Staff Report — Simi Valley City Council, April 22, 2024

CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)

CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

MEMORANDUM
A
pril 22, 2024
TO
: City Council
F
ROM: Department of Environmental Services
S
UBJECT: A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATIONS AND THE DRAFT FY 2024-25 ACTION PLAN

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
I
t is recommended that the City Council:

1. A
dopt or modify the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee (Committee) funding recommendations and make the final determination of projects and activities to be funded in FY 2024-25; and

2. A
uthorize the submission of the FY 2024-25 Action Plan (Exhibit 1, page 8) to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
The
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires that the City prepare an annual Action 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 2024- 25 Action Plan (Exhibit 1) contains the preliminary funding allocations recommended by the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Advisory Committee (Committee).

The Action Plan outlines the actions the City proposes 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 202 4-25 and authorizes submission of the FY 2024-25 Action Plan to HUD. The deadline for submitting a completed Action Plan to HUD is May 15, 2024.

A
s 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 two-year funding cycle, if the City is awarded an entitlement from HUD and the subrecipient organization complies with HUD and City regulations. With FY 202 4-25 being year two of the funding cycle, new Public Service applications were not considered.

AGENDA ITEM NO.

5A
CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)
CDBG Capital Improvement funds may be used for projects such as the acquisition of real property, rehabilitation of structures, public facility improvements, removal of architectural barriers, and energy conservation (24 CFR 570.201. ). Up to 15 percent of the CDBG entitlement may be reserved for Public Service programs [24 CFR. 570.201(e) (1).] and up to 20 percent may be reserved for Planning and Administration [ 24 CFR. 570.200(g).].

HUD is expected to formally notify the City of its FY 2024-25 CDBG entitlement in May 2024. The funding allocation for FY 202 3-24 was $625,207. This amount will be used as an estimate for the upcoming funding cycle. The estimated entitlement amount will be divided as follows: 15 percent for Public Service programs ($93, 781); 20 percent for Planning and Administration ($125, 041); and 65 percent for Housing and Community Development projects ($406, 385), in accordance with HUD’s maximum expenditure percentages in these categories. Funds in the amount of $39,000 from program income are available, as well as an additional $71,755 in unspent prior years’ funds that the City must spend in the Housing and Community Development category, per HUD regulations for a grand estimated total of $5 47,134 in this category. This amount includes $29 ,994 of an unallocated surplus of Public Service category funds this fiscal year. Consequently, the estimated available CDBG funds for FY 2024-25 total $735,962.

Since there are no Capital Improvement (Housing and Community Development category) applications this year, the entire amount of $547,134 will be programmed for the City’s Department of Public Works Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program. City policy dictates that Public Works receives a minimum of 50 percent of the funding in this category, and in the event that other applications in this same category do not receive funding recommendations totaling the other 50 percent of the available funds, any surplus will automatically be awarded to the Minor Streets Rehabilitation 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 supplement diminishing government funds earmarked for transportation and infrastructure, as well as decreased local tax revenues.

FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES

CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing

The CDBG Advisory Committee is comprised of the following members:

Name Affiliation
Andy Hanna Neighborhood Council
Brian Kane Neighborhood Council
Allan Mann Planning Commission
Peter Stong Council On Aging
Anthony Angelini Chamber of Commerce

2 CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)
On March 13, 2024 , the Committee held a public hearing to make funding recommendations and solicit comments on the Draft FY 20 24-25 Action Plan. The Committee recommended that the City Council adopt its preliminary funding allocat ions 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 20 24-25 program year will be incorporated into the FY 2024-25 Action Plan prior to its submission to HUD. The Draft Action Plan was released for the required 30-day public review on March 22, 2024.

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 were awarded funding in FY 2023-24 (Year 1 of 2) will receive the same amount of funding ($63,787) in FY 2024-25 (Year 2 of 2), provided that the City receives a FY 2024-25 HUD entitlement. Staff has verified that the organizations comply with City and HUD regulations , and they are recommended for funding as illustrated in Table 1 below:

Table 1 - Public Service Category

The Planning and Administration category represents the costs for administering the CDBG Program and providing fair housing services to the public at large. The Committee does not rate this category. This upcoming fiscal year considers the costs associated with preparing the five- year Consolidated Plan and the Analysis of I mpediments to Fair Housing. Both required documents will be developed in collaboration regionally with the County of Ventura and surrounding jurisdictions. The allocation for the F air Housing Program is based on services rendered by a fair housing provider through a contract with the County of Ventura, as illustrated in Table 2, below:

Organization and Program CDBG
Request
Allocation
Received in
Year 1 of 2
FY 2023-24
Recommended
Allocation for
Year 2 of 2
FY 2024-25
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns -
Senior Advocacy Services/Geriatric
Care Management
$18,787 $18,787 $18,787
Samaritan Center - Case
Management
$45,000 $45,000 $45,000
Totals: $63,787 $63,787 $63,787
3 CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)
Table 2 – Planning and Administration Category

Organization/Program CDBG
Request
Recommended
Allocation
Fair Housing Program $20,000 $20,000
Consolidated Plan and Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing
$30,000 $30,000
CDBG Program Administration $75,041 $75,041
Totals: $125,041 $125,041

Notification of HUD Entitlement

HUD has not yet notified the City of the exact amount of the FY 2024- 25 CDBG entitlement. HUD is expected to formally notify the City in May 2024; however, the funding allocation for FY 2023-24 was $625,207. This amount is being used as an estimate for the upcoming funding cycle. When HUD announces the exact grant amount, staff will modify this estimated funding and adjust the allocations for the Public Service and Housing/Community Development categories based on the percentage of their preliminary allocations to the total amount available within each funding category. The final allocations will be incorporated into the final Action Plan document and will be made available on the City’s website, City Hall, and the Public Library.

California Environmental Quality Act Review

Staff has reviewed the applications for CDBG funding and has determined that each of the proposed uses of the funds is exempt from the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). The Consolidated Plan- Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing/ Program Administration/Fair Housing 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, the Capital Improvement project is 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 the Capital Improvement Project consists of the repair and maintenance of existing public facilities (street rehabilitation).

4 CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)
The following alternatives are available to the City Council:

1. A
dopt the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs funded in FY 2024-25;

2. A
uthorize the submission of the FY 2024-25 Action Plan (Exhibit 1) to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development;

3. Modify and adopt the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs funded in FY 2024-25;

4. P
rovide further direction to staff.

S
taff recommends Alternative Nos. 1 and 2.

SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION
I mo
ve 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 2024-25 and authorize the submission of the FY 202 4-25 Action Plan to the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development.

SUMMARY
O
n March 1 3, 2024, the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee conducted a public hearing on the proposed CDBG funded projects and programs to be carried out in FY 2024-25 and on the Draft FY 2024-25 Action Plan. The Committee also made funding allocation recommendations. Staff recommends that the City Council consider the Committee’s recommendations and make the final determination for the CDBG projects and programs to be funded in FY 2024-25 . The Committee also recommends that the City Council authorize the submission of the FY 2024-25 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ___
_________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director
P
repared by: Julia Ramirez, Senior Management Analyst
INDEX Page
P
ublic Hearing Procedure ................................................................ 6 Exhibit 1 - Draft FY 2024-25 Action Plan…………………………….... 8 5 CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)

PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE

HEARING DATE: April 22, 2024

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 2024-25 Action Plan.

2. MAYOR: Before we begin, are there any ex parte communications to report?

3. ANY COUNCIL
MEMBER: (Report)

4. MAYOR: Staff may begin with the oral report on this matter.

5. STAFF: (Report)

6. MAYOR: Any questions of staff from City Council Members? (Questions of staff and staff response)

7. 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?

8. AUDIENCE: Public Testimony and Comments

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

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

11. MAYOR: The hearing is now closed.

12. MAYOR: I will now entertain a motion.

13. 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 2024-25; and

2) Authorize the submission of the FY 2024- 25 Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development.

6 CDBGallocationsDraftAPccmtg4-22-24(klk)
* Any action to refer the matter back to staff or to continue the matter requires a second and a vote.

14. ANY COUNCIL
MEMBER : Second

15. MAYOR: (Call for vote)

16. MAYOR
: Proceed to the next item.

7 Annual Action Plan - 2024

EXHIBIT 1

UEI – PNTG TKKJ 37G1

____________________________________________________________________________ FY 2024-25 DRAFT ACTION PLAN

Public Review Period
March 22 through April 22, 2024

City of Simi Valley
Department of Environmental Services
2929 Tapo Canyon Road
Simi Valley, CA 93063

8 Annual Action Plan - 2024

This page has been intentionally left blank

9 Annual Action Plan - 2024

Table of Contents

Process

AP-05 Executive Summary ....................................................................................... 1 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies ....................................................................... 5 AP-10 Consultation ................................................................................................... 6 AP-12 Participation and Citizen Comments ............................................................ 11

Annual Action Plan

AP-15 Expected Resources ................................................................................... 13 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives ...................................................................... 15 AP-35 Projects ........................................................................................................ 17 AP-38 Project Summary ......................................................................................... 18 AP-50 Geographic Distribution ............................................................................... 22 AP-55 Affordable Housing ...................................................................................... 23 AP-60 Public Housing ............................................................................................. 24 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities ............................................. 26 AP-75 Barriers to Affordable Housing ..................................................................... 28 AP-85 Other Actions ............................................................................................... 29 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements .................................................................. 33

Appendices*

A. Certifications .........................................................................................................

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

C. List of Proposed Projects ......................................................................................

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

E. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and Notification Mailing List ................

F. Proofs of Publication .............................................................................................

*All Appendices will be inserted before this document is submitted to HUD. 10 Annual Action Plan - 2024 1
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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 population of approximately 126,356 (as of April 2020). It is the third largest of Ventura County'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) 2024-25 Draft Action Plan (Action Plan) serves as the official application to the U.S. Department 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 five of the Regional Consolidated Plan FY 2020-2024 (RCP), and covers the planning period from July 1, 2024, through June 30, 2025.

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 outcomes identified in the Plan This Action Plan incorporates outcome measures 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)
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Outcome Categories - Activities will meet one of the following:
 Availability/Accessibility
 Affordability
 Sustainability
Simi Valley has a range of housing and community development needs. CDBG funds alone are not adequate to address the myriad of needs identified during the public outreach process and summarized in the Needs Assessment of the RCP. Recognizing the national objectives of these 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.

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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 – Make 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 – Disaster 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 activities on an ongoing basis throughout the fiscal year. The reports are collected, reviewed, and compared to each program or project’s written 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 13 Annual Action Plan - 2024 4
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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 programs/projects for which applications will be accepted during the Notice of Funds Available 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 was allocated and several activities were completed during FY 2022-23. Through various programs for special needs, homeless, and low- and moderate-income persons, about 2,635 persons benefitted from block grant funding.

4. Summary of Citizen Participation 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, 2024, the Committee 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 22 to April 22, 2024. All of the Committee’s recommendations will be incorporated into the Action Plan. The City Council will conduct another public hearing, tentatively scheduled for April 2024, to receive additional public comments and make final allocations of CDBG funds for FY 2024-25. 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 provided on page 12 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. 14 Annual Action Plan - 2024 5
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)

1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the 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 of Simi Valley Department of Environmental Services administers the City’s CDBG Program.

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

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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 jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)).

The City will continue to enhance 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 150 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 assist homeless, persons threatened with homelessness, and persons with special needs in order 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 homeless 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 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 toward the provision of services 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 16 Annual Action Plan - 2024 7
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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.

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 outcomes 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.

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2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations
Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization MANY MANSIONS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Homeless Individuals Services - Persons with Disabilities
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Housing Need Assessment
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
November 30, 2023, and discussed a
proposed project to assist recently homeless
persons and the disabled.
2 Agency/Group/Organization CONGREGATION B’NAI EMET
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
November 30, 2023, 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.

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4 Agency/Group/Organization SIMI VALLEY HISTORICAL SOCIETY 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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
November 30, 2023, and discussed a
proposed project to assist families with
children through recreational and educational
opportunities.
5 Agency/Group/Organization SARAH’S HOUSE
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Families with Children
Services - Homeless Individuals
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
November 30, 2023, 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 FREE CLINIC OF SIMI VALLEY
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?
Non-Homeless Special Needs
Briefly describe how the
Agency/Group/Organization was consulted.

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Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting The City contacted approximately 150 agencies as part of the outreach process 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.

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AP-12 Participation - 91.105, 91.200(c)

1. Summary of citizen participation process/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 holds two public hearings and makes available a draft of the Action Plan for public review.

Public Hearings : The City of Simi Valley held a public hearing before the CDBG Advisory Committee, an appointed body who makes recommendations to the City Council, on March 13, 2024, to solicit public input on FY 2024-25 community needs and proposed projects. In addition, a second public hearing is scheduled for April 2024, to receive additional public comments on the Action Plan. The City Council will consider and adopt the Action Plan at the April 2024 public hearing.

Public Review of Draft Action Plan : A 30-day public review period will be held from March 22 through April 22, 2024. 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 speakers and comments received at the above-mentioned public hearings will be included on the following page before this document is sent to HUD.

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Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #1, March 13, 2024

Applicant speakers: None

Citizen Comments: None

Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #2, April 2024

Applicant speakers:

Citizen Comments:

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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
 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 $39,000 $71,755 $735,962 $0
Annual
allocation for
fifth year of
plan is used for
determining
expected
amount
available
remainder of
RCP years

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (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 the City on a formula basis for housing and community development activities. The City has not been notified by HUD of its CDBG entitlement for FY 2024-25. The entitlement amount of $625,207, which is the FY 2023-24 is being used as an estimate. In addition to the entitlement grant, unspent prior year funds of $71,755 and $39,000 of program income will be available for programs and services during the 2024-25 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 recipient 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.
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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 competitive 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 received 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 substantial expenditure reductions to counteract downward revenue trends at the local, State, and Federal levels. Since redevelopment funds are no longer available for most eligible low- and moderate-income activities 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 continuation 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 Management, which will be available for various housing and community development activities. These budgetary issues have 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 2024-25, through funding derived from the Simi Valley Community Projects Grant 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.

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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
2024 2025 Planning and
Administration
Citywide Program
Development
and Equal
Housing
Opportunity
CDBG:
$125,041
N/A for Program
Management/
N/A for Development of
HUD Required Plans
150 Residents Assisted
2 Create Quality
Neighborhoods
2024 2025 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Census
Tracts
7800-1
Streets and
Streetscapes
CDBG:
$547,134
Public
Facility/Infrastructure
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 2,765
Persons Assisted
3 Work to End
Homelessness
2024 2025 Homeless Citywide Homelessness CDBG:
$45,000
Public Service
Activities for
Homelessness
Prevention: 100
Persons Assisted
4 Increase Social
Services
2024 2025 Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Citywide Social Services CDBG:
$18,787
Public Service
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 80
Persons Assisted

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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.

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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 2024-25 utilizing CDBG funding.

Table 7 – Project Information
# Project Name
1 CDBG Program Administration (City of Simi Valley)
2 Fair Housing Program (County of Ventura - Housing Rights Center) 3 Regional Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (County of Ventura)
4 Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program (City of Simi Valley - Public Works Dept.) 5 Case Management (The Samaritan Center)
6 Senior Advocacy Services/Geriatric Care (Conejo Valley Senior Concerns)

Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
For FY 2024-25, the City of Simi Valley will have a total CDBG budget of $735,962. The City anticipates allocating 20 percent of its entitlement 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 moderate-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 better meet the needs of the underserved, the City proactively seeks additional and alternative resources.

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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 $75,041
Description This funding is for the direct administration of the City's CDBG Program, including program
development, implementation, monitoring, and
fiscal responsibilities.

Target Date 6/30/2025
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 $20,000
Description This funding will provide for the contracted services of a fair housing program consultant
for City staff and residents.
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2 Cont.

Target Date 6/30/2025

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 $547,134
Description This project will improve minor streets in low- and moderate-income census tract areas.

Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Approximately 2,765 persons are expected to
benefit from this project (1,950 of whom are
Low-/Moderate-Income).

Location Description This project will take place in low- to moderate- income Census Tract 7800-1
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 6/30/2025
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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 6/30/2025
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 Consolidated Plan 2025 and Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (The City
of Simi Valley/Consultant)
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Effective Administration
Needs Addressed Program Development and Equal Housing
Opportunity
Funding $30,000
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6. Cont.

Description This funding is for the preparation of the 2025 Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments
to Fair Housing Choice.

Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
N/A
Location Description N/A
Planned Activities  Needs assessment;
 Regional coordination;
 Community outreach; and
 Document preparation/development.
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low- income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed 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 Proposed 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 2024-25 within the City of Simi Valley.

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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. Qualified owners of detached single-family residences are eligible loans. This ensures that income-qualified homeowners can bring their homes into compliance with current building codes while maintaining their homes to a livable standard thus preserving their housing affordability and the integrity of the housing stock in Simi Valley. CDBG funds will not be used in service deliverance of this program to support households, therefore, the goals nor accomplishments be discussed in this section.

This Program utilizes CalHome and HOME award and program income funds. The Program is currently under review to expand its reach both in the amount support provided and households who may qualify.

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

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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 with the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura to assist Simi Valley's low-income households. 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 assists 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), located in the west end of Ventura County, offers 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. Recently, the City, in partnership with VCCDC, is attempting to enhance outreach to encourage homeownership by facilitating the Homebuyer'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 County. VCCDC counselors assist local homeowners with counseling, leading to action plans to avoid 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 experts in local, State and Federal funding resources. The workshops cover tax benefits, raising FICO scores, and various loan options for first-time buyers available through the state of California.

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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 outreach, counseling, and assistance to homeowners. It also provides a toll-free hotline.

California Department of Real Estate is the state department in charge 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 foreclosure prevention information and avoiding mortgage foreclosure frauds.

If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe 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.
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities - 91.220(i) Introduction
The City supports the efforts of the Samaritan Center by providing 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 2024-25, the City anticipates allocating $45,000 to an organization that administers programs that address homeless needs within the City:

The Samaritan Center - Case Management: 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, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The City will consider allocating a portion of its annual CDBG funds toward the provision of services for the homeless. In FY 2024-25, the City anticipates funding an organization that assists the chronically homeless and at-risk of homelessness populations (The Samaritan Center). 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.
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Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care, and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs
The following program addresses homelessness prevention:
 The Samaritan Center provides support services 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.

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AP-75 Action Plan Barriers to Affordable Housing - 91.220(j) Introduction
During the next fiscal year, the 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 affordable 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 redevelopment funds. The City uses CalHome, and HOME 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 lower for affordable housing units compared to units that are not income restricted, which serves as an incentive for the development of new affordable 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, incentives, 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 higher the number of incentives offered. The City will also consider deferring the payment of development fees to later in the construction process in order to reduce the financial impact from the production of new affordable housing units, and will continue 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 for 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 such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment

The City of Simi Valley works with both non-profit 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.
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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:

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 – Make 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 – Disaster 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

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Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs One of the greatest challenges in meeting the needs of underserved 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 The City continues to work to preserve its existing affordable housing stock. CalHome and HOME funds will continue to support the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program for FY 20024-2025. The City’s General Plan Housing Element for the 2021-2029 planning period incorporates the 6th cycle of the Regional Housing needs Allocation (RHNA0, 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 and certification from HCD was received in May 2023.

Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City proposes to take the following actions during FY 2024-25 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 because of the deterioration of lead-based paint. If children age seven or younger are present in the home, and if a potential hazard from lead-based paint is identified, City staff will advise the parents about screening their children for elevated levels of lead in the blood and follow any prescribed abatement requirements resulting from the screening.
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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 community. The City will continue to pursue the following programs and activities during FY 2024-25, which are expected 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.
 Promote Affordable Housing Programs designed to provide assistance primarily to extremely low-, low-, and moderate-income 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 homeowners, homeless persons, and persons at risk of homelessness.
 Actively encourage new affordable housing opportunities through density bonuses and zoning concessions.

City staff will continue to integrate 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 improve 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 2024-25, 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
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service agencies through the following:
 Improving communications (network) with 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 assist 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-profit and governmental service providers coordinates awareness and access to resources to assist with housing stability, food insecurities, health care and mental 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.

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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 available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies potential 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 program 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.

Simi Valley City CouncilApril 22, 2024

Simi Valley City Council
April 22, 2024