FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
1 2023/
2024 Annual Action Plan
Exhibit A
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
2 Contents
Executive Summary ....................................................................................................................................... 3 AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b) ........................................................................ 3 AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) ................................................................................. 11 AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c) ................................................................................................. 24 Expected Resources .................................................................................................................................... 27 AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2) ........................................................................................... 27 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 30 AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d) ..................................................................................................................... 31 AP-38 Project Summary .......................................................................................................................... 33 AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f) ............................................................................................. 40 Affordable Housing ..................................................................................................................................... 41 AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g) ................................................................................................... 41 AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h) ........................................................................................................... 44 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) ............................................................ 45 AP-70 HOPWA Goals– 91.220 (l)(3) ........................................................................................................ 50 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j) ................................................................................... 51 AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k) ............................................................................................................ 53 Program Specific Requirements .................................................................................................................. 55
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
3 Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan.
Each year the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding to the City of Santa Rosa (City) for housing and community development programs, specifically Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). To receive these funds, the City must complete a report every three to five years called the Consolidated Plan (Plan).
The City has been preparing the Plan every four years.
The purpose of the Plan, which covers Program Years 2020/2021 through 2023/2024, is to identify the City’s housing and community development needs, priorities, goals, and strategies, and to stipulate how funds will be allocated to these activities over the Plan period.
The City’s Department of Housing & Community Services (HCS) leads the development and implementation of this Plan with input from a variety of stakeholders. The Housing Authority of the City of Santa Rosa (Authority) acts as the Public Housing Authority (PHA) for administration of the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV, sometimes known as “Section 8” or “Rental Assistance”) program, and as the policy body for housing programs including loans made with CDBG, HOME, and local housing funds.
The Plan has been prepared in accordance with HUD’s Office of Community & Planning Development (CPD) eCon Planning Suite, which includes the Consolidated Plan template in the Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS).
This fourth year Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 details the activities the City and Authority will undertake to address the housing and community development needs and local objectives using CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA funds.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
4 This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan.
The City prioritizes its needs according to the structure presented in HUD Regulation 24 CFR 91.215: affordable housing, homelessness, and non-housing community development.
Priority is based on the needs demonstrated by the information collected during the preparation of the Plan, the consultation and resident participation process, and the availability of resources to address the identified needs. Based on this information, housing needs and homelessness are considered the highest priority, followed by non-housing community development.
The City has identified nine goals to address its housing, homelessness, and non-housing community development needs between 2020 and 2024; the implementation of these goals is mainly administered by HCS and the Authority:
• Increase the supply of affordable rental housing for Santa Rosa’s lowest income households;
• Preserve existing affordable housing stock;
• Provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families;
• Provide housing and services to special needs populations; • Increase access to home ownership opportunities for Santa Rosa residents; • Provide funding for public facilities and improvements; • Promote economic development activities in Santa Rosa; • Provide housing for non-special needs populations through rent subsidies; and • Provide HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) operating expenses.
In Fiscal Year 2023/2024, the City will receive $1,324,261 in CDBG funding. CDBG program funds are used for public services, housing activities, and administrative costs, with an emphasis on providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, principally for low- and moderate-income households. Funds can be used for activities including housing rehabilitation, home ownership assistance, lead-based paint detection/removal, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities and infrastructure, removal of architectural barriers, public services, rehabilitation of commercial or industrial buildings, and loans or grants to businesses.
The City’s FY 2023/2024 HOME allocation is $765,722. HOME provides funds for the development and rehabilitation of affordable rental and ownership housing for low- and moderate-income households, and can be used for activities including building acquisition, new
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
5 construction and reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance, and Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA). Through HUD regulations, 15% of the funds are allocated to Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs). HOME funds may also be used to assist with CHDO operating expenses.
The City’s HOPWA allocation is $518,964 is for FY 2023/2024. HOPWA funding provides housing assistance and related supportive services for income-qualifying People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A) and their families. Funds can be used for activities including, but not limited to acquisition, rehabilitation, or new construction of affordable housing units; costs for facility operations; rental assistance; and short-term payments to prevent homelessness.
HOPWA funds can also be used for support services such as assessment and case management, substance abuse and/or mental health treatment, nutritional services, job training and placement services, and assistance with daily living.
3. Evaluation of past performance
This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects.
Fiscal Year 2023/2024 will be Year 4 of the 2020 – 2024 Plan, which is available on the City’s website at: https://srcity.org/767/State-Federal-Reports. The City evaluates its past performance based upon the nine goals identified in the 2020-2024 Plan and the progress the City made in meeting those goals as reported in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).
Since inception of the 2020-2024 Plan and subsequent Annual Action Plans, the City has made the following progress in meeting the outlined needs and objectives:
• FY 2020/2021 the City used $699,881 of CDBG funds and $643, 250 in CDBG-CV funds on its Public Services program which assisted 6,123 homeless individuals, a 191% increase over 2019/2020. The City used a waiver allowed under the CARES Act to expend more than 15% of its entitlement funds on public services, including funding the Finley Safe Social Distancing Program which contributed to significant increase in individuals assisted.
• FY 2021/2022, the City used $230,549 of CDBG funds on its Public Services program which assisted 1,487 homeless individuals through the Family Support Center, Homeless Services Center, and The Living Room. The Fair Housing Program, funded by the City’s General Fund, assisted 193 households, and made 8 reasonable accommodation requests meeting the goal of 8 in FY 2021/2022.
• FY 2021/2022 the City expended $718,411 from CDBG-CV funds on the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter & Annex and Legal Aid of Sonoma County. The Samuel Jones Hall Homeless Shelter & Annex operates under the Housing First model as a “Low Barrier”
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
6 Emergency Shelter. In FY 2021/2022 the shelter expended $713,411 in CDBG-CV funds and served 542 individuals. Legal Aid of Sonoma County expended $5,000 in CDBG-CV funds and provided 285 individuals with services including legal advocacy related to eviction, housing rights education, legal counsel and advice. • The City used HOME funding for Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) for the first time in FY 2020/2021. In FY 2021/2022, the program provided TBRA assistance to 40 households, exceeding the strategic plan goal of 20 households in Year 2 of the 2020- 2024 Plan.
• The City increased home ownership opportunities for Santa Rosa residents through the funding of Lantana Place Homes, a 48-unit homeownership project which was completed in FY 2021/2022.
• The City awarded CDBG funds to two new affordable housing projects including a $690,000 loan to Linda Tunis Senior Apartments and a $2,900,000 loan to Mahonia Glen. • The City leveraged $38,353,107 in Community Development Block Grant- Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) funding from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) to assist in the recovery from the 2017 wildfires. Five projects were awarded CDBG-DR loan funds, in response to its Notice of Funding Availability (“NOFA”) on November 3, 2020: 3575 Mendocino Phase I, Linda Tunis Senior Apartments, Caritas Homes Phase I, The Cannery at Railroad Square, and Burbank Avenue Apartments.
• FY 2021/2022 the City of Santa Rosa Housing Authority identified BRJE Phase 2 Housing Partners, LP for a loan of $1,560,000 from HOME Investment Partnerships funds for construction related costs associated with 3575 Mendocino Phase II, a 38- unit affordable senior housing complex.
Based on the findings in the 2020-2024 Plan, and the progress made towards the outlined goals reported in the FY 2021/2022 CAPER, the City has continued to prioritize its CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and a variety of local funds for affordable housing purposes and homeless services.
The City and Authority continue to respond to increasingly competitive and costly housing issues by allocating funds to the production of affordable housing. The City expects to see the results of these funding efforts to produce, preserve and rehabilitate affordable housing upon construction completion of multiple projects, to be reported in future CAPERs. The present demand for affordable housing and public services far exceeds the available resources, which influences the City and Authority to continue funding these top priorities.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
7 The City held a virtual public meeting on February 1, 2023, to provide an overview of the public services application and the process for preparing the Action Plan. The City intends to hold a hybrid public hearing, allowing in-person and virtual participation, at the City Council meeting on April 25, 2023. A draft Action Plan was available for public review between March 24, 2023, and April 23, 2023. The draft Action Plan was available to the public electronically at http://srcity.org/767/State-Federal-Reports. Hard copies were made available at the Department of Housing and Community Services located in the City Hall Annex at 90 Santa Rosa Avenue; the City Manager’s Office located in City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Avenue, Room 10; and the Main Branch of the Sonoma County Public Library for the 30-day public comment period from March 24, 2023, until April 23, 2023, to encourage the public to submit comments in email to staff.
To promote the public meetings, notices were posted at City Hall, on the City’s website, City Connections newsletter; Santa Rosa Press Democrat, and La Voz Bilingual Newspaper (online and print).
5. Summary of public comments
This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan.
A Summary of public comments received will be inserted prior to submission to HUD.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them All comments will be accepted and considered.
7. Summary
• Santa Rosa’s population increased from 167,816 to 172,065 between the preparation of the 2016–2020 Plan and the 2020–2024 Plan, an increase of 2.5%. Census data from April 1, 2020, marks an additional population increase of 3.5% to 178,127 from the preparation of the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan. The annexation of parts of the Roseland community, previously part of unincorporated Sonoma County, contributed to the population increase in the City of Santa Rosa. The median age of Santa Rosa’s residents in 2020 was 38.8, three years less than the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) average.
• According to the 2020 American Community Survey (ACS), 64% of Santa Rosa’s population is White, 32.7% of Santa Rosa’s population identifies ethnically as Hispanic or Latinx which can be of any race, 6.0% are Asian, 2.5% are Black or African American,
1.1% are American Indiana and Alaskan Native, 0.5% are Native Hawaiian and Other Pacific Islander; and 6.9% are Two or more races. The Comprehensive Affordable Housing Strategy (CHAS) indicates there are 66,320 household units in Santa Rosa. Of those 66,630 households, 11% earned 0 – 30% of AMI, 12% earned 30% - 50% of AMI,
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
8 16% earned 50% - 80% of AMI, 10% earned 80% - 100% AMI, and 51% earned greater than the Area Median Income.
• A total of 2,893 homeless individuals were counted in Sonoma County as part of the 2022 Point-in-Time Count 72% of whom were unsheltered. Santa Rosa had 1,681 homeless individuals of which 582 were sheltered and 1099 were unsheltered. Most of the homeless population was comprised of people in households without children, and a majority stated that the main obstacle to obtaining permanent housing was that they couldn’t afford rent.
• There are 11 facilities for the homeless persons in Santa Rosa with 504 emergency shelter beds serving families, single adults, youth, and women with children. Santa Rosa’s inventory also includes transitional and permanent supportive housing, discussed in greater detail in the Market Analysis.
• Many housed individuals are at risk of homelessness and need supportive housing and services to enable them to live independently and to avoid homelessness. These individuals may include the elderly, persons with physical, mental, or developmental disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS, victims of domestic violence, children leaving group homes or aging out of foster care, farmworkers, and persons with substance abuse challenges. In Santa Rosa and throughout the MSA, there are a wide variety of programs and services available for special needs populations.
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
The City of Santa Rosa is the agency responsible for preparing the Plan, providing community input opportunities, and administering each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services/Housing Authority of the
City of Santa Rosa
HOPWA Administrator City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services/Housing Authority of the
City of Santa Rosa
HOME Administrator City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services/Housing Authority of the
City of Santa Rosa
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
9 Narrative (optional)
The City has delegated the responsibility for administering its housing programs to the Authority, which is staffed by HCS. The mission of the Authority is to ensure adequate, decent, safe, and sanitary housing for qualified households within Santa Rosa, consistent with federal, state, and local laws. HCS manages the distribution of federal rental subsidy to low-income residents; collaborates with other local government and nonprofit agencies to provide services to homeless residents; and develops and administers a variety of affordable housing programs.
Key program areas include Rental Assistance, Mobilehome Rent Control, Homeless Services, and the Santa Rosa Housing Trust (Trust). The Trust administers the City’s housing production and preservation programs, broken into four broad funding categories:
• Affordable Housing Production;
• Conversion and Preservation of Affordable Housing;
• Special Needs Facilities; and
• Homebuyer Finance.
The City and Authority have supported the development of over 6,100 affordable rental and ownership units, including single-family and multi-family residences, and housing for seniors and persons with special needs. The Trust’s asset management and compliance portfolio exceeds $175 million and includes over 800 contracts and loans. More than 6,100 units are actively monitored for regulatory compliance annually.
It should be noted that this Action Plan does not include projects or needs that are addressed in the forthcoming $2,737,433 in HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program (HOME-ARP) funding allocated to the City of Santa Rosa in Fiscal Year 2021/2022.
A HOME-ARP Allocation Plan has been submitted to HUD for approval in accordance with Notice CPD-21-1-0 requirements for the use of Funds in the HOME-ARP program.
Action Plan Public Contact Information
Julie Garen, Program Specialist
City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services Department 90 Santa Rosa Avenue/P.O. Box 1806
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-543-4339/FAX 707-543-3353
Email: [email protected]
Nicole Del Fiorentino, Housing and Community Services Manager City of Santa Rosa Housing & Community Services Department
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
10 90 Santa Rosa Avenue/P.O. Box 1806
Santa Rosa, CA 95404
707-889-2370 /FAX 707-543-3317
Email: [email protected]
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
11 AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
Please note that most of the entities listed in the table below serve residents of the entire MSA rather than just serving residents of Santa Rosa, therefore, all agencies are regional organizations.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)) In preparing this Action Plan, the City consulted with the community and with various organizations located in Sonoma County that provide services to the residents of Santa Rosa. In many instances, these consultations are part of ongoing interactions between HCS or the City and the agency or group described.
The City consulted with broadband providers in preparing the 2020-2024 Plan and this Action Plan. The City plans to conduct more robust consultation with broadband and resiliency providers and agencies dedicated to narrowing the digital divide, which will be documented in future Plans and Action plans.
City of Santa Rosa
• City Council – Authorize (at a public hearing) the submittal of this Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Annual Action Plan to HUD.
• City of Santa Rosa Planning and Economic Development Department (PED): Reviews CDBG- and HOME-funded development projects to determine whether proposed development activities comply with the General Plan and Zoning Code; responsible for drafting the Santa Rosa General Plan 2035, adopted in 2009, including the 2023-2031 City of Santa Rosa Housing Element cited throughout the Plan as the Santa Rosa 2035 General Plan.
• Housing Authority of the City of Santa Rosa (Authority): The policy board of Housing and Community Services, the Authority addresses the housing needs of extremely low- and low-income residents in the City through a variety of programs including the Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 or Rental Assistance).
County of Sonoma
• Sonoma County Community Development Commission (CDC): coordinates the County’s CDBG, HOME, and ESG funding, as well as the Continuum of Care process; provides funding to programs throughout the County including the Samuel L. Jones Hall Homeless Shelter located in Santa Rosa and owned by the City of Santa Rosa.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
12 • Sonoma County Department of Health Services – Behavioral Health Division: provides information regarding the needs of Sonoma County residents who have mental disabilities. Representatives of this Division also participate in various Continuum of Care working groups.
• Sonoma County Department of Health Services (Public Health Division): provides information regarding the potential for lead-based paint hazards in the County. • Permit Sonoma (formerly Sonoma County Permit and Resource Management Department): responsible for drafting the Sonoma County General Plan Housing Element. Permit Sonoma and the CDC collaborate to implement County incentive programs intended to encourage the development of new affordable housing units in the unincorporated areas.
City of Petaluma
• City of Petaluma: participates with the City and CDC to develop and implement the annual Sonoma County Continuum of Care Plan. The three jurisdictions have previously collaborated on the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) and are currently working on an updated fair housing analysis as required by HUD.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
The CDC is the lead agency for the CoC and hosts its planning process. The City, the CDC, and the City of Petaluma, the three HUD entitlement jurisdictions in Sonoma County, have designated seats on its governing body, the Continuum of Care Board (CoC Board). The CoC Board includes representation from the nonprofit, governmental, service provider, housing development, law enforcement, faith-based, business, homeless, and general communities. The CoC’s 10-Year Homeless Action Plan and its annual submissions to HUD reflect the demographics, needs, and available shelter, housing, and services in all three HUD entitlement jurisdictions to provide a cohesive shelter system throughout the MSA.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS.
The City does not receive or coordinate ESG funds. However, as the largest city in the CoC, Santa Rosa has a seat on the CoC governing body and therefore participates in CoC
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
13 consultation on allocation of County and Balance of State ESG funds and evaluation of ESG applications.
Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdiction’s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities.
1 Agency/Group/Organization California Human Development Corporation Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Children
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Education
Services-Employment
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committing to improving the quality of life for Sonoma County
residents.
2 Agency/Group/Organization California Programs for the Autistic Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Planning Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committed to
enhancing the lives of adults in Sonoma County with
autism and developmental delays.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
14 3 Agency/Group/Organization Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Santa Rosa Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-homeless
Services-Education
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committed to
increasing quality of the lives of
adults and children in Sonoma County.
4 Agency/Group/Organization Community Action Partnership of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Children
Services-Health
Services-Education
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committed to
helping low-income families and individuals achieve
economic and social stability.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
15 5 Agency/Group/Organization Community Housing Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-homeless
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
increasing the supply of quality affordable housing in
Sonoma County.
6 Agency/Group/Organization Community Support Network
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Children
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Health
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
improving the quality of life for individuals with
behavioral health challenges.
7 Agency/Group/Organization Disability Services and Legal Center Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Persons with Disabilities Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
16 Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
providing education, community partnerships and
advocacy for persons with disabilities.
8 Agency/Group/Organization DAAC – Drug Abuse Alternatives Center Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Health
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
providing healthy alternatives for persons with
substance abuse challenges.
9 Agency/Group/Organization Face to Face - Sonoma County AIDS Network Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Persons with HIV/AIDS
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committed to
enhancing the lives of persons with HIV/AIDS in Sonoma
County.
10 Agency/Group/Organization Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California Agency/Group/Organization Type Service-Fair Housing
Regional Organization
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
17 What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization committed to
eliminating housing discrimination in Sonoma County.
11 Agency/Group/Organization Habitat for Humanity of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
increasing the supply of quality affordable housing in
Sonoma County.
12 Agency/Group/Organization Housing Land Trust of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
increasing the supply of quality affordable housing in
Sonoma County.
13 Agency/Group/Organization Interfaith Shelter Network Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
Regional Organization
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
18 What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
providing shelter to homeless persons and families.
14 Agency/Group/Organization Legal Aid of Sonoma County Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
preventing homelessness.
15 Agency/Group/Organization The Living Room
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless
Planning Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
preventing homelessness.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
19 16 Agency/Group/Organization Petaluma People Services Center Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons Services-homeless
Services-Education
Service-Fair Housing
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The
anticipated outcome of the consultation was to
improve coordination with a regional organization
dedicated to improving the quality of life of Sonoma
County residents.
17 Agency/Group/Organization Petaluma Ecumenical Properties (PEP) Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
increasing the supply of quality affordable housing in
Sonoma County.
18 Agency/Group/Organization Social Advocates for Youth Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Children
Regional Organization
Services- Counseling
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
20 Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
reducing homelessness amongst at-risk youth.
19 Agency/Group/Organization Sonic.net
Agency/Group/Organization Type Broadband
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with an organization committed to
improving the quality of life for MSA residents. This
organization was consulted as part of the annual
broadband outreach.
20 Agency/Group/Organization Sonoma County Continuum of Care Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Children
Services-Elderly Persons
Services-Persons with Disabilities
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-homeless
Services-Health
Other government - County
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization and its 30-member agencies were
invited to participate in the community meeting/public
hearing. The anticipated outcome of the consultation
was to improve coordination with a regional
organization dedicated to coordinating housing and
services funding for homeless families and individuals.
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
21 21 Agency/Group/Organization Vietnam Veterans of California (America’s Finest) Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Homeless
Services-Employment
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
preventing homelessness, providing housing, and
offering counseling to Vietnam-era Veterans.
22 Agency/Group/Organization Women’s Recovery Services
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Services-Health
Services-Education
Regional Organization
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
preventing homelessness and providing housing to
women with children.
23 Agency/Group/Organization YWCA of Sonoma County
Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing
Services-Victims of Domestic Violence
Regional Organization
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
22 What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Overall Plan
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.
What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
This organization was invited to participate in the
community meeting/public hearing. The anticipated
outcome of the consultation was to improve
coordination with a regional organization dedicated to
providing affordable housing for female victims of
domestic violence.
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
FY 2023/2024 DRAFT Annual Action Plan
23 Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting All groups were either consulted or invited to participate in the Plan process. No groups were excluded.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each
plan?
Continuum of Care Sonoma County CDC As the largest City in the CoC, the City has a seat on its governing body
ensuring coordination with the
consolidated planning process.
Sonoma County Consolidated
Plan
Sonoma County CDC The County Consolidated Plan
reflects the intended programs and
funding for non-entitlement
jurisdictions in Sonoma County. As
the largest City in the MSA, the City
must ensure coordination with
Sonoma County’s Consolidated
Planning process.
Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts
Narrative (optional)
FY 2023/2024 Annual Action Plan
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AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting
To ensure maximum participation in the Action Plan process among all populations and to properly address issues and concerns, the City has developed its Citizen Participation Plan (CPP). The CPP describes actions to be taken to involve residents in the development of the Plan, Substantial Amendments to the Consolidated Plan, Minor Amendments to the Consolidated Plan, the Annual Action Plan, the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CPP can be found on the City’s website at https://srcity.org/767/State-
Federal-Reports. The CPP includes the following components:
1. Access to Meetings, Information, Records;
2. Technical Assistance;
3. Public Notices;
4. Publication of Draft Documents;
5. Public Hearings/Public Meetings;
6. Public Comments;
7. Availability of Final Documents;
8. Response to Complaints; and
9. Process for Amendments to the Plan.
Public participation in development of the Plan is encouraged. In addition to publishing notices in the Press Democrat newspaper, notices of public meetings/hearings were also published online in English and in Spanish by La Voz, a bilingual newspaper. The City provides bilingual translators and signing or captioning services for the hearing impaired when requested. Public meeting/hearing sites, when meeting in person, are Americans with Disabilities (ADA)-compliant and near public transportation.
Upon request, the City will provide appropriate auxiliary aids or services for those individuals who have hearing, sight or speech impairments, in order to participate in City programs or activities. The City’s website is available in 20 languages, and there is an ongoing requirement that agencies receiving funds from the City utilize a variety of methods to reach the broadest population possible. A full discussion of the City’s Accessibility Policy is located at https://srcity.org/200/Americans-With-Disabilities-Act
.
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Citizen Participation Outreach
Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/ attendance
Summary of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL
(If applicable)
1 Virtual
Public
Meeting
Minorities,
Non-English Speaking -
Specify other
language: Spanish,
Persons with
disabilities, Non-
targeted/broad
community,
Residents of Public
and Assisted Housing
The City hosted a virtual
public meeting on
February 1, 2023 to allow
the public to provide
input on the proposed use
of funds in the FY 2023/24
Action Plan. The City also
solicited public services
funding applications.
None. None. www.srcity.org
2 Virtual
Public
Hearing
Non-targeted/broad
community
The City held a hybrid (in
person and virtual) public
hearing at the April 25,
2023 City Council Meeting
to allow the public to
provide input on the
proposed use of funds in
the FY 2023/24 Action Plan
and to authorize the
submission to HUD.
To be inserted
following meeting
To be inserted
following meeting
www.srcity.org
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/ attendance
Summary of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL
(If applicable)
3 Newspaper
Public
Notice
Minorities
Non-English Speaking -
Specify other language:
Spanish
Non-targeted/broad
community
Notices for the February 1,
2023, community meeting
were posted
in the Press Democrat, La
Voz Bilingual Newspaper
(English/Spanish), and the
City website. A public notice
for Action Plan Comment
period and notice of
tentative meeting was
posted in the Press
Democrat, La Voz Bilingual
Newspaper
(English/Spanish) and the
City’s website. A draft
Action Plan was available
for public review
electronically at
http://srcity.org/767/State-
Federal-Reports for the 30 -
day public comment period
from March 24, 2023, until
April 23, 2023.
To be inserted
following meeting
To be inserted
following meeting www.srcity.org
4 Internet
Outreach
Minorities,
Non-English Speaking -
Specify other language:
Spanish, Persons with
disabilities,
Non-targeted/broad
community, Residents
of Public and Assisted
Housing
Notices of the Community
meeting (in English and
Spanish) were posted to the
City's website, and the La
Voz website. News items
were added to the HCS and
City homepages, and an
article requesting public
comment was published in
the City Connections
newsletter.
To be inserted
following meeting
To be inserted
following meeting www.srcity.org
FY 2023/2024 Annual Action Plan
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Sort
Order
Mode of
Outreach
Target of
Outreach
Summary of
response/ attendance
Summary of
comments
received
Summary of
comments
not accepted
and reasons
URL
(If applicable)
5 Email Non-targeted/
broad community
The notice of the Draft
Action Plan availability was
distributed via email to the
Sonoma County Continuum
of Care (40+ agencies);
Housing Authority, and
Community Advisory Board;
various neighborhood
associations, and social
service agencies,
individuals, and affordable
housing developers.
To be inserted
following meeting
To be inserted
following meeting www.srcity.org
Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach
Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City will receive $1,324,261 in Fiscal Year 2023/2024 in CDBG funding. CDBG is used for Public Services, Housing Activities and Administrative Costs. The City will receive $765,722 in HOME funding for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. HOME funds will be used for housing activities, Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) and administrative costs; 15% of HOME funding is allocated to CHDOs. The City will receive $518,964 in HOPWA funding for Fiscal Year 2023/2024, which is used to assist People Living With HIV/AIDS (PLWH/A). The table below provides a breakdown of these anticipated resources.
Should additional allocations be made by HUD, the City will undertake amendments to the appropriate plans to incorporate the funds.
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Anticipated Resources
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses
of
Funds
Amount Available Year 4 Amount
Available
Remainder
of Con Plan
$
Narrative
Description Annual
Allocation:
$
Anticipated
Program
Income: $
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG Public-
Federal
Acquisition,
Admin &
Planning,
Economic Dev,
Housing, Public
Improvements,
Public Services
$1,324,261
$60,000
$410,345 $1,794,606
$0
Expected
Resources
based on
2023/24 actual
allocation +
anticipated
program
income
.
HOME Public-
Federal
Acquisition,
Homebuyer
Assistance,
Homeowner
Rehab,
Multifamily
rental new
const.,
Ownership
new const.,
TBRA, CHDO
Operating
Expenses
$765,722
$60,000 $47,871 $948,593 $0
Expected
Resources are
based on
2023/24 actual
allocation +
anticipated
program
income.
HOPWA Public-
Federal
Permanent
housing
placement,
Short-term or
transitional
housing
facilities, Short
Term Rent
Mortgage
Utility
Assistance
(STRMU),
Supportive
services, TBRA
$518,964 $0 $0 $518,964 $0
Expected
Resources are
based on
2023/24 actual
allocation.
Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
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Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied CDBG and HOME funds are often coupled with local funds to allow projects to compete for additional funding provided by tax credits, bonds, or state financing programs. An investment from the City makes projects more competitive for a variety of funding sources. As in the past, the City will be as creative as possible in finding other sources of funding from local, state, federal, and private sources to develop and deliver efficient and cost-effective projects.
The City obtains HOME Match funds from the property tax welfare exemption on properties that have received HOME funding from the City. As of Fiscal Year 2021/2022, (the most recently completed federal reporting year), 26 properties contributed to Santa Rosa’s HOME Match requirement, generating approximately $1.8 million. The City reports annually on HOME Match funds in the CAPER.
If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan Not applicable
Discussion
Not applicable
FY 2023/2024 Annual Action Plan
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Table 6 – Goals Summary
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Production of
affordable
housing
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Homeless,
Citywide Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
HOME:
$106,572
Rental units
constructed: 0
Household
Housing Unit
2 Preservation
of affordable
housing
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Homeless, Non-
Homeless, Special
Needs
Citywide Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
CDBG:
$1,586,967
HOME: $0
Rental units: 25
households
3 Housing and
services to
special needs
populations
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Public Housing,
Homeless, Non-
Homeless, Special
Needs, Non-
Housing,
Community
Development
Citywide Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
Non-Housing
Community
Development
CDBG:
$207,639
HOME:
$114,858
Public service
activities for
Low/ Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit 2,000
Persons Assisted.
4 Home-
ownership
2023 2024 Affordable Housing N/A Affordable
Housing
NA NA
5 Public
facilities and
improvement
s
2023 2024 Public facilities and
improvements
N/A Non-Housing
Community
Development
NA NA
6 Economic
Development
2023 2024 Economic
Development
N/A N/A NA NA
7 Housing and
services for
PLWH/A
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Homeless, Non-
Homeless, Special
Needs
MSA Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
HOPWA:
$518,964
Public service
activities other
than Low/
Moderate
income Housing
Benefit: 550
Persons Assisted
8 Tenant-based
rental
assistance
(TBRA)
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Homeless, Non-
Homeless, Special
Needs
Citywide Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
HOME:
$727,163
Tenant-based
rental
assistance/ Rapid
Re-Housing: 50
households
assisted
9 CHDO
Operating
Expenses
2023 2024 Affordable Housing,
Homeless, Non-
Homeless, Special
Needs
Citywide Affordable
Housing
Homelessness
HOME: $0 Administrative
support to
certified CHDO
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Goal Descriptions
As many affordable units will be produced as feasible given the resources available to the City. The City estimates assisting approximately 25 affordable units per year through the production and preservation of affordable housing using HOME CHDO and CDBG resources, coupled with local resources.
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
As discussed in AP-20, the City has identified nine goals to address housing and community development needs during the Consolidated Plan period of 2020 – 2024. Below are the proposed goals for Fiscal Year 2023/2024. Wherever possible, the City has identified specific projects. Projects selected throughout the course of the program year that have not been identified herein will fall into categories 3 – 5, and 8- 12, broad funding categories that align with the goals discussed in AP-20 and the Consolidated Plan.
Projects
# Project Name
1 HOME Administration 23/24
2 CDBG Administration 23/24
3 Production of Affordable Housing
4 Preservation of Affordable Housing
5 Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs)
6 Public Services - Family Center
7 HOPWA Administration
8 HOPWA -Face to Face
9 Public Services – Homeless Service Center
10 Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
11 CHDO Operating Expenses
12 Public Services – The Living Room
Table 7 - Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
Priority is assigned based on the level of need that is demonstrated by the data collected during the preparation of the Plan, specifically in the Needs Assessment and Market
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Analysis, the information gathered during the consultation and citizen participation process, and the availability of resources to address these needs. Based on these components, housing needs are given the highest priority followed by homeless services and non-housing community development needs (more specifically discussed in the Strategic Plan section of the Plan). One of the primary obstacles to meeting underserved needs of residents is the availability of funding. Santa Rosa’s ability to assist lower-priority projects (e.g., public facilities and improvements, homeownership, and economic development) for Fiscal Year 2023/2024 depends on the availability of additional resources.
The Housing Authority issues an annual Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) to utilize its federal funds for affordable housing preservation, production, and rehabilitation. Based on the prior responses to the NOFAs, a robust response is anticipated.
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AP-38 Project Summary
Project
Summary
Information 1
Project Name HOME Administration FY 2023/2024
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Production of Affordable Housing
Preservation of Affordable Housing
Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing, Homelessness
Funding HOME: approximately $76,572
Description Administration of the HOME Program (10% of HOME Allocation)
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
n/a
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
2 Project Name CDBG Administration FY 2023/2024
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Preservation of Affordable Housing
Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Non-Housing Community Development
Funding CDBG: approximately $276,852
Description Administration of the CDBG Program (20% of CDBG Allocation + 20% current year program income)
Target Date 6/30/2024
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Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
n/a
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description
3 Project Name Production of Affordable Housing
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Production of Affordable Housing
Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Funding CDBG: $0 and HOME: approximately $30,000
Description Production of housing affordable to households at or below 80% AMI. In program year 2022, there is only a
small amount of HOME funding designated for affordable
housing production. It will be combined with local funding for qualifying rental unit construction. The majority of HOME funding will be used for Tenant Based Rental
Assistance.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
As noted above, HOME funding will be combined with local funding for affordable housing development. It is
estimated that one unit can be produced utilizing HOME
funding in a pool or larger resources.
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
4 Project Name Preservation of Affordable Housing
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Preservation of Affordable Housing
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Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Funding CDBG: approximately $1,310,115
Description Preservation of affordable housing through the rehabilitation of existing units, extension of affordable restrictions, or conversion of market-rate units.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
As many affordable units will be preserved as feasible
given the available resources. The City estimates assisting approximately 25 affordable units per year through the
preservation of affordable housing. Matrix Codes (14B)
Rehabilitation: Multi-Unit Residential, (14G) Rehabilitation:
Acquisition.
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description
5 Project Name Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Production of Affordable Housing
Preservation of Affordable Housing
Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Funding HOME: approximately $114,858
Description 15% of HOME funds are set aside for CHDOs for affordable housing purposes, specifically for persons with special needs
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
The City estimates being able to assist approximately five units in FY 2023/2024. All units will be affordable to
households at or below 80% AMI.
Location Description Citywide.
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Planned Activities See description
6 Project Name Public Services- Family Support Center (FSC) Target Area No Target Area has been defined
Goals Supported Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: approximately $96,000
Description Emergency shelter for unsheltered families with children, support services to secure permanent housing
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
350 low-income homeless families
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
7 Project Name HOPWA Administration 2022-25 Santa Rosa
Administration CAH22F012 (SR)
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Housing and services for PLWH/A
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Non-Housing Community Development
Funding HOPWA: approximately $15,568
Description Administration of the HOPWA Program.
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
n/a
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Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
8 Project Name HOPWA 2022-25 Face to Face CAH22F012 (F2F) Target Area No target area has been defined
Goals Supported Housing and services for PLWH/A
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Non-Housing Community Development
Funding HOPWA: approximately $503,396
Description Provide housing assistance and related supportive services for low-income persons living with HIV/AIDS and their
families
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
Eligible beneficiaries are low-income (80% AMI or less) individuals that are medically diagnosed with HIV/AIDS and their families. An estimated 550 people will benefit from these services.
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
9 Project Name Public Services- Homeless Services Center Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: approximately $102,000
Description Operation of a homeless day facility that provides showers, outreach, medical referrals, and intake for
emergency shelters. Clients can also use the facility to receive mail and phone messages.
Target Date 6/30/2024
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Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
2,100 low-income homeless adults
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities See description.
10 Project Name CHDO Operating Expenses
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Production of Affordable Housing
Preservation of Affordable Housing
CHDO Operating Expenses
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Funding HOME: $0
Description CHDO Operating Expenses
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
n/a
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities See description.
11 Project Name Public Services – The Living Room
Target Area No target area has been defined
Goals Supported Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: approximately $9,639
Description Day services including: case management, housing outreach and food services.
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Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
900 women and 300 children with extremely low income,
very low income, and low incomes
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities See description.
12 Project Name Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Target Area No target areas have been defined
Goals Supported Housing & Services to Special Needs Populations Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA)
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Funding HOME: approximately $727,163
Description Rental Assistance utilizing the TBRA Program as per 24 CFR
92.209
Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit
from the proposed
activities
50 very low- and low-income households could benefit
from this activity.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities See description.
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed Santa Rosa’s federal funds are available citywide with no priority assigned to geographic regions. Instead, funds are allocated to organizations that provide lower-income households with housing and supportive services. Every year the City prioritizes use of CDBG and HOME funds for the development of affordable housing, including preservation and conservation, and to addressing homelessness. The City prioritizes HOPWA funding similarly; no priority will be assigned to geographic regions but rather to organizations that provide housing and services to lower-income households living with HIV/AIDS throughout the MSA.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Not applicable Not Applicable
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically Not applicable.
Discussion
Not applicable.
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Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
One of the main goals identified in this Action Plan is to increase the supply of affordable rental housing for the City’s lowest-income households. To achieve this goal, the City adopted a Housing Allocation Plan ordinance in 1992 to promote the development of affordable housing in Santa Rosa. The HAP ordinance applies to all residential development in the City. Payment of “In-Lieu” or Housing Impact Fees to support the development of affordable housing is the primary method of compliance, the construction of dedicated on-site affordable units is also an option that contributes to the City’s affordable housing stock. In 2019, the ordinance was updated to modify the requirements for providing on-site inclusionary units and establish a commercial linkage fee. The City also has an Infill Policy in the Housing Element of the General Plan. This Policy allows higher density construction with the creation of units targeted to low- income households for a minimum of 10 years. To assist developers of affordable housing units, the City issues tax-exempt multi-family housing revenue bonds to finance the construction of new development.
The City has sponsored the development of more than 6,100 affordable rental and home ownership units that include single-family and multi-family residences, senior housing, and housing for persons with special needs. The Trust’s asset management and compliance portfolio exceeds $175 million and includes over 800 contracts and loans. Units are targeted to extremely low-, very low-, low-, and moderate-income households. The City prioritizes CDBG and HOME funds and some local funding sources for affordable housing purposes. HOME-CHDO funds have often been combined with local resources to provide housing to special needs populations. When prioritizing the income levels to be assisted by new affordable housing units, the City uses the Association of Bay Area Governments (ABAG) Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA) as a gauge. In response to Santa Rosa’s shortage of all types of housing in general and affordable housing in particular, the City Council adopted its Housing Allocation Plan in 2016 to address ongoing unmet housing needs. The Housing Action Plan consists of five program areas:
• Increase inclusionary affordable housing;
• Achieve affordability by design in market-rate projects; • Assemble and offer public land for housing development; • Improve development readiness; and
• Increase affordable housing investment and partnerships.
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Completed action items to implement the program areas include: the development of criteria for offering financial incentives for inclusionary units; amendment of the density bonus ordinance to increase affordability and density; zoning and other changes to maximize housing production potential; and streamlined design review, plan check, and site review processes.
Ongoing action items for the Housing Action Plan include: consideration of an increase to or simplification of housing impact fees for rental units; revision of the Housing Allocation Plan to require inclusionary for-sale housing; identification and assessment of housing opportunity sites; ongoing support for homeless service programs; and creation of a pilot program to determine feasibility of acquiring affordability contracts, to name a few.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported:
Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 56
Special-Needs 5
Total 61
Table 9 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through:
Rental Assistance 20
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 41
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 61
Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type Discussion
On October 1, 2019, the City Council adopted Ordinance 2019-012, which amended Title 10 of the City Code to prohibit housing discrimination based on the source of income, including Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers, HUD VASH Vouchers, and other rent subsidies. The purpose of Chapter 10-46 - Housing Anti-Discrimination Code – is to increase affordable housing opportunities by prohibiting discrimination based on tenants’ participation in rental assistance programs; the Ordinance does not restrict or limit operational aspects of rental housing management such as establishment of tenant rules, security requirements, or other landlord/tenant conditions not related to sources of income or financial discrimination.
The market has become increasingly unaffordable and difficult for lower-income home buyers due to a variety of factors including a shrinking inventory of market-rate and affordable
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homes, competition from buyers bidding on the same house, and a credit market that has made it difficult for many potential homebuyers to obtain financing. This tight market was exacerbated by the October 2017 wildfires; although rebuilding of the 3,000 homes lost in the disaster is ongoing, the lack of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities is still impacted by higher demand for the limited inventory of homes. Despite these factors, the City hopes to continue homeownership activities. The City received a settlement from PG&E from the 2017 fires and has allocated $2 million towards a down payment assistance program for qualified first-time homebuyers.
The tables above provide estimates on the number of homeless, non-homeless, and special needs households to be provided affordable housing during Fiscal Year 2023/2024 and the number of affordable units to be provided by program type, including rental assistance, production of new units, rehabilitation of existing units, or acquisition of existing units.
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AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
Santa Rosa does not own or operate public housing units.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing The Housing Authority does not own or operate public housing units. To encourage input from HCV program participants, a Resident Advisory Board is elected annually that is made up of Tenant Commissioner members of the Housing Authority who participate in the development of Housing Authority policies and activities throughout the year. The Authority provides homeownership resources to participants in the HCV Program. The Family Self- Sufficiency (FSS) Program has established partnerships with a variety of community resources to refer participants for services including pre- and post-secondary education, health care, childcare, employment development, supported employment, and small business development including microloans. FSS also encourages families to participate in financial wellness programs, including financing literacy and credit repair, with an emphasis on long-term financial stability for the purposes of homeownership.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
The PHA is not designated as a troubled agency.
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance
Discussion
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) Introduction
As discussed earlier in this Plan, the City participates in the Sonoma County Continuum of Care (CoC), which was formed by the cities of Santa Rosa and Petaluma, and the County of Sonoma in 1997. The goals and strategies outlined below are those of the entire region rather than for the City alone.
The CoC is Sonoma County's collaborative effort representing the homeless services system of care, a unified, countywide system aimed at aligning homeless services. Governed by a seventeen-member Continuum of Care Board (CoC Board), the countywide effort is responsible for oversight of funds designated to the Continuum of Care and planning/policy development for addressing homelessness. The CoC Board consists of local elected officials, nonprofit representatives, subject matter experts, and individuals with lived homeless experience. The CoC is responsible for setting the vision and direction to end homelessness in Sonoma County and aids in the oversight of federal and state competitive funding processes.
The goal of the CoC is to achieve “functional zero” homelessness in Sonoma County through utilization of a Housing First Strategy.
The CoC is designed to accomplish the following:
• Promote a community-wide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness; • Provide funding for efforts to quickly re-house individuals and families who are homeless, which minimizes the trauma and dislocation caused by homelessness; • Promote access to and effective use of mainstream programs; and • Optimize self-sufficiency among individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
The CoC builds upon the foundation set in the 10-Year Homeless Action Plan 2014 Plan Update that ensured alignment with the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing (HEARTH) Act of 2009, as well as with specific countywide policy initiatives. In December of 2022, the CoC Strategic Planning Committee adopted the Sonoma County 5 Year Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness 2023-2027, a countywide strategic plan update to the 10-Year Homeless Action Plan.
In Fiscal Year 2023/2024 the CoC will administer approximately $15 million in combined annual and one-time federal, state, and local funding for homeless services in Sonoma County.
Projects and programs funded through the CoC will collectively impact the following key System Performance Measures of the HEARTH Act, which governs all federal and state homelessness funding:
• Decrease the length of homeless episodes;
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• Increase placements in safe housing for those living outside and increase placements in permanent housing for all homeless persons;
• Reduce the percentage of people placed in permanent housing who return to homelessness;
• Decrease the number of people experiencing homelessness for the first time; • Increase employment opportunities and incomes; and
• Reduce the total number of people experiencing homelessness in Sonoma County.
The CoC also aligns with existing strategies to achieve “functional zero” homelessness including the strategies established by the City. For example, the City’s Housing Action Plan sets forth a multi-faceted approach to achieve construction of “Housing for All,” including the construction of 2,500 affordable housing units and the continued support of homeless services.
Additionally, the City’s Housing First Strategy directs that all homeless service resources and efforts be viewed and evaluated as part of a comprehensive community-wide program facilitating the transition of individuals and families experiencing homelessness into permanent housing. This means that all City funding considerations or initiatives (either directly or through third-party contracts, permitted uses, land use policies, etc.) that are devoted to providing a service to those experiencing homelessness shall be aligned with the federal and state Housing First model.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs
The City’s goal is to reduce the number of people experiencing homelessness through the following:
• Reach out to homeless households (especially unsheltered persons) via the Homeless Outreach Services Team (HOST) and assess their individual needs with a common assessment tool; collect information to determine the underlying issues and risk factors and develop a plan to address those issues; enroll households in Coordinated Entry to connect those most in need of assistance with available housing services. • Reduce recidivism through system-wide implementation of evidence-based practices known to effectively address trauma (e.g., Seeking Safety, Motivational Interviewing). • Address the emergency shelter needs of people living outside through increased street outreach and assessment of their health needs, prioritizing those most at risk of dying outside.
• Significantly expand rapid re-housing services to end homelessness as quickly as
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possible.
• Shift the entire homeless system of care to a “Housing First” approach as the most cost- effective and direct route to reducing homelessness.
• Help low-income households who are being discharged from publicly funded systems of care avoid becoming homeless by engaging those systems of care in identifying solutions for such households and planning to avoid new homelessness.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons • Expand street outreach efforts to prioritize the needs of persons living outside, especially those whose health is compromised.
• Sustain existing emergency shelter inventory and helping those in shelter exit to permanent housing through rental assistance and case management by addressing specific barriers to obtaining and retaining housing. Expand emergency shelter options via implementation of a Safe Parking Pilot Program. The program, operated by Catholic Charities, opened in March 2022 and is providing community members who are experiencing homelessness a place to safely park their vehicle or RV with access to basic services and wrap-around services in alignment with the City’s Housing First strategy, which helps individuals to move from homelessness into housing. As the program expands, it will include up to 50 parking spaces; it is located in a portion of the City- owned parking lot at 55 Stony Point Road. The Safe Parking Pilot Program is funded by local funds and one-time monies from the American Rescue Plan Act. • Expand economic opportunities to help participants achieve long-term housing stability by coordinating services with local employment training agencies to offer financial literacy workshops, or through local initiatives such as the CoC’s SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach, Access, and Recovery) Initiative. SOAR-trained case managers assist individuals experiencing homelessness with applying for SSI/SSDI.
Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The City has prioritized CDBG and HOME funds as well as a variety of local resources for affordable housing purposes. The City’s efforts also include allocating funds to support the HOST program discussed above. The HOST program combines rapid rehousing resources with case management to overcome homelessness and support housing retention. These resources
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are also available to participants at HSC, FSC, and Samuel L. Jones Hall; these programs are all supported by the City.
A critical function of all programs seeking to place persons experiencing homelessness in rental housing is the provision of housing location, navigation, and stabilization services. As vacancy rates remain low and rental rates continue to exceed the Fair Market Rent, the need for this role at the program level has become even clearer. The City is providing local funding to staff positions at Samuel L. Jones Hall, FSC, and HOST program, all of which provide these specialized services.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs.
The CoC’s discharge planning efforts are outlined in its annual application to HUD and include foster care, health care, mental health, and corrections. A detailed discussion on these efforts is included in SP-60 and summarized below.
Foster Youth: Sonoma County Division of Family, Youth and Children Services (FYC) is the lead agency responsible for ensuring foster youth are not routinely discharged into homelessness.
FYC partners with Sonoma County Juvenile Probation to ensure foster youth in the criminal justice system have equal access to AB12-funded services (AB12 is a California law that extends foster care to age 21 in California); and works with community-based organizations such as VOICES Sonoma, Social Advocates for Youth (SAY), the Children’s Village, and TLC Children’s Services to implement programs that divert foster youth from the street. The CoC Homeless Youth Task Force, co-chaired by the Sonoma County Office of Education Foster/McKinney Coordinator, engages all these partners plus Sonoma County Divisions of Behavioral Health and Employment and Training, Buckelew Programs, Positive Images (serving LGBTQI youth), several police departments, and elected State officials in planning to prevent new discharges of foster youth to homelessness as well as conducting an annual needs assessment for homeless transition-aged youth.
Health Care: The CoC has worked with a grassroots Health Care for the Homeless Collaborative (HCHC), staffed by St. Joseph’s Healthcare, to improve protocols for discharging homeless patients. Hospitals are now legally responsible for ensuring persons discharged from their care are not routinely discharged into homelessness. In Santa Rosa, these include Santa Rosa
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Memorial Hospital, Sutter Medical Center, and Kaiser Hospital. The three larger hospitals fund recuperative beds operated by Catholic Charities, the 13-bed Nightingale respite facility co- located with Santa Rosa Community Health Center’s (SRCHC) drop-in Brookwood Health Center serving the homeless. SRCHC’s Care Transitions program provides nursing visits and links patients to a medical home and housing.
Mental Health: The discharge policies developed by the CoC with Sonoma County Behavioral Health (SCBH) represent a negotiated agreement that evolves over time and is supported by the County’s culture of strong interdepartmental cooperative relationships and problem solving. SCBH has launched a Mobile Support Team that provides mental health support at law enforcement request. Santa Rosa Memorial Hospital’s Emergency Department and many CoC partners have participated in HCHC planning for a chronic inebriate program in consultation with hospitals, psychiatric emergency services, detox, emergency medical transport, and police. The City, in collaboration with the County of Sonoma and local service providers has launched inResponse Mental Health Response Team (inResponse), a crisis response team designed to respond for calls for service with a mental health first approach. The team is comprised of a licensed mental health clinician, a paramedic, a homeless outreach specialist, and supported by a wrap-around support service providers. inRESPONSE is trained in de- escalation and social work interventions as well as physical and mental health evaluations.
While inRESPONSE works in partnership with the Santa Rosa Police Department, the inRESPONSE team is unarmed and best equipped to support and provide mental health resources to individuals and families experiencing a crisis.
Corrections: In 2011 California enacted Public Safety Realignment legislation that passed responsibility for low- to medium-risk offenders to County Probation Departments. Some of these probationers are housed with California Department of Corrections funds. As part of the County’s strategy of Upstream Investments to reduce corrections costs, the County opened a Day Reporting Center and plans a Community Corrections center to house homeless probationers. The CoC is working with criminal justice partners to develop policies to avoid jail discharges to homelessness and convened a Law Enforcement Discharge Planning Group in 2015 to better coordinate discharge of individuals from jail and linkage with services from the adult probation department.
Discussion
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AP-70 HOPWA Goals– 91.220 (l)(3)
One-year goals for the number of households to be provided housing through the use of HOPWA for:
Short-term rent, mortgage, and utility assistance to prevent homelessness of the individual or family 40
Tenant-based rental assistance 10
Units provided in permanent housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds 0
Units provided in transitional short-term housing facilities developed, leased, or operated with HOPWA funds 0
Total 50
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction:
Potential constraints to housing development in Santa Rosa vary by area but generally include infrastructure, development fees, application processing, land use controls (including development standards, permitting requirements, design review, and building codes, for example), and resource preservation. An analysis of these potential barriers is detailed in the Housing Element of the Santa Rosa General Plan 2023 – 2031, adopted February 14, 2023. This update has been cited throughout the Plan the Action Plan as the Housing Element of the General Plan 2023 – 2031 (Housing Element). The Housing Element of the General Plan 2015- 2023 (Housing Element) was adopted on February 14, 2023, and has been submitted to the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment
The City has recently implemented priority processing through the Planning and Economic Development Department’s entitlement process for housing projects. Should developers choose to provide affordable housing, these projects receive an even higher priority in processing. Developers are being actively encouraged to take advantage of state and local density bonus provisions which provide development of a parcel at a higher level of density when the developer agrees to provide certain quantities of affordable housing.
The City is working closely with the CDC and the City of Petaluma to address the recommendations made in the 2012 AI within the budgetary constraints of each jurisdiction, including improving accessibility to fair housing information and resources on each jurisdictions’ respective website and strengthening the capacity of the local fair housing agencies (both recommendations have been implemented). The City and CDC are collaborating on an updated AI that is expected to be complete in Spring 2023. Per State law requirements set forth in Assembly Bill (AB) 686, the 2023-2031 Housing Element adopted in February of 2023 is consistent with the core elements of the analysis required by the federal Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) Final Rule of July 16, 2015. The Fair Housing Assessment included in the newly adopted 2023-2031 Housing Element includes a summary of fair housing issues; an analysis of available federal, state, and local data to identify patterns of segregation or other barriers to fair housing; a prioritization of contributing factors to fair housing issues; a Housing Element Land Inventory through the lens of AFFH; and a program that affirmatively
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furthers fair housing and promotes housing opportunities throughout the community for protected classes and addresses contributing factors.
Discussion:
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AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs One of the primary obstacles to meeting residents’ underserved housing needs is the lack of funding availability and rising construction costs. The dissolution of statewide redevelopment agencies in 2012 continues to impact the City’s ability to implement its affordable housing goals. Within the last few years, a positive change in potential funding availability has been made to California’s tax credit set-asides and apportionments. The change to the apportionment methodology redefined the geographic areas; rather than a large “Capital and Northern Region” that included 11 northern California counties, there are now two separate regions. Santa Rosa is part of the new Northern Region, which reduces the competition for tax credits against larger metropolitan areas like the Eastern Bay Area Alameda and Contra Costa Counties. While the City actively seeks additional funding opportunities and will continue to do so, its ability to address underserved needs depends largely on the availability of additional resources.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing As stated throughout this Action Plan and the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, housing is a high priority. Accordingly, the City prioritizes the use of its CDBG and HOME funding to addressing homelessness, and for the development of affordable housing that serves low- income households, including preservation, conservation, and TBRA. Over the course of Fiscal Year 2023/2024, the City anticipates providing financial assistance to approximately 50 affordable housing units and/or low-income families using HOME and CDBG funds and other resources available to the City.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City has addressed the issue of lead-based paint (LBP) hazards by providing notices to landlords and tenants that participate in the Housing Choice Voucher Program, borrowers/tenants of the City’s Rehabilitation Loan Program, and homebuyers who used American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI) and CDBG funds, warning them of the hazards of LPB. All rental units rehabilitated with CDBG and HOME funds are subject to LBP compliance requirements. Through the creation of new affordable housing units, low-income households can reside in new housing units free of LBP hazards. In Fiscal Year 2023/2024, the City will use approximately 85% of its CDBG funding for its affordable housing programs. As a result, the units will be free of lead-based paint.
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Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City hopes to reduce the number of poverty-level individuals and families by targeting CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and local funds to projects that will provide affordable housing units and related services to foster self-sufficiency. The City does not have the resources or the capacity to increase the incomes of poverty-level persons, although the City does act to reduce the housing costs for these individuals utilizing the Housing Choice Voucher Program, CDBG-, HOME- and HOPWA-funded rental units and City-sponsored affordable housing units. All serve low-income residents. Effective July 1, 2020, Santa Rosa implemented a minimum wage ordinance in advance of the state minimum wage rate timeline in an effort to reduce the number of poverty-level families in Santa Rosa. Per that ordinance, as of January 1, 2022, the new minimum wage rate is $15.85 for all businesses regardless of size.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The City has overcome gaps in its institutional structures by directing the Housing Authority, staffed by HCS, to provide policy guidance and administer the City’s various housing programs. All affordable housing-related activities are administered by the Trust division of HCS which has the responsibility for coordinating the CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA programs in Santa Rosa and administering the funds. The City organization continually evaluates itself to determine better and more efficient ways to conduct business.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The City relies on private nonprofit organizations and for-profit developers to build and acquire, develop, and rehabilitate affordable units. The Housing Authority and HCS will continue to work closely with these entities to ensure that each year as many new, affordable units are produced as possible.
The City also relies on the nonprofit service sector to provide emergency shelter (including the 213 beds in the City-owned shelter), transitional, and special needs housing. The City will continue to support these organizations and their activities.
Discussion:
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
The City will strive to incorporate all CDBG HOME and HOPWA requirements into program administration.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0 2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan
0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan. 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income 0
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. 70.00%
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HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
1. A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is as follows:
Recapture provisions are based on 24 CFR 92.24(a)(5)(ii), which stipulates the conditions for the recapture of HOME investment used to assist low-income families in purchasing a home.
Homebuyer recapture provisions are included in, or as a deed restriction rider, to the recorded deed of trust that secures a HOME loan Note. The provision requires recapture of funds if the home does not continue to be the borrower’s principal residence or if all or any part of the property or any interest in it is sold, rented, conveyed, or transferred during the duration of the affordability period. Recapture provisions also require that only direct subsidy to the homebuyer is subject to recapture or shared equity, depending on the loan.
2. A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
For HOME-funded affordable housing development projects, the City, through the Housing Authority, executes a HOME Agreement that places a covenant and use restriction for 20 years on each project; the Authority’s standard Regulatory Agreement, recorded on title to every affordable housing project assisted by the Authority (including HOME-assisted units), is a 55- year affordability restriction. The covenant and use restrictions are for the benefit and protection of the Housing Authority, enforceable by the Housing Authority, and bind the current borrower, its successors, assigns, transferees, and future owners of the property. The borrower further agrees on behalf of itself, its successors and assigns, and future owners of the property to adhere to all requirements of the HOME Program during the 20-year HOME Regulatory period. The requirements include, but are not limited to:
• Requirements related to rent limitations;
• Requirements related to tenant income and any required reporting and certification requirements;
• Requirements related to the provision of HOME Program-required tenant and participant protections; and
• Requirements related to HOME Program nondiscrimination requirements and Affirmative Fair Housing marketing requirements.
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For HOME-funded homebuyer assistance loans, the promissory note, deed of trust, and homebuyer agreement stipulate the terms for early loan repayment or repayment due to default. The Housing Authority chooses to recapture the funds if the repayment occurs during the affordability period. Currently, the City has been focusing HOME funds for TBRA and the preservation and rehabilitation of affordable rental housing, not homeownership units. Should the City use HOME funds for this purpose, they will comply with 92.254(a)(2)(iii) requirements regarding refinancing, including affordability, eligibility, and HOME affordable homeownership limits.
3. A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds? See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) are as follows:
Units assisted with HOME funds will meet the minimum periods of affordability set forth in
92.254(a)(4), which are based on the total amount of HOME funds invested in the housing.
Program guidelines require borrowers to:
• Have a household income, adjusted for household size, that does not exceed 80% of AMI; • Agree in writing to the loan terms established by the Authority, including resale and recapture provisions;
• Occupy the property as their primary residence; and
• Agree to other requirements under 92.254(a)(4).
4. Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
The City does not use HOME funds to refinance existing debt. Should the City use HOME funds for this purpose, they will comply with 92.206(b) requirements regarding refinancing, including affordability, eligibility, a review of management practices, feasibility.
Discussion:
Every year the City releases a Public Services application to solicit eligible applicants for the provision of HOME, CDBG and HOPWA funds for public services. The City uses 100% of HOME funds and 85% of CDBG funds to support affordable housing programs. Per HUD requirements, 15% of CDBG funds are set aside for Public Services. The City utilizes local funds for the administration of a rental assistance program for individuals who are homeless or at risk of
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becoming homeless and a federally mandated Fair Housing program. All HOPWA funds are used to provide comprehensive services to support safe and stable housing and to decrease homelessness for low-income individuals who are HIV-positive and their families. The City does not plan to limit beneficiaries or give preferences to a segment of the low income population.
The City released the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Public Services Program Solicitation and Funding Application on February 1, 2023 and applicants had until March 1, 2023 to apply. The City held a virtual public meeting on February 1, 2023 to review the Public Services Contract Solicitation and Award Process and allow the public to provide input on the proposed use of funds in the FY 2023/24 Action Plan. The Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Public Services Program Solicitation and Funding Application are available on the City’s website at https://srcity.org/DocumentCenter/View/34868/2022-2023-Public-Services-Application-PDF- Fillable.
A Notice for release of the Fiscal Year 2023/2024 Public Services Program Solicitation and Funding Application and the February 1, 2023 community meeting were posted in the Press Democrat, La Voz Bilingual Newspaper (English/Spanish), and the City website. The application was sent out to the CoC listserv and a list of interested parties. The CoC listserv is an email list composed of local entities, service providers, non-profits, grassroots, and faith-based community organizations.
In FY 2023/2024 the City received 6 applications for the provision of homeless services, Fair Housing, rental assistance and programs for persons living with HIV/AIDS. The City reviewed the applications and formulated funding recommendations for eligible applicants for the use of CDBG, HOME, HOPWA and local funds. The City will hold a hybrid (in person and virtual) public hearing at the April 25, 2023 City Council Meeting to allow the public to provide input on the proposed use of funds in the FY 2023/24 Action Plan and the Public Services Program funding recommendations. The City includes the solicitation of eligible HOPWA project sponsors for the provision of services for persons with HIV/AIDS in the annual Public Services Program Solicitation and Funding Application.