HomeMy WebLinkAboutStaff Report 6583
City of Palo Alto (ID # 6583)
Finance Committee Staff Report
Report Type: Action Items Meeting Date: 4/5/2016
City of Palo Alto Page 1
Summary Title: FY 2017 CDBG Allocations
Title: Recommendations on Proposed Fiscal Year 2017 Community
Development Block Grant Funding Allocations (CDBG) and the Draft Fiscal
Year 2017 Annual Action Plan
From: City Manager
Lead Department: Planning and Community Environment
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Finance Committee recommend that the City Council take the
following actions:
1. Allocate CDBG funding as recommended in the draft 2016/2017 Action Plan and as
described in this report;
2. Authorize the City Manager to execute the 2016/2017 CDBG application and 2016/2017
Action Plan for CDBG funds, any other necessary documents concerning the application,
and to otherwise bind the City with respect to the applications and commitment of
funds; and
3. Authorize staff to submit the 2016/2017 Action Plan to HUD by the May 15, 2016
deadline.
Executive Summary
The City of Palo Alto receives funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) as an entitlement city under the Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) Program. It is the principal Federal program providing localities with grants to devise
innovative and constructive neighborhood approaches to improve the physical, economic, and
social conditions in their communities through “the development of viable urban communities,
by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic
opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income.”
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HUD requirements include preparation of a five-year strategic plan of action, referred to as a
Consolidated Plan, to address priority housing and community development needs and to set
goals for attaining identified objectives. An Action Plan is prepared annually to identify specific
projects to be funded in that year that implement the strategies identified in the Consolidated
Plan. Currently the CDBG program is guided by the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan adopted by
Council May 4, 2015. The draft 2016/2017 Action Plan (Attachment B) has been made available
for Public review from March 17, 2016 through April 15, 2016.
The Finance Committee is being asked to review the draft 2016/2017 Action Plan with funding
recommendations. Upon review of the draft plan and funding recommendations, it is
requested the Finance Committee make recommendations to the City Council. The City Council
will review the recommendations of the Finance Committee at a public hearing scheduled for
May 2, 2016. Staff will then submit the Action Plan to HUD in order to meet the May 15, 2016
deadline.
Background
The CDBG program is authorized under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act
of 1974, as amended. As an entitlement city under the CDBG program, the City of Palo Alto
receives funds annually on a formula grant basis. Palo Alto has historically expended all of its
CDBG funds on projects benefiting low- and very-low-income persons.
HUD regulations require all CDBG funded activities meet one of the three national objectives:
Benefit low-and very-low-income persons;
Aid in the prevention or elimination of slums or blight; or
Meet other community development needs having a particular urgency, or posing a
serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.
All of the funded projects in Palo Alto meet the first objective of benefiting low-and very-low-
income persons. Palo Alto has five primary CDBG program activity areas in which to allocate
funds: Public Services, Planning and Administration, Economic Development, Housing, and
Public Facilities. Federal regulations limit the amount that can be spent on Administration and
Public Services. The allocations for Administrative activities and Public Services are both
proposed to be at the maximum spending cap in Fiscal Year 2016/2017. No more than 20
percent of the City’s entitlement grant and estimated program income for the following year
can be spent on Administration. It is estimated that $108,251 will be available for this category
for Fiscal Year 2016/2017. Similarly, Federal law places a maximum spending cap of 15 percent
of the grant allocation and 15 percent of any program income received during the previous
fiscal year on Public Services. It is estimated that $76,619 will be available for Public Service
activities for Fiscal Year 2016/2017. Public Service activities include services for homeless
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persons, housing and emergency services to low income individuals with disabilities, and
services to victims of domestic violence.
On February 16, 2016, HUD notified the City of its Fiscal Year 2015/2016 CDBG Entitlement.
The final CDBG Entitlement amount is $441,253.
Consolidated Plan
The 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan is a 5-year strategic plan of action that addresses priority
housing and community development needs. It also sets specific goals for attaining identified
objectives. Each year, an Annual Action Plan is prepared to identify specific projects to be
funded to implement the Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan and the Annual Action Plan
updates are required by HUD in order for the City to receive federal funding from programs
such as the CDBG. Currently the CDBG program is guided by the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan
adopted by Council May 4, 2015.
Action Plan
HUD requires submittal of an Annual Action Plan no later than 45 days prior to the start of the
program year, or May 15th of every year, that identifies the specific projects to be funded to
implement strategies identified in the Consolidated Plan. The 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan is a
five-year strategic plan of action that addresses priority housing and community development
needs.
CDBG Applications
Currently, the CDBG program operates under a two-year funding request cycle. Applications
for Fiscal Years 2015/2016 and 2016/2017 were made available in November 2014. A notice of
CDBG funding availability was published in the Palo Alto Weekly on November 21, 2014 with
completed applications due January 9, 2015. Mandatory pre-proposal conferences were
conducted on December 10, 2014 and January 5, 2015 to assist applicants with program
regulations and project eligibility questions. Because the City did not receive sufficient funding
applications for the housing category during the regular two-year funding process, the City
made available applications for multi-family housing rehabilitation projects only in November
2015. A notice of CDBG funding availability for multi-family housing rehabilitation projects was
published in the Palo Alto Weekly on November 20, 2015 with completed applications due
January 8, 2016. A mandatory pre-proposal conference was conducted on December 9, 2015 to
assist applicants with program regulations. The CDBG applications considered for funding for
Fiscal Year 2016/2017 are identified on the attached chart (Attachment A). During this funding
cycle the City did not receive any funding applications for public facilities improvement
projects.
Citizen Participation
A Citizen Participation Plan is a required component of the CDBG Program. HUD regulations
require CDBG recipient agencies to prepare and implement a plan that provides adequate
opportunity for citizens to participate in an advisory role in the planning, implementation, and
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assessment of the CDBG program. On October 18, 2010 the City adopted an amended Citizen
Participation Plan and shifted the CDBG advisory role from a separate Citizens Advisory
Committee to the established Human Relations Commission (HRC). In summary, the intention
of the new plan was to provide a collaborative link between the CDBG funding process and the
Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP). The HRC is now charged with reviewing
funding recommendations for the City’s two human service funding sources. A sub-committee
comprised of staff and three members of the HRC was established to review both the CDBG and
HSRAP funding applications and to provide recommendations to the full commission.
While both CDBG and HSRAP are operating on a two-year funding cycle, final CDBG funding
recommendations need to be reviewed annually since the budget is contingent upon funding
allocations received from HUD. The sub-committee met on February 25, 2016 at City Hall to
discuss the Fiscal Year 2016/2017 CDBG budget, reviewed the multi-family housing
rehabilitation application received, and recommended funding amounts based on the
estimated funds available.
On March 10, 2016 the HRC considered the funding recommendations of the subcommittee at
a public hearing.
Commitment of Funds
HUD regulations require that CDBG funds be expended in a timely manner. Specifically, the
regulatory requirement is that no more than 1.5 times a jurisdiction’s annual entitlement grant
amount remain in the City’s Letter of Credit 60 days prior to the end of the program year. In an
effort to reduce the backlog of unspent CDBG funds, HUD employs monetary sanctions against
jurisdictions that exceed this timeliness requirement. For this reason, all funding applications
are scrutinized to ensure the readiness of the program or project to move forward and expend
funds in a timely manner.
Discussion
Palo Alto’s CDBG program continues to be directed towards expanding and maintaining existing
affordable housing supply, promoting housing opportunities and choices, and providing
supportive services for targeted low-income groups including persons who are homeless,
persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other special needs groups. Moreover, the CDBG
program places a high priority to expand the goal of creating economic opportunities for low-
income persons. All of the proposed projects for CDBG funding for Fiscal Year 2016/2017, as
presented in the draft 2016/2017 Action Plan, address the priority housing and community
development needs identified in the draft Consolidated Plan.
2015-2020 Consolidated Plan
Per HUD requirements, the City is required to prepare a Consolidated Plan every five years. The
2015-2020 plan outlines the following six specific goals:
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Affordable Housing: Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for
low income and special needs households.
Homelessness: Support activities to end homelessness.
Community Services: Support activities that provide community services to low income
and special needs households.
Strengthen Neighborhoods: Support activities that strengthen neighborhoods.
Fair Housing: Promote fair housing choice.
Economic Development: Expand economic opportunities for low income households.
Palo Alto's CDBG program continues to be directed toward: expanding and maintaining the
affordable housing supply; promoting housing opportunities and choices; maintaining and
improving community facilities; and providing supportive services for targeted low income
groups, including persons who are homeless, persons with disabilities, the elderly, and other
special needs groups. All of the proposed projects for CDBG funding for Fiscal Year 2016/2017,
as presented in the draft 2016/17 Action Plan, address the priority housing and supportive
service needs identified in the draft Consolidated Plan.
Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Funds Available for Allocation
On February 16, 2016, HUD notified the City of its Fiscal Year 2016/2017 CDBG Entitlement
amount of $441,253, which is $1,207 less than the current Fiscal Year 2015/2016 allocation.
Based on the foregoing, the total amount available for allocation in Fiscal Year 2016/2017 is
estimated to be $754,418 as summarized below:
$441,253 Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Entitlement Grant
$213,165 Reallocated Funds from Previous Years:
$ 6,656 – City of Palo Alto CDBG Admin (FY 2015)
$ 1,779 – IVSN Opportunity Center (FY2015)
$ 6,784– Downtown Streets Inc. (FY 2015)
$150,000 – Microenterprise Assistance Program (FY 2014)
$ 47,946 – Unprogrammed Excess Program Income (FY 2015)
$100,000 Estimated Program Income from Palo Alto Housing Corporation that is
generated from loan repayments and rental income in excess of expenses
on specific properties acquired or rehabilitated with CDBG funds
$ 754,418 ESTIMATED TOTAL AVAILABLE FOR ALLOCATION
Of the $754,418 of CDBG funds anticipated to be available, the total amount is proposed to be
used during Fiscal Year 2016/2017.
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The following summarizes the calculations for funding limitations that are placed on two
funding categories:
Maximum Available for Public Services
Estimated Fiscal Year 2016/2017 CDBG Entitlement Grant $441,253
Fiscal Year 2015/2016 Actual Program Income Received1 $ 69,541
Public Service Cap (15% of $510,794) $ 76,619
Maximum Available for Planning/Administration
Estimated Fiscal Year 2016/2017 CDBG Entitlement Grant $441,253
Estimated Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Program Income $100,000
Planning/Admin Cap (20% of $541,253) $108,251
The difference between the funding caps and the amount proposed to be allocated during
Fiscal Year 2016/2017, or $569,548, yields the amount that can be used to fund projects within
the other three funding categories; Economic Development, Housing, and Public Facilities.
Additional funding can be made available for these activities if less is provided for
Administration or Public Services.
Fiscal Year 2016/2017 – Funding Requests and Recommendations
Palo Alto’s CDBG program is operating under a two-year funding cycle. Funding for Fiscal Year
2016/2017 is contingent upon the CDBG allocation, program income, and any available funds
for reallocation. Public Service and Administration Caps have been calculated in accordance
with available funds. All of the agencies remain eligible and meet program goals and objectives.
A list of the submitted applications and the funding recommendations for Fiscal Year 2016/17 is
included in Attachment A.
On March 10, 2016, the HRC recommended approval of the Selection Committee’s funding
recommendations including the adjustments described above. Table 1, Fiscal Year 2016/2017
Funding Recommendations, identifies the applications recommended for funding and the final
allocation amounts recommended by the HRC.
1 Actual Program Income received in Fiscal Year 2015/2016 includes $69,541 from Palo Alto Housing Corporation
loan repayments.
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Table 1: Fiscal Year 2016/2017 Funding Recommendations
2 In accordance with the City’s internal guidelines, CDBG funds for capital projects are typically awarded as interest
free loans. Following the HRC’s recommendation, MidPen informed the City that certain bondholder restrictions
may prevent it from accepting a loan and requested the City convert the loan to a grant. The City is currently
exploring options with MidPen and will provide a status report at the full Council meeting.
Applicant Agency FY2016 Final
Allocation
FY 2017
Funding
Request
HRC
Recommendations
Public Services
Palo Alto Housing Corporation –
SRO Hotels Supportive Services $24,861 $ 42,874 $ 22,983
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara
County –
Long Term Care Ombudsman
$5,422 $ 6,500 $ 5,012
LifeMoves (formerly InnVision Shelter
Network)-
Opportunity Services Center
$38,499 $ 50,000 $ 35,592
YWCA/Support Network –
Domestic Violence Services $8,676 $ 10,000 $ 8,020
Silicon Valley Independent Living
Center –
Housing and Emergency Services
$5,422 $ 10,000 $ 5,012
Sub-total $82,880 $119,374 $ 76,619
Admin/Fair Housing Services
Project Sentinel –
Fair Housing Services $32,016 $ 32,016 $ 30,941
City of Palo Alto -
CDBG Administration $83,686 $ 80,000 $ 77,310
Sub-total $115,702 $112,016 $108,251
Economic Development
Downtown Streets Inc. –
Workforce Development Program $290,723 $314,100 $290,723
Sub-total $290,723 $314,100 $290,723
Housing
MidPen Housing – Palo Alto Gardens
Rehab Project2 $392,368 $300,000 $278,825
Sub-total $392,368 $300,000 $278,825
Grand Total $881,673 $845,490 $754,418
City of Palo Alto Page 8
Planning staff has actively taken measures to introduce efficiency in program administration
that will result in a less staff intensive program. These include streamlining the administrative
procedures to reduce staffing needs, operating under a two-year funding cycle, and revised
monitoring guidelines to improve efficiency and reduce on-site monitoring visits. Moreover,
staff has identified ways to recover certain personnel costs associated with individual projects
that require administration beyond the basic CDBG program administration requirements.
These are referred to as project delivery costs and are typically associated with capital outlay
projects that require staff to assist with the development of bid documents and assistance with
federal procurement requirements. Project delivery costs can be charged to specific projects for
managing the project. Project delivery costs can only be charged to capital projects, such as the
Midpen Housing Palo Alto Gardens project.
For Fiscal Year 2016/2017 this includes reducing CDBG staffing level to a .35 full time
equivalency position for basic CDBG administration related activities. The cost for this is
approximately $65,000. Staff is requesting additional funding in the CDBG Administration
budget in the amount of $12,310 to cover the potential cost associated with consultant
contracts which may be used to support CDBG Program administration. The total amount
requested for CDBG Administration from the CDBG grant is $77,310.
Timeline
Funding recommendation made by the Finance Committee will be forwarded to the City
Council for review and approval at a public hearing scheduled for May 2, 2016. Subsequently,
the adopted Action Plan will be submitted to HUD by May 15, 2016.
Resource Impact
As mentioned above, several measures have been taken to ensure there is no General Fund
subsidy for the administration of the CDBG Program. This includes streamlining the program to
reduce staffing needs and revised monitoring guidelines to improve efficiency of the program.
Currently, staff recovery from the CDBG entitlement grant is approximately $65,000. The total
staff recovery from the CDBG entitlement grant proposed for Fiscal Year 2015/2016 is
approximately .35 full time equivalency, or approximately $65,000, thus not further
substantially impacting the General Fund. While the amount is not sufficient to cover the full
cost of 1.0 full time equivalency position, it does cover the full staffing needs of administering
the CDBG program. The staff person assigned to CDBG works on CDBG administration for .35
FTE and the balance of their time, .65 FTE, is spent on affordable housing.
Policy Implications
All of the applications recommended for funding in Fiscal Year 2016/2017 are consistent with
the priorities established in the City’s adopted 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan. Moreover, they
are consistent with the housing programs and policies in the adopted Comprehensive Plan.
Environmental Review
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For purposes of the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and the California Environmental
Quality Act (CEQA), budgeting in itself is not a project. Prior to commitment or release of funds
for each of the proposed projects, staff will carry out the required environmental reviews or
assessments and certify that the review procedures under CEQA, HUD and NEPA regulations
have been satisfied for each particular project.
Attachments:
Attachment A: Fiscal Year 2016/17 CDBG Funding Recommendations (DOCX)
Attachment B: Draft 2016/17 Annual Action Plan (PDF)
CITY OF PALO ALTO CDBG APPLICATIONS
FISCAL YEAR 2017
AGENCY PROGRAM NAME FY 2016 FINAL FY 2017
REQUEST
HRC
RECOMMENDATIONS
Public Services (15% CAP = $76,619)
Palo Alto Housing Corp. SRO Resident Support Program $ 24,861 $ 42,874 $ 22,983
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program $ 5,422 $ 6,500 $ 5,012
LifeMoves (formerly Inn Vision)
NetNetwork
Opportunity Services Center $ 38,499 $ 50,000 $ 35,592
YWCA/Support Network Domestic Violence Services $ 8,676 $ 10,000 $ 8,020
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center Housing and Emergency Services $ 5,422 $ 10,000 $ 5,012
Public Service Total $ 82,880 $ 119,374 $ 76,619
Planning & Administration (20% CAP = $108,251)
Project Sentinel Fair Housing Services $ 32,016 $ 32,016 $ 30,941
City of Palo Alto CDBG Administration $ 83,686 $ 80,000 $ 77,310
Planning & Administration Total $ 115,702 $ 112,016 $ 108,251
Economic Development
Downtown Streets Workforce Development Program $ 290,723 $ 314,100 $ 290,723
Economic Development Total $ 290,723 $ 314,100 $ 290,723
Housing
Midpen Housing Palo Alto Gardens Rehab $ 392,368 $ 300,000 $ 278,825
GRAND TOTAL $ 881,673 $ 845,490 $ 754,418
Funds Available $ 754,418
Available for Public Service (15% Cap) $ 76,619
Available for Planning/Admin (20% Cap) $ 108,251
Available for Economic Development/Housing $ 569,548
Attachment A
DRAFT FISCAL YEAR 2017
ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
Annual Update of the City’s Consolidated Plan for the Period
July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017
Public Review and Comment Period: March 17, 2016 – April 15, 2016
Prepared by the Department of Planning & Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto, CA 94301
Director Hillary Gitelman
Eloiza Murillo-Garcia, Senior Planner
T: 650-329-2561 E: Eloiza.Murillogarcia@cityofpaloalto.org
Attachment B
FISCAL YEAR 2017 ACTION PLAN
TABLE OF CONTENTS
Executive Summary….……………………………..………………………………………………………………………......1
Lead and Responsible Agencies….……………………………..…………………………………………………………..6
Consultation…………………………..….……………………………..…………………………………………………………..7
Public Participation............................................................................................................... 10
Expected Resource................................................................................................................ 12
Annual Goals and Objectives……………………………………….………………………………………………………15
Projects………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………17
Geographic Distributions…………………………………………….……………………………………………………….24
Affordable Housing……………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….25
Public Housing……..……………………………………………………………………….…………………………………….26
Homeless and Other Special Needs……………………………………………………………………….…………….28
Barriers to Affordable Housing……..……………………………………………………………………….…………….28
Other Actions........................................................................................................................34
Program Specific Requirements.............................................................................................37
APPENDICES
Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance Form SF-424
Appendix B: Certifications
Appendix C: Public Hearing Advertisement
Appendix D: Public Comments
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Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Palo Alto (City) is an entitlement jurisdiction that receives federal funding from the
Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG) Program.
The purpose of CDBG funding is to help jurisdictions address their community development needs.
CDBG grantees are eligible to use the resources they receive for Public Services, Community and
Economic Development, Capital Improvement Projects (CIP) Public Facilities/Infrastructure, and CIP
Housing Rehabilitation. Public Service projects provide social services and/or other direct support to
individuals and households in need of assistance. Community and Economic Development projects are
focused on assisting businesses and organizations with small business loans, façade improvements, and
other initiatives. CIP Public Facilities/Infrastructure projects are those which aim to improve public
facilities and infrastructure. CIP Housing Rehabilitation projects are for housing rehabilitation
improvements of single and multi-unit housing.
A total of $754,418 is available for funding projects and programs during the 2016 Program Year which
correlates with the City Fiscal Year 2017. The City anticipates receiving $441,253 from the federal
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. In addition, the City will also reprogram
$213,165 in previous year resources, and $100,000 in anticipated program income. Palo Alto has access
to a variety of federal, state, and local resources to achieve its housing and community development
priorities. Table 1, Fiscal Year 2017 CDBG Budget, summarizes the uses of the funds proposed during
Fiscal Year 2017. Specific funding resources will be utilized based on the opportunities and constraints
of each particular project or program.
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TABLE 1: FISCAL YEAR 2017 BUDGET
Applicant Agency Budget
Public Services
Palo Alto Housing Corporation - SRO Hotels Supportive Services $22,983
Catholic Charities of Santa Clara County – Long Term Care Ombudsman Program $ 5,012
InnVision Shelter Network - Opportunity Center - Drop-In Center $35,592
YWCA/Support Network - Domestic Violence Services $ 8,020
Silicon Valley Independent Living Center – Housing and Emergency Services $ 5,012
Sub-total $76,619
Planning and Administration
Project Sentinel – Fair Housing Services $ 30,941
City of Palo Alto Administration $ 77,310
Sub-total $108,251
Economic Development
Downtown Streets – Workforce Development Program $290,723
Sub-total $290,723
Housing
Midpen Housing – Palo Alto Gardens Rehab $278,825
Sub-total
Grand Total $754,418
HUD requires that entitlement jurisdictions complete a Consolidated Plan every five years. The
Consolidated Plan includes an analysis of the jurisdiction’s market, affordable housing, and community
development conditions. Additionally, entitlement jurisdictions must also submit an Annual Action Plan
to report the distribution of federal entitlement program funding over the Consolidated Plan’s five year
period that identifies how funding allocations help meet the goals covered in the Consolidated Plan and
a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to report the City’s performance. The
City’s 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan was approved by Council on May 4, 2015. The five year goals from
the Consolidated Plan are listed below.
Five Year Goals
1. Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low income and special needs
households.
2. Support activities to end homelessness.
3. Support activities that strengthen neighborhoods through the provision of community services
and public improvements to benefit low income and special needs households.
4. Promote fair housing choice.
5. Expand economic opportunities for low income households.
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2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
The following provides a brief overview of the results of the Needs Assessment in the 2015-2020
Consolidated Plan:
NA -10 Housing Needs
• Twenty-nine percent of households in the City are paying more than 30 percent of their income
toward housing costs.
• Thirteen percent of households are severely cost burdened and paying more than 50 percent of
their income toward housing.
NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems
• Eighty-nine percent of Asian households in the 30-50% AMI category experience housing
problems, compared to 71 percent of the jurisdiction as a whole.
• Ninety-three percent of Asian households in the 50-80% AMI category experience housing
problems, compared to 71 percent of the jurisdiction as a whole.
• More than three-quarters of Hispanic households (78 percent) in the 80-100% AMI category
experience housing problems, compared to a nearly half (54 percent) of the jurisdiction as a
whole.
NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems
• More than half of Asian households in the 30-50% AMI income category experience severe
housing problems in the City, compared to 43 percent of the jurisdiction as a whole.
• More than three-quarters of Asian households (77 percent) in the 50-80% AMI category
experience a disproportionate amount of severe housing problems, compared to 40 percent of
the jurisdiction as a whole.
• Forty-five percent of Hispanic households in the 80-100% AMI category experience a
disproportionate amount of severe housing problems, compared to 23 percent of the
jurisdiction as a whole.
NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens
• Hispanic households experience a disproportionate cost burden, with 27 percent of households
experiencing cost burden, compared to 16 percent of the City as a whole.
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• American Indian, Alaska Native households experience a disproportionate severe cost burden,
with 33 percent of households experiencing cost burden, compared to 13 percent of the City as
a whole.
NA-35 Public Housing
• The Housing Authority of the County of Santa Clara (HACSC) assists approximately 17,000
households through the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher program (Section 8).
• The Section 8 waiting list contains 21,256 households – this is estimated to be a 10-year wait.
NA-40 Homeless Needs
• The Santa Clara region is home to the fourth-largest population of homeless individuals and the
highest percentage of unsheltered homeless of any major city.
• As of the 2013 Point in Time Homeless Survey, Palo Alto had 157 homeless residents, with over
90 percent unsheltered and living in a place not fit for human habitation.
• Palo Alto clients – those who report that their last permanent zip code was in Palo Alto –
represent approximately one percent of the County’s homeless clients.
NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs
• Individuals 65 years of age and older represent 17 percent of the total population of the City.
• Thirty-three percent of households in the City contain at least one person 62 years or older.
• More than one-quarter of individuals (27 percent) age 65 or older have a disability compared to
four percent of the population age 18 to 64, or seven percent of the population as a whole.
NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs
• Residents and stakeholders who participated in the community outreach for the Consolidated
Plan identified the following community development needs as high priorities within these three
categories:
• Public Facilities: increased homeless facilities, youth centers, rehabilitation of senior centers,
and recreational facilities throughout the County.
• Public Improvements: complete streets that accommodate multiple transportation modes,
pedestrian safety, ADA curb improvements, and increased access to parks and open space
amenities.
• Public Services: food assistance and nutrition programs for vulnerable populations, year-round
activities for youth, health care services for seniors and low income families, and services for
homeless persons
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3. Evaluation of past performance
The City recognizes that the evaluation of past performance is critical to ensure the City and its
subrecipients are implementing activities effectively and that those activities align with the City’s overall
strategies and goals. The performance of programs and systems are evaluated to ensure the goals and
projects are addressing critical needs in the community. Palo Alto has historically allocated CDBG funds
to activities that benefit LMI persons, with a top priority to increase affordable housing opportunities in
the City. However, due to Palo Alto’s expensive housing market coupled with a decrease in CDBG
entitlement funds, it is becoming more difficult to create opportunities for affordable housing. As such,
during this Consolidated Planning period the City will be focusing on rehabilitating existing affordable
housing stock that is in need of repair.
Planning Staff will also work closely with subrecipients to leverage resources and create opportunities
for partnership and collaboration. The City’s subrecipients are challenged to think creatively about
working together to address the needs in our community.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process
Palo Alto encourages citizen participation through the Action Plan process. This includes consulting local
organizations, holding public meetings and encouraging public comment during the public review
period. A total of three public hearings have been planned in order to allow for public input. The City
actively reached out to all applicants and posted updates on the CDBG website. A 30-day comment
period from March 17, 2016 through April 15, 2016 gave citizens an opportunity to offer comments on
the draft Action Plan. The draft was be posted on the City’s CDBG website and presented at a public
hearing to the Finance Committee on April 5, 2016.
5. Summary of public comments
A summary of all written comments received during the public comment period will be inserted before
the Action Plan is submitted to HUD.
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
The City accepts and responds to all comments that are submitted.
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PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies – 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
Describe the agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those
responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
Lead Agency PALO ALTO
CDBG Administrator PALO ALTO Planning and Community Environment
Department
HOPWA Administrator
HOME Administrator
HOPWA-C Administrator
Table 2 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative (optional)
The City of Palo Alto (City) is the Lead Agency for the United States Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) entitlement programs. The City’s CDBG Coordinator is responsible for the
administration of HUD entitlements, which include the Community Development Block Grant Program
(CDBG). By federal law, each jurisdiction is required to submit to HUD a five-year Consolidated Plan and
Annual Action Plans listing priorities and strategies for the use of federal funds.
The Consolidated Plan is a guide for how the City will use its federal funds to meet the housing and
community development needs of its populations. For the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan process, the
City worked collaboratively with the County of Santa Clara (County) and other entitlement jurisdictions
in the County to identify and prioritize housing and housing-related needs across the region, and
strategies to meet those needs. The fiscal year 2016/17 Annual Action Plan represents the second year
of CDBG funding of the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Eloiza Murillo-Garcia, Senior Planner
City of Palo Alto Department of Planning and Community Environment
250 Hamilton Avenue, 5th Floor
Palo Alto, CA 94301
eloiza.murillogarcia@cityofpaloalto.org
(650) 329-2561
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AP-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(l))
During Fiscal Year 2016-17, the City will continue to work with nonprofit organizations in providing
programs and services for low-income households; private industry, in particular financial and
development groups, to encourage the development of affordable housing opportunities regionally and
in the City; and other local jurisdictions in carrying out and monitoring regional projects in a coordinated
and cost-effective manner. The City will provide technical assistance to the public service agencies it
funds and will continue to attend the Regional CDBG/Housing Coordinators meetings.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
The Santa Clara County Continuum of Care (CoC) is a multi-sector group of stakeholders dedicated to
ending and preventing homelessness in the County. The CoC's primary responsibilities are to coordinate
large-scale implementation of efforts to prevent and end homelessness in the County. The CoC is
governed by the Santa Clara CoC Board (CoC Board), which stands as the driving force committed to
supporting and promoting a systems change approach to preventing and ending homelessness in the
County.
The CoC Board is comprised of the same individuals who serve on the Destination: Home Leadership
Board. Destination: Home is a public-private partnership committed to collective impact strategies to
end chronic homelessness, and leads the development of community-wide strategy related to the CoC's
work.
The County's Office of Supportive Housing serves as the Collaborative Applicant for the CoC, and is
responsible for implementing by-laws and protocols that govern the operations of the CoC. The Office of
Supportive Housing is also responsible for ensuring that the CoC meets the requirements outlined under
the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009 (HEARTH).
In winter 2015, Destination: Home and the CoC released a Community Plan to End Homelessness in
Santa Clara County (the Plan), which outlines a roadmap for community-wide efforts to end
homelessness in the County by 2020. The strategies and action steps included in the plan were informed
by members who participated in a series of community summits designed to address the needs of
homeless populations from April to August 2014. The Plan identifies strategies to address the needs of
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homeless persons in the County, including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth. Additionally, it also intended to address the needs of
persons at risk of homelessness.
The City is represented on the CoC by its Human Services Manager. Members of the CoC meet on a
monthly basis in various work groups to ensure successful implementation components of the Plan
action steps. A Community Plan Implementation Team, which includes members of the CoC and other
community stakeholders, meets quarterly to evaluate progress toward the Plan's goals, identify gaps in
homeless services, establish funding priorities, and pursue an overall systematic approach to address
homelessness.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate
outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and
procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
The City of Palo Alto does not receive ESG funds.
2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process
and describe the jurisdiction’s consultations with housing, social service agencies and other
entities
The City consulted with various groups and organizations as part of the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan
process. Table 2, Agencies, groups, organizations who participated in the Consolidated Plan lists all of
those parties who participated in the process.
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Table 1 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated
Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting
There were no agency types that were not consulted as part of the 2015-2020 Consolidated
Plan process.
Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan
Table 3- Other local/regional/federal planning efforts, of the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan, lists
the planning efforts that were considered in preparing the Plan.
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AP-12 Participation – 91.105, 91.200(c)
1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation
On October 18, 2010, the Palo Alto City Council adopted an amended Citizen Participation Plan that
utilizes the Human Relations Commission(HRC), rather than a separate Citizen Advisory Committee, to
promote and encourage citizen participation in the planning, implementation and assessment of the
CDBG Program. The HRC is uniquely positioned to understand and consider the needs of low and very
low income persons, members of minority groups, the elderly, persons with disabilities, and residents of
neighborhoods where CDBG activities may be undertaken. Thus far the revisions to the Citizen
Participation Plan have promoted a more coordinate and effective response by the City to the human
service needs in the community. A summary of public participation is outlined in Table 3, Citizen
Participation Outreach. The Draft Action Plan was made available for a 30-day comment period to give
citizens an opportunity to offer comments.
Citizen Partiipation Outreach
Sort Or
der
Mode of Out
reach
Target of Out
reach
Summary of
response/atte
ndance
Summary of
comments re
ceived
Summary of co
mments not
accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applica
ble)
1 Public
Meeting
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
The Human
Relations
Commission
will meet on
March 10,
2015 to discuss
the FY 16/17
funding
allocations.
Representative
s from
agencies
requesting
CDBG funds for
FY 16/17 were
present.
Non-profit
agencies
discussed
their funding
request and
thanked the
City for its
continued
support.
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Sort Or
der
Mode of Out
reach
Target of Out
reach
Summary of
response/atte
ndance
Summary of
comments re
ceived
Summary of co
mments not
accepted
and reasons
URL (If
applica
ble)
2 Public
Meeting
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
The Finance
Committee is
scheduled to
hold a public
hearing on
April 5, 2016. A
summary will
be added after
the meeting.
3 Public
Meeting
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
The City
Council is
scheduled to
hold a public
hearing on
May 5, 2016. A
summary will
be added after
the meeting.
4 Newspaper
Ad
Non-
targeted/bro
ad
community
A public
hearing notice
was published
in the Palo Alto
Weekly on
February 19,
2016.
Table 3 – Citizen Participation Outreach
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Expected Resources
AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c) (1, 2)
Introduction
In Fiscal Year 2017, Palo Alto will allocate approximately $754,418 to eligible activities that address the
needs identified in the Consolidated Plan. The City received is final allocation amount from HUD on
February 16, 2016.
Priority Table
Program Source
of
Funds
Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected
Amount
Available
Reminder
of
ConPlan
$
Narrative
Description Annual
Allocation:
$
Program
Income:
$
Prior Year
Resources:
$
Total:
$
CDBG public
-
federal
Acquisition
Admin and
Planning
Economic
Development
Housing
Public
Improvements
Public
Services
441,253 100,000 213,165 754,418 0
CDBG funds
will be used for
the creation
and
preservation of
affordable
rental units,
improvements
in lower
income
neighborhoods,
and public
services that
benefit low
income and
special needs
households.
Table 4 - Expected Resources – Priority Table
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Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local
funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied
Entitlement Funds
Leverage, in the context of the CDBG and HOME, means bringing other local, state, and federal financial
resources to maximize the reach and impact of the City’s HUD Programs. HUD, like many other federal
agencies, encourages the recipients of federal monies to demonstrate that efforts are being made to
strategically leverage additional funds in order to achieve greater results. Leverage is also a way to
increase project efficiencies and benefit from economies of scale that often come with combining
sources of funding for similar or expanded scopes. Funds will be leveraged if financial commitments
toward the costs of a project from a source other than the originating HUD program are documented.
Additionally, the City has recently been approved to join Santa Clara County's HOME Consortium. HOME
funds can be used to fund eligible affordable housing projects for acquisition, construction and
rehabilitation. Starting in FY 2015-2016 developers of affordable housing projects are eligible to
competitively apply through an annual RFP process directly to the County for HOME funds to help
subsidize affordable housing projects in Palo Alto. If the City receives HOME dollars from its participation
in the HOME consortium, the required 25 percent matching funds will be provided from the City’s
Affordable Housing Fund, which is comprised of two sub-funds: the Commercial Housing Fund and the
Residential Housing Fund. As of December 31, 2015 the Commercial Housing Fund had an available
balance of approximately $1,700,000 and the Residential Housing Fund had an available balance of
$763,000.
Other Federal Grant Programs
In addition to the entitlement dollars listed above, the federal government has several other funding
programs for community development and affordable housing activities. These include: the Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher Program, Section 202, Section 811, the Affordable Housing Program (AHP)
through the Federal Home Loan Bank, and others. It should be noted that, in most cases, the City would
not be the applicant for these funding sources as many of these programs offer assistance to affordable
housing developers rather than local jurisdictions.
County and Local Housing and Community Development Sources
There are a variety of countywide and local resources that support housing and community
development programs. Some of these programs offer assistance to local affordable housing developers
and community organizations while others provide assistance directly to individuals. These resources
are discussed below:
• Palo Alto Commercial Housing Fund: The Commercial Housing fund is used primarily to increase
the number of new affordable housing units for Palo Alto’s work force. It is funded with
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mitigation fees required from developers of commercial and industrial projects. As of December
31, 2015 the Commercial Housing Fund had an available balance of approximately $1,700,000.
• Palo Alto Residential Housing Fund: The Residential Housing Fund is funded with mitigation fees
provided under Palo Alto's Below Market Rate (BMR) housing program from residential
developers and money from other miscellaneous sources, such as proceeds from the sale or
lease of City property. As of December 31, 2015 the Residential Housing Fund had an available
balance of $763,000.
If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that
may be used to address the needs identified in the plan
The City has no surplus vacant land that would be available for the development of housing or services.
Sixty-five percent of land in the City is open space.
Discussion
The City of Palo Alto’s (City) Fiscal Year (FY) 2016-2017 Action Plan covers the time period from July 1,
2016 to June 30 2017 (HUD Program Year 2016). The City’s FY 2017 entitlement amount is $441,253.
Additionally, the City estimates approximately $100,000 in program income and an estimated $213,165
in available uncommitted funds from the prior program year, bringing the total estimated budget for FY
2016-2017 to $754,418.
While U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocations are critical, they are not
sufficient to overcome all barriers and address all needs that low income individuals and families face in
attaining self-sufficiency. The City will continue to leverage additional resources to successfully provide
support and services to the populations in need.
Currently, the City is not eligible to receive direct funding under the HOME Investment Partnership Act
(HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), or Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) –
also programs covered under the Consolidated Plan Regulations.
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Annual Goals and Objectives
AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e)
Goals Summary Information
Sort
Order
Goal Name Start
Year
End
Year
Category Geographic
Area
Needs
Addressed
Funding Goal Outcome
Indicator
1 Affordable
Housing
2015 2020 Affordable
Housing
Affordable
Housing
CDBG:
$278,825
Rental units
rehabilitated:
156 Household
Housing Unit
2 Homelessness 2015 2020 Homeless Homelessness CDBG:
$58,575
Public service
activities for
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 531
Households
Assisted
3 Strengthen
Neighborhoods
2015 2020 Non-
Homeless
Special
Needs
Non-Housing
Community
Development
Community
Services and
Public
Improvements
CDBG:
$18,044
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 298
Persons Assisted
4 Fair Housing 2015 2020 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Fair Housing CDBG:
$30,941
Public service
activities other
than
Low/Moderate
Income Housing
Benefit: 21
Persons Assisted
5 Economic
Development
2015 2020 Non-Housing
Community
Development
Economic
Development
CDBG:
$290,723
Jobs
created/retained:
30 Jobs
Table 5 – Goals Summary
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Goal Descriptions
1 Goal Name Affordable Housing
Goal Description
2 Goal Name Homelessness
Goal Description
3 Goal Name Strengthen Neighborhoods
Goal Description
4 Goal Name Fair Housing
Goal Description
5 Goal Name Economic Development
Goal Description
Table 6 – Goal Descriptions
Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families
to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.215(b):
Not applicable.
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AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d)
Introduction
The Consolidated Plan goals below represent high priority needs for the City of Palo Alto (City) and serve
as the basis for the strategic actions the City will use to meet these needs. The goals, listed in no
particular order, are:
1. Assist in the creation and preservation of affordable housing for low income and special needs
households.
2. Support activities to end homelessness.
3. Support activities that strengthen neighborhoods through the provision of community services
and public improvements to benefit low income and special needs households.
4. Promote fair housing choice.
5. Expand economic opportunities for low income households.
# Project Name
1 Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
2 Catholic Charities
3 LifeMoves
4 PAHC Management & Services Corporation
5 YWCA of Silicon Valley
6 Project Sentinel
7 City of Palo Alto
8 Downtown Streets Inc.
9 Midpen Housing
Table 7 – Project Information
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Projects
AP-38 Projects Summary
Project Summary Information
Table 8 – Project Summary
1 Project Name Silicon Valley Independent Living Center
Target Area
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $5,012
Description Housing and Emergency Housing Services
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
20 persons will be assisted.
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities Silicon Valley Independent Living Center provides assistance for individuals
with disabilities and their families to transition from homelessness, health
care facilities, unstable or temporary housing to permanent affordable,
accessible, integrated housing with emergency assistance, security
deposits, rent, information & referral, and other basic essentials.
2 Project Name Catholic Charities
Target Area
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $5,012
Description Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program Opportunity Services Center
Target Date 6/30/2017
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Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
236 400 persons will be assisted.
Location Description Long-term care and skilled nurse facilities located throughout the City.
Planned Activities Catholic Charities assists in problem resolution and advocates for the
rights of residents of long term care facilities in Palo Alto. The majority of
the clients assisted are low-income, frail, elderly, and chronically ill. This
program assists these vulnerable, dependent and socially isolated
residents receive the care and placement to which they are entitled.
3 Project Name LifeMoves
Target Area
Goals Supported Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homelessness
Funding CDBG: $35,592
Description Opportunity Services Center
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
400 persons will be assisted
Location Description 33 Encina Way, Palo Alto, CA 94301
Planned Activities LifeMoves provides basic necessities for persons who are homeless or at-
risk of becoming homeless. The Opportunity Services Center is a
comprehensive, one-stop, multi-service, day drop-in center that provides
critical services for homeless Palo Alto residents. Specifically, the facility
provides showers, laundry, clothing, snacks, case management, and
shelter/housing referral services.
4 Project Name PAHC Management & Services Corporation
Target Area
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $22,983
Description SRO Resident Support Program
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Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
131 persons will be assisted.
Location Description 439 Emerson Street and 735 Alma Street Palo Alto, CA 94301
Planned Activities Palo Alto Housing Corporation will provide counseling and supportive case
management services for low-income residents of single room occupancy
facilities in order to help them maintain housing stability. Activities
include financial counseling, health maintenance, information and referral,
problem solving, employment assistance, crisis intervention and case
management.
5 Project Name YWCA of Silicon Valley
Target Area
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
Funding CDBG: $8,020
Description Domestic Violence Services
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
45 persons will be assisted
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities Support Network for Battered Women, a Division of YWCA will provide
individuals and families experiencing domestic violence, the program
provides a bilingual domestic violence hotline, an emergency shelter, crisis
counseling, legal assistance, court accompaniment, individual and group
therapy, support groups, children’s therapy groups, preventative
education, safety planning and community referrals.
6 Project Name Project Sentinel
Target Area
Goals Supported Strengthen Neighborhoods
Needs Addressed Community Services and Public Improvements
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Funding CDBG: $30,941
Description Fair Housing Services
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
21 persons will be assisted
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities Project Sentinel will provide community education and outreach regarding
fair housing law and practices, investigation, counseling and legal referral
for victims of housing discrimination, and analyses for City staff and
officials regarding fair housing practices. California and federal fair
housing laws assure specific protected classes the right to be treated in
terms of their individual merits and qualifications in seeking
housing. Unfortunately, some people are not aware of the law or their
rights.
7 Project Name City of Palo Alto
Target Area
Goals Supported Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Strengthen Neighborhoods
Fair Housing
Economic Development
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Homelessness
Community Services and Public Improvements
Fair Housing
Economic Development
Funding CDBG: $77,310
Description Planning and Administration
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description
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Planned Activities Administer the Administrative costs for the overall management,
coordination, and evaluation of the CDBG program, and the project
delivery costs associated with bringing projects to completion.
8 Project Name Downtown Streets Inc.
Target Area
Goals Supported Economic Development
Needs Addressed Economic Development
Funding CDBG: $290,723
Description Workforce Development Program
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
30 jobs will be created for very low income and low income individuals.
Location Description Citywide.
Planned Activities The Workforce Development Program will provide a transition from
unemployment and homelessness to regular employment and housing
through case management, job training, mentoring, housing, and
transportation assistance. Downtown Streets Team will screen and
prepare applicants and will use their community connections to provide
training and job opportunities.
9 Project Name MidPen Housing
Target Area
Goals Supported Affordable Housing
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Funding CDBG: $278,825
Description Palo Alto Garden Housing Rehabilitation
Target Date 6/30/2017
Estimate the number
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
156 housing units for low income seniors.
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Location Description 650 San Antonio Rd. Palo Alto, CA 94306
Planned Activities Phase II rehabilitation related costs at Palo Alto Gardens (156
senior/family units). Project activities include: drought-tolerant
plants, turf removal, irrigation replacement, adding additional
parking spots through reconfiguration and updating building and
apartment signage.
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AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and
minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
Not applicable. The City has not established specific target areas to focus the investment of CDBG
funds.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
N/A N/A
Table 9 - Geographic Distribution
Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
Not applicable.
Discussion
Please see discussion above.
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Affordable Housing
AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g)
Introduction
Palo Alto has identified affordable housing as the primary objective for the expenditure of CDBG funds
in the Consolidated Plan. The City will continue to allocate the maximum funding available to activities
and projects that meet this objective. While CDBG entitlement dollars are limited, the City does
anticipate expending a significant portion of its CDBG funds on the preservation and rehabilitation of
affordable housing. A detailed discussion of how HUD entitlements will be used to support affordable
housing needs within the City is provided in AP-20, with the number of households to be assisted
itemized by goal.
One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported
Homeless 0
Non-Homeless 0
Special-Needs 156
Total 156
Table 10 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement
One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through
Rental Assistance 0
The Production of New Units 0
Rehab of Existing Units 156
Acquisition of Existing Units 0
Total 156
Table 11 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type
Discussion
Please see discussion above.
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AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h)
Introduction
HACSC assists approximately 17,000 households through the federal Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher
program (Section 8). The Section 8 waiting list contains 21,256 households (estimated to be a 10-year
wait). HACSC also develops, controls, and manages more than 2,600 affordable rental housing
properties throughout the County. HACSC’s programs are targeted toward LMI households and more
than 80 percent of their client households are extremely low income families, seniors, veterans, persons
with disabilities, and formerly homeless individuals.
In 2008, HACSC entered a ten-year agreement with HUD to become a Moving to Work (MTW) agency.
The MTW program is a federal demonstration program that allows greater flexibility to design and
implement more innovative approaches for providing housing assistance. Additionally, HACSC has used
LIHTC financing to transform and rehabilitate 535 units of public housing into HACSC-controlled
properties. The agency is an active developer of affordable housing and has either constructed,
rehabilitated, or assisted with the development of more than 30 housing developments that service a
variety of households, including special needs households.
Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing
Not applicable. HACSC owns and manages four public housing units, which are all located in the City of
Santa Clara.
Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and
participate in homeownership
While the majority of their units have been converted to affordable housing stock, HACSC is proactive in
incorporating resident input into the agency’s policy-making process. An equitable and transparent
policy-making process that includes the opinions of residents is achieved through the involvement of
two tenant commissioners, one being a senior citizen, on the HACSC board.
HACSC has been a MTW agency since 2008. In this time the agency has developed 31 MTW activities.
The vast majority of its successful initiatives have been aimed at reducing administrative inefficiencies,
which in turn opens up more resources for programs aimed at LMI families.
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If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be
provided or other assistance
Not applicable.
Discussion
Please see discussions above.
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AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i)
Introduction
The Santa Clara region is home to the fourth-largest population of homeless individuals (6,556 single
individuals) and the highest percentage of unsheltered homeless of any major city (75 percent of
homeless people sleep in places unfit for human habitation). The homeless assistance program planning
network is governed by the Santa Clara Continuum of Care (CoC), governed by the Destination: Home
Leadership Board, who serves as the CoC Board of Directors. The membership of the CoC is a
collaboration of representatives from local jurisdictions comprised of community-based organizations,
the Housing Authority of Santa Clara, governmental departments, health service agencies, homeless
advocates, consumers, the faith community, and research, policy and planning groups. The homeless
services system utilized by the CoC is referred to as the Homeless Management Information System
(HMIS). The HMIS monitors outcomes and performance measures for all the homeless services agencies
funded by the County.
Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness
including
Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their
individual needs
In January 2015, a Point in Time (PIT) count was conducted for Santa Clara County by the City of San Jose
in conjunction with the County of Santa Clara. The PIT is an intense survey used to count the number of
homeless living throughout Santa Clara County on the streets, in shelters, safe havens or in transitional
housing, or in areas not meant for human habitation. The survey was conducted by hundreds of
volunteers who asked those living on the streets, as well as the residents of shelters, safe havens and
transitional housing, to respond to questions related to their needs. A portion of the survey addresses
the needs of those surveyed. Palo Alto financially contributed to this effort. The next PIT is scheduled
for January 2017.
Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons
In addressing the Consolidated Plan and the Continuum of Care strategic plans, Palo Alto will provide
funding for essential services and operations to local emergency shelters and transitional housing
facilities. The facilities provide shelter and services to homeless families with children, single parents
with children, single men and women, victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse, homeless
veterans, and the population living on the street. One example includes the Hotel de Zink rotating
shelter, which provides overnight shelter to approximately 15 individuals every night.
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Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families
with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to
permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that
individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals
and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were
recently homeless from becoming homeless again
The City spends part of its CDBG funds and local funds toward a variety of public services to address the
needs of homeless and very low income persons. Services provided include free food, clothing, medical
care, legal assistance, and rental assistance. The City allocates funding to the following homeless service
providers:
CDBG Funded
• LifeMoves - Opportunity Services Center: $35,592
The Opportunity Services Center facility in Palo Alto provides a clean, safe environment and resources
for low income or homeless persons including bagged groceries, hot meals, a rotating church shelter
program, information and referral, shower and laundry facilities, case management, and money
management (payee) programs, clothing and health services. A daily hot meal is provided at a different
location each day and bagged groceries are distributed daily at the Downtown Food Closet. The Hotel de
Zink rotating church shelter program is housed at a different location each month.
• Downtown Streets Team – Workforce Development Program: $290,723
This economic development program helps motivated graduates of the Downtown Streets Team
programs move on to stable employment. The program includes mentoring, counseling, job readiness,
job training, and assistance.
HSRAP Funded
• Abilities United – Disability Services: Amount Pending
This organization provides services and activities for adults and children with mental and physical
disabilities.
• Community Technology Alliance – Shared Technical Infrastructure: Amount Pending
The Community Technology Alliance provides shelter hotline and voicemail services for homeless
individuals and families. The voicemail service helps case-managed clients attain individual goals such as
securing health care, housing or employment. A countywide housing information and referral website
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and tracking system is maintained to assist service providers and those seeking shelter.
• Downtown Streets Team – Downtown Streets: Amount Pending
Downtown Streets Team identifies motivated homeless individuals and provides them with jobs cleaning
and beautifying the downtown area in exchange for housing and food vouchers. The program includes
counseling, coaching and training to help program participants build self-esteem, confidence and
connections in the community.
• Momentum for Mental Health – Homeless Outreach Program: Amount Pending
Momentum for Mental Health outreach program provide emergency on-call services to assist local
mentally ill homeless persons. The agency provides services to City departments, libraries, community
centers and local homeless service providers.
Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely
low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly
funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities,
foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving
assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services,
employment, education, or youth needs.
Palo Alto Housing Corporation – SRO Tenant Counseling: $22,893
Provides counseling and case-management services for the low-income residents and prospective
residents of single room occupancy hotels in Palo Alto. Many SRO residents have a history of
homelessness and special needs. The program plays a vital role in helping residents maintain their
stability and housing.
Avenidas – Senior Services:
Agency is the main provider of senior services in the Mid-Peninsula area.
La Comida de California – Hot Meals for The Elderly:
Daily meal program for the elderly.
May View Health Center – Health Care for Low Income & Homeless Palo Alto residents:
Basic primary health care services and health education and referral services for uninsured low-income
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and homeless individuals from the Palo Alto area.
Peninsula HealthCare Connection – Project Downtown Connect:
Provider of health care services at the Opportunity Center of Palo Alto. Project Downtown Connect
provides Section 8 vouchers to eligible homeless individuals and families.
SALA – Legal Assistance to Elders:
Senior Adults Legal Assistance (SALA) provides affordable legal assistance to elders.
Discussion
Please see discussion above.
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AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j)
Introduction
The incorporated and unincorporated jurisdictions within the County face barriers to affordable housing
that are common throughout the Bay Area. High on the list is the lack of developable land, which
increases the cost of available lands and increases housing development costs. Local opposition is
another common obstacle as many neighbors have strong reactions to infill and affordable housing
developments. Their opposition is often based on misconceptions, such as a foreseen increase in crime;
erosion of property values; increase in parking and traffic congestion; and overwhelmed schools.
However, to ensure a healthy economy the region must focus on strategies and investment that provide
housing for much of the region’s workforce – for example, sales clerks, secretaries, firefighters, police,
teachers, and health service workers – whose incomes significantly limit their housing choices.
Even when developments produce relatively affordable housing, in a constrained housing supply
market, higher income buyers and renters generally outbid lower income households and a home’s final
sale or rental price will generally far exceed the projected sales or rental costs. Public subsidies are often
needed to guarantee affordable homes for LMI households.
Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve
as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning
ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the
return on residential investment
The City is addressing the barriers to affordable housing through the following programs and
ordinances:
Context-Based Design Codes
The City adopted form-based codes in 2006 to ensure and encourage residential development by
following context-based design guidelines to meet increased density needs. The code encourages the
creation of walkable, pedestrian-oriented neighborhoods, following green building design principles,
and increasing density along transit corridors and in mixed-use neighborhoods. The Context-Based
Design Code allows for increased density and mixed-use buildings in a way that enhances neighborhood
character and walkability.
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Density Bonus Ordinance
Density bonus provisions are a tool for attracting and assisting developers in constructing affordable
housing. Density bonuses allow a developer to increase the density of a development above that
allowed by standard zoning regulations, as well as provide regulatory relief in the form of concessions. In
exchange, a developer provides affordable units in the development.
In 2004, the California State Legislature lowered the thresholds required to receive a density bonus and
increased the number of concessions a developer can receive. The City adopted a Density Bonus
Ordinance in January 2014. The density bonus regulations allow for bonuses of 20 to 35 percent,
depending on the amount and type of affordable housing provided. As required by state law, the
regulations also allow for exceptions to applicable zoning and other development standards, to further
encourage development of affordable housing.
Discussion
Below Market Rate Housing Program
Established in 1974, the City’s BMR Housing Program has been instrumental in the production of
affordable housing by requiring developers to provide a certain percentage of units as BMR in every
approved project of three units or more. The program originally required that for developments on sites
of less than five acres, the developer must provide 15 percent of the total housing units as BMR housing
units. If the site was larger than five acres, the developer was required to provide 20 percent of the units
as BMR housing.
However, recent court cases have drastically changed the BMR, or “inclusionary zoning”, environment in
California. Two factors have received recent attention by the courts: whether inclusionary housing is
considered rent control, and whether inclusionary housing and related housing mitigation fees are
considered exactions. As a result of ongoing litigation, many cities have suspended or amended the
portions of their inclusionary housing requirements that require affordable units to be included in
market rate rental developments and many cities have turned, instead, to the use of development
impact fees charged on new, market-rate housing and/or commercial development. Known as “Housing
Impact Fees” and “Commercial Linkage Fees,” these fees are based on an assessment of the extent to
which the development of new market-rate housing or commercial uses, respectively, generates
additional demand for affordable housing. The City is currently in the process of updating its Commercial
and Residential Impact Fee Nexus Studies and the estimated completion date is June 30, 2016.
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AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k)
Introduction
This section discusses the City’s efforts in addressing the underserved needs, expanding and preserving
affordable housing, reducing lead-based paint hazards, and developing institutional structure for
delivering housing and community development activities.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
The diminishing amount of funds continues to be the most significant obstacle to addressing the needs
of underserved populations. To address this, the City supplements its CDBG funding with other
resources and funds, such as:
• The City’s Human Service Resource Allocation Process (HSRAP) provides
approximately $1,099,347 million dollars from the General Fund in support of human services. The
HSRAP funds, in conjunction with the CDBG public service funds, are distributed to local non-profit
agencies.
• The Palo Alto Commercial Housing Fund is used primarily to increase the number of new
affordable housing units for Palo Alto’s work force. It is funded with mitigation fees required from
developers of commercial and industrial projects.
• The Palo Alto Residential Housing Fund is funded with mitigation fees provided under Palo
Alto’s BMR housing program from residential developers and money from other miscellaneous sources,
such as proceeds from the sale or lease of City property.
• The City’s Below Market Rate Emergency Fund was authorized in 2002 to provide funding
on an ongoing basis for loans to BMR owners for special assessment loans and for rehabilitation and
preservation of the City’s stock of BMR ownership units.
• HOME Program funds are available on an annual competitive basis through the State of
California HOME program, and the County’s HOME Consortium.
Annual Action Plan
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Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The City will foster and maintain affordable housing by continuing the following programs and
ordinances:
• The Below Market Rate Emergency Fund which provides funding on an ongoing basis for
loans to BMR owners for special assessment loans and for rehabilitation and preservation of the City’s
stock of BMR ownership units.
• The Commercial Housing Fund is used primarily to increase the number of new affordable
housing units for Palo Alto’s work force.
• The Residential Housing Fund is used to assist new housing development or the acquisition,
rehabilitation or the preservation of existing housing for affordable housing.
• The Density Bonus Ordinance, adopted by the City Council in January 2014. The density
bonus regulations allow for bonuses of 20 to 35 percent, depending on the amount and type of
affordable housing provided
• The City’s participation in the County's HOME Consortium will allow developers of
affordable housing projects to be eligible to competitively apply through an annual RFP process directly
to the County for HOME funds to help subsidize affordable housing projects in Palo Alto, including
acquisition, construction and rehabilitation.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
The City’s housing and CDBG staff provides information and referral to property owners, developers,
and non-profit organizations rehabilitating older housing about lead-based paint (LBP) hazards. Any
house to be rehabilitated with City financial assistance is required to be inspected for the existence of
LBP and LBP hazards. The City will provide financial assistance for the abatement of LBP hazards in units
rehabilitated with City funding. The City also requires that contractors are trained and certified in an
effort to decrease the risk of potential use of LBP in new units. All development and rehabilitation
projects must be evaluated according to HUD’s Lead Safe Housing Rule 24 CFR Part 35.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
The City, in its continuing effort to reduce poverty, will prioritize funding agencies that provide direct
assistance to the homeless and those in danger of becoming homeless. In FY 2016-2017, these programs
will include the following:
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• The Workforce Development Program will provide a transition from unemployment and
homelessness to regular employment and housing through case management, job training,
mentoring, housing, and transportation assistance.
• Downtown Streets Team is a nonprofit in the City that works to reduce homelessness through a
“work first” model. Downtown Streets Team uses their community connections to provide
training and job opportunities to homeless people, specifically in the downtown area. The
Downtown Streets Team has helped 282 people find housing and 334 find jobs since its
inception in 2005. The Downtown Streets Team has initiatives in Palo Alto, Sunnyvale, San Jose,
and San Rafael.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
The City benefits from a strong jurisdiction and region-wide network of housing and community
development partners, such as the County and the CoC. To improve intergovernmental and private
sector cooperation, the City will continue to participate with other local jurisdictions and developers in
sharing information and resources.
In addition to the actions listed above, the City will continue to coordinate with the City’s human
services funding efforts to comprehensively address community needs.
Discussion
Please see discussions above.
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction
The following provides additional information about the CDBG program income and program
requirements.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the
next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 100,000
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year
to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has
not been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 100,000
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities 0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit
persons of low and moderate income.Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one,
two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70%
of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the
years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
Appendix A: Application for Federal Assistance Form SF-424
OMB Number: 4040-0004
Expiration Date: 8/31/2016
* 1. Type of Submission: * 2. Type of Application:
* 3. Date Received: 4. Applicant Identifier:
5a. Federal Entity Identifier: 5b. Federal Award Identifier:
6. Date Received by State: 7. State Application Identifier:
* a. Legal Name:
* b. Employer/Taxpayer Identification Number (EIN/TIN): * c. Organizational DUNS:
* Street1:
Street2:
* City:
County/Parish:
* State:
Province:
* Country:
* Zip / Postal Code:
Department Name: Division Name:
Prefix: * First Name:
Middle Name:
* Last Name:
Suffix:
Title:
Organizational Affiliation:
* Telephone Number: Fax Number:
* Email:
* If Revision, select appropriate letter(s):
* Other (Specify):
State Use Only:
8. APPLICANT INFORMATION:
d. Address:
e. Organizational Unit:
f. Name and contact information of person to be contacted on matters involving this application:
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
Preapplication
Application
Changed/Corrected Application
New
Continuation
Revision
05/15/2016
B-16-MC-06-0020
City of Palo Alto
94-6000389C 0505207820000
250 Hamilton Avenue
Palo Alto
CA: California
USA: UNITED STATES
94301
Planning & Comm. Environment Long Range Planning
Ms.Eloiza
Murillo-Garcia
Senior Planner
650-329-2561 650-329-2154
eloiza.murillogarcia@cityofpaloalto.org
* 9. Type of Applicant 1: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 2: Select Applicant Type:
Type of Applicant 3: Select Applicant Type:
* Other (specify):
* 10. Name of Federal Agency:
11. Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:
CFDA Title:
* 12. Funding Opportunity Number:
* Title:
13. Competition Identification Number:
Title:
14. Areas Affected by Project (Cities, Counties, States, etc.):
* 15. Descriptive Title of Applicant's Project:
Attach supporting documents as specified in agency instructions.
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
C: City or Township Government
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
14.218
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
The City of Palo Alto's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program for Fiscal Year 2017.
View AttachmentsDelete AttachmentsAdd Attachments
View AttachmentDelete AttachmentAdd Attachment
* a. Federal
* b. Applicant
* c. State
* d. Local
* e. Other
* f. Program Income
* g. TOTAL
.
Prefix: * First Name:
Middle Name:
* Last Name:
Suffix:
* Title:
* Telephone Number:
* Email:
Fax Number:
* Signature of Authorized Representative:* Date Signed:
18. Estimated Funding ($):
21. *By signing this application, I certify (1) to the statements contained in the list of certifications** and (2) that the statements herein are true, complete and accurate to the best of my knowledge. I also provide the required assurances** and agree to
comply with any resulting terms if I accept an award. I am aware that any false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or claims may subject me to criminal, civil, or administrative penalties. (U.S. Code, Title 218, Section 1001)
** The list of certifications and assurances, or an internet site where you may obtain this list, is contained in the announcement or agency
specific instructions.
Authorized Representative:
Application for Federal Assistance SF-424
* a. Applicant
Attach an additional list of Program/Project Congressional Districts if needed.
* b. Program/Project
* a. Start Date:* b. End Date:
16. Congressional Districts Of:
17. Proposed Project:
14th 14th
Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment
06/30/201707/01/2016
441,253.00
0.00
0.00
0.00
213,165.00
100,000.00
754,418.00
a. This application was made available to the State under the Executive Order 12372 Process for review on
b. Program is subject to E.O. 12372 but has not been selected by the State for review.
c. Program is not covered by E.O. 12372.
Yes No
Add Attachment Delete Attachment View Attachment
** I AGREE
Mr.James
Keene
City Manager
650-329-2563
james.keene@cityofpaloalto.org
* 20. Is the Applicant Delinquent On Any Federal Debt? (If "Yes," provide explanation in attachment.)
* 19. Is Application Subject to Review By State Under Executive Order 12372 Process?
If "Yes", provide explanation and attach
Appendix B: Certifications
CERTIFICATIONS
In accordance with the applicable statutes and the regulations governing the consolidated plan
regulations, the jurisdiction certifies that:
Affirmatively Further Fair Housing --The jurisdiction will affirmatively further fair housing, which
means it will conduct an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice within the jurisdiction, take
appropriate actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that analysis, and
maintain records reflecting that analysis and actions in this regard.
Anti-displacement and Relocation Plan --It will comply with the acquisition and relocation
requirements of the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970,
as amended, and implementing regulations at 49 CFR 24; and it has in effect and is following a
residential antidisplacement and relocation assistance plan required under section 104(d) of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, in connection with any activity assisted with
funding under the CDBG or HOME programs.
Anti-Lobbying --To the best of the jurisdiction's knowledge and belief:
1.No Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid, by or on behalf of it, to any person
for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with the awarding of any Federal contract, the making of any Federal grant, the
making of any Federal loan, the entering into of any cooperative agreement, and the extension,
continuation, renewal, amendment, or modification of any Federal contract, grant, loan, or
cooperative agreement;
2.If any funds other than Federal appropriated funds have been paid or will be paid to any person
for influencing or attempting to influence an officer or employee of any agency, a Member of
Congress, an officer or employee of Congress, or an employee of a Member of Congress in
connection with this Federal contract, grant, loan, or cooperative agreement, it will complete and
submit Standard Form-LLL, "Disclosure Form to Report Lobbying," in accordance with its
instructions; and
3.It will require that the language of paragraph 1 and 2 of this anti-lobbying certification be
included in the award documents for all subawards at all tiers (including subcontracts, subgrants,
and contracts under grants, loans, and cooperative agreements) and that all subrecipients shall
certify and disclose accordingly.
Authority of Jurisdiction --The consolidated plan is authorized under State and local law (as
applicable) and the jurisdiction possesses the legal authority to carry out the programs for which it is
seeking funding, in accordance with applicable HUD regulations.
Consistency with plan -- The housing activities to be undertaken with CDBG, HOME, ESG, and
HOPWA funds are consistent with the strategic plan.
Section 3 --It will comply with section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968, and
implementing regulations at 24 CFR Part 135.
Signature/Authorized Official Date
Specific CDBG Certifications
The Entitlement Community certifies that:
Citizen Participation --It is in full compliance and following a detailed citizen participation plan that
satisfies the requirements of 24 CFR 91.105.
Community Development Plan --Its consolidated housing and community development plan identifies
community development and housing needs and specifies both short-term and long-term community
development objectives that provide decent housing, expand economic opportunities primarily for
persons of low and moderate income. (See CFR 24 570.2 and CFR 24 part 570)
Following a Plan --It is following a current consolidated plan (or Comprehensive Housing Affordability
Strategy) that has been approved by HUD.
Use of Funds --It has complied with the following criteria:
1.Maximum Feasible Priority.With respect to activities expected to be assisted with CDBG funds,
it certifies that it has developed its Action Plan so as to give maximum feasible priority to
activities which benefit low and moderate income families or aid in the prevention or elimination
of slums or blight. The Action Plan may also include activities which the grantee certifies are
designed to meet other community development needs having a particular urgency because
existing conditions pose a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the
community, and other financial resources are not available);
2.Overall Benefit.The aggregate use of CDBG funds including section 108 guaranteed loans
during program year(s) _____ , ______(a period specified by the grantee consisting of one,
two, or three specific consecutive program years), shall principally benefit persons of low and
moderate income in a manner that ensures that at least 70 percent of the amount is expended
for activities that benefit such persons during the designated period;
3.Special Assessments.It will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements
assisted with CDBG funds including Section 108 loan guaranteed funds by assessing any amount
against properties owned and occupied by persons of low and moderate income, including any fee
charged or assessment made as a condition of obtaining access to such public improvements.
However, if CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of a fee or assessment that relates to
the capital costs of public improvements (assisted in part with CDBG funds) financed from
other revenue sources, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with respect
to the public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds.
The jurisdiction will not attempt to recover any capital costs of public improvements assisted
with CDBG funds, including Section 108, unless CDBG funds are used to pay the proportion of
fee or assessment attributable to the capital costs of public improvements financed from other
revenue sources. In this case, an assessment or charge may be made against the property with
respect to the public improvements financed by a source other than CDBG funds. Also, in the
case of properties owned and occupied by moderate-income (not low-income) families, an
assessment or charge may be made against the property for public improvements financed by a
source other than CDBG funds if the jurisdiction certifies that it lacks CDBG funds to cover the
assessment.
Excessive Force --It has adopted and is enforcing:
1. A policy prohibiting the use of excessive force by law enforcement agencies within its
jurisdiction against any individuals engaged in non-violent civil rights demonstrations; and
2. A policy of enforcing applicable State and local laws against physically barring entrance to or
exit from a facility or location which is the subject of such non-violent civil rights
demonstrations within its jurisdiction;
Compliance With Anti-discrimination laws --The grant will be conducted and administered in
conformity with title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 (42 USC 2000d), the Fair Housing Act (42 USC
3601-3619), and implementing regulations.
Lead-Based Paint --Its activities concerning lead-based paint will comply with the requirements of 24
CFR Part 35, subparts A, B, J, K and R;
Compliance with Laws --It will comply with applicable laws.
Signature/Authorized Official Date
Title
APPENDIX TO CERTIFICATIONS
INSTRUCTIONS CONCERNING LOBBYING:
A.Lobbying Certification
This certification is a material representation of fact upon which reliance was placed
when this transaction was made or entered into. Submission of this certification is a
prerequisite for making or entering into this transaction imposed by section 1352, title 31,
U.S. Code. Any person who fails to file the required certification shall be subject to a
civil penalty of not less than $10,000 and not more than $100,000 for each such failure.
Appendix C: Public Hearing Advertisement
NOTICE OF PUBLIC REVIEW PERIOD AND
PUBLIC HEARINGS ON PALO ALTO’S
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCKGRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
This is to notify the general public and other interested parties that a 30-day public review period of the
Draft Annual Action Plan for the allocation of Fiscal Year 2017 Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds, will begin on March 17, 2016 and end on April 15, 2016. The Draft Annual Action Plan
describes the activities the City may fund under the 2017 CDBG Program. Collectively these activities
are intended to meet Palo Alto’s affordable housing and community development objectives described
in the 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan.
Copies of the Draft Annual Action Plan will be available on March 17, 2016 at the Department of
Planning and Community Environment, 250 Hamilton Avenue, 5th Floor, Palo Alto, CA 94301, on the
City’s website http://www.cityofpaloalto.org/depts/pln/advance_planning/cdbg.asp or by calling Eloiza
Murillo-Garcia, Senior Planner, at (650) 329-2561. Interested parties are encouraged to submit written
comments on the proposed Draft Annual Action Plan during the public review period, or to comment at
the public hearings and meetings described below.
PUBLIC HEARINGS AND MEETINGS
The City of Palo Alto Human Relations Commission will hold a Public Hearing on March 10, 2016 to
review the Fiscal Year 2017 CDBG funding allocations recommended by the CDBG Human Relations
Selection Committee. The Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter, in
City Hall Community Meeting Room, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto.
The City of Palo Alto Finance Committee will hold a Public Hearing on April 5, 2016 to review the
proposed Fiscal Year 2017 CDBG funding allocations identified in the Draft Annual Action Plan. The
Public Hearing will be held at 7:00 p.m., or as soon as possible thereafter, in City Hall Community
Meeting Room, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto.
The Palo Alto City Council will hold a Public Hearing on May 2, 2016 to adopt the Annual Action Plan
and the associated Fiscal Year 2017 CDBG allocations. The Public Hearing will be held at 7:00p.m., or as
soon as possible thereafter, in City Hall Council Chambers, 250 Hamilton Avenue, Palo Alto.
Persons with disabilities who require auxiliary aids or services in using City facilities,
services or programs, or who would like information on the City’s compliance
with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990, may contact:
ADA Coordinator, City of Palo Alto,
650-329-2550 (Voice)
ada@cityofpaloalto.org
Appendix D: Public Comments