The CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR HUD PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE 2008 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

Transcription

1 The CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR HUD PROGRAMS, INCLUDING THE 2008 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DeKalb County, Georgia. RESPONSIBLE AGENCY: DEKALB COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT 1807 Candler Road Decatur, GA Phone: Fax:

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3 THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN FOR HUD PROGRAMS INCLUDING THE 2008 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN DeKalb County, Georgia Vernon Jones, Chief Executive Officer Board of Commissioners Elaine Boyer, District 1 Jeff Rader, District 2 Larry Johnson, District 3 Burrell Ellis, District 4 Lee May, District 5 Kathie Gannon, District 6 Connie Stokes, District 7 DeKalb County DUNS Number: Prepared by the DeKalb County Community Development Department 1807 Candler Road Decatur, Georgia (404) / (404) To Be Submitted November 15, 2007 The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

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5 The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs Including the 2008 Annual Action Plan I. SF 424 Form II. Strategic Plan Table of Contents III. Needs Work Sheets/ Specific Objectives/ Annual Goals IV Annual Action Plan V Budget Summary/ Project Locations Map VI. Projects VII. Certifications VIII. Appendix a. First Public Hearing Notices b. Second Public Hearing Notice c. First and Second Public Hearing Meeting Summary d. List of Consolidated Plan Task Force Members e. Consultation Letters f. Response from the Consultation Letter The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

6 The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

7 I. SF 424 Form The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

8 The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

9 SF 424 SF 424 The SF 424 is part of the CPMP Annual Action Plan. SF 424 form fields are included in this document. Grantee information is linked from the 1CPMP.xls document of the CPMP tool. the fillable fields (blue cells) in the table below. The other items are pre-filled with values from the Grantee Information Worksheet. Date Submitted 11/15/2007 Applicant Identifier Type of Submission Date Received by state State Identifier Application Pre-application Date Received by HUD Federal Identifier Construction Construction Applicant Information DeKalb County, Georgia 1807 Candler Road Decatur Georgia Country U.S.A. Division Employer Identification Number (EIN): Non Construction GA DeKalb County Non Construction Community Development Department DeKalb County Georgia Program Year Start Date (0108) Applicant Type: Specify Other Type if necessary: Local Government: County Specify Other Type U.S. Department of Program Funding Housing and Urban Development Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers; Descriptive Title of Applicant Project(s); Areas Affected by Project(s) (cities, Counties, localities etc.); Estimated Funding Community Development Block Grant Entitlement Grant CDBG Project Titles The Consolidated Plan, including the 2008 Annual Action Plan CDBG Grant Amount $5,809,962 Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Description of Areas Affected by CDBG Project(s) DeKalb County except the portion inside the City of Atlanta Additional HUD Grant(s) Leveraged Describe Additional State Funds Leveraged Locally Leveraged Funds Anticipated Program Income $336,648 Total Funds Leveraged for CDBG-based Project(s) $6,146,610 Home Investment Partnerships Program Grantee Funds Leveraged Other (Describe) HOME HOME Project Titles The Consolidated Plan, including the 2008 Annual Action Plan HOME Grant Amount $2,790,667 $64,158 Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Description of Areas Affected by HOME Project(s) DeKalb County except the portion inside the City of Atlanta Describe ADDI Additional State Funds Leveraged Additional HUD Grant(s) Leveraged Locally Leveraged Funds Grantee Funds Leveraged SF 424 Page 1 Version 2.0

10 Anticipated Program Income $734,343 Total Funds Leveraged for HOME-based Project(s) $3,589,168 Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS HOPWA Project Titles Other (Describe) HOPWA Description of Areas Affected by HOPWA Project(s) HOPWA Grant Amount Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Locally Leveraged Funds Anticipated Program Income Additional HUD Grant(s) Leveraged Describe Additional State Funds Leveraged Grantee Funds Leveraged Other (Describe) Total Funds Leveraged for HOPWA-based Project(s) Emergency Shelter Grants Program ESG ESG Project Titles The Consolidated Plan, including the 2008 Annual Action Plan ESG Grant Amount $251,608 Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Additional HUD Grant(s) Leveraged Description of Areas Affected by ESG Project(s) DeKalb County except the portion inside the City of Atlanta Describe Additional State Funds Leveraged Locally Leveraged Funds Anticipated Program Income Grantee Funds Leveraged Other (Describe) Total Funds Leveraged for ESG-based Project(s)$251,608 Congressional Districts of: Applicant Districts 4 th, 5 th, 13th Project Districts 4 th, 5 th, 13th Is the applicant delinquent on any federal debt? If Yes please include an additional document Is application subject to review by state Executive Order Process? Yes This application was made available to the state EO process for review on DATE explaining the situation. No Program is not covered by EO Yes No N/A Program has not been selected by the state for review Person to be contacted regarding this application First Name Chris Middle Initial H. Last Name Morris Title director, Community Development Director, Community Development Department chmorris@co.dekalb.ga.us Phone Fax Grantee Website Signature of Authorized Representative Vernon Jones, DeKalb County, Chief Executive Officer Other Contact Date Signed SF 424 Page 2 Version 2.0

11 II. Strategic Plan The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

12 The Consolidated Plan for HUD Programs including the 2008 Annual Action Plan

13 Strategic Plan This document includes Narrative Responses to specific questions that grantees of the Community Development Block Grant, HOME Investment Partnership, Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS and Emergency Shelter Grants Programs must respond to in order to be compliant with the Consolidated Planning Regulations. GENERAL Executive Summary The Executive Summary is required. Include the objectives and outcomes identified in the plan and an evaluation of past performance Year Strategic Plan Executive Summary DeKalb County Response: The DeKalb County Consolidated Plan provides the strategic blueprint on how the County will handle housing, homeless, special needs population, community development and economic development activities for low moderate-income persons and neighborhoods over next the five years. The process for preparing the Consolidated Plan is a collaborative process where DeKalb County established a unified vision for community development actions. The plan provides a comprehensive overview of how the County will partner with other community stakeholders to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic development opportunities, principally benefiting low and moderateincome persons. The DeKalb County Consolidated plan follows the Consolidated Plan Management Process (CPMP) format and Guidelines for Preparing a Consolidated Plan Submission for Local Jurisdictions. It includes a profile of the community, citizen participation, housing market analysis, and a housing, homeless, and community development needs assessment. The plan describes needs, resources, goals, strategies, and objectives. The five-year plan will serve as the guideline for annual funding allocations, described in each year s annual Action Plan. The Annual Action Plan describes DeKalb County s annual allocation for the CDBG, HOME, ADDI and ESGP programs. The annual allocation funds activities to achieve the three major goals identified in the Consolidated Plan. The three major goals are to provide decent affordable housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic development opportunities to principally benefit low and moderate-income persons in DeKalb County. DECENT HOUSING OBJECTIVES: 1. Increase the availability of affordable permanent rental housing units for lowto moderate-income families, elderly households, and special needs populations through the rehab of a minimum of 500 units using a mix of public and private financial assistance Strategic Plan 1 CPMP V. 2.0

14 2. Increase the availability of affordable permanent rental housing units for elderly households and special needs populations through the new construction of a minimum of 200 units using a mix of public and private financial assistance in projects that conform to the County s Criteria for Affordable Multi-family Housing Initiatives. 3. Develop and support affordable housing stock preservation and accessibility programs to enable homeowners to remain in their homes. 4. Support the efforts of nonprofit organizations seeking to undertake housingrelated projects in DeKalb County. 5. Develop and support activities and initiatives designed to keep homeowners from losing their homes and work to revitalize deteriorating neighborhoods affected by high foreclosure and vacancy rates. 6. Increase the number of first-time homebuyers by 200 over 5 years with the provision of down payment and closing cost assistance and support efforts to create additional quality affordable homeownership units in the County. 7. Continuously assess the status of affordable housing issues and related services for low- to moderate-income senior citizens to identify gaps and unmet needs and seek to develop initiatives to address those needs. 8. Serve the at-risk and homeless populations by collaborating with the Regional Commission on Homelessness, Tri-J, and other appropriate entities to identify and implement the housing and supportive services required to mitigate homelessness. 9. Expand the supply of transitional housing and supportive services available to homeless individuals and families. 10. Expand the supply of permanent supportive housing that is family oriented. SUITABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT OBJECTIVES: 1. Collaborate with other County departments and non-profit agencies to renovate or build facilities for children and families that use an intergenerational service delivery model for expanded services that principally benefit low- to moderate-income persons. 2. Collaborate with other County departments and non-profit agencies to assist with the development and/or redevelopment of facilities for seniors. These facilities may include senior centers, adult day care facilities and other facilities that primarily serve low to moderate income senior citizens. 3. Collaborate with the Public Works Department to facilitate infrastructure improvements in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods on a case by case basis. 4. Collaborate with the Parks and Recreation Department to facilitate the renovation or development of recreation centers and parks that primarily serve low- to moderate- income areas, including the Tobie Grant Community Strategic Plan 2 CPMP V. 2.0

15 Center, N.H. Scott Recreation Center, Lucious Sanders Recreation Center, and Shoal Creek Park. 5. Collaborate with the Public Works Department to encourage the development of sidewalks that are user friendly for the elderly and physically challenged, and to provide safety improvement efforts in areas with a high concentration of low- to moderate-income citizens. The areas with a high concentration of low- to moderate- income citizens are: Buford Highway in Chamblee /Doraville; Clarkston; Stone Mountain; Lithonia; Candler Road from Memorial Drive to I-285; Columbia Drive between Memorial Drive and I-20; Covington Highway between Wesley Chapel and Panola Road, and the Bouldercrest Road area. 6. Continue to work with cities within DeKalb County to provide assistance in the implementation of community development initiatives that benefit low- to moderate- income neighborhoods. 7. Provide supportive services to income eligible senior citizens and immigrant populations in the areas of housing, transportation and literacy by participation with non-profit agencies and by collaborating with the Human Development Department as requested. 8. Assist in the efforts to provide training, consumer education and awareness, pre and post purchase homeowner counseling. 9. Primarily through summer programs, provide opportunities for approximately 500 youth annually to participate in healthy educational activities that are recreationally-based, build self esteem, teach personal financial literacy, enable academic success, and enhance decision making skills. 10. Encourage and assist in the development of quality affordable childcare facilities and/or programs throughout DeKalb County. 11. Continue to provide opportunities for capacity training for non-profit and faith-based organizations in DeKalb County, with the goal of exposing them to other funding resources in order to diversify their revenue stream and to ultimately obtain self-sufficiency and to increase their capacity. 12. Assist in the demolition of dilapidated structures that are beyond rehabilitation to arrest the spread of blighting conditions in low- to moderateincome areas as needed. EXPANDED ECONOMIC OPPORTUNTIES OBJECTIVES: 1. Collaborate with the Economic Development Department, on an as needed basis, to improve economic opportunities, through targeted activities, participation in international import/export markets, economic development growth, cultivating a viable employment market, and increasing consumer demand Strategic Plan 3 CPMP V. 2.0

16 2. Coordinate / work with the Economic Development Department to develop new and innovative business incentives to recruit and/or maintain diverse small to medium size businesses in DeKalb County. 3. Coordinate / work with the Economic Development and Planning and Development Departments, as needed, to focus on implementing LCI s, reversing deteriorating economic trends in identified neighborhoods, and creating innovative economic redevelopment plans for major corridors in lowto moderate-income neighborhoods (Candler/ Glenwood Roads, and Memorial Drive). 4. Collaborate with stakeholders, cities, and County departments to assist in implementing community focused economic opportunities as requested. 5. Encourage low- to moderate-income individuals to access job training and skills development from DeKalb County Workforce Development, Goodwill Industries, and the Georgia Labor Department. 6. Semi-annually, conduct a collaborative meeting between Economic Development, Work Force Development, and the Community Development Departments to ensure that we are planning and collaborating seamlessly to optimize services for low- to moderate-income persons in the areas of employment, job training, and assistance to small businesses. 7. Collaborate with the DeKalb Enterprise Business Corporation (DEBCO) to maintain the Revolving Loan Funds to assist small businesses with adequate capital, technical assistance, and job creation for low- to moderate-income individuals. 8. Collaborate with DeKalb Business Incubators to continue nurturing and technically assisting small and/or start-up businesses. Continue the focus on job creation, retention, and the development of entrepreneurial skills. 9. Collaborate with local businesses and non-profits to develop effective and focused Micro-Enterprise Training programs to assist potential and existing small business owners with entrepreneurial and basic business skills. 10. Collaborate with the Economic Development to assist the Scottdale Community in creating an Opportunity Zone for Scottdale to allow businesses to utilize Job Tax Credits, New Market Credits, Community Development Block Grant Funds, local redevelopment powers, and other program incentives if a business relocates to this designated area. OUTCOMES The following is a list of anticipated outcomes we will achieve on an annual basis: Decent Housing the rehab of a minimum of 100 multi-family affordable rental units. Construct a minimum of 40 affordable multi-family new rental units. Identify and work with a new CHDO each year to build capacity and create units. a minimum of 82 owner-occupied rehab cases Strategic Plan 4 CPMP V. 2.0

17 Assist at least 40 household to become first-time homebuyers. Raise community awareness about foreclosures and work to develop ways to decrease the problem in the County. Work with seniors in the County who own their homes and are in danger of losing them to enable them stay in them. Suitable Living Environment the demolition and clearance of a minimum of 12 dilapidated houses presenting health and safety hazards. Improve sustainability to at least 1600 persons by providing funding to agencies that provide financial literacy, pre-and post-purchase housing counseling, landlord/tenant counseling, and foreclosure/ predatory lending services. Improve the affordability of recreational summer camps by providing vouchers to 500 low-to moderate income children to participate in recreational programs. Increase the affordability and accessibility of child care to 400 children by providing funds for operational expenses for the year round operations of 3 child care centers. Economic Opportunity Work with various County Departments to implement the Candler/Glenwood Roads, and Memorial Drive Economic Development Strategic Action Plan. Increase opportunities for job training, job creation or micro-enterprise entrepreneurial training. Increase the affordability/accessibility of loans for small businesses with the goal of creating 7 new jobs, business expansion/improvements, equipment purchasing and neighborhood revitalization. Create 5 new jobs and assist 4 small businesses through affordable rent and accessibility to technical assistance for small businesses from the DeKalb Business Incubator. Provide training for 30 entrepreneurs, assisting 5 micro-businesses in development and job creation. EVALUATION OF PAST PERFORMANCES Under the leadership of CEO Vernon Jones and the DeKalb County Board of Commissioners, improving the services provided to the County s residents remained a major focus. Emphasis has been placed on addressing the needs of the County s diverse population. In 2006, the Community Development Department worked with the Clarkston Community Center to begin the renovation of the old Clarkston High School Building into a community center that will benefit not only the residents and refugee population of Clarkston but the entire DeKalb County community. The Center will provide supportive services to senior citizens, children and families of the refugee population. The Center works in conjunction with the Board of Health and the DeKalb County Office of Senior Affairs to provide a meal program and health care services. DeKalb County used CDBG funds to complete the City of Decatur s field renovation project adjacent to the Samuel L. Jones Boys and Girls Club. The project consisted of re-grading the field to provide positive drainage, installation of a new irrigation system and installation of new Bermuda athletic turf. The ball field will provide additional recreational space for the Boys and Girls Club and the residents of the community Strategic Plan 5 CPMP V. 2.0

18 In 2006, one multifamily project was completed. It is now known as Sol Luna Park and is owned by the Initiative for Affordable Housing, Inc., a County CHDO. The development consists of a total of 143 units, 114 of which are HOME-assisted. In December, the project achieved an over 90% occupancy rate. With the use of HUD funds, the County expanded special economic development activities through improvements to the revolving loan fund for small businesses, and Micro-enterprise Assistance Programs for small business in training and technical assistance format. These programs continue to serve women, minorities and low/moderate income persons gain access to traditional capital markets as well as create jobs, improve employment skills and increase entrepreneurship know-how. In November 2006, DeKalb County hosted the Small Business Development Conference, which gave business leaders the opportunity to successfully market their enterprises. Efforts to address homelessness remained a high priority. The collaborative initiatives of the Tri-Jurisdiction and SuperNOFA funds allowed more housing and services to be provided to a very needy population. Finally, efforts continued in affordable housing to expand initiatives to address foreclosure issues, and to improve accessibility to affordable housing while building strong communities. The County continued to work closely with the HUD-certified counseling agencies in DeKalb County to provide pre and post homeowner counseling. The Housing Rehabilitation program continued to successfully assist homeowners with renovations using a combination of CDBG and HOME funds. In 2006, significant progress was made on two major initiatives that will expand services to the community and help revitalize the Candler Road Corridor. One initiative involves the relocation of the South DeKalb Police Precinct to another location off Candler Road and the ultimate redevelopment of the southeast section of the Candler/Glenwood Intersection. The other initiative is the DeKalb Performing Arts and Community Center. The Center will be approximately 35,000 square feet and have 500 seats. It will provide community arts, cultural-education classes and activities, theatre performances, an interactive, historical-education center and other artistic programs. Community Development staff is serving as Program Coordinators for both of these initiatives. DeKalb County Profile DeKalb County is one of ten (10) counties that comprise the metropolitan Atlanta region. DeKalb County borders Fulton County on the west side and incorporates a portion of the City of Atlanta. DeKalb County covers 268 square miles and is home to nine incorporated municipalities. Through a 1981 Act of the Georgia General Assembly, DeKalb County was established with distinct executive and legislative county government branches. The executive branch is headed by the elected position of Chief Executive Officer (CEO), while the legislative branch comprises of a seven-member body known as the Board of Commissioners (BOC). The Board of Commissioners elects a Presiding Officer and a Deputy Presiding Officer from its membership. The CEO may preside at Board meetings and may also vote in the event of a tie-vote; however the CEO does not Strategic Plan 6 CPMP V. 2.0

19 preside or vote on zoning matters. The CEO has exclusive power to supervise, direct and control the administration of the County Government. Population DeKalb County, Georgia has a population of 665,865 people according to the 2000 Census. The average household size is approximately 2.62 persons per household. Although the population rate of growth slightly declined between 1980 and 2000 (Table 01), the County experienced the greatest population increase in 20 years during Overall, the population of DeKalb County is expected to experience an increase from 665,865 in 2000 to 763,192 in This growth is expected to occur mostly in the southeast portion of the County, where most of the vacant land remains. Diversity According to DeKalb County s Comprehensive Plan, in 1990, 54% of the population was white compared to 32% in The majority of DeKalb s population is black, which has increased between 1990 and 2000 from 42% to 54%. The fastest growing population between 1990 and 2000 has been the Hispanic/Latino population followed by the Asian population. The Hispanic/Latino population is integrated with all the races listed, because they are classified in many categories. The County s racial/ethnic minority concentration is mapped in Map 01. Based on the 2000 Census data, these minority concentrations are represented by the assigned shading on the map. Black or African Americans are the majority population and reside mostly in the east, central and southern portions of the County. Whites or Caucasians reside mostly in the northern half of the County and Hispanics/Latinos reside mostly around the Buford Highway corridor, City of Doraville and parts of Chamblee. Age - Based on the DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan, in both 1990 and 2000, the largest segment of the population was between the ages of However, there was a decrease in this age group from 22.3% in 1990 to 19.6 % in Overall, the 2000 population indicated a numerical increase in all age groups over the 1990 population. The largest increase from 1990 to 2000 was in the age groups. Education Overall, DeKalb County residents are highly educated. In 2000, the percentage of DeKalb County adults 25 years of age or older who graduated from high school was 85.1%, and 36.3% of residents attained at least a bachelor s degree or higher education. Both numbers are above the average for the State of Georgia and the United States. However, 14.9% of DeKalb County residents age 25 or older have completed less than a high school education or equivalency. Occupied Housing Units 95.5% of housing units in DeKalb County are occupied, which is above the state average of 91.6% and 91% for the United States. However, DeKalb County has a high percentage of renter-occupied housing units, which is 41.5%. It is higher than Georgia s at 32.5% and 33.8% for the nation. Business- In 2004, there were 16,966 businesses located within DeKalb County and 57% of these were micro-businesses (1-4 employees). In 2004, there were 18 businesses that had more than 1000 employees in DeKalb County. Professional, scientific services (15.7%), retail trade (13.9%), health care (9.7%), other services (not public administration) (9%) and accommodation and food services (7.6%) were the top five categories Strategic Plan 7 CPMP V. 2.0

20 Employment There were over 314,410 jobs in DeKalb County in 2000, and that number continues to grow. 48% of these jobs were occupied by DeKalb County residents. The remaining 52% were occupied by people who live outside of DeKalb County, including 16% from Gwinnett County and 13% from Fulton County. Of nearly 368,086 residents in the labor force, more than 44% worked in DeKalb County in Approximately 35% commuted to work locations in Fulton County and 10% to Gwinnett County. Median Household Income Based on the 2000 Census Data, DeKalb County s median household income was $49,117 in 1999 dollars, which is above the state median of $42,433 and the nationwide median of $41,994. Poverty - In 2000, there were 12,330 families (7.8%) in DeKalb County living below the poverty level. This is lower than the state average, which is 9.9%, and the nationwide average of 9.2%. However, there are 70,484 individuals (12.4%) living below the poverty level. Map 01 indicates the percentage of persons in each census tract that are living below the poverty level. Census tracts 221, 237, , , , , , , , and have more than 20% of individuals living below the poverty level. This excludes the parts of those tracts that are in the City of Atlanta Strategic Plan 8 CPMP V. 2.0

21 Table 1: POPULATION GROWTH: DEKALB COUNTY Year Population Change from Previous Census Change Since 1980 Number Percent Number Percent ,024 67,637 16% 67, % , ,837 62,813 13% 130, % , , ,028 18% 250, % ,577 Note: 1970 population was 415,387 Source: U.S. Bureau of the Census; The Atlanta Regional Commission; DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan Race Table 2: DEKALB COUNTY POPULATION BY RACE Number Change % of Population White 318, , , , ,088-52,866-53, % 29.8% Black or African American 180, , , , , , , % 58.8% American Indian and Alaska Native ,273 1,548 1, % 0.3% Asian or Pacific Islander 10,450 16,266 21,657 27,047 32,651 11,207 10, % 4.6% other race 4,195 5,838 21,738 37,638 46,410 17,543 24, % 6.5% Total 514, , , , ,577 91, , % 100.0% Race Persons of Hispanic origin 11,545 15,619 34,081 52,542 63,810 22,536 29, % 9.0% Strategic Plan 9 CPMP V. 2.0

22 MAP 01: Percentage of Individual below Poverty by Census Tract MAP 02: Minority Concentration by 2000 Census Tracts DeKalb County Comprehensive Plan Strategic Plan 10 CPMP V. 2.0

23 MAP 03: Census Block Groups have More Than 51% of Low and Moderate- Income Persons Strategic Plan 11 CPMP V. 2.0

24 Strategic Plan Due every three, four, or five years (length of period is at the grantee s discretion) no less than 45 days prior to the start of the grantee s program year start date. HUD does not accept plans between August 15 and November 15. DeKalb County Response: The mission of the DeKalb County Community Development Department is: To strengthen families and individuals, including youth and senior adults, to achieve self-sufficiency and attain the highest quality of life to the maximum extent feasible; To develop viable urban communities principally benefiting low to moderate-income persons; To work collaboratively with nonprofit agencies, governmental entities at all levels, the business community, the faith community, residents and schools. General Questions 1. Describe the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas of low income families and/or racial/minority concentration) in which assistance will be directed. DeKalb County Response: The geographic areas of the jurisdiction in which assistance will be directed include the priority areas of: Candler/McAfee, Buford Highway, Scottdale and municipalities located in DeKalb County. Projects may be funded based on eligibility, availability of funds, readiness to proceed, priority of need for service, and other factors. Emphasis on these areas for five years will allow the County to have a greater impact with its redevelopment efforts. However, this will not prevent the Community Development Department from funding and exploring other projects in the other Targeted Areas and Housing Impact Areas. The Target Areas are defined as census tracts that are made up of primarily low and moderate-income residents. Some programs are Countywide, such as the Housing Rehabilitation Programs and the Emergency Home Repair Program. However, most projects are within Target Areas. The Community Development Department promotes the creation of an environment which ensures a desirable quality of life that integrates all elements of the community: physical, social, economic, and spiritual. The Community Development Department also fosters a spirit of unity that encourages and supports community partnerships that provide hope for all people, and encourages the development of attractive quality affordable housing. DeKalb County has one of the most diverse populations in the southeastern United States. In addition to the Latino and Asian populations that settled here some time ago, a number of refugee population groups are now settling in the County upon entry into the United States. The largest of these groups over the last several years have been from Somalia, Sudan, Afghanistan, Vietnam, Ethiopia, Iran, and Bosnia. Much of this population is concentrated along the Buford Highway Corridor and in the City of Clarkston. Their recent entry into Strategic Plan 12 CPMP V. 2.0

25 America makes it a challenge to serve this population on a number of fronts, including public schools, job training, and with general assimilation issues. Efforts will be made as much as possible to develop and support programs and projects that serve all these populations. DeKalb County defines the Minority Concentration as having more than 50% minority population within one census tract. Minority population is defined as populations of one or more races other than the population of one race, such as white alone. The attached spreadsheet print-out displays all the census tracts within DeKalb County, in bold fonts that indicate the census tracts that have a minority concentration and 51% low and moderate-income persons. Those census tracts are the focal point for the usage of CDBG funds, especially public service funds and the housing rehabilitation program. Low- and Moderate-Income Areas HUD issued an Estimated Low and Moderate Income Person by Census Block Group Table based on the 2000 census. Based on that estimate, DeKalb County overall has 44.2 % low and moderate income persons. 105 out of 322 census block groups within DeKalb County, excluding the City of Atlanta, have more than 51% low moderate income persons. Although 44% of the population is considered low- moderate income, only one-third of the census block groups have more than 51% low and moderate-income persons. This illustrates that in DeKalb County there is not a high concentration of low and moderate income census block groups in any specific area. The low and moderate census block groups are geographically distributed in different areas around the County. However, there is a still a need for assistance to those individuals who are considered low moderate-income for housing, public services, economic development and public facilities and infrastructure. Since the 2000 census, there are many areas that have seen significant change. For example, in the East Lake areas along Candler Road, Glenwood Avenue and Memorial Drive, many old and small houses have been replaced by high priced large single family homes. The City of Decatur and the surrounding areas have already transitioned into entirely different neighborhoods. The Stonecrest Mall development has provided tremendous economic power to attract economic development opportunities for its surrounding areas. Minority Concentration The County s racial/ethnic majority is mapped in Map 02: DeKalb County Minority Concentration by 2000 Census Tracts. Based on 2000 Census data, these minority concentration areas are represented by shading on the map. Black or African Americans are the majority population and reside mostly in the southeast and southwest portion of the County. Whites or Caucasians reside mostly in the northern half of the County and Hispanics/Latinos reside mostly around the Buford Highway corridor, City of Doraville and parts of the City of Chamblee. 2. Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) (91.215(a)(1)) and the basis for assigning the priority (including the relative priority, where required) given to Strategic Plan 13 CPMP V. 2.0

26 each category of priority needs (91.215(a)(2)). Where appropriate, the jurisdiction should estimate the percentage of funds the jurisdiction plans to dedicate to target areas. DeKalb County Response: DeKalb County will allocate and invest resources throughout the County. The priority communities are: Buford Highway, Memorial Drive (Clarkston and Stone Mountain), the Candler Road Corridor, Candler/McAfee area, and Scottdale. The majority of low- and moderate-income block groups are located within those priority communities. The County also has a policy of being flexible in order to address areas of need. If a proposed project is not located in one of the priority communities, as long as the project is eligible, funding is available and other resources identified, it will be considered for funding. To determine the priority given to each priority needs category, the Community Development Department assembled a task force of community stakeholders who worked through an exercise of prioritizing critical needs. These needs ultimately became the Long Term Objectives for the Consolidated Plan. The task force members ranked the objectives as High, Medium and Low. Also, the public was invited to complete a survey to rank needs at the public hearing. Staff also took into account the feasibility of projects or programs, the scale, and the cost of projects or programs identified as a critical need. All priorities that received a high or medium ranking that were feasible and eligible for HUD funding were included as long term objectives for the Consolidated Plan. Priorities that were ranked low or were not feasible or eligible for HUD funding were forwarded to the appropriate County Department for their information and/or implementation. In summary the following are considered in assigning the priority of each category of priority needs: - public input and recommendations, - availability of CDBG, ESG, and HOME funding - viability of the project - additional available resources Vulnerable Population Priority Areas: Housing Priority Areas: Currently DeKalb County already has a high percentage of rental units. The County will focus on increasing the supply of affordable housing; preserving existing affordable rental housing; and mitigation of governmental regulation barriers. Non-Housing Community Development Priority Areas: The priorities include: income enhancement for low income households; financial literacy and foreclosure awareness; neighborhood revitalization plans for priority communities; providing more economic development opportunities with increasing jobs availability; advanced job skills training; micro-enterprise entrepreneur training. 3. Identify any obstacles to meeting underserved needs (91.215(a)(3)). DeKalb County Response: Strategic Plan 14 CPMP V. 2.0

27 Some of the obstacles to meeting underserved needs identified by the County are as follows: Inadequate federal/state/local funding Increase in low-income housing needs Increased costs of construction Diminishing supply of land for development Challenges of redevelopment (land assembly, costs, neighborhood resistance) Private, non-profit and government inability to keep up with growth of population in need Competing demands for public services Increased needs in on-going job skills training Increased needs in affordable childcare Managing the Process ( (b)) 1. Lead Agency. Identify the lead agency or entity for overseeing the development of the plan and the major public and private agencies responsible for administering programs covered by the consolidated plan. DeKalb County Response: The DeKalb County Community Development Department is the lead agency responsible for the development of the Consolidated Plan. The Community Development is also responsible for overseeing the agencies responsible for administering all programs covered in the Consolidated Plan. Community Development partners with the DeKalb Housing Authority to administer some of the affordable housing and housing rehabilitation programs. (See appendix for a list of the agencies) 2. Identify the significant aspects of the process by which the plan was developed, and the agencies, groups, organizations, and others who participated in the process. DeKalb County Response: The process to develop the Consolidated Plan was a very public process that provided opportunities for citizen input from the beginning to the end. DeKalb County community stakeholders and citizens were invited to serve on a Consolidated Plan Task Force to determine critical needs and long term objectives that the consolidated plan should focus on over the next five years. The task force members represented citizens, faith based organizations, County departments, neighborhood associations, homeless service providers, social service agencies and housing authorities. The task force members were asked to commit to attend two meetings. At these meetings, task force members identified objectives and set priorities that they considered as critical needs for DeKalb County. The objectives that were identified and the priority ranking for each were published in the County s legal organ and posted on the County s web site for a 30 day public comment period. The purpose of the public comment period was to solicit comments and input from the general public on the Long Term Objectives for the Consolidated Plan. 3. Describe the jurisdiction's consultations with housing, social service agencies, and other entities, including those focusing on services to children, elderly persons, Strategic Plan 15 CPMP V. 2.0

28 persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, and homeless persons. DeKalb County Response: The DeKalb County Community Development Department works and consults with housing, social service agencies and other entities on a variety of issues by attending and participating in meetings, regional meetings, and planning groups that deal with issue that affect the homeless, children, the elderly and those with disabilities including HIV/AIDS. Some of the agencies include the DeKalb County Board of Health for health Initiatives addressing senior health issues, teenage pregnancy and early childhood health and education. We are a member of the Metro Atlanta Tri-Jurisdictional Collaborative on Homelessness. We also participate in State efforts and meetings related to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). We support the HMIS initiative and try to help DeKalb homeless program providers to be part of HMIS. Our staff frequently provides support to programs hosted by local churches and civic associations for home buyer education seminars, down payment assistance programs, and predatory lending and foreclosure issues. We work closely with the DeKalb County Human Development Department to address senior services and service delivery issues. The Human Development Department administers one of the Atlanta Regional Commissions Aging programs and manages the state of the art Lou Walker Senior Center. *Note: HOPWA grantees must consult broadly to develop a metropolitan-wide strategy and other jurisdictions must assist in the preparation of the HOPWA submission. Citizen Participation ( (b)) 1. Provide a summary of the citizen participation process. DeKalb County Response: The citizen participation process for the Consolidated Plan began in January, 2007 when citizens that were identified as community stakeholders were invited to serve on the Consolidated Plan Task Force and attend two meetings during the month of February. The purpose of the Consolidated Plan Task Force was to identify critical needs for low to moderate income persons in DeKalb County, create long term objectives, and set priorities On March 1, 2007 a public notice was placed in the Champion Newspaper informing citizens that the draft long term objectives were available for review and comment for 30 days on the DeKalb County website and for pick up at the Community Development Office. On May 17, 2007 a public hearing was held to solicit public input for the Consolidated Plan including the 2008 Annual Action Plan. During this meeting citizens were asked to complete a form ranking the priority needs for the Consolidated Plan. Citizens were also asked to provide comments on the program performance and list suggestions for future performance. The Community Development Advisory County (CDAC) met four times during the planning process. The CDAC meetings provided a forum for discussion, input and recommendations of community development activities. The Consolidated Plan process requires a thirty day public comment period. The public comment period was held from August 23 through September 22, During this time Strategic Plan 16 CPMP V. 2.0

29 period the draft Consolidated Plan document was available for review on the DeKalb County website, at all DeKalb County regional libraries and at the Community Development Office. On September 20, 2007 a public hearing was held to solicit citizen comments on the proposed Consolidated Plan and the 2008 Annual Action Plan. During this meeting, citizens were presented with the proposed recommendations for the 2008 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the Home Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and the Emergency Shelter Grants Program (ESGP). 2. Provide a summary of citizen comments or views on the plan. DeKalb County Response: The following is a summary of a comment that was received during the 30 day public comment for the Long Term Objectives. This was the only public comment received during this time frame. Overall, I think the Long Term Objectives are good and desperately needed. I have a concern that builders are allowed to build at will in South DeKalb and are not a part of a concerted effort to develop viable communities. Going forward, I don't think that any housing development should be approved unless developers design these neighbors with recreational facilities and community centers. Juveniles in my neighborhood have no place to play, and there isn't a recreational facility for miles. I believe that criminals are busy in South DeKalb because of the lack of human needs facilities and jobs in the area particularly in the Candler Road area. Please stop builders (residential and commercial) from building anything they want to build in South DeKalb. Force them to see that they are responsible for building functioning communities. Make them contribute towards recreational facilities that are good enough for DeKalb County to staff so that organized play can take place. 3. Provide a summary of efforts made to broaden public participation in the development of the consolidated plan, including outreach to minorities and non- English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities. DeKalb County Response: DeKalb County has made a conscious effort to broaden public participation in the development of the Consolidated Plan. These efforts include sending information of all public notices to residents and organizations in low moderate income areas, priority housing impact areas, government officials, public and private agencies, County departments, local municipalities and public housing authorities. The draft consolidated plan was posted on the DeKalb County website for public review and comment. In addition, five public notices were published in the Champion Newspaper. To better serve persons with disabilities the department maintains a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf telephone line to provide information as requested. The department has developed an ongoing relationship with organizations and/or persons who work with minorities, non-english speaking persons, as well as persons with mobility, visual or hearing impairments. These organizations were represented on the Consolidated Plan Task Force and receive all public notices and information related to the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan process each year Strategic Plan 17 CPMP V. 2.0

30 4. Provide a written explanation of comments not accepted and the reasons why these comments were not accepted. DeKalb County Response: DeKalb County Community Development Department will accept all comments. If any comment received is not appropriate for HUD funded programs or Community Development efforts the comment will be forwarded to the appropriate county department for their review and/ or implementation. *Please note that Citizen Comments and Responses may be included as additional files within the CPMP Tool. Institutional Structure ( (i)) 1. Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan, including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions. DeKalb County Response: The County employs a strategic partnership and leveraging strategy to implement Consolidated Plan activities. This method brings together a variety of entities with the most appropriate skills to address the County s most critical needs which include: Affordable Housing, Public Infrastructure Needs, Community Facilities, Public Services, Human Services and Expanded Economic Opportunities for low- and moderate-income persons. The role of the Community Development Department (CD) is to initiate strategic planning for the development of viable urban communities, to evaluate proposals and recommend appropriate HUD funding to ensure that the appropriate implementation strategy is in place, and to specify and monitor appropriate regulatory compliances. The CD department is also responsible for certifying consistency with the Consolidated Plan for any housing-related activities receiving HUD funds. The Community Development Department Consolidated Plan partnership and leveraging strategy includes developing relationships with the following internal and external entities: Over 25 non-profit public service provider agencies A consortium of non-profit community housing development agencies and non-profit and for-profit affordable housing developers Chief Executive Officer and staff Board of Commissioners and staff County departments including, Planning, Finance, Purchasing, Contracting, Legal, Parks, Public Safety and Public Works DeKalb DFACS DeKalb Board of Health DeKalb Community Services Board DeKalb Community Development Advisory Council DeKalb Community Relations Commission Keep DeKalb Beautiful DeKalb Housing Authority Department of Community Affairs All municipalities in DeKalb County Strategic Plan 18 CPMP V. 2.0

31 All of these partners have at some point had a specific role in the implementation of Consolidated Plan programs and activities. To implement the non-housing portions of the Consolidated Plan, such as public facility and improvements, the County will generally use its own workforce or contracts with municipalities. Most public service activities are undertaken by non-profit agencies under contract with the County. Like the housing-related public services, many affordable housing development activities are carried out by non-profit and for-profit developers. Most developers contract with the Housing Authority for CD department funding. The Housing Authority administers construction contracts and provides implementation services for housing-related development activities under a contract with the County. The Board of Commissioners appoints the members to the DeKalb Housing Authority Board. This partnership and leveraging strategy has worked extremely well and has resulted in the provision of many housing and many non-housing improvements for the development of viable urban communities in DeKalb County. 2. Assess the strengths and gaps in the delivery system. DeKalb County Response: Strengths Periodically meeting with partners to share ideas, problem-solve, and strategize Community Development Advisory Committee, Board of Commissioners and Chief Executive Officer support Capacity Building and Training for Non-profits Innovative Projects/Partnerships such as the Voucher Program Partnering with other agencies such as the Community Services Board, other County departments, Housing Authorities, and the Board of Health Developing new partnerships and model programs such as the Drug Court Program Partnering with non-profit agencies Gaps Improving communication and coordination with internal and external customers for programs administered through different agencies Partnerships to save at-risk affordable housing stock Capacity of non-profit organizations Sustainability of funded programs Change in staff Change in population Long-time programs need to be evaluated Educating the community on needs and the impact on community, particularly affordable housing needs 3. Assess the strengths and gaps in the delivery system for public housing, including a description of the organizational relationship between the jurisdiction and the public housing agency, including the appointing authority for the commissioners or board of housing agency, relationship regarding hiring, contracting and procurement; provision of services funded by the jurisdiction; review by the Strategic Plan 19 CPMP V. 2.0