CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA

Transcription

1 CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA CONSOLIDATED PLAN PREPARED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Prepared by: W. Frank Newton, Inc. for the City of West Palm Beach Community Development Block Grant gram City of West Palm Beach City Commission

2 CITY OF WEST PALM BEACH, FLORIDA CONSOLIDATED PLAN PREPARED FOR SUBMISSION TO THE U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT Prepared by: W. Frank Newton, Inc. for the City of West Palm Beach Community Development Block Grant gram City of West Palm Beach City Commission 5-Year Strategic Plan 1 Version 2.0

3 5 Year Consolidated 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 grams 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. Executive Summary: As recipients for federal grant funds, HUD requires the City of West Palm Beach to produce a five-year Consolidated Plan and Annual tion Plan. It also serves as the application for funding for the following federal entitlement programs that serve low-income individuals and/or families: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) The City of West Palm Beach s Five-Year Consolidated Plan identifies the community s affordable housing, community development and economic development needs and outlines a comprehensive and coordinated strategy for addressing them. The City s upcoming five-year strategy will focus primarily on devoting federal, local housing, and community development resources to areas in the City where the greatest concentration of poverty and blight exist. HUD has established three priority goals for jurisdictions across the country to pursue as part of their consolidated planning efforts: decent housing, suitable living environment, and providing economic opportunity. The ability of the City to attain these goals utilizing CDBG and HOME funds can be identified through the following performance measures: Decent housing: The provision of decent housing assists both the homeless and persons at risk of becoming homeless in obtaining housing; retains the existing units in the housing stock; increases the availability of permanent housing in 5-Year Consolidated Plan 2 Version 2.0

4 standard condition and at affordable cost to low- and moderate-income families. Decent housing also increases the supply of supportive housing with services needed to enable persons with special needs to live independently, and provides housing affordable to low to moderate income persons which are accessible to job opportunities. Suitable living environment: The provision of a suitable living environment improves the safety and livability of neighborhoods; increases access to quality public and private facilities and services; reduces the isolation of income groups within a community or geographical area by offering housing opportunities for persons of lower-income and revitalizes deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods; restores, enhances, and preserves natural and physical features of special value for historic, architectural or aesthetic reasons; and conserves energy resources. vide economic opportunity: The provision of expanded economic opportunities creates and retains jobs; establishes, stabilizes, and expands small businesses (including micro-businesses); provides public services concerned with employment; provides jobs to low income persons living in areas affected by those programs and activities; makes available mortgage financing for lowincome persons at reasonable rates using nondiscriminatory lending practices; provides access to capital and credit for development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the community; and provides empowerment and self-sufficiency opportunities for low-income persons to reduce generational poverty in federally-assisted and public housing. Strategy Plan Over the next five years, the City of West Palm Beach will continue to provide low and moderate income homeowners with housing repair assistance through the Housing Rehabilitation program, initiate neighborhood revitalization and redevelopment in low and moderate-income areas, eliminate homeless in the City, continue to allocate CDBG, HOME and HOPWA funds to local nonprofit organization to provide essential social services for the non-homeless special needs population and increase economic opportunities for low and moderateincome residents in the City. LIST OF PROPOSED ACTIVITIES The Fiscal Year [FY] 2010 tion Plan describes the activities the City proposes to undertake to accomplish the first year objectives of the Plan which are listed on the following pages. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 3 Version 2.0

5 No. posed COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT [CDBG] PROGRAM tivities nding Allocation A. CDBG gram Administration 20% Cap $237,434 gram funds will be utilized for the general administration of CDBG funded programs. Administration funds will be designated for preparation of 5-Year Consolidated Plan, Annual tion Plan, Neighborhood and Community Planning, Reporting, and completion of the Annual Performance Report. B. Public Services Non-profit Community Based Organizations 15% Cap $178,075 gram funds will be utilized for CDBG eligible public service activities provided to low and moderate income persons through subrecipient agencies. C. Housing Rehabilitation gram $300,000 gram funds will be utilized to provide housing repairs and correct code violations for homes that are owned and occupied by eligible low and moderate income persons. Emergency repairs initiated under this program will included installing roofs, plumbing repairs, electrical repairs, as well as address other City Code violations that may exist in the home. D. Housing Rehabilitation gram Service Delivery $127,207 gram funds will be utilized to support the supervision of housing rehabilitation program to include updating list of qualified contractors, approval of specifications, monitoring the contractor's work, processing payments to the contractor, file maintenance and documentation, recordkeeping and periodic performance reports. E. quisition & Development $204,457 gram funds will be utilized to increase neighborhood redevelopment and stabilization through acquisition and development of existing 5-Year Consolidated Plan 4 Version 2.0

6 residential structures. F. Commercial Façade $140,000 gram funds will be utilized to create job opportunity program for low and moderate income persons; providing access to grants for development activities that promote long-term economic and social viability of the community TOTAL CDBG FUNDS *Total Includes anticipated program income of $25,000 gram Income $1,212,173 No. posed HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS [HOME] ACT PROGRAM tivities nding Allocation A. HOME gram Administration $67,958 gram funds will be utilized for the general administration of HOME funded programs. Administration funds will be designated for preparation Annual Performance Reports, legal agreements with CHDO agencies and monitoring HOME activities. B. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) 15% Set-aside $101,937 gram funds will be utilized to provide designated nonprofit agencies financial assistance to acquire, renovate and sell rental properties to low and moderate income homebuyers. C. Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) 5% Operating $33,979 gram funds will be utilized to provide nonprofit CHDO with operating assistance for the administration of CHDO activities. D. HOME Single/Multi-family Rental Rehabilitation gram $500,711 gram funds will be utilized to provide technical and financial assistance to investor owners to provide affordable rental units to low and moderate income persons. TOTAL HOME FUNDS *Total Includes anticipated program income of $25,000 gram Income $704,585 No. posed HOUSING OPPORTUNITIES FOR PERSONS WITH AIDS [HOPWA] PROGRAM tivities nding Allocation A. HOPWA Administration 3% $104,002 5-Year Consolidated Plan 5 Version 2.0

7 gram funds to be utilized for the general administration for the HOPWA program. Administrative funds will be used for salary, supplies and other administrative costs for the grant program. B. HOPWA Housing & Supportive Services $3,362,707 gram funds to be utilized to provide housing and supportive services. TOTAL HOPWA FUNDS $3,466,709 TABLE OF CONTENTS FIVE-YEAR STRATEGY Page Strategic Plan...8 General Questions...11 Managing the cess ( (b))...20 Citizen Participation ( (b))...22 Institutional Structure ( (i))...25 Monitoring (91.230)...27 Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies ( (a))...28 Lead-based Paint ( (g))...31 Housing Needs (91.205)...35 Priority Housing Needs ( (b))...40 Specific Housing Objectives ( (b))...51 Needs of Public Housing ( (b))...53 Public Housing Strategy (91.210)...54 Barriers to Affordable Housing ( (e) and (f))...56 Homeless Needs ( (b) and (c))...58 Homeless Strategic Plan ( (c))...63 Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)...64 Community Development ( (e))...65 Antipoverty Strategy ( (h))...68 Non-homeless Special Needs ( (d) and (d))...73 Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS (HOPWA)...76 Section 3 Plan...69 Citizen Participation Plan Year Consolidated Plan 6 Version 2.0

8 5-Year Consolidated Plan 7 Version 2.0

9 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. This Consolidated Plan is for the City of West Palm Beach s Next Five gram Years FY2010 to FY2015 MISSION: The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development s mission is to increase the quality of life for residents in the City by increasing efforts in providing decent housing, to provide residents a suitable living environment and to increase economic opportunities in the community. GOALS: Goal 1: Increase Affordable Housing: Increasing affordable housing was rated as the highest priority need for the City of West Palm Beach due to the burden it places on low and moderate income residents. Substandard housing, in addition to the health and safety hazards it presents, can cause a cost burden on residents with limited resources. Homes are expensive to maintain, especially for senior citizens on a fixed income. This need is readily addressed with Consolidated Plan resources by working in conjunction with private contractors that have the capacity and are qualified to make long-term renovations. Deferred Payment Loans make this process economically feasible for residents at all financial levels, as these are interest-free liens against the home. Goal 2: quisition and Development: The second priority goal is to increase neighborhood redevelopment and stabilization through acquisition and development activities of existing residential structures. This goal will assist the City in providing a sustainable reconstruction of an aging infrastructure which will provide the framework for economic development initiatives to sustain the City s economic recovery. The recent economic downturn has increased the need for re-constructing aging infrastructure for the city to remain livable, affordable, and competitive in the ever-changing economy. Infrastructure improvements will primarily include street and sidewalk improvements in areas undergoing other revitalization efforts, and expansion or renovation of neighborhood and 5-Year Consolidated Plan 8 Version 2.0

10 community-based public facilities operated by public, private, and nonprofit agencies. Goal 3: Eliminate Homelessness: Although the City of West Palm Beach does not directly receive Emergency Shelter Grant gram funds, the City will continue to increase its efforts to eliminate homelessness in the City. The City of West Palm Beach will provide program funds from CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA to support non-profit agencies providing housing services to homeless persons or those at-risk of becoming homeless and persons living with HIV/AIDS. Goal 4: Increase Public Services: One of the lower priorities includes increasing the capacity of public services for low and moderate income families and individuals residing in the City of West Palm Beach. Due to the limited resources available, public service projects are limited to those that serve the general public. The needs of those residents with limited incomes are often served in only a cursory way. Consolidated Plan funding is being used to leverage other resources to provide needed services. Goal 5: Commercial Façade: The City acknowledges that the recent economic climate has rendered this category a high priority. Expanding economic opportunities in the city of West Palm Beach is vital to the City s long-term capacity. A key component of this economic effort is the renewal or modernization of older commercial areas, either central business districts or smaller, neighborhood serving shopping areas. Commercial revitalization objectives include: improving functional layout; increasing physical appeal; and fostering economic stability. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 9 Version 2.0

11 5-Year Consolidated Plan 10 Version 2.0

12 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. 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 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. 3. Identify any obstacles to meeting underserved needs (91.215(a)(3)). City of West Palm Beach s 5-Year Strategic Plan General Questions response: This section of the Consolidated Plan provides key demographic and other information that is relevant to understanding the City of West Palm Beach s housing and community development needs and issues. It includes information on population and household composition and growth, economic conditions, poverty, and race and ethnicity in the City of West Palm Beach.* Data collected in the preparation of the City of West Palm Beach s 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual tion plan was derived from 2000 Census data, Census Estimates and CHAS data. 1. Geographic Areas of the Jurisdiction: The City of West Palm Beach, Florida lies along the I-95 corridor and provides convenient access to many Florida cities, towns, and beaches throughout Palm Beach County. The City of West Palm Beach is the largest city in Palm Beach County, with a total population of 91,717 persons residing in the City. The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development s mission is to increase the quality of life for residents in the City by increasing efforts in providing decent housing, to provide residents a suitable living environment and to increase economic opportunities in the community. The City s most notable population fluctuation in the 2000 Census was an increase in the diversification in the ethnic/racial makeup within the City with a total population of 82,103. As of the 2000 Census count, the racial makeup in the City of West Palm Beach consisted of 58.1% White (46% were Non-Hispanic White,), 32.2% African American or Black, 1.5% Asian, 18.2% of the populations are Hispanic or Latino of any race, and, 4.3% from some other races, and 3.4% from two or more races. As researched from the census estimates, there were 91,717 people, of which 45,948 were male and 45,769 were female, 5-Year Consolidated Plan 11 Version 2.0

13 residing in the City of West Palm Beach. The racial makeup of the City was 57.6% White, 31.2% were Black/African American, 2% were Asian, 20.8% were of Hispanic or Latino origin, 8.1% were some other race, and 0.3% were two or more races. Based on this data, the City of West Palm Beach has seen a 0.5% decrease in the percentage of the White population, 1% decrease in the Black or African American population,.5% increase in the Asian population, 2.6 % increase in the Hispanic or Latino population, 3.8% increase of the population from some other race, and a 0.60% increase in the population that reported as being from two or more races. The median household income for the City of West Palm Beach was $46, The City s average household size for owner occupied housing is 2.31 and the average household size for renter occupied housing is As depicted in the table below, families with the highest percentage of incomes below the poverty level consist of families with female headed households with related children under 5 years of age [65.70%]. PERCENTAGE OF FAMILIES AND PEOPLE WHOSE INCOME IN THE PAST 12 MONTHS IS BELOW THE POVERTY LEVEL All families 13.50% With related children under 18 years With related children under 5 years only 24.60% 28.30% Married couple families 4.40% With related children under 18 years With related children under 5 years only Families with female householder, no husband present With related children under 18 years With related children under 5 years only 9.50% 5.00% 36.60% 45.70% 65.70% American Community Survey 3-Year Estimates 5-Year Consolidated Plan 12 Version 2.0

14 Map 1: City of West Palm Beach Boundaries 5-Year Consolidated Plan 13 Version 2.0

15 The following tables display the Census Tracts that have high levels of low and moderate income and minority concentration areas within the City. Highlighted 5-Year Consolidated Plan 14 Version 2.0

16 census tracts depict percentages consisting of 50% or more for poverty levels and minority concentration percentages. Table 1: City of West Palm Beach Low and Moderate Income Areas (Source FFIEC Census Data) 2010 Est Tract Tract % Below Tract Tract Median Income Poverty Median Code Family Level Line Family Income Income Moderate $40,529 $50, Moderate $34,688 $43, Moderate $32,578 $40, Moderate $41,458 $52, Moderate $41,025 $51, Middle $52,634 $66, Middle 5.65 $51,098 $64, Upper 4.73 $75,857 $95, Middle $45,625 $57, Moderate $32,133 $40, Middle 7.49 $50,459 $63, Moderate $40,619 $51, Moderate $29,922 $37, Low $13,639 $17, Low $20,972 $26, Low $23,608 $29, Low $26,625 $33, Middle $60,333 $75, Moderate $32,763 $41, Moderate $31,078 $39, Moderate $36,275 $45, Moderate $36,628 $46, Middle $53,625 $67, Middle 8.03 $51,349 $64, Moderate $39,278 $49, Moderate 6.67 $40,163 $50, Upper 4.21 $70,878 $89, Upper 0.45 $144,977 $182, Upper 3.55 $86,153 $108, Upper 2.57 $67,954 $85,419 5-Year Consolidated Plan 15 Version 2.0

17 Table 2: City of West Palm Beach Areas of Minority Concentrations (Source FFIEC Census Data) Tract Code Tract Population Minority Population Tract Minority % Year Consolidated Plan 16 Version 2.0

18 Table 3: City of West Palm Beach Areas of African American Concentrations (Source FFIEC Census Data) Tract Code Tract Population African American Population by Census Tract % African American Population by Census Tract % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % 5-Year Consolidated Plan 17 Version 2.0

19 Table 4: City of West Palm Beach Areas of Hispanic Concentrations (Source FFIEC Census Data) Tract Code Tract Population Hispanic Population by Census Tract % Hispanic Population by Census Tract % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % % 5-Year Consolidated Plan 18 Version 2.0

20 2. Basis for Allocating Investments Geographically Within The Jurisdiction: The City of West Palm Beach will continue to allocate affordable housing funds throughout the City. The City will designate a percentage of its Community Development Block Grant and HOME Investment Partnerships t funds to rehabilitation of rental units and single-family and multi-family housing rehabilitation for low and moderate-income persons. Eliminating substandard housing through single-family rehabilitation, multifamily rehabilitation and rental Rehabilitation will be amongst the highest priorities for the City to preserve the older, more affordable housing stock for the low to moderate-income community. The City will dedicate a percentage of its annual CDBG & HOME allocations to the priority need to increasing affordable housing. By rehabilitation these homes, the current owners, many of whom are elderly, benefit from improved housing conditions and lower energy costs. The City will provide rehabilitation services through its in-house Housing Rehabilitation gram and local housing nonprofit organizations. The need for affordable housing is significant in West Palm Beach has continued to increase over the last ten years due to the increase in rental prices and home values. Additionally, high foreclosure rates within the City have also increased the demand for affordable rental housing in the City. Additionally, the City will continue to place the revitalization and redevelopment of low and moderate-income communities as a top priority over the next five years. This goal will assist the City in providing a sustainable reconstruction of an aging infrastructure which will provide the framework for economic development initiatives to sustain the City s economic recovery initiatives. As a basis for the priority need to eliminate homelessness, the City of West Palm Beach will provide program funds from CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA to support non-profit agencies providing housing services to homeless persons or those at-risk of becoming homeless and persons living with HIV/AIDS. The City will also continue to place the increase of public services for low and moderate income families and individuals residing in the City of West Palm Beach as a priority under community development needs. Due to the limited resources available public services projects are limited by their financial capacity. Over the next five years, the City will continue to provide CDBG funds to local nonprofits for public services to low and moderate income residents in the City of West Palm Beach. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 19 Version 2.0

21 3. Obstacles To Meeting Underserved Needs: The following are obstacles to meeting underserved needs in the City of West Palm Beach: Reduced funding at the local, state and federal levels is a barrier to meeting the needs of the City s low to moderate income residents. As the population of the City continues to grow, the lack of affordable land has become a major barrier to the development of Affordable Housing. The City of West Palm Beach s housing stock is at capacity and lack of vacant land is a barrier to meeting the needs of the underserved in the City. Increased rate of foreclosures in the City has increased the need for residents to obtain affordable rental housing. Managing the cess ( (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. 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. 3. Describe the jurisdiction's consultations with housing, social service agencies, and other entities, including those focusing on services to children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, and homeless persons. *Note: HOPWA grantees must consult broadly to develop a metropolitanwide strategy and other jurisdictions must assist in the preparation of the HOPWA submission. City of West Palm Beach 5 s-year Strategic Plan Managing the cess response: 1. Lead Agency: 5-Year Consolidated Plan 20 Version 2.0

22 The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department, as the lead entity/agency, worked with consultants to research, plan and prepare the Consolidated Plan that will provide a comprehensive strategy that addresses the City s housing and community development needs [over a five year period] with the use of CDBG, HOME and HOPWA gram funds. 2. Plan Development cess: City of West Palm Beach prepared its Consolidated Plan through a collaborative effort among community stakeholders neighborhoods, municipalities, City agencies, non-profits, elected officials, interested groups, and concerned citizens. The City held two needs assessment workshops at City Hall and Coleman Park Community Center on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 to solicit community input and ideas for providing Affordable Housing and community development services for low and moderate residents. Information gathered from City staff, citizens, nonprofit program directors, and housing providers support prior conclusions that the Priority Needs for Affordable Housing are still applicable, and should continue to be addressed in the upcoming planning period. 3. Consultation: The City of West Palm Beach, in preparation of the Consolidated Plan, consulted with a broad cross section of public, private and City departments to identify residents needs and to coordinate appropriate services and programs to meet those needs. The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department staff works very closely with these organizations on both an individual and group basis. The City s Housing and Community Development Department also works with, its CHDO non-profit housing development organizations to increase access to safe, decent and Affordable Housing throughout the City. The City of West Palm Beach conducted needs assessment workshops with the City s most recent CDBG gram Subrecipients [nonprofit and social service agencies] to obtain their input regarding the community development needs for the City. The City of West Palm Beach also consulted and coordinated with other appropriate public agencies, such as the State Health Departments and public and private agencies that provide assisted housing, health services, social and fair housing services (including services to children, elderly persons, homeless persons, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, homeless persons, 5-Year Consolidated Plan 21 Version 2.0

23 and other categories of residents), and among its own departments, to assure that its consolidated plan is a comprehensive document and addresses statutory purposes. Citizen Participation ( (b)) 1. vide a summary of the citizen participation process. 2. vide a summary of citizen comments or views on the plan. 3. vide 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. 4. vide a written explanation of comments not accepted and the reasons why these comments were not accepted. *Please note that Citizen Comments and Responses may be included as additional files within the CPMP Tool. City of West Palm Beach s 5 s-year Strategic Plan Citizen Participation response: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION: 1. Citizen Participation Summary: The City of West Palm Beach s Citizen Participation Plan reflects the City of West Palm Beach's compliance with the HUD requirements 24 CFR (b) for citizen participation in all appropriate HUD grant programs. The City of West Palm Beach has devised specific actions to encourage increased participation in its housing and community development programs, particularly by persons of low to moderate income. 2. Summary of Citizen Comments: During the preparation of the City of West Palm Beach s PY Consolidated Plan, surveys and one-on-one interviews were conducted from local non-profits, government officials, and private business sector to obtain the specific housing and related services needs for the City of West Palm Beach. In addition, consultation with City of West Palm Beach staff was conducted from various agencies, including the City s Housing and 5-Year Consolidated Plan 22 Version 2.0

24 Development staff. The survey and interview results received were utilized to establish the City of West Palm Beach s Consolidated Plan priority goals for PY During the Tuesday, June 22, 2010 first Needs Assessment Public Meeting, non-profit agencies requested additional program funds for housing initiatives for seniors, disabled adults and low and moderate income residents. During the second Needs Assessment Public Meeting, residents commented on developing more access to first time homebuyer programs as well as increasing housing education. 3. Summary of Efforts Made to Broaden Public Participation: In an attempt to actively increase public participation, the City maintains communication with local nonprofits and housing developers and will adhere to the following actions to improve citizen participation: ACTIONS TO IMPROVE PARTICIPATION Review of all citizen comments and incorporation of such comments in the Consolidated Plan, as applicable; Analyze the impact of Consolidated Plan program activities on neighborhood residents, particularly low and moderate income residents; Conduct Needs Assessments and appropriate on-site visits to each proposed project before including it in the posed Consolidated Plan; Meet with neighborhood groups to inform them about the Consolidated Plan, project eligibility, the program planning process, project selection and funding, and the project implementation process; The City of West Palm Beach will continue to provide a forum for open communication with its residents, particularly low to moderate income persons regarding its HUD funded programs. Additionally, the City will also continue to provide reasonable notice for all Public Hearings. Information and records relating to the City of West Palm Beach housing, community development, public services, and HOPWA program activities are made available to the public for review and comment according to the requirements of Federal, State, and local laws. Notices of public hearings are publicized throughout the City. Two weeks before the public hearings are held at least one advertisement is placed in the local newspaper of general circulation (The Palm Beach Post Newspaper). The advertisements will be either "display ads" or "legal ads" which appear in the sections of the newspaper most likely to be read by citizens seeking this type of information. Additionally, the West Palm Beach s 5-Year Consolidated Plan 23 Version 2.0

25 Housing and Community Development Department will also advertise public hearings electronically on the City s website. In preparation of the City of West Palm Beach s Strategic Consolidated Plan, the City hosted two public needs assessment hearings on Tuesday, June 22, 2010 to obtain citizens input for the City of West Palm Beach s Strategic Consolidated Plan for the time period of October 1, 2010 to September 30, The City also held a Public Hearing to obtain comments from citizens on the City s Draft Consolidated Plan and Annual tion Plan on Thursday, July, 22, The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department will continue to provide technical assistance to City residents and agencies, particularly to those of very low and low income who request such assistance in developing project proposals, or who request other information (compliance requirements, program performance, funding information, etc.) as outlined in the PY Consolidated Plan. In addition, the City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department staff will continue to meet with various non-profit organizations and individuals to provide other specific technical assistance related to housing, community development as requested. A. SURVEY A copy of the needs assessment survey utilized with non-profits and residents of the City of West Palm Beach can be found in the Appendix to this Consolidated Plan. B. PUBLIC HEARINGS Needs Assessment Workshops and a Public Hearing were held to solicit public comment during the research and preparation of the City s Five-Year Consolidated Plan. A copy of the public notice was advertised in the most widely circulated newspaper in West Palm Beach, The Palm Beach Post Newspaper. A copy of this publication can also be found in the Appendix to this document. The Needs Assessment Workshops and Public Hearings were held at a time and location convenient for underrepresented residents in the City of West Palm Beach. Locations: Needs Assessment Workshops: 5-Year Consolidated Plan 24 Version 2.0

26 C. PUBLIC COMMENTS City Hall 401 Clematis Street West Palm Beach, FL Tuesday, June 22, :00PM 2:00PM Coleman Park Community Center st Street West Palm Beach, FL Tuesday, June 22, :00PM 8:00PM Public Hearing: Coleman Park Community Center st Street West Palm Beach, FL Thursday, July 22, :00PM 8:00PM During the first Needs Assessment Workshop, non-profit agencies requested additional program funds for disabled adults, seniors, and low to moderate income persons. Additionally, agencies also provided information on the affordable housing needs in the City and the gap of services that exist. Comments made at the Public Hearing consisted of obtaining more information on homeless transitional housing assistance. 4. Comments Not cepted: The City did not receive any comments that were not accepted, nor did the City receive any written comments regarding the Consolidated Plan. 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. 2. Assess the strengths and gaps in the delivery system. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 25 Version 2.0

27 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 jurisdiction of proposed capital improvements as well as proposed development, demolition or disposition of public housing developments. City of West Palm Beach s 5-Year Strategic Plan Institutional Structure response: 1. Institutional Structure: The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department serves as the lead agency for planning and coordinating the implementation of the Consolidated Plan. As required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the City of West Palm Beach consulted with other public and private agencies that provide assisted housing, health services, and social and fair housing services (including those focusing on services to children, elderly persons, persons with disabilities, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, homeless persons) during preparation of the plan. As a part of the planning process, the City met with various divisions of the Housing and Community Development Department involved in the implementation of these various programs to discuss housing and non-housing needs of residents of the City of West Palm Beach. The City also met with various non-profit agencies serving low to moderate income residents of the City of West Palm Beach. These meetings involved one-onone interviews to discuss public perceptions of the City s current efforts in attaining its goals for the CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA grams. 2. Strengths and Gaps in the Delivery System: The primary strengths of the City s ability to plan and gather information is the collaboration among various agencies serving similar populations. If one agency does not have the capacity or resources needed, the City s nonprofit agencies are knowledgeable to refer residents and other inquiries to agencies which can support the capacity. The City of West Palm Beach s Housing and Community Development Department continues to strengthen its working relationships with these agencies with a particular emphasis on housing needs and economic development initiatives as they are planning in the Strategic Consolidated Plan process These efforts ensure that activities in regard to housing rehabilitation programs and human services programs are targeted to low to moderate-income residents are fully coordinated in the comprehensive community development goals of the Plan. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 26 Version 2.0

28 Additionally, the City has aggressively acquired vacant property in the Coleman Park Neighborhood area as a redevelopment initiative of a low and moderate income neighborhood. The City also has two CHDO organizations, Northwood Renaissance and New Urban Community Development Corporation, to increase affordable housing and community improvement projects in the City. The primary weakness evidenced through the public meetings and interviews process is the lack of available funding to make a significant impact in low and moderate income communities. 3. Strength and Gaps in Public Housing: The West Palm Beach Housing Authority (WPBHA) operates a variety of selfsufficiency programs that range from rental assistance to housing educational opportunities. Residents are involved in the management and residents are educated on the various homeownership programs. At this time, there are no gaps in the current system and the WPBHA continues to strive for improvement in management of the agency and improving the living environment of residents. The WPBHA will also initiate new programs to increase revenues for the agency and provide economic opportunities for low income families. Monitoring (91.230) 1. Describe the standards and procedures the jurisdiction will use to monitor its housing and community development projects and ensure long-term compliance with program requirements and comprehensive planning requirements. City of West Palm Beach 5 s-year Strategic Plan Monitoring response: 1. MONITORING PLAN IMPLMENTATION PROCESS The City s Department of Housing and Community Development is responsible for ensuring that the federal funds spent on activities to benefit low and moderate income households are in compliance with federal guidelines. Performance of monitoring activities include routine monitoring and technical assistance rendered by staff to sub-recipients. Improvements to the monitoring systems and processes occur on an ongoing basis. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 27 Version 2.0

29 All sub-recipients enter into contractual agreements with the City of West Palm Beach. These agreements include a detailed scope of services with measurable objectives. The Federal general provisions, along with the appropriate OMB Circulars, are also included in contractual agreements to ensure compliance. The City of West Palm Beach will continue to monitor its grant programs in accordance with local program policies and procedures and Federal regulations. The Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) staff will continue to monitor all sub-recipients of Federal CDBG, HOME and HOPWA funds. The monitoring process will include on-site reviews of the sub-recipient s performance to ensure compliance with the goals and objectives of the program and federal regulations. The City s HCD staff also monitors agencies through desk reviews of their monthly performance reports, requests for payments and their annual audit reports. The City s Finance Department has assigned a Grants Compliance Officer to coordinate the Finance Department s accounting with HCD s accounting. They also review compliance with HUD regulations with HCD staff during the program year. The Internal Auditors Office reviews the annual single audit reports the City receives from its Federal grant subrecipients. Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies ( (a)) 1. Describe the basis for assigning the priority given to each category of priority needs. 2. Identify any obstacles to meeting underserved needs. City of West Palm Beach s 5-Year Strategic Plan Priority Needs Analysis and Strategies response: 1. Basis for Assigning Priorities: The City of West Palm Beach utilizes the following methods in determining the needs and assigning the priorities of those needs: The extent of the unfilled gap The ability of the resources identified in the Consolidated Plan to fulfill the gap The impact felt by low to moderate income residents The other options available to the City outside of the CDBG, HOME and HOPWA grams Public input and recommendations 5-Year Consolidated Plan 28 Version 2.0

30 The City has designated a greater percentage of its CDBG and HOME program funds to affordable housing programs to assist low to moderateincome homeowners and renters. The City will provide affordable housing assistance through the following programs: acquisition of vacant lots for new affordable housing construction, homeowner and rental rehabilitation assistance. High foreclosure rates throughout the City have dramatically increased the need for affordable rental housing opportunities for residents of the City of West Palm Beach. The need for affordable housing is significant in West Palm Beach has continued to increase over the last ten years due to the increase in rental prices and home values. It is imperative for the City to initiate affordable housing programs that will preserve its older housing stock. Priority 1: Increase Affordable Housing: Increasing affordable housing was rated as the highest priority need for the City of West Palm Beach due to the burden it places on low and moderate income residents. Substandard housing, in addition to the health and safety hazards it presents, can cause a cost burden on residents with limited resources. Homes are expensive to maintain, especially for senior citizens on a fixed income. This need is readily addressed with Consolidated Plan resources by working in conjunction with private contractors that have the capacity and are qualified to make long-term renovations. Deferred Payment Loans make this process economically feasible for residents at all financial levels, as these are interest-free liens against the home. Priority 2: quisition and Development: The second priority goal is to increase neighborhood redevelopment and stabilization through acquisition and development activities of existing residential structures. This goal will assist the City in providing a sustainable reconstruction of an aging infrastructure which will provide the framework for economic development initiatives to sustain the City s economic recovery. The recent economic downturn has increased the need for re-constructing aging infrastructure for the city to remain livable, affordable, and competitive in the ever-changing economy. Infrastructure improvements will primarily include street and sidewalk improvements in areas undergoing other revitalization efforts, and expansion or renovation of neighborhood and community-based public facilities operated by public, private, and nonprofit agencies. 5-Year Consolidated Plan 29 Version 2.0

31 Priority 3: Eliminate Homelessness: Although the City of West Palm Beach does not directly receive Emergency Shelter Grant gram funds, the City will continue to increase its efforts to eliminate homelessness in the City. The City of West Palm Beach will provide program funds from CDBG, HOME, and HOPWA to support non-profit agencies providing housing services to homeless persons or those at-risk of becoming homeless and persons living with HIV/AIDS. Priority 4: Increase Public Services: One of the lower priorities includes increasing the capacity of public services for low and moderate income families and individuals residing in the City of West Palm Beach. Due to the limited resources available, public service projects are limited to those that serve the general public. The needs of those residents with limited incomes are often served in only a cursory way. Consolidated Plan funding is being used to leverage other resources to provide needed services. Priority 5: Commercial Façade: The City acknowledges that the recent economic climate has rendered this category a high priority. Expanding economic opportunities in the city of West Palm Beach is vital to the City s long-term capacity. A key component of this economic effort is the renewal or modernization of older commercial areas, either central business districts or smaller, neighborhood serving shopping areas. Commercial revitalization objectives include: improving functional layout; increasing physical appeal; and fostering economic stability. 2. Obstacles to Meeting Underserved Needs: The obstacles the City of West Palm Beach must overcome in order to meet these goals include: Limited funding available Limited land capacity at the neighborhood level Lack of Public commitment High land costs 5-Year Consolidated Plan 30 Version 2.0

32 The greatest obstacle in meeting underserved needs is the limited funding available. In areas of greatest need, the available funding may only meet a small percentage of the total need. For example, current resources in the City of West Palm Beach limit only 80 deteriorated homes for rehabilitation services annually; however, there are currently 2500 homes of owners with limited resources on the City s waiting list that are in dire need of repair. The ability to leverage funds enables the City increase the ability to serve more families and individuals; however, the combined capacity may still not meet the increasing needs. Many low-income neighborhoods have a limited capacity to develop solutions to solve their problems. In addition to the limited resources available, many residents of these neighborhoods lack the experience and skills necessary to organize and develop solutions to community problems. For example, communities such as these often do not have the experience to operate an after school care program for children, or to develop a neighborhood crime watch program. In addition, parents work schedules limit the time available to attend meetings and donate time to support the operations of such programs. Finally, the ability of the public to commit to resolving problems often found in low-income residential areas is limited. Middle and upper income residents often exhibit NIMBYism [Not In My Back Yard] attitudes, or have limited understanding of the problems faced my low-income residents. Educating the public can assist the general population to better understand the needs of the special populations; however, this can be a challenging process. Lead-based Paint ( (g)) 1. Estimate the number of housing units that contain lead-based paint hazards, as defined in section 1004 of the Residential Lead-Based Paint Hazard Reduction t of 1992, and are occupied by extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families. 2. Outline actions proposed or being taken to evaluate and reduce leadbased paint hazards and describe how lead based paint hazards will be integrated into housing policies and programs, and how the plan for the reduction of lead-based hazards is related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards. City of West Palm Beach s 5-Year Strategic Plan Lead-based Paint response: 5-Year Consolidated Plan 31 Version 2.0