HomeMy WebLinkAboutAction Plan 06-07.doc
Second Program Year
Action Plan
The CPMP Second Annual Action Plan includes the SF 424 and Narrative Responses to
Action Plan questions that CDBG, HOME, HOPWA, and ESG grantees must respond to
each year in order to be compliant with the Consolidated Planning Regulations. The
Executive Summary narratives are optional.
SF 424
Complete the fillable fields (blue cells) in the table below. The other items are pre-
filled with values from the Grantee Information Worksheet.
May 15, 2006B-06-06-0610 Type of Submission
Date Received by state State Identifier Application Pre-application
Date Received by HUD Federal Identifier Construction Construction
Non Construction Non Construction
Applicant Information
City of BakersfieldCA60228 BAKERSFIELD
900 Truxtun Avenue, Suite 201 02-8514136
0 Organizational Unit
Bakersfield California Economic & Community Development
93301 Country U.S.A. Community Development
Employer Identification Number (EIN): Kern
95-6000672
7/1
Applicant Type:Specify Other Type if necessary:
Local Government: City
Specify Other Type
U.S. Department of
Program Funding
Housing and Urban Development
Catalogue of Federal Domestic Assistance Numbers; Descriptive Title of Applicant Project(s);
Areas Affected by Project(s) (cities, Counties, localities etc.); Estimated Funding
Community Development Block Grant 14.218 Entitlement Grant
CDBG Project Titles Description of Areas Affected by HOME
This program is designed to address local housing Project(s)
needs, upgrade the physical environment and City of Bakersfield
provide for a viable urban community.
CDBG Grant AmountAdditional HUD Grant(s) Describe
$3,391,309 $ N/A
Leveraged0
Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Additional State Funds Leveraged
$
0$
0
Locally Leveraged Funds Grantee Funds Leveraged
$
0$
0
Anticipated Program IncomeOther (Describe)
$ N/A
150,000
Total Funds Leveraged for CDBG-based Project(s)
$3,541,309
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Home Investment Partnerships Program 14.239 HOME
HOME Project Titles Description of Areas Affected by HOME
This program is designed to address local housing Project(s)
needs.City of Bakersfield
HOME Grant Amount Additional HUD Grant(s) Describe
$1,586,233Leveraged $0 N/A
Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Additional State Funds Leveraged
$0
$0
Locally Leveraged Funds Grantee Funds Leveraged
$0
$0
Anticipated Program Income Other (Describe)
$375,000N/A
Total Funds Leveraged for HOME-based Project(s)
$1,961,233
Housing Opportunities for People with 14.241 HOPWA
AIDS
HOPWA Project Titles Description of Areas Affected by HOPWA
N/A
Project(s) N/A
$ $ Describe
HOPWA Grant Amount N/AAdditional HUD Grant(s)
N/A
Leveraged N/A
$$
Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Additional State Funds Leveraged
N/AN/A
$$
Locally Leveraged Funds Grantee Funds Leveraged
N/AN/A
$ Other (Describe)
Anticipated Program Income
N/A
N/A
Total Funds Leveraged for HOPWA-based Project(s)
N/A
Emergency Shelter Grants Program 14.231 ESG
ESG Project Titles Description of Areas Affected by ESG
Provides funds to improve the quality of existing Project(s)
emergency shelters for the homeless, helps meet City of Bakersfield
the costs of operating emergency shelters,
providing certain essential services, and prevention
programs.
ESG Grant Amount Additional HUD Grant(s) Leveraged Describe
$144,045$0N/A
Additional Federal Funds Leveraged Additional State Funds Leveraged
$0$0
Locally Leveraged Funds Grantee Funds Leveraged
$0$0
Anticipated Program Income Other (Describe)
$0N/A
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Total Funds Leveraged for ESG-based Project(s) $0
Congressional Districts of:Is application subject to review by state
Executive Order 12372 Process?
Applicant Districts Project Districts
thst thst
20 and 2120 and 21
Is the applicant delinquent on any federal Yes This application was made available to
debt? If “Yes” please include an additional the state EO 12372 process for review
document explaining the situation.on 3/15/06
No Program is not covered by EO 12372
N/A Program has not been selected by the
YesNo
state for review
Person to be contacted regarding this application
George 0 Gonzales
Community Dev. Coordinator (661) 326-3765(661) 328-1548
ggonzale@bakersfieldcity.us www.bakersfieldcity.us Other Contact
Signature of Authorized Representative Date Signed
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Narrative Responses
GENERAL
Executive Summary
The Executive Summary is optional, but encouraged. If you choose to complete it,
please provide a brief overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that are
proposed during the next year.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Executive Summary:
The FY 2006/07 Action Plan is the City's second annual plan of the Consolidated Plan
(ConPlan) 2010. The one year plan proposes projects and activities to meet the
priorities described in the strategic plan section of the ConPlan. It describes eligible
programs, projects, and activities to be undertaken with anticipated funds made
available in FY 2006/07 and their relationship to housing, homelessness, and community
and economic development needs identified in the ConPlan.
All of the allocation priorities (projected use of funds) can be tied back to the strategic
plan priorities and housing and community development needs assessment outlined in
the ConPlan. General priority categories of housing, homelessness, special needs, and
community development needs and their related goals are addressed in the various
activities to be undertaken. These activities estimate the number and type of families
that will benefit from the proposed activities, including special local objectives and
priority needs. The projected “use of funds” identifies the proposed accomplishments
and a target date for completion. Area benefit activities were qualified using 2000
Census data.
The Action Plan also provides information related to the proposed geographic
distribution of investment. It includes a general description of homeless and other
community development needs activities to be undertaken and other actions to address
obstacles to meet underserved needs and reduce poverty. Lastly, there are nine site
specific maps identifying the locations of proposed projects. This plan can also be found
at the City’s website at www.bakersfieldcity.us.
General Questions
1.Describe the geographic areas of the jurisdiction (including areas of low income
families and/or racial/minority concentration) in which assistance will be directed
during the next year.
2.Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the
jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) (91.215(a)(1)) during the next year
and the rationale for assigning the priorities.
3.Describe actions that will take place during the next year to address obstacles to
meeting underserved needs.
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Program Year 2 Action Plan General Questions response:
Geographic distribution of funding is predicated, somewhat, on the nature of the activity
to be funded. As discussed in the “Strategic Plan” section of the Consolidated Plan
2010 (ConPlan), it is the City's intent to fund activities in areas most directly impacted by
the needs of low-income residents and those with other special needs. A map which
shows areas of minority concentration in the City is located in the ConPlan.
In order to create substantive neighborhood improvements and stimulate additional,
unassisted improvement efforts, the City will focus a portion of its housing-related
funding in targeted low-income neighborhoods. Based on the widespread need for
affordable housing, however, assistance will also be available city-wide. Distribution of
funding for accessibility purposes will also be city-wide. The primary focus of economic
development efforts will include business districts located in qualified low-income areas,
as well as, redevelopment areas, Southeast Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area
(NRSA), industrial parks and commercial sites in various City locations.
?
Actions to Foster, Maintain and Remove Barriers to Affordable Housing:
Funds
from CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs are designed to encourage and maintain
affordable housing opportunities and remove barriers to affordable housing through
the Southeast Bakersfield Infill Downpayment Assistance Program, and other
housing development assistance. In addition, the Housing Authority of the County of
Kern is instrumental in maintaining an existing stock of public housing units and
managing a rental assistance program.
?
Actions to Evaluate and Reduce Lead-Based Paint Hazards:
The “Strategic
Plan” section of the ConPlan discusses the City’s strategy for implementing lead-
based paint mitigation in qualified residential units. Assessment of hazards can be
better accomplished while housing is being inspected or evaluated. The City is a
member of the Kern County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition. City staff has
received training for lead assessor inspection. Carryover funds are available to test
for and mitigate lead based paint hazards occurring in housing units that receive
Home Access Program funds.
?
Actions to Reduce Number of Poverty Level Households:
Some of the activities
to be undertaken that will address the reduction of poverty for the next fiscal year
include: EPA Revolving Loan Program, and Acquisition and Demolition Program.
These programs address slum and blight issues as well as environmentally
mitigating contaminants from commercial properties.
?
Actions to Develop and Improve Institutional Structures:
Institutional structures
for carrying out the City’s housing and community development activities is a basic
component of the City’s cooperative relationships within departments and between
government agencies and other organizations. The City will continue to enhance the
development of this structure through cooperation and coordination with concerned
organizations and participants from public agencies, businesses and private
institutions, non-profits, and community organizations.
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City of Bakersfield
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Actions to Enhance Coordination between Public and Private Housing and
Social Service Agencies:
Over the one-year Action Plan period, the City will focus
its efforts in coordinating the use of public and private resources to address the
proposed projects. City staff will continue to work with and provide technical
assistance to supportive housing providers and the Continuum of Care Collaborative.
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Actions to Affirmatively Further Fair Housing:
Currently, the City is utilizing
CDBG and non-HUD funds to operate the Fair Housing Program. Using local funds,
the City will affirmatively further fair housing by fostering effective strategies and
actions that mitigate or eliminate impediments that restrict housing choice, or the
availability of housing based on gender, disability, religion, race, color, national
origin, or the presence of children in the family. Based on assessments and audits
conducted by outside consultants, there are still impediments to fair housing and
consequently this need was selected as a Priority Community Development need.
Managing the Process
1.Identify the lead agency, entity, and agencies responsible for administering
programs covered by the consolidated plan.
2.Identify the significant aspects of the process by which the plan was developed,
and the agencies, groups, organizations, and others who participated in the
process.
3.Describe actions that will take place during the next year to enhance coordination
between public and private housing, health, and social service agencies.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Managing the Process response:
The City of Bakersfield’s Economic and Community Development Department (EDCD) is
the lead department responsible for overseeing the development of the ConPlan and the
significant aspects of the process by which the plan was developed. As a means to
enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers, and among
private and governmental health, mental health, and service agencies, EDCD
established a procedure (ConPlan Public Involvement Plan) for involving and contacting
the public as part of the consolidated planning process.
EDCD coordinated with City departments, County agencies, and community
stakeholders in developing housing and community development priorities and activities.
The partnerships and collaborative efforts will continue to be the focus of the lead
agency in implementing the ConPlan.
To further enhance cooperation and coordination among agencies and groups, a series
of stakeholder workshops were held to discuss the needs assessment and the following
strategic planning categories: affordable housing, homelessness, special needs,
economic development, and community development. There were many interested
persons and representatives who attended and gave valuable input and dialog for
improving the ConPlan.
Throughout the preparation of the ConPlan, consultation was sought and obtained by
the City with other public and private providers of housing health, and social services.
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The types of agencies invited to stakeholder meetings included: social service agencies,
health service organizations, providers of low-income housing, financial institutions
which have or may provide financial assistance for lower income housing, and church
organizations.
Citizen Participation
1.Provide a summary of the citizen participation process.
2.Provide a summary of citizen comments or views on the plan.
3.Provide a summary of efforts made to broaden public participation in the
development of the consolidated plan, including outreach to minorities and non-
English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities.
4.Provide a written explanation of comments not accepted and the reasons why
these comments were not accepted.
*Please note that Citizen Comments and Responses may be included as additional files within the CPMP
Tool.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Citizen Participation response:
From June 2005 to April 2006 Bakersfield conducted extensive citizen participation
initiatives for the Fiscal Year 2006/07 Action Plan, including three public meetings.
The first two meetings were advertised in the Bakersfield Californian, a large circulation
county-wide newspaper and El Mexicalo a bi-linqual newspaper that serves English and
Spanish speaking populations. Those meetings were held on September 15, and
September 20, 2005.
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act
(HOME) and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) programs were explained at the meetings.
The attendees were encouraged to state how they felt these funds should be used in the
upcoming FY 06/07 Action Plan. Citizen comments and suggestions were considered
for incorporation into the proposed Action Plan.
A summary of the plan was published on March 15, 2006 in the Bakersfield Californian
newspaper and on March 23, 2006 in the El Mexicalo newspaper. The public was given
30-days to comment in writing on the draft Action Plan. The notice invited public
attendance to the meeting held on April 4, 2006. The notice identified eight public
libraries, two City offices, and the City website where the proposed Action Plan was
available for review.
The 30-day FY 06/07 Action Plan public review period will end on April 15, 2006. The
City Council will be asked to approve the Action Plan on April 26, 2006 for submittal to
HUD on May 15, 2006. This is the second Action Plan under the Consolidated Plan
2010 for the City of Bakersfield.
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City of Bakersfield
Institutional Structure
1.Describe actions that will take place during the next year to develop institutional
structure.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Institutional Structure response:
Institutional structure for carrying out the City's housing and community development
activities is a basic component of the City's cooperative relationships within departments
and between government agencies and other organizations. The City will continue to
enhance the development of this structure through cooperation and coordination with
concerned organizations and participants from public agencies, businesses and private
institutions, non-profits, and community organizations.
Monitoring
1.Describe actions that will take place during the next year to monitor its housing
and community development projects and ensure long-term compliance with
program requirements and comprehensive planning requirements.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Monitoring response:
The City currently uses various administrative mechanisms to track and monitor the
progress of HUD funded projects and activities that are under its control and jurisdiction.
The goal is to ensure that Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) related programs and activities
are carried out in a timely manner in accordance with federal regulations and other
statutory or regulatory requirements. The primary monitoring goals of the City is to
provide technical assistance, identify deficiencies, and promote corrections in order to
improve, reinforce, or augment the community's ConPlan performance.
To ensure the accomplishment of the goals and objectives, the City is involved with the
administration and coordination of funded programs and related activities. Staff from the
Economic and Community Development Department (EDCD) is available to provide
technical assistance as needed to subrecipients.
All Request for Proposals (RFP's) and contracts are scrutinized to ensure compliance
with HUD and local procurement requirements, including equal opportunity and
employment, nondiscrimination, etc. Subrecipient contracts require verification of
eligibility and substantiation of all pertinent information and activities. Project
agreements contain language requiring periodic and annual monitoring of activities for
financial and programmatic compliance. The reviews incorporate an evaluation of the
following: timeliness in delivery of performance goals, appropriate and prompt
expenditures, federal program eligibility of those benefiting from the project, Davis-
Bacon requirements, and Housing Quality Standards, etc. Findings and results for
federally funded projects are annually reported to HUD in the City's Consolidated Annual
Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). In addition, other reports dealing with
federal requirements such as Minority Business Enterprises (MBE) and Section 3
compliance are submitted to HUD annually.
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Other efforts include ongoing communication with subrecipients through the provision of
on-site fiscal and technical assistance. Frequent telephone contacts, written
communications, analysis of reports and annual audits, administrative and
environmental guidance by EDCD staff provide a basis for review and monitoring. All
subrecipients must comply with various Office of Management and Budget (OMB)
circulars and the Single Audit Act requirements as applicable. Single audits must comply
with federal auditing requirements which dictate extensive reporting of financial
resources and schedules, internal controls, etc. All deficiencies identified are reviewed
and resolved by the agencies involved prior to project closeout.
To ensure adherence to HOME and CDBG Program guidelines governing project
monitoring during the affordability or restricted use periods, the City conducts various on-
site inspections and residency verifications.
To ensure adherence to HOME Program guidelines for CHDO’s, the City offers technical
assistance to those organizations who demonstrate the need for assistance before the
project begins. During the course of a project, we review the project description and
evaluate whether activities undertaken by the CHDO are consistent with the description;
and housing that is being acquired, developed, and/or rehabilitated meets the standards
the City sets for housing projects. At the completion of a project, the CHDO reports its
accomplishments to the City, and shows how these accomplishments meet the
objectives of the project description; all funds spend must be accounted for. Any
discrepancies are noted and addressed with the CHDO. Additionally, regarding HOME
funded rental projects, an Annual Performance Report (APR) is required by the
developer during the affordability period which reflects the HOME monitoring regulations
at 24 CFR 92. Finally, on a periodic basis, monitoring is completed on first time
homebuyers to insure compliance with affordability and recapture guidelines.
In an effort to aid City staff in their attempts to monitor subrecipients in their compliance
with federal regulations, a monitoring handbook for federally funded recipients has been
established. The handbook contains a master list of annual monitoring dates for
subrecipients and monitoring strategies and procedures. The handbook outlines
systems and procedures for tracking subrecipient progress and subrecipient monitoring
follow-up.
Utilization of the mentioned monitoring tools for entitlement related activities will enable
the City to ensure that ConPlan programs and priorities are implemented in a timely and
effective manner. For non-entitlement funded activities, the review for Consolidated
Plan consistency by EDCD staff will be the degree of the City's involvement except for
obtaining information on the number and categories of households served by such a
project so that it may be included in its CAPER.
Lead-based Paint
1.Describe the actions that will take place during the next year to evaluate and
reduce the number of housing units containing lead-based paint hazards in order
to increase the inventory of lead-safe housing available to extremely low-income,
low-income, and moderate-income families.
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City of Bakersfield
Program Year 2 Action Plan Lead-based Paint response:
The "Strategic Plan" section of the Consolidated Plan 2010 discusses the City's strategy
for implementing lead-based paint mitigation in qualified residential units. Assessment
of hazards can be better accomplished while housing is being inspected or evaluated.
The City is a member of the Kern County Lead Poisoning Prevention Coalition. City staff
has received training for lead base paint supervisor. Carry over funds are available to
test for and mitigate lead based paint hazards occurring in housing units that receive
Home Access Program funds.
HOUSING
Specific Housing Objectives
*Please also refer to the Housing Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook.
1.Describe the priorities and specific objectives the jurisdiction hopes to achieve
during the next year.
2.Describe how Federal, State, and local public and private sector resources that
are reasonably expected to be available will be used to address identified needs
for the period covered by this Action Plan.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Specific Objectives response:
Response to 1):Affordable Housing:
The City of Bakersfield intends to seek
assistance under federal, state, and other programs for eligible activities within the City
that address affordable housing needs. An essential component of the affordable
housing strategy is to provide homeownership and rental assistance opportunities
whenever it is possible. HOME and tax increment financing are the usual mechanisms
the City uses to fund a down payment assistance program for homebuyers as well as
housing rehabilitation.
Priority Need - Owner Occupied Housing
The owner category was given a high priority ranking for those in the 0-30% and 31-50%
of the median family income area. For those in the 51-80% this need was given a
mediumpriority. This need primarily pertains to the new construction of owner-occupied
units for extremely low, low and moderate income (LMI) households.
?
Statement of Specific Objective - Acquisition/Construction
Provide funding and incentives to affordable housing developers to acquire/construct
infill single-family homes for 10 homebuyers and provide mortgage down payment
assistance to benefit 10 homebuyers. 20 Households = (0-30%) –5; (31-51%) –10; (51-
80%) –5
Priority Need - Rental Housing
A high priority need level was given to the renter housing need for small related, large
related, and all other categories - all LMI groups except for those persons in the 51-80%
median income area. The 51-80% median income group for these residents received a
medium priority. The elderly housing category received a high priority need level for all
median income groups. This need primarily pertains to rental assistance,
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City of Bakersfield
acquisition/construction (includes down payment assistance for homebuyers), and
rehabilitation of tenant-occupied units under four categories of resident households:
small related, large related, elderly, and all other households for extremely low, low and
moderate income persons.
?
Statement of Specific Objective - Acquisition/Rehabilitation
Proposed accomplishments include: acquire and/or rehabilitate 15 existing substandard
units for small, elderly, and all other households; provide mortgage down payment
assistance to benefit 10 homebuyers; and assist non-profit agencies such as CHDO’s to
acquire/rehabilitate housing to benefit 7 households. 32 Households = (0-30%) –10;
(31-51%) –15; (51-80%) - 7
?
Statement of Specific Objective - Acquisition/Construction
Acquire and/or construct 75 multi-family units for small, elderly, and all other households
using code enforcement and energy conservation as tools. 75 Households = (0-30%) –
25; (31-51%) – 32 (51-80%) - 18
Response to 2):
HOME, CDBG, and tax increment financing are the usual mechanisms
the City uses to fund its housing programs. Utilizing these funding sources, at a
minimum, the City of Bakersfield proposes to accomplish the following goals:
To address the needs of physically disabled individuals (approximately 10% of the City’s
population) the City of Bakersfield will provide grants of up to $2,500 to construct
handicap accessibility improvements in privately or publicly owned structures.
The City of Bakersfield will utilize its HOME CHDO funds (15% of HOME entitlement) to
provide loans and grants to qualified CHDO’s to develop, acquire, rehabilitate, and/or
construct affordable single or multi-family housing. Planned projects to be funded and/or
carried out this year include: a $500,000 loan to LINC Housing, Inc. to aid in the
acquisition and predevelopment soft costs of a 60 unit multi-family affordable housing
project on the corner of San Dimas and Columbus Streets; and a grant to Kern
Affordable Housing, Inc. (a subsidiary of the Housing Authority of the County of Kern) in
the amount of $300,000 to rehabilitate the Park Real Apartments, 16 units of multi-family
public housing.
Under the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Assistance Program, the City will
fund 0% loans of up to $10,000 or 6% of the purchase price, whichever is greater, to
assist low income first time homebuyers city wide with down payment and closing costs.
The City of Bakersfield also offers 0% loans of up to $40,000 to qualified low income
persons as part of the Housing Urban Bakersfield down payment assistance program.
An additional $1,000,000 of HOME funds will be made available this year to pay for
down payment and closing costs on homes located in the Downtown, Southeast
Bakersfield and Old Town Kern-Pioneer Redevelopment Project areas.
As part of the City of Bakersfield’s New Construction Assistance program, HOME funds
in the amount of $427,175 have been set aside for costs associated with the acquisition
of land for the construction of affordable housing. The single family or multi-family
projects will be located in the Southeast Bakersfield Project area and the assistance will
be in the form of affordable gap financing.
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The City of Bakersfield also intends to seek assistance under federal, state, and other
programs and special grants for eligible activities within the City that address affordable
housing needs. The “Other Narrative” section of this Action Plan describes some of the
funding sources that have been secured by the City of Bakersfield to address identified
affordable housing needs.
Finally, as part of a continuing effort to alleviate the housing affordability problem that
exists in the Central and Southeast areas of Bakersfield, the City of Bakersfield will
continue to aggressively market owner-occupied new construction/rehabilitation
programs to local non-profit and for-profit developers. Deferred loans, forgivable loans,
below market interest rate loans and other housing incentives will be used to secure
housing developers in these areas.
Needs of Public Housing
1.Describe the manner in which the plan of the jurisdiction will help address the
needs of public housing and activities it will undertake during the next year to
encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and
participate in homeownership.
2.If the public housing agency is designated as "troubled" by HUD or otherwise is
performing poorly, the jurisdiction shall describe the manner in which it will
provide financial or other assistance in improving its operations to remove such
designation during the next year.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Public Housing Strategy response:
Response to 1):
The Housing Authority of the County of Kern (HACK) addresses the
needs of renters who cannot qualify for housing related programs through the City of
Bakersfield through its various programs, including the Section 8 Rental Assistance
Program. In addition to the management and ownership assistance HACK provides to
its residents described below, the following needs are addressed by HACK on an annual
basis:
Priority Need – Public, Tenant Based Assisted Housing, and Homeownership
The public housing need is similar to the rental housing need addressed by the City of
Bakersfield, but this need primarily pertains to the Housing Authority of the County of
Kern’s (HACK) responsibility for providing PHA housing and tenant based assisted
housing for the same categories of resident households described above.
?
Statement of Specific Objective – TBRA/Rehabilitation
Expand the supply of tenant based assisted housing and rehabilitate PHA rental units in
the City by providing additional TBRA to 50 households and utilizing Public Housing
Capital funds to use Public Housing Capital funds to rehabilitate 40 rental units. 90
Households = (0-30%) – 30; (31-51%) – 40; (51-80%) - 20
?
Statement of Specific Objective – Acquisition/Construction
Expand the supply of PHA multi-family housing in the City by proposing to construct an
additional 20 affordable housing units. 20 Households = (0-30%) –7; (31-51%) – 10;
(51-80%) - 3
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Resident Involvement with Management
HACK pursues various activities to encourage residents to become more involved with
management. These activities include: meetings with residents regarding modernization
needs and Comprehensive Grants plans; HACK facilitated Neighborhood watch groups;
two Tenant Commissioners on the HACK Board of Commissioners; and Resident
Advisory Board to advise the Executive Director on resident concerns and issues.
Regarding the Resident Advisory Board, it is a jurisdiction-wide forum to assist HACK in
sharing information about the agency’s plans. The board is comprised of individuals who
reflect and represent the residents assisted by HACK and is chaired by the Executive
Director.
The main role of the Board is to make recommendations in the development of its Agency
Plan and any amendments to the Plan. HACK also seeks the Board’s input regarding
programming modifications and policy actions. The Board serves as a forum for sharing
information regarding participants to voice their needs in order for their concerns to be
addressed during the planning process. HACK gains essential information regarding
improvements that need to be made to programs, policies, and development sites and to
meet resident’s self-sufficiency needs. There is no fixed tenure for service on the Board.
Members serve in a voluntary capacity and are selected based on resident
recommendations. Participants in both the Low Income Public Housing and Section 8
Housing Choice Voucher programs are selected to reflect and represent the residents
assisted by HACK. Board members also represent all geographic areas of the County of
Kern.
HACK also sponsors various activities to encourage homeownership and self-sufficiency.
These activities are described below.
Public Housing Conversions and Homeownership
HACK continues to dedicate staff to assist residents in their quest for self-sufficiency, and
ultimately homeownership, in job readiness, family support, parenting and educational
opportunities. HACK also continues to identify opportunities where existing public housing
units may be converted to homeownership opportunities for its tenants. An example of
such a project was the Oro Vista development that as recently as 2004 completed the
conversion of 84 public housing units to homes for sale for its residents. HACK utilized
special funding to cover the costs of homeownership training, some structure and site
improvements, and social services to assist residents to increase their income and
become self-sufficient. HACK’s desire to identify opportunities to convert rental housing
into homeownership opportunities remains a high priority. They also continue to earmark
a cluster of Section 8 vouchers for use by very low income renters for homeownership.
This allows renters to use their vouchers to debt service a home mortgage.
Response to 2):
This item is not applicable.
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City of Bakersfield
Barriers to Affordable Housing
1.Describe the actions that will take place during the next year to remove barriers
to affordable housing.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Barriers to Affordable Housing response:
The following actions are currently being utilized to counter the economic and
governmental barriers to affordable housing.
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Actions to Alleviate Barriers Created by Market Conditions
Homeownership:
Housing Urban Bakersfield program provides up to $40,000 for
downpayment assistance and/or other non-recurring closing costs; the American Dream
Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) program offers assistance City-wide; the Southeast Infill
Downpayment program offers assistance in low/moderate income census tracts within
the Southeast Bakersfield Redevelopment Area; and HUD designated areas are eligible
for assistance through such programs as the Officer/Teacher Next Door Programs and
the Direct Sales Program for non-profit agencies and Municipalities.
Housing Element:
The City successfully updated its Housing Element in 2003 in
conformance with jurisdictions in the KernCOG subregion. Achievement of the
objectives contained in the housing element is expected to be accomplished through
actions by the City to provide appropriate regulatory concessions and incentives through
its land use and development controls and through the utilization of available federal and
state housing programs. The priorities identified through the Housing Element are as
follows: to provide housing opportunities and accessibility for all economic segments of
the City; to provide and maintain an adequate supply of sites for the development of
affordable new housing; to preserve, rehabilitate, and enhance existing housing and
neighborhoods; to ensure that all housing programs are available without discrimination
on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, marital status, age,
household composition or size, or any other arbitrary factor; to encourage and enhance
intergovernmental, public, and private coordination and cooperation to achieve an
adequate supply of housing for all economic and social segments of the community.
Affordable Housing:
In order to create substantive neighborhood improvements and
stimulate additional, unassisted improvement efforts, the City focuses a portion of its
housing-related funding (including tax increment, housing set-aside, HOME and CDBG)
in targeted low-income neighborhoods. Based on the widespread need for affordable
housing, however, assistance is also available City-wide.
Removal of Affordable Housing:
The City of Bakersfield ensures that staff complies
with the Uniform Relocation Act when considering the removal of affordable housing
units. As a means of preventing displacements caused by construction or rehabilitation,
the City will survey, or cause to be surveyed, each owner or tenant and determine what
type of assistance, if any, would be offered. A family will not be displaced without
financial and advisory assistance sufficient, in the determination of the City, to enable
the family to obtain decent, safe, and sanitary housing at an affordable cost. Also,
Health and Safety Code Section 33413(a) requires that when residential units housing
low and moderate income households are demolished or taken out of the affordable
housing stock as part of a redevelopment project, the agency must replace those units
within four years after they are demolished or removed from the market.
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Special Needs:
As individuals, groups, businesses, and agencies identify potential
funding sources to address the needs of these unique populations (such as seniors,
disabled persons, single-headed households, etc.), the City will support those projects.
Geographic distribution of funding from the City’s entitlement programs is based solely
on the location(s) identified by the individual applicants. Also, the City of Bakersfield
continually reviews its ordinances, policies and practices for compliance with fair housing
laws. A recent review resulted in a broadened and revised definition of “family” to
include State and federal definitions relating to unrelated adults.
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Actions to Alleviate Barriers Created by Governmental Constraints
Under government based constraints, City strategies to alleviate any potential negative
effects of government barriers to affordable housing include the following.
Administrative Policies Concerning Community Development and Housing
Activities:
For the City of Bakersfield, areas of high minority concentration are located
near downtown in fully developed areas, with modest opportunity for major new
development projects and/or in-fill development. These areas of minority concentration
are also low-income areas. While no public policies exist which restrict the provision of
housing and community development resources to areas of minority concentration,
because of greater need in low-income areas, many services are indeed targeted to
those central areas. Geographic distribution of funding is predicted, somewhat, on the
nature of the activity to be funded. Site selection for affordable housing is encouraged
throughout the City, in order to distribute assisted housing units City-wide.
BEGIN Program:
The City has secured funding under the State of California Building
Equity and Growth in Neighborhoods (BEGIN) Program that promotes reduction in local
regulatory barriers to affordable ownership housing, and provides down payment
assistance loans to qualifying first-time low and moderate income homebuyers.
TEAM Bakersfield:
The City of Bakersfield has developed an innovative program entitled
“Team Bakersfield.” Under this program, whichever City employee is the first person to
assist the developer then becomes the sole contact for that developer for that project. That
staff member will lead the developer through approvals, permits, inspections, and even
financing. Using this process, the average processing time from beginning to end is six
weeks for a multi-family housing project. With this in mind, the City also has a one-stop in-
take counter where multiple applications can be made at the same time. Also, the costs for
some fees (traffic, park) and permits for affordable housing are reduced and the costs for
zone changes and general plan amendments for affordable housing are subsidized by the
City General Fund.
Zoning Flexibility:
The City’s Zoning Ordinance provides nine residential zones from E
(Estate) to R-H (Residential Holding). The City also provides for multi-family housing by
right in the Downtown area. The City’s zoning ordinance recognizes the potential for in-
fill construction of housing units at appropriately proportioned densities by allowing for
the possibility of multiple family dwellings on lots with minimum lot sizes of 6,000 square
feet. This makes it possible to build multi-family units at maximum density on in-fill lots
without requiring the assembling of large parcels of property.
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Density Bonuses:
The City of Bakersfield Density Bonus Ordinance (Municipal Code
Chapter 15.79) encourages the construction of affordable housing by creating the
following incentives: reduction in site development standards or modification of zoning
code requirements or architectural design requirements; approval of mixed use zoning in
conjunction with the housing projects if commercial, office, industrial or other land uses
will reduce the cost of housing development and are compatible with the housing project;
and other regulatory incentives or concessions proposed by the developer or the City
which result in identifiable cost reductions.
Inclusionary Housing Requirements:
The City adheres to the policy that 15% of all
non-Agency developed new or substantially rehabilitated housing in a redevelopment
project area must be affordable to low and moderate income households, 40% of which
must be affordable to very low-income households. Also, 30% of all housing constructed
or rehabilitated through the Redevelopment Agency must be affordable to low and
moderate income households, 50% of which must be affordable to very low-income
households. The inclusionary housing requirements pertain to part of the Downtown
Redevelopment Project Area and all of the Southeast and Old Town Kern-Pioneer
Redevelopment Project Areas.
Housing Set-aside Requirements:
Sections 33334.2 and 33334.3 of the Health and
Safety Code require redevelopment agencies to set aside 20% of the tax increment
revenue to a special Low and Moderate Income Housing Fund (Low/Mod Fund). The
Low/Mod Fund must be used to “increase, improve and preserve the community’s
supply of low and moderate income housing” within the territorial jurisdiction of the
agency. These monies will be allocated towards the preservation, development and/or
rehabilitation of very low, low and moderate income housing units, and the RDA will seek
to leverage these funds with other Federal State, local and private resources.
Site Development and Public Facility Requirements:
The general plan and zoning
ordinance for Bakersfield contains policies and requirements for the provision of
adequate public facilities and services, such as potable water supply, sewage disposal
systems, electricity, flood protection, fire protection, parks, and public or private access.
Although these factors add incrementally to the cost of housing, they are essential to
protect public health and safety, and meet the objectives of the federal and State
governments regarding air quality, water quality, threatened and endangered species,
the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), and other policies and regulations.
HOME/ American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI)
1.Describe other forms of investment not described in § 92.205(b).
2.If the participating jurisdiction (PJ) will use HOME or ADDI funds for
homebuyers, it must state the guidelines for resale or recapture, as required
in § 92.254 of the HOME rule.
3.If the PJ will use HOME funds to refinance existing debt secured by
multifamily housing that is that is being rehabilitated with HOME funds, it
must state its refinancing guidelines required under § 92.206(b). The
guidelines shall describe the conditions under which the PJ will refinance
existing debt. At a minimum these guidelines must:
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a.Demonstrate that rehabilitation is the primary eligible activity and ensure
that this requirement is met by establishing a minimum level of
rehabilitation per unit or a required ratio between rehabilitation and
refinancing.
b.Require a review of management practices to demonstrate that
disinvestments in the property has not occurred; that the long-term needs
of the project can be met; and that the feasibility of serving the targeted
population over an extended affordability period can be demonstrated.
c.State whether the new investment is being made to maintain current
affordable units, create additional affordable units, or both.
d.Specify the required period of affordability, whether it is the minimum 15
years or longer.
e.Specify whether the investment of HOME funds may be jurisdiction-wide
or limited to a specific geographic area, such as a neighborhood identified
in a neighborhood revitalization strategy under 24 CFR 91.215(e)(2) or a
Federally designated Empowerment Zone or Enterprise Community.
f.State that HOME funds cannot be used to refinance multifamily loans
made or insured by any federal program, including CDBG.
4.If the PJ is going to receive American Dream Down payment Initiative (ADDI)
funds, please complete the following narratives:
a.Describe the planned use of the ADDI funds.
b.Describe the PJ's plan for conducting targeted outreach to residents and
tenants of public housing and manufactured housing and to other families
assisted by public housing agencies, for the purposes of ensuring that the
ADDI funds are used to provide down payment assistance for such
residents, tenants, and families.
c.Describe the actions to be taken to ensure the suitability of families
receiving ADDI funds to undertake and maintain homeownership, such as
provision of housing counseling to homebuyers.
Program Year 2 Action Plan HOME/ADDI response:
Response to 1):
The proposed allocation of funding by activities for the HOME
Program represents the estimated entitlement and program income for FY 2006/07. The
investment strategies proposed for the City's HOME Program funds are in the form of
equity investments, interest or non-interest bearing loans or advances, interest
subsidies, deferred payment loans, or grants as described in HOME federal regulations.
Also, HOME funds will be invested as described in the CHDO Program, the New
Construction Assistance, the American Dream Downpayment Initiative Assistance
Program, and the Housing Urban Bakersfield – Downpayment Assistance. No other
forms of investment are proposed.
Response to 2):Resale or Recapture Guidelines
- The following describes the City's
HUD-approved guidelines for resale or recapture of such funds:
The Housing Urban Bakersfield – Downpayment assistance will utilize HOME resale
recapture guidelines 24 CFR 92.254 (a)(5)(ii) recapturing half its HOME investment upon
completion of the tenth year of the note. Homeownership assistance will be furnished to
low-income people as a deferred loan with 0% interest up to $40,000 to assist with down
payment and closing costs. Upon reaching the tenth year of the note one half of the
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assistance amount will be forgiven. Households receiving the assistance must keep the
unit affordable for 10 years including the sale to subsequent buyers not exceeding 80%
of the median income. The balance of the loan shall be due and payable in year 15. In
the event of sale or foreclosure, the recapture amount will be based on the net proceeds
available from the sale or foreclosure rather than on the entire amount of the HOME
investment.
American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) – The program will utilize HOME
recapture guidelines 24 CFR 92.254(b)(5)( ii) recapturing half its HOME investment upon
completion of the affordability period. Homeownership assistance will be furnished as a
deferred loan (silent second) with interest for amounts up to $10,000 or 6% of the
purchase price to assist with down payment and closing costs. These loans will have a
15 year affordability period and loan term with no monthly payment of principal and will
not accrue interest until year six (6). Upon reaching year 5 of the affordability period one
half of the assistance amount will be forgiven. The loan will be amortized beginning year
six and upon reaching year fifteen of the agreement the balance and interest 4% shall be
due and payable. If at anytime during the affordability period, the property is sold,
transferred, refinanced, or upon a change in title to the property the loan shall be due
and payable in full with interest. In the event of foreclosure, the recapture amount will be
based on the net proceeds available from the sale rather than on the entire amount of
the HOME investment. These funds will be used within the boundaries of the City of
Bakersfield. The City will provide an informational mailing to interested lenders and
housing groups and conduct ADDI housing provider workshops. City will distribute
printed electronic versions of ADDI educational materials particularly directed to public
and manufactured housing tenant groups most eligible for homeownership. Also, the
City will collaborate with government agencies, local housing authority, professional
associations, property owners, and neighborhood associations by connecting these
agencies with other resources necessary for homeownership. Finally, efforts to insure
families maintain homeownership housing counseling will be invoked as needed as
tenants move from dependence to homeownership.
Response to 3):
The City will not use HOME funds to refinance debt secured by
multifamily housing.
Response to 4):
Please see response to question 2 above under American Dream
Down Payment Assistance.
HOMELESS
Specific Homeless Prevention Elements
*Please also refer to the Homeless Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook.
1.Sources of Funds—Identify the private and public resources that the jurisdiction
expects to receive during the next year to address homeless needs and to
prevent homelessness. These include the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance
Act programs, other special federal, state and local and private funds targeted to
homeless individuals and families with children, especially the chronically
homeless, the HUD formula programs, and any publicly-owned land or property.
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Please describe, briefly, the jurisdiction’s plan for the investment and use of
funds directed toward homelessness.
2.Homelessness—In a narrative, describe how the action plan will address the
specific objectives of the Strategic Plan and, ultimately, the priority needs
identified. Please also identify potential obstacles to completing these action
steps.
3.Chronic homelessness—The jurisdiction must describe the specific planned action
steps it will take over the next year aimed at eliminating chronic homelessness
by 2012. Again, please identify barriers to achieving this.
4.Homelessness Prevention—The jurisdiction must describe its planned action steps
over the next year to address the individual and families with children at
imminent risk of becoming homeless.
5.Discharge Coordination Policy—Explain planned activities to implement a
cohesive, community-wide Discharge Coordination Policy, and how, in the coming
year, the community will move toward such a policy.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Special Needs response:
Response to 1): The sources of funding the City expects to receive during the next
year to address homeless needs include: CDBG, ESG, HOME, and state tax credits.
The City will utilize the ESG program to improve the quality of existing emergency
shelters for the homeless, help meet the costs of operating the shelters, and providing
essential social services, as well as, funding preventive programs and activities. During
the FY 2006/07 application process for ESG, three proposals were submitted. The three
proposals funded are:
Non Profits
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Alliance Against Family Violence and Sexual Assault, $15,185 – funds will be used to
support the operation and maintenance costs of the center.
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Bakersfield Rescue Mission, $60,880 - funds will be used to support operation and
maintenance costs of the center.
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Bethany Services, $60,880 - funds will be used to help support operational costs
necessary to maintain the Bakersfield Homeless Center.
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Administration, $7,100 - represents an ESG mandated 5% cap for salaries, benefits,
supplies and outside services.
Response to 2): The specific objectives of the Strategic Plan and the priority needs of
the City of Bakersfield are to support the outreach and assessment of the homeless;
address the need for emergency shelter and transitional housing; and support the
transition to permanent supportive housing and independent living. A more detailed
explanation of the City’s efforts is as follows:
Priority Need - Assessment & Outreach
Assessment and Outreach activities are designed to engage homeless persons and
families living on the street and bring them into the system and as such, are basic
components of the various homeless service providers in the community. As a
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cornerstone in the provision of supportive services to all types of homeless, a relative
priority of high was assigned to this category.
The City of Bakersfield will support the ongoing funding of assessment and outreach
activities as well as the expansion and creation of additional outreach activities provided
by existing homeless and social service organizations throughout the City. Utilizing SHP
and ESG funding sources the City hopes to accomplish, through the homeless service
providers to contact and assess the needs of homeless families and individuals; provide
telephone and information referral service to homeless persons; and perform case
management for homeless families and individuals.
Some of the obstacles to meeting the assessment and outreach needs of the homeless
by service providers include a lack of and fluctuation of funding and the insufficient
capacity of service providers to meet the needs of the growing homeless population.
Priority Need - Emergency Shelter & Services
The continued growth in the numbers of homeless individuals, families with children, as
well as those at risk of becoming homeless, has put a tremendous strain on those
agencies currently serving these populations. There is an immediate need for increased
shelter space for the general population of homeless as well as all subgroups, therefore
a relative priority of high has been assigned to this category of need. Unsheltered
homeless who are severely mentally ill, as well as diagnosed with alcohol and/or drug
addiction are not easily accommodated in the existing shelters and there are no current
facilities dedicated to these groups. Capacity at the shelter for domestic violence
survivors is limited to 36 beds; the need far out-strips the space.
The City of Bakersfield will continue to support efforts to maintain and expand existing
facilities; coordinate with County of Kern and homeless service providers to access State
HCD and EHAP funds. In addition, the City will support the development of additional
emergency shelters for families and homeless individuals with special needs (i.e.,
mentally ill, those with a dual diagnosis of alcohol/other drug addition, victims of
domestic violence).
Some of the obstacles to meeting the needs of emergency shelters are the limited
capital grants available. In addition, the placement of such facilities in the community
often is incompatible with the interests of the businesses and residents of the
surrounding neighborhood.
Priority Need - Transitional Housing
Transitional housing is generally for a term of up to 24 months, combined with supportive
services intended to facilitate the transition of homeless individuals and families to
independent living in permanent housing. Transitional housing with supportive services
is limited within the City. Therefore a relative priority of high has been assigned to this
category.
The City of Bakersfield will support the developments of transitional housing units; and
through the service providers, will assist families or individuals to independent living and
appropriate permanent housing.
Some of the obstacles to meeting the needs of transitional programs are the limited
capital grants available. In addition, the placement of such facilities in the community
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often is incompatible with the interests of the businesses and residents of the
surrounding neighborhood.
Priority Need - Permanent Supportive Housing
Supportive housing is generally defined as "housing, including group quarters that have
a supportive environment and includes a planned service component."
Currently, there are several community care facilities, group homes and other supportive
housing situations, however while the facilities might accept former homeless individuals
into their programs, they are regularly ran at capacity. The need for additional
supportive permanent housing is becoming critical.
The City will support funding efforts to increase the capacity of supportive housing
projects. The City will assist in the development at least one permanent supportive
housing project to benefit homeless families or individuals.
Some obstacles to the establishment of such facilities are the lack of sufficient funding
for development, operation, and maintenance. In addition, the placement of such
facilities in the community often is incompatible with the interests of the businesses and
residents of the surrounding neighborhood.
Priority Need - Supportive Services
Supportive Services, whether linked to a specific type of homeless housing project, or as
a stand-alone service, is the critical link to providing opportunities for homeless persons
and families to achieve their highest levels of self-sufficiency. Very few people who find
themselves in the circumstances of homelessness can regain their financial and
emotional well being with simply a place to sleep and food to eat. The primary need in
this category is for case management services for both general populations and special
needs groups (mentally ill, dually diagnosed, victims of domestic violence, disabled,
etc.), all types of medical and dental care, substance abuse treatment and counseling,
assistance in the accessing of services, benefit application assistance, life skills training,
budget counseling, vocational counseling, legal services, transportation, human service
referrals, follow-up, and aftercare. Supportive services are considered a high priority.
The City will address the issue of supportive services by supporting the expansion of
existing programs and the creation of new ones for the homeless.
Some obstacles to achieving a full range of supportive services is the lack of funding, the
capacity of agencies to expand their services due to facility space limitations, and
coordination of services by and between service providers, while improving, still results
in duplications, overlap and gaps in service provision.
Response to 3): Chronic Homelessness - The City’s planned action steps aimed at
eliminating chronic homelessness by 2012 include supporting the Kern County
Homeless Collaborative in its tripartite strategy to prevent homelessness, develop
increased housing resources, and provide early, intensive intervention for people who
are chronically homeless.
The Kern County Homeless Collaborative’s strategy as taken from its Continuum of Care
Supportive Housing Program document includes:
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Prevent homelessness
and repeat homelessness through increased access to
mainstreamresources
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Develop increased housing resources
for chronically homeless people and their
families, and
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Provide early, intensive intervention
for people who are chronically homeless
Prevention Strategies.
People who are chronically homeless are often eligible for
public systems of care and assistance. These include mental health, public health,
welfare, and veteran’s systems, as well as the criminal justice and the child protective
service systems. Mainstream service providers in Kern County are currently working
together to develop new systems and strategies for ensuring access to all
disadvantaged residents. Increased outreach and services in the rural areas is also vital
to prevention efforts.
Based on recent surveys of homeless individuals in Kern County, it is estimated that
there are approximately 180 sheltered and 92 unsheltered chronically homeless
individuals in Kern County at any given point in time. It is also estimated that 66% of
these chronically homeless individuals are eligible for mainstream benefits such as
Social Security, SSI, Veteran’s Benefits, or other income and services. Part of the
KCHC strategy for ending chronic homelessness is to ensure these eligible individuals
receive the financial benefits and mental health services they qualify for.
Housing Development.
The current housing shortage in Bakersfield means only the
most qualified rental applicants are accepted. Most chronically homeless people have
histories of multiple evictions or bad credit, which makes finding housing for them even
more problematic. Even when they are available, units are usually above the price
threshold for this population. The Kern County Homeless Collaborative has developed a
tri-fold strategy to develop additional housing options for chronically homeless people.
Increase Stock of Subsidized and Permanent Supportive Housing.
(a) The
strategy includes increasing the stock of affordable and subsidized housing
resources and making permanent supportive housing the priority for addressing
long-term homelessness. This is especially important for those with multiple
barriers to housing stability and persistent or chronic health challenges (including
mental illness, chemical dependency, and/or HIV/AIDS). The Collaborative will
continue to promote development of low-cost housing projects. Technical
assistance workshops educating developers on funding options for Single Room
Occupancy (SRO) and 0 bedroom units will continue to be a part of the
Collaborative’s overall strategy, and HACK will increase the number of special
needs Section 8 housing certificates available to community residents.
Increase Access to Existing Housing
(b) . Members of the Collaborative have begun
developing collaborative relationships with local property owners. Several
providers have intensive case management programs that support homeless
individuals once they have been placed into permanent housing. This intensive
level of case management has encouraged a number of landlords to begin working
with chronically homeless individuals. Property owners are more willing to rent to
potentially problematic tenants when they know a case manager will assist with
possible issues that may arise. These types of relationship with local proprietors
must be expanded, and all available housing resources must be identified. A
directory of affordable housing stock will be distributed to case managers. This will
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be accomplished through a program of education and outreach to local property
owners. Collaborative members will also continue to expand rental assistance
programs to facilitate placement of homeless people into permanent housing.
Early and Intensive Intervention
(c) .People should not spend years in homeless
systems, either in shelters or transitional housing. They must be helped to exit
homelessness as quickly as possible through a housing first approach. For the
chronically homeless, this means permanent supportive housing (housing with
services) - a solution that will save money as it reduces the use of other public
systems. For families and less disabled single adults it means getting people very
quickly into permanent housing and linking them with services. It also means the
supportive services that are available must be of high quality and specific to the
populations they serve.
Ultimately, the Collaborative’s strategy is to expand prevention efforts through access to
mainstream benefits, develop increased housing resources and provide intensive, early
intervention will help eliminate homelessness in Kern County within the next ten years.
Homeless Prevention
Response to 4): - The City’s strategy for preventing
homelessness for low-income individuals and families with children that are at imminent
risk of becoming homeless includes providing rental subsidies, child care, transportation,
employment services, and protection under the fair housing laws to low-income families.
In addition, the City of Bakersfield will support the Kern County’s Homeless
Collaborative’s “Homeless Prevention” strategy, as mentioned above, to address the
needs of individuals and families with children who are risk of becoming homeless.
Discharge Planning Policy
Response to 5): - The Kern County Mental Health
Department and the Housing Authority of the County of Kern (HACK) are the only
governmental agency receiving HUD McKinney funds. HACK has not developed a
formal discharge policy, but has developed tenant agreements for lease termination as a
Public Housing Authority. The department also known as the Kern County Mental
Health System of Care has developed and implemented, to the extent practicable,
policies for the discharge of persons from publicly funded institutions or systems of care.
The discharge policy can be referenced under the Manual of Policies and Procedures,
Section No. 5.1.22 issue dated 3/20/01. The policy objective is “to set forth guidelines
and documentation standards that outline communication, linkage responsibilities, and
requirements among providers for individuals being discharged from the System of Care
(SOC).” The Department of Mental Health works in conjunction with health care
facilities, foster care or other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions to
help prevent the discharge of individuals resulting in homelessness.
The Kern County Homeless Collaborative has created a Discharge Planning Policy Task
Force and has conducted a countywide Strategic Planning session. The purpose of the
session was to develop and implement strategies that involve political leaders,
governmental agencies, homeless service providers, homeless consumers and other
stakeholders to prevent persons from immediately becoming homeless, and to end
chronic and general homelessness in Kern County. One of the many areas that were
addressed was the issue of discharging persons into homelessness, regardless of
whether the institution receives HUD McKinney Funds. The Homeless Collaborative is
working on developing the necessary action to ascertain the extent of discharge policies
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that result in homelessness and plans to work with various institutions to ensure that a
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system of care is developed and implemented to prevent immediate homelessness
Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG)
(States only) Describe the process for awarding grants to State recipients, and a
description of how the allocation will be made available to units of local government.
Program Year 2 Action Plan ESG response:
The City of Bakersfield is not a State recipient.
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
Community Development
*Please also refer to the Community Development Table in the Needs.xls workbook.
1.Identify the jurisdiction's priority non-housing community development needs
eligible for assistance by CDBG eligibility category specified in the Community
Development Needs Table (formerly Table 2B), public facilities, public
improvements, public services and economic development.
2.Identify specific long-term and short-term community development objectives
(including economic development activities that create jobs), developed in
accordance with the statutory goals described in section 24 CFR 91.1 and the
primary objective of the CDBG program to provide decent housing and a suitable
living environment and expand economic opportunities, principally for low- and
moderate-income persons.
*Note: Each specific objective developed to address a priority need, must be identified by number
and contain proposed accomplishments, the time period (i.e., one, two, three, or more years), and
annual program year numeric goals the jurisdiction hopes to achieve in quantitative terms, or in other
measurable terms as identified and defined by the jurisdiction.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Community Development response:
Reponse to 1):
The City of Bakersfield developed its list of non-housing community
development needs through a series of meetings with community stakeholders, and
through a community needs survey administered to community members at various
public activities. The following items comprise the needs identified through these
endeavors.
The needs to be undertaken for this action plan year include: Lead Based Paint Hazard
Reduction; Planning; Public Improvements including street Improvements, sidewalks,
Flood Prevention and/or Drainage Improvements, Sewer Improvements, Recreation and
Parks Facilities, Public Facilities, Youth Centers, Other Neighborhood Facilities and/or
Community Centers, Senior Citizen Centers, Public Services, Health Services,
Transportation Services, Handicapped Services, Fair Housing Counseling and Fair
Housing Education, and Senior Citizen Services.
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Response to 2):
Long Term and Short Term Community Development Objectives
Long term and short term community development objectives were developed based on
the results of our needs assessments, contributions from community stakeholders and
comment from City of Bakersfield departments’ representatives. Long term objectives
are activities that will take five or more years to accomplish; the City of Bakersfield will
endeavor to address short term objectives within a year’s time, although they may
require more time to fully fund and complete. Long term (b – five years) and short term
(a – one year) objectives are listed below.
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Affordable Housing Needs (includes Owner occupied, rental housing, public
housing, tenant based assisted housing and home ownership opportunities). The
short term and long term objectives for this priority are:
(a) Use $525,000 in CDBG funds to provide sewer hookup grants to low income
residents in the McDonald/Stockdale Sewer Project area; use $50,000 in
CDBG funds to remove architectural barriers and install accessibility
implements in the homes of low income physically disabled individuals.
(b) (Long Term) Increase the number of affordable homes to low income
households; increase the number of rental units for elderly and large families;
build new public housing rental units. Benefit 479 households.
See narrative on Housing Needs for more activities.
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Homelessness Needs (Assessment and outreach, emergency shelters and
services, transitional housing, and supportive housing).
See narrative section for Homelessness needs
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Special Needs (includes services and housing for elderly and frail elderly, severe
mental illness, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, persons with alcohol
and drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS, single headed households, and
persons leaving child the protection system).
See narrative section for Special Needs
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Community Development Needs (includes public facilities and services,
infrastructure improvement, anti-crime programs, planning, and fair housing).
(a) Support two public facilities three public service activities using CDBG funds.
i. Support the rehabilitation of the walkway roofs at Bakersfield Senior Center -
$48,000 in CDBG funds; construct a storage building for equipment at the
Bakersfield Police Activities League neighborhood youth center - $41,000 of
CDBG.
ii. Efforts to eliminate graffiti and educate school children and the general public
on graffiti reduction in their neighborhoods - $200,000; support administrative
functions at the Bakersfield Senior Center - $50,000; support fair housing
activities - $50,000.
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iii. Design the 34 St median and streetscape improvement project - $252,500
in CDBG funds; make street improvements on Lotus Lane - $129,500; install
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curb, gutter and sidewalks along E. Truxtun to California and Union Ave,
Williams Street - $380,000; install curb, gutter and sidewalks in various
locations - $442,500; make improvements to Central Park - $243,170.
iv. CDBG funds to debt service two Section 108 Loans -$396,337; CDBG funds
to pay for planning and capacity building - $12,000, General Management
and Oversight - $514,262, indirect costs - $150,000, public information -
$20,000, submissions of applications-$12,000.
(b) (Long Term) Inclusion of childcare centers in new development reviews by City
of Bakersfield Planning Department; access to more affordable healthcare;
Healthcare and recreational facilities for low income; development of
emergency shelters for abused senior citizens; develop new neighborhood and
youth centers in fringe areas of city; prevent graffiti; preserve historic
properties, and encourage energy efficiency; replace old infrastructure in low
income areas; increase police presence in high crime areas; implement
economic development initiatives, etc.; increase awareness of fair housing
laws to public and private citizens; fully enforce all fair housing laws. Benefit
18,000 people.
Antipoverty Strategy
1.Describe the actions that will take place during the next year to reduce the
number of poverty level families.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Antipoverty Strategy response:
The 2000 Census for the City of Bakersfield indicated that the total number of persons
used to determine poverty status was based on a population of 267,021 persons. Of
that amount, the number persons in year 2000 who were below the poverty level for
Bakersfield was 16%, or about 25,780. Poverty statistics also indicated that female
headed and African American households had a higher likelihood to be below poverty
thresholds. About 35% of all female headed households and approximately 37% of
African American households were below the poverty level in Census Year 2000.
Plans to reduce poverty include efforts in the areas of affordable housing, job training,
support services, childcare, transportation, and economic development.
Efforts will be concentrated on affordable housing opportunities to renters as well as
homeowners. The significant issues are cost-burden and substandard housing units.
This fiscal year the City of Bakersfield plans to support efforts to increase the availability
of low cost housing and downpayment assistance. The City also will support the
Housing Authority of the County of Kern in their family self sufficiency programs in an
advisory capacity. In all federally funded projects totaling $100,000.00 or more in federal
funding for construction, contractors will be required to seek low income new hires and
Section 3 contractors and vendors for labor force, supplies and services.
Efforts for year two and beyond include affordable housing, and economic development
efforts as well as supporting increased licensed childcare centers. The City of
Bakersfield will lend its support to the efforts of Local Initiatives for Child Care (LINCC) to
make affordable childcare available to more parents enabling single-parents to seek
employment. Economic Development projects such as Baker Street Village and Mill
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Creek project will be supported to provide jobs and other development opportunities to
city residents. The City of Bakersfield is supporting Bakersfield College Foundation in its
Construction Assistance for Student Achievement (CASA) Program to train up to 14
students in the construction trade, while building one affordable home in a target
redevelopment area each year for a period of three years.
Although there are coordinated programs and services to reduce poverty, it is
recognized that many unmet needs will remain. The City will endeavor to facilitate the
meeting of these needs over the duration of its Consolidated Plan 2010 through
strategically focusing its resources and efforts as outlined in the annual Action Plans.
NON-HOMELESS SPECIAL NEEDS HOUSING
Non-homeless Special Needs (91.220 (c) and (e))
*Please also refer to the Non-homeless Special Needs Table in the Needs.xls workbook.
1.Describe the priorities and specific objectives the jurisdiction hopes to achieve for
the period covered by the Action Plan.
2.Describe how Federal, State, and local public and private sector resources that
are reasonably expected to be available will be used to address identified needs
for the period covered by this Action Plan.
Program Year 2 Action Plan Specific Objectives response:
Response to 1): Non-Homeless Special Needs Priorities and Objectives
- The
special needs group includes the elderly, frail elderly, persons with challenges
(physically and mentally, and developmentally disabled), female headed households,
persons with AIDS and related diseases, and persons with drug and/or alcohol addiction
and transitional aged youth. The needs of these groups relate to supportive housing and
services. Suitable housing is described as housing that is affordable, with construction
features that make the unit accessible to the special needs occupant. Accessibility to
social services, specialized disability services, shopping and transportation lines is
included in the definition of suitable housing for this group.
Priority Need - Special Needs Facilities and Services
Special needs facilities and services include suitable housing (housing that is affordable,
with construction features that make the unit accessible to the special needs occupant),
accessibility to social services, medical services, specialized disability services,
shopping and transportation lines are included in this priority need. The insufficient
supply of these important services and suitable housing for the special needs group is
the reason this need was determined to be a priority need.
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Specific Objective - Elderly and Frail Elderly
The objectives are to support the development of housing and support the development
of “rest and recovery” SRO units for homeless persons who are recovering from illness
and needing additional recovery time after hospital discharge.
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Specific Objective - Severe Mental Illness
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The objectives are primarily to support the development of affordable, regular community
housing for this population that is provided in conjunction with supported living services
and maximizes their integration into the community. The City supports the development
of facilities and/or homes to provide for additional beds for the severe mentally ill.
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Specific Objective - Developmentally Disabled
The objectives are to support the development (new construction or conversion) of least-
restrictive and affordable housing for developmentally disabled persons and support the
expansion of services to developmentally disabled persons.
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Specific Objective - Physically Disabled
The objectives are to support the development of housing adaptable to the needs of
physically disabled persons; modify housing to meet the needs of physically disabled;
support home care services to physically disabled persons.
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Specific Objective - Persons with Alcohol/Other Drug Addictions
The objectives are to seek private foundation and federal funds to support the increase
of the number of detoxification beds, affordable treatment and recovery beds, including
dual diagnosis.
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Specific Objective - Persons with HIV/AIDS
The objectives are to support the development of affordable housing options for persons
with HIV and AIDS and to continue working with agencies concerned with the special
needs of HIV/AIDS infected persons.
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Statement of Specific Objective - Single Headed Households
The objectives are to support affordable housing options and housing subsidies for
single-headed households and to support the development of affordable child care
services, which are important to allow single/female heads of households the opportunity
to seek employment and/or training.
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Specific Objective - Persons Leaving Child Protection System
The objectives are to support the development of group homes and/or SRO facilities for
children leaving group home settings under the protective services umbrella, but still in
need of housing, counseling in life skills, and job placement services.
Response to 2):Resources to Address the Needs
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Elderly and Frail
Utilizing state tax credits, housing set-aside redevelopment funds, and HOME funds the
City will support the development of new affordable and suitable units for elderly and frail
elderly and support the development of “rest and recovery” SRO units.
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Severe Mental Illness
Utilizing SHP, ESG, EHAP, HOME, State, and private funds the City will support the
development of facilities and/or homes to provide additional beds for the severe mentally
ill.
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Developmentally Disabled
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Utilizing HOME funds and tax credits the City will support the development of least-
restrictive housing and home ownership for developmentally disabled persons.
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Physically Disabled
Utilize HOME, CDBG, state, private, and other federal funds the City will support the
development of accessible housing units and modify existing housing units for physically
disabled persons.
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Persons with Alcohol/Other Drug Addictions
Utilizing SHP, ESG, private and other funds the City will support the increase of the
number of detoxification beds, affordable treatment and recovery beds, including dual
diagnosis for persons with alcohol and other drug addictions.
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Persons with HIV/AIDS
Utilizing HOME, SHP, HACK, federal, state, and private funds, the City supports the
development of additional units of housing (SRO’s, group homes, independent living
settings, etc.) including scattered site integrated housing for persons with HIV/AIDS and
related diseases.
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Single Headed Households
Utilizing HOME, redevelopment funds, state tax credits, and other funding, the City
supports the development of affordable housing units for single-headed households and
utilizes HACK Section 8 vouchers to subsidize rent for single headed households.
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Persons Leaving Child Protected Systems
Utilizing HOME, SHP, private and other funds, the City will support the development of
housing such as group homes and/or SRO’s to accommodate persons leaving the child
protection system.
Housing Opportunities for People with AIDS
*Please also refer to the HOPWA Table in the Needs.xls workbook.
1.Provide a Brief description of the organization, the area of service, the name of
the program contacts, and a broad overview of the range/ type of housing
activities to be done during the next year.
2.Report on the actions taken during the year that addressed the special needs of
persons who are not homeless but require supportive housing, and assistance for
persons who are homeless.
3.Evaluate the progress in meeting its specific objective of providing affordable
housing, including a comparison of actual outputs and outcomes to proposed
goals and progress made on the other planned actions indicated in the strategic
and action plans. The evaluation can address any related program adjustments
or future plans.
4.Report on the accomplishments under the annual HOPWA output goals for the
number of households assisted during the year in: (1) short-term rent, mortgage
and utility payments to avoid homelessness; (2) rental assistance programs; and
(3) in housing facilities, such as community residences and SRO dwellings, where
funds are used to develop and/or operate these facilities. Include any
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assessment of client outcomes for achieving housing stability, reduced risks of
homelessness and improved access to care.
5.Report on the use of committed leveraging from other public and private
resources that helped to address needs identified in the plan.
6.Provide an analysis of the extent to which HOPWA funds were distributed among
different categories of housing needs consistent with the geographic distribution
plans identified in its approved Consolidated Plan.
7.Describe any barriers (including non-regulatory) encountered, actions in response
to barriers, and recommendations for program improvement.
8.Please describe the expected trends facing the community in meeting the needs
of persons living with HIV/AIDS and provide additional information regarding the
administration of services to people with HIV/AIDS.
9.Please note any evaluations, studies or other assessments that will be conducted
on the local HOPWA program during the next year.
Program Year 2 Action Plan HOPWA response:
Not applicable – The City of Bakersfield is not a HOPWA recipient.
Specific HOPWA Objectives
Describe how Federal, State, and local public and private sector resources that are
reasonably expected to be available will be used to address identified needs for the
period covered by the Action Plan.
Program Year 2 Specific HOPWA Objectives response:
Not applicable – The City of Bakersfield is not a HOPWA recipient.
Other Narrative
Include any Action Plan information that was not covered by a narrative in any other
section.
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BRACE-Bakersfield Redevelopment Areas Cleanup Effort
The Bakersfield Redevelopment Agency (RDA) has received $1,000,000 in federal funds
from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to provide loans to small
businesses for the clean up of hazardous substances on properties or within buildings.
Contaminated sites or buildings must be located within the City’s redevelopment project
areas (map attached). The “BRACE” loan funds are designed to enhance economic
activity, encourage the growth of small businesses and promote commercial or
residential revitalization in these areas. The major goal of the loan fund is to provide
clean up or contamination assistance in order to retain and/or create jobs, provide
housing or services for the community.
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HUD’s Economic Development Initiative
Congress appropriates funds for special projects under HUD’s Economic Development
Initiative (EDI). In response to these appropriations, the City of Bakersfield applied for,
and received, two rounds of monies for use towards the Baker Street Corridor
Improvement project. In the first application, the City received $277,760 and in the
second application $490,000. The funds will be used for streetscape improvements on
Baker Street which is located in the Old Town Kern Redevelopment project area.
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Brownfield Development Initiative Grant
In conjunction with the City of Bakersfield’s applications for Section 108 funds, the City
of Bakersfield applied for BEDI funds for the Old Town Kern mixed use project as well as
the Mill Creek South mixed used project. The BEDI grant can only be applied for in
conjunction with a Section 108 loan and is restricted for economic development
activities. In both cases the BEDI funds will be used for property acquisition, relocation
and demolition. The City has already received $250,000 for the Old Town Kern mixed
use project and has preliminary approval for $750,000 in BEDI funds for the Mill Creek
South mixed use project.
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Project Maps
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