Agenda Item: 1
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: February 28, 2023
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF THE 2023-24 COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
SURVEY FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
PRESENTER: Tracy Sullivan
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a public hearing and receive information regarding the results of the annual Community Needs Assessment Survey conducted as part of the Community Development Block Grant Program for the 2023-24 program year.
BACKGROUND
Each year, the City of Santa Clarita (City) receives approximately $1.4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- and moderate-income residents in the areas of housing, suitable living, environment, and expanded economic opportunities.
In order to receive and use CDBG funds, the City is required to submit a Consolidated Plan (Con Plan) at least every five years. The current Con Plan sets the priorities for the use of CDBG funds for the five-year period of 2019-20 through 2023-24. The City must also develop an Action Plan annually which outlines the specific ways the current year’s allocation of funds will be spent to meet the priorities identified in the Con Plan.
As required by HUD, a needs assessment process is conducted annually to determine the current needs of the community. Staff conducted the 2023-24 needs assessment process in the form of the Community Needs Assessment Survey (Survey). The needs identified through this process are used to develop the 2023-24 Action Plan.
PROCESS, RESULTS, AND TRENDS
The Survey was available from October 24 through December 2, 2022. Respondents were asked to rate categories within the three programmatic Con Plan Priorities on a scale of high need to low need. In addition to scoring specific needs, respondents had the option to provide written comments.
Outreach efforts included:
• A press release issued to local news agencies;
• A social media campaign posted on the City’s Facebook, Instagram, and Next-Door accounts;
• An email link for the on-line survey sent to all current City CDBG service providers; • An email link for the survey posted on the City’s website and sent to City staff; and • Door-to-door canvassing of approximately 280 households to distribute fliers
A total of 310 individuals responded. Key demographic information on the respondents is below:
• 12% of the respondents identified themselves as senior citizens • 73% of the respondents stated they owned their homes
The needs most frequently identified as a high need within each Con Plan Priority were:
• Improve, Maintain, and Expand Affordable Housing
• Provide Supportive Human Services
• Improve and Expand Facilities and Infrastructure
The overall results of the 2023-24 Survey remain consistent with the results from the previous years. Over the past five years, the areas of affordable rental housing, homeless shelters and services, and youth centers have consistently been noted as among the highest needs. The 2023- 24 Survey respondents also identified healthcare facilities and mental health services as top priorities.
Written comments were provided by 61 individuals. The most commonly identified issues were regarding the need for more affordable housing and homeless housing/services. The remaining comments highlighted the need for mental health services, senior services, homeownership assistance, rental assistance, and better infrastructure for traffic improvement.
No formal action is being requested of the City Council at this time. The 2023-24 Action Plan and recommended CDBG Funding Allocations will be presented to the City Council for consideration at a public hearing to be scheduled in April 2023.
ALTERNATIVE ACTION
Other actions as determined by the City Council.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
Public Hearing Notice