Staff Report — Simi Valley City Council, May 1, 2023

CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

MEMORANDUM
May 1, 2023
TO: Cit
y Council
FR
OM: Department of Environmental Services
SUBJ
ECT: A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATIONS AND DRAFT FY 2023-24 ACTION PLAN

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
It
is recommended that the City Council:

1. Adop
t or modify the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24; and

2. Auth
orize the submission of the FY 2023-24 Action Plan (Exhibit 1, page 7) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The U
.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City to prepare an annual Ac tion Plan [Housing and Urban Development , Title 24 CFR (Code of Federal Regulation) Section §91 .315(b)(1).]
that describes the intended use of Federal and other funding resources on community needs outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan [Title 24 CFR §91.220(c)]. The Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan (Exhibit 1) contains the preliminary allocations recommended by the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee (Committee). The Action Plan outlines the actions the City p roposes to further its adopted affordable housing and non- housing goals. Per City policy, the City Council makes all final allocations of CDBG funds for FY 2023-24 and authorizes the submission of the FY 2023-24 Action Plan to HUD. The deadline for submitting a completed Action Plan to HUD is May 15 , 2023.

As
part of the City Council’s direction on June 23, 2014, and staff’s efforts to streamline the CDBG process, Public Service applications are funded for a two-year cycle, which in turn has created efficiency for both the Applicants and the City. Public Service applications are conditionally approved for a t wo-year funding cycle, provided that the City is awarded an entitlement from HUD and the sub- recipient organization is in compliance with HUD and City regulations.

CD
BG funds may be used for projects such as acquisition of real property, rehabilitation of structures, public facility improvements, removal of architectural barriers, and energy AGENDA ITEM NO.

5A
conservation (24 CFR 570.201). Regarding allocations of the CDBG entitlement, up to 15 percent of the grant may be reserved for Public Service programs [24 C.F.R. 570.201(e) (1).] and up to 20 percent may be used for Planning and Administration [ 24 C.F.R. 570.200(g).].

On February 27, 2023, the CDBG entitlement amounts were published by HUD for FY 2023-24. The City will receive $6 25,207 in CDBG funds for the 202 3-24 program year.

The available resources , divided in accordance with HUD’s maximum expenditure percentages in each of the three categories, are as follows:

• Public Service programs - $93,781;
• Planning and Administration - $125,041;
• Capital Improvement projects - $406,385.

Since the total amount of applications for Public Service funds requested ( $63,787) is less than the available funds of $93,781 in this category, the remaining $29 ,994 will be allocated to Capital Improvements. In addition, there is $10,000 in Program Income and $36,375 in prior year unspent funds that will be allocated to this category, for an estimated total of $482,754 available for Capital Improvements. Therefore, a grand total of $671,582 in CDBG funding will be available for FY 2023-24.

FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES

CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing

The CDBG Advisory Committee is currently comprised of the following members:

Name Affiliation
Andy Hanna Neighborhood Council
Brian Kane Neighborhood Council
Allan Mann Planning Commission
Pete Stong Council On Aging
Harry VanDyck Chamber of Commerce

On March 13, 2023, the Committee held a public hearing to review applications for funding and solicit comments on the Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan. At the conclusion of this hearing, the Committee evaluated, rated, and ranked three applications: two for Public Services and one for Capital Improvements.

The Committee recommended that the City Council adopt its preliminary funding allocations and approve the Draft Action Plan. However, any or all of the funds that were preliminarily allocated by the Committee may be changed by the City Council. The final CDBG funding amounts adopted by the City Council for the 2023-24 program year will be incorporated into the FY 2023-24 Action Plan prior to its submission to HUD. The Draft Action Plan was released for the required 30-day public review on March 31, 2023.

2 The Public Service category includes but is not limited to, activities relating to seniors, youth, health, and homeless services, or programs for persons with special needs. The same organizations that are awarded funding in FY 2023-24 (Year 1 of 2) will receive the same amount of funding ($63, 787) in FY 202 4-25 (Year 2 of 2) , provided that the City receives a FY 2024-25 HUD en titlement and the organization is in compliance with City/HUD regulations, as illustrated in Table 1 below:

Table 1 - Public Service Category

In the Capital Improvements category, a minimum of 50 percent of the CDBG allocation is automatically programmed for the City’s Department of Public Works ’ Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program (Minor Streets Program). This policy direction was approved by the City Council in July 2013, in an effort to allocate a guaranteed portion of this category’s funds to cover diminishing government funds allotted for transportation and infrastructure, as well as decreased local tax revenues. In the event that other projects in this category do not receive funding recomm endations totaling the other 50 percent of the available funds, any surplus will automatically be awarded to the Minor Streets Program. The Minor Streets Program application is not rated/ranked by the Committee.

The Capital Improvements category includes public facilities and improvements (e.g., infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements). Since there is only one Capital Improvement application (Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation) for consideration this year, the remaining available funds in this category will be programmed for the City’s Department of Public Works . The total amount available in this category, including an unallocated surplus from the Public Service category, “Program Income” and unspent prior year funds is $482,754. Of this amount, it is recommended that the Applicant in this category, Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation , receive $176,000 to make energy-related rehabilitation improvements to an existing 70- unit apartment complex located in Simi Valley. Eight units in two buildings comprise the scope of the project. The Applicant is requesting to provide solid covers to exposed and damaged entry portals leading into each of the eight units. The remaining funds in this category, $306, 754 ($482,754 minus $176,000), will be programmed for the Minor Streets Program and will be utilized for resurfacing and roadway maintenance activities in designated low to moderate-income census tracts.

Organization and Program CDBG
Request
Recommended
Allocation for
Year 1 of 2
FY 2023-24
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns - Senior Advocacy
Services/Geriatric Care Management
$18,787 $18,787
Samaritan Center - Case Management $45,000 $45,000
Totals: $63,787 $63,787
3 The Planning and Administration category represents the costs for administering the CDBG program and providing fair housing services to the public at large. This category is not rated by the Committee . The allocation for the fair housing program is based on services rendered by a fair housing provider through a contrac t with the County of Ventura, as illustrated in Table 2, below:

Table 2 – Planning and Administration Category
Organization/Program CDBG
Request
Recommended
Allocation
Fair Housing Program $18,000 $18,000
CDBG Program Administration $107,041 $107,041
Totals: $125,041 $125,041

California Environmental Quality Act Review

Staff has reviewed the applications for CDBG funding and has determined that each of the proposed uses of the funding is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Neither the Program Administration/Fair Housing Programs nor Public Service Programs involve any physical changes to the environment. Therefore, they are exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, in that they are “covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.” In addition, b oth Capital Improvement projects are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301, which states:
“Class 1 consists of the operation, repair, maintenance, permitting, leasing, licensing, or minor alteration of existing public or private structures, facilities, mechanical equipment, or topographical features, involving negligible or no expansion of existing or former use.” This exemption applies in that one of the Capital Projects proposes minor improvements to an existing private structure (apartment complex solid entry covers), and the other consists of the repair and maintenance of existing public facilities (street rehabilitation).

The following alternatives are available to the City Council:

1. Adopt or modify the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24;

2. Authorize the submission of the FY 202 3-24 Action Plan (Exhibit 1) to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development;

3. Provide further direction to staff.

Staff recommends Alternative Nos. 1 and 2.

4 SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION

I move to adopt the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24 and authorize the submission of the FY 202 3-24 Action Plan to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SUMMARY

On March 13 , 202 3, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee conducted a public hearing on the proposed CDBG funded projects and programs to be conducted in FY 2023-24 and the Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan. The Committee made allocation recommendations for projects and programs to be carried out in FY 2023-24 .

Staff recommends that the City Council consider the Committee’s funding recommendation, and make the final determination for the CDBG projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24 . The Committee also recommends that the City Council authorize the submission of the FY 202 3-24 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

____________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director

Prepared by: Julia Ramirez, Senior Management Analyst

INDEX Page

Public Hearing Procedure..………………………………………………………………..6
Exhibit 1 – Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan………………………………………………..7 Exhibit 2 – FY 2023-24 CDBG Eligibility Review Forms……………………………...45

The CDBG Funding Requests for FY 202 3-24 binder containing copies of the original funding applications is available for public review at the City of Simi Valley Public Library, the City Clerk’s Office and the Department of Environmental Services, located at City Hall, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley.

5 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE

HEARING DATE: MAY 15, 2023

1. CITY CLERK: This is the time and place set for a public hearing to consider the Community Development Block Grant Allocations and the Draft FY 2023-24 Action Plan.

2. MAYOR:

May we have an oral report on this matter by staff

3. STAFF: (Report)

4. MAYOR
: Any questions of staff from City Council Members?

5. MAYOR
: At this time I would like to open the hearing for anyone in the City Council Chambers wishing to be heard on this matter?

6. AUDIENCE: Public Testimony and Comments

7 MAYOR: Does staff desire to respond to any comments or issues raised?

8. STAFF: (Response to comments and additional City Council questions)

9. MAYOR: The hearing is now closed.

10. MAYOR: Any further comments or questions from City Council Members?

11. MAYOR: I will now entertain a motion.

12. ANY COUNCIL
MEMBER:

City Council Actions (by motion of any Council Member):

1) Adopt or modify the CDBG Advisory Committee rankings and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2023-24; and

2) Authorize the submission of the FY 2023-24 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.

* Any action to refer the matter back to staff or to continue the matter requires a second and a vote.

11. ANY COUNCIL
MEMBER
: Second

12. MAYOR
: (Call for vote)

13. MAYOR
: Proceed to the next item.
6 Annual Acti on Plan ‐ 2023
UEI – PNTG TKKJ 37G1
____________________________________________________________________________ FY 2023-24 DRAFT ACTION PLAN
Public Review Period
March 31 through May 1, 2023
City of Simi Valley
Department of Environmental Services
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063
EXHIBIT 1
7 Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023

This page has been intentionally left blank

8 Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023

Table of Contents

Process

AP-05 Executive Summary ....................................................................................... 1 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agen cies ....................................................................... 5 AP-10 Consultation ................................................................................................... 6 AP-12 Participation an d Citizen Comments ............................................................ 13

Annual Action Plan

AP-15 Expected Re sources.................................................................................... 15 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectiv es ...................................................................... 17 AP-35 Projects ........................................................................................................ 19 AP-38 Project Summary ......................................................................................... 20 AP-50 Geographic Dis tribution ............................................................................... 24 AP-55 Affordable Housing ...................................................................................... 25 AP-60 Public Housing ............................................................................................. 26 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Acti vities ............................................. 28 AP-75 Barriers to Affo rdable Housing ..................................................................... 30 AP-85 Other Actions ............................................................................................... 31 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements .................................................................. 35

Appendices*

A. Certific ations .........................................................................................................

B. SF-424 Forms .......................................................................................................

C. List of Propos ed Projects ......................................................................................

D. Map of Proposed Projects and M ap of Low/Moderate Income Areas ...................

E. Summary of Citizen Participation Pr ocess and Notification Mailing List ................

F. Proofs of P ublication .............................................................................................

*All Appendices will be inserted before this document is submitted to HUD. 9 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 1

Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)

1. Introduction
Simi Valley is located in southeastern Ventura County. It borders Los Angeles County, unincorporated portions of Ventura County, and the Cities of Moorpark and Thousand Oaks. The City of Simi Valley has a populat ion of approximately 126,356 (as of April 2020). It is the third largest of Ventura C ounty's 10 cities, occupying an area of approximately 42 square miles, and is approximately 37 miles northwest of downtown Los Angeles. The City was incorporated in 1969 under the general laws of the State of California and operates under a General-Law/council-manager form of government.

The Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-24 Draft Action Pl an (Action Plan) serves as the official application to the U.S. D epartment of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for the City of Simi Valley. This Action Plan is for year three of the Regional Consolidated Plan FY 2020-2024 (RCP), and covers the planning period from July 1, 2023, through June 30, 2024.

The County of Ventura and the Cities of Camarillo, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks have formed the Ventura County HOME Consortium, which took effect in FY 2020-21. The HOME Consortium jurisdictions will collaborate to address the housing crisis and increase the annual HOME resources available to our communities to increase the supply of affordable housing.

This Action Plan identifies the housing and community development needs of the City and sets forth specific programs and projects that address these needs. It also satisfies the minimum statutory requirements for CDBG. It was prepared using the eCon Planning Suite system developed by HUD. The system prescribes the structure and contents of this document, following the Federal Consolidated Planning regulations.

2. Summarize the objectives and outco mes identified in the Plan This Action Plan incorporates outcome meas ures for activities in accordance with the Federal Register Notice, dated March 7, 2006, which requires the following Performance Measure Objectives/Outcomes to be associated with each activity funded:

General Objective Categories - Activities will provide one of the following:
 Decent Housing (DH)
 Suitable Living Environment (SL)
 Economic Opportunity (EO)
10 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 2

Outcome Categories - Activities will meet one of the following:
 Availability/Accessibility
 Affordability
 Sustainability
Simi Valley has a range of housing and co mmunity development needs. CDBG funds alone are not adequate to addre ss the myriad of needs identified during the public outreach process and summarized in the Needs Assessment of the RCP. Recognizing the national objectives of t hese funding programs and specific program regulations, the City of Simi Valley intends to use these funds 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. Needs that have been identified will receive funding during the RCP period. The priorities from the RCP, determined in consultation with residents and community groups, are listed on the following page.

11 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 3

Consolidated Plan Priorities
 New Rental Housing – Create new affordable rental units  Housing Support and Stability – Create supportive housing units and tenant-based rental assistance
 Homeownership Opportunities – Create affordable homeowner housing units
 Rehabilitation and Preservation of Existing Housing Units – Create/preserve stable, safe, affordable housing opportunities  Assistance for Senior Residents – Ma ke public facilities/infrastructure ADA-accessible, and provide housing with direct care, health, and social services for seniors
 Increase Job Skills – Provide low- and moderate-income adults with job skills training directly tied to obtaining employment
 Façade Improvements – Assist businesses in low- and moderate-income areas with commercial façade treatments
 Local Entrepreneurship – Assist for-profit small businesses with technical and financial assistance to create jobs or to create a microenterprise startup
 Social Services – Provide low- to moderate-income population with medical, disability, education, and legal/advocacy services  Youth Activities and Services – Provide services/activities for youth from low- and moderate-income households
 Homelessness – Facilities/services for homeless population or those at risk of homelessness
 Streets and Streetscapes – Reconstruct streets/sidewalks, add/replace street trees, and improve ADA accessibility on public walkways in low- and moderate-income areas
 Parks and Community Spaces – Construct or improve public parks/community buildings in low- and moderate-income areas  Disaster Planning and Recovery – Dis aster planning/recovery activities after severe weather, fire, or earthquakes
 Utilities and Public Infrastructure – Improve public and publicly-regulated utilities and infrastructure for residents in low- and moderate-income areas

3. Evaluation of past performance
The City reviews all quarterly progress reports for funded ac tivities on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year. The reports are collected, reviewed, and compared to each program or project’s writt en agreement, application, and any other formal or informal communication or information available. At fiscal year’s end, the City completes the Program Year Review Summary Table and assesses its progress toward meeting its community priorities as established by the current RCP. The use of other data, such as the City’s Quarterly Development Summaries, which includes the tracking of affordable 12 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 4

housing projects; Senior and Affordable Housing Guides; and statistics obtained from the Housing staff, is also considered when analyzing past performances.

The City does not limit the types of program s/projects for which applications will be accepted during the Notice of Funds Ava ilable period; however , all proposals must address one of the established priorities. Questions 21 a. & b. on the City’s CDBG Application specifically inquire about prior CDBG funding and outcomes. If the applicant/program meets the requirements established by HUD, the RCP, and the City’s application guidelines, it will be evaluated by staff and submitted to the CDBG Advisory Committee (Committee) for their consideration and funding recommendations to the City Council.

Funding for a variety of community development activities has been allocated and several activities were completed during FY 2022 -23. Through various programs for special needs, homeless, and low- and moderate-in come persons, about 2,845 persons benefitted from block grant funding.

4. Summary of Citizen Participati on process and consultation process The Committee makes funding recommendations to the City Council in response to applications made by service providers, community organizations, and City departments.

On March 13, 2023, the Commi ttee made preliminary funding recommendations to the City Council. That same night, the Committee entertained comments on the Action Plan and authorized staff to release the document for a required 30-day public review period from March 31 to May 1, 2023. All of the Committee’ s recommendations have been incorporated into the Action Plan. The Cit y Council will conduct another public hearing, tentatively scheduled for May 1, 2023, to receive additional public comments and make final allocations of CDBG funds for FY 2023-24. The final allocations will be provided in Appendix C before this document is submitted to HUD.

5. Summary of public comments
A summary of all public comments will be pr ovided on page 14 before this document is submitted to HUD.

6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
All comments received will be incorporated before this document is submitted to HUD.

7. Summary
The City of Simi Valley has undertaken diligent and good faith efforts conducting outreach to all segments of the community that may benefit from the CDBG Program. 13 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 5

PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)

1. Agency/entity responsible for prep aring/administering the Consolidated Plan
The following are the agencies/entities respons ible for preparing t he Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.

Table 1 – Responsible Agency
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
CDBG Administrator City of Simi Valley Department of Environmental Services

Narrative
The City’s CDBG Program is administered by the City of Simi Valley Department of Environmental Services.

Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
For matters concerning the City of Simi Va lley’s CDBG Program, please contact: Julia Ramirez, Senior Management Analyst, Departm ent of Environmental Services, City of Simi Valley, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063, (805) 583-6728.

14 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 6

AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)

1. Introduction
As part of the Action Plan development, the City consulted and coordinated with non-profit agencies, affordable housing providers, and government agencies regarding the needs of the low- and moderate-income population. The outreach efforts are further discussed in the Executive Summary and Citizen Participation sections of this Action Plan.

Provide a concise summary of the jurisdic tion’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing provider s and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)).

The City will continue to enhanc e coordination between public housing groups, private developers, and social service agencies that assist low- and moderate-income persons.

To improve communications with these and other community stakeholders, the City developed a master mailing list, consisting of approximately 160 agencies and individuals, and contacted them as part of its community outreach. Priority will be given to strengthening coordination efforts between the City and those agency groups that provide assist ance to homeless, persons threatened with homelessness, and per sons with special needs in or der to improve the delivery of services to those households.

A complete list will be included in Appendix E before this document is submitted to HUD. These agencies were mailed notices of funding availability and public hearings.

Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically hom eless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.

The outreach list includes homeless service agencies in the Ventura County Regional Continuum of Care. The City will conti nue to encourage the development of affordable apartment projects for extremely low- and low-income households. Such developments would 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. The City will also consider allocating a portion of its annual CDBG funds toward the provision of serv ices for the homeless and those with special needs.

The City of Simi Valley is also an active member of the Ventura County Continuum of Care and relies on social service providers to provide the majority of services and housing assistance for its homeless population.

While the City continues to work toward a permanent housing solution for the community’s homeless, the City provides funding and assistance to the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley, who 15 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 7

offers a wrap-around approach of services to hous e and support individuals transitioning from living on the street or in their vehicles to permanent housing.

Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outco mes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
The City’s HUD entitlement allocation does not include ESG funds.

16 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 8

2. Agencies, groups, organizations and othe rs who participated in the process and consultations
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization SENIOR CONCERNS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Elderly Persons Services - Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs

Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

DEVELOPMENT CORPORATION
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Families with Children
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and discussed a
proposed project to assist people in the east
portion of Ventura County.
3 Agency/Group/Organization SAMARITAN CENTER
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Homeless Individuals
Services - Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

17 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 9

4 Agency/Group/Organization SOUTHEAST VENTURA COUNTY- YMCA Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Education
Services - Elderly Persons
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs

Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and discussed a proposed
project to assist families with children through
recreational and educational opportunities.
5 Agency/Group/Organization MOORPARK COLLEGE
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Persons with Disabilities
Services - Elderly Persons

What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and discussed a proposed
project to assist people in the east portion of
Ventura County through educational
opportunities and special programs for
vulnerable populations in the region.
6 Agency/Group/Organization HABITAT FOR HUMANITY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Homeless Individuals
Services - Persons with Disabilities
Services - Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

18 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 10

7 Agency/Group/Organization CABRILLO ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

CORPORATION
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs

Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and discussed a proposed
project to rehabilitate an existing apartment
building that serves low-income persons, with
the goal to maintain affordable housing stock.
8 Agency/Group/Organization SIMI VALLEY PUBLIC LIBRARY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Families with Children
Services - Elderly Persons

What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and explored potential of
service programs and projects that would
benefit patrons of the library.
9 Agency/Group/Organization THE TORRES LAW FIRM
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

19 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 11

10 Agency/Group/Organization SIMI VALLEY INTERFAITH
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Housing Need Assessment
Non-Homeless Special Needs

Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 1, 2022, and discussed several
proposed projects to assist and collaborate
with different faith-led groups in the area.
11 Agency/Group/Organization BOYS AND GIRLS CLUB OF MOORPARK

AND SIMI VALLEY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Families with Children
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

VENTURA COUNTY
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Families with Children Services - Education
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

20 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 12

Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting The City contacted approximately 160 agencies as pa rt of the outreach proc ess for this Action Plan. All applicable agencies and agency types were consulted.

Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan

Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Name of
Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan?
Continuum
of Care
Ventura County
Housing and
Homeless Coalition
As part of the outreach process, the City has identified homeless and homeless prevention services as a priority for the CDBG Program. These services complement the Continuum of Care Strategy for transitioning the homeless to permanent housing.

21 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 13

AP-12 Participation - 91.105, 91.200(c)

1. Summary of citizen participation pr ocess/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
Citizen participation is one of the most important elements of the Action Plan process. To solicit public input during the development of the Action Plan, the City hol ds two public hearings and makes available a draft of the Action Plan for public review.

Public Hearings: The City of Simi Valley held a p ublic hearing before the CDBG Advisory Committee, an appointed body who makes recommendations to the City Council, on March 13, 2023, to solicit public input on FY 2023-24 community needs and proposed projects. In addition, a second public hearing is scheduled for May 1, 2023, to receive additional public comments on the Action Plan. The City Council will consider and adopt the Action Plan at the May 2023 public hearing.

Public Review of Draft Action Plan: A 30-day public review period will be held from March 31 through May 1, 2023. The Action Plan, amendments to the Plan, and annual performance reports will be available for five years at City Hall.

A complete summary of the citizen participation process will be inserted in Appendix E before this document is sent to HUD. A list of speaker s and comments received at the above-mentioned public hearings will be included on the following page before this document is sent to HUD.

22 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 14

Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #1, March 13, 2023

Applicant speakers:

Janet Young – Conejo Valley Senior Concerns
Annika Sumby – Samaritan Center
Walter Beaumont – Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation

Citizen Comments:

None

Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #2, May 1, 2023

Applicant speakers:

Citizen Comments:

23 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 15

Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.220(c) (1,2)
Introduction
Several Housing and Community Development funding resources are currently available in the City of Simi Valley, including:
 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
 California Home Investment Partnership (HOME) Program repayment of grant funds and Housing Successor Agency funds
 CalHome
 Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG) funds  Local Housing funds

Anticipated Resources
Table 4 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of
Funds
Amount Available Year 4 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of RCP
Narrative
Description Annual
Allocation
Program
Income
Prior Year
Resources
Total:

CDBG Public -
Federal
-Effective
Administration
-Improve the
Supply of
Affordable
Housing
-Create Quality
Neighborhoods
-Work to End
Homelessness
-Increase
Social
Services $625,207 $10,000 $36,375 $671,582 $625,207
Annual
allocation for
second year of
plan is used for
determining
expected
amount
available
remainder of
RCP years
($625,207 x 1 =
$625,207
)

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resour ces (private, state, and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The City of Simi Valley has access to a number of Federal, State, and local resources to achieve its housing and community development priorities. One funding source for the City is CBDG. Through this program, a grant is awarded to t he City on a formula basis for housing and community development activities. The City has been notified by HUD of its CDBG entitlement for FY 2023-24. The entitlement amount of $625,207, plus the unspent prior year funds of $36,375 and $10,000 of program income, will be available for programs and services during the 2023-24 program year. The City’s goal for the CDBG funds is to leverage Federal, State, and local funds to maximize the number of households that can be assisted. The City is not a reci pient of Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG) or Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) funds; therefore, those funding sources will not be discussed further in this document.
24 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 16

Other funding sources available to the City are: program income from the repayment of grant funds derived from the California Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and Housing Successor Agency; State CalHome Program grant funds derived from a compet itive grant application; Energy Efficiency and Conservation Block Grant (EECBG) Program, funds derived by a formula grant made by the U.S. Department of Energy; and Local Housing funds receiv ed from certain loan repayments and affordable unit resale fees. Match requirements for the HOME Program are not applicable to the use of program income.

Budget development activities in recent years have required substant ial expenditure reductions to counteract downward revenue trends at the local, State, and Federal levels. Since redevelopment funds are no longer available for most eligible lo w- and moderate-income acti vities outlined in this document, such housing and non-housing activities can no longer be funded through the City’s former Community Development Agency (CDA). Any c ontinuation of these programs would be dependent upon the City’s General Fund or other revenue sources. The City is scheduled to receive $150,000 per year until 2061 from Waste Managem ent, which will be available for various housing and community development activities. These budgetary issues hav e established a new category of challenges in addition to those already existing that will require difficult decisions regarding expenditures and the continuation of former CDA-funded programs.

The City will provide $175,000 to non-profit organizations for projects to be conducted in FY 2023-24, through funding derived from the Si mi Valley Community Projects Gr ant Program ($150,000) and the Special Event Support Program ($25,000).

If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the Action Plan The City does not have any publicly owned land or property that may be used to address the needs identified in the Action Plan.

25 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 17

Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.220(c)(3)&(e)
Goals Summary Information

Table 5 – Goals Summary
Sort
Order Goal Name
Start
Year
End
Year Category
Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed

Preliminary
Funding
Allocation
Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Effective
Administration
2023 2024 Planning and
Administration
Citywide Program
Development
and Equal
Housing
Opportunity
CDBG:
$125,041
N/A for Program
Management/
150 Residents Assisted
2 Create Quality
Neighborhoods
2023 2024 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Census
Tracts
8302-1 &
8004-1
Streets and
Streetscapes
CDBG:
$306,754
Public
Facility/Infrastructure
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 3,815
Persons Assisted
3 Work to End
Homelessness
2023 2024 Homeless Citywide Homelessness CDBG:
$45,000
Public Service
Activities for
Homelessness
Prevention: 100
Persons Assisted
4 Increase Social
Services
2023 2024 Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Citywide Social Services CDBG:
$18,787
Public Service
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 80
Persons Assisted
5 Improve the
Supply of
Affordable
Housing
2023 2024 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Rehabilitation
and
Preservation of
Existing
Housing Units
CDBG:
$176,000
Rental Units
Rehabilitated to
increase the efficient
use of energy: eight
Households/Housing
Units

26 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 18

Goal Descriptions
Table 6 – Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Effective Administration
Goal
Description
This goal provides for the administration of the City's CDBG Program, including program development, implementation, monitoring, fiscal responsibilities, and development of HUD mandated reports and documents. This goal also provides for the contracted services of fair housing, education, counseling, enforcement and landlord/tenant dispute resolution.
2 Goal Name Create Quality Neighborhoods
Goal
Description
This goal will improve or construct infrastructure that will benefit low- and moderate-income residents and persons with special needs. 3 Goal Name Work to End Homelessness
Goal
Description
This goal provides supportive services for the homeless and persons at risk of homelessness.
4 Goal Name Increase Social Services
Goal
Description
This goal provides supportive services for low- and moderate-income residents, persons with disabilities, seniors, youth, and other special needs populations. 5 Goal Name Improve the supply of affordable housing
Goal
Description
This goal provides for the creation and preservation of stable, affordable housing opportunities.

27 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 19

AP-35 Projects - 91.220(d)
Introduction
This plan outlines the actions the City of Simi Valley proposes to take to address housing and community development needs in the City. The plan includes a list of activities the City will undertake during FY 2023-24 utilizing CDBG funding.

Table 7 – Project Information
# Project Name
1 CDBG Program Administrati on (City of Simi Valley)
2 Fair Housing Program (County of Ventura - Housing Rights Center) 3 Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program (City of Simi Valley - Public Works Dept.) 4 Case Management (The Samaritan Center)
5 Senior Advocacy Services/Geriatric Care (Conejo Valley Senior Concerns) 6 Plaza del Sol Rehabilitation (Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation)

Describe the reasons for allocation prio rities and any obstacl es to addressing underserved needs
For FY 2023-24, the City of Simi Valley will have a total CDBG budget of $671,582. The City anticipates allocating 20 per cent of its entitle ment funds to program administration and approximately 15 percent to public service programs. The remaining funds will go to capital improvement projects that assist low- and moderate-income persons.

Meeting the needs of underserved low- and m oderate-income persons is challenging when faced with limited financial resources. The City will continue to use CDBG funds to support public service programs that assist the homeless, seniors, youth, and the disabled populations. To bette r meet the needs of the under served, the City proactively seeks additional and alternative resources.

28 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 20

AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information

Table 8 – Project Summary
1 Project Name CDBG Program Administration (The City of Simi Valley)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Effective Administration
Needs Addressed Program Development and Equal Housing
Opportunity
Funding $107,041
Description This funding is for the direct administration of the City's CDBG Program, including: program
development, implementation, monitoring, and
fiscal responsibilities.

Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description N/A
Planned Activities  Program development;
 Implementation;
 Monitoring; and
 Fiscal oversight
2 Project Name Fair Housing Program (County of Ventura- Housing Rights Center)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Effective Administration
Needs Addressed Program Development and Equal Housing
Opportunity
Funding $18,000
Description This funding will provide for the contracted services of a fair housing program consultant
for City staff and residents.
29 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 21

2 Cont.

Target Date 6/30/2024

Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
This program will benefit approximately 150
City residents.

Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities  Counseling;
 Paired Testing;
 Enforcement; and
 Landlord/tenant dispute resolution
3 Project Name City of Simi Valley Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Create Quality Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Streets and Streetscapes
Funding $306,754
Description This project will improve minor streets in low- and moderate-income census tract areas.

Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Approximately 3,815 persons are expected to
benefit from this project (1,660 of whom are
Low-/Moderate-Income).

Location Description This project will take place in low- to moderate- income Census Tracts 8302-1 & 8004-1
Planned Activities Rehabilitation of minor streets in specified areas.
4 Project Name Case Management (The Samaritan Center)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Work to End Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding $45,000
Description This program will provide case management to assist homeless persons in becoming self-
sustainable and move into housing.

Target Date 6/30/2024
30 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 22

4 Cont.

Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
A total of 100 homeless individuals are
expected to be served by this project.

Location Description 280 Royal Avenue, Simi Valley, CA 93065 Planned Activities The project will include street outreach, support for appointments, following clients
through recovery programs, job searches,
benefits, etc.
5 Project Name Senior Advocacy Services/Geriatric Care
Management (Conejo Valley Senior Concerns)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Increase Social Services
Needs Addressed Social Services
Funding $18,787
Description This program will offer supportive and
educational services to elderly persons and
their families, including one-on-one advocacy
and referrals.

Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
A total of 80 individuals are expected to be
served by this project.

Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities  One-on-one counseling;
 Support meetings; and
 Classes and workshops
6 Project Name Plaza del Sol Rehabilitation (Cabrillo
Economic Development Corporation)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Improve the Supply of Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Rehabilitation and Preservation of Existing Housing Units
Funding $176,000
Description This project will make rehabilitation
improvements at an existing apartment
complex that provides affordable housing
units.
31 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 23

Target Date 6/30/2024
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
A total of eight households are expected to be
served by this project.

Location Description Plaza del Sol Apartments
4231 Alamo Street
Simi Valley, CA 93063
Planned Activities Rehabilitation of eight units in two buildings to provide solid covers to exposed entry portals
at each unit.
32 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 24

AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of th e entitlement (including areas of low- income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed Geographic distribution of funding is predicated somewhat on the nature of the activity to be funded. It is the City’s intent to fund activities in areas most directly impacted by the needs of low- and moderate-income residents and those with special needs. Individual project locations may be found in the List of Proposed Projects (Appendix C) and illustrated in the Map of Propos ed Projects (Appendix D). A map illustrating the location of low- and moderate-income areas will also be included in Appendix D. CDBG-funded supportive services are provided to low- and moderate-income residents throughout the community. Fair housing services are available on a citywide basis.

Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically The priority needs identified in the RCP form the basis for allocating resources geographically during FY 2023-24 within the City of Simi Valley.

33 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 25

Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing - 91.220(g)
Introduction
The City’s Home Rehabilitation Program offers low-interest loans with deferred payments to low- and moderate-income homeowners. Q ualified owners of det ached single-family residences are eligible loans of up to $5 0,000. This ensures that income-qualified homeowners can bring their homes into co mpliance with current building codes while maintaining their homes to a livable standard thus preserving their housing affordability and the integrity of the housi ng stock in Simi Valley. CDB G funds will not be used in service deliverance of this program to support households, theref ore, the goals nor accomplishments be discussed in this section.

This Program utilizes CalHome, HOME award, and Energy Efficiency Community Block Grant (EECBG) funds.

Table 9 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be
Supported
Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 0
Special-Needs 0
Total 0

Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type One Year Goals for the Number of Households
Supported Through
Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 0
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 0

34 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 26

AP-60 Public Housing - 91.220(h)
Introduction
The City of Simi Valley currently does not have any public housing developments within its corporate limits. The City will continue to support Section 8 Housing Choice Vouchers to low-income households.

Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing The City will continue to work wit h the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura to assist Simi Valley's low-income househol ds. Section 8 requires a very low-income renter 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.

Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
The City offers assistance through the Vent ura County Mortgage Cr edit Certification (MCC) Program to low- and moderate-income first-time homebuyers who wish to purchase a home in Simi Valley. The pr operty may be an attached or detached single- family home, a condominium, or a townhome. The MCC Progr am is available to those who have not owned a home in the last three years.

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), located in the west end of Ventura County, offers homebuyer readiness workshops and financing/lending products for first-time hom ebuyers, assisting qualifying households with gap financing and grants to increase lender confidence and encourage approval of loans. Recently, the City, in partnership with VCCDC, is attempting to enhance outreach to encourage homeownership by facilitating the Homebuye r's Education Workshop at the east end of Ventura County, covering the Cities of Simi Valley, Thousand Oaks, Moorpark, and parts of west San Fernando Valley.

VCCDC also offers Home Preservation Counseling, which is their foreclosure prevention assistance to homeowners throughout the C ounty. VCCDC counsel ors assist local homeowners with counseling, l eading to action plans to av oid foreclosure or offering alternatives to foreclosure if homeownership cannot be maintained.

Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation is a local organization involved in Hope Now through the NeighborWorks Home Ownership Center and offers foreclosure counseling, homeowners’ assistance and refers clients to the district attorney's office for abuses by lenders that used deceptive marketing methods to secure questionable loans.

The Area Housing Authority is an independent, non-profit agency serving the Ventura County region. It sponsors educational home buying workshops throughout the year. The workshops are provided through a mutual agreement with expe rts in local, State and 35 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 27

Federal funding resources. The workshops co ver tax benefits, raising FICO scores, and various loan options for first-time buyers available through the state of California.

SurePath Financial Solutions is approved by HUD and provides foreclosure, debt, and bankruptcy counseling.

Hope Now is an alliance between counselors, servicers, investors, and other mortgage market participants to prevent foreclosures by providing outreac h, counseling, and assistance to homeowners. It also provides a toll-free hotline.

California Department of Real Estate is t he state department in c harge of real estate broker licensing and consumer complaints with respect to real estate transactions. It offers license checks of mortgage brokers and lenders and a consumer complaint form.

It also provides additional links for fore closure prevention information and avoiding mortgage foreclosure scams.

If the PHA is designated as troubled, d escribe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance
The Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura routinely inspects, repairs, and maintains units under its control on a regular basis.
36 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 28

AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities - 91.220(i) Introduction
The City supports the efforts of the Sama ritan Center by pr oviding funding and collaboration to help address the needs of the homeless population.

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 uses CDBG funds to support programs that assist at-risk populations, including the homeless. For FY 2023-24, the City anticipates allocating $45,000 to an organization that administers programs that address homeless needs within the City:

The Samaritan Center - Case Managem ent: This program provides case management to assist homeless individuals in becoming self-sustainable and move into housing. It provides access to the services, life skills, and resources they need to secure and retain housing.

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
The City in partnership with non-profit and governmental service providers coordinates awareness and access to services to assist with resources, including housing stability.

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veteran s 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 hom eless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The City will consider allocating a portion of its annual CDBG funds toward the provision of services for the homeless. In FY 2023-24, the City anticipates funding an organization that assists the chronically homeless and at-risk of homelessness populations (The Samaritan Center). The Samaritan Center of fers a wrap-around approach of services to house and support individuals transitioning from living on the street or in their vehicles to permanent housing.
37 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 29

Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals a nd families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institut ions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, fo ster care, and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social ser vices, employment, education, or youth needs
The following program addresses homelessness prevention:
 The Samaritan Center provides support se rvices to persons who are at risk of becoming homeless and helps fund transportation costs to reunite these persons with their families.

The City of Simi Valley does not have a formalized Discharge Coordination Policy in place at this time. However, for those persons released from corrections facilities, the City has a Post Release Offender Supervision (PROS) Officer that is funded by the State's Realignment Initiative. In addition, the City's Community Liaison Officers are tasked with assisting homeless persons in order to connect them with appropriate social services.

38 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 30

AP-75 Action Plan Barriers to Affordable Housing - 91.220(j) Introduction
During the next fiscal year, t he City of Simi Valley proposes to address the following obstacles to affordable housing:

Lack of Affordable Housing Funds: The City currently does not use CDBG funds for the development of affordabl e housing. However, the City uses other tools such as density bonuses, zoning concessions, and local housing fund assistance. The City will continue 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 recent elimination of redevelopm ent funds. The City uses CalHome, HOME, and EECBG funds to support its Home Rehabilitation Program.

Planning and Development Fees: The City periodically evaluates its development fees, zoning regulations, and permit processing procedures to ensure that they are consistent with other communities in the area and with applicable State and Federal regulations. The Rancho Simi Recreation and Park District’s fees are substantially lo wer for affordable housing units compared to units that are not income restricted, which serves as an incentive for the development of new affordabl e housing units. In addition, the City’s Sanitation District and Simi Valley Unified School District fees are reduced for senior housing projects. The City will continue to actively encourage new affordable housing opportunities through density bonuses, inc entives, and zoning concessions for developers who include affordable housing units as part of their housing development.

Incentives/concessions include reduced building setbacks, increase in allowed building height, and reduced minimum lot sizes, all of which could allow for greater economic return on the property. The more affordable units provided, the hi gher the number of incentives offered. The City will also consider deferring the payment of development fees to later in the construction process in or der to reduce the financ ial impact from the production of new affordable housing units, and will contin ue to evaluate methods to remove financial barriers to the production of new affordable housing units in the community.

State Prevailing Wage Requirements : The State Department of Industrial Relations (DIR) expanded the types of projects that require the payment of prevailing wages.

Prevailing wage compliance adds to the overall cost of housing construction.

Davis-Bacon Prevailing Wages: A prevailing wage must be paid to laborers when Federal funds are used to pay labor costs fo r any project over $2 ,000 or on any multi- family project over eight units. The prevailing wage is usually higher than competitive wages, raising the cost of housing production and rehabilitation activities. Davis-Bacon also adds to housing costs by requiring documentation of prevailing wage compliance.

Actions planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing su ch as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, build ing codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment

The City of Simi Valley works with both non-pr ofit and for-profit developers to produce quality affordable housing. Through the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI), the City establishes a Fair Housing Action Plan that outlines steps the City will take to overcome these impediments.
39 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 31

AP-85 Other Actions - 91.220(k)
Introduction
The Priority Needs established in the RCP, which form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the Action Plan, are as follows:

40 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 32

Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs One of the greatest challenges in meeting the needs of under served persons is having limited financial resources. The City will continue to encourage the development of affordable apartment projects for extremely low- and low- income households. Such developments would 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. The City will also consider allocating 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, youth, seniors, female-headed households, victims of domestic violence, and the disabled.

Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing Increasing and improving affordable housing is identified as a Priority in the RCP. The City continues to work to preserve its ex isting affordable housing stock. CalHome, and HOME funds continue to support the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program for FY 2022- 2023. The City’s General Plan Housing El ement for the 2021-2029 planning period incorporates the 6th cycle of the Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), fair housing goals and policies continue to affirm the City’s position on furthering fair housing choice.

The current Housing Element as adopted by the City Council on October 25, 2021 was submitted to the State’s Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for certification in October 2021. The City approved modifications to the Housing Element at the direction of HCD and approved the amended Housing Element on February 27, 2023.

The City has submitted to HCD to obtain full certification on the Housing Element.

Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City proposes to take the following actions during FY 2023-24 in an effort to identify and reduce potential lead-based paint hazards in the community:
 Continue to incorporate lead-based paint hazard information in the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program information flyer.
 Continue to make 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.
 Continue to inform prospective home rehabilitation loan applicants during their initial interview about the potential hazards of lead-based paint and any abatement measures necessary to eliminate the hazard. If the applicant’s home was built prior to 1978, City staff will inspect the dwelling to see if potential hazards may exist as a result of the deterioration of lead-based paint. If children age seven or younger are present in the home, and if a potential hazard fr om lead-based paint is identified, City staff will advise the parents about sc reening their children for elevated levels of lead in the blood and follow any pre scribed abatement requirements resulting from the screening.
 Continue testing for the presence of lead-ba sed paint in homes that were built prior 41 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 33

to 1978 and are subject to the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program.  Continue the lead-based paint risk assessment and abatement program when lead-based paint tests indicate a hazardous concentration of lead (equal to or higher than 1 mg/cm2) for homes that are involved in the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program.

Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City has established goals and policies designed to improve the local economy and reduce the level of poverty within the co mmunity. The City will continue to pursue the following programs and activities during FY 2023-24, which are expected to help reduce the number of families at the poverty level:
 Actively encourage commercial and industr ial development in order to increase local employment opportunities for its re sidents and to better serve the business community.
 Recruit and retain an industry based upon its environmental impa ct, 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 St ate Employment and Development Department and research the job skills in the community, giving special attention to attracting industries that utilize these skills.
 Promote Affordable Housing Programs des igned to provide assistance primarily to extremely low-, low-, and moderate-inco me households within the community. 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 homeow ners, homeless persons, and persons at risk of homelessness.
 Actively encourage new affordable housi ng opportunities through density bonuses and zoning concessions.

City staff will continue to int egrate existing social service and housing activities for extremely low- and low-income households by working with and providing referrals to local social service agencies.

Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The City will endeavor to im prove communications with other local governmental agencies, as well as area non-profit organizations, in order to meet and address the needs of the community. For FY 2023-24, City staff will continue to collaborate internally, as well as with local advocacy groups and other County, State, and Federal organizations.

Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The City will work to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social 42 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 34

service agencies through the following:
 Improving communications (network) wit h private housing developers, non-profit organizations, and public agencies. Priority will be given to strengthening coordination efforts between the City and those agencies and groups that provide assistance to the homeless, persons threatened with homelessness, and persons with special needs in order to improve the delivery of services to those households.

 The City in partnership with non-pr ofit and governmental service providers coordinates awareness and access to resource s to assist with housing stability, food insecurities, health care and me ntal health services. Through this coordination, the community is able to identify gaps in services and lack of awareness of services available to assist those in need, while assisting non-profits and service providers to stay abreast of current developments available to meet community needs.

43 H 3/3-23(mg) Annual Action Plan ‐ 2023 35

AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.220(l) (1,2,4) Introduction
The following describes other program-specific requirements:

Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)

Projects planned with all CDBG funds availa ble during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The followi ng identifies potentia l program income that may become available to assist with funding 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

Discussion: The City does not anticipate generating significant amounts of program income during the RCP period. Should prog ram income funds become available, they will be added to the expected entitlement amount, along with prior year unspent funds, to calculate the total anticipated available funding.

44 CITY OF SIMI VALLEY CDBG Eligibility Review Form
Grantee: lc ity of Simi Valley
Program Year: 12023-24 I
Funding Source: I CDBG
Issues or Constraints:~IY_e_s -
Agency Information
Agency Name: lc abrillo Economic Development Corporation Agency Type: Non Profit
;:::::=============================================~
Address: 1102 County Square Drive #200
(Number and Street}
._lv_en_tu_r_a ____.I .....
lc _A_ .....,II 93003
(City} {State} {Zip}
Contact Person: !Walter D. Beaumont
Title: !Grants Manager
Phone Number: laoS-659-3791 x116 Email: lwbeau [email protected] Project Information
Project Title: I Plaza del Sol Rehabilitation
New Project: Yes {!) No 0
Project Type: I Capital Improvement
Service Location: 14231 Alamo Street
(If difterent from above) (Number and Street}
.--IS-im-i V- a-lle-y----------- ---. I ..... lc _A_ .....,l l9306 3 {Ci ty} (State} {Zip}
Benefit to Simi Valley Residents (50 points)
Project Description:

Plaza del Sol is a 70-unit multi-family, apartment complex constructed and operated by Cabrillo Economic Development Corporation approximately 17 years ago. The property is located at 4231 Alamo Street. The property consists of both affordable and market rate units, inclusive of an on-site manager's unit. Half of the units are set-aside for low-income households. Cabrillo is requesting a total of $176,000 for rehabilitation work on eight units, located in two different buildings.

The work would consist of replacing exposed and damaged entry way portals at eight identified affordable units with building compatible solid covers to protect against the elements and make the unit entrances energy efficient. A labor compliance consultant will be hired and paid for as part of this project. Income verification for the impacted eight units that will directly benefit from this project will be collected from each household. Although the application, budget and materials make reference to a larger more comprehensive scope of work that the applicant is planning, only work at the eight identified units is eligible and a part of this proposal. The other materials are for reference only. Revised documents will be made part of this application.

Ability to Perform (50 points)
Total number of late progress reports over a 1-year period? Q EXHIBIT 2
45 46
47 48
49 50
51 52
53 54
55 56
57 58
59 60
61 62
63 64
65

Simi Valley City CouncilMay 1, 2023

Simi Valley City Council
May 1, 2023