CITY OF SIMI VALLEY
MEMORANDUM
Sept
ember 12, 2022
TO: Cit
y Council
FR
OM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJ
ECT: APPROVAL OF THE DRAFT FISCAL YEAR (FY) 2021 -22
CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMANCE AND EVALUATION
REPORT (CAPER) FOR SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF
HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council approv e the Draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Repor t (CAPER) (Exhibit 1, page 5) and authorize its submission to the U.S. Depar tment of Housing and Urban Developm ent (HUD) .
BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The City is required to submit the FY 20 21-22 CAPER (Exhibit 1) to the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by the end of September or 90 days after conclusion of a fiscal year. The CAPER describes the use of funds to further meet the needs of low/moderat e-income persons and households prioritized in the Five -Year 2020-2024 Regional Consolidated Plan (Regional CP), and as identified in the FY 20 21-22 Action Plan (Action Plan). Funding resources and their uses include: federal, state, and local resources received; the investment of these resources; t he geographic distribution of affordable housing and supportive services activities; and the number and type of primarily low/moderate- income beneficiaries assisted with public funds. The CAPER also outlines actions taken by the City to further fair housing and to provide affordable housing, public services, and community and economic development activities.
On August 29, 2022, the Draft CAPER was made available for a minimum 15-day public review at the City Clerk’s Office, Simi Valley Public Library, and on the City’s website. No public comments were received prior to the preparation of this staff report. Should any comments be received prior to the City Council meeting, they will be provided under a supplemental memorandum to the City Council. Input from the public and the City Council will be incorporated into the final CAPER and submitted to HUD.
The accomplishments addressed in the Draft CAPER reflect the activities undertaken within the community from July 1, 2021, through June 30, 2022, in support of the Regional CP and Action Plan.
CAPERFY21-22ccmtg9-12-22(klk)
AGENDA ITEM NO.
Consent (1)
CAPERFY21-22ccmtg9-12-22(klk)
The reporting reflected in the Draft CAPER provides progress made on an annual basis toward attaining the five-year goals as established in the Regional CP. The Regional CP is the City’s business plan identifying housing and community development needs and market conditions. All related changes to the D raft CAPER, along with any necessary non-substantive changes, will be incorporated into the final CAPER prior to its submission to HUD.
W
hen the Coronavirus pandemic was declared in March 2020, it had a profound impact on the way projects and programs were conducted. Staff worked relentlessly with service providers and vendors to ensure assistance was available to the extent that was safe and realistic. Many virtual, distance platforms became common, utilizing more electronic tools and remote communications as the new way of conducting business and serving our community. Although most partners were able to meet their established goals for the fiscal year, the necessitated changes in daily practices inadvertently lead to unforeseen secondary effects and resulted in some organizations not reaching their proposed goals for the grant -reporting period. Now that the focus is on response, as opposed to preparedness and prev ention, we continue to reevaluate the best practices of serving clients with our partnering organizations.
FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES
T
his is the first annual CAPER that evaluates the City’s progress toward reaching the goals outlined in the Regional CP, and as identified in the Action Plan . During FY 2021-22, the City completed most Public Service goals and Community Development goals. HUD does not require quantifiable goals for Planning & Administration; therefore, none are included in the Regional CP. The priority needs outlined in the Regional CP are:
• N
ew Rental Housing
• Housing Support and Stability
• Homeownership Opportunities
• Rehabilitation and Preservation of Existing Housing
• Assistance for Senior Residents
• Increase Job Skills
• Façade Improvements
• Local Entrepreneurship
• Social Services
• Youth Activities and Services
• Homelessness
• Streets and Streetscapes
• Parks and Community Spaces
• Disaster Planning and Recovery
• Utilities and Public Infrastructure
R
esources available to further the goals of the Regional CP and Action Plan include CDBG funds that address Public Service programs, Community Development projects, and Planning and Administration activities. The City’s other funding sources to address Regional CP priorities include CalHome funds, Local Housing (Local) funds, and other 2 CAPERFY21-22ccmtg9-12-22(klk)
noted sources. Overall , $656,553 was spent in CDBG funds during the program year , leveraged by $1 ,165,687 from sub -recipients, to provide a ratio of CDBG funds to leveraged funds of $1.00: $1.78.
This collaboration provided services to more residents than would have been possible with CDBG funds alone. Community Planning and Development (CPD) funding sources, which include CDBG funds received directly from the federal government and noted program income from CDBG funded activities, along with any unspent prior years’ CDBG funds, were also leveraged by Local and other non -federal funding sources during the program year.
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:
1. Approve the Draft FY 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report; and authorize its submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
2. Modify the Draft FY 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report;
3. Provide staff with other direction.
Staff recommends Alternative No. 1.
SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I move to approve the Draft Fiscal Year 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, and authorize its submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
SUMMARY
The Draft FY 2021-22 CAPER (Exhibit 1) reviews the City’s progress in achieving its goals identified in the Five- Year 2020- 2024 Regional Consolidated Plan and FY 2021-22 Action Plan. Within the second year of this five-year planning period, the City accomplished most of its goals in the all categories. Overall, $656,553 was spent in CDBG funds, which was leveraged by $ 1,165,687 from subrecipients during the program year.
The Draft FY 2021-22 CAPER was released for the required 15-day public review period on August 29, 2022. Any comments received will be incorporated into the final document prior to submission to HUD. Staff recommends that the City Council approve the Draft FY 2021-22 CAPER and authorize staff to submit the final document to HUD.
____________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director
Prepared by: Julia Ramirez, Senior Management Analyst
3 CAPERFY21-22ccmtg9-12-22(klk)
INDEX Page
Exhibit 1 – Draft FY 2021-22 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report…………………………………………………….. 5
4 Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER)
2021-22 Program Year
PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD
August 29 to September 12, 2022
DRAFT
September 12, 2022
Department of Environmental Services
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
EXHIBIT 1
5 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Thi
s page intentionally left blank to facilitate double-sided printing. 6 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Table of Contents
CR-05 Goal
s and Outcomes ........................................................................................... 2 CR-10 Rac
ial and Ethnic Composition ............................................................................ 6 CR-15 R
esources and Investments................................................................................. 7 CR-20 Af
fordable Housing ............................................................................................ 10 CR-25 Hom
eless and Other Special Needs .................................................................. 13 CR-30 Publ
ic Housing ................................................................................................... 16 CR-35 O
ther Actions ..................................................................................................... 17 CR-40 Moni
toring .......................................................................................................... 24 CR-45
CDBG ................................................................................................................ 25
ALL APP
ENDICES WILL BE INCORPORATED PRIOR TO SUBMISSION TO HUD 7 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 2
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes
Pr
ogress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan. 91.520(a)
This is the second annual Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), which evaluates the City’s progress in achieving the goals outlined in the FY 2020-24 Regional Consolidated Plan ( Regional CP). The Regional CP contains goals that address low- to moderate-income needs, in the community over a five- year period, beginning on July 1, 2020 and ending on June 30, 20 25. These goals are produced through a public review process, which includes information gathered through interviews with local community Public Service providers. In general, the City has made progress towards accomplishing the goals identified in the Regional CP.
Annual goals and actions undertaken during the program year , to address the Regional CP goals, are set forth in the FY 2021-22 Action Plan (Action Plan). The Action Plan is an annual strategic plan document that implements Regional CP goals. This CAPER reports on the progress towards achieving the five-year goals, of the Regional CP, as well as the annual goals of the Action Plan, as of June 30, 2022.
In the 2021-22 program year, the City funded several projects and services designed to address housing and community development needs, including street improvements , benefitting residents in low er- and moderate-income census tracts. T he City also completed the work on seven home rehabilitation projects during this fiscal year.
Public Service program goals are counted either by the number of households or persons served. Community Development projects are counted by the number of activities , the person count in a particular project area, or the number of households. In evaluating the City’s Action Plan goals and accomplishments, the City served a total of 194 low- and moderate-income City residents, falling slightly short of its Public Service goals to serve 212 individuals. In the Community Development category, the Public Works Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Project was c ompleted during the early summer of 2022. This project provided improved streets to a total of 2,495 persons in Census Tract 7901.1; of these, 1,095 were of low- to moderate-income individuals.
Th
e Public Works Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Project, funded in FY 2020-21, was marked completed and paid during the 2021-22 program year. This project benefitted a total of 1,545 individuals in Census Tract 8101.2; of these, 630 persons were of low- to moderate-income levels.
When the
Coronavirus (also referred to as COVID-19) pandemic was declared in March 2020, it had a dramatic influence on the way projects and programs were conducted. This fiscal year, although much improvement was made, operations were not quite as in pre-pandemic times . Staff worked continuously with se rvice providers to ensure assistance was available to a safe and realistic extent. Many virtual, distance platforms became common, utilizing more electronic tools and remote communications. Although most partnering vendors were able to meet their established goals for the fiscal year, the 8 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 3
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
necessitated changes in business practices, inadvertently lead to unforeseen secondary effects and resulted in some organizations not reaching their proposed goals for the reporting grant period.
As
the COVID -19 pandemic continues to affect many communities worldwide, the City studies and researches the best ways in which to assist its community while making the most impact. All this while meeting a national objective and income qualificat ions, plus the documented COVID-19 nexus in order to receive federal funds and comply with all regulations.
9 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 4
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward meeting goals and objectives. 91.520(g)
Categories, priority levels, funding sources and amounts, outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and percentage completed for each of the grantee’s program year goals. Note: Table 1 below was completed with as much accurate and complete information as was available from both the Regional CP and the City of Simi Valley’s 2021-22 Action Plan. “Strategic Plan” refers to the 2020-24 Regional Consolidated Plan and the “Actual-Strategic Plan” column only reflects the City of Simi Valley figures, amounts, and accomplishments. The City does not have access to regional accomplishments; therefore, it can only report on the City’s own accomplishments for this second year of the Regional CP. All goals have priority.
Goal Category Source / Amount Indicator Unit of Measure Expected – Strategic
Plan
Actual –
Strategic
Plan
Percent
Complete
Expected –
Program
Year
Actual –
Program
Year
Percent
Complete
Create Quality
Neighborhoods
Non-Housing
Community
Development
CDBG: $390,234
Public Facility or
Infrastructure Activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit
Persons Assisted 7500 2,495 33.2% 2,495 2,495 100%
Improve Supply of
Affordable Housing
Affordable
Housing CDBG: $65,242
Rental Units
Rehabilitated by Energy
Efficiency Project
Household
Housing Unit 0 12 100% 12 12 100%
Improve Supply of
Affordable Housing
Affordable
Housing
CalHome: $0
HOME: $250,790
Homeowner Housing
Rehabilitated
Household
Housing Unit 15 7 46.7% 0 7 0%
Increase Social
Services
Non-
Homeless
Special
Needs
CDBG: $23,328
Public service activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit
Persons Assisted 1,041 200 19.2% 250 200 80%
Work to End
Homelessness Homeless CDBG: $45,000
Public service activities
other than
Low/Moderate Income
Housing Benefit
Persons Assisted 304 107 35.1% 100 107 107%
Table 1 - Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date 10 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 5
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Assess how the jurisdiction’s use of funds, particularly CDBG, addresses the priorities and specific objectives identified in the plan, giving special attention to the highest priority activities identified.
Simi Valley has a wide range of housing and community development needs. CDBG funds alone are not adequate to address the myriad of needs identified and summarized in the Needs Assessment of the Regional CP. Recognizing the regulations of the national objectives for these programs, the City of Simi Valley , used CDBG and other funding to coordinate programs, services, and projects to create decent and suitable living environments to benefit low - and moderate-income households and those with special needs. Community needs determined to be priority level in the Regional CP are as follows:
New Rental Housing
Housing Support and Stability
Homeownership Opportunities
Rehabilitation and Preservation of Existing Housing
Assistance for Senior Residents
Increase Job Skills
Façade Improvements
Local Entrepreneurship
Social Services
Y outh Activities and Services
Homelessness
Streets and Streetscapes
Parks and Community Spaces
Disaster Planning and Recovery
Utilities and Public Infrastructure
All ac
tivities paid for with CDBG funds were designated as p riority activities in the Regional CP . Most of the goals identified in the City’s Action Plan for the service of unduplicated persons were accomplished. Conejo Valley Senior Concerns (Senior Concerns), however, was unable to reach their goal to serve 100 elderly individuals by serving a total of 75 unduplicated clients during the program year . Senior Concerns continued to provide seminars and information to many families in need of their services even though not all resulted in eligible contacts, per established federal guidel ines. The Samaritan Center exceeded their committed goal to serve 100 persons during the fiscal year, by assisting 107 unduplicated clients. Many Mansions served 12 households, meeting their target goal.
11 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 6
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted Descr
ibe the families assisted (including the racial and ethnic status of families assisted). 91.520(a)
Racial and Ethnic Populations CDBG
White 172
Black or African American 6
Asian 6
American Indian or American Native 2
Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 2
Total 188
Hispanic 41
Non-Hispanic 147
Table 2 – Table of assistance to racial and ethnic populations by source of funds Narrative
Every CDBG subrecipient was required to document and report the race/ethnicity of each of its program participants. This table does not include the race/ethnicity data for the City’s Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Projects in lower- and moderate-income areas.
The
City’s Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Projects for FY 2020-21 and FY 2021-22 were both completed and reported in this CAPER.
12 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 7
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a)
Identify the resources made available:
Source of Funds Source Resources Made
Available
Amount Expended
During Program Year
CDBG Federal $648,104 $656,553
CDBG-CV Federal Covid-19 $704,159 $0
Table 3 – Resources Made Available
Table 3 Narrative
The City is an entitlement jurisdiction that receives an annual allocation of federal Com
munity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. During FY 2021-22, the City received a CDBG allocation of $648,104, which was available to allocate to Public Service programs, Community Development projects, and Planning & Administration activities.
The City expended $656,553 in CDBG entitlement and program income funds during the program year in the areas of fair housing, administration, capital improvement projects, and public services.
Mos
t projects and programs were carried out as noted in CR -05; however, only one organization left unspent funds due to the inability to exhaust all funds in a timely manner.
The City will utilize these unspent funds in future allocations and grant them to local agencies so they may carry out the community needs, as established in the Regional CP.
Th
e City’s other Housing and Community Development funding resources available to address Regional CP priorities during the program year include: Housing Successor Agency (H .S.A.) funds (formerly Community Development Agency), Local Housing (Local) funds, and other noted sources. Unless otherwise specified, the City’s Community Planning & D evelopment (CPD) funds only include CDBG funds received directly from the federal government and noted program income from CDBG funded activities, along with any unspent prior years’ CDBG funds.
Ide
ntify the geographic distribution and location of investments Target Area Planned
Percentage of
Allocation
Actual Percentage
of Allocation
Narrative
Description
N/A N/A N/A N/A
Table 4 – Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Table 4 Narrative
The priority needs identified in the Regional CP form the basis for allocating resources geographically during FY 2021-22, within the City of Simi Valley. Geographic distribution of funding is predicated somewhat on the nature of the activity being funded. It is the City’s intent to fund activities in areas most directly impacted by the needs of low - and 13 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 8
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Supportive services, funded by CDBG, are provided to low - and moderate- income residents throughout the community. Fair housing services are available on a citywide basis.
The locations of the programs and projects described in this report will be included and shown on a Location Map of Activities.
Leveraging
Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the needs identified in the plan.
The City contracted with three local-serving agencies to carry out programs and projects that provided supportive human services to low- and moderate-income residents. These agencies leveraged CDBG funds by using fundraising activities, grants, private donations, and in-kind resources. When counting only CDBG programs and projects carried out during the year, the expenditure of $656,553 in CPD funds was leveraged by $1,165,687 from subrecipients to provide a ratio of CDBG funds to leveraged funds of $1.00 : $1.78.
This collaboration provided services to more residents than would have been possible with CDBG funds alone. CPD funding sources were also leveraged by H.S.A., Local, and other non-federal funding sources during the program year.
In addition to CDBG funds, the City receive s $150,000 annually through the executed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City and Waste Management related to the expansion of the Simi Valley Land fill and Recycling Center. This funding source, known as the Simi Valley Community Projects Grant , is awarded to non-profit organizations that serve Simi Valley to provide public service and community development activities during the 2021-22 program year. All $150,000 of this grant was previously awarded to one project that directly addressed the needs identified in the Regional CP and Action Plan. In addition, the Special Event Support Program awarded local agencies $25,000 in FY 2021-22 to offer services throughout the community.
Program Income received during FY 2021-22 consisted primarily of loan proceeds and interest. Loan and sale proceeds received, totaled $ 1,467,562. This amount was generated from the following loan pay-offs:
• Housing Successor Agency ( H.S.A)-funded: D eveloper loans - $ 356,213; F irst Time Home Buyer (FTHB) loan - $86,849; Home rehabilitation loans - $114,878; and resale fees - $3,643.
• Local-funded: FTHB loan - $355,326; and resale fees - $81,105. • CalHome-funded: Home rehabilitation loans - $135,656. • HOME-funded: Home rehabilitation loans - $126,633; and FTHB - $196,960. • EECBG: Home rehabilitation loans - $10,299.
14 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 9
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
The City is a recipient of past HOME and CalHome Program funds and maintains program income generated from loans that were made with those funds. HOME program income can be used for tenant -based rent subsidy programs, down- payment assistance programs, and owner -occupied rehabilitation programs. At the beginning of the fiscal year, the City had $1,219,570 available in HOME funds; $ 4,814,134 in Local funds ; $4,913,646 in H.S.A. funds; and $213,318 in CalHome funds.
The City did not receive any Program Income from pay-offs of past CDBG funded-Home Rehabilitation loans in FY 2021-22.
There were no matching requirements to address during this project year. 15 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 10
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b)
Eva
luation of the jurisdiction's progress in providing affordable housing, including the number and types of families served, the number of extremely low-income, low- income, moderate-income, and middle-income persons served.
The City’s Affordable Housing portfolio currently includes a total of 1,388 units set aside for low- and moderate- income households. These affordable units comprise both rental (1,197) and owner-occupied (191) units.
In addition, the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program offered low-interest deferred loans to low- and moderate- income homeowners. Qualified owners , of detached single- family residences, were eligible for a deferred two-percent loan of up to $50,000 with no monthly payments. The City’s Home Rehabilitation Program utilized CalHome and HOME. During the 20 21-22 program year , one qualified household w as approved for a Home Rehabilitation Loan (signed contract). Seven other home rehabilitation projects w ere completed during the reporting period of July 1, 2021 to June 30, 2022.
The Ci
ty provided rental subsidies to seven households at three mobile home parks. This translated to nine elderly persons, as some were two-person households. This program is not accepting new applicants.
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of homeless households
to be provided affordable
housing units
0 0
Number of non-homeless
households to be provided
affordable housing units
0 0
Number of special-needs
households to be provided
affordable housing units
0 0
Total 0 0
Table 5 - Number of Households
16 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 11
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
One-Year Goal Actual
Number of households
supported through rental
assistance
6 6
Number of households
supported through the
production of new units
0 0
Number of households
supported through the rehab of
existing units
7 7
Number of households
supported through the
acquisition of existing units
0 0
Total 13 13
Table 6 - Number of Households Supported
Di
scuss the difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting these goals.
The City was able to meet most of its established one-year goals. The City provided rental assistance to seven mobile home park households through the Mobile Home Rent Subsidy Program. The Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8 Rental Assistance) administered by the Ventura County Area Housing Authority , provided rental support to 693 Simi Valley households.
Discuss how these outcomes will impact future annual action plans.
The First Time Home Buyer Program was discontinued in 2012 as a result of the dissolution of redevelopment agencies in California and a substantial reduction in available funding. However, the City Council authorized the re-establishment of the FTHB on June 6, 2016 on a limited basis as funding becomes available. Staff is exploring the comeback of the FTHB program in the near future.
Inc
lude the number of extremely low -income, low-income, and moderate -income persons served by each activity where in formation on income by family size is required to determine the eligibility of the activity.
Number of Persons
Served
CDBG Actual HOME Actual
Extremely Low-income 0 0
Low-income 0 0
Moderate-income 0 0
Total 0 0
Table 7 – Number of Persons Served
17 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 12
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Narrative Information
City residents served by CDBG funds, for the activities funded in FY 2021-22, were all in the presumed or area beneficiary categories, not subject or required to income verification for CDBG income qualification requirements.
18 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 13
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) Ev
aluate the jurisdiction’s progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending homelessness through:
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs
During the program year, the City used CDBG funds to support programs that assist the homeless. The Samaritan Cent er of Simi Valley provided case management to 107 homeless individuals to help them become self -sustainable and move into housing, through access, life skills, and resources they need to secure and retain housing.
In addi
tion, Neighborhood Resource Officers (NROs) have a behavioral health worker that goes on ride-alongs with them when the NROs are interacting with the homeless.
The goal is for assessment and potential assistance into programs and services. When the NROs went out to encampments, a behavioral health worker accompanied them to try to connect the homeless individuals with services.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The City Council previously adopted a prioritized list of strategies recommended by the City’s Task Force on Homelessness to address the needs of homeless persons. Those priorities include: 1) finance homeless service programs; 2) achieve a coordination of services through the support of a one-stop services facility; 3) encourage and support the development of shelters and transitional housing; and 4) develop strategies to create more affordable housing units and maximize the use of existing housing stock.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: likely to become homeless after 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); and, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs
The City continued to support local service providers by developing, updating, and distributing various referral tools for residents experiencing homelessness. The City's Police Department and social service providers , conduct regular street outreach to encourage homeless individuals to engage in services. The Task Force on Homelessness (TFH) meets on a quarterly basis to further the efforts of the 10- Year Strategy to End Homelessness in collaboration with the Ventura County Continuum of Care (CoC) and 19 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 14
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
other partnering organizations. The City also facilitates quarterly resource coordination meetings to provide information to service providers and community members , to learn about available resources and to discuss needs within the community to address and potentially prevent homelessness.
The Ventura County 2022 Point in Time Homeless Count was held on February 23, 2022.
The count was originally scheduled in January and was postponed, due to the surge in COVID-19 cases during that time. Simi Valley experienced a 14 percent decrease from the number of homeless individuals counted in 2022 versus the last count held in 2020, from 162 to 141 individuals . In 2021, t he COVID -19 pandemic posed public health concerns for holding a traditional person- to-person survey of unsheltered persons , with only a sheltered count being required at that time. In 2022, a Sheltered Count included the following persons counted: persons in Emergency Shelters, persons in motel paid for by the program, persons in Transitional Housing , and persons in Safe Haven.
Region-wide, there was a 69 percent increase from 2020 to 2022 in the number of persons in congregate and non- congregate shelter s. Project Roomkey and other non-congregate contributed significantly to this increase. The data includes Domestic Violence shelter programs, as well as, emergency shelter programs. In Simi Valley, the Emergency Shelter count remained the same at 18 in 2021 and 2022.
The established CoC Pathways to Home program utilizes information from the County’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database to coordinate entry to housing opportunities for the most vulnerable. Pathways to Home allows individuals and families to a ccess services to move out of homelessness as quickly as possible. The program follows a client-focused approach to reduce the challenges of accessing multiple programs to avoid or exit homelessness. The program also allows service providers to work collaboratively to coordinate appropriate services. More information can be found about the Pathways to Home program by visiting venturacoc.org . Additionally, residents
who are experiencing homelessness are able to call Ventura County 2-1-1, to identify the appropriate resources available to them . T heir information is entered into the HMIS system to allow for the Pathways to Home program to connect them to services. The Ventura County 2-1-1 phone line is available 24 hours a day.
The City helps to support local service providers that directly assist residents who are homeless or those at risk of becoming homeless, as well as , organizations that provide assistance with housing, health, social services, education and youth needs. The funding is provided annually through the City’s Community Projects Grant (CPG). Each year, local non-profit 501(c) (3) organizations are invited to apply for up to $150,000 for community projects and programs . For FY 20 21-22, the City awarded $150,000 to a local service provider, the Free Clinic of Simi Valley, who delivers direct supportive services to Simi Valley residents struggling with homeless and health issues. 20 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 15
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
The Free Clinic of Simi Valley is a non- profit that provides medical care, counseling, dental services, family counseling and legal assistance to individuals a nd families, regardless of their ability to pay, and averages approximately 13, 000 service visits per year. The Free Clinic utilized funding to renovate a building that would allow all of their services to be in one building and better address the needs of the community. Half of the building is occupied by the Free Clinic, while the other half is designated for up to 14 additional non- profit organizations to offer vital services to benefit members of the community.
Hel
ping 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 famil ies 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
In
FY 20 21-22, the City funded the Samaritan Center, an organization that assists the chronically, at-risk for, and recently homeless population. The Samaritan Center offers a wrap-around approach of services to house and support individuals transitioning from living on the street or in their vehicles to permanent housing , thereby resulting in assistance to 107 individuals this program year through comprehensive case management services . In addition, the Samaritan Center helped hundreds of other in-need individuals on a drop-in basis through their meal, shower, and mail services. 21 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 16
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j)
Actions taken to address the needs of public housing
There is no public housing in the City of Simi Valley, however, the City continued to work with the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura to assist Simi Valley's low-income households. The Housing Choice Vouchers Program requires very low-income renters to pay up to 40 percent of their gross monthly income towards rent and subsidizes the balance on the renter’s behalf, up to published Payment Standards.
Ac
tions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
Although there is no public housing in Simi Valley, the City offered assistance through the Ventura County Mortgage Credit Certification (MCC) Program to low - and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who wish to purchase a home in Simi Valley.
The property may be an attached or detached single- family home, a condominium, or a townhome. The MCC Program is available to those who have not owned a home in the last three years.
The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC) offered foreclosure prevention assistance to homeowners throughout the County. VCCDC counselors assisted local homeowners with counseling, leading to action plans to avoid foreclosure, or offering alternatives to foreclosure if homeownership cannot be maintained. VCCDC also provides homebuyer readiness workshops and financing/lending products for first-time homebuyers, assisting qualifying households with gap financing and grants to increase lender confidence and encourage approval of loans.
In a
joint effort to promote home ownership within Simi Valley, VCCDC and the City, work closely together and encourage residents to participate in Homebuyer’s Education Workshops. Since its inception in 2017, this partnership has served more than 200 East County residents. These free all-day workshops were attended by prospective homebuyers, who were motivated to leave the rental market and venture into home ownership. Workshops were hosted at the City and conducted by VCCDC. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, VCCDC has temporarily directed all of their training from an in-person classroom setting , to an online virtual learning forum where participants can take the workshop and other courses without having to leave their residence, free of charge.
Ac
tions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs
The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura routinely inspects, repairs, and maintains units under its control on a regular basis; however, there is no public housing in the City of Simi Valley.
22 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 17
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j)
Actions taken 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. 91.220 (j);
91.320 (i)
The City’s current General Plan was updated and approved by the City Council on June 4, 2012, as a long -range planning and policy document. The City is currently in the process of certifying its Housing Element, to incorporate the 2021-2029 RHNA sixth cycle allocation. This new Housing Element will be updated with the latest pro-housing and fair housing bills adopted by the state legislature, including but not limited to: SB 330 – the Housing Crisis Act streamlining housing production, No Net Loss of residential housing unit capacity and the Affirmative Further Fair Housing (AFFH) rule to eliminate racial bias, foster inclusive communities and housing choice, and opportunity for all Californians.
The City of Simi Valley works with both non -profit and for -profit developers to produce quality affordable housing. During the 20 21-22 program year, the City of Simi Valley contended with some of the following obstacles to affordable housing: lack of affordable housing funds, planning and development fees, and State and Davis -Bacon prevailing wage requirements.
Th
e City did not use CDBG funds for the development of affordable housing, however, the City used other tools such as density bonuses, development concessions, and waivers. The City continued to seek new financial resources to enhance existing resources for addressing the affordable housing needs of local residents. An impediment to providing affordable housing programs is the elimination of redevelopment funds. The City used CalHome and HOME funds to support its Home Rehabilitation Program.
Rev
ised federal mortgage rules that went into effect January 10, 2014, instituted stricter lending practices, requiring lenders to tighten their credit and lending standards. This has affected unique lending conditions , including the City’s Affordable Housing Resale and Refinance Restrictions (Restrictive Covenants), which currently require non-subordination to a lender’s first trust deed loan and non- extinguishment after a foreclosure. As a response to the tightened lending standards, on July 21, 2014, the City Council authorized the City Manager to amend the Restrictive Covenants, as necessary, to allow subordination to first trust deed loans, to facilitate new sales, re- sales, and refinance requests regarding the City’s Affordable Housing Program, allowing the low-income homeowners and prospective buyers options to secure a lender of their choice. Such an amendment of the Restrictive Covenants will allow extinguishment of the covenants if there is a foreclosure. Nevertheless, removing this governmental constraint will continue to make the resale of City subsidized homes possible. 23 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 18
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k);
91.320(j)
One of the greatest challenges in meeting the underserved needs of low - and moderate-income persons is having limited financial resources. The City continued to encourage the development of affordable apartment projects for extremely low - and low-income households. Such developments provide permanent housing opportunities for homeless persons and increase the availability of low-cost rental units, to assist those who are rent burdened or severely rent burdened.
During the onset of the pandemic outbreak , resulting in a state-wide shutdown, the demand for low -income housing resources and services , such as resale affordable housing units and refinance/subordination of mortgage loans , dramatically increased.
What was once considered a daily routine, such as facilitating in- person meetings and handling of mailed packages, became major health and safety concerns. The City quickly responded with implementing temporary protocols by employing electronic processing to reduce circulation of paper documents. The protocols included accepting all documents digitally, circulating documents electronically for review, conducting meetings via phone or video/web conferencing, and implementing electronic signatures wherever possible.
The City allocated a portion of its annual CDBG funds to support public service agencies that address the special needs of the underserved, including the homeless, those at risk of homelessness, seniors, female-headed households, children of low - and moderate-income families, and the disabled. The City complied with federally-mandated Americans with Disabilities Act ( ADA) Paratransit service regulations by providing a combined 35,848 ADA Paratransit and Dial-a-Ride trips to disabled and elderly persons, during this fiscal year.
In addition, the Simi Valley Senior Center offered several nutrition programs to help combat food insecurity amongst those most in need in the community. The Senior Share Closed Food Pantry program offers a weekly bag of groceries to eligible seniors and i s supported by the county -wide food pantry, FOOD Share, Inc. The Senior Nutrition Program, which includes the Meals On Wheels (MOW) and Congregate/Pick Up Meal Program (PUMP) programs, are available to individuals age 60 and older, with MOW services available for those who are homebound by reason of illness, function, or disability. For many homebound adults, their weekly or daily meal delivery serves as their only source of socialization. These vulnerable and isolated seniors benefit from personal contact, as well as, the nutritious weekday meals provided by our MOW program. In FY 2021-22, a total of 40,150 meals were delivered to homebound seniors through this program. The Congregate Meal program, known as Rendezvous Café, provides a hot meal on weekdays for a suggested donation of $3.00 for eligible seniors over 60 years of age and a $7.07 fee for all others. During the COVID -19 pandemic, which forced facility closures, the congregate meal program transitioned into a pick -up meal program, which 24 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 19
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
allowed seniors the opportunity to receive nutritious weekday meals on a drive- up or walk-up basis. In September of 2021, the Senior Center reopened and the Congregate meal program offered a dine- in and PUMP options, with a total of 37,291 meals being served to seniors through these two options. Funding for these programs is provided primarily from a grant through the County of Ventura Area Agency on Aging, as well as , client donations. In FY 2021-22 a total of $193,993 was received in grant funding, and an additional $57,916 was received in participant donations for direct program use.
CDBG support , to services for low - and moderate- income households , has improved neighborhoods and empowered this target population. A variety of affordable services for youth, seniors, and people with special needs were made accessible, including: a winter shelter for Simi Valley homeless that included referrals to various support services, medical care, housing, and job referrals to regain a stable life; education training for children of low - to moderate- income disabled residents; and counseling, support and education for seniors and their families.
25 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 20
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The City continued to take the following actions during FY 2021-22 in an effort to identify and reduce potential lead-based paint hazards in the community:
• Incorporated lead-based paint hazard information in the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program information flyer.
• Made printed information (HUD information pamphlet from the Office of Lead- Based Paint Abatement and Poisoning Prevention) available to the public at several locations, including City Hall, the Chamber of Commerce, and the Conejo Simi Moorpark Association of Realtors office.
• Informed prospective home rehabilitation loan applicants during their initial interview about the potential hazards of lead- based paint and any necessary abatement measures needed to be taken to eliminate the hazard. If children age seven or younger were present in the home, and if a potential hazard from lead- based paint wa s identified, City staff advise d the parents about screening their children for elevated levels of lead in the blood, and follow any prescribed abatement requirements resulting from the screening.
• Tested for the presence of lead-based paint in homes that were built prior to 1978 and are part of the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program. • Lead-based paint risk assessment and abatement program when lead-based paint tests indicate d a hazardous concentration of lead (equal to or higher than 1 mg/cm2) for homes that are part of the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program.
During the 2021-22 program year, one lead-based paint inspection was performed for which abatement was not required.
Actions taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The City has established goals and policies designed to improve the local economy and reduce the level of poverty within the community. The City continue d to pursue the following programs and activities during FY 2021-22 , to help reduce the number of families at the poverty level:
• Actively encourage commercial and industrial development , in order to increase local employment opportunities for its residents and to better serve the business community.
• Recruit and retain an industry based upon its environmental impact, the number of jobs per acre provided, the percentage of jobs from entry level to executive level, and its ability to utilize the skills of the City’s residents. • Cooperate with the State Employment and Development Department and research the job skills in the community, giving special attention to attracting industries that utilize these skills.
26 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 21
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
• Promote affordable housing programs designed to provide assistance primarily to extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income households within the communit y. A variety of housing assistance programs throughout the County are available to help various low- and moderate-income groups in need of assistance, including renters, first-time homebuyers, existing homeowners, homeless persons, and persons at risk of homelessness.
• Offer new affordable housing opportunities through density bonuses and zoning concessions.
Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) The City continues to explore opportunities that provide economic support to both existing and new businesses. As social distancing requirements eased during the fiscal year, staff began to meet with various retail, restaurant, and corporate representatives regarding several possible locations in the community. While the economy opened up, consumers had a pent up demand to eat out, and receipts from casual and quick service restaurants were robust. As our community began to show resiliency , from the impacts of the pandemic, retailers took steps to open new locations. Starbucks opened a new location within the City and commenced construction on another , shortly thereafter. A grocery retailer signed a Letter of Intent and has submitted plans for a large tenant improvement in the City. Platt and Stone, a family -owned company, which has been making cast stone products for over 30 years joined the Simi Valley community during the fiscal year. Three new assisted living and memory care facilities, Oakmont Senior Living, Vista, and Varenita, opened during the fiscal year providing employ ment opportunities for residents in the community.
While the retail sector begins to emerge from the impacts of the pandemic, the City continued to see robust interest from industrial users and industrial development experienced strong activity. Construction began on 353,000 square foot, 6- building industrial complex at the southeast corner of Tapo Canyon Road and Los Angeles Avenue. This project replaces an aged- out 181,000 square foot office building and is slated to start leasing in fall of 2022. The City also saw the completion of construction of a 49,980 square foot multi -tenant industrial building on Guardian Street , as well as , a 68,000 square foot industrial building on West Hills Court. Additionally, the City will soon see 499,000 square feet of new construction of industrial buildings on Easy Street.
Collectively, these projects, along with the conversion of an existing 290,000 square foot office building into a regional distribution facility for Amazon last year, will provide over 800,000 square feet of industrial space in Simi Valley creating thousands of job opportunities at all levels.
With COVID -19 extending for over a year and through the reporting period, the City continues to take immediate action to assist businesses in Simi Valley. The City approved 27 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 22
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
an emergency order, during the prior year , which allowed restaurants to establish table seating in common areas, parking lots, and sidewalks until the pandemic subsided. This allowed restaurants to capture seating capacity due to the State and County Orders’ limitation on indoor dining. During this year’s reporting period, the City amended the City’s Municipal Code, in order to provide greater flexibility for restaurant owner s to permanently convert their outdoor area into their permitted operations. City staff continues to work with the restaurant community to help them provide an amenity to their patrons by providing gathering places while supporting the local economy. The City has also taken a relaxed enforcement position on Code Enforcement issues and signage, allowing businesses to be creative with signage and banners. A combination of these actions help to preserve the ability of Simi Valley businesses to remain open, employ as many workers as possible, and increase their revenue base.
The City continues to work with the ownership of the Simi Valley Town Center regarding their major renovation project at the shopping center. During this time period, the City has been in discussion with the Town Center ownership regarding a new Speci fic Plan and various redevelopment options. Retailers are now in a better position to discuss lease options with the pandemic behind them and a pent up demand from consumers wanting to return to brick and mortar stores. As always, the City continues to as sist several other shopping center owners to accommodate their redevelopment projects. The City approved a mixed- use development which included residential rentals and commercial space at the site of the Santa Susana Plaza Shopping Center. Additionally, redevelopment of an infill site on Tapo and Alamo Street, which includes housing and mixed-use development, was approved providing residential units and 8,100 square feet of remodeled space for commercial tenants. Both projects will provide affordable housing and job opportunities.
Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)
The City furthered coordination between public housing groups, private developers, and social service agencies that assist lo w- and moderate- income persons. To improve communications with these and other community stakeholders, the City developed a master mailing list, consisting of approximately 150 agencies, and contacted them as part of its community outreach. Priority is given to strengthening coordination efforts between the City and those agency groups that provide assistance to the homeless and persons with special needs in order to improve the delivery of services to those households.
Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the jurisdictions analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a) The City updated the Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice, along with the preparation of the Regional CP in 2020. The AI identifies potential impediments to fair 28 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 23
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
housing in Simi Valley and establishes a Fair Housing Action Plan that outlines steps the City will take to overcome these impediments. Actions taken in the program year include:
• City joined other cities in a regional contract with the County of Ventura to retain the fair housing services of The Housing Rights Center -Los Angeles (HRC) to conduct the City’s FY 2021-22 Fair Housing Program.
• HRC provided links to current fair housing services and other housing resources on the City’s website and provided outreach and brochure distribution. • HRC provided direct services to 125 Simi Valley residents ; 97 inquiries involved general housing questions, while 28 raised questions or allegations of housing discrimination. Of the 28 discrimination inquiries, 27 were counseled and one was materialized into a case. Of these, 26 involved physical or mental disabilities, while two dealt with source of income. Of the residents contacting HRC, 88 were in-place tenants, 23 were seniors, 26 were disabled and three were female head of household. Of these same callers, 87 percent were extremely low-income. • HRC advertised their services via Facebook, Twitter, emails, and public service announcements.
• City displayed Fair Housing posters in the City Hall lobby and library building. 29 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 24
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and used to ensure long- term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements
During the program year, subrecipients were required to submit quarterly and year -end reports to mo nitor program/project progress toward stated goals. Reports included information on program beneficiaries (including race/ethnicity) and identified performance measures in meeting projected goals. Some reports were accompanied by reimbursement requests with supporting documentation. Identification of the sources and amount of leveraged funds , and their use in the program, w ere also required. This information provided the means for desktop monitoring to ensure project accomplishments and expenditures were consistent with approved work schedules and line item budgets.
Due to the continuance of the COVID-19 pandemic that developed in early 2020, CDBG staff was unable to conduct any of the annual on- site monitoring . Governmental emergency health orders, local policy , and safe practices rendered the yearly on- site audits of programs and projects unsafe and not pragmatic to accomplish in FY 2021-22.
City staff continued to work with subrecipients in virtual settings and platforms, by phone and email, providing technical assistance and shar ing helpful tools with non- profit agencies so that they could continue to gather and document required information in serving low- and moderate- income persons. Modifications and innovative techniques were devised and approved for data collection and verifications, always adhering to safety protocols.
Ci
tizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d)
Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports.
During the public review periods and public hearings, all interested persons were encouraged to provide input and comment s regarding proposed funding allocations for the projects and programs identified in the FY 20 21-22 Action Plan and the accomplishments reported in the CAPER. All comments supported the proposed FY 2021-22 Action Plan projects and programs. C omments recei ved during the 20 21-22 CAPER public review period of August 29 through September 12 , 20 22, or at the September 12, 2022 Simi Valley City Council meeting will be incorporated in the final CAPER document.
30 City of Simi Valley Draft CAPER FY 2021-22 25
OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)
CR-45 -
CDBG 91.520(c)
Sp
ecify the nature of, and reasons for any changes in the jurisdiction’s program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences.
FY 20
21-22 marked the first of a two-year funding application period for Public Service programs. City staff strives, welcomes and encourages opportunities to enhance, improve and streamline operations, as a way of making the City’s CDBG program more effective and efficient, while reaching and serving the maximum number of residents.
Although no new systems were put in place during this reporting period, a few areas are under consideration for near -future amendments. The quick shift of operations and procedures brought upon the on-going pandemic, during this fiscal year , has given opportunity for inherent improvements, collaborations and innovative ways to accomplish goals.
Does this Jurisdiction have any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grants?
The City does not contain any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative grants. 31