HomeMy WebLinkAbout2010-2014 Consolidated Plan - Action Plan More Than You Imagined
City of Auburn’s
Consolidated Plan for Years 2010 - 2014
and
2010 Annual Action Plan
A Comprehensive Planning Document for
Housing and Community Development Programs
November 15, 2009
Department of Administration
25 West Main Street
Auburn, Washington 98001
(253) 931 - 3041
Table of Contents
Executive Summary Exec 1
Chapter 1: Coordinating and Managing the Process
1 – 1
Chapter 2: Citizen Participation Plan 2 – 2
Chapter 3A: General Population and Household Characteristics 3A – 1
Chapter 3B: Homeless and Special Needs Populations 3B – 1
Chapter 4A: Auburn's Human Service Strategy for PY2005-2008 4A – 1
Chapter 4B: Neighborhood Revitalization 4B – 1
Chapter 4C: Auburn's Homeless Prevention and Anti-Poverty Strategies 4C – 1
Chapter 5: 2010 Annual Action Plan AAP – 1
Attachment 1: Table 3A, Summary/Statement
Attachment 2: Table 3B, Housing Completion
Attachment 3: Table 3C, Listing of Projects
Attachment 4: Notices of Public Comment, Hearing and Resolution
Attachment 5: Minutes of Public Comment and Hearing on October 19, 2009
Attachment 6: Resolution of City Council on November 2, 2009
Attachment 7: Certifications
Executive Summary
Purpose of the Plan
As a prerequisite to receiving Community Development Block Grant funds, along with
other grants and funds from the federal government, the City must have a Consolidated
Plan that is approved by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The City of Auburn's Consolidated Plan is a strategy that coordinates all elements of
community development – affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic
development and human services – into a single plan.
Public Participation
A public hearing is scheduled at the regular scheduled City Council meeting on October
19, 2009. Following public comments, a final edition of the Plan will be submitted to the
City Council for their review and approval on November 2, 2009. The Plan must be
submitted to HUD on November 15, 2009.
In addition to the formalized public hearing process, the City regularly meets with citizens
in neighborhood meetings throughout Auburn designed to solicit input for the needs of the
local community. The City also proactively schedules meetings with local non-profits and
service providers to receive feedback regarding trends of the needs in Auburn. In addition
to this effort, the City obtained information about Auburn’s human service and community
development needs by soliciting proposals from local non-profit service providers. The
City also holds several public meetings and gives presentations throughout the year –
whether based specifically on the CDBG program or on community development issues in
general.
Time Period: 2010 - 2014
The City of Auburn administers its human service grants, including CDBG capital
improvements, using a bi-annual budgeting cycle. The time period of this Consolidated
Plan is five years, it will become effective January 1, 2010 and expire on December 31,
2014. The Consolidated Plan will be reviewed annually. A thirty-day public review
period will precede the submittal of the annual progress report and annual plan to HUD.
Regional Collaboration
The City of Auburn is an entitlement city for Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. It is also a member of the King County Housing Consortium for the
purpose of HOME funds. Most of the City's human service goals are accomplished
through grant contracts with local and regional non-profit agencies. In a few cases, the
City of Auburn undertakes specific types of capital improvements; for instance, street or
sidewalk improvements.
Exec -1
Neighborhood Revitalization
As more affluent neighborhoods are developing around the outskirts of town, Auburn
is developing an inner-city core of low-income neighborhoods. These neighborhoods
characteristically have a greater than average turnover of residents, dilapidated
buildings and general deterioration of City infrastructure. The Consolidated Plan
presents a planning process that can identify a target neighborhood as a local
investment area for the purposes to receive CDBG funding for eligible activities and
improvements. The planning process includes the development a neighborhood plan
created in consultation with neighborhood residents. Once a neighborhood is
designated as a local investment area, it becomes eligible for public investment for
infrastructure improvements, public facilities and environmental protection.
Community Development Strategies
1. Housing Development Strategies:
Preserve, maintain and improve the existing stock of affordable housing because it
is the most affordable form of housing.
Provide services and facilities that serve low-income families and prevent
individuals and families from becoming homeless.
Conserve developable land and natural resources through a variety of housing
types, conservation and site planning techniques that achieve the maximum
housing potential and passive energy use of a particular site.
Develop economically integrated, walkable neighborhoods which generate a secure
atmosphere for both residents and visitors.
Develop effective land use policies and economic development strategies that
provide long term and stable employment, increase per capita income, and reduce
the tax burden of Auburn residents.
2. Homeless Prevention Strategy: The City of Auburn will continue to support regional
efforts to prevent homelessness with services that include the following:
Homeless prevention through the intervention of social service agencies offering
financial assistance for rent and utilities
Temporary assistance offered by emergency shelters and transitional housing.
Emergency home repairs to single family housing units, occupied by very low-
income homeowners, that are at imminent risk of becoming uninhabitable.
Longer-term supportive housing to provide the family a stable environment and
sufficient time for them to benefit from the social, educational, vocational and
supportive services offered by local and regional agencies.
3. Strategy to Abate Lead Based Paint Hazards: The city will assess and reduce lead
based paint hazards, when appropriate, in residential projects funded through the
Housing Repair Program and other comparable, publicly funded programs.
Exec -2
Local and Regional Coordination
The City of Auburn will continue to participate and coordinate its planning and
programmatic activities with other local and regional agencies. Areas of particular concern
and interest include the following:
▪ The City will participate in identifying policies for use of HOME funds and the
development proposals for potential use of HOME funds within the region.
▪ In order to facilitate the coordination and effectiveness of social service programs,
City staff will continue to participate in King County’s Growth Management
Planning committee and other regional working groups. The City will work with all
jurisdictions within the region to develop a regional approach to affordable housing
and social/supportive services.
Housing and Community Development Resources
The City of Auburn works with local social service agencies in their efforts to obtain
funding for their various services and programs. City actions include, among other
activities, keeping agencies informed of funding opportunities and helping agencies draft
grant applications. The main source of funds available to the City for housing and
community development come from its own general fund and the federal Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.
Auburn's Anti-Poverty Strategy
The ultimate goal of the City's Consolidated Plan is to reduce the number of people living
in poverty within the City of Auburn. Toward this end, the City will give funding priority
to programs that - in addition to complying with federal regulations and addressing a
priority outlined in the Consolidated Plan - are consistent with the City's anti-poverty
strategy for resource allocation. The City of Auburn's Department of Planning and
Community Development (DPCD) is its lead agency to coordinate the City's efforts to
reduce poverty. DPCD administers the City's general fund appropriation for human
services and its Community Development Block Grant program. It works in partnership
with citizens, non-profit agencies, and other city departments to:
• develop housing opportunities, particularly affordable housing;
• foster job growth and employment opportunities;
• encourage a thriving business sector;
• support the delivery of human services;
• strengthen the quality of life in Auburn's neighborhoods; and
• increase civic engagement and citizen participation.
Exec -3
Funding Recommendations for 2010
The Auburn City Council, in coordination with the recommendations of the Human
Services Committee, developed the Annual Action Plan for 2010 based on the assumption
that the City will receive approximately $405,000 of CDBG and $600,000 of General
Funds per year. The use of CDBG funds are grouped in one of the following three areas:
Public Service—approx. $60,000
Capital Projects—approx. $265,000
Administration—approx. $80,000
Exec -4
Chapter 1: Coordinating and Managing the Process
Introduction
Auburn’s "Consolidated Plan" reflects both the aspirations of the entire community while
identifying actions to remedy specific unmet needs. The City of Auburn's Consolidated
Plan is a strategy that coordinates all elements of community development – affordable
housing, neighborhood revitalization, economic development and human services – into a
single plan. The City's Consolidated Plan includes both the City of Auburn's general fund
appropriations for human service and the distribution of Community Development Block
Grant (CDBG). It satisfies the application requirements for the CDBG grant provided to
the City by the federal government's Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD).
Time Period: 2010-2014
This Consolidated Plan, as well as any future amendments, if any, become effective
January 1, 2010, or upon its approval date, whichever is later. This version of Auburn's
Consolidated Plan expires on December 31, 2014. Beginning in Program Year (PY) 2010,
the City will award public service grants for a two-year period. Consequently, this plan
will cover two grant award cycles. Capital projects will be awarded annually; however,
the City may choose to only solicit grant applications for capital projects every two years,
in conjunction with the solicitation for public service grant proposals. In between grant
solicitation periods, the City may choose to appropriate its capital funds for annual, non-
competitive projects such as the emergency housing repair program and/or neighborhood
revitalization projects. In the event that the City has surplus appropriation authority, it
may choose to solicit grant proposals for capital projects for the interim year between its
normal grant solicitation period.
Lead Agency
The City of Auburn is an entitlement city for community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds. The City is also a member of the King County Housing Consortium for the
purpose of HOME funds. As opportunities present themselves, Auburn agencies apply to
King County for HOME funds like any other Consortium member. For distribution of its
CDBG entitlement the City of Auburn receives applications for grants from local social
and supportive service agencies. The City of Auburn’s Department of Planning and
Community Development (DPCD) serves as the lead agency in the administration of
Auburn’s CDBG funds.
Collaboration & Partnership
Most of the City's human service and CDBG program is administered through contracts
administered by the City of Auburn's Department of Planning and Community
Development. The only exceptions are grants awarded to other City departments in which
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Memorandums of Understanding are prepared for these monies. City staff prepares the
necessary documents for each agency receiving a grant award. DPCD administers the
contracts to assure their compliance with the City Council’s intent and applicable
regulatory stipulations. During the course of the contract, DPCD staff meets regularly with
agencies to monitor their contracts, provide technical assistance, and resolve problems that
may occur.
Figure 1.1 illustrates the City of Auburn's delivery of human service programs and
activities. The entire process is interactive and collaborative with service providers,
consumers and elected officials. It begins with the development of the Consolidated Plan.
Using demographic data from the U.S. Census Bureau and other sources, the Consolidated
Plan presents the human service needs of the City. Non-city agencies provide their input
through the grant applications they submit requesting funds to undertake activities that
address particular human service needs. The City determines which grants and,
subsequently its human service priorities, through its budgeting process. Finally the
agencies selected for funding are monitored and evaluated to determine how best to revise
the City's human service strategy.
Figure 1.1
Auburn's Human Service Planning Process
The following briefly describes the various components of the process in a little more
detail.
Consolidated Plan: Every five years the City prepares a comprehensive human service
plan. The document includes a plan for citizen participation and public review. It
describes and summarizes the City's human service needs. It then presents a strategy to
address these needs. This strategy includes goals and desired outcomes.
Page 1-2
Competitive Grants: To a great degree, the City of Auburn relies upon local and regional
non-profit agencies to implement the strategy presented in its Consolidated Plan. The City
solicits grant proposals from interested agencies. These agencies submit the outcomes
they plan to achieve, the activities or programs their agencies would provide, and the
outputs these activities or programs will generate.
Budgeting Process: The allocation of funds necessary to implement the Plan is the next
important step. The Human Services Committee (HSC) is a citizen advisory appointed by
the Mayor to focus primarily on the social needs of the community. HSC review grant
applications and makes its recommendations to the Mayor regarding which applications
best meet the City's human service needs. Based on their recommendation, the Mayor
submits a funding proposal to the City Council. Auburn’s City Council is the policy-
making body of the City. The Planning and Community Development Committee
(PCDC), a standing committee for the City Council, reviews and recommends actions on
ordinances, budgets and other policy issues. The PCD committee oversees the City’s many
and various affairs in planning and community development, including but not limited to
the CDBG program and human service grants.
Implementation: Agencies awarded a grant, along with City departments which receive
CDBG funds, enter into a contractual relationship to implement the activities and programs
that will generate the outputs to satisfy the outcomes proposed in the City's overall
strategy. Each agency will monitor their progress and report the output they generate to
the City.
Evaluation: The City compiles the information from the agency's monitoring reports into
various types of summary reports and financial statements. This information is passed on
to HUD using its web-based reporting system. The information is used to compare outputs
and outcomes to the City's overall strategy and HUD's national objectives. The
information also enables all the involved parties to revise its plans as necessary to generate
the desired results. These revisions are reflected in future updates to the Consolidated
Plan.
Monitoring Plan
Once funding is approved, City staff executes an agreement. The agreement will include,
among other general and specific conditions, the project goals and requirements. Grant
agreements for public services will be required to submit reports at least quarterly detailing
the number of Auburn residents served, level of service provided to Auburn residents and a
demographic profile of clients served. Grant recipients will be required to submit an
annual report that explains the progress the agency made toward achieving its outcomes
and output goals.
Grant agreements for capital projects will be executed following the completion of the
environmental review of the project. Capital projects will be required to submit progress
reports at least quarterly or anytime a reimbursement request is submitted. If the project
triggers additional reporting requirements (such as weekly payroll reports for proof of
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federal prevailing wage compliance), project monitoring will be increased accordingly.
Projects will be monitored on a consistent, on-going basis by City staff. Telephone and/or
personal contacts are made at least quarterly, depending upon the activity and issues
associated with the individual project. On-site monitoring visits will be conducted upon
both capital and public service grant recipients. Activities selected for on-site visits will
depend upon the amount of funds provided, past history of contract compliance, and/or any
programmatic changes that may occur in the project or in the service delivery of public
service programs.
City staff will review, prior to approval, all vouchers and backup documentation for
payment. Environmental, lead-based paint inspections and contractor debarment issues
will be reviewed with agency project managers at the beginning of each project. City staff
will strive to help grant recipients complete their projects in a timely manner and in
accordance with applicable rules and regulations.
Managing the Process
In 1993 Congress passed the Government Performance and Results Act (GPRA)
establishing strategic planning and performance measurements in federally funded
programs. GPRA identifies goals and defines the level of performance to be achieved by
program activities. It entails using standardized performance reports that compare
government performance over time against other jurisdictions and grant programs.
Although GPRA is not mandated, there is an expectation that governments that receive
federal funds begin using it. Decisions regarding the continuation of federal grant
programs are based, on part, on their performance as measured by these reports. HUD is
urging its CDBG entitlement cities to begin implementing GPRA.
In 2004 the City of Auburn joined other South King cities to use a common application for
human service grant request. The joint application contained a logic model that links
strategic goals with the operational accountability. The logic model in the joint application
is similar to the logic model recommended by HUD.
A logic model is an abstract of the program or service that is under consideration for
funding or has already been funded. The logic model often serves as the “first impression”
for the grant request. It provides a broad overview of the entire strategy or plan. Logic
models support the management of programs and activities. HUD uses a logic model to
align activities and outcomes of local programs with national objectives. HUD also uses it
to monitor program activities and measure program effectiveness. Figure 1.2 is a summary
of the logic model used by the City of Auburn. It consists of the following components.
Regional Goal: In line with the City of Auburn's acquiescence that is a
partner in the regional delivery and provision of human services, the City
adopts the community goals developed through the regional human service
planning process.
Page 1-4
Outcomes: The expected outcome in terms of community impact or
changes in economic and social status. Auburn's logic model expresses
outcome goals in the form of a vision statement.
Agency/Program: The non-profit selected by the City to generate the
outputs that will achieve the City's desired outcomes. Some large agencies
identify the program that it offers to achieve the desired outcomes.
Activities: Activities or services undertaken to outputs necessary to
achieve outcomes and regional goals. These activities may be performed by
the City of Auburn or by an agency that receives a grant from the City.
Projected Outputs: Numerical measurements characterizing the results of a
program activities, services or intervention. Outputs are used to measure
performance relative to identified outcomes and goals. The output result is used to
evaluate the progress achieved to implement the strategy.
Resources: The funds allocated by the City to the agency for it to generate the
projected outputs to meet the City's desired outcomes.
Consolidated Planning Process
The Year 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan is the City of Auburn's initial step of a long-term
process to implement the attached logic model. The entire process will undoubtedly
require several phases. It will require collaboration with other jurisdictions. As these
other jurisdictions begin implementing the HUD logic model, or something similar to
satisfy GPRA, the City of Auburn will likewise revise and update its Consolidated Plan to
include these performance measurements. Subsequently, the development of the City of
Auburn's Consolidated Plan is an on-going process that will be continuously revised and
refined.
Page 1 - 5
Chapter 2: Citizen Participation Plan
Auburn's Vision for the Future
As a city of regional significance, proud of its small town heritage as well as the diversity
of its people and neighborhoods, Auburn offers opportunities for people of all ages to
enjoy their quality of life.
City of Auburn Mission Statement
To provide a service-oriented government that meets the needs of our citizens and business
community through efficient and professional management with responsive and accessible
leadership.
Citizen Participation in Policy Development
To ensure the widest range of public participation, the City uses a multi-faceted approach
to generate public involvement into the development of its planning policies.
Neighborhood Meetings
Several neighborhood meetings are held during the year to provide both formal and
informal interaction between citizens and city staff. Information concerning the
demography of the city and various planning issues are presented and discussed. These
meetings do not focus strictly on planning issues. A spectrum of public concerns ranging
from health and safety to crime, recreation, community facilities and services are also
discussed.
Public Speakers
Several presentations are frequently made to organizations, neighborhood groups and other
groups of individuals wanting more information regarding planning issues. These informal
talks are typically held in settings selected by the group.
Newspaper Articles
Easy to understand articles in a community newsletter provide the public with information
regarding planning issues and the availability of information, assistance and/or speakers.
The City of Auburn’s community newsletter is distributed to all postal customers -- both
residential and commercial -- within the two zip codes that cover the Auburn area. The
Auburn Update is also included in the local Auburn Reporter.
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News Releases
The media are provided with updates regarding neighborhood meetings, planning issues,
and growth management concerns.
Committee Meetings and Workshops
Both the Planning and Community Development Committee and the Human Services
Committee are advised of changes in the City’s demography and proposed changes in
planning policies. Periodically these standing committees conduct workshops to review the
draft amendments to planning documents and proposed projects. All of these meetings are
open to the public. Documents are made available prior to the meeting and public
comments are encouraged at any time.
Public Hearings
In addition to these opportunities for informal input, the formal adoption process of
municipal ordinances requires public notices and public hearings before either the
Planning Commission and/or the City Council.
Citizen Participation in the CDBG Planning Process
In addition to the above efforts, citizens have the opportunity to participate in the
formation of CDBG policies and the development of CDBG funded projects. The
following outlines the public’s access to participate in Auburn’s CDBG program.
Human Services Committee
A citizen advisory committee, the Human Services Committee, was established to review
the social needs of the city that should be considered when appropriating federal revenue
sharing funds and general funds. They serve as a committee to advise the mayor and the
council on allocation and application for grant funds for community development projects.
In addition, the Human Services Committee reviews and evaluates existing programs,
encourages citizen participation, performs other assignments referred by the Mayor or City
Council. The Committee meets regularly each month and occasionally has a special
meeting regarding a particular issue and/or concern. The full committee consists of eleven
members who serve staggered terms of three years. Among them, the members represent
the clergy, the schools, local business, and community service groups. Members of the
Human Services Committee are appointed by the Mayor and confirmed by the City
Council. The Committee receives technical assistance from DPCD staff.
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Consultations with Provider Agencies
A community meeting is held annually with local housing and human service providers.
This meeting provides a format and a forum for providers – both those that are regularly
funded by the City and those who do not receive public funding – to talk about emergent
needs in the community. The meeting also provides time for providers to talk about goals
and projects that should be undertaken within the next planning and/or funding period.
Throughout the year, when the Human Services Committee is not reviewing funding
applications and making recommendations to the Council, the Committee visits and/or
meets with local social service agencies. During these meetings and site visits, agencies
present their programs along with information and data pertaining to their target
populations. Committee members use these meetings to assess community needs and
discuss potential projects.
In addition, during the annual performance report process, City staff makes monitoring
visits to each of the funded organizations. The purpose of the visit is not only to ensure
that the agency is in compliance with CDBG and City regulations, but also to provide
technical assistance and to solicit feedback from the agency about their experience
working with the program.
Annual Performance Report
In March and April City staff prepare a performance report on the previous CDBG
program year. This progress report, called a Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Report (CAPER) summarizes program accomplishments and challenges. It
reports on the status of each strategy and describes any changes to the Annual Plan. A
workshop about the CAPER is held with the Planning and Community Development
Committee and a public hearing is conducted before the City Council. Copies of the
Annual Performance Report are distributed to the City Council, Human Service
Commission, local service agencies and current recipients of CDBG funds.
Solicitation of Potential Projects
In May the City begins soliciting proposals from interested agencies for the forthcoming
program year. A public notice indicating the availability of grant funds is distributed and
published in the local newspaper. The announcement includes the amount of funds
available for distribution and the City’s desire that these funds be used to benefit low-
income Auburn residents. A public meeting is generally held in cooperation with other
local jurisdictions that also fund housing and human service activities. This meeting is
scheduled and advertised to all agencies, and the agenda is set up to explain the application
process and distribute application packets. City staff meets with agencies and other groups
to disseminate information and answer any of their questions. In June and July the Human
Services Committee analyzes the applications, interviews newly-funded prospective
agencies, and prepares their recommendations for the allocation of CDBG funds. Their
recommendation is incorporated into the preliminary draft of the Plan.
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Preliminary Draft of the Consolidated Plan
In early fall, a preliminary draft of the revised Plan is finished. Copies are distributed to
the City Council, Human Service Commission, local service agencies and all the agencies
that requested CDBG funds for the next program year. A public notice is published in the
local newspaper that contains a brief summary of the plan and instructions for providing
public comments.
Public Review Period
Interested citizens have a thirty-day period to comment on the proposed Plan. A summary
of citizen comments is included as an appendix to the Plan along with an explanation of
actions taken in response to the comments.
Public Hearings
During the public review period, the City Council conducts a public hearing on the
preliminary draft of the revised Plan. A public notice indicating the time, date, location and
purpose of the hearing is posted in at least three public places and published in the official
newspaper of the City of Auburn The Seattle Times. City staff addresses comments and
suggestions expressed at the public hearing. They take these comments and suggestions
into consideration during the preparation of the final draft of the plan.
CDBG Budget Ordinance
Concurrent with the above preliminary draft, City staff prepares and distributes the CDBG
budget ordinance. This budget ordinance appropriates CDBG funds during the next
program year. The budget ordinance must be processed in accordance with local and state
laws. A public hearing on the proposed budget is typically scheduled at the same time and
date where the City Council listens to public comment on the preliminary draft of the
Consolidated Plan. Passage of the budget ordinance does not occur until the final draft of
the Consolidated Plan is finished. The budget ordinance is typically passed concurrently
with the adoption of the Consolidated Plan.
Final Edition of the Consolidated Plan
At the end of the public review period, City staff prepares the final draft of the
Consolidated Plan. A resolution is prepared asking the City Council to adopt the Plan. If
the Council decides to revise the final draft, another public hearing is scheduled. A public
notice is published in the local newspaper indicating the time, date and reason for the
public hearing. Once the City Council passes the resolution adopting the Plan, the final
edition is published, distributed and submitted to HUD for approval.
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Amending the CDBG Budget Ordinance
Any significant change to a CDBG project approved through the Consolidated Planning
Process is administered as an amendment to the CDBG budget ordinance. A significant
change is defined as any of the following conditions:
1. Change in the activity as described in the narrative description of each appropriation
listed in the budget ordinance.
2. Change in the appropriated amount when greater than $15,000.
Amendments to the budget ordinance require a public hearing. A description of the
amendment, time and date of the public hearing is published in the local newspaper. The
public has an opportunity to comment on the proposed amendment at the public hearing
which is prior to Council action.
Inactive or Abandoned Capital Projects
For the purpose of appropriations using Community Development Block Grant
(CDBG) funds, the following criteria will apply:
Public Services and Administration: CDBG funds appropriated for eligible
public service and administrative activities are made solely and strictly for
activities within the program year for which they were appropriated. These
activities will be considered accomplished at the end of the program year. Any
remaining appropriation for public service and administrative activities at the
end of the program year will be reappropriated to eligible projects in the next
program year.
Capital Improvements: According to RCW 35A.33.150, special fund
appropriations, such as CDBG appropriations, do not lapse but carry forward
from year to year until fully expended or the purpose has been accomplished or
abandoned. CDBG funds appropriated to sub-recipients for capital
improvements must be expended within the term of the sub-recipient’s CDBG
grant agreement. CDBG funds appropriated for capital improvements will be
considered abandoned, and the funds will be reappropriated, if any of the
following conditions exist:
(a) The term of the grant agreement expires and the sub-recipient fails to
request an extension in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
(b) The sub-recipient fails to submit a request for reimbursement or fails to submit an
activity report during the program year.
(c) The sub-recipient fails to make the project “bid ready” within the first year after the
appropriation. “Bid ready” means that, at a minimum, the bid specifications are
drafted and the sub-recipient is ready to solicit bids.
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The City may consider exceptions to the above criteria if extenuating circumstances exist
such that making such exceptions would be fair and prudent.
Access To Information
Applications, contracts and other records related to the past use of Auburn CDBG funds
are available for public review at the Department of Planning and Community
Development, Auburn City Hall, 25 West Main Street, from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, Monday
through Friday.
Technical Assistance
Through the documents and information distributed by the City, prospective agencies and
groups are advised that technical assistance is available. Several agencies have accepted
the City’s offer to provide technical assistance.
Access to Planning Information
Copies of the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Consolidated Plan, census data and other
planning information are made available, free of charge, to any interested person or group.
Copies of the City’s planning documents are distributed to local libraries, Chamber of
Commerce, schools, news media and several other organizations.
Grievances and Complaints
Written complaints or grievances are answered within 15 working days whenever possible.
Citizens have the opportunity to appeal to the City Council for their desired response or
action regarding the Plan. A summary of written complains or grievances along with a
response is included in the appendix of the Plan.
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CHAPTER 3A: HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
This section offers statistical and analytical information that provides an overall picture of
Auburn's housing and community development needs. It lays the foundation for Chapter
4: Housing and Community Development Strategies.
GENERAL POPULATION AND HOUSEHOLD CHARACTERISTICS
Population
In 2009, Auburn had an estimated population of 67,485 people. Recent growth, as well as
projected growth, is attributable mainly to annexations and/or the construction of new
housing in the recently annexed areas. If Auburn continues to grow at its current rate, then
by year 2020 its population will be approximately 80,000 people.
Figure 3.1
Auburn's Population
0
10000
20000
30000
40000
50000
60000
70000
80000
1891190019101920193019401950196019701980199019952000200420102020Actual Projected
Ethnic and Racial Trends
The 2000 Census indicates 82% of Auburn's residents were Caucasian and the remaining
18% were people of color. In 2008, the Census projected those statistics would remain the
same. According to the Auburn School District, the ethnic population in Auburn has
increased from 2000 to 2008 by 18.6%. In the past eight years the Asian and Hispanic
population has increased while the Caucasian population has decreased.
Page 3A-1
Figure 3.3
Figure 3.4
Household Characteristics
In the Year 2008, it had been projected that Auburn had a total of 32,447 households.
Families with children comprise less than one-third of Auburn's total households. Single
parents, mostly women, head approximately 12% of family households with children. A
nearly equal number of households are people living alone or married couples with no
children.
Figure 3.5
Types of Auburn Households
Married w/
Children
20%
Married w/out
Children
31%
Single Parent
12%
Living Alone
29%
Non-Family
8%
Change in Ethnic Population
{Percentage total change}
62.1%
37.9%
80.7%
19.3%
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
Caucasian - non Hispanic People of color including
Hispanic
2008 2000
Percentage of Ethnic Population in Auburn
0.0%
10.0%
20.0%
30.0%
40.0%
50.0%
60.0%
70.0%
80.0%
90.0%
American
Indian/AK Native
Asian Black Hispanic Caucasian
2008 2000
Page 3A-2
Age of Population
The median age of the Auburn resident in 2008 is 35.5 years which is slightly less than the
King County median age of 35.7 years. Figure 3.5 illustrates the change in Auburn's age
groups between and 2000 and 2008. At the same time, the age groups between 35-60
years decreased. The average age of a new resident in Auburn is 40 years of age.
Approximately 7% of Auburn's population is school-age children 5-19 years. Seniors age
60 years or older account for 6% of Auburn's total population –and less than the King
County average (13%).
Figure 3.6
Auburn's Population Sorted by Age Group
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%1-4 yrs5-9 yrs10-14 yrs15-19 yrs20-24 yrs25-34 yrs35-44 yrs45-60 yrs60-75 yrs75+ yrs2000 2008
Income Characteristics
Low-income is defined as a household that earns less than 80% of the King County median
household income (KCMI). In the year 2008, the King County median household income
increased to $81,400 per year. The definition of low income subsequently increased to
include those households earning less than $42,000 per year. In the year 2008, 13% of
Auburn's households earned less than $42,000 per year and, therefore, are low income.
Auburn’s Median Incomes
Figure 3.7
Auburn
2000
Auburn
2008
%
change
King Cty
2000
King Cty
2008
% change
Per Capita Income 19,360 26,329 36% 29,521 45,320 35%
Median HH Income 39,208 51,362 31% 53,157 66,969 21%
Median Family Income 45,426 57,691 27% 66,035 80,362 18%
Page 3A-3
Poverty
Created in 1955, the poverty threshold assumes that families who spend a third or more of
their gross income on four basic and essential food groups, as determined by the U.S
Deptartment of Agriculture, are living in poverty. The poverty threshold amount varies by
family size. It does not vary geographically across the nation. If the family's total income
is less than the "poverty threshold", then the entire family is considered as in poverty.
According to the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services, in 2009 the poverty
threshold for an individual was $10,830, for two persons it was $14,570 and for a four-
person household it was $22,050 per year. Between 2000 and 2009, the number of Auburn
residents living in poverty increased. It is unclear how much of this increase is due to
poverty-stricken people moving into Auburn or existing low-income households losing
ground and slipping into poverty. In any event, it is one of the reasons Auburn's median
income levels remained comparatively lower than the rest of King County. In the year
2000, roughly 5,000 Auburn residents, or 12% of its total population, live in poverty.
Employment
In 2000, nearly 20% of Auburn’s residents worked in the manufacturing industries.
Between Year 2000 and Year 2008 Auburn’s resident labor force lost approximately one-
half of these manufacturing workers. The retail trade employment in Auburn has increased
from 15% to 24% primarily as a result of Auburn’s Supermall of the Great Northwest,
Wal-Mart and Sam’s Club.
Figure 3.8
Change in Jobs Located in Auburn
0.0%
5.0%
10.0%
15.0%
20.0%
25.0%Ag/MiningConstMfgWholesaleRetailF.I.R.EProf SvcsEd & HealthArts & EntOtherPublic Admin2000 2008
Page 3A-4
Auburn's economy presents an interesting conundrum – namely how to connect the people
who live on the east side of Auburn to the jobs located on the west side of Auburn. The
City of Auburn's Comprehensive Land Use Plan divides the City into three parts. West
Auburn is designed to serve the Central Puget Sound region. East Auburn contains the
majority of residential areas and downtown Auburn connects the two. According to the
Puget Sound Regional Council, approximately 38,058 jobs are located in Auburn. More
than half of these jobs are located on its west side. The Census indicates Auburn residents
fill approximately 5,811 (15%) of these. Roughly 69% of Auburn's adult labor force live
outside of Auburn. Their average commute time in Year 2000 was 23 minutes.
Educational Attainment
Figure 3.9 compares the educational attainment of Auburn's adult population to King
County. It indicates that the adults in Auburn over 25 years of age who have less than
twelve years of education are twice as high compared to the King County average. Auburn
has a few Census block groups where one out of three adults has less than 12 years of
education. These block groups tend to have a large number of very low-income
households and high percentage of immigrant families. South King County in general
tends to lag behind east and north King County relative to the number of adult residents
who are college graduates. The Census indicates 15% of Auburn's adult population over
25 years of age has bachelor or postgraduate degree compared to a King County average of
40% for the same age cohort. Among the south King County cities, only three cities --
Algona (7%), Pacific (9%) and SeaTac (15%) – have fewer college graduates.
Figure 3.9
Number % Total Number % Total King Co. % KC Total
Total Persons 25+ Years Old: 21,099 100%25,569 100%1188740 100%
Years of school completed . . .
<9th grade 1,118 5%1,253 5%40,702 3%
9-12th, no diploma 2,685 13%3,139 12%75,026 6%
High school graduate 7,207 34%8,172 32%227,931 19%
Some College, No Degree 5,658 27%6,832 27%280,812 24%
Associate Degree 1,710 8%2,176 9%89,321 8%
Bachelor's Degree 2,053 10%2,874 11%316,451 27%
Post Graduate Degree 668 3%1,123 4%158,497 13%
Educational Attainment of Auburn's Adult Population
1990 2000 2000
HOUSING CONDITIONS AND MARKET ANALYSIS
Number and Type of Housing
In 2008 – 2009 ownership housing was more affordable than in 2004-2007, but the median
priced home still cost almost $60,000 more than the median income household could
afford.
Page 3A-5
The median sales price of all homes in King County (single family, townhomes,
condominiums and mobile homes) declined about 2% from $397,000 to $390,000 in 2008
and had dropped to $351,500 by May 2009. This represented roughly a 12% drop over the
previous twelve months. Nationally, home prices fell about 19% during the same twelve
month period.
The average home price in Auburn between 2004 and 2009
Average Home Sale Price in Auburn
$0
$50,000
$100,000
$150,000
$200,000
$250,000
$300,000
$350,000
$400,000
$450,000Jul-04Nov-04Mar-05Jul-05Nov-05Mar-06Jul-06Nov-06Mar-07Jul-07Nov-07Mar-08Jul-08Nov-08Mar-09
Figure 3.10
Auburn's Housing Supply: 1990-2004
Type 1990 1994 2000 2004 % Total 10 yr Diff % Diff
1-unit 6,117 6,366 7,913 8,990 46%2,624 41%
2-units 781 813 916 976 5%163 20%
3&4 units 1,366 1,485 1,670 1,717 9%232 16%
5+ units 3,751 3,916 4,782 5,385 28%1,469 38%
MH units 2,041 2,106 2,359 2,298 12%192 9%
SP-units 100 100 44 54 0%na na
totals 14,156 14,786 17,684 19,420 100%4,634 31%
Page 3A-6
Renters and Homeowners and Tenure
More than half (53%) of the housing units in Auburn are owner-occupied. The median
year in which both rental and homeowner housing units were built was 1976 or 34 years
ago. The average length of tenure of an Auburn homeowner is six years; whereas the
average tenure of a renter is one year.
Figure 3.11
Comparison of Tenure
{sorted by % Owner Occupied}
Owner Renter Total % Owner % Renter
Pierce Co.165598 95202 260800 63% 37%
Bellevue 28189 17647 45836 61% 39%
King Co.425436 285480 710916 60% 40%
Burien 7552 5847 13399 56% 44%
Federal Way 17612 13825 31437 56% 44%
Redmond 10520 8582 19102 55% 45%
Puyallup 7064 5806 12870 55% 45%
Tacoma 41676 34476 76152 55% 45%
Auburn 8731 7377 16108 54% 46%
SeaTac 5281 4427 9708 54% 46%
Renton 10848 10860 21708 50% 50%
Kent 15178 15935 31113 49% 51%
Seattle 125165 133334 258499 48% 52%
Lakewood 11357 12435 23792 48% 52%
Housing Market Analysis:
In 2000, the median sales price of a home was $245,000; in 2009, the median sales price of
a home in King County was $403,500. In 2000, the median sales price of a home in
Auburn was $239,000; in 2009, the median sales price of a home in Auburn was $387,000.
The cost of housing in Auburn is still less than the rest of King County. The following
table represents a snapshot of the housing market on three separate dates. Several of the
homes for sale that are less than $100,000 are mobile homes in designated manufactured
home parks.
Page 3A-7
Figure 3.12
Homes for Sale in Auburn
6/2/2002 5/18/2004 8/2/2009
Total Number of SF Houses 474 429 578
Median Price: $239,950 262,000 $305,091
Number of Units
… Over $325,000 93 98 140
… $250,000 to $325,000 118 146 147
… $175,000 to $250,000 186 115 170
… $100,000 to $175,000 72 32 87
… Less than $100,000 5 38 34
Housing Affordability
Affordability concerns all households, regardless of income. It pertains to a household’s
attempt to reach a balance between its financial means and its desire for decent housing
and amenities. The accepted definition of affordability is based on the percentage of
household income spent on dwelling costs. Dwelling costs for an owner occupied unit
include principal and interest payments, taxes, insurance and public utilities. A housing
unit is considered affordable if monthly dwelling costs are less than 30% of the
household’s gross income. If a larger share of household income is spent on dwelling
costs, then the household is probably sacrificing money that would normally be spent for
other basic needs such as food, health care, childcare, education, etc.
The term “affordability gap” refers to the difference between the average price of housing
– either rented or owned – and the recommended, affordable price of housing. A positive
gap means the price of housing is less than the recommended amount that a household
could afford to pay. Households with positive affordability gaps have several choices of
affordable housing. A negative gap indicates the price of housing exceeds the
recommended amount for housing. Households with a negative affordability gap have
fewer housing choices.
According to the Year 2000 Census, the median household income in King County was
$53,157 per year. For half of the households in King County, housing costs of less than
$1,330 per month would be affordable. The Census indicated the median rent paid by
Auburn residents was $639 per month and the median mortgage payment was $1,061 per
month. Subsequently, Auburn has a number of affordable housing choices relative to King
County in general.
Page 3A-8
Figure 3.13
Housing Affordability by Income Level
Income Group % Auburn
Households
Very Low Income
(0-29% of KCMI)
Low Income $1,286 to $2,215
(30-49% of KCMI)
Moderate Income $2,216 to $3,544
(50-79% of KCMI)
Low-Median Income $3,545 to $4,430
(80-99% of KCMI)
High-Median Income $4,431 to $5,270
(101-119% of KCMI)
Upper Income
(120% or more of KCMI)
9%
21%
16%
24%
16%
14%
$1,580to$1,331
$1581 or more
$665 to $1,060
$1,061 to $1,330
Yr 2000 Monthly
Household Income
Affordable
Housing Costs
$0 to $385
$664to$386
{$20 - $25 per hour}
{$25 - $30 per hour}
more than $5,270
{more than $35 per hour}
less than $1,285
{less than $8 per hour}
{$8 - $13 per hour}
{$13 - $20 per hour}
Cost Burden
Figure 3.14
Households Paying More Than 30% for
Housing Costs By Income Group 0%10%20%30%40%50%60%70%80%90%Less than $10,000:
$10,000 to $19,999:
$20,000 to $34,999:
$35,000 to $49,999:
$50,000 to $74,999:
Auburn King Co.
$75,000 to $99,999:
$100,000 or more:
Figure 3.14 shows the percentage of
total households in Auburn and King
County relative to the amount of
their household income spent on
housing costs. Approximately one
out of four of Auburn's households
pay 35% or more of their household
income for housing costs.
Approximately 75% of Auburn
households who earn less than
$20,000 per year pay more than 30%
for their housing costs. An even
greater percentage of King County
low-income households have
unaffordable housing. In other
words, these low income households
would pay even more of their
income for housing outside of
Auburn. A smaller percentage of
Auburn's more affluent households have unaffordable housing compared to the rest of
King County.
Demand for Affordable Housing
King County has virtually no private market rental units affordable to the nearly 75,000
households with very low incomes. That’s why the King County Housing Authority’s
Public Housing and Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8) programs provide such a critical
safety net for the most at-risk populations living in unincorporated King County and the
area’s 23 suburban cities, including Auburn.
Page 3A-9
KCHA is an independent municipal corporation established under Washington state law.
The Housing Authority continues to play a vital role in assisting local government in rising
to the challenge of developing housing and settlement patterns that are sustainable over the
long term while protecting the environment and quality of life in this region. In addition to
providing decent affordable housing to the county’s elderly, disabled, and poorest
households, KCHA continues to both shape and assist private market efforts to expand the
stock of affordable “workforce” housing.
Housing Inventory
KCHA owns or controls 118 residential complexes with 8,474 units, including about 2,650
Public Housing units. In addition, more than 9,600 households receive rental assistance
vouchers through the Section 8 program. That means that every night, KCHA ensures that
more than 18,000 households have a place to call home.
The populations served by KCHA include families, the elderly, people with disabilities,
youth, chronically mentally ill, victims of domestic violence, and persons with AIDS.
KCHA’s housing programs include:
• Public Housing
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
• Affordable Workforce Housing
• Emergency and transitional housing for homeless and special needs populations
• Homeownership opportunities
In addition to its housing programs, KCHA provides home repair and weatherization
assistance to qualifying private property owners and landlords throughout King County.
Subsidized Housing
The stock of subsidized housing is quite diverse, ranging from single-family to townhouse
to multifamily developments. Most family developments throughout King County are
small, having less than 40 units, and in Auburn, that figure is slightly higher with just
above 50 units, on average. Serving those with the greatest need is our primary mission,
and our Public Housing application process includes a preference for those earning 30
percent of median income or less. Rents are not more than 30 percent of the tenant’s
adjusted income.
KCHA has roughly 3,500 subsidized housing units, including those at Public Housing
communities and units subsidized through Project-Based Section 8 funding. Of those, 362
are located in Auburn at the sites listed below.
Figure 3.15
KCHA Subsidized Housing Communities
Located in Auburn
Development Name Number
of Units
Type of
Housing
Burndale Homes 50 F
Firwood Circle 50 F
Green River Homes 60 F
Gustaves Manor 35 S/D
Page 3A-10
Plaza Seventeen 70 S/D
Valley Park 30 F/D/T
Wayland Arms 67 S/D
Total: 362
D: Disabled F: Family S:Senior T: Transitional
In addition to its subsidized housing units in Auburn, KCHA has 278 units of workforce
housing and 126 manufactured housing spaces. KCHA also partners with a local nonprofit
agency to provide two units of emergency housing.
Rental Assistance
Given the consistently high demand for Section 8 Vouchers, the King County Housing
Authority only opens its waiting lists periodically for a two-week period. When last
opened in June 2007, nearly 11,000 families applied for assistance, of which 2,500 were
selected through a lottery process and placed on a waiting list.
Those who apply must verify that they meet one of three local preferences:
• Households that are homeless or about to become homeless through no fault of
their own;
• Households living in substandard housing or transitional housing;
• Households paying more than 50 percent of income on rent and utilities.
Once selected for a voucher, participants have the choice of living anywhere in KCHA’s
jurisdiction. As of the end of September 2009, 9,664 voucher holders were living in King
County. Of those, 905 voucher holders -- slightly more than 9 percent -- were housed in
the Auburn area. That percentage is down from the 10 percent who were living in the area
in 2004 though the total number of voucher holders in Auburn has actually grown by about
150 in the past five years.
Capital Improvement Projects
In the past five years, KCHA has completed several capital projects in Auburn to enhance
the Public Housing developments there. Those projects include:
• Interior renovations and water line upgrades at Burndale Homes and Firwood
Circle;
• Fire and life safety system upgrades at Gustaves Manor, Plaza Seventeen, and
Wayland Arms;
• Heating system upgrades at Plaza Seventeen.
KCHA’s 10-Year Capital Plan outlines the highest priorities that need to be addressed
among the identified capital needs for Public Housing developments. The estimated cost
for all of these projects in the next 10 years is $55 million, including $13 million for
various improvements in Auburn. The following table summarizes planned improvements
as outlined in KCHA’s 10-Year Capital Plan.
Page 3A-11
10-Year Capital Fund Plan
Scheduled and Deferred Projects
Site Est Costs Description of Main Improvements
Burndale Homes $1,600,000
New community building ($600,000) and site
improvement work, including paving, lighting,
storm drainage ($1,000,000)
Firwood Circle 1,500,000
Community building addition and remodel
($700,000) and site improvement work,
including paving, lighting, and storm drainage
($800,000
Green River 10,000,000 Major interior, exterior, and site renovation
Total Planned: $13,100,000
In addition, KCHA has received $645,088 in federal funds from the 2009 American
Recovery and Reinvestment Act (stimulus bill) to make improvements at Wayland Arms.
Of that funding, almost $250,000 was competitively awarded to KCHA to upgrade some
units to be accessible for people with disabilities. The rest of the funding will pay for new
accessible entry doors as well as several energy efficiency upgrades, including a new boiler
and thermostatic control system and new exterior and interior common area lighting with
light sensors in all corridors.
High Performance
Because of KCHA’s longstanding high performance, the Authority was selected by HUD
to become a Moving to Work Housing Authority in 2003. This distinction, given to less
than the top 1 percent of the Housing Authorities nationwide, allows for flexibility in the
development of local program policies that will better meet Housing Authority and
community needs.
Through its MTW flexibility, the Section 8 department is exploring revisions to current
Section 8 policies that would facilitate more efficient and effective availability of housing
vouchers. These efforts include forming partnerships to serve people with special needs,
including housing for the homeless.
In Public Housing, MTW flexibility has, for example, allowed KCHA to take innovative
financing approaches to address the backlog of unmet capital needs. In 2008 alone, KCHA
leveraged more than $30 million into the redevelopment and upgrading some of its most
outdated housing, ensuring that these units remain a viable, affordable housing resource
over the long term. The MTW program’s funding flexibility also has assisted KCHA
efforts to ensure all senior/disabled buildings have up-to-date fire and life safety systems as
well as other upgrades.
Page 3A-12
Five Year Projections
The City of Auburn's "2020 Population Projection" forecast that Auburn will experience
greater than average growth over the next 20 years. Housing developments in the Pierce
County portion of Auburn combined with annexations of Lea Hill and West Hill, will drive
Auburn's growth over the next twenty years. Figure 3.16 represents the projected housing
growth indicated in the City’s "Year 2020 Population Estimate". Among the 16,200
projected increase in housing units, roughly one-fourth of the new housing units (5,267
housing units) will be built outside of the annexation areas. Approximately 40% of
Auburn's new housing units will be built in the Lakeland PUD located in the Pierce County
portion of Auburn and the remaining 35% will be located in the Lea Hill annexation areas.
Figure 3.16
Housing Growth Projections
0
5000
10000
15000
20000
25000
30000
35000
40000
1970 1980 1990 2000 2010 2020
Distribution of Housing Among Income Groups
King County’s growth management policies recommend Auburn plan for 37% of its
projected new housing units be affordable to low and moderate income households as
follows: 20% for low income and 17% for moderate income households. The King County
Planning Policies state that in areas identified as city expansion areas, King County and the
respective cities should plan cooperatively for affordable housing development and
preservation. Figure 3.17 represents the projected distribution of new housing units
relative to respective income groups over the next six years. The distribution between
single family and multi-family dwelling units is consistent with the mix of types of
housing units reported in the Year 2000 Census.
Figure 3.17
Page 3A-13
Auburn's Year 2010 Housing Target
Recommended by King County
Total SF MF Total Total HU % Total
2000 2010 2010 New HU Yr 2010 Yr 2020
Less than 50% 5347 0 777 777 6124 23%
50%-80% 4841 100 407 507 5348 20%
80%-120% 3944 1224 816 2040 5984 23%
120%+ 3552 4500 769 5269 8821 34%
Totals 17684 5824 2769 8593 26277 100%
Barriers to Affordable Housing
With its consistently lower rents, Auburn’s rental housing market continues to offer some
of the most affordable rental opportunities within the county. In addition, the median cost
for purchasing a home in Auburn continues to be lower than the King County median cost
for home ownership. Auburn remains one of the leading cities in the county for providing
affordable home ownership opportunities. However, given the high concentration of low
income people in Auburn, home ownership is less likely an option for many Auburn
residents. Auburn residents with very low incomes (less than 50% of the King county
median income) are likely to have excessive housing costs.
Since Auburn currently has one of the highest concentrations of affordable housing for low
and moderate income groups in the county, continued emphasis will be placed on the
preservation, maintenance and improvement of this existing stock and on improving the
living environment of predominantly low income neighborhoods. Future housing needs
will be addressed primarily through market forces. The City will continue to assist in the
development of affordable housing alternatives for households not reached by the market
(e.g., emergency shelter, transitional housing, etc.) in accordance with Auburn’s fair share
of the region’s need for such housing.
Over the past twenty years, Auburn has responded positively to the housing needs of low
and moderate income groups. Over the next twenty years, Auburn will attempt to
economically integrate its community by diversifying its housing stock to include all
income groups. Auburn currently has a relatively small portion of households consisting of
middle and higher income groups. By striving to bring its number of low and moderate
income households in line with the rest of King County, while increasing the growth rate
of households with more affluent incomes, Auburn should achieve a more even
distribution and diversity of socio-economic groups.
The City of Auburn's Comprehensive Land Use Plan includes policies and
recommendations to develop Auburn into a collection of culturally diverse and
economically integrated neighborhoods consisting predominantly of single family
residences, joined together by a pedestrian oriented transportation system, along with
complementary public spaces, educational facilities, recreational and social services
Page 3A-14
sufficient to promote and sustain an amenable quality of life. Development activities will
cultivate a sustainable community wherein:
• Home buyers and renters of all income groups have sufficient opportunities to
procure affordable housing.
• Existing neighborhoods along with properties of special and/or historic value are
preserved for enjoyment and enhancement of future generations.
• A balanced mix of affordable housing types exist in order to meet the needs of all
economic segments of the population.
• Public and private agencies implement policies and offer programs or projects that
help alleviate physical and economic distress; conserve energy resources; improve
the quality and quantity of community services; and eliminate conditions that are
detrimental to health, safety and public welfare.
• Residential developments are monitored for purpose of reducing the isolation of
income groups and groups with special needs; the determination of existing and
future housing needs along with better utilization of land and other resources that
enhance the availability of affordable housing opportunities.
Fair Housing:
The City of Auburn is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to housing
choices for all people. The Fair Housing Act prohibits discrimination in housing because
of race or color, national origin, religion, gender, familial status and/or physical
disabilities. Complaints received by the City pertaining to alleged violations of the Fair
Housing Act are referred to:
Seattle District Office
Washington State Human Rights Commission
1511 - 3rd Ave #921, Seattle Washington 98101
phone #206-464-6500
When a complaint is filed, the Commission acts as a neutral fact-finder. It gathers facts
about the situation and then determines whether there is cause to believe that
discrimination occurred. The Commission will send a written notice to the person(s)
alleged to have committed the act of discrimination. The Commission will ask for a written
response to the charge. A Commission Investigator will investigate the complaint by
gathering more evidence, interviewing witnesses, or conducting site visits. Whenever
appropriate, the Commission will meet with both sides to explore resolving the issues.
Upon completion of the investigation, the Commission will issue a finding. If the evidence
does not support the charge of discrimination, the Commission will issue a finding of "no
reasonable cause" to believe discrimination occurred. If the Commission finds that there is
reasonable cause to believe discrimination occurred, it will seek conciliation of the
complaint. Appropriate remedies in the conciliation process may include back pay,
reinstatement, rent refunds, or training to eliminate the unfair practice.
Page 3A-15
If conciliation fails, the complaint may be turned over to the Attorney General's office for
hearing before an Administrative Law Judge. The Commissioners may grant
reconsideration if the party can show that there was a misapplication of the law, or that
relevant information provided during the investigation was not considered in the finding.
Impediments to Fair Housing:
Auburn is becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Approximately 11% of its
population was born in foreign countries. Over one-third of its households have children.
Auburn also has a large population of people with physical disabilities. Approximately 9%
of Auburn's adult population has a physical disability. All of these are factors for which
the potential for housing discrimination may occur.
Several years ago the King County HOME Consortium, which includes the City of
Auburn, conducted an "Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choices in King
County." This analysis found that the most common cited basis for complaints involved
"refusal to rent" and "coercion". Thirty-four percent of the cases filed alleged
discrimination based upon disability status. People of color or other national origins filed
50% of the cases. Successful conciliation or settlement occurred in 44% of the cases,
while "no cause" was determined in 32% of the cases. The rest were either withdrawn or
had another form of disposition.
One of the conditions to receiving a Community Development Block Grant is to
periodically analyze local impediments to fair housing. The City uses this information to
determine actions to overcome the effects of any impediments identified through that
analysis. The City of Auburn continues to implement changes identified in its updated
analysis of impediments to fair housing. The progress in the implementation of this
analysis is included in the annual update of this Consolidated Plan. Copies of the report
presenting the findings from the analysis of fair housing impediments are be available at
City Hall for public review.
Affirmative Marketing Plan to Promote Fair Housing:
The City of Auburn administers all its programs and activities related to housing and
community development in a manner to affirmatively further the policies of the Fair
Housing Act. It requires that all contractors, subcontractors, sub-recipients, owners,
landlords, and vendors will not discriminate against any person on the basis of their race,
color, ethnicity, religion, gender, familial status or physical abilities. Towards these ends,
the City proposes to implement the following affirmative marketing strategy:
Recipients of public funds administered or provided by the City of Auburn for
housing and community development activities must agree to comply and
promote the Fair Housing Act. Certification of their agreement to comply and
promote the Fair Housing Act will be a condition to a grant recipient's
eligibility for City funds.
Page 3A-16
Brochures and flyers regarding the provisions of the Fair Housing Act will be
distributed to social service agencies, business firms engaged in activities
associated with housing, and the local library.
Community service announcements and press releases will be placed on
public access cable television channels.
All announcements, program advertisements, solicitations, brochures and
flyers prepared and distributed by the City of Auburn for housing and
community development activities will display the Equal Housing
Opportunity logo or slogan.
Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity posters in Spanish, Ukraine and English
will be displayed at City Hall and at the public library.
Records will be maintained regarding the actions taken by the City of Auburn and its grant
recipients for a period of five years following the end of each program year. These records
will be available for public and HUD review. Updating the analysis of fair housing
impediments will become part of the planning process for the Consolidated Plan. The City
of Auburn will annually assess the success of its affirmative marketing actions and
determine if any corrective or additional strategies are needed to better inform people
about their equal rights to housing choices.
Lead Based Paint
Over the past 100 years, the percentage of lead in paint has varied from 50%, common in
the 1940’s to 0.6% after the Consumer Product Safety Commission ban in 1978. Older
housing, particularly housing built before 1940, is at highest risk for containing lead-based
paint. Using an estimation technique developed by The National Center for Lead-Safe
Housing, a rough estimate of the number of housing units at highest risk for lead based
paint hazards was developed. The percentage of housing units occupied by very low-
income renters is used by HUD as an indicator of highest risk. Auburn may have
approximately 1,659 housing units with a potentially high risk of lead-based paint
somewhere within the particular housing unit.
Page 3A-17
CHAPTER 3B: HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Homeless and Special Needs Populations:
Homeless Populations:
The lack of reliable, non-duplicative data makes estimating the homeless population in
Auburn impossible. For instance, some of the homeless families served by the YWCA
shelters in Auburn were transient and had never lived in Auburn until they were placed in
the shelter. On the other hand, some families residing in shelters located in other cities had
previously lived in Auburn. At best estimates of Auburn's "at-risk" can be measured
relative to characteristics and trends of King County's homeless population in general.
Regional Characteristics and Trends
The "One Night Count of Homeless People in Seattle/King County" has been conducted
annually for the past 28 years. The Seattle/King County Coalition for the Homeless
(SKCCH), a partnership of not-for-profit and government agencies that collaborates to
address the needs of homeless people, assumes oversight of this event.
The 2008 Annual One Night Count was conducted on January 25, 2008, which marks the
first year Auburn has participated in the Annual One Night Count program.. It is estimated
that a total of 8,439 people are homeless in King County on any given night. The survey
of shelters and transitional programs found 5,808 people utilizing services on the One
Night Count. The street count portion of the count found 2,631 people surviving outside
without shelter, 40 of whom were counted in Auburn.
According to the 2006 Annual One Night Count there were 7,910 people who were
homeless. The 2008 count represents a 7% increase in King County’s homeless population
in the previous two years.
Figure 3.21
2008 One-Night Count
2006 2007 2008
Street Count 1,946 2,159 2,631
Shelters & Transitional Housing 5,964 5,680 5,808
Totals 7,910 7,839 8,439
Source: Seattle/King Co Coalition on Homelessness
The One Night Count survey asks participants to list the last permanent address of people
utilizing their services. A permanent address is defined as a place occupied for at least two
months, excluding shelter and transitional housing. This information was collected for
Page 3B-1
over 70% of the households who were accessing services. The following table summarizes
the results. The total number of survey respondents who indicated South King County as
their last permanent address was 15%.
Figure 3.23
Last Permanent Address of Households Surveyed
# of
Households
Emergency
Shelter
Transitional
Housing Total %
Seattle 1,772 60% 49% 55%
Out of State 483 17% 12% 15%
South King County 499 11% 20% 15%
WA State {outside of King Co} 189 5% 7% 6%
North or East King County 298 4% 6% 4%
Unknown/info not monitored 551 na na na
Source: Seattle/King Co Coalition for the Homeless, "28th Annual Count", March 2008
Factors Contributing to Homelessness
When the survey was conducted, the King
County median household income was
$81,400 per year for a family of four. Of the
households served on the night of the survey,
70% had incomes below 30% of the KCMI.
Among the homeless people surveyed 19% of
them received income from employment, 8%
received public assistance, 9% met the federal
disability requirements to receive
Supplemental Security Income (SSI), and
16% had no income at all.
Of the total individuals who were counted,
approximately 3,180 provided information
relating to contributing factors. The survey
allowed for more than one factor to be attributed to an individual. Among the factors
identified, economic or financial loss and domestic violence were most frequently cited.
While underlying issues such as substance abuse and mental health are root causes to many
of these factors, they are not specifically identified as main indicators of the cause of
homelessness. These underlying issues oftentimes are factors of the job loss, domestic
violence, abuse, etc.
Figure 3.24
Factors Contributing to Homelessness
Factors Contributing
Economic or Financial Loss 19%
Domestic Violence 19%
Transience 13%
Eviction or Displacement 12%
Family Crisis (divorce, widowed, etc) 12%
Physical/Emotional Abuse 10%
Other 9%
Did not meet housing criteria 3%
Racism 1%
Minor Asked to Leave Home 1%
Page 3B-2
Auburn's At-Risk Homeless Population:
Among the several factors that contribute to homelessness, only a few of them are
measurable. Nonetheless, HUD requires the Consolidated Plan include a description and
estimate of individuals who are currently housed but threatened with homelessness. For
the purposes of meeting these guidelines, Auburn's "at-risk" homeless population is
defined as a percentage of households that are overcrowded and/or significantly
unaffordable. It also includes a percentage of victims of domestic violence who are fleeing
physical or emotional abuse.
(a) Overcrowded Households
Overcrowded conditions may indicate a "hidden homeless" population of families
who might be doubling up with other families. The Census Bureau defines
overcrowding as more than one person per room. Rooms include all livable subunits
within the housing unit including bathrooms, kitchens, enclosed porches suitable for
year-round use, and basements. For example, a family of four in a one-bedroom
apartment would be overcrowded. Overcrowding is an indicator for homelessness
because some or all of the occupants are at risk of displacement or eviction – for
instance, if the overcrowded conditions violate the rental agreement. The 2002 One-
Night Count found that 12% of the population surveyed was homeless due to eviction
and/or displacement. The Year 2000 Census found 446 households, with a total
population of approximately 1,560 people, met the Census Bureau's definition of
overcrowded. Approximately three-fourths of these households were rental units.
(b) Significantly Unaffordable
Another potential indicator of homelessness is households with "significantly
unaffordable" housing costs. "Significantly Unaffordable" is defined as households
that pay 50% or more of their household income for housing. Any number of
unexpected expenses or a financial crisis puts at jeopardy the household's ability to
pay their rent or mortgage. The 2002 One-Night Count found 19% of the survey
population was homeless due to financial and/or economic loss the Census found
1,878 households who paid 50% or more for their household income for housing.
Three-fourths of them are rental units. In the event of a financial crisis, a homeowner
has options that a renter does not have. For instance, they can sell their home and/or
refinance their mortgage. For this reason, only the "significantly unaffordable" rental
units are included in the estimation of Auburn's at-risk homeless population. The
total population of these "significantly unaffordable" rental units is approximately
3,595 people. In the year 2007 during a two week period in May, KCHA received
11,000 applications for their section 8 housing voucher list.
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(c) Victims of Domestic Violence:
Police Incidents from the Auburn Police Department indicate an average of 772
incidents of domestic violence (including arrest) per year. Assuming each incident is
a separate household, and based on the average household size provided by the U.S.
Census, less one perpetrator; the estimated population is approximately 1,235
victims. The 2007 One-Night Count found that 15% of the survey population of
2000 was homeless due to domestic violence.
In order to convert the above at-risk populations into an estimated need for both facilities
and services, the above at-risk populations are converted into the estimated number of beds
necessary to accommodate the homeless population at one-point in time. The estimate
assumes that the entire at-risk population will not need services all at the same time; but
rather, services will be parceled-out over the period of a year. The "Homeless Continuum
of Care Plan" developed by the King County Homelessness Housing and Services Program
states the average length of stay at an emergency shelter is 14 nights. Using this average,
the following estimate was developed regarding the level of service that might be required
to accommodate Auburn's at-risk homeless population.
Figure 3.25
Estimate of Auburn's At-Risk Homeless Population
Estimated At-Risk
Depended Variables: #HH Est PopPropensity Population
-- victims of domestic violence 384 576 38% 219
-- significantly unaffordable housing costs1438 3595 19% 683
-- overcrowding 446 1561 13% 203
Total At-Risk Population 1105 a
Average Bednights 14 b
Total Bednights Per Year15470 c=(a*b)
Total Bednights Per Day 42 d=(c/365)
Homeless Continuum of Care
The City of Auburn cooperates with King County and other local jurisdictions to plan
services and facilities for homelessness and homeless prevention. The County applies
annually for McKinney grant funds to serve the homeless and at-risk populations; agencies
in Auburn are eligible to apply for these funds much as they apply for HOME funds
through the consortium.
(a) Emergency Shelter
Auburn has two shelters: one shelter is operated by the YWCA and the other is
operated by Auburn Youth Resources (AYR). The YWCA shelter consists of two
2-bedroom units that contain approximately six total beds. The shelter primarily
serves one and two parent families with children. Occupants can stay in the shelter
Page 3B-4
for up to three months. While in shelter, the YWCA refers the tenants to
appropriate health and social services. The AYR shelter has approximately six total
beds. It serves primarily runaway and abandoned youth. Counseling, education,
information and referral services along with foster home placement are provided.
(b) Transitional Housing
The YWCA has twelve units of transitional housing in Auburn. These twelve units
serve primarily homeless families. Tenants may stay in the transitional housing for
up to two years while only paying 30% of their income for rent. Half of this
payment goes into a savings account for use when the household moves on to
permanent housing. The YWCA provides counseling and referral services for these
shelters.
(c) Daytime Facilities
Auburn currently does not have any day shelters, soup kitchens or other daytime
only facilities. The Auburn Community Supper program offers a free supper once a
week at a local church.
Other Facilities, Social and Supportive Services
St. Vincent de Paul coordinates a hotel voucher program for the homeless. The
Salvation Army has recently opened a South King County office to provide emergency
assistance for individuals and families.
In addition to providing shelter for homeless youth, Auburn Youth Resources offers
other services including: 1) Individual, group and family counseling; 2) Support
groups for teen parents and victims of sexual abuse; 3) Alcohol/drug evaluations,
counseling and education services; 4) Employment services; and 5) 24 hour crisis
intervention and foster home placement.
The Auburn Food Bank provides emergency assistance with rent and utility bills. It
also administers the local food and clothing bank.
Auburn’s churches provide social services in the amount of $150,000 - $200,000
annually in the form of emergency rental assistance, food, shelter, and clothing, among
other basic survival needs.
The City’s Finance Department administers a utilities (water and sewer)
reimbursement program for low income Auburn senior citizens as well as the ‘Auburn
Cares’ program which
In addition to the services mentioned above, several agencies outside of Auburn serve
Auburn residents. Agencies which receive financial support from the City include the
following: 1) The Domestic Abuse Women’s Network (DAWN) provides shelter and
services for victims for domestic abuse; 2) Washington Women’s Employment and
Education (WWEE) provides employment training and placement services to low
income and unemployed persons; 3) Catholic Community Services provides a number
of support services to low income and homeless persons including emergency housing
Page 3B-5
assistance; and 4) YWCA provides emergency assistance to the homeless and victims
of domestic violence.
Victims of Domestic Violence
Victims of domestic violence are another subpopulation group that requires special
attention. Each year the City of Auburn allocates nearly $100,000 or more for services to
victims of domestic violence.
Regional Characteristics and Trends
Statistics about domestic violence speak volumes about the serious nature of this national
epidemic. In the United States, according to information distributed by the King County
Coalition Against Domestic Violence (KCCADV), a woman is beaten every nine seconds
by her intimate partner. On average more than three women per day are murdered by their
husbands or boyfriends in the U.S. One in three women has been beaten, coerced into sex
or otherwise abused during her lifetime. Domestic violence tends to escalate during
pregnancy. As many as 60% of battered women experience abuse during their pregnancy.
Auburn is no exception to these national trends. Police reports indicate an average of 772
incidences of domestic violence each year. These figures are conservative. Many reports
of assault are connected to domestic violence and are not included in these numbers. In
any event, Auburn police officers are responding to two or more reports of domestic
violence each day.
The impact of domestic violence on children must not be overlooked. KCCADV reports
that during 2007 approximately 1,355 South King County women received services out of
which these victims had a total of 1,761 children. National statistics indicate over half of
men who abuse their female partners also abuse children. In homes with four or more
children, the figure leaps to over 90%. For the children whose mothers are abused, they are
six times more likely to attempt suicide and 50% more likely to abuse drugs and alcohol.
Fifty percent of all mental health care dollars are spent on adults who were abused as
children.
For every single victim of domestic violence served by local shelters, eleven other victims
are turned away. Each year, in King County, more than 15,000 women and children
fleeing violent homes are turned away from shelter because of lack of space. Domestic
violence was the leading cause of homelessness in King County outside of Seattle. These
figures do not include the many more women and children who are sleeping in their cars or
farmed-out to friends and relatives.
Page 3B-6
Factors Contributing to Domestic Violence:
There is no clear method or list of characteristics that determine who will be likely victims
of domestic violence; aside from the fact that it is most likely to be a woman (85% of
batterers are reported to be male). Domestic violence crosses all socio-economic
boundaries, affecting women of every age, race, religion, ethnicity, and sexual orientation,
regardless of marital status. Although women at every income level might experience
domestic violence, the majority of welfare recipients have experienced domestic violence
in their adult lives and a high percentage currently live in abusive situations. For women
of color, immigrant and refugee women, bisexual, lesbian and transgender women, and
women with disabilities, they encounter many additional barriers when they seek help. As
described in a study by the Seattle/King County Department of Public Health, key barriers
include lack of knowledge about the law, lack of knowledge about the availability of
available services, and lack of safe, affordable housing.
Existing Services and Facilities:
In 2008, the City of Auburn provided more than $100,000 in General Fund grants to
provide services to approximately 225 victims of domestic violence and/or sexual assault.
The funds are allocated among ten agencies, these are listed below:
… Consejo 10,000
… Crisis Clinic 3,000
… DAWN 9,000
… King County Sexual Assault Resource Center 22,500
… Jubilee Center: Latino Program 7,500
… Sound Mental Health: Behavioral Responsibility 10,000
… Sound Mental Health: DV Therapy 7,000
… Valley Cities Counseling: DV Advocacy 12,000
… YWCA: Children DV Services 5,000
… YWCA: DV Services 20,000
subtotal: 106,000
In addition to these, the City runs a Domestic Violence Victim Support Team (DVVST)
which responds with Police to various instances of domestic violence and sexual assault in
Auburn. The team is funded with General Fund monies and operates under the direction of
the City’s Domestic Violence Legal Advocate in the Legal department.
Page 3B-7
In 2006 representatives from agencies in South King County that serve victims of domestic
violence met to prioritize the service needs. The service needs that emerged as priorities
are listed below according to their priority.
Priority #1: More culturally competent and accessible services for
refugee and immigrant DV survivors.
Priority #2: More services to children who are experiencing
domestic violence.
Priority #3: Coordinated delivery of sub-regional services.
Priority #4: More confidential shelter beds and/or safe havens.
English Proficiency
Around 14% of Auburn's population speaks a language other than English in their homes.
Among these households, a total of 750 households {5% of total households} identify
themselves as "linguistically isolated". In other words, households in which no person 14
years of age or older speak only English or speak English very well. The principal
household languages other than English are Spanish, Ukraine, Vietnamese and Russian.
Auburn has a higher percentage of linguistically isolated households among Spanish and
other European languages than the rest of King County. The following chart compares the
percentage of linguistically isolated households by language group. For instance, among
all the households in Auburn in which Spanish is spoken, approximately 25% do not have
anybody over the age of 14 years that speak English.
Figure 3.9
Linguistically Isolated Households
0%
5%
10%
15%
20%
25%
30%
35%
40%
45%
50%
Spanis Other Asian Other
WA KC Auburn
Page 3B-8
Residents with Disabilities
Regional Characteristics and Trends:
According to a U.S. Census, approximately 15% of King County's adult population
between 21 to 64 years of age has a disability. Among the County's disabled population,
nearly two-thirds of them are employed. The Washington State Independent Living
Council reports that 9% are considered "severely" disabled or approximately 112,000
residents. As the population ages over the next 20 years, this percentage is likely to
increase according to the Independent Living Council.
Auburn's Population
The Census reports that Auburn had 14,445 over five years of age that are living with a
disability. The Census defines a disability as a long-lasting physical, mental, or emotional
condition. The Census divides disabilities into the following six categories. "Sensory
Disabilities" pertain to long-lasting conditions such as blindness, deafness, or a severe
vision or hearing impairment. "Physical disabilities" include people with a condition that
substantially limits one or more basic physical activities, such as walking, climbing stairs,
reaching, lifting, or carrying. The remaining four categories include people with physical,
mental, or emotional conditions lasting six months or longer that make it difficult to
perform certain activities. The four activity categories were: (a) learning, remembering, or
concentrating (mental disability); (b) dressing, bathing, or getting around inside the home
(self-care disability); (c) going outside the home alone to shop or visit a doctor's office
(going outside the home disability); and, (d) working at a job or business (employment
disability). The data includes some duplication; for instance, somebody with a sensory
disability may also have an employment disability.
Figure 3.10
Residents with Disabilities
Type of Disability 5-15 yrs 16-64 yrs 65 yrs + Totals
Sensory disability 101 875 932 1908
Physical disability 41 1977 1617 3635
Mental disability 312 1256 653 2221
Self-care disability 0 473 658 1131
Go-outside-home disability na 1,496 1211 2707
Employment disability na 2,843 0 2843
Totals 454 8920 5071 14445
Hunger
Regional Characteristics and Trends:
Washington State has the fifth worst hunger level in the national according to the U.S.
Department of Agriculture. "Food Insecurity", or not knowing from where your next meal
Page 3B-9
will come, is approximately 40% higher in Western Washington than the rest of the nation.
Approximately 75% of the residents in Western Washington who use food banks are
employed or have some source of income. One main reason Western Washington has a
high rate of hunger is the high cost of housing. Increased housing costs consume a larger
percentage of housing income leaving less money available for food.
Auburn's Population
Food banks in South King County report that the requests for food bank assistance are
continuing to grow with the greatest increase in working families with children. Food
banks are now providing on-going support to low-income working households instead of
periodic distributions of emergency food rations. The Auburn Food Bank serves a total of
10,500 clients per year out of which 9,500 are Auburn residents. It distributes an average
of 70 pounds of food to 1,657 families per month and 27 homebound clients per month.
Staff at the Food Bank estimate the amount of food they are distributing is approximately
25% more than in recent years. The number of clients served by the Food Bank is roughly
equivalent to the number of low-income households in Auburn.
Senior Citizens
Regional Characteristics and Trends:
From 2000 to 2008 the number of senior citizens over the age of 60 years increased from
3,444 to 4,580 people. By 2013 the number of elderly 65 years and older in Auburn who
experience difficulties with activities of daily living is expected to increase by 38%. The
availability of affordable housing will continue to not keep pace with demand. The Area
Plan on Aging identified an immediate need for an additional 1,475 units of affordable
housing for seniors in King County.
Auburn's Population:
Approximately 15% of Auburn's total population are seniors age 60 years or older. Senior
women significantly out-number men. Roughly 20% of Auburn's total households have
individuals over the age of 65 years. The average size of the senior household is 1.45
persons, which means the majority of them live alone. The median income of a senior
household is $30,000 per year, which is 25% less than the Auburn median household
income of $39,208 per year and less than half of the King County median household
income of $53,157 per year. Approximately 60% of Auburn's senior households are very-
low income and 20% are low-moderate income. The 2000 Census indicates 70% of
Auburn's seniors live in owner-occupied housing. In a survey of area seniors, affordable
housing and transportation were identified as the two greatest needs followed by in-home
care and home repairs.
Page 3B-10
Chemical Dependencies
Regional Characteristics and Trends:
From January 2004 through June 2006 there were a total of 18,857 assessments in King
County with 90% resulting in patient admission for chemical dependencies. Among these
adults, approximately 1,000 are classified as chronically publicly inebriated – most located
in the City of Seattle, particularly its downtown core. Approximately 9% of the County’s
rural population is in need of treatment, while a higher proportion of urban residents (11%)
are in need of treatment.
The continuum of care developed by the King County Division of Alcohol and Substance
Abuse Services strongly contends that housing is a vital component to the treatment and
recovery of people with chemical dependences. A number of barriers inhibit the
development and/or provision of housing for chemically dependent individuals and their
children. Among low-income persons, continued chemical dependency threatens their
housing stability because it can affect employment and income stability and their ability to
be good tenants. Finding a site for housing for people with chemical dependences is
difficult. Communities react strongly to what they perceive as dangerous individuals in the
vicinity of their children, community safety and property.
According to information from the Crisis Clinic, the following agencies provide housing
for people with chemical dependences in South King.
Always Hope – nine locations throughout South King County
Catholic Community Services – Katherine House: confidential
Conquest Center – Tukwila
Multi-Service Center – Kent and Federal Way
Vine Maple Place – Maple Valley
Auburn's Population:
Estimating Auburn's population of people with chemical dependences is difficult to
impossible to determine. Using the estimates provided by the King County Consolidated
Plan (11% of the total population), Auburn could have as many as 5,000 people with
chemical dependences. In 2008 the Auburn Police Department reports indicate that
roughly 10% of the total police incidents involved drugs or alcohol. These figures are
very conservative because they do not include traffic violations.
Auburn has several agencies that provide treatment and support recovery for people with
chemical dependences. Among them, these agencies are the following:
Police Department: Drug Abuse Education
Auburn Youth Resources: Chemical Dependency Services
Page 3B-11
Childhaven: Drug-Affected Infant Program
Encourage Counseling Services: Christian counseling program
Future Visions: DUI Court Related Services
Milam Recovery Centers: Outpatient Addiction Treatment Services
Muckleshoot Nation: Muckleshoot Tribal Alcohol Program
Auburn Municipal Court: Alternatives to Incarceration and Treatment Release
Programs
Youth and Children
Regional Characteristics and Trends:
The King County Consolidated Plan reports that cities in south King County identified
prevention of child abuse and neglect as a priority need in their communities. The
Washington State Child Protective Services reported a total of 11,477 accepted cases of
physical and mental child abuse in 2007 for King County, which is an increase of 45%
from 1998.
According to a survey conducted by the United Way of King County in 2007, youth crime
is another regional concern. Other concerns uncovered in area surveys include an increase
in number of children not being ready to learn when they attend school, youth substance
abuse problems, and lack of services for children and youth involved in domestic violence
or abuse.
The King County Consolidated Plan estimates that 60% of all children need child care
services. It estimates a demand for 75,000 childcare slots; whereas King County has only
42,300 licensed childcare slots. Demand for childcare is slightly less than twice as high as
the number of childcare slots available. For low-income working families, finding
affordable childcare is almost impossible without some kind of subsidy. Service providers
have seen an increased demand for before and after school scholarships, childcare
subsidies, child care for special needs children, and child care especially for infant care for
evening, part-time and weekend hours.
Among youth arrested for crimes, approximately 40% are under 15 years of age or less and
60% are between 15 to 18 years of age. The majority of the crimes committed by youth
occur between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Numerous studies indicate the rate of crimes committed
by youth are significantly less in school attendance areas with after-programs that provide
12 hours or more of supervised activities. Among older children, out-of-school programs
create pathways for academic support, service learning, youth empowerment, youth
leadership, employment, career development, culture, arts, media, recreation and crime
prevention.
Auburn's Population:
Poverty is particularly harmful for children as they grow up. Approximately 18% of
Auburn's children under the age of 18 years live in poverty. In South King County,
Page 3B-12
approximately 71% of the clients who use local food banks are families with children.
Poverty typically means a family and neighborhood environment with limited
opportunities for quality experiences that help a young child grow into resilient and
independent adults. Family poverty often entails reduced monitoring, parent
psychological distress and substance abuse, punitive parenting and less parental support for
child's early learning skills. There is considerable evidence indicating programs that
deliver carefully designed interventions with well-defined goals can affect both the
parenting behavior and the development trajectories of children who are threatened by
socio-economic disadvantage. Programs that combine child-focused educational activities
with explicit attention to parent-child interaction patterns and relationship-building have
the greatest effects.
Anecdotal reports from truancy officers and other school personnel indicate a connection
between self-care before school and truancy issues. Schools providing before and after
school tend to have a lower truancy rate than schools without similar programs. Among
youth arrested for crimes, approximately 40% are under 15 years of age or less and 60%
are between 15 to 18 years of age. The majority of the crimes committed by youth occur
between 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Numerous studies indicate the rate of crimes committed by
youth are significantly less in school attendance areas with after-programs that provide 12
hours or more of supervised activities.
Page 3B-13
Chapter 4A: Auburn's Human Service Strategy for 2010-2014
Introduction
This section summarizes the City of Auburn’s housing and community development
strategy. It begins with an overview of federal, regional and city objectives. It proceeds to
outline goals and objectives to achieve the strategy. These goals and objectives are used to
review grant applications and determine which grants the City ought to award. The next
section will outline the activities, outcomes and outputs proposed by grant recipients
selected for funding.
Federal, Regional and City Priorities
Auburn’s municipal code establishes that the primary responsibility of the city is to
provide for the health, safety and welfare of its citizens. While these services are important
to all citizens, low-income residents are particularly affected by these services to maintain
their quality of life. The City of Auburn supports national, regional and local efforts to
address the social service needs of both the region and the City.
Federal Agenda:
The federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides cities, such
as the City of Auburn, financial assistance to help them meet certain national objectives.
Regional and federal policies advance the accomplishment of three basic goals. First,
programs are to provide decent housing. Second, programs are to provide a suitable living
environment. Third, programs are to expand economic opportunities.
Provide Decent Housing:
Decent housing includes helping homeless persons obtain appropriate housing and
preventing persons from becoming homeless. It includes retention of affordable housing
stocks and increasing the availability of permanent housing, in standard condition and
affordable cost, to low-income and very low-income families. Federally-funded programs
put particular emphasis on providing assistance to members of disadvantaged minorities
without discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex national origin, familial status, or
disability. Decent housing also includes increasing the supply of supportive housing which
combines structural features and services needed to enable persons with special needs to
live with dignity and independence.
Establish and Maintain a Suitable Living Environment:
A suitable living environment includes improving the safety and livability of
neighborhoods. Improvements involve access to quality public and private facilities and
services. It includes reducing the isolation of income groups within the community through
the spatial de-concentration of housing opportunities for persons of lower income and
Page 4A-1
revitalizing the deteriorating or deteriorated neighborhoods. Programs geared toward
suitable living environment include the restoration and preservation of properties of special
historic, architectural or aesthetic value and conservation of energy resources.
Expanded Economic Opportunities:
Expanded economic opportunities includes the provision of jobs to low-income persons
and the availability of mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates
using nondiscriminatory lending practices. Programs entail access to capital and credit for
development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the
community, and the empowerment and self-sufficiency of low-income persons so as to
reduce generational poverty.
Regional Agenda:
Both the demand and supply of human services is not limited or restrained by jurisdictional
boundaries. A conglomeration of regional funding sources typically supports the delivery
of human services by regional agencies. In 2002, the Regional Policy Committee of the
Metropolitan King County Council provided a framework for developing countywide
partnerships for provision of human services. Human services were grouped into five
regional goals. The United Way, King County, Seattle, Bellevue, and the South King
County Human Services Forum, which includes the City of Auburn, adopted these goals.
The services related to these goals are not mandated services and, as such, are particularly
vulnerable to funding reductions during revenue shortfalls. These regional goals can be
summarized as follows. The goal statements are not listed in any order of priority.
Food to eat and a roof overhead: Pertains to basic human essentials as food and
shelter.
Supportive relationships within families, neighborhoods, and communities: Pertains to
opportunities for social bonding and providing a network of support for those in need.
Safe haven from all forms of violence and abuse: Assurance that people are safe and
feel secure in their communities, including school, home and work.
Health care to be as physically and mentally fit as possible: Preventing catastrophic
consequences, such as death or permanent disability, from curable illnesses and
injuries.
Education and job skills to lead an independent life: Developing the capacity of
residents to acquire and maintain a living wage job is dependent on having the
education and job skills that match the needs of employers.
These regional goals are not inclusive of all human services. In particular, they do not
include services primarily supported by federal and state funding such as housing,
employment assistance, criminal justice, mental health, chemical dependency, and
Page 4A-2
developmental disabilities services and state managed programs, such as foster care,
welfare, Medicaid or Medicare. The adequacy of these services locally, does however,
impact the demand for regional human services, and King County has provided some local
funding for mental health and substance abuse services for youth and adults identified in
the criminal justice system.
City Agenda:
In line with the City of Auburn's acquiescence that it is a partner in the regional delivery
and provision of human services, the City adopted the community goals developed through
the regional human service planning process. Towards this end, the City of Auburn will
consider supporting regional human service programs when their services provide a clear
and evident benefit to the residents of Auburn. The City's role in funding local human
services strives to enhance the regional
delivery of services within the Auburn
community. The City may consider
local initiatives to provide human
services when:
Regional agencies are not
responding to the urgent needs of
Auburn residents.
The demand or need for
services requires more
attention than what regional
agencies can provide without
additional subsidies.
Special services are needed to meet
specific local needs.
City Priorities:
Within these agendas there is a broad
range of demands for human services.
The local demand for human services
greatly exceeds the City's financial
capabilities. Among all the competing
demands for human services, the
following outcomes and output goals are
the City of Auburn's priority concerns
during the next four years.
Figure 4.1
Summary of National, Regional
and Local Goals
National Agenda
Provide Decent Housing
Establish and Maintain a Suitable Living
Environment
Expand Economic Opportunities
Regional Agenda
Food to eat and a roof overhead
Supportive relationships within families,
neighborhoods and communities
A safe have from all forms of violence
and abuse
Health care to be a physically and
mentally fit as possible
Education and job skills that lead toward
an independent life
Local Agenda
Respond to urgent needs that are not
addressed by regional agencies.
Increase the level of service provided by
regional agencies to meet the demand for
services required by local residents.
Page 4A-3
Regional Goal: Food to Eat and a Roof Overhead: Continue to ensure that
people have access to basic necessities of life which, for the purposes of this planning
process, are defined as food, clothing and housing.
Outcome: Auburn residents will have access to emergency assistance for food.
Output Goals:
Delivery of services sufficient to distribute assistance to at least
11,000 low-income households per year.
Keep up with growing demand for emergency food services by
increasing storage capacity and coordinating regional partnerships
among South King County food banks and food distributors.
Outcome: Auburn residents will have access to emergency assistance in the event
that they become, or will soon become, homeless.
Output Goals:
Maintain the availability of services to prevent approximately 1,000
Auburn residents from becoming homeless each year.
Have available approximately 20 emergency home repair grants for very-
low income, single-family homeowners who are at risk of becoming
homeless unless repairs are made to keep their home habitable.
Outcome: Auburn will continue to have affordable housing choices for all
socioeconomic groups.
Output Goals:
Support regional efforts for the fair share distribution of affordable
housing for low-income households.
Renovate surplus public or commercial buildings which have
become dilapidated and/or blighted, into affordable housing by
regional non-profit agencies with proven experience to
professionally manage low-income, multi-family housing.
Encourage mixed-use developments in downtown Auburn.
Create incentives for the development of planned communities that
meet the unique needs of retired couples and senior citizens
Page 4A-4
Regional Goal: Supportive Relationships within Families, Neighbor-
hoods and Communities: Creating opportunities for social bonding and providing a
network of support for those in need is the definition of community.
Outcome: Auburn has a network throughout the City of before and after school
programs that provide supervised care, mentors and tutors for the
children of working parents.
Output Goals:
Maintain and increase the availability of quality, affordable, accessible
out-of-school care by developing partnerships between schools, faith-
based organizations and non-profit agencies.
Develop and circulate information about the value of out-of-school
programs along with a directory that explains the nature of the offered
program and its location.
Outcome: An Auburn network of youth services that provide therapeutic and
supportive services to low-income families with children who are at-risk
of anti-social, destructive behaviors and/or academic failure.
Output Goals:
Support proven services for youth identified as being at-risk of
developing criminal careers.
Sustain and expand mental health and substance abuse treatment for low-
income young people.
Promote strategies to help parents/caregivers maintain nurturing
relationships with children.
Outcome: Auburn's senior citizens and people with disabilities have access to the
supportive services they may need to live with dignity.
Output Goal:
Provide emergency home repairs to very-low income seniors and people
with disabilities so that they can remain in their home.
Prevent seniors and people with disabilities from becoming isolated by
providing them transportation, respite care, meals along with other types
of supportive programs.
Outcome: Auburn has affordable childcare for its low-income working families.
Output Goal:
Continue to support regional efforts to subsidize the pro Outcomes of
childcare services for low-income households.
Help assure the facilities of childcare agencies that serve predominantly
low-income households remain in good repair and condition.
Page 4A-5
Regional Goal: Safe haven from all forms of abuse: Freedom from violence
and sexual assault is an inalienable human right that should be safeguarded in the
community including schools, homes and the work environment.
Outcome: Auburn residents who are victims of domestic violence or sexual assault,
including the children of victims, have access to appropriate services that
will protect them and help them heal.
Output Goals:
Provide crisis intervention through the continued support of regional
crisis line and teen link services.
Support regional efforts to provide and sustain comprehensive services to
victims of domestic violence and sexual assault, including the provision
of confidential shelters, advocates and therapy.
When incidents occur on weekends when few resources are available;
offer supportive services to victims of abuse and sexual assault until
appropriate referrals to regional services can be made.
Develop and provide culturally competent services for refugee and
immigrant domestic violence survivors.
Mobilize community resources to advocate against domestic violence and
sexual assault, including community education, assistance to the children
of victims, and the creation of a community fund to sustain services and
meet unique needs.
Regional Goal: Health care to be physically and mentally fit: Good
physical and mental health are recognized as both critical to the individual and an indicator
regarding the quality of life a community provides its residents.
Outcome: Within the city limits of Auburn are located non-profit agencies that
provide health care to its low-income residents.
Output Goals:
Support a regional network of community health services that provide
basic health care to low-income residents.
Maintain a network of agencies providing services and therapy to
residents with chemical dependencies.
Assure the availability of services to residents trying to manage chronic
diseases and losses caused by death.
Family counseling and support groups for children, youth and/or parents
at-risk of academic failure, anti-social, suicide, chemical dependences
and/or criminal careers.
Page 4A-6
Regional Goal: Education and job skills to lead an independent life: The
capacity to acquire and maintain a living wage job is dependent on having the education
and job skills that match the needs of the employer.
Outcome: Auburn has a central location that makes available a variety of services
and assistance to individuals who are starting a business.
Output Goals:
Help potential entrepreneurs obtain the business skills they need to start
and sustain a business.
Provide potential entrepreneurs research and technical assistance on
potential businesses in Auburn and means to finance them.
Outcome: A collaborative relationship exists in Auburn between non-profit and
educational organizations that strive to increase the average educational
attainment of Auburn's adult labor force.
Output Goals:
Help low-income residents increase their level of employment by
focusing on their literacy and mathematics skills.
Provide low-income Auburn residents technical assistance and support
to increase or improve their employability.
Outcome: Strengthen downtown Auburn as a city focal point by building on
existing assets, facilitating catalyst projects in key locations, stimulating
infill and redevelopment, and constructing high-quality public
infrastructure.
Output Goals:
Advance the implementation of Auburn's downtown plan.
Develop linkages between downtown Auburn and adjacent
neighborhoods.
Research and technical assistance to expand employment opportunities
in downtown Auburn.
Page 4A-7
Chapter 4B: Auburn's Human Service Strategy for 2010-2014
Neighborhood Revitalization
Over the past decade, the City of Auburn has experienced sustained demographic and
economic growth. The core area of the City and selected residential areas have shared
some of this past growth, but the majority of growth has occurred in areas on the periphery
of Auburn. Urban planners refer to this phenomenon as the “rotten donut” effect where the
inner city neighborhoods decline as growth moves to the urban fringes.
In response to the desire to protect the City’s investment in these areas, as well as to
enhance their economic vitality and physical appearance, the City includes this
"Neighborhood Revitalization" element in its Consolidated Plan. The Plan establishes
procedures for the selection of target neighborhoods so that CDBG funds, along with other
federal funds, may be used to preserve and/or revitalize the targeted neighborhood.
Selection of Target Neighborhoods
Target neighborhoods must be selected to meet the regulatory requirements of the HUD
Community Development Block Grant Program. In particular, the neighborhood must
satisfy the definition of an "area benefits". Area benefits are activities in locations where
at least 51 percent of the residents are low- and moderate-income persons. Such an area
need not be coterminous with census tracts or other officially recognized boundaries but
must be the entire area served by the activity. An activity that serves an area that is not
primarily residential in character shall not qualify under this criterion.
Neighborhood Plan:
HUD / CDBG regulations require a written process used to develop a neighborhood
revitalization strategy. The "Neighborhood Plan" must be developed in consultation with
members of the target neighborhood. Furthermore, the plan needs to contain the following
components:
Economic conditions of the neighborhood including levels of
employment, number of businesses located in the neighborhood,
condition of housing and public infrastructure.
Describe opportunities for development including the demand and types
of public facilities and/or services needed in the neighborhood.
Describe the problems that the neighborhood is likely to face as it
attempts to implement activities to meet its area wide needs.
Performance measurements that include goals and anticipated results
caused by implementing the Neighborhood Plan.
Page 4B-1
Local Investment Area:
"Locally Investment Areas" are defined as neighborhoods within the city limits of Auburn
that meet the criteria for activities funded by the CDBG program. The eligibility to expend
CDBG funds on these activities is contingent upon the individual activity instead of its
location.
City Priorities:
Among the many activities that would be eligible for CDBG funding in neighborhoods that
become local investment areas, the following are priority considerations for the City of
Auburn's CDBG funding.
(a) Public Infrastructure: Deferred maintenance on City streets, sidewalks and
greenbelts has resulted in a crumbling infrastructure in many neighborhoods.
Streets typically have a 15-year life and sidewalks have a life cycle of around 50
years. Auburn's inner city neighborhoods are between 50 to 100 years old. Most
of the streets and sidewalks in these neighborhoods have never been rehabilitated.
Additional resources may still be needed to address local neighborhood needs (for
example, traffic calming projects), and the City needs to continue its efforts to
make all pedestrian walkways accessible to persons with disabilities.
(b) Parks and Recreational Facilities: Residents continue to express a need for
improved recreational space and facilities. Outdoor space and facilities are
typically in need of rehabilitation. The City of Auburn's Department of Parks
and Recreation operates under a comprehensive park plan which also
provides for an all-city utilized community center and activity center.
Additional resources will be needed to address these improvements and local
neighborhood needs.
(c) Environmental Protection: A priority for any City is to preserve, protect and
enhance its environmental assets for the health and enjoyment of residents and
visitors. Auburn is a designated "Tree City USA". It is also a regional hub for
mass transit. Improving the walkability of inner-city neighborhoods and reducing
the reliance of its residents on single-vehicle automobiles is a priority
consideration; including funds for planting trees, code compliance, installing
bicycle paths along with other pedestrian amenities.
Page 4B-2
Auburn's Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy
Goal: Implement neighborhood plan recommendations to preserve and/or
revitalize targeted low and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Outcome: Implement the City's growth management strategy by carrying out
recommendations in adopted neighborhood plans.
• Support the Department of Public Works capital improvements of
streets and sidewalks.
• Support the Department of Parks and Recreation's master urban
reforestation plan and its comprehensive park plan, especially for low-
income youth.
• Support traffic calming in residential neighborhoods.
• Increase the number of places where families without backyards can
play with young children.
• Develop an available community center and activity center for use by
the residents of the City of Auburn.
Outcome: Connect the inner-city neighborhoods to downtown Auburn.
• Support improved pedestrian and bicycle connections between
neighborhoods and downtown Auburn.
• Install pedestrian crossing and other types of amenities, such as pocket
parks, to make walking to downtown enjoyable.
• Analyze potential neighborhoods as potential for designated home-
occupation land uses along with the amenities and parking necessary to
maintain their residential character.
Outcome: Increase the number of low-income neighborhoods eligible for
consideration as local investment areas.
• Continue to work with neighborhood groups to identify local needs
(including street improvements, neighborhood clean-ups, traffic
calming, accessible sidewalks and recreational facilities) and develop
strategies responsive to those needs.
Page 4B-3
Community Center Project
The City of Auburn is working to develop an approximate 20,100 square foot community
center building to be used for educational, cultural, social activities and large non-
programmed community meeting spaces. The joint-use facility will feature a spacious and
welcoming lobby and a large community gathering space for up to 350 people as well as
dividable space for recreational activities, programs and classes. The center also includes
meeting space/classrooms, lobby, kitchen, restrooms and storage. Area will also include
office space, meeting rooms, break room and administrative areas for approximately 20
full-time and seasonal Parks, Arts & Recreation employees.
Project Description
The City of Auburn is without a dedicated gathering space for a population of over 65,000
people. According to a 2005 Auburn Parks, Recreation and Open Space Plan, the City of
Auburn should have one Community Center available per 40,000 people and is deficient in
this type of facility. The new Community Center will serve the entire community and be
open year-round. It would be used for various health, fitness and wellness programs, multi-
generational and multi-cultural events, special events, evening family programs, art, craft
and music, community education and specialty classes, expanded youth and pre-school
programs, meetings and corporate events, and wedding receptions.
Benefits for Auburn:
• Contribute to community pride and foster a sense of community – create a
community gathering place for neighbors, family and friends to meet
• Offer a broad range of activities promoting social interaction, especially with new
residents of Auburn
• Provide access to services and recreational alternatives to residential housing
surrounding the site for some of Auburn’s most economically and ethnically
diverse population
• Provide maximum flexibility and multiple uses through design; adaptable to
changing interests
• Provide a facility that is financially feasible, affordable for participants, and can
generate revenue to offset a portion of operating costs
Les Gove Park and Community Campus
At nearly 21 acres, Les Gove Park is a recreational and educational campus serving the
entire community and located in one of Auburn’s lowest income census tracts. The cluster
of amenities in this campus includes the King County library, Parks and Recreation
Administration Building, Senior Activity Center and White River Valley Museum. The
campus also includes the popular Rotary Spray Park, a barrier-free playground, public art,
bocce courts, horseshoe pits and two softball fields. A half-mile paved trail encircles an
attractive bermed and treed area. The City of Auburn offers a diverse population of over
65,000 residents. The Les Gove neighborhood is an area with a diversity of land uses and a
diversity of people. The area adjacent to the Community Center includes single-family
neighborhoods, multi-family areas, and a retail (commercial) area.
Page 4B-4
Chapter 4C: Auburn's Human Service Strategy for 2010-2014
Auburn's Homeless Prevention Strategy
A regional and local need that will remain a high priority relative to human services
supported by the City of Auburn will be the prevention of homelessness. The City has
historically provided funding to several regional and local agencies that provide
assistance to homeless families. Through their cooperation, the City strives to maintain
the following continuum of care for homeless families:
Homeless prevention through the intervention of social service
agencies offering food, clothing and financial assistance for rent and
utilities and emergency home repairs.
Temporary assistance offered by emergency shelters.
Transitional housing used to begin stabilizing the family.
Longer-term supportive housing to provide the family a stable
environment and sufficient time for them to benefit from the social,
educational, vocational and supportive services offered by local and
regional agencies.
Transition into affordable, permanent housing.
Auburn's Housing Repair Program
Emergency home repairs are provided by the City of Auburn's Housing Repair Program.
Over the past two years, 148 households participated in the City's Home Repair Program.
Among these 148 households, 118 (80%) of the units were mobile homes. The median
annual income of the participants was $15,457 per year. The lowest annual income was
zero and the highest was $54,351 per year. Approximately 70% of the participants were
essentially living in poverty.
Approximately 84 clients were served during PY2009. The cost of repairs varied
between $30 to $5,400. The median cost of repairs was $1,508. The most common types
of repairs are roofs, water heaters and furnaces. The majority of the program participants
are senior citizens. Approximately 64 participants were disabled.
Auburn's Housing Repair Program provides a grant of $5,000 to eligible applicants.
When circumstances require more expensive home repairs in order to keep the residence
habitable, the grant may be increased to $7,500 or, with the approval of the Planning
Director, more if the nature of the repairs require it.
All applicants for the Housing Repair Program must meet HUD's income eligibility
guidelines. In addition, the following selection criteria will apply:
Page 4C-1
Eligibility will be limited to repairs to single family residences at imminent risk
of becoming uninhabitable. Repairs will include, but are not limited to, roofs,
furnaces, hot water tanks, plumbing and electrical.
Grants are limited to single family residences, including mobile homes in
designated parks, located within the city limits of Auburn.
Eligibility will be limited to applicants that earn less than 50% of the King
County median household income. Applicants who are senior citizens over the
age of 65 years may have no more than $50,000 in liquid assets. Applicants
under the age of 65 years may have no more than $10,000 in liquid assets.
The estimated value of the dwelling unit to be repaired must be at least three
times more than the cost of the emergency home repairs.
All repairs must be completed within twelve months from the date of the grant
award. Selected applicants will not be eligible for another housing repair grant
for the next five years.
City staff plan to explore the feasibility of relocating residents who live in mobile homes
that are uninhabitable and do not meet the above criteria; in particular, residences with a
value of less than $15,000. In addition to relocation assistance to the homeowner and
their family, the program to be developed would need to include the demolition and
removal of the dilapidated residence.
Auburn's Anti-Poverty Strategy:
Over half of Auburn’s households would qualify under federal guidelines as
low/moderate income households. Auburn has one of the highest poverty rates among all
the King County cities. These low-income households have limited financial resources at
their disposal to use when faced with normal fluctuations in daily expenses and more
serious life crises. Many of these households are precariously housed and several of them
become homeless. Helping these residents retain or obtain housing, along with other
supportive services that will help them get out of poverty, remain priority issues relative
to the City's consideration for grant awards.
The City of Auburn's Department of Planning and Community Development (DPCD) is
its lead agency to coordinate the City's efforts to reduce poverty. DPCD administers the
City's general fund appropriation for human services and its Community Development
Block Grant program. It works in partnership with citizens, non-profit agencies, and
other city departments to:
• develop housing opportunities, particularly affordable housing;
• maintain and improve the vitality of Downtown Auburn.
• foster job growth and employment opportunities;
• encourage a thriving business sector;
• support the delivery of human services;
Page 4C-2
• strengthen the quality of life in Auburn's neighborhoods; and
• increase civic engagement and citizen participation.
The ultimate goal of the City's Consolidated Plan is to reduce the number of people living
in poverty with the City of Auburn. In addition to complying with federal regulations
and addressing a priority outlined in the Consolidated Plan, the City will give funding
priority to programs which are consistent with the following anti-poverty strategy for
resource allocation.
1. Each project must satisfy one of the three following overriding goals:
• The project must help people move out of poverty.
• The project must prevent people from entering poverty.
• The project must address the basic needs of people living in poverty.
2. In making funding decisions, the City will give priority to programs that:
• Support, complement or are consistent with other current City plans.
• Are sustainable over time.
• Have demonstrated cooperation and collaboration among government, private
nonprofit agencies and the private sector to maximize impacts and reduce
administrative costs.
• Do not have a more appropriate source of funds.
3. A priority population for CDBG-funded services is individuals (especially people
of color and people with disabilities) who are denied, by poverty and historical
institutional practices, the opportunity to develop their full potential and to enjoy
the benefits of community participation. The City will give priority to programs
provided through organizations or agencies that demonstrate a commitment to
making their services accessible to people through diversity training of staff and
Boards, through recruitment and hiring of minority staff and Board members, and
through efforts to provide services in an accessible and culturally sensitive
manner.
4. A priority population for CDBG-funded services is female-headed households
with children, who are currently and have historically been disproportionately
impacted by poverty.
5. CDBG funded services must, to the fullest extent possible, be appropriate and
accessible to people with disabilities, people of color, people with limited or no
proficiency in English, and other eligible individuals and families who may face
special barriers in accessing services. The City recognizes that while progress is
being made in improving access to services and activities, specialized access
services are likely to continue to be required in certain instances to ensure that
priority populations receive the services they need.
Page 4C-3
6. The CDBG program was built on a premise of citizen participation in the
formation of policies, including funding decisions, which address neighborhood
and community needs. The City will give priority to programs that promote
community initiatives to identify priority needs and to address those needs.
Recognizing the limits on the ability of service systems to meet all needs, the City
will seek to leverage resources to promote comprehensive, long-term responses
that promote neighborhood self-sufficiency.
7. The City will give priority to programs that provide services addressing the basic
needs of Auburn's most at-risk populations.
8. The City will give priority to programs that build and support the capacity of local
organizations to address the needs of Auburn residents.
9. The City will give priority to programs that support economic development and
promote access to quality jobs - positions that pay well enough to support an
adequate standard of living, allow the purchase of housing and other basic
necessities, offer stability and decent working conditions, and provide
opportunities for advancement.
Page 4C-4
Planning, Building and Community Development Department
25 West Main Street
Auburn, Washington 98001
(253) 931 - 3090
2010 Annual Action Plan
Update to the City of Auburn's Consolidated Plan for
Housing and Community Development
Fiscal Years 2010 – 2014
(IMPORTANT NOTE: Program description and dollar amounts represented in
this plan may change subject to the availability of funds and final approval by
the Department of Housing and Urban Development.)
November 16, 2009
2010 Annual Action Plan
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Each year, the City of Auburn executes specific actions to implement the goals and strategies of
the Consolidated Plan for Years 2010 to 2014. Actions that will be undertaken in 2010 are
outlined in this “Annual Action Plan”.
The City of Auburn anticipates the receipt of approximately $405,000 in Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2010. Auburn's CDBG funds will be combined with
approximately $606,500 of General Funds to create a total Human Services budget (including
administration) of approximately $1,011,500 in 2010. Human Services is responsible for
providing and managing financial resource to more than 30 non-profit agencies that serve the
Auburn community, administering the local housing repair program, and developing
collaborations among community partners to strengthen the response to residents in need.
The 2010 Action Plan proposes to allocate approximately $60,750 of CDBG funds to public
services. Most of those funds ($50,750) will be used to provide dental and medical care to
uninsured, low income Auburn residents and $10,000 for employment training.
Approximately $81,000 of the CDBG funds will be allocated to program administration, which
includes planning. The remaining $263,250 will be allocated to housing repair ($72,750),
economic development ($37,500), and repayment of a section 108 loan used to construct the
City’s planned community center at Les Gove ($153,000).
The City of Auburn is committed to focusing more on achieving solutions to recurring social
problems and achieve greater collaboration among service providers. The Department of
Housing and Urban Development has worked to standardize the performance measurements
listed in the Consolidated Plan. The 2010 Action Plan combines the changes that both the City of
Auburn and HUD have implemented.
Overall the implementation of the 2009 Action Plan is progressing as planned. Most of the
activities listed in the 2009 Action Plan are underway. A more detailed report of 2009 activities
will be summarized in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)
that will be drafted and released for public review before the end of the first quarter of 2010.
CITIZEN PARTICIPATION AND CONSULTATION
The development of the Annual Action Plan involves both citizen participation and consultation
with local service providers. Citizen participation in the planning process began at a joint
meeting between the Auburn City Council and Human Services Committee. At this meeting,
Council and Committee members identified a series of community results that they would like to
achieve through the appropriation of City funds.
The City consults with local service providers primarily through the solicitation of applications
for Human Services grants. Grant applications prepared by service providers furnishes the City
information regarding the goals of the agency, target populations, proposed services, gaps in the
delivery of services, linkages to poverty reduction strategies and collaboration with other service
providers. This information is reviewed by City staff and the Human Services Committee.
2
November 16, 2009
The Human Services Committee's recommendations were incorporated into the 2010 Action Plan
and presented to the City Council's Planning and Community Development (PCD) Committee in
September & October 2009. A preliminary draft of the 2010 Action Plan was distributed to all
the grant applicants and local service providers. A public notice was issued and posted at City
Hall, the Auburn Senior’s Center, and the City of Auburn’s website on October 2, 2009. This
information was also published in The Seattle Times announcing that copies of the proposed 2010
Action Plan were available for public review. The City Council will schedule a public hearing to
gather testimony about the plan before it takes action to review and adopt it. The following
outlines the remaining steps regarding citizen participation and consultation for the 2010 Action
Plan:
October 2, 2009: Start of Public Review Process
October 19, 2009: Public Hearing
November 2, 2009: End of Public Review Process
Council takes action to adopt the
2010 Annual Action Plan
November 15, 2009: Deadline to submit the plan to HUD
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT RESOURCES
2010 CDBG ESTIMATED RESOURCES
In 2009 the City of Auburn received $406,354 of CDBG funds. In 2010 the City estimates that
its CDBG funds will decrease slightly from last year’s CDBG entitlement. The 2010 Action Plan
includes a contingency plan in the event that CDBG funds increase or decrease.
CDBG ESTIMATED RESOURCES
$405,000 CDBG 2010 Entitlement (estimated)
$405,000 Total Estimated CDBG Funds Available in 2010
3
November 16, 2009
OTHER RESOURCES
City’s General Fund
The City of Auburn allocates up to one percent (1%) of its General Fund expenditures to provide
human services for Auburn residents through contracts with non-profit agencies. Assuming the
City will continue to receive the same amount of general fund revenues, the estimated allocation
from General Fund budget for human service grants and city-managed human services programs
is $545,600 in 2010.
TOTAL RESOURCES
Funding Source 2010
-- CDBG Funds $ 405,000
-- General Funds $ 545,600
Total Estimated Funds Available $ 950,600
CITY OF AUBURN FUNDING PRIORITIES
The expressed goal of the City's Consolidated Plan is to reduce the number of people living in
poverty with the City of Auburn. Toward this end, the City will give funding priority to
programs that - in addition to complying with federal regulations and addressing a priority
outlined in the Consolidated Plan - are consistent with the following anti-poverty strategy for
resource allocation.
1. Each project must satisfy one of the three following overriding goals:
The project must help people move out of poverty.
The project must prevent people from entering poverty.
The project must address the basic needs of people living in poverty.
2. In making funding decisions, the City will give priority to programs that:
Support, complement or are consistent with other current City plans;
Are sustainable over time;
Have demonstrated cooperation and collaboration among government, private
nonprofit agencies and the private sector to maximize impacts and reduce
administrative costs;
Do not have a more appropriate source of funds.
3. The City will give priority to programs that provide services addressing the basic needs
of Auburn's most at-risk populations. A priority population for CDBG-funded services is
individuals who are denied, by poverty and historical institutional practices, the
opportunity to develop their full potential and to enjoy the benefits of community
participation.
4
November 16, 2009
4. CDBG funded services must, to the fullest extent possible, be appropriate and accessible
to people who may face special barriers in accessing services.
5. The CDBG program was built on a premise of citizen participation in the formation of
policies, including funding decisions, which address neighborhood and community needs.
The City will give priority to programs that promote community initiatives to identify
priority needs and to address those needs.
6. The City will give priority to programs that build and support the capacity of local
organizations to address the needs of Auburn residents.
7. The City will give priority to programs that support economic development and promote
access to quality jobs - positions that pay well enough to support an adequate standard of
living, allow the purchase of housing and other basic necessities, offer stability and
decent working conditions, and provide opportunities for advancement.
8. Funding priority will be given to agencies that provide direct services to Auburn residents
at locations within the city limits of Auburn.
COMMUNITY RESULTS DESIRED BY THE CITY OF AUBURN
The City of Auburn solicited proposals from local service providers to achieve the community
results within the areas listed below. Population performance indicators will be applied to assess
the overall success of the effort and the value of ongoing support. These indicators will be
utilized to determine the effectiveness of individual programs that demonstrate improved
efficiency for the resident in crisis and proven results in ending the cycle of need.
Overall Result: One-Stop Center
The City of Auburn will fund human service providers who participate in the design,
development and operation of a One-Stop Center in Auburn and the efficient, collaborative and
integrated delivery of services it offers. Agencies who agree to participate in the design and
development of a One-Stop Center in Auburn may apply for funding to accomplish one or more
of the following community results:
Abused and Neglected Children: The City of Auburn will fund human service providers
that increase supportive and collaborative services to children who are neglected and abused,
specifically the number of children who are victims of on-going and repeated neglect and
abuse, within the City of Auburn during the next five years.
Victims of Domestic and Sexual Assault: The City of Auburn will fund human service
providers that increase supportive and collaborative services for Auburn residents, who are
victims of domestic violence, that make the transition to a safe environment and self-
determining lifestyle during the next five years.
Poverty Reduction: The City of Auburn will fund human service providers, who increase
supportive and collaborative services for Auburn residents, with a proven record of working
with clients to no longer live in a cycle of poverty during the next five years.
Substance Abuse: The City of Auburn will fund human service providers to develop
strategies that increase the successful completion of treatment programs by Auburn residents
who have serious behavioral and health problems due to substance abuse and chemical
dependency during the next five years.
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November 16, 2009
Physically and Mentally Fit: The City of Auburn will fund human service agencies that
provide supportive and collaborative services which increase availability, accessibility and
use of health care to its low income residents during the next five years.
2010 PROPOSED ACTIVITIES TO ACHIEVE RESULTS
The City of Auburn requested proposals to achieve the following national objectives and
community results.
Create a Suitable Living Environment:
One-Stop Center:
-- Create a suitable living environment for Auburn's low income residents and people with
special needs by using its CDBG funds to make available float loans and Section 108
Loan Guarantees to leverage the funds necessary to develop both a Community Center
and determine a future site for the One-Stop Center which will provide for the collocation
and integrated delivery of human services.
Abused and Neglected Children:
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate approximately $170,000 of its General Fund, to
generate approximately 7,700 hours of services and 160 home visits that will benefit
1,657 Auburn adults and children, for the purpose of reducing chronic abuse and neglect
of children.
Victims of Domestic and Sexual Assault:
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate $106,000 of its General Fund to provide 1,500
referrals for assistance, 160 bednights shelter, 700 hours of case management and 550
hours of therapy to approximately 600 victims of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Physically and Mentally Fit:
-- Create a suitable living environment by making health care available to 160 or more low-
income, uninsured Auburn residents by allocating $40,000 of CDBG funds and General
Funds to the Community Health Centers of King County for the operation of its clinic in
Auburn.
-- Create a suitable living environment by making dental care available to 75 or more low-
income, uninsured Auburn residents by allocating $20,000 of CDBG funds to the
Community Health Centers of King County for the operation of its clinic in Auburn.
-- The City proposes to allocate an additional $45,000 of its General Fund for the purpose
of creating access to health care to over 1,000 low-income Auburn residents and enabling
over 3,200 visits to qualified health care providers.
Poverty Reduction:
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate $60,000 of its General Fund to assist in
providing nearly 12,000 Auburn residents emergency assistance such as food, financial
assistance, and clothing.
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate $16,500 of its General Fund to provide over 60
Auburn senior citizens congregate meals and home-delivered meals and over 1,200
Auburn residents a weekly meal.
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November 16, 2009
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate $40,780 of its General Fund to provide over 100
Auburn residents more than 3,900 bednights of emergency shelter and/or transitional
housing.
Substance Abuse:
-- The City of Auburn proposes to rehabilitate a house to be used for the purpose of
temporary use primarily by domestic violence victims who reside in Auburn. $28,844
from CDBG Funds will be allocated to rehab the house which will serve to supplement
present housing resources which presently exist. The City of Auburn will contract with a
local partner to manage the house and its use protocols.
-- The City of Auburn proposes to allocate $10,000 of its General Fund to support a
program that provides integrated care to non-Medicaid clients who require both substance
abuse treatment and mental health counseling.
Provide Decent Housing:
Maintain the affordability of decent housing for very low-income Auburn residents by
allocating $72,750 of CDBG funds to the City of Auburn's Housing Repair Program for the
purpose of providing repairs necessary to maintain suitable housing for 20 Auburn
homeowners, including 15 homeowners who are senior citizens and 5 homeowners who lack
safe access in or out of their homes due to physical disabilities or impairment.
Expand Economic Opportunities:
Create economic opportunities by providing the availability and access to counseling and
training for approximately 40 Auburn residents who are either trying to sustain or create a
small business and, collectively generate 25 or more jobs by allocating $37,500 of CDBG
funds to the Green River Community College's Small Business Assistance Center.
Create economic opportunities by providing the availability and access to train approximately
15 very-low income Auburn residents so that at least half of them can find and sustain a job
by allocating $10,000 of CDBG funds to the Multi-Service Center Employment Program.
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November 16, 2009
DISTRIBUTION OF FUNDS
CDBG Funds
Proposed CDBG Disbursements 2010
Public Services
-- Community Health Centers: Dental Care $20,000
-- Community Health Centers: Medical Care $30,750
-- Multi-Service Center Employment Program $10,000
Subtotal: Public Services $60,750
Capital Funds
-- Affordable Housing
….. City of Auburn Housing Repair Program $72,750
--Suitable Living Environment
….. Community Center debt service $153,000
-- Economic Development
….. GRCC Small Business Assistance Center $37,500
Subtotal: Capital Funds $263,250
Administration
-- Program Management
…. City of Auburn $81,000
Subtotal: Administration $81,000
Total CDBG Funds: $405,000
Source of CDBG Funds: 2010
-- 2010 Estimated Entitlement: $405,000
Total Estimated CDBG Funds $405,000
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November 16, 2009
General Funds 2010
Auburn Human Service Agencies: 2010
… ACAP: APPLE Parenting 5,000
… ACAP: Childcare Subsidies 25,000
… Auburn Youth Resources 55,000
… Birth to Three Development Center 10,000
… Auburn Boys & Girls Club 30,000
… CHS: Family Resource Center 25,000
… CHS: Strengthening Families Program 10,000
… Children's Therapy Center 10,000
… Communities In Schools 4,000
subtotal: 174,000
… Consejo 10,000
... Crisis Clinic: 2-1-1 Line, 24 Hr., Teen Link 3,000
… DAWN 9,000
… KCSARC 22,500
… Jubilee Center: Latino Program 7,500
… SMH: Behavioral Responsibility Program 10,000
… SMH: DV PROGRAM 7,000
… VCCC: Survivor Support/Therapy Program 12,000
… YWCA: Children DV Services 5,000
… YWCA: DV Services 20,000
subtotal: 106,000
… Auburn Respite 10,000
… Christ Community Free Clinic 20,000
… Community Health Centers: Medical 8,536
… GriefWorks 10,000
… Senior Services Vol. Transportation 5,000
… VCCC: COD Treatment 10,000
subtotal: 63,536
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November 16, 2009
General Funds 2010
(Continued)
Auburn Human Service Agencies: 2010
… AFB: Emergency Food 35,000
… AFB: Community Suppers 5,000
… St. Vincent de Paul: Emergency Assist. 5,000
… CCS: CHORE Program 1,500
… CCS: HOME/ARISE 15,000
… Senior Center: Comm. Dining 4,500
… SS: Meals on Wheels 7,000
… MSC: Emer & Transitional Housing 8,000
… Pregnancy Aid 5,000
… United Way: Auburn Tax Preparation 5,000
… Ukranian Comm. Center 7,500
… WWEE: REACH 8,000
… YWCA: Emergency Housing 3,780
… YWCA: Transitional Housing 14,000
subtotal: 124,280
Total GF Human Services Contracts $467,816
Contingency Plans for Changes in Funding
Total appropriations may not exceed actual revenues and no liability is to be incurred in excess of
appropriations. In the event that actual revenues are different than the revenues estimated by the
CDBG budget, the following actions shall be taken:
(a) CDBG Public Service Programs: In the event the City receives a lesser amount of CDBG
funding than budgeted for public services, then the reduction will be made as follows:
1. Reduce or eliminate the appropriation to the Multi-Service Center's Employment
Program by $10,000 or the amount of the funding reduction, which ever amount
is less.
2. Reduce the appropriation to Community Health Centers Medical Care Program
by $30,750 or the remaining balance of the reduction, which ever amount is less.
(b) CDBG Capital-Funds Programs: In the event of a reduction in CDBG capital funds, the
amount of reduction will be prorated evenly among the funded project.
(c) Unspent CDBG Capital Grants: The funds appropriated to subrecipients for capital
improvements must be expended within the term of the subrecipient’s CDBG grant
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November 16, 2009
agreement. CDBG funds appropriated for capital improvements will be considered
abandoned, and the funds will be re-appropriated, if any of the following conditions exist:
(a) The term of the grant agreement expires and the subrecipient fails to request an
extension in accordance with the terms of the agreement.
(b) The subrecipient fails to submit a request for reimbursement or fails to submit an
activity report during the program year.
(c) The subrecipient fails to make the project “bid ready” within the first year after
the appropriation. “Bid ready” means that, at a minimum, the bid specifications
are drafted and the subrecipient is ready to solicit bids.
(d) General Fund Public Services:
1. Reduction of General Fund Revenues: In the event of a reduction in the general
fund appropriation for human services, the reductions will be applied in the
following order:
(a) Communities In Schools: the lesser of $2,000 or the amount of
the reduction.
(b) St. Matthew's Jubilee Center's Latino Program: the lesser of
$2,500 or the remaining amount of the reduction.
(c) CHORE Program: the lesser of $3,500 or the remaining amount
of the reduction.
(d) GriefWorks: the lesser of $2,500 or the remaining amount of the
reduction.
(e) If the above reductions remain less than the total amount of the
general fund reduction, then the remaining amount of the
reduction will be applied evenly by a prorated amount among the
remaining appropriations.
2. Increase in Funding: In the event of an increase in funding, then previous reductions
in appropriated amounts, if any, will be restored to the amounts recommended for
2010 in the reverse order in which the above reductions were made. If funds remain
after all reductions have been restored, then the remaining funds will be distributed
according to the allocation recommended by the Planning and Community
Development Committee and approved by the City Council.
FAIR HOUSING
The City of Auburn continues to monitor compliance with the Fair Housing Act. Complaints are
referred to the Washington State Human Rights Commission for resolution. In 2006, the City
completed an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) as required for CDBG
entitlement communities. The Fair Housing Consultant identified three impediments and made
three recommendations. The recommendations were:
• Expand current education and outreach efforts;
• Continue ongoing enforcement activities; and
• Target homeownership and lending marketing to minority households.
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November 16, 2009
The City is in the process of implementing these recommendations. Information about Fair
Housing will be put on the City of Auburn's website and made available at City Hall. The
information will include links pertaining to where residents can file a complaint in the event of
alleged discrimination. Information will be available in English and Spanish. Summary data
regarding the number of fair housing complaints filed against landlords and realtors in Auburn
will be reported in the CAPER.
PUBLIC HOUSING
The City of Auburn continues to support public housing communities located within its city
limits. Many of the residents who receive the services provided by the City's human service
grants live in public housing communities. Two grant recipients are located within public
housing communities. In addition, the City of Auburn's Housing Repair program serves
approximately 10 – 12 residents per year who live at Tall Cedars Mobile Home Park, which is
owned by the King County Housing Authority. Home repairs include furnaces, hot water tanks,
wheelchair ramps and other repairs necessary to keep the home habitable. The following
summarizes the grants provided to specific public housing communities:
Agency/Program Public Housing Community Amount
Auburn Boys & Girls Club Firwood Circle $30,000
Auburn Food Bank Burndale $35,000
Housing Repairs Tall Cedars Mobile Home Park $50,000
Total: Public Housing Community Programs $115,000
CHRONIC HOMELESSNESS
The City of Auburn will continue to provide funding to regional and local agencies that provide
assistance to homeless families. In 2010 the City will strive to maintain a continuum of care for
homeless families that includes emergency assistance, emergency shelters and transitional
housing. In addition, the City provides funds for the provision of medical care, childcare and
employment training to help prevent people from becoming homeless. The City of Auburn plans
to allocate $49,780 of its General Fund to provide more than 4,000 bednights of emergency
shelter and/or transitional housing to approximately 120 Auburn residents. The following
summarizes the grants awarded with the intent to reduce chronic homelessness:
Agency / Program Award Residents Services
Provided
DAWN Confidential Shelter $9,000 15 160 bednights
Multi-Service Center $8,000 29 870 bednights
HOME/ARISE Emergency Shelter $15,000 30 1,650 bednights
YWCA Emergency & Transitional Housing $17,780 46 1,400 bednights
Total: $49,780 120 4,080 bednights
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November 16, 2009
GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION
CDBG funds spent on neighborhood revitalization and housing repairs for targeted
neighborhoods will occur within the Census Tract 306 and Census Tract 307. According to the
Census Bureau, these two census tracts are predominantly low income with median household
incomes less than 80% of the King County median household income. Public services funded
with CDBG funds and housing repairs in non-targeted neighborhoods will be offered to low
income or limited clientele residents citywide.
LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS
The City of Auburn will continue to implement U.S. Department of Housing and Urban
Development (HUD) regulations to protect young children from lead-based paint hazards in
housing that is financially assisted by the federal government. The requirements apply only to
housing built before 1978, the year lead-based paint was banned nationwide for consumer use.
The following table summarizes actions required by these regulations.
Amount of Grant <$5,000 $5,000-$25,000 > $25,000
General Approach Do No Harm Identify and control
lead hazards
Identify and abate
lead hazards
Notification Pamphlet Pamphlet & Notice of
Assessment
Pamphlet & Notice of
Hazard Reduction
Evaluation Visual Paint Testing Risk Assessment
Reduction Strategy
Repair surfaces
disturbed during
rehab work
Interim Controls Abatement and
Interim Controls
BARRIERS TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING
The City of Auburn will continue to look at policies that remove barriers to affordable housing.
The City of Auburn's Comprehensive Land Use includes several policies and objectives that will
guide the City toward achieving its affordable and fair housing goals. These policies include
maintaining flexibility in land use to achieve a balanced mix of affordable housing opportunities.
The City will continue to pursue mixed use developments that are consistent with the
transportation oriented developments located in Auburn's downtown. The City will look for
opportunities with public and private agencies to implement policies and offer programs that help
alleviate physical and economic distress, conserve energy resources, improve the quality and
quantity of community services, and eliminate conditions that are detrimental to health, safety
and public welfare.
LOW-MODERATE INCOME BENEFITS
Over the past three years approximately 88% of the clients served by programs funded with
CDBG funds earned low to moderate incomes. The beneficiaries of programs funded in 2010
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November 16, 2009
with CDBG funds are not expected to deviate from these past trends. The City of Auburn will
continue to distribute its funds for human services based on priority needs identified for people
with low-to-moderate incomes with a particular emphasis on people who live in poverty.
POLICIES AND CERTIFICATIONS
Agencies applying for CDBG funds are required to respond to general and program specific
polices in their applications. All projects are evaluated to determine if they are:
1. Eligible relative to federal guidelines;
2. Consistent with the program objectives and strategies;
3. Consistent with local, state and federal regulations;
4. Feasible within contract and timeline guidelines; and
5. Capable of developing and measuring outcomes.
These policies include, among others:
• Consistency with local codes and policies;
• Restrictions on the change of use of property and buildings which were acquired or
improved with CDBG funds;
• Minimization of displacement and the provision of relocation assistance;
• Adherence to federal wage rates;
• Compliance with federal audit requirements; and
• Adherence to and enforcement of lead-based paint abatement regulations, fair
housing laws and affirmative action.
DOCUMENTATION AND ON-SITE MONITORING
Detailed records are maintained and reviewed to determine and assure agency compliance with its
contract and other applicable regulations. Deficiencies in record keeping are documented and
technical assistance to correct noted deficiencies is provided. The failure to comply with
contractual requirements and regulations could result in remedial actions and/or the termination
of funding.
FISCAL AUDITS
The City conducts an internal audit to ensure that its records are complete and agencies are
complying with applicable rules and regulations. In addition, the City’s records are subject to an
independent annual audit by the State Auditor. Both the City's internal audit and the State
Auditor test to determine the City’s compliance with the following CDBG requirements:
Political Activity;
Davis-Bacon and Related Acts;
Civil rights;
Cash Management;
Federal Financial Reports;
Allowable Costs & Cost Principles;
Drug-Free Workplace Act; and
Various administrative
requirements.
14
MORE INFORMATION
For more information and/or to get on the City's mailing list for Consolidated Plan
updates and grant applications, please contact:
Michael Hursh, Human Services Manager
Department of Administration
25 West Main Street, Auburn, WA 98001
Phone: (253) 804-5029
Email: mhursh@auburnwa.gov
Attachment #1
Summary/Statement
TABLE 3A
SUMMARY/STATEMENT OF SPECIFIC ANNUAL OBJECTIVES
ACCESSIBILITY TO SUITABLE LIVING ENVIRONMENT
Obj.# Outcome/Objective Source
of Funds
Performance
Indicator
Year Expected
#
Actual
#
Percent
Completed
BG1001 Create a suitable living by making the
availability of health care available to
low-income, uninsured Auburn residents.
CDBG
General
Funds
Number of persons
receiving medical
service
2009 235
BG1004 Create a suitable living environment by
making available a Community Center to
Auburn’s residents of which 55.5% are
low to moderate income.
CDBG Number of persons
receiving
assistance.
2009 24
ACCESSIBILITY TO ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES
Obj.# Outcome/Objective Source
of Funds
Performance
Indicator
Year Expected
#
Actual
#
Percent
Completed
BG1002 Create economic opportunities by
providing training to very-low income
Auburn residents.
CDBG Number of persons
in job-training
program
2009 15
BG1002 Create economic opportunities by
providing training to very-low income
Auburn residents.
CDBG Number of
participants who
maintain
employment for
six months or
longer.
2009 8
BG1005 Create economic opportunities by
providing business training, classes and
counseling to residents who are trying to
sustain or create a small business.
CDBG Number of persons
assisted with
business
counseling
2009 40
SUSTAINABILITY OF DECENT HOUSING
Obj.# Outcome/Objective Source
of Funds
Performance
Indicator
Year Expected
#
Actual
#
Percent
Completed
BG1003 Maintain the affordability of decent
housing for very low-income Auburn
residents by providing repairs necessary to
maintain suitable housing.
CDBG Number of
households
receiving home
repair assistance
2009 40
Attachment #2
Housing Completion
TABLE 3B
ANNUAL HOUSING COMPLETION GOALS
Annual Expected
Number Completed
Resources Used During the Period
ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
GOALS (Sec 215) CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA
Homeless households
Non-homeless households
Special needs households
ANNUAL AFFORDABLE RENTAL
HOUSING GOALS (Sec 215) CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA
Acquisition of existing units
Production of new units
Rehabilitation of existing units
Rental Assistances
Total Section 215 Affordable Rental
ANNUAL AFFORDABLE OWNER
HOUSING GOALS (Sec 215) CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA
Acquisition of existing units
Production of new units
Rehabilitation of existing units 20 X
Homebuyer Assistance
Total Section 215 Affordable Owner
ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING
GOALS (Sec 215) CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA
Acquisition of existing units
Production of new units
Rehabilitation of existing units
Homebuyer Assistance
Total Section 215 Affordable Housing
ANNUAL HOUSING GOALS CDBG HOME ESG HOPWA
Annual Rental Housing
Annual Owner Housing
Total Annual Housing Goal 20 X
Attachment #3
Listing of Projects
2010 Action Plan 1 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1001
Applicant's Name: Community Health Centers of King County
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Primary Medical / Dental Care
Project Description: Create a suitable living environment by making the availability of health
care available to 235 or more low-income, uninsured Auburn residents by
allocating $60,000 of CDBG funds and $8,536 of General Funds to the
Community Health Centers of King County for the operation of its clinic in
Auburn.
Location: 126 Auburn Avenue, Auburn, Washington
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $50,750
Objective Number 01: People ESG
HUD Matrix Code 05M HOME
CDBG Citation 570.201(e) HOPWA
Type of Recipient LMC subtotal Formula $50,750
National Objective 570.208(a)(2) Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Clients Other Funding 9,250
Annual Units 235 Total: $60,000
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
2010 Action Plan 2 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1002
Applicant's Name: South King County Multi-Service Center
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Employment Training Program
Project Description: Create economic opportunities by providing training to approximately 15
very-low income Auburn residents so that at least half of them can find and
sustain a job.
Location: 1200 S 336th Street, Federal Way, Washington
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $10,000
Objective Number 01: People ESG
HUD Matrix Code 05H HOME
CDBG Citation 570.201(e) HOPWA
Type of Recipient LMC subtotal Formula $10,000
National Objective 570.208(a)(2) Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Clients Other Funding
Annual Units 15 Total: $10,000
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
2010 Action Plan 3 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1003
Applicant's Name: City of Auburn Dept. of Planning, Building and Community
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Housing Repair Program
Project Description: Maintain the affordability of decent housing for very low-income Auburn
residents by providing repairs necessary to maintain suitable housing for 20
Auburn homeowners, including 15 home-owners who are senior citizens
and 5 homeowners who lack safe access in or out of their homes due to
physical disabilities or impairment.
Location: Citywide
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $72,750
Objective Number 10: Housing Units ESG
HUD Matrix Code 14A HOME
CDBG Citation 570.202 HOPWA
Type of Recipient LMH subtotal Formula $72,750
National Objective 570.208(a)(3) Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Housing Units Other Funding
Annual Units 20 Total: $72,750
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
2010 Action Plan 4 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1004
Applicant's Name: City of Auburn Dept. of Planning, Building and Community
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Section 108 Debt Service/Community Center
Project Description: Create a suitable living environment by making available a Community Center for
Auburn's residents of which 55.5% are low to moderate income. Auburn will
utilize its CDBG funds to service a secured interest Section 108 Loan for
construction of a Community Center.
Location: Les Gove Park
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $153,000
Objective Number 11: Public Facilities ESG
HUD Matrix Code 03 HOME
CDBG Citation 570.201(c) HOPWA
Type of Recipient LMA subtotal Formula $153,000
National Objective 570.208(a)(1) Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Clients Other Funding
Annual Units 100 Total: $153,000
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
2010 Action Plan 5 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1005
Applicant's Name: Green River Community College
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Small Business Assistance Center
Project Description: Create economic opportunities by providing the availability and access to
counseling and training for approximately 40 Auburn residents who are
either trying to sustain or create a small business and collectively generate
25 or more jobs.
Location: 108 South Division Street, Auburn, Washington
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $37,500
Objective Number 01: People ESG
HUD Matrix Code 18C HOME
CDBG Citation 570.201(o) HOPWA
Type of Recipient LMC subtotal Formula $37,500
National Objective 570.208(a)(2)(iii) Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Clients Other Funding
Annual Units 40 Total: $37,500
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
2010 Action Plan 6 of 6
Table 3C
List of CDBG Projects
Local ID: BG1006
Applicant's Name: City of Auburn Dept. of Planning, Building and Community
Priority Need: HIGH
Project Title: Program Management and Administration
Project Description: General program planning and administration.
Location: 25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington
Project Information Funding
Project ID TBD CDBG $81,952
Objective Number ESG
HUD Matrix Code 21A HOME
CDBG Citation 570.206 HOPWA
Type of Recipient subtotal Formula $81,952
National Objective Prior Year Funds
Start Date 01/01/2010 Assisted Housing
End Date 12/31/2010 PHA
Indicators Other Funding
Annual Units Total: $81,952
The primary purpose of the project is to help prevent Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
Attachment #4
Notices of Public Comment, Hearing and Resolution
City of Auburn
Department of Administration
25 West Main Street, Auburn, Washington 98001 Phone: 253-931-3090
Contact: Michael Hursh, Human Services Manager
Phone: 253-804-5029 Email: mhursh@auburnwa.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 2, 2009
PUBLIC NOTICE
Notice Of Public Hearing and of 30-Day Comment Period
Proposed 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Community Development
Block Grant Annual Action Plan
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the Auburn City Council will hold a public hearing at 7:30
p.m. on October 19, 2009, in the Council Chambers at City Hall, located at 25 West Main Street,
in downtown Auburn about the proposed 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Annual Action
Plan for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) projects.
The 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Annual Action Plan outlines proposed expenditures
to implement the City’s efforts related to its CDBG projects. It identifies federal and local funds
expected to be available, indicates the activities on which they will be spent, and sets goals for the
number and type of services expected to be provided.
The proposed 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan is a requirement for the Department of Housing and
Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The
Consolidated Plan describes housing and community development needs as well as activities to
address those needs. The Consolidated Plan brings together, in one submission, the planning and
funding recommendations for human services, neighborhood revitalization and capital
improvements funded by the Community Development Block Grant program. The Consolidated
Plan includes a needs assessment, five-year strategy and the annual action plan. Project
descriptions, recommended funding and proposed accomplishments for the 2010 program year
are also included.
The City of Auburn anticipates that in 2010 approximately $400,000 of CDBG funds will be
available for projects that are consistent with federal regulations and the objectives and policies of
the Auburn Consolidated Housing and Community Development Plan.
NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN that the City of Auburn's 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and
2010 Annual Action Plan is available for a 30-day public review and comment period.
Oral comments may be offered at the public hearing on October 19, 2009. Written comments
regarding the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Annual Action Plan may be submitted to:
Michael Hursh, Human Services Manager
25 W Main Street
Auburn, WA 98001
The deadline for the consideration of written comments is November 2, 2009. Written comments
and comments from the public hearing will be addressed in the final draft of the Consolidated and
Action Plan. The City Council is tentatively scheduled to adopt the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan
and 2010 Annual Action Plan at their regular meeting on November 2, 2009.
Copies of the Plan are available at the City of Auburn's Department of Planning, Building and
Community, located on the second floor of Auburn's City Hall, 25 West Main Street, in
downtown Auburn between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m.
Written requests for a copy of the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010 Annual Action Plan
may be mailed to the Department of Planning, Building and Community, 25 West Main Street,
Auburn, WA 98001. A copy of the Plan will be provided through the mail within five (5)
working days upon request.
This notice is available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities upon request. The
Auburn City Hall is wheelchair accessible. Reasonable accommodations at the public hearing
such as sign language interpretation or alternate formats for printed material are available for
individuals with disabilities with a minimum of 7 days advance notice.
For more information or to request a copy of the Plan, please contact Michael Hursh, Human
Services Manager at 253-804-5029 or email mhursh@auburnwa.gov .
Attachment #5
Minutes of Public Hearing and Comment Period Remarks
(No written comments were received)
CITY COUNCIL
MEETING MINUTES
OCTOBER 19, 2009 7:30 PM
I. CALL TO ORDER
A. Flag Salute
Mayor Peter B. Lewis called the meeting to order at 7:30 p.m. and
led those in attendance in the Pledge of Allegiance.
B. Roll Call
Mayor Lewis and the following Councilmembers were in
attendance: Rich Wagner, Sue Singer, Gene Cerino, Nancy
Backus, Bill Peloza, Lynn Norman, and Virginia Haugen.
Staff members present included: Information Services Director
Lorrie Rempher; Risk Manager Rob Roscoe; City Attorney Daniel
B. Heid; Assistant Finance Director Maggie Coleman; Police Chief
Jim Kelly; Parks, Arts and Recreation Director Daryl Faber;
Emergency Management Manager Sarah Miller; Public Works
Director Dennis Dowdy; Human Services Manager Michael Hursh;
Senior Planner Chris Andersen; Environmental Planner Jennifer
Shih; Assistant Police Chief Larry Miller; Police Commander Steve
Stocker; Deputy Police Chief Bob Lee; Grant Writer Michael
Wilson; and City Clerk Danielle Daskam.
C. Announcements and Appointments
1. Announcements
a) Citizen Commendation
Mayor Lewis and Chief of Police Jim Kelly presented
a Citizen Commendation to Michael Binetti for his
assistance to Auburn Police Officers with an arrest.
On October 1, 2009, an officer was attempting to
place an individual under arrest for a crime. The
individual became combative towards the officer and
assaulted the officer. As the officer took the individual
to the ground, the struggle continued. Mr. Binetti,
without regard to his personal safety and unaware of
potential danger the individual presented, came to the
aid of the officer by placing his body weight on the
individual’s legs which effectively ended the struggle
allowing the officer to take the individual into custody.
Mayor Lewis and Chief Kelly commended Mr. Binetti
for his bravery and quick thinking.
b) Chief of Police Jim Kelly Recognized for Years of
Service
Mayor Lewis presented Chief of Police Jim Kelly with
a certificate of recognition for his faithful and
successful thirty-three years of service to the Auburn
Police Department. Chief Kelly’s years of service to
the community will be noted by eleven service bars
that he will wear on his uniform.
c) Green River Flood Preparation and Response
Update
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Emergency
Preparedness Manager Sarah Miller provided the
Council with an update on planning and preparation
activities for potential Green River flooding.
Community outreach activities have included the
following:
• More than 20 public meetings held
• More than 7,000 attendees at meetings
• Door-to-door notifications occurred in January
• Additional door-to-door in targeted
neighborhoods occurred in September
• King County held four meetings in Auburn with
over 1,500 attendees
• Staff created several versions of the flood map,
latest with sewer and storm impacts
• One more large meeting and many small
meetings are scheduled
• Specialized outreach for:
o Faith-based/non-profit/community
service organizations
o Ham radio operators/CERT trained
• Website information continuously updated
• Frequently asked questions (FAQ) blog online
• Twitter and Facebook outreach
• E-mail alerts (nearly 1,000 subscribers)
• Volunteers and staff answering public
information phone approximately eleven hours
per day
• Community sandbag sites open and
operational
• Volunteers assisting citizens
• Corporate volunteers filled bags this past
weekend with machinery
Business outreach activities have included:
• Door-to-door notifications in January
• Specialized meeting in February
• Individual phone calls to each business in the
impact area
• Multi-city meeting in Kent in September in
conjunction with Chamber of Commerce
• Additional door-to-door campaign to distribute
hazardous materials information in coming
weeks
Internal activities include:
• Planning team created in January, which
includes representatives from Boeing, Auburn
Regional Medical Center, Safeway (regional),
Auburn School District and Green River
Community College
• Initial response action plans are in place and
are updated continuously
• Staff/volunteer training: Planning, Logistics,
Public Information Officer and All-hazards
• Staff have attended more than 100 regional
planning meetings
• Emergency vendor contracts
• Archives moved to safety
• Raising equipment to safe heights
• Debris management plan nearly complete
• Parks working to secure loose items in City
parks and move equipment to high ground
• Working regionally on large-scale shelters
• Coordinating evacuation routes with adjoining
cities
• Several exercises, including communications
and tabletop, with Emergency Communications
Center setup/activation
• Completion of CEMP underway
• Final NWS StormReady Certification activities
underway
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Public Works
Director Dennis Dowdy reviewed the flood protection
work in progress. He reviewed the City’s proposed
Flood Defense Plan for Primary Containment
consisting of the following scopes of work in order of
priority and urgency:
1. Raising the Green River levee from 8th Street
to Reddington levee (37th Street NE)
2. Installing a setback levee from Reddington
levee to South 277th Street
3. Close and raise South 277th Street
4. Raise I Street NW and Frontage Road, ease of
SR 167, to protect against backwaters from Mill
Creek
Director Dowdy stated that the flood modeling results
for the 13,900 cfs and 17,600 cfs levels indicated that
the City can expect flood waters from the greater
event to begin to overtop the left bank of the Green
River at Elevation 53 at the Central Avenue Bridge,
which would fill the floodplain north and south of
South 277th Street.
Staff members estimate that the City’s primary
containment structure in the vicinity of the drive-in
theater property will need to be twelve feet high to
contain the backwater of the flood plain and provide
three feet of freeboard from the 13,900 cfs flood
event.
Director Dowdy briefly reviewed the various types of
containment measures. Primary containment
measures include:
• Geogrid packs
• Hesco containers
• Supersacks
• Jersey barriers
• Sandbags
• Other containment devices
Director Dowdy reviewed the cost estimates and
funding sources. The initial working estimate is $1.5
million (without the cost of pumping contracts).
King County has appropriated $8 million from the
Flood Control District Fund, to address the Green
River flood emergency. $4.9 million will be prorated
to City and County levee work on a lineal foot basis to
assist each jurisdiction in cost sharing the work.
Auburn’s portion of the funds amounts to $1,019,200.
City Storm Drainage Funds will be used for any cost
overruns not covered by the funds from the Flood
Control District.
Director Dowdy advised that there are generally four
areas that have no levee protection:
• East bank, north of 8th Street (Porter Bridge)
and both banks south of bridge
• Lower Cobble Creek, south of the golf course
• Mullen Slough community on South 287th
Street
• Several homes northeast of the I Street
setback levee
• Trail Run development on South 277th Street
(several lots may be at risk)
The schedule of work is as follows:
• Phase I: Levee work from 8th Street bridge to
end of Reddington Levee, to be under contract
by October 23rd with no work hour restrictions,
seven day work week and required to be
completed by November 7th
• Phase II: Setback levee work from end of
Reddington Levee to South 277th to be under
contract by October 30th with no work hour
restrictions, seven day work week and required
to be completed by November 14th
• Phase III: Preparations to close South 277th as
the flood plain nears filling and before the
• Phase IV: Mill Creek work to be under contract
by November 7th with three shift 24-hour,
seven day work schedule with indefinite but on
call completion date depending on the first
flood event.
2. Appointments
There was no appointment for Council consideration.
D. Agenda Modifications
A revised draft application for the HUD Section 108 Loan Program
under public hearings was transmitted prior to the meeting.
II. CITIZEN INPUT, PUBLIC HEARINGS & CORRESPONDENCE
A. Public Hearings
1. Moratorium – 100 Year Floodplain
O3.10.8
Resolution No. 4416, adopted November 17, 2008,
established an initial six-month moratorium on the filing,
receipt, and approval of applications for development within
areas of the city located within, in whole or in part,
designated 100 Year Floodplains as determined by the
Federal Emergency Management Agency. Resolution No.
4476 extended the moratorium six months. An additional six
month extension of the moratorium is proposed.
Mayor Lewis reported that FEMA declared that there should
be a moratorium in the 100 year floodplain and that cities
would be fined and held accountable for issuing any permits
in the floodplain area until FEMA develops a model
ordinance to address the situation. FEMA has yet to finalize
the model ordinance. No additional staff report was
presented.
Mayor Lewis opened the hearing at 8:18 p.m.
Mara Heiman, 6430 South 287th Street, Auburn
Ms. Heiman spoke against the extension of the moratorium.
She presented the Council with copies of two photos
identified as the Green River Valley, Longacres Race Track
Stables, November 23, 1959, and Green River Valley, East
Valley Road looking toward Renton, November 3, 1959. Ms.
Heiman alleged that the floodplain is a man-made floodplain.
She asked that she be compensated for her property.
Howard Cottier, 181 Old Beaver Valley Road, Port Ludlow,
WA
Mr. Cottier stated that he owns property adjacent to Mara
Heiman’s (previous speaker) property. Mr. Cottier stated
that his property is at the most southern point of the
floodplain. He objected to the extension of the moratorium.
Mara Heiman, 6430 South 287th Street, Auburn
Ms. Heiman objected to the moratorium. She alleged that a
rolling moratorium is inappropriate and requested relief. She
stated that the real floodplain is to the north of her property.
Mayor Lewis closed the public hearing at 8:32 p.m.
2. Proposed 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan and 2010
Community Development Block Grant Annual Action
Plan
O3.4.1.7
City Council conduct a public hearing on amendments to the
City of Auburn Consolidated Plan for Housing and
Community Development and 2010 Community
Development Block Grant Action Plan.
Human Services Manager Hursh presented the staff report
for the Consolidated Plan for 2010-2014 and the 2010
Annual Action Plan. Mr. Hursh explained that the City’s
Consolidated Plan includes both the City of Auburn’s
General Fund appropriations for human services and the
distribution of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
funds. Mr. Hursh clarified that CDBG funds are primarily
used for administration of the program and “brick and
mortar” projects such as the housing repair program.
The Consolidated Plan is a five year plan which provides the
direction of community development goals for the City of
Auburn. The Annual Action Plan is the description of
particular projects which are planned for the next fiscal year.
Mayor Lewis opened the hearing at 8:38 p.m. There being
no one in the audience who wished to speak, the hearing
was closed.
3. Housing and Urban Development Section 108 Loan
Guarantee Program
O3.4.1.7
City Council conduct a public hearing regarding the
proposed Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Section
108 Loan Guarantee Program Application for use in
construction of City of Auburn’s Community Center
Grant Writer Michael Wilson presented the staff report on the
first hearing for the Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program grant application. Mr.
Wilson advised that the City can apply for up to five times its
annual allocation of approximately $400,000 in Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The City is
requesting $2,033,720 in Section 108 Loan Guarantee HUD
funds to provide financing for the development of a
community center facility at Les Gove Park. The City will
repay the loan with proceeds from the City’s annual
allocation of CDBG funds over twenty years. The City’s
annual payment is estimated at $150,000. Mr. Wilson noted
that the City is receiving CDBG funds based on an old
census calculation; he projected that with a new census
calculation coming in 2010, the $150,000 of the annual
allocation used for repayment of the Section 108 loan will be
recouped from the increased population growth and HUD’s
recalculation of the City’s allocation.
Mr. Wilson estimated that the loan review by HUD will take
approximately four months.
Deputy Mayor Singer inquired whether the Section 108 Loan
discussed this evening will affect the proposed one stop
service center funding. Human Services Manager Hursh
responded that if and when an application is received for the
one stop service center, it will be evaluated at that time and
determined whether the grant will be refinanced or other
funding allocated.
In response to questions from Councilmember Peloza
regarding the repayment schedule, Mr. Wilson explained that
the City can choose either an interim interest rate or fixed
interest rate for the loan. Mr. Wilson proposed that the City
use the interim rate for the first year of the loan and lock in at
a fixed rate later. The fixed rate is estimated at four percent.
In response to a question from Councilmember Wagner,
Human Services Manager Hursh stated that the Human
Services Committee supports the Section 108 loan
application for the community center project.
Mayor Lewis opened the hearing at 8:50 p.m. There being
no one in the audience who wished to speak, the hearing
was closed.
B. Audience Participation
This is the place on the agenda where the public is invited to speak
to the City Council on any issue. Those wishing to speak are
reminded to sign in on the form provided.
Kathy Clark, 39 Pike Street SE, Auburn
Ms. Clark conveyed her thanks to the City for information on
flooding preparations, code enforcement and resolution of the
blighted house at 4 Pike Street SE.
C. Correspondence
There was no correspondence for Council review.
III. COUNCIL COMMITTEE REPORTS
A3.7.6
A. Municipal Services
Chair Cerino reported that the Municipal Services Committee did
not meet on October 12th. The next regular meeting of the
Municipal Services Committee is scheduled for October 26, 2009 at
4:00 p.m.
B. Planning & Community Development
Chair Norman reported the Planning and Community Development
Committee met October 12, 2009. The Committee discussed the
floodplain moratorium, the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action
Plan, and Pierce County housing targets update. The next meeting
of the Planning and Community Development Committee is
scheduled for October 26, 2009 at 5:00 p.m.
C. Public Works
Chair Wagner reported the Public Works Committee met this
afternoon at 3:00. The Committee reviewed Ordinance No. 6265
regarding facility extensions. The Committee also discussed
Resolution No. 4527 approving an easement for the Auburn
Regional Medical Center and Resolution No. 4535 regarding the
floodplain moratorium. The Committee also received an update on
the M Street Grade Separation project and discussed the
Comprehensive Transportation Plan, the Six Year Transportation
Improvement Plan, potential flooding, and the capital projects
status report. The next regular meeting of the Public Works
Committee is scheduled for November 2, 2009 at 3:00 p.m.
D. Finance
Chair Backus reported the Finance Committee met this evening at
6:30. The Committee reviewed and approved claims and payroll
vouchers and discussed Resolution No. 4535 regarding the
floodplain moratorium, an investment summary report for the period
ending September 30, 2009, and a briefing on potential flooding.
The next regular meeting of the Finance Committee is scheduled
for November 2, 2009 at 6:30 p.m.
E. Community Center
Chair Wagner reported the Community Center Committee has not
met and no future meeting is scheduled at this time.
F. Downtown Redevelopment
Chair Norman reported the Downtown Redevelopment Committee
met October 13, 2009. The Committee discussed an amendment
to the Downtown Urban Center design standards regarding
monument signs/ground signs in the downtown area, the Auburn
Junction project, and the City Hall plaza. The next regular meeting
of the Downtown Redevelopment Committee is scheduled for
October 27, 2009 at 4:00 p.m.
IV. REPORTS
At this time the Mayor and City Council may report on significant items
associated with their appointed positions on state, regional and local
organizations.
A. From the Council
Deputy Mayor Singer reported on her and other Councilmembers’
attendance at the Valley Regional Fire Authority’s groundbreaking
for the remodel of their Fire Station 32 on R Street SE, the
Reaching Out Fair for middle school children, and continued work
on Project ASCENT.
Councilmember Wagner reported on his attendance at the Regional
Access Mobility Project meeting, which is a Pierce County
transportation planning forum. The meeting consisted of discussion
of the tolling study which is being conducted by the State and the
alternative transportation funding methods study the State is
undertaking.
Councilmember Peloza reported on his attendance at the King
County Solid Waste Advisory Committee meeting where the main
topic was the life of the Cedar Hills Landfill. Councilmember Peloza
also reported that he toured the Mullen Slough and tributary 045
area. He reported that King County discovered a man-made dam
was preventing water from naturally flowing to the Mullen Slough
area, and the dam was removed. Councilmember Peloza also
reported on his attendance at the Suburban Cities Association
Public Issues Committee meeting where he supported a reclaimed
water proposal.
B. From the Mayor
Mayor Lewis reported that Standard & Poor issued their ratings on
October 5th where Auburn was rated “AA”; and of the cities
comprising the SCORE, there was no other city rated higher than
Auburn. Mayor Lewis quoted from Standard & Poor’s as follows:
“We understand that annexations have driven much of the City’s
population and tax base growth in recent years, but that sales tax
revenues have slid in recent months. Historically, the City’s
financial position has been what we consider very strong,
exceeding twenty-five percent of expenditures during the past four
years. For 2009, the City has cut expenditures in response to the
recession, but management expects to finish the year with available
General Fund balance that is still very strong at approximately
eighteen percent of expenditures. In addition, the City maintains
revenue flexibility in the form of bank capacity and maintains about
$5.5 million (about ten percent of expenditures) in a revenue
stabilization fund outside the General Fund.” Mayor Lewis
congratulated the Council and the City’s Finance Department for
the excellent financial condition of the City.
V. CONSENT AGENDA
All matters listed on the Consent Agenda are considered by the City Council to
be routine and will be enacted by one motion in the form listed.
A. Minutes
1. Minutes of the October 5, 2009 regular City Council
meeting.
B. Vouchers
F4.9.2, F4.9.5
1. Claims
Claims check numbers 389305 through 389696 in the
amount of $4,180,832.50 and one wire transfer in the
amount of $4,904.00 and dated October 19, 2009.
2. Payroll
Payroll check numbers 527444 to 527549 in the amount of
$793,262.78 and electronic deposit transmissions in the
amount of $1,152,031.63 for a grand total of $1,945,294.41
for the pay period covering October 1, 2009 to October 14,
2009.
Deputy Mayor Singer moved and Councilmember Wagner seconded to
approve the Consent Agenda.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
VI. UNFINISHED BUSINESS
There was no unfinished business.
VII. NEW BUSINESS
There was no new business.
VIII. ORDINANCES AND RESOLUTIONS
A. Ordinances
1. Ordinance No. 6265
A3.5.2, A3.13.2
An Ordinance of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, amending Chapter 13.40 and Section
12.04.050 of the Auburn City Code relating to facility
extensions
Councilmember Wagner moved and Councilmember Cerino
seconded to introduce and adopt Ordinance No. 6265.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
B. Resolutions
1. Resolution No. 4527
O3.10.9
A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Auburn,
Washington, authorizing the granting of an easement for
construction and permanent occupation of the City right of
way in connection with the Auburn Regional Medical Center
Parking Garage Project
Councilmember Wagner moved and Councilmember Cerino
seconded to adopt Resolution No. 4527.
MOTION CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY. 7-0.
IX. ADJOURNMENT
There being no further business to come before the Council, the meeting
adjourned at 9:18 p.m.
APPROVED THE ______ DAY OF NOVEMBER, 2009.
Peter B. Lewis, Mayor Danielle Daskam, City Clerk
City Council agendas and minutes are available to the public at the City Clerk’s
Office, on the City website, and via e-mail. Complete agenda packets are
available for review at the City Clerk’s Office and at the Library.
Internet: http://www.auburnwa.gov
*Denotes attachments included in Council agenda packet.
Attachment #6
Resolution of City Council
Attachment #7
Certifications