Agenda Item: 2
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: February 27, 2024
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF THE 2024-25 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 2024-25 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 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. Staff is currently working on a Con Plan to set the priorities for the use of CDBG funds for the next five-year period, which includes the 2024-25 Program Year (PY) through PY 2028-29. 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. A needs assessment process is conducted annually to determine the current needs of the community and inform the development of the Con Plan and/or Action Plan.
Staff conducted the 2024-25 needs assessment process in the form of the Community Needs Assessment Survey (Survey), as well as conducting in-person outreach at events in Canyon Country and Newhall. The needs identified through this process are being used to develop the 2024-25 Action Plan, as well as the 2024-28 Con Plan.
PROCESS, RESULTS, AND TRENDS
The survey was available from November 13, 2023, through January 7, 2024. Respondents were asked to rate five categories in order of importance. These categories included affordable housing, neighborhood facilities and infrastructure, homeless services, social and human services, and economic development. Respondents were also asked to select specific areas of assistance within each category based on their level of importance. 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 broadcasted on the City’s Facebook, Instagram, and Tik Tok; • A flyer distributed at City libraries and community centers; • An email link for the Survey sent to all current City CDBG service providers, members of the Santa Clarita Community Task Force on Homelessness, and other agency stakeholders; and
• Conducting in-person outreach at Canyon Country Community Day and the Newhall Farmer’s Market.
A total of 254 individuals responded to the 2024-25 Survey. The overall results of the Survey remain consistent with the results from previous years. Over the past five years, the areas of affordable rental housing and homeless shelters and services have consistently been noted as among the highest needs. Survey respondents also identified neighborhood facilities and infrastructure as a top priority.
Written comments were provided by 78 individuals. The most commonly identified issues were regarding the need for more affordable housing and homeless housing/services. The remaining comments highlighted a variety of needs, including infrastructure improvements and services for the homeless and disabled.
No formal action is being requested of the City Council at this time. The 2024-28 Con Plan, 2024-25 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 2024.
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