing product types, rent and sales prices, and affordability. RSG will also evaluate non-housing community development assets that are important in assessing household income potential available to support housing costs, such as business activity, employment and labor statistics, and educational attainment.
• Strategic Plan (SP 05 through SP 80) - RSG will recommend to City staff strategies an olicies addressing the opportunities and needs identified from the communit outreach and citizen participation process, the needs assessment, and the market analysis.
• Annual Action Plan - RSG will outline specific activities and funding allocations for the upcoming year, based on the strategic priorities identified in the Consolidated Plan. We will detail how resources will be used to address the community's housing and development needs, set annual goal, and specify the expected outcomes of the funded activities.
RSG will collaborate with City staff to review existing projects, activities, and funding allocations in the current Consolidated Plan to determine what should be carried over, removed, or added.
A Draft version will be submitted to City staff for feedback and revision, with close cooperation expected throughout engagement.
We will develop a timeline for completion of the initial draft version of the Consolidated Pian for staff review and comment before a draft of the plan is published for public comment, as well as a timeline for the updating of the draft based on input received at the stakeholder and community meetings, two public hearings, public comments, and comments from staff. City staff will review the updated draft prior to finalization. RSG understands that we would be responsible for submitting one bound and one unbound and reproducible master hard copy of each document, including maps and graphics, along with one copy of the online submission in PDF format. We would also provide electronic copies of all documents and presentation materials, which will become property of the City.
Annual Action Plan - Using the strategies and policies identified in the preparation of the Consolidated Plan, RSG will draft the FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan. This plan will identify the anticipated funding resources for the upcoming year, allocation strategies, and expected outcomes. RSG will work closely with City staff to ensure that priorities align with the Consolidated Plan and available staffing resources. It is understood that the City will conduct an RFP process to review and select projects for inclusion in the Annual Action Plan. ity Council Meetings - RSG will attend and present at two (2) City Council Public Hearing hile City staff will draft the staff reports, RSG will provide all supporting documents, includin Spanish, and Hmong.
22 Community Outreach, Citizen Participation - RSG will support the City in fulfilling all public participation requirements for the development of the Consolidated Plan. Recognizing that the Citizen Participation Plan is a separate document from the FY 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, RSG will begin by reviewing the City's existing Citizen Participation Plan and recommending any necessary updates. RSG will then implement the updated Citizen Participation Plan to engage the public and stakeholders in the creation of the Consolidated Plan. Our outreach efforts will include:
• RSG will collaborate with the City to conduct a comprehensive review of the current list of potential groups and stakeholders to identify any gaps or outdated contacts, ensuring the list is inclusive and up-to-date, and aligns with HUD minimun stakeholder outreach requirements. This process will involve engaging communit leaders, representatives, and advocates from a diverse cross-section of the community RSG will leverage demographic data to provide data-driven recommendations to include stakeholders representing underserved or emerging populations. • Once all stakeholders are identified, RSG will efficiently gather essential information by hosting two (2) virtual stakeholder meetings and distributing one (1) stakeholder survey. RSG will create the survey link and serve as a liaison between the City and the stakeholders. The survey will replace 1: interviews, capturing the same data, and will be provided via email and offered during the stakeholder meeting. The survey will be designed so it may be posted on social media, the City's website, and shared via email.
RSG will summarize the responses from the stakeholders.
RSG will collaborate with the City to select locations for three (3) community meetings that facilitate diverse participation, particularly from households with low-to-moderate incomes, seniors, people with disabilities, and historically underserved populations.
These meetings will give participants the opportunity to share their perspectives, ask questions, and contribute to the planning process. RSG will work closely with the City to determine the most effective meeting format, offering both hybrid and in-person options. Meetings will be scheduled Monday through Friday and offered in the evenings to accommodate various schedules.
• RSG will prepare meeting notices. For hybrid meetings, RSG will utilize the ZOOM platform, creating and sharing the meeting link for distribution. Additionally, RSG Will design an invitation for distribution via social media, the City's website, and for posting at key locations throughout the community. The City will be responsible for printing and distributing the invitations.
• RSG will create a PowerPoint presentation for the stakeholder, community, and public meetings. RSG will work with the City to provide picture and context of past federally funded projects.
accordingly. The survey format will also be transferrable to hard copies for distribution 23 to households without internet access. The City will be responsible for identifying recipients of the hard copy surveys and managing their distribution by mail • RSG will collaborate with the City to develop a timeline for proposed community ar akeholder meetings, including key deadlines for posting of legal notices ar advertisements. RSG will take the lead in drafting notices, creating meeting links, and Additionally, RSG will compile one (1) resource binder containing a list of data sources, copies We anticipate that mentors and champions will emerge during this process. Guided by our demographic analysis and insights gained throughout the planning process, RSG will target traditionally underrepresented sectors in the community. Our outreach to previously unrepresented communities and individuals will be thorough and detailed. RSG will dedicate significant resources to ensure equity and inclusion in this process.
RSG will analyze the qualitative data from surveys, interviews, and community workshops to develop a comprehensive assessment of the Consolidated Plan's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. We will also organize the ideas, needs, and feedback gathered during this process. This community input will play a crucial role in shaping the Strategic Plan portion of the Consolidated Plan. We understand that successful community engagement is essential to the process.
Additionally, RSG will organize additional meetings; one with the Merced County Public Housing Authority and the other with the Merced County Collaborative Applicant.
Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (Al/ AFH)
RSG will apply the same analytical and data-driven research methods used in updating the Consolidated Plan to the Al/AFH. This includes analyzing qualitative data from surveys, interviews, studies, and research-backed best practices, along with other available resources.
Additionally, RSG will collaborate closely with Project Sentinel to ensure that relevant data is effectively incorporated into the plan. In compliance with HUD's interim final rule Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing ("AFFH"), RSG will complete the AFH assessment tool to assist with dentifying fair housing issues pertaining to patterns of integration and segregation, racial nd ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, disparities in access to opportunity, an disproportionate housing needs.
To identify impediments, RSG will begin by conducting a comprehensive analysis of local and regional housing patterns, reviewing discriminatory practices, and evaluating zoning and land use policies that may disproportionately impact protected classes. Additionally, RSG will assess disparities in access to public services that could hinder fair housing opportunities. To inform this analysis, RSG will engage with the community through a stakeholder survey and stakeholder meeting, which will include the attendance of members of protected classes, housing advocates, and legal experts. Identified impediments will be ranked based on severity, impact, and feasibility of resolution.
For each impediment, RSG will propose corrective actions, such as zoning reforms, inclusionary housing policies, or strengthened fair housing enforcement through better training and increased penalties. Public awareness campaigns and training for stakeholders will also be recommended to address discriminatory behaviors and improve compliance.
RSG will then develop an action plan with clear timelines and milestones. Short-term goals may include revising | zoning codes or launching awareness campaigns, while long-term strategies might focus on developing affordable housing projects or establishing a new fair housing office.
RSG will integrate the Al/AFH into the two (2) Consolidated Plan required public hearings, ensuring it is a key component of the overall review and approval of the Consolidated Plan.
During these hearings, RSG will present the updated Al/AFH, supported by graphics, maps, photographs, and detailed information, to facilitate informed feedback from both the public and the governing entity. This comprehensive presentation will ensure the Al/AFH is fully incorporated into the Consolidated Plan's approval process.
RSG will also prepare an executive summary that encapsulates the key recommendations from the Al/AFH, enhanced with relevant graphs, tables, and visual aids. Leveraging the data collected, RSG will identify impediments to fair housing and provide actionable recommendations to address these challenges. In collaboration with the City, RSG will document all efforts undertaken to address Al/AFH issues.
A draft of the Al/FH will be provided to the City for review. Upon approval, the final document will be delivered on a CD in Word format. Additionally, RSG will produce two (2) bound hard copies. A resource binder will also be prepared, containing a comprehensive list of data sources, collected data, history of meetings and surveys, and all relevant documents used in the Al/AFH update, including proposed policies and procedures. All materials will be presented in English.
Updates to the Housing Division Policies and Procedures SG recognizes the last update to the City's HUD Policies and Procedures took place in 201:
and understands the need for a thorough review to ensure alignment with HUD's curren 25 • National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA)
• Lead Paint Rules and Abatement Procedures
• HUD Section 3
• Davis-Bacon Labor Laws
• Public Services Subrecipient and CDBG/HOME Monitoring (desk and on-site) • Fair Housing/Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) • Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan (AFHM)
• Financial Management
• HOME closeout procedures
• Additional procedures as recommended or necessary
This process may involve incorporating specific HUD policies, procedures, and guidelines, with accessible online references to ensure the information is and remains current. RSG employs a team of subject matter experts who are familiar with and keep abreast of changing regulation:
and laws; these team members would review and make recommendations to current processes and procedures; as well as make recommendations on including additional procedures/policies, as applicable.
Furthermore, RSG would collaborate closely with City staff to create a comprehensive and accurate document tailored to the City and community needs.
To update and finalize the City's HUD policies and procedures, RSG anticipates a total of four (4) coordination meetings with City staff.
Consolidated Plan: RSG will commence the Consolidated Plan update, including the Al/AHF work, no later than September 16, 2024, with an anticipated completion date of approximately May 15, 2025. RSG will work in collaboration with the City to provide draft documents in a timely fashion to allow for ample City review. Furthermore, we understand the lead time required for public hearings and will work with the City to meet the lead times to minimize any sense of urgency while adhering to HUD's required public comment and noticing requirements.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR CON PLAN/AAP/AI/ CPP
Date Activity
Sept 2024 Execute agreement, kick-off meeting, scheduling, technical Sept 2024-Dec 2024 Data research, consultation strategy, review of past CPP, needs assessment, community and stakeholder meetings, identify | Jan 2025
Feb 2025
March 2025
April to May 2025 O-day public comment perio
May 2025 nd public hearing at City Council to adopt Plan:
May 2025
26 Policies and Procedures: RSG will prioritize the Consolidated Plan update to ensure it meets UD's required deadline. Our work on the City's HUD Policies and Procedures will be careful oordinated with the City's capacity to manage their responsibilities in both the Consolidate lan and the policies and procedures updates. While RSG will manage most of the work, w re aware of the City's need to finalize all materials. To accommodate this, we propos beginning the HUD Policies and Procedures update in February of 2025, with a targeted completion date of September 2025.
PROPOSED SCHEDULE FOR POLICIES AND PROCEDURE UPDATES
Date Activity
Feb 2025 Kick-off meeting, planning, schedule, document request Feb 2025-March 2025 Review of City Policies/Procedures
March 2025-July 2025 Update policies and procedures
July 2025 Ts draft of updated and recommended policies to the City July 2025 City review of policies- feedback to RSG
Aug 2025- Sept 2025 Final policies/procedures to City
27 5. Exceptions
RSG does not have any exceptions to the requirements of the RFP. 28 6. Other Information
RSG does not have any other information to include that has not already been included in our response.
29 7. Required Forms
Not applicable.
9. Detailed Cost of Services
As required in the RFP, our Proposed Fee Structure and Schedule are provided in a separate enclosure as part of our proposal submittal.
31 Exhibit B
SG
JETTER COMMUNITIES
JOLDER FUTURES
August 23, 2024 Via Mail
Kim Nutt, Housing Program Supervisor
CITY OF MERCED
678 W. 18th Street
Merced, CA 95349
COST PROPOSAL — COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT AND HOME
INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAMS
This letter presents our cost proposal to accompany RSG'S response to the Request for Proposals released on August 2, 2024.
Fee Estimate
Con Plan: RSC estimates that the services will be on a time-and-materials basis with a not-to- exceed fee of $79,950.
Update of Housing Division's Policies and Procedures: RSG estimates that the services will be on a time-and-materials basis with a not-to-exceed fee of $14,115.
Additional services will be performed on a time-and-materials basis subject to notification to proceed. A breakdown of our cost estimate is provided in the following table. Note that RSG'S budget assumes that we would meet with City staff at least once a month to discuss status, feedback, and pending questions.
FEE CONSOLDATED PLAN
Principal Drector Associste Assoctate Analyst Total
$275 $275 $200 $185 $135
Community Outreach & Citizen Participation
CHizon Participation Plan $1,850
Community Survey (muk-lingual, Engish, Spanish, Hmong) $2,430 Stakeholder Engagement (2 stakeholder meetings - In person/hybrid TBD) 16 $7,935 Stakeholder Survey (mult-Ingual, Englah, Spanish, Hmong) 1 $2,430 Communty Workshops (3 In-person) 2 $12,616
Preparation of Consolidated Plan 35 $17,300
City Council Meatings (2) 6 10 $9,885
2 Additlonal Mostings (Housing Authortty & Collaborative) 3 6 16 2 $8,905 Resource Binder 1 1 $2,115
Update of AFH 2 8 0 $7.125
Resource Binder (AFH) 1 1 $2,115
FY 2025-26 Annual Plan 5 5 0 $5,145
Total 23 65 80 579,950
$8,325 $17,325 $19,600 $25,800 $10,800 $79,950
Updates to Housing Division Policles and Procedures
Review ofcurrent policies/procedures 1 3 3 10 5 $4,225
: $2,640
Upta litters Document $7,250
2 10 10 44 $19,115
TOTAL $PA,065
SAN DIEGO LOS ANGELES OAKLAND
170 Eucalyptus Ave, Suite 200, Vista, CA 92084 | 714.54].4585 | rsgsolutions.com
EXHIBIT B
CITY OF MERCED
August 23, 2024
Fee Schedule
Our firm's current fee schedule for 2024 can be found in the table below:
Principal/Director $275
Senior Associate $ 200
Associate $185
Senior Analyst $150
Analyst $135
Research Assistant $ 125
Technician $100
$60
Reimbursable Cost plus
Expenses 10%
RSG does not charge clients for travel or mileage (except direct costs related to field than five (5) copies. We bill reimbursable costs at the actual expense plus a 10% surcharge.
RSG issues monthly invoices payable upon receipt, unless otherwise agreed upon in advance.
Invoices identify tasks completed to date, hours expended and the hourly rate We appreciate the opportunity to submit this proposal to the City. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me at 714.316.2111 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
RSG, Inc.
Tara that incipal