CITY OF CHARLOTTESVILLE, VIRGINIA CITY COUNCIL AGENDA Agenda Date: October 18, 2021 Action Required: Public Hearing and Substantial Action Plan Amendment Presenter: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Staff Contacts: Erin Atak, Grants Coordinator Title: Public Hearing of the FY 2021-2022 Substantial Action Plan Amendment and Appropriation of HOME-ARP Funding Background: The City of Charlottesville has been authorized to receive a special allocation of HOME Investment Partnership Program American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021. Funds are aimed at providing housing, services, and shelter to individuals experiencing homeless and other vulnerable populations, to be allocated by formula to jurisdictions that qualified for HOME Investment Partnerships Program allocations in Fiscal Year 2021. Given the immediate needs faced by the Charlottesville community, HUD has announced an allocation of $2,452,270 to the City of Charlottesville. Discussion: HOME-ARP funding is separate from the regular, annual HOME entitlement funds that the City receives every year. HOME-ARP funds are available for expenditure until September 2030. These funds can be used for four eligible activities including the production or preservation of affordable housing; tenant-based rental assistance; supportive services, including homeless prevention services and housing counseling; and the purchase or development of non-congregate shelter for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the following qualifying populations: homeless; at risk of homelessness; fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; other populations where helping would prevent the family’s homelessness would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability; and veterans and families that include a veteran member that meet one of the preceding criteria. Under the Cooperation Agreement of the HOME Investment Partnership Program, the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission members and the City of Charlottesville will begin consulting with homeless service providers, domestic violence service organizations, public housing agencies, and other organizations and agencies before undertaking activities using HOME-ARP funds. Members of the Consortium agree to cooperate to undertake or assist in undertaking housing assistance activities for the HOME Investment Partnership Program, and 1 members per the Cooperation agreement agree to affirmatively further fair housing within the Consortium. Staff will ask that City Council review and approve the HOME-ARP final activity list once the HOME Consortium members have reviewed all project recommendations. Community Engagement: Members of the public were given the opportunity to voice their opinions during the HUD authorized expedited 15-day public comment period between September 29, 2021 through October 13, 2021 and at the public hearing on October 18, 2021. Alignment with City Council’s Vision and Strategic Plan: Approval of this agenda item aligns directly with Council’s vision for Charlottesville to have Economic Sustainability, A Center for Lifelong Learning, Quality Housing Opportunities for All, and A Connected Community. It contributes to variety of Strategic Plan Goals and Objectives including: Goal 1: Inclusive, Self-sufficient Community; Goal 3: Beautiful Environment; Goal 4: Strong, Diversified Economy; and Goal 5: Responsive Organization. Budgetary Impact: None Recommendation: Staff recommends approval of the proposed HOME-ARP Substantial Action Plan Amendment. Funds included in this budget will not be spent until after HUD authorizes the approved FY 2021 amended Substantial Action Plan Amendment. Alternatives: None Attachments: Resolution: Substantial Action Plan Amendment & Appropriation for HOME-ARP funds 2 RESOLUTION Amending the FY2021-2022 Substantial Action Plan and Appropriating HOME- American Rescue Plan Funding BE IT RESOLVED, that the Charlottesville City Council hereby approves the FY2021-2022 Substantial Action Plan Amendment for the 2018-2022 Consolidated Plan as presented on the October 18, 2021 City Council Meeting. All HOME-ARP funding of $2,452,270 shall be included into the City of Charlottesville Annual 2021-2022 Action Plan. Approved by Council October 18, 2021 Kyna Thomas Clerk of Council, MMC 3