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Staff Report

Simi Valley City Council
May 5, 2025

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Staff Report
Meeting
May 5, 2025
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Simi Valley City Council
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CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

MEMORANDUM
M
ay 5, 2025
T
O: City Council
F
ROM: Department of Environmental Services
S
UBJECT: A PUBLIC HEARING ON THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT ALLOCATIONS, THE DRAFT FY 2025-2026 ACTION PLAN,

AND THE DRAFT CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

STAFF RECOMMENDATION
I
t is recommended that the City Council adopt the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee funding recommendations, make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2025-26; adopt the Citizen Participation Plan; authorize the submission of the FY 2025 -26 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development; authorize the City Manager or her designee to adjust the budget and proposed allocations when t he City’s FY 2025-26 Community Development Block Grant allocation amount is announced; and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements and related documents in connection with the FY 2025- 26 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan.

BACKGROUND AND OVERVIEW
T
he U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires the City to prepare an annual Action Plan [ Housing and Urban Development, 24 C.F.R. § 91.15(b) (1)] that describes the intended use of Federal and other funding resources on community needs outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan [24 C.F.R. § 91.220(c) ]. The Draft FY 202 5-26 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 proposes to further its adopted affordable housing and non-housing goals. Per City policy, the City Council makes the final allocations of CDBG funds for FY 2025-26 and authorizes submission of the FY 2025-26 Action Plan to HUD.

P
ursuant to [24 CFR 91.105], the City is required to develop a Citizen Participation Plan (CPP). HUD recommends that the CPP be evaluated periodically. The purpose of the CPP is to provide a framework for gathering data and obtaining public comments on the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CPP requires continual updating to be consistent with any new data, policies, waivers, and notice requirements released by HUD. The Draft C PP is provided as Exhibit 2.

AGENDA ITEM NO.

5B
As part of the City Council’s direction on June 23, 2014, Public Service applications are funded for a two-year cycle, which creates efficiency for both the applicants and the City.

Public Service programs are approved for the second year of the two-year funding cycle, provided that the City is awarded an entitlement from HUD and the subrecipient organization is following HUD and City regulations.

CDBG funds designated for Capital Improvements may be used for projects such as:
acquisition of real property, rehabilitation of structures, public facility improvements, removal of architectural barriers, and energy conservation (24 CFR 570.201). Regarding allocation 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 reserved for Planning and Administration [24 C.F.R. 570.200(g)].

The FY 2024- 25 allocation was $672,694, and it is being used as an estimate for the upcoming funding cycle. The avai lable resources will be divided in accordance with HUD’s maximum expenditure percentages in each of the three categories, as follows:

Public Service programs 15 percent maximum - $100,904; Planning and Administration 20 percent maximum - $134,538; and Capital Improvement projects - $ 437,252. In addition, approximately $44, 174 of program income ($19,500 received after the Committee meeting) and $64,824 unspent prior year funds are available, which will be added to the Capital Improvement category, as stipulated by HUD regulations. The total available for Capital Improvements is estimated at $546,250. It is anticipated that a grand total of $781,692 in CDBG funding will be available for FY 2025-26.

FINDINGS AND ALTERNATIVES

Notification of HUD Entitlement

HUD has not yet notified the City of the FY 2025-26 CDBG entitlement amount. HUD is expected to formally notify the City in the upcoming weeks; however, the FY 2024-25 funding allocation was $6 72,694. This amount is being used as an estimate for the upcoming funding cycle. When HUD announces the grant amount, staff will modify this estimated funding and adjust the allocations based on the percentage of their preliminary allocations to the total amount available within each funding category. The actual allocation amount will be incorporated into the final Action Plan document and made available on the City’s website, City Hall, and the Public Library.

CDBG Advisory Committee Public Hearing

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

Name Affiliation
Anthony Angelini Chamber of Commerce
Al Brown Council On Aging
Sam Cohen Neighborhood Council
Andy Hanna Neighborhood Council
John Tolson Planning Commission

2 On March 17, 2025, the Committee held a public hearing to review applications for funding and solicit comments on the Draft FY 2025-26 Action Plan and Draft CPP. After the public hearing, the Committee evaluated, rated, and ranked the applications requesting funding for Public Services and Microenterprise.

The Committee recommended that the City Council adopt its preliminary funding recommendation and approve the Draft Action Plan and Draft CPP. The Committee further recommended that, should additional funding be available in FY 2025-26, the two top-scoring applicant organizations in the Public Service category (Many Mansions and the Samaritan Center) would receive additional funding. 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, adopted by the City Council for the 2025-26 program year, will be incorporated into the FY 2025-26 Action Plan before its submission to HUD. Both the Draft Action Plan and Draft CPP were released for the required public review on March 21, 2025.

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. If awarded, the same organizations will receive funding in FY 2025-26 (Year 1 of 2) and get the same amount of funding in FY 2026-27 (Year 2 of 2), provided they are in compliance, on track to meet their goals, and the City receives funding from HUD. Table 1 below illustrates the organizations that applied for funding, the program they seek to fund, the total average points awarded by the Committee, their funding request, and the preliminary funding recommendation.

Table 1 – Public Service Category

In the Capital Improvement category, a minimum of 50 percent of the CDBG allocation is programmed for the City’s Department of Public Works Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program. This policy direction was approved by the City Council in July 2013 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. If other applications in this 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.

The Capital Improvement category includes public facilities and improvements (e.g., infrastructure and energy efficiency improvements). Microenterprise proposals also fall in this category. Since there is only one Microenterprise application this year, the remaining Organization and Program Total
Points
CDBG
Request
Recommended
Allocation
Conejo Valley Senior Concerns - Senior Advocacy
Services/Geriatric Care Management
201 $21,424 $15,000
Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association -
Subsidized Care Program
189 $18,000 $15,000
Many Mansions – Supportive Services Program 210 $45,000 $35,000 Samaritan Center - Case Management 218 $45,000 $35,904
Totals: $129,424 $100,904
3 available funds in this category will be programmed to the Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program. The total amount available in this category, including program income is $546,250. Of this amount, it is the Committee’s recommendation that Upwards Care, Inc. receive $ 45,000 and the Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program receive $501,250, which includes the additional program income received after the Committee’s meeting.

Subsequent to the first hearing, the applicant organization Upwards Care, Inc., contacted staff and requested to be funded an additional $3,000, making their request $48,000. City Council can consider the applicant’s request, as funding in the Capital Improvement category is expected to be available. If City Council accepts the modification, the funding for the Annual Minor Streets Rehabilitation Program will be reduced by $3,000 to a total of $498,250.

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 contract with the County of Ventura, as illustrated in Table 2:

Table 2 – Planning and Administration Category
Organization/Program Total
Points
CDBG
Request
Recommended
Allocation
Fair Housing Program N/A $18,000 $18,000
CDBG Program Administration N/A $116,538 $116,538
Total

$134,538 $134,538

Citizen Participation Plan

The purpose of the CPP is to provide a framework for gathering data and obtaining public comments on the Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, and Annual Performance Report. The CPP requires periodic updating to be consistent with the new data released by HUD or the American Communit y Survey ( ACS). The Draft CPP (Exhibit 2) incorporates the following changes: 1) documenting that the City is no longer an exception community; 2) encouraging residents in assisted housing facilities to participate in the public process; 3) identifying the timing of public hearings; and 4) providing further detail on how individuals requesting accommodations can access services.

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). The Public Service Programs provide various services to people, but do not propose 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 commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.” O ne Capital Improvement project proposes minor improvements to existing structures or facilities. Therefore, the project is exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15301, which states that: “Class 1 consists of the 4 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.”

The following alternatives are available to the City Council:

1. Adopt or modify the CDBG Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation and make the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2025- 26;

2. Adopt or modify the Citizen Participation Plan;

3. Authorize the submission of the FY 2025-26 Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ; and authorize the City Manager to finalize related documents in association with the FY 2025- 2029 Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan; or

4. Provide further direction to staff.

Staff recommends Alternative Nos. 1, 2, and 3.

SUGGESTED CITY COUNCIL MOTION

I move to adopt the CDBG Advisory Committee’s funding recommendation as the final determination of projects and programs to be funded in FY 2025-26 ; adopt the Citizen Participation Plan; authorize the submission of the FY 2025-26 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development ; authorize the City Manager, or her designee to adjust the budget and proposed allocations when the City’s FY 2025- 26 CDBG allocation amount is announced; and authorize the City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements and related documents in association with the FY 2025-26 CDBG Action Plan.

SUMMARY

On March 17, 2025, the CDBG Advisory Committee conducted a public hearing on the proposed CDBG-funded projects and programs to be conducted in FY 2025-26, the Draft Action Plan, and the Draft Citizen Participation Plan. The Committee made allocation recommendations for projects and programs to be carried out in FY 2025-26.

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 2025-26 . The Committee also recommends that the City Council authorize the submission of the FY 2025-26 Action Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

____________________________________
Stratis Perros
Environmental Services Director

Prepared by: Julia Ramirez, Administrative Officer
5 INDEX Page

Public Hearing Procedure ............................................................................................. 7 Exhibit 1 – Draft FY 2025-26 Action Plan ...................................................................... 9 Exhibit 2 – Draft Citizen Participation Plan .................................................................. 47

6 PUBLIC HEARING PROCEDURE

HEARING DATE: MAY 5, 2025

1. C ITY CLERK: This is the time and place for the Community Development Block Grant Allocations, the Draft FY 2025- 26 Action Plan, and the Draft Citizen Participation 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, we would like to open the public 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: Any further comments of questions from City Council Members?

13. MAYOR: I will now entertain a motion.

14. 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 2025-26;

7 2. Adopt or modify the Citizen Participation Plan; and

3. Authorize the submission of the FY 2025- 26 Action
Plan and the Citizen Participation Plan to the United
States 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.

15. ANY COUNCIL
MEMBER; Second

16. MAYOR: (Call for the vote)

17. MAYOR: Proceed to the next item.

8 EXHIBIT 1
Annual Action Plan - 2025
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)

UEI – PNTG TKKJ 37G1

____________________________________________________________________________

FY 2025-26 DRAFT ACTION PLAN

Public Review Period
March 21 through April 21, 2025

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

9 Annual Action Plan - 2025
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)

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10 Annual Action Plan - 2025
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
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 ............................................................ 13

Annual Action Plan

AP-15 Expected Resources ................................................................................... 15 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives ...................................................................... 17 AP-35 Projects ........................................................................................................ 19 AP-38 Project Summary ......................................................................................... 20 AP-50 Geographic Distribution ............................................................................... 24 AP-55 Affordable Housing ...................................................................................... 25 AP-60 Public Housing ............................................................................................. 26 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities ............................................. 28 AP-75 Barriers to Affordable Housing ..................................................................... 30 AP-85 Other Actions ............................................................................................... 31 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements .................................................................. 35

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 ............................................................

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

*All Appendices will be inserted before this document is submitted to HUD. 11 Annual Action Plan - 2025 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 s outheastern 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) 20 25-26 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 one of the Draft Regional Consolidated Plan FY 2025-2029 (RCP), and covers the planning period from July 1, 2025 through June 30, 2030.

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 myriads of needs identified during the public outreach process and summarized in the Needs Assessment of the R CP. 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 R CP period. The draft priorities from the RCP, determined in consultation with residents and community groups, are listed on the following page.

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Draft Regional Consolidated FY 2025-26 Plan Priorities
High

1. Development of New Affordable Housing- There is an acute need for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.

2. Housing Rehabilitation- There is a need to maintain adequate and quality housing stock, especially for low- and moderate-income households.

3. Housing Services- In an effort to support first -time homebuyers and households with children, provide access to financial and non -financial support and assistance to accessing the homeownership market through programs such as down payment and closing cost assistance, homebuyers coaching, and subsidized property inspections.

4. Housing Stability- Through tenant -based rental assistance and diversion programs, provide short- and medium-long term rental assistance to extremely low-income, and low- income households who are at-risk of homelessness.

5. Homelessness- In collaboration with the Ventura County Continuum of Care, provide holistic and complete support to households experiencing or at -risk of experiencing homelessness through the provision of rapid re -housing, emergency shelter and supportive services.

6. Supportive Services- Provide targeted services for youth, elderly, and other higher need populations within the region.

7. Fair Housing Services - Provide training to landlords and banking institutions and services to individuals and households experiencing housing discrimination or at -risk of experiencing housing discrimination.

8. Public Facility Maintenance- Maintain high quality public facilities to serve the needs of low- and moderate- income households.

High & Low

9. Economic Support for Small Businesses and Job Training- Promote small business development and provide job training to meet the economic needs within the community.

10. Disaster Planning and Recovery- Disaster planning and recovery activities after severe weather, fire, and earthquakes.

Low

11. Street Improvements and Infrastructure- Maintain streetscapes and sidewalks in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

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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 draft RCP. The use of other data, such as the City’s Quarterly Development Summaries, which includes the tracking of affordable 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 draft 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 will be completed during FY 20 24-25. Through various programs for special needs, homeless, and low - and moderate-income persons, about 3,095 persons are expected to benefit 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 submitted by service providers, community organizations, and City departments. On March 17, 20 25, the Committ ee 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 21 to April 2 1, 202 5. All the Committee’s recommendations are incorporated into the Action Plan. T he City Council will conduct another public hearing, tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2025, to receive additional public comments and make final allocations of CDBG funds for FY 20 25-26. 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 15 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. 15 Annual Action Plan - 2025 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 Environmental Services Department

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

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

16 Annual Action Plan - 2025 6
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
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 established an electronic mechanism (govDelivery) by which individuals and entities can sign up to receive all related CDBG notifications as part of its community outreach. Priority will be given to strengthening coordination efforts between the City and those agency groups that provide assistance to homeless, persons threatened with homelessness, and persons with special needs in order to improve the delivery of services to those households.

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.

Outreach efforts extend to and 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 many services and housing assistance for its homeless population.

While the City continues to work toward a permanent housing solution for the communit y’s homeless, the City provides funding and assistance to the Samaritan Center of Simi Valley , who 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. 17 Annual Action Plan - 2025 7
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
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 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. What
are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation
or areas for improved coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024, and discussed a
proposed project to assist elderly persons
and the disabled.
2 Agency/Group/Organization UPWARDS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - For Profit
Services - Economic Development
What section of the Plan was addressed by
Consultation?
Economic Development
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 3, 2024, 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. What
are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation
or areas for improved coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024, and discussed a
proposed project to assist people needing
help
with permanent housing and other
wrap around supportive needs.

19 Annual Action Plan - 2025 9
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
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 3, 2024, and discussed a proposed
project to assist families with children through
recreational and educational opportunities.
5 Agency/Group/Organization COALITION FOR FAMILY HARMONY 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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024, 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 LIVINGSTON MEMORIAL VISITING NURSE

ASSOCIATION & HOSPICE
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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024, and discussed a proposed
project to assist people needing help with in-
home health care services and needs.

20 Annual Action Plan - 2025 10
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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 3, 2024, 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 MANY MANSIONS
Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Education
Services - Families with Children
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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024 , and explored potential of
service programs and projects that would
benefit on-site tenants at their facilities.
9 Agency/Group/Organization CITY OF OJAI COMMUNITY

DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT
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
December 3, 2024, and discussed a proposed
project to assist people needing help with
supportive needs in the City.

21 Annual Action Plan - 2025 11
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10 Agency/Group/Organization ADVENTIST HEALTH
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 3, 2024, and discussed
several proposed projects to assist and
collaborate with different health agencies
in the region.
11 Agency/Group/Organization SIMI INSTITUTE FOR CAREERS &

EDUCATION
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. What
are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation
or areas for improved coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop
on December 3, 2024, and discussed a
proposed project to assist people in the
east portion of Ventura County.
12 Agency/Group/Organization THE SUMMIT HOUSE
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 December 3, 2024, and discussed a
proposed project to assist people
needing help related to human trafficking.

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13 Agency/Group/Organization SIMI VALLEY GIRLS SOFTBALL 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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024 , and discussed a
proposed project to assist people in the
east portion of Ventura County.
14 Agency/Group/Organization MEGAN MEADOWS AUTISM SOCIETY

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.

What are the anticipated outcomes of the
consultation or areas for improved
coordination?
Agency attended Application Workshop on
December 3, 2024, and discussed a
proposed project to assist people needing
help with child and youth- related wrap-
around support for individuals with autism.

Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting The City contacted and consulted with all interested regional agencies as part of the outreach process for this Action Plan. All applicable organizations 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. 23 Annual Action Plan - 2025 13
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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 developme nt 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 17, 2025, to solicit public input on FY 2025-26 community needs and proposed projects. In addition, a second public hearing is tentatively scheduled for April 21, 2025, to receive additional public comments on the Action Plan. The City Council will consider and adopt the Action Plan at the April 2025 public hearing.

Public Review of Draft Action Plan: A 30-day public review period will be held from March 21 through April 21 , 20 25. 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.

24 Annual Action Plan - 2025 14
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Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #1, March 17, 2025

Applicant speakers:

Martha Shapiro, Conejo Valley Senior Concerns
Molly Corbett, Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurses Association Natalie Helton, Many Mansions
Annika Sumby, Samaritan Center
Melanie Faure, Upwards

Citizen Comments:

None

Citizen Participation Comments –
Public Hearing #2, April 21, 2025

Applicant speakers:

Citizen Comments:

25 Annual Action Plan - 2025 15
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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 1 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 and
Maintain
Quality
Neighborhoods
-Work to End
Homelessness
-Increase
Social
Services
-Promote
Economic
Development $672,694 $24,674 $64,824 $762,192 $672,694
Annual
allocation for
second year of
plan is used for
determining
expected
amount
available
remainder of
RCP years
($672,694 x 4 =
$2,690,776
)

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 several 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 yet been notified by HUD of its CDBG entitlement for FY 20 25-26. For planning purposes, the allocation amount awarded FY 2024- 25 is being used. This estimated amount of $672,694, plus the unspent prior year funds of $64, 824 and $24 ,674 of program income, will be available for programs and services during the 2025-26 program year. When HUD announces the exact grant amount, staff will adjust the allocations for the Public Service category, based on the percentage 26 Annual Action Plan - 2025 16
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
of their preliminary allocations to the total amount available in this category. The final allocations will be incorporated into the final Action Plan document before it is submitted to HUD. 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 A IDS (HOPWA) funds; therefore, those funding sources will not be discussed further in this document.

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; 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 20 25-26, 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
2025 2026 Planning and
Administration
Citywide Program
Development
and Equal
Housing
Opportunity
CDBG:
$134,538
N/A for Program
Management/
150 Residents Assisted
2 Create Quality
Neighborhoods
2025 2026 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Census
Tract
8302-3
Streets and
Streetscapes
CDBG:
$481,750
Public
Facility/Infrastructure
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 2,575
Persons Assisted
3 Work to End
Homelessness
2025 2026 Homeless Citywide Homelessness CDBG:
$35,904
Public Service
Activities for
Homelessness
Prevention: 100
Persons Assisted
4 Increase Social
Services
2025 2026 Non-Homeless
Special Needs
Citywide Social Services CDBG:
$65,000
Public Service
Activities other than
Low/Moderate-Income
Housing Benefit: 120
Persons Assisted and
Eight Households
Assisted
5 Promote
Economic
Development
2025 2026 Economic
Development
Citywide Economic
Development
CDBG:
$45,000
Rental Units
Rehabilitated to
increase the efficient
use of energy: Six
Low/Moderate Income
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. 5 Goal Name Promote Economic Development
Goal
Description
This goal promotes small business development and provide job training to meet the economic needs within the community.

29 Annual Action Plan - 2025 19
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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 2025-26 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 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 Simi Valley Subsidized Care Program (Livingston Memorial Visiting Nurse Association) 7 Supportive Services Program (Many Mansions)
8 Boost (Upwards Care, Inc.)

Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
For FY 2025-26, the City of Simi Valley will have a total CDBG budget of approximately $762,192. 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 project s 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.

30 Annual Action Plan - 2025 20
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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
Funding $116,538
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 Fair Housing Services
Funding $18,000
Description This funding will provide for the contracted services of a fair housing program consultant
for City staff and residents.

Target Date 6/30/2025

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2 Cont.

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 Improvements and Infrastructure Funding $481,750
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, 575 persons are expected to
benefit from this project (1,675 of whom are
Low-/Moderate-Income).

Location Description This project will take place in low- to moderate- income Census Tracts 8302-3
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 $35,904
Description This program will provide case management to assist homeless persons in becoming self-
sustainable and move into housing.

Target Date 6/30/2025
32 Annual Action Plan - 2025 22
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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 and Improve Social Services
Needs Addressed Supportive Services
Funding $15,000
Description This program will offer supportive and
educational se rvices 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 Boost
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Promote Economic Development
Needs Addressed Economic Support for Small Businesses
Funding $45,000
Description This project will assist six small childcare operators and work toward job creation.

Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
A total of six childcare operators will be
assisted with technical guidance and have the
opportunity for job creation.
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Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Assist six childcare operators become profitable and self-sufficient with the opportunity to create
a job position each.
7 Project Name Simi Valley Subsidized Care Program
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Increase and Improve Services
Needs Addressed Supportive Services
Funding $15,000
Description Provide home health care services to low -
moderate income individuals.

Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
A total of 40 individuals are expected to benefit
from this project.

Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Provide health care services to persons facing economic challenges by subsidizing the costs.
8 Project Name Many Mansions
Target Area N/A
Goals Supported Increase and Improve Social Services
Needs Addressed Supportive Services
Funding $35,000
Description Provide support on -site tenants with case
management services to 32 households.

Target Date 6/30/2025
Estimate the number and type
of families that will benefit from
the proposed activities
The program will benefit 32 extremely low -
income households who have experienced
chronic homelessness and/or severe disability.

Location Description Casa de Paz; Peppertree, and La Rahada Apartments in Simi Valley
Planned Activities Case management services to 32 households 34 Annual Action Plan - 2025 24
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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 draft priority needs identified in the R CP form the basis for allocating resources geographically during FY 2025-26 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 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

36 Annual Action Plan - 2025 26
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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 offers assistance through the Ventura County Mortgage Credit Certification (MCC) Program to low - and moderate- income first -time homebuyers who wish to purchase a home in Simi Valley. The property may be an attached or detached single- family home, a condominium, or a townhome. The MCC Program is available to those who have not owned a home in the last three years.

The Ventura County Community Development Corporation (VCCDC), 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 Hom ebuyer'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 37 Annual Action Plan - 2025 27
CDBG 9/3-25(mg)
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.

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 scams.

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.
38 Annual Action Plan - 2025 28
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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 2025-26, 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 2025-26, 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.
39 Annual Action Plan - 2025 29
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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.

40 Annual Action Plan - 2025 30
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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 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, th e City’s Sanitation District and Sim i 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.
41 Annual Action Plan - 2025 31
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AP-85 Other Actions - 91.220(k)
Introduction
The Priority Needs proposed in the draft RCP, which form the basis for establishing objectives and outcomes in the Action Plan, are as follows:

High

1. Development of New Affordable Housing- There is an acute need for affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households.

2. Housing Rehabilitation- There is a need to maintain adequate and quality housing stock, especially for low- and moderate-income households.

3. Housing Services- In an effort to support first -time homebuyers and households with children, provide access to financial and non -financial support and assistance to accessing the homeownership market through programs such as down payment and closing cost assistance, homebuyers coaching, and subsidized property inspections.

4. Housing Stability- Through tenant -based rental assistance and diversion programs, provide short- and medium-long term rental assistance to extremely low-income, and low- income households who are at-risk of homelessness.

5. Homelessness- In collaboration with the Ventura County Continuum of Care, provide holistic and complete support to households experiencing or at -risk of experiencing homelessness through the provision of rapid re -housing, emergency shelter and supportive services.

6. Supportive Services- Provide targeted services for youth, elderly, and other higher need populations within the region.

7. Fair Housing Services - Provide training to landlords and banking institutions and services to individuals and households experiencing housing discrimination or at -risk of experiencing housing discrimination.

8. Public Facility Maintenance- Maintain high quality public facilities to serve the needs of low- and moderate- income households.

High & Low

9. Economic Support for Small Businesses and Job Training- Promote small business development and provide job training to meet the economic needs within the community.

10. Disaster Planning and Recovery- Disaster planning and recovery activities after severe weather, fire and earthquakes.

Low

11. Street Improvements and Infrastructure- Maintain streetscapes and sidewalks in low - and moderate-income neighborhoods.
42 Annual Action Plan - 2025 32
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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 Increasing and improving affordable housing is identified as a Priority in the RCP. The City continues to work to preserve its existing affordable housing stock. CalHome, and HOME funds continue to support the City’s Home Rehabilitation Program for FY 2025-

26. The City’s General Plan Housing Element for the 2021- 2029 planning period incorporates the 6
th 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 and 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 2025-26 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 aged 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.
43 Annual Action Plan - 2025 33
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• Continue testing for the presence of lead-based paint in homes that were built prior 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 2025-26, 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, to meet and address the needs of the community. For FY 20 23-24, City staff will continue to collaborate internally, as well as with local advocacy groups and other County, State, and Federal organizations. 44 Annual Action Plan - 2025 34
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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 service agencies through the following:
• I mproving 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 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- 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 can 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.

45 Annual Action Plan - 2025 35
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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 R CP 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.

46 EXHIBIT 2
CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN

June 2025

Public Review Period
March 21 through April 21, 2025

47 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

CITY OF SIMI VALLEY

Citizen Participation Plan

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) published its Final Rule (24 CFR Part 91, et al.) on January 5, 1995, which required that the City adopt a Citizen Participation Plan. The purpose of the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) is to provide a framework for gathering data and obtaining public comments on the Draft Consolidated Plan (CP), any substantial amendments to the CP and the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). The CP serves as a planning document and the application for funding under several HUD formula grant programs, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program. The CAPER provides information regarding the City of Simi Valley ( City) and its progress in meeting objectives, which are identified in its CP.

The primary obj ectives of the CP are to provide decent and suitable housing opportunities and suitable living environments, and to expand economic opportunities.

CDBG funds are concentrated on benefiting persons of low - or moderate- income through service programs, or in areas occupied by persons of predominantly low- and moderate-income, slums, or blighted areas. HUD uses the 2016- 2020 American Community Survey (ACS) to define the City’s low and moderated income Census Tracts where at least 51 percent of the households are of low - and moderate income.

HOME funds are used to assist income- eligible households with activities such as a primary home purchase or the rehabilitation of an existing home. The CP will identify priorities for providing assistance to various groups within the community and provide a strategy to meet identified affordable housing and economic opportunity needs of local residents.

Citizen Involvement

Since incorporation, the City has been committed to citizen involvement in all aspects of local government. At the heart of this commitment is the Neighborhood Council (NC) Program. Divided into four geographical areas of the City, N Cs make recommendations to the City Council on a variety of matters, inform citizens, promote discussions and interaction, and in general provide a recognized communications link between the citizens and the City. All citizens in the community are eligible and in fact encouraged to serve on the NC boards and provide input on the CP.

This commitment to citizen participation extends into other areas as well. A Youth Council serves to advise and assist the City on a variety of youth related matters. The Council on Aging serves to guide senior citizens’ activities, including, but not limited to, hot meals, transportation, recreation, health, and counseling. In addition, the City has various other ongoing and ad hoc citizens’ committees involved in all areas of the community.
48 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

Stages of Participation

1. Press Release

At the beginning of the CDBG funding process, a press release will be issued to all local media, stating the program timeframe, amount of funds, types of eligible activities, and intent of the program. Citizens (in particular , extremely low-, low- , and moderate- income residents) , residents of assisted housing facilities and non-profit organizations are encouraged to participate.

2. Information Provided

Information about the CP, the CAPER, and the CDBG Program will be provided to the NCs, the Council on Aging, and the Youth Council, as well as to a wide variety of non-profit groups and agencies. These organizations will be asked to provide input into the preparation of the CP and to develop possible projects for consideration for CDBG funding. They will also be encouraged to participate in any substantial amendments to the CP, CAPER, or CDBG Program.

3. Contact with Other Agencies/Groups/Consultation

Contacts with other agencies and groups, such as private non- profit organizations, will be made to inform them about the Consolidated Plan process and to encourage the submittal of applications for the receipt of CDBG funds.

The City invites community participation by providing notices of the preparation of the CP and copies of the CDBG Guidelines to other agencies and groups in the City. Notice is also provided to those entities servicing the City from other parts of the County. The City maintains a mailing list of agencies and groups who may be interested in the preparation of the CP , as well as those entities that may be eligible to receive CDBG funding.

Other public and non-profit agencies that provide assisted housing, health and social services (including those focusing on services to children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, and homeless persons) will be consulted during the preparation of the CP.

When preparing the p ortion of the CP concerning lead- based paint hazards, State or local health and child welfare agencies will be consulted. All data received, including the location of housing units in which childr en have been identified as lead-poisoned, will be analyzed.

When preparing the description of priority non-housing community development needs, the City will notify adjacent cities as well as the counties of Ventura and Los Angeles. The non -housing community development plan, which identifies the City’s priorities for the expansion or development of various public facilities and infrastructure as well as assistance which may be provided to local public agencies and non- profit social service organizations, will be submitted to the State and to Ventura County for review and comment. The City will consult with adjacent units of local government, including those governmental agencies with metropolitan-wide planning responsibilities, particularly with regard to problems and solutions that extend beyond City boundaries.

The City will consult with the Area Housing Authority of Ventura County as well as other agencies or groups involved in the provision of affordable housing services within the City. The City will also confer with these groups and agencies 49 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

in an effort to assess the public housing needs of the community and to evaluate all proposed formula grant activities. This consultation will assist in providing a basis for certification by the City Manager that the CP and CAPER are consistent with the City’s assessment of extremely low -, low-, and moderate- income housing needs. It will also demonstrate that the City cooperates in providing required resident programs and services. Finally, this consultation will ensure that activities such as local drug elimination, neighborhood improvement programs, resident programs and services funded under any public housing programs, and those activities financed under any formula grant programs involving the CP , are fully coordinated to achieve comprehensive community development goals.

4. Publication of Draft Consolidated Plan and Availability to the Public

A summary of the Draft CP will be printed in the local newspaper and copies of the Draft CP will be made available at the Simi Valley Public Library, at City Hall, and on the City of Simi Valley’s website. The summary will describe the contents and purpose of the CP and will include a list of locations where copies of the entire Draft CP may be examined. The City will provide a reasonable number of free copies of the Draft CP to citizens and groups that request it. The City will also provide, upon request, access to information and records rel ating to the City’s CP and the City’s use of HUD assistance during the preceding five years.

5. Public Hearings

A minimum of two public hearings will be conducted during the development of the CP to obtain public input regarding the Draft CP. The hearings will be conducted during the evening hours at City Hall, which is a centrally located facility fully accessible to disabled persons. Arrangements will be made to provide interpreters for non- English speaking members of the public at public hearings with a minimum of two (2) business days’ prior notice, if at all possible.

Persons who require accommodation in order to review an agenda, or to participate in a meeting per the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), may obtain assistance by requesting such accommodation in writing addressed to the City Clerk, 2929 Tapo Canyon Road, Simi Valley, CA 93063 or telephonically by calling (805) 583- 6813. The City will resolve such requests in as timely a manner as possible.

In addition to requesting citizen comments on the Draft CP, citizens will also be asked to provide input on CDBG grant applications. Notices will be published at least two weeks prior to the hearing in a newspaper of general circulation and will include the time, date, and location of the hearing as well as identification of the topics to be discussed. A separate meeting will be conducted to obtain citizen comments and views regarding the CAPER.

Citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties will be informed of the amount of CDBG assistance the City expects to receive (including grant funds and program income) and the range of eligible activities to which those funds can be allocated.

The City will consider any comments or views of citizens that are received in writing or orally at the public hearings, prior to the preparation of the F inal CP.

A summary of citizen comments and a summary of any comment or view not accepted and the reason for non- acceptance will be attached to the F inal CP.

The Draft CP will be available for public review a minimum of 30 days in order 50 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

to provide time for citizens to submit their views and comments. The Draft CAPER will be available for public review a minimum of 15 days, as required by HUD guidelines.

6. City Council Actions

To ensure maximum public participation opportunities, the City will hold at least two public hearings and provide a minimum 30-day public review period for the Draft CP. One or more additional separate public meetings may be scheduled to review the CDBG Program.

7. Citizen Participation Process under Declaration of Emergency or Disaster

In case of declared emergency or disaster events, the City will adopt and/or follow a modified method for citizen participation as directed by the f ederal government. These modifications may include a shortened public review period and the option for virtual hearings and real -time responses. Accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or with limited English proficiency will be made available to the greatest extent possible. The City’s current citizen participation process in case of emergency or disaster is set forth in the Contingency Plan in the Event of an Emergency/Disaster section of this document.

8. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report

In order to keep the City Council and the public informed regarding expenditures and accomplishments under the C DBG Program and the City’s Affordable Housing Programs, a CAPER will be prepared. The City Council will review the CAPER during a public meeting. The public will also be encouraged to provide written comments both prior to and during the meeting. All citizen comments on the CAPER that are received in writing or orally during the public meeting will be considered by the City Council. Citizens will have at least a 15-day period to submit comments on the CAPER before it is submitted to HUD. A summary of comments or views received in writing or orally at the public meeting will be attached to the document.

9. Displacement of Persons

The City has prepared a Residential Anti -displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan that identifies the type and amount of assistance which would be provided to individuals in the event they are displaced as a result of activities assisted with funds provided under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, and described in 24 CFR 570.606(b) (1) and 49 CFR

24. Citizens will be informed about the availability of the City’s Residential Anti- displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan, which will be made available for inspection by members of the public. Relocation assistance will be provided in the event that individuals are displaced as noted above. However, the City has not developed or considered the development of any plans or activities that would result in the displacement of any persons through activities assisted with Housing and Community Development Act funds.

Substantial Amendment

The City defines a Substantial Amendment (SA) to the CP as a reallocation of C DBG Program funds or other formula grant funds to a project disclosed or not di sclosed in the CP , from one eligible activity to another or a change in revenue/expenditures 51 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

greater than twenty percent (20%) of any CDBG entitlement or grant funds identified within the CP. A press release will be issued to all local media announcing the availability of a Draft SA . Citizens will be given at least 30 days to submit comments regarding a substantial amendment before it is implemented, with the exception of a Declaration of Emergency or Disaster, for which the public comment period may be shortened (refer to Section 7 of this document).

Written Proposals/Comments

Written comments on the Draft CP and written proposals regarding the use of C DBG funds are encouraged. Comments will be considered prior to the approval of the Final CP and SA.

Complaints

Complaints or objections about the CP, CAPER, or the C DBG process should be directed to the Department of Environmental Services. The City will provide a timely, substantive written response to every written citizen complaint relating to the CP, CP Amendments, the CDBG Program , and the CAPER. A representative of the City will respond to the complaint or problems either through a meeting, personal discussion, or correspondence, whichever is most appropriate and practical, within 15 working days from the receipt of the complaint. Every effort will be made to resolve problems or complaints. Additionally, citizens will have the opportunity to provide feedback at the public hearings on the CP, CAPER, and CDBG Program.

Complaints not resolved at the staff level may be taken first to the Department of Environmental Services, second to the City Council, and ultimately to the Community Planning and Development Division, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, Los Angeles Field Office, 300 N. Los Angeles Street, Suite 4054 , Los Angeles, California 90012.

Access to Records

Citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties will be provided with reasonable and timely access to information and records relating to the City’s CP and CAPER, and assistance received from the federal government during the preceding five years.

The CP, as adopted, the CPP and the CAPER are provided to the public on the City of Simi Valley’s website. Any substantial amendments to the CP will also be provided in the same format.

Technical Assistance

Technical assistance will be made available upon request to groups that are representative of low- and moderate-income persons who intend to develop proposals to receive funding assistance through programs covered by the CP.

The City has developed Guidelines to assist individuals and organizations applying for CDBG funding. Such Guidelines are distributed to prospective applicants, which identify the items that should be addressed in a request for funds. The Guidelines indicate that City staff is available to assist all individuals and organizations in preparing and designing a request for funds to meet the needs of the requestor , as well as meeting federal and local regulations.

52 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

Assistance will be made available upon request for non-English speaking persons who are interested in submitting proposals to receive funding through the programs identified in the CP.

Contingency Plan in the Event of an Emergency/Disaster

In the event of an emergency or disaster that presents a serious and immediate threat to the health and welfare of the citizens of Simi Valley , the noticing requirements for public hearings shall be reduced to ten calendar days.

In the event of a declared emergency or disaster, it may be necessary for the City to expedite substantial amendments to the CP. These expedited substantial amendments may include funding new activities and/or the reallocating of funds in order to meet needs resulting from a declared emergency or disaster. Therefore, the City shall adopt any and all process modifications allowed for by the specific orders related to any declaration in order to utilize HUD funds as quickly as possible to meet these needs.

With respect to a declared disaster, the City may elect to use HUD funds to address needs not provided for by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Small Business Administration (SBA), or other disaster relief efforts. Funding for disaster relief must not duplicate other efforts undertaken by federal or local sources unless allowed by the federal government. Potential eligible uses of funds are those that are included in this CPP, the CP, or any other CDBG, HOME, or ESG eligible use.

HUD may provide new guidance on eligible uses with which the City will comply.

All eligible CDBG activities, including those to address declared disasters or emergencies, must meet one of three national objectives which are: (1) Benefit to low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons; (2) Aid in the prevention of slums or blight; and (3) Meet a need having a particular urgency (referred to as urgent need). The City may carry out eligible CDBG activities to meet needs resulting from declared disasters or emergencies under any one of the three national objectives.

Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (“CARES Act”) (CDBG-CV)

On April 9, 2020, HUD issued a notice on the CARES Act flexibilities for CDBG funds used to support COVID -19 response, as well as plan amendment waiver s. The key issues are summarized in this section.

1. For CDBG funding under FY 2019- 20 and FY 2020-21, and the CARES Act CDBG-CV funds, the City may provide a minimum 5-day notice as allowed under a HUD waiver. To expedite the City’s use of CDBG -CV funds, HUD waived the requirements under 42 U.S.C. 12705(a) (2) to the extent that it requires updates to the housing and homeless needs assessment, housing market analysis, and strategic plan. HUD also waived 24 CFR 91.2 20 and

91.320 to the extent the Action Plan ( AP) is limited to a specific program year to permit the City to prepare a Substantial Amendment (SA) to the City’s most recently adopted AP, including the FY 2019-20 AP. The City will identify the proposed use of all funds and how the funds will be utilized to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID -19. HUD also waived 24 CFR 91.505 to facilitate the use of the CDBG-CV funds to the extent necessary to require submission of an SA to HUD for review in accordance with 24 CFR 91.500.

2. HUD eliminated the 15 percent cap on the amount of grant funds that can be used for Public Services activities. Following the CARES Act enactment, the cap in section 105(a)(8) of the Housing Community Development Act of 1974 53 CDBG 7/3-25(mg)

and 24 CFR 570.201(e) has no effect on CDBG-CV grants and no effect on FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 CDBG grant funds used for COVID-19 related efforts.

3. The City may use the CDBG -CV grant funds to cover or reimburse costs incurred by the City to prevent, prepare for, and respond to COVID-19, regardless of the date on which such costs were incurred, when those costs comply with CDBG requirements. For other grants, pre- agreement and pre- award cost authority is available under 24 CFR 570.200(h).

4. HUD extended the deadline for the City to submit the AP and other updates to the City’s CP submissions for FY 2019-20 and FY 2020-21 to August 16, 2021. 54

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