SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230
Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements In addition to on -site monitoring, the City conducts desk reviews of each funded activity. Sub - recipients are required to submit monthly performance reports detailing the City clients served , client demographic data, services performed, and client outcomes. Agencies are also required to submit monthly budget reports showing revenue, expenses, and a detailed invoice specifying what expenses are being charged to CDBG or HOME funds. Agencies must also submit annual independent audit reports regarding their financial accounting.
The City also prepares the annual performance report required by HUD detailing the progress made in achieving the goals in the ConPlan, which is called the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). In addition, t he City prepares detailed agreements with sub - recipients outlining goals and objectives to be met. The City’s annual report to HUD includes an analysis of any problems or obstacles encountered by sub -recipients in meeting their goals and objectives.
With respect to minority and women-owned businesses, the City will solicit the interest of a wide variety of companies and firms to undertake HUD-funded activities including minority and women- owned businesses.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Action Plan
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2)
Introduction
The City as an entitlement jurisdiction receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These programs are designed to assist low and moderate income (LMI) households by investing in the City’s local communities/neighborhoods. This Annual Action Plan (AAP) covers the first year of the City’s 2025 -2029 Consolidated Plan and outlines plans for implementing the 5-year goals identified in the Strategic Plan for the 5-year period from July 1, 2025-June 30, 2030.
The Program Year (PY) 2025 CDBG estimated budget consists of $1,2 00,000 in entitlement funds, $50,000 in program income, and $ 450,000 in prior year funds for a total of $ 1,700,000.
The PY 202 5 HOME estimated budget consists of $50 0,000 in entitlement funds, $100,000 in program income, and $40,000 in prior resources for a total of $640,000. The “Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan” is the first year 202 5 grant allocation multiplied by 4 years to equal total remainder of ConPlan in program year 202 5. Each program year the “Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan” is reduced by the current grant allocation.
The City currently does not have an Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) or Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) grant.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Anticipated Resources
Table 79: Expected Resources
Program
Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds
Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Remainder
of ConPlan
$
Narrative
Description
Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG Federal
• Administration
• Public Services
(15%)
• Single-family and
mobile home
repair programs
• Code
enforcement
• Emergency
shelter
development
$1,200,000 $50,000 $450,000 $1,700,000 $5,000,000
In 2025, the
CDBG estimated
funds are
$1,200,000 in
entitlement
funds, and
$500,000 in
program income
and other funds.
HOME Federal
• Administration
• CHDO Rancho
Colegio project
• CHDO senior
housing project
• CHDO affordable
rental housing
project
$500,000 $100,000 $40,000 $640,000 $2,400,000
In 2025, the
HOME estimated
funds are
$500,000 in
entitlement and
$140,000 in
program income,
and other funds.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
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 leverages both federal and local housing funds by supporting non -profit organizations that develop affordable housing. The City, or its partners, provides matching funds for housing related services to several programs, which includes the following:
• SHE-CHDO Scattered Multi-Family Site Acquisition/Development. For example, the City’s HOME CHDO Rancho Colgeio Project is the development of an 80 -unit multi -family affordable housing complex that is budgeted at an estimated $35 million. HOME funds will be leveraged with the various other funding sources, such as, Multifamily Housing Program (MHP), Joe Serna Farmworker Housing Grant (FWHG), and the Infill Infrastructure Grant (IIG).
• Voucher Program – Match to receive HUD CoC grants to provide permanent supportive housing vouchers.
• Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) – Rental subsidies to support affordable housing units.
Below is a list of potential financial resources considered to be a part of the City’s overall financial plan to address priority needs and specific objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan. The number and availability of these programs to assist cities is limited, and funding for new projects is unpredictable. The following programs are local, state, and federal programs. None of these are managed locally by the City through funds accessed directly from HUD. • Housing Authority of Tulare County (HATC) is a public housing authority with jurisdiction within the City and the County. It administers federal and state funds for its public housing projects and government-assisted housing units, such as Section 8 and Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH) vouchers.
• Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program (LIHTC) provides federal and state tax credits for private developers and investors who agree to set aside all or an established percentage of their rental units for low-income households for no less than 30 years under administration by the California Tax Credit Allocation Committee (CTCAC). Tax credits are awarded on a competitive basis at varying times. Compliance is monitored according to Internal Revenue Service (IRS) rules and regulations.
The City will also be receiving Permanent Local Housing Allocation (PLHA) funding which will assist with matching requirements.
• PLHA provides funding to local governments in California to help increase the affordable housing stock. Funding will help increase the supply of housing for households at or below 60% of area median income; increasing assistance to affordable owner -occupied workforce housing; assisting persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness; and promoting projects to meet Visalia’s unmet share of the regional housing needs allocation.
If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan.
There is no publicly owned land or properties located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan.
Discussion
See above discussion.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives
Goals Summary Information
Table 80: Goals Summary
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome Indicator
1 Address Special
Service Needs
2025 2029 Special
Services
Citywide Public
Services
CDBG:
$180,000
Public service activities for Extremely
Low-Income Housing Benefit: 465
Households Assisted;
Public service activities other than
Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit:
20 Persons Assisted.
2 Preserve
Homeownership
2025 2029 Household
Maintenance
Citywide Property
Maintenance
CDBG:
$200,000
Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 6
Household Housing Units
3 Combat
Blighting
Conditions
2025 2029 Household
Maintenance
LMI Census
Tracts
Neighborhood
Preservation
CDBG:
$170,000
Housing Code Enforcement/ Foreclosed
Property Care: 200 Household Housing
Units
4 Combat
Homelessness
2025 2029 Homeless
Needs
Citywide Emergency
Shelter
CDBG:
$900,000
Overnight/Emergency
Shelter/Transitional Housing Beds
Added: 100 Beds
5 Increase
Affordable
Housing
2025 2029 Affordable
Housing
Citywide Affordable
Housing
HOME:
$590,000
Rental Units Constructed: 22 Low-
Income Household
6 Program
Administration
2025 2029 Administration Citywide Administration CDBG:
$250,000
HOME:
$50,000
Other: 1
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Goal Descriptions
Table 81: Goal Descriptions
# Goal Name Goal Description
1 Address Special Service Needs Provide essential public services which include homeless services, homeless prevention, housing flex funds, job training, youth services, and fair housing services. 2 Preserve Homeownership Single-family and mobile home rehabilitation programs for low-and-moderate-income owner occupants who are elderly and/or disabled.
3 Combat Blighting Conditions Code enforcement inspection services within deteriorated or deteriorating low-moderate income eligible areas to arrest the decline of the area to provide neighborhood preservation. 4 Combat Homelessness Development of a low-barrier emergency shelter. 5 Provide Affordable Housing HOME CHDO projects to increase affordable housing in the City. Projects include the development of affordable, farmworker, and senior housing.
6 Program Administration Administration and planning to administer CDBG and HOME funds.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
Program Year 2025 CDBG and HOME Projects were established based on the high priority needs identified in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan.
The Consolidated Plan goals below address the high priority needs and serve as the foundation for strategic actions the City will undertake. These goals are based on the ConPlan’s Needs Assessment and Housing Market Analysis sections as well as community outreach conducted:
• Address special service needs
• Preserve homeownership
• Combat blighting conditions
• Combat homelessness
• Enhance Community Development
• Increase affordable housing
• Program administration
Projects
Table 82: Project Information
# Project Name
1 HOME Administration
2 HOME-CHDO Project - Rancho Colegio
3 HOME-CHDO Project - Senior Housing Project
4 CDBG Administration
5 CDBG Public Services
6 Single-Family Home Repair Program
7 Senior Mobile-Home Repair Program
8 Code Enforcement
9 Emergency Shelter
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs
The projects will address the priority needs described in the Consolidated Plan by providing direct homeless services, homeless prevention services, fair housing services, code enforcement inspections to maintain neighborhood stabilization, housing rehabil itation program s, and affordable housing options for the LMI population. The need to Enhance Community Development is planned for project funding in future years. An obstacle in addressing underserved needs is the needs outweighing funding resources. Nev ertheless, the City worked resourcefully in combin ing multiple funding sources to maximize the allocation of resources to address underserved community needs.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
1 Project Name 2025 HOME Administration
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Program and planning administration
Needs Addressed Program administration
Funding HOME: $50,000
Description 2025 HOME Administration and Planning.
Target Date 6/30/2026
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
N/A
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities 2025 HOME Administration and Planning. 2 Project Name HOME CHDO Project – Rancho Colegio
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Increase affordable housing
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Funding HOME: $290,000
Description Construction of an 80-unit multi-family rental complex, of which 11 units will be HOME funded.
Target Date 6/30/2027
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
11 extremely low to low-income households are expected to benefit from the proposed activity.
Location Description 3520 N. Court St., Visalia, CA 93291 Planned Activities The City will provide funding for Self-Enterprises, Inc. (SHE), to build 11 of the 80 new low-income multi-family rental units.
3 Project Name HOME CHDO Project – Senior Housing
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Increase affordable housing
Needs Addressed Affordable housing
Funding $300,000
Description Construction of an 80-unit senior housing rental complex, of which 11-units will be HOME funded.
Target Date 6/30/28
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
11 extremely low to low-income senior households are
expected to benefit from the proposed activity.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Location Description 2439 N. Dinuba Blvd. Visalia, CA 93291 Planned Activities The City will provide funding for Self-Enterprises, Inc. (SHE), to develop 11 of the 80 new senior housing rental units. 4 Project Name 2025 CDBG Administration
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Program and planning administration.
Needs Addressed Program administration
Funding CDBG: $250,000
Description 2025 CDBG Administration and Planning.
Target Date 6/30/2026
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
N/A
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities 2025 CDBG Administration and Planning. 5 Project Name CDBG Public Services
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Address Special Service Needs
Needs Addressed Public Services
Funding CDBG: $180,000
Description Continuum of Care Point in Time survey and LINC services; Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) voucher match;
housing flex funds, and fair housing services.
Target Date 6/30/2026
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
485 extremely low-income households, including people
experiencing homelessness.
Location Description Citywide
Planned Activities Point in Time survey and LINC services; PSH match; housing flex funds, youth services, job training, and fair housing.
6 Project Name Single-Family Home Repair Program
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Preserve homeownership
Needs Addressed Neighborhood Preservation
Funding CDBG: $100,000
Description Single-family home repair program including roof repairs, ADA improvements for LMI senior and/or disabled owner
occupants.
Target Date 6/30/2026
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
4 low-moderate income seniors and/or disabled persons.
Location Description City wide. Sites to be determined.
Planned Activities Single-family minor home repairs including emergency and ADA improvements.
7 Project Name Senior Mobile Home Repair Program
Target Area Citywide
Goals Supported Preserve homeownership
Needs Addressed Neighborhood Preservation
Funding CDBG: $100,000
Description Senior Mobile Home Repair Program to owner occupied low- income seniors and/or disabled persons.
Target Date 6/30/2026
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
4 low-moderate income seniors and/or disabled persons.
Location Description Citywide. Sites are to be determined.
Planned Activities Senior Mobile Home Repair Program to owner occupied low- income seniors and/or disabled persons.
8 Project Name Code Enforcement
Target Area LMI Tracts
Goals Supported Create a suitable living environment
Needs Addressed Neighborhood Preservation
Funding CDBG: $170,000
Description 2025 Code Enforcement services in deteriorating or deteriorated low-moderate-income areas to arrest the
decline of the area.
Target Date 6/30/2026
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
200 LMI households are expected to benefit from the
proposed activity.
Location Description LMI target areas.
Planned Activities Code Enforcement services in deteriorating or deteriorated low-moderate-income areas to arrest the decline of the
area.
9 Project Name Emergency Shelter Development
Target Area LMI Tracts
Goals Supported Combat homelessness
Needs Addressed Combat homelessness
Funding CDBG: $900,000
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Description Acquisition, development and/or rehabilitation of a low- barrier emergency shelter.
Target Date 6/30/28
Estimate the number and type of
families that will benefit from the
proposed activities
100 extremely low-income individuals experiencing
homelessness.
Location Description To be determined.
Planned Activities Development of a low-barrier emergency shelter.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas of low- income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed A majority of the CDBG activities funded in 2025 are offered citywide to low- and moderate-income households. However, certain CDBG programs, such as public infrastructure improvements and code enforcement are directed to neighborhoods that qualify for CDBG funds on an "area benefit" basis. An area benefit activity is one that is available to benefit all the residents of an area which is:
• Primarily residential and
• Where 51% of the population is low- and moderate-income
In program year 2024, Code enforcement activities will be directed at LMI Census Tracts; other projects will be targeted at LMI populations citywide.
Geographic Distribution
Table 83: Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
Citywide 90%
LMI Tracts 10%
Rationale for the priorities in allocating investments geographically.
Generally, CDBG and HOME funds will be distributed citywide as eligible to benefit LMI populations. However, CDBG funds will be utilized in CDBG Target areas for Code Enforcement and Park Improvements. A presumed Benefit project, such as an ADA walkway within a park or low mod residential areas in need of access, would be applicable. CDBG funding directed toward public services is a citywide public service benefit. Public Facilities are based upon CDBG requirements, such as the area benefit noted above, l imited clientele or income qualifications; Affordable housing will be citywide, which encompasses CDBG Target Areas. Other programs may benefit within the CDBG Target areas as well, even though allowed citywide.
Discussion
The Low-and Moderate-Income Concentration Census Tract Map is being utilized for the 2025 Action Plan and is based on the Low-and Moderate-Income Summary Data (LMISD) provided on the HUD Exchange website.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
The Annual Action Plan must specify goals for the number of homeless, non -homeless, and special needs households to be provided affordable housing within the program year. The Annual Action Plan must also indicate the number of affordable housing units that will be provided by program type, including rental assistance, production of new units, rehabilitation of existing units, or acquisition of existing units. For the purpose of this section, the term “affordable housing” is defined in the HOME regulations at 24 CFR 92.252 for r ental housing and 24 CFR 92.254 for homeownership.
In partnership with Self -Help Enterprises, the City’s HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) plans to develop 11 HOME assisted units at Rancho Colegio an 80 -unit affordable rental housing complex for households 50% of the area median income or lower, which includes 20-units for farm working households. In addition, the city plans to develop an additional 11 HOME assisted units at a senior affordable rental housing project for seniors 62 and older at 60% of the area median income or lower. The tables below represent HOME funded activities.
Table 84: One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 22
Special-Needs 0
Total 22
Table 85: One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported By Support Type
Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 22
Rehab of Existing Units 0
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 22
Discussion
The 2025 HOME funded activities include the development of 22 HOME assisted units with 11 units at Rancho Colegio and 11 senior housing units . The 2025 CDBG affordable housing activities include 3 single-family and 3 mobile home repairs to senior and/or disabled low-income owner occupants.
Findings in the MA -15 show that there is not an adequate amount of housing affordable to LMI households, especially for extremely low- and very low-income households. According to the HUD data reports, there is not sufficient housing units for the various income categories. After analysis, the only income category that truly does have enough housing is the 50-80% AMI. This explains the City’s focus on funding for the 0 -30% (extremely low) and 30 -50% (low) income housing categories.
The following data (CHAS 2017-2021) shows:
• 0-30% AMI: There are 3,995 households living in this income category, yet there are only 1,265 rental units available that are affordable to these households in the City • 30-50% AMI: There are 4,720 households living in this income category yet there are only City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
2,630 units available
• 50-80% AMI: there are 7,335 households in this income category and there are 9,460 units
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
The Housing Authority of Tulare County ( HATC) works closely with the City, the Continuum of Care “Alliance”, and the Tulare County Homeless Taskforce. Actions planned by HATC this year are referenced below.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs of public housing residents
HATC is currently developing the Demaree Apartments that will serve households at 80% of the area median income (AMI) and lower. The Demaree Apartments is a new construction, family, mixed-income project. There will be 222 total units, 220 of which will be restricted between 30% and 80% of the AMI. There will be 90 one -bedroom units, 75 two-bedroom units, and 57 three- bedroom units. Two of the three -bedroom units will serve as unrestricted manager’s units. The Demaree Apartments are expected to be completed by June 2026.
The HATC participates in a Moving to Work (MTW) Program, which offers housing for 5-years at a flat rate, based on unit bedroom size instead of being income -based. The MTW program is designed to give rental assistance to families who are working to achieve self-sufficiency from all types of governmental assistance while they are in the process of achieving that goal. Successful applicants are encouraged to seek higher paying employment and/or further their education. An increase in family income does not in crease the monthly rent. Families can continue the MTW program for a maximum of 5 years, or until their income reaches 120% of the AMI, at which time assistance will be terminated or they will be given 6-months to move out. Many of the MTW participants transferred to MTW from HATC’s conventional low rent and Section 8 programs.
Others were referred to the MTW program by HATC’s partner agencies , such as Tulare County Health and Human Services and CSET.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership
HATC created a Resident Council composed of 5 residents from HUD funded programs (Multifamily Housing, LIHTC, HOME, Section 8, and public housing). The Resident Council works with HATC staff on evaluating the effectiveness and efficiency of existing rental assistance programs. This structure was put i nto place to give public housing residents the opportunity to provide input on program modifications. HATC is proactive in the inclusion of public -housing residents in the policy making process. As required, two public housing tenants sit on the HATC Commission board. Between the Resident Council and tenant representation on the Board an equitable and transparent policy-making process has been put into place.
A vital driving factor that continues to influence HATC programs is the goal of tenant self - sufficiency. HATC views homeownership as a long -term goal for most participants. HATC staff works with tenants to effectively provide them with the necessary resour ces to achieve homeownership. HATC’s annual re-examination notice provides participants with an extensive referral list that aids homeownership. Effective collaboration between their agency and other public and nonprofit agencies is imperative to help prom ote homeownership among all HATC’s tenants. Lastly, HATC created “RentTrack Payment, an online payment system which allow s residents to utilize their rental payments made on time to raise or build individual credit scores.
RentTrack has increased credit scores an average of 132 points over a 2-year period.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial or other assistance will be provided
Not Applicable
Discussion
See discussion above
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) Introduction
This section describes the City’s one-year goals and the specific action steps it will undertake in the program year to carry out the homeless strategy outlined in the ConPlan’s SP -60 Homelessness Strategy. This section will also describe the jurisdiction’ s one -year goals and specify the activities it will undertake to serve the emergency, transitional, and permanent housing as well as supportive service needs of homeless and special needs populations.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including:
The City’s one-year goals for reducing and ending homelessness include allocating CDBG funds for the development of a low-barrier emergency shelter to provide immediate shelter and an entry point to permanent housing for those experiencing homelessness.
The City’s annual goal also includes allocating PLHA, RDA Successor Housing, and Encampment Resolution Funding to support the recently developed Visalia Navigation Center, a 100-bed public facility with on -site wrap around supportive services, intensive ca se management, and rapid rehousing to quickly place individuals into permanent housing.
Through partnership with the development organization, Self -Help Enterprises, the city’s goal is to continue to provide 42 permanent supportive housing units at the Lofts at Fort Visalia and develop an additional 160 multifamily affordable housing units including senior housing for those experiencing and at -risk of homelessness. Through partnership with the development organization RH Community Builders, the City’s annual goal also includes providing 92 permanent supportive housing units through the city’s two Homekey sites Majestic Gardens and Sequoia Village.
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs
The Kings/Tulare Homeless Alliance serving as the local Continuum of Care (CoC) conducts a weekly Local Initiatives Navigation Center (LINC) at the Visalia Rescue Mission to provide various resources and access to service providers for those experiencing h omelessness to assess their individual needs. LINC brings together social service providers, faith -based organizations, and government agencies to help families locate affordable housing, employment and mental health and substance abuse treatment along with other needed services. Services include ID vouchers, free cell phones, housing assessments, enrollments to mainstream benefits, employment assistance, health/mental health services, legal assistance, and free meals.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
Annually, the City provides funding through State PLHA funds to the Visalia Warming Center, a seasonal emergency overnight shelter, during the winter season when temperatures drop. The Warming Center serves on average of 100 individuals overnight on a daily ba sis. The Warming Center also serves as an entry point into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), and permanent housing placement.
The Visalia Navigation Center was recently developed in 2024 to provide 100-beds of emergency housing and essential services to people experiencing homelessness. The Visalia Navigation City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Center is the first of its kind in Tulare County and provides overnight shelter, daily meals, showers, case management, resources, mental health services, substance abuse services, job training/placement, and permanent housing placement.
Eden House was developed in 2020 and serves as a 22 -bed bridge transitional housing project that provides on -site case management and supportive services for individuals that need additional on-site services as they transition from homelessness to permanent housing.
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 begin work on the development of an emergency shelter project to be funded with CDBG dollars in FY2025-26. This project will provide at least 100 beds and will serve as a low - barrier emergency shelter for chronically homeless individuals and families , veterans, and unaccompanied youth. The Emergency Shelter will follow a Housing First model, therefore, eliminating barriers to entry including sobriety or program participation.
The Visalia Navigation Center also services chronically homeless individuals and families, veterans and their families, unaccompanied youth , and families with children. The Visalia Navigation Center has individual private family rooms for families with children to safely transition from homelessness to permanent housing. The Visalia Navigation Center is administered by CSET, which leverages a variety of rapid rehousing funding sources to quickly and permanently house individuals and families and prevent recidivism. Rapid rehousing services include security deposits, rental application fees, landlord mitigation, credit repair, and/or rental subsidies.
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 Visalia Navigation Center offers private medical rooms dedicated for homeless individuals being discharged from systems of care such as health care facilities and mental health facilities to prevent them from becoming homeless and works to quickly prov ide permanent housing placement. In partnership with RH Community Builders, our Homekey sites within 1 -mile of the College of Sequoias, Sequoia Village and Majestic Gardens, provide permanent supportive housing units for aged out foster youth exiting foste r care and other youth facilities to prevent these individuals from entering into homelessness. In the previous 5-Year Consolidated Plan, 132 permanent supportive housing units were developed in the City of Visalia which include 40-units at the Lofts at Fo rt Visalia, 50 -units at Sequoia Village, and 42 -units at Majestic Gardens that provide permanent supportive housing units for extremely low -income individuals and families including those being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Discussion
The City provides housing flex funds under CDBG public services to pay security deposits and rental applications fees as well as emergency rental and utility assistance to assist those experiencing homelessness and provide homeless prevention services. The City also leverages state funding sources to provide additional rapid rehousing services, credit repair, and rental subsidies to provide additional resources for people experiencing homelessness and at -risk of homelessness in the City of Visalia.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction
Visalia’s 2025/26-2029/30 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice identified the following impediments to affordable housing:
• Lack of affordable housing
• Residents vulnerable to displacement
• Lack of housing opportunities for special needs populations (residents living with disabilities, seniors, large households, and residents experiencing homelessness) Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment The City has taken actions in recent years to support residential development through changes in zoning, further streamlining permitting processes, and reducing impact fees. Visalia has made changes to residential zone districts following the City’s Housin g Element update. The City increased the highest allowed multi -family density permitted by right to 15 to 35 units per acre, provided that the development does not exceed 80 units. The City implemented an Affordable Housing Infill Incentive Program, which reduces Transportation Impact Fees for qualifying projects that meet the infill criteria outlined in the City’s Development Fee Schedule. In the downtown area, waivers for parking requirements have been given based on past use of the building spaces.
There are multiple policies and programs in the 2023 Housing Element Update that address promoting incentives for affordable housing that include priority permit processing and modified zoning provisions. New programs in the Housing Element update propose remov ing conditional use requirements for housing in certain commercial zone designations. These Housing Element Programs are organized into nine Goal categories, as follows:
1. New Construction - To provide a broad range of housing types and densities to meet the needs of all Visalia residents.
2. Mixed Use, Infill, and Downtown Development - To promote mixed use, infill, and Downtown development in Visalia.
3. Encourage Affordable Housing - To encourage construction and maintenance of affordable housing in Visalia.
4. Foreclosures - To prevent foreclosures, protect affected families, and stabilize neighborhoods impacted by foreclosures.
5. Special Needs/Homeless- To provide a range of housing types and services to meet the needs of households with special needs within the city.
6. Housing Rehabilitation Program - To maintain healthy neighborhoods by improving the condition of the existing housing stock and providing for a variety of housing types, sizes, price ranges, and densities compatible with the existing residential neighborhoods.
7. Equal Opportunity Housing and Discrimination Prevention - To provide decent housing and a quality of living environment for all Visalia residents regardless of age, religion, race, creed, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, ancestry, national origin, disability, economic level, and other arbitrary factors.
8. Energy Conservation - To encourage energy efficiency in all new and existing housing.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
9. Implementation Monitoring - To ensure that Housing Element programs are implemented on a timely basis and the progress of each program is monitored and evaluated annually.
Discussion:
See above
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction:
The following section provides HUD with other activities, projects, and actions the City is undertaking to reduce homelessness and improve housing affordability. Examples include the completion of the AI and identifying the barriers and impediments to affordable housing, supporting homeless programs, public and private solutions for affordable, annual administration of CDBG and HOME funds and attendance of city meetings and CoC meetings.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs The City’s 2025/26 -2029/30 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice includes the following identified actions which will begin to be undertaken in FY2025-26 to meet underserved needs:
• Conduct landlord education and outreach on source of income discrimination and voucher programs with the goal of increasing landlord participation in the voucher program. (HE Program 3.6)
• Expand and prioritize affordable housing development in high and highest resource areas and near public transit. (HE Program 7.2)
• Budget for and implement plans and strategies for communities, prioritizing neighborhoods designated for low-income and mixed-income housing opportunities in the sites inventory. (HE Program 7.2)
• Promote the development of ADUs, prioritizing the high and highest resource areas of the city. (HE Program 3.15)
• Implement small-scale placemaking projects/events in central and northeastern parts of Visalia. (HE Program 7.3)
• Work with local nonprofit organizations, including Self-Help Enterprises and Habitat for Humanity of Tulare County, to expand and spread awareness on home and accessibility rehabilitation programs. (HE Program 7.3)
• Collaborate with TCAG to prepare a study on transit needs for Visalia residents and identify actions to address those needs, focusing on connecting residents to job centers.
Work with TCAG to expand transit services that connect Visalia to other cities in the County. (HE Program 7.3)
• Coordinate with the Public Works Department to review the City’s Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) to ensure public facilities and infrastructure are supportive of the needs of underserved communities.
• Implement plans and strategies to decrease pollution burden in northern and central parts of Visalia. Strategies should include improving air, reducing lead risk from housing, as well as addressing proper remediation plans for cleanup sites and hazardous waste sites.
• Facilitate the development of housing for persons with disabilities (including developmental disabilities) through incentives for affordable housing development with services, resources, and assistance. (HE Program 5.9)
• Partner with qualified housing developers to identify affordable housing development opportunities with emphasis on promoting housing choices that serve the needs of • Prioritize capital improvement projects, including renovation of parks and amenities, in low-resource areas (central and northeastern parts of Visalia).
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
special needs populations, including seniors, homeless, female-headed households, large families, low-income, and/or persons with disabilities in RCAA’s. (HE Program 5.9) • Work with the local nonprofit organizations to implement an outreach program informing residents of the housing and services available for persons with disabilities. The City shall make information available on the City website. (HE Program 5.9) • Prioritize public health, education, economic, and safety programs in lower-resource areas as defined by TCAC in coordination with area public health entities (e.g., Kaweah Health), Visalia Transit, the City’s Community Development Department, local school districts, workforce development groups, and the City’s Police Department. (HE Program
7.3)
• Monitor and support the development of housing for farmworkers through coordination non-profit organizations. (HE Program 5.9)
• Identify addresses and compile a mailing list with email addresses to focus outreach to neighborhoods in lower resource areas of the city to prioritize services in these areas. (HE Program 7.3)
• Encourage the development of both large rental units (for large family needs) and small units. In consultation with developers, identify and provide incentives for developers to include three and four-bedroom apartments in affordable, multi-family, and/or mixed-use projects to expand rental opportunities for large households, and incentives for developers to construct or rehabilitate housing for single-use occupancy or micro-units. • Support the development of missing middle housing by identifying and eliminating development constraints and amending the Zoning Code to be consistent with SB 9. • Develop and publicize financial and regulatory incentive opportunities to developers. • Identify lenders/realtors that have not been certified through the CalHome Reuse Program; conduct outreach to this group to promote certification. • Partner and contract with fair housing service providers for outreach, education, testing, and enforcement. Facilitate bi-annual workshops (at minimum). • Expand awareness of predatory lending practices, fair housing requirements, regulations, and services by distributing educational materials to property owners, realtors, apartment managers, and tenants. (HE Program 7.1) • Increase participation in homeownership education and assistance programs for historically underrepresented residents in the homeownership market by identifying • Provide informational seminars to area residential real estate agents and brokers on fair housing laws and regulations
• Provide informational workshops for residents to provide education and awareness to tenants, of fair housing federal and State fair housing laws and support prospective and existing tenants who are experiencing discrimination
• Provide trainings for property owners/managers on the requirements of federal and State fair housing laws to prevent discrimination (HE Program 7.1) • Hold (at minimum) annual program workshops for local lenders to promote affordable housing programs.
• Continue and if feasible expand funding for information and referral services that direct families and individuals with financial resources for housing rental or purchase, locating suitable housing, and obtaining housing with special needs facilities such as disabled- accessible units. (HE Program 7.1)
• Post brochures on the City website for resident access.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
sources of funding to support homeownership assistance programs and establish non- profit partnerships to for outreach campaigns to spread awareness of available assistance programs. (HE Program 4.1)
• Annually (at minimum) track income and demographic data of affordable housing participants to evaluate additional strategies to increase affordable housing knowledge. • Develop an outreach strategy to reduce community opposition to affordable housing development in Visalia. The strategy should include partnerships with local community organizations to identify and implement methods for spreading awareness on the need for affordable housing and the positive impact it has on individuals, families, and the community. (HE Program 1.4)
• Reevaluate contract with CCFHC; conduct a desk audit/review of program operations and service delivery (focus on feedback and City-observed experiences with lack of/delay in response to callers/individuals making inquiries). • Expand existing online resources by developing a web-based Housing Development Toolkit that outlines a step-by-step process for residential development, including identifying steps in the entitlement and building permit process, detailed information on development incentives, and funding programs and resources for affordable housing development. (HE Program 3.2)
• In response to current constraints identified by stakeholders related to multi-family development on large lots, the City shall amend the zoning code to establish objective design standards and increase the maximum unit threshold for by-right processing from 80 units to 200 units. Transitional and supportive housing is allowed by-right in multi- family residential. (HE Program 1.3)
• Monitor complaints regarding unfair/predatory lending and assess lending patterns by working with non-profit agencies that specialize in fair housing to provide data. Require the Central CA Fair Housing Council (CCFHC) to provide quarterly reports to the City on complaints received.
• Require CCFHC to provide reports to the City biannually (at minimum) of support provided to local nonprofits in applying for FHIP.
• Require CCFHC to regularly report to the City on outcomes/outputs. • Promote landlord mitigation program that provides financial benefits to landlords of housing units to mitigate damages caused by Section 8 tenants. • Conduct (at minimum) annual outreach to local lenders to encourage them to provide financing information to low- and moderate-income residents. • Annually, review the City’s outreach methods, using feedback from resident surveys and focused discussions with community organizations to inform online, mail, and in-person outreach methods.
• Increase participation of historically underrepresented residents in all City housing programs and community planning activities.
• Collaborate with stakeholders from all sectors and geographic areas to engage in the public participation process. (HE Program 1.4)
• Host fair housing workshops annually (at minimum) in partnership with fair housing advocates to educate citizens about fair housing rights.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The single-family and senior mobile home repair programs being undertaken with CDBG funds are focused on maintaining affordable housing and keeping individuals in their homes, avoiding displacement that would result in increased housing costs. The City wil l also undertake several multi-family housing projects using HOME funding, one of which will be targeted at seniors, contributing to the increased availability of affordable housing options in the jurisdiction.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
Currently the City’s housing rehabilitation or home improvement programs and down payment assistance programs require lead-based paint inspections and/or abatement. Applicants of these programs are provided brochures informing of the health risks of lead -based paint as part of the application process. In addition, City building inspectors and Code Enforcement staff are alerted to signs of this hazard as they perform their substandard housing inspections. The City requires its Subrecipients, Developer partners and rehabilitation contractors of federally funded programs to utilize safe practices and obtain certification through a HUD certified lead testing agency.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City’s emergency shelter development project is intended to provide needed supports for homeless populations, with a goal of improving their situation and ultimately fostering financial independence.
The City works with its non-profit partners to reduce the number of poverty-level families. The City will also continue to provide its non -profit partners with funding to acquire, rehabilitate, and sell and rent homes or multi-family units to income-qualifying households at or below 80% AMI.
Additionally, the City has made a commitment to improve the communication and service delivery capabilities of agencies and organizations that provide programs to assist the homeless.
Specifically, Staff participates in the monthly Continuum of Care (Allia nce) meeting, and various homeless task groups to identify funding and opportunities to provide Visalia’s homeless population with housing and service opportunities.
The City will also continue to partner with organizations to provide services and address the full range of needs of LMI families. Although there are coordinated programs and services to reduce poverty, it is recognized that many unmet needs will remain. T he City will continue to work with its partners to identify and work toward meeting those needs by strategically focusing its resources and efforts.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
The City is a charter city and is managed under a Council-manager form of government. The City Council provides policy direction to the City Manager who is responsible for administering City operations. City Council members are the leaders and policymakers elected to represent the community and concentrate on policy that addresses the citizens’ needs and wishes. The City Manager is appointed by the City Council to carry out policy and ensure that the entire community is served. The legislative body is the City Council and City Councilmembers are the community’s decision makers. Visalia voters elect a 5 -member Council to serve as the City's legislative and governing body. The members represent the City and their respective Districts, serve four -year terms and they select one member to serve as mayor and one to serve as vice- mayor. A general municipal election is held every two years in November, alternating between two and three positions each cycle.
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
The Finance Department, Housing Division, oversees and administers the day-to-day activities of the CDBG, HOME, and other state and federal funded programs. Housing staff works with various City departments to develop programs and activities that improve low -and moderate -income neighborhoods throughout the City. The administration of program activities includes housing, public services, public facilities, park and infrastructure improvements, and affordable housing.
The City has no additional actions planned to develop its institutional structure. The City will continue to work closely with the County of Tulare Housing Authority, as well as adjacent units of government and Tulare County.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies
The City will continue to work with its partners to identify funding opportunities for providing affordable housing and public services. The City will continue its partnerships with non -profit organizations in the community. Additionally, the City will con tinue to work with the Alliance for the ongoing partnering with housing, service, and faith -based organizations to discover and address gaps in service.
Discussion
See above
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction:
In the event that ultimate CDBG or HOME grant allocations do not match the expected totals listed in the AAP, the City may add, subtract or transfer amounts among identified projects, as noted without publishing a substantial amendment, if the amount is below a 75 % change, as per the approved Citizens Participation Plan. Any difference in CDBG funding will be reflected in the emergency shelter public infrastructure line item and, if needed, Public services to maintain compliance with the 15% cap and Admin istration to maintain the 20% cap. A ny difference in HOME funding will be reflected in the SHE CHDO senior housing project, and if needed , Administration to maintain the 10% cap. The three-year period (2025, 2026 & 2027) will be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG),
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed $50,000
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
$0.00
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements $0.00
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. $0.00
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities $0.00 Total Program Income $50,000
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0%
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low- and moderate-income
100%
3. Overall benefit: A consecutive period of 1, 2, or 3 years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low-and-moderate income- Specify the years covered that include the action plan 3-year period
2025, 2026,
and 2027
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(2)
A description of other forms of investment being used beyond those identified in Section 92.205 is as follows:
No other form of investment shall be used beyond those identified in Section 92.205. 2.
A description of the guidelines that will be used for resale or recapture of HOME funds when used for homebuyer activities as required in 92.254, is as follows:
No HOME funds will be used for homebuyer activities.
A description of the guidelines for resale or recapture that ensures the affordability of units acquired with HOME funds (See 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4)) are as follows:
Not Applicable
Plans for using HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by multifamily housing that is rehabilitated with HOME funds along with a description of the refinancing guidelines required that will be used under 24 CFR 92.206(b), are as follows:
Not applicable
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Appendices
Appendix “A” – FY 2025/2026 Annual Action Plan Summary Detail
City of Visalia 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan and 2025 Annual Action Plan
Appendix “B” – Citizen Participation
To be added following 30-day public comment period.