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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023 Action Plan Final Annual Action Plan 2023 1 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Executive Summary AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b) 1. Introduction Each year the City of Auburn executes specific actions to implement the goals and strategies of the Consolidated Plan for Years 2020-2024. Actions that will be undertaken in 2023 are outlined in this Annual Action Plan. The City of Auburn anticipates the receipt of $560,951 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 2023. The City is also reprogramming $23,577 of 2021 funds from projects that were underspent in their original program year, primarily from Planning and Administration. These funds, previously highlighted within minor amendments in their original plan year, were set aside to support more substantial projects to be included in a future year. These funds are reflected in the project and activity funding within this Action Plan. In addition to CDBG funds, the City is planned to allocate approximately 1.2% of the City's General Funds to Human Services. The City’s Human Services program, housed in the Community Services Division, oversees and is responsible for providing and managing financial resources to more than 30 non-profit agencies that serve the Auburn community. The Community Services division is also responsible for administering the local housing repair program and developing collaborations among community partners to strengthen the response to residents in need. The 2023 Action Plan proposes to allocate $84,000 of CDBG funds to public services. Consistent with the goals established in the City’s Consolidated Plan, these funds will be used to support Homelessness Prevention and Intervention. Approximately $112,000 of the CDBG funds will be allocated to program administration, which includes planning and administration of the CDBG program overall, citizen participation, reporting, and administration of the City’s CDBG-funded Housing Repair Program. $100,000 of the 2023 funding is designated to support sidewalk ADA improvements in low- to moderate-income residential areas. The City will also be making $75,000 available through a competitive RFP process for Microenterprise Assistance. The remaining $189,951 of 2023 funds will be allocated to residential rehabilitation, providing free minor home repair services to low- and very low-income Auburn residents. The City of Auburn is committed to continuing to focus on achieving equitable outcomes for its community members and achieving a greater collaboration among service providers. Overall the Annual Action Plan 2023 2 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) implementation of the Consolidated Plan is progressing as planned and the primary activities included are underway. 2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan This could be a restatement of items or a table listed elsewhere in the plan or a reference to another location. It may also contain any essential items from the housing and homeless needs assessment, the housing market analysis or the strategic plan. This Action Plan allocates a total of $560,951 dollars in anticipated 2023 Community Development Block Grant funds, to support the Community Development Block Grant program. With the overall goal of reducing the number of people living in poverty within the City of Auburn, the following objectives and outcomes will be employed: 1. Affordable Housing: The City of Auburn will engage in housing activities, collaborations, and partnerships to enhance opportunities for the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The City will plan for and support fair housing strategies and initiatives designed to affirmatively further fair housing choice, and to increase access to housing and housing programs. 2. Ending Homelessness: The City of Auburn will support Public Service activities that work toward the following outcomes: 1) reduce the number of households becoming homeless; 2) reduce the length of time that households are homeless; 3) increase the rate of exits to permanent housing; and 4) reduce the number of households that re-enter the homeless system after exit to permanent housing. 3. Community and Economic Development: In an effort to meet the need of Auburn’s economic and demographic growth the City intends to fund programs and activities that will enhance the economy, accessibility, safety, and physical appearance of neighborhoods. Activities that would be eligible for funding include fair housing public services, public infrastructure and ADA improvements for public facilities, microenterprise assistance, and economic development activities. These investments help to ensure equitable opportunities for good health, happiness, safety, self-reliance and connection to community. 4. Planning and Administration: Administer the Community Development Block Grant program to meet the community needs and HUD requirements To accomplish these outcomes and objectives, the City invests in programs that meet the community basic needs, increase self-sufficiency, provide economic opportunity and develop a safe community. 3. Evaluation of past performance This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the grantee to choose its goals or projects. Annual Action Plan 2023 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) During the past year Auburn has accomplished significant achievement on its programs and impacted the lives of thousands of residents. In 2021 alone, projects funded by the City completed the following: • 52 very low- and low-income Auburn homeowners received housing repair services. Roughly 70% of these homeowners were seniors. • 268 low- to moderate-income Auburn residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic received emergency subsistence supports. • 188 Seniors living in King County Housing Authority properties received food assistance to support needs due to the pandemic. • 70 Youth experiencing homelessness benefitted from increased access to behavioral health supports. • 12 individuals economically impacted by covid received job training and placement services. • 86 low income individuals impacted by the pandemic received childcare services. • A sidewalk project was completed to support greater ADA accessibility for Auburn residents, with an estimated direct impact for 1,335 residents. The City of Auburn has prioritized COVID response with CDBG funds over the course of the pandemic. In addition to fully allocating the CDBG-CV funds made available, the City reallocated $205,000 of 2020 CDBG-EN funds to public services directed towards those impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The City also applied for and received over $170,000 of CDBG-CV2 funds from the State Department of Commerce to support eviction prevention efforts in the community in 2021 and 2022. 4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process Summary from citizen participation section of plan. The city engaged in a public participation process for the 2023 Annual Action Plan, as outlined below: • Drafts of the Action Plan have been made available for public via mail and on the City’s website and notices of its public view were publicized in the local newspaper as of September 16, 2022. Interested community members were invited to provide comment via mail, email, or on the City’s public engagement web platform, Speak Up Auburn!, www.speakupauburn.org/cdbg until October 17, 2022. • A public hearing was provided on August 22, 2022, during the City’s Human Services Committee meeting to hear public comment and input on priorities to be included in the 2023 Annual Action Plan. • An additional public hearing was held on October 17, 2022, during the Auburn City Council meeting, to hear public comment and input on the published draft of the 2023 Annual Action Plan. Annual Action Plan 2023 4 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The City of Auburn in conjunction with the King County CDBG Consortium consulted with multiple public and private agencies during the development of the consolidated plan. Consultations occurred during regional meetings as well as in individual conversations. Agencies that participated in consultations regarding public services, fair housing, and other topics relevant to the drafting of the 2023 Annual Action Plan included: the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners, local legal assistance providers, other government human service providers and nonprofit agencies delivering services in Auburn and the sub-region. In addition to conducting consultations during the development of the plan, the City of Auburn collaborates and works closely with numerous coalitions, committees and government entities. 5. Summary of public comments This could be a brief narrative summary or reference an attached document from the Citizen Participation section of the Con Plan. No public comments were received. 6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them No public comments were received. 7. Summary No public comments were received. Annual Action Plan 2023 5 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b) 1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administrat ion of each grant program and funding source. Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency AUBURN CDBG Administrator AUBURN Community Development Department ESG Administrator Table 1 – Responsible Agencies Narrative The City of Auburn, as a member of the King County Consortium, administers its own CDBG funds and prepares its own Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans for the administration of those funds. As a member of the King County Consortium, the City works closely with numerous nonprofit organizations in the region that implement programs funded by the City of Auburn CDBG program. A detailed list of agencies responsible for administering funded programs by CDBG can be found in the Action Plan section of this document. Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information Joy Scott Community Services Manager City of Auburn Annual Action Plan 2023 6 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 25 West Main Street Auburn, WA 98001 253.876.1965 jfscott@auburnwa.gov Annual Action Plan 2023 7 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l) 1. Introduction This section describes the community consultation process followed by the City of Auburn in developing the 2023 Annual Action Plan and the coordination with other local governments, the Continuum of Care, service agencies, and community stakeholders. The City of Auburn consulted with multiple public and private agencies as well as community members during the development of the Consolidated Plan. In addition to conducting consultations during the development of the plan, the City of Auburn collaborates and works closely with numerous coalitions, committees, and government entities throughout the duration of the plan in efforts to enhance strategies and systems to meet established goals and objectives of the plan. Through the monthly SKC Forum on Homelessness meetings that the City of Auburn co-facilitates, the City is able to consult with a number of service providers and entities operating within South King County. This includes representatives from King County Library System, whose work with digital access (especially within the mobile outreach program) helps to inform our understanding of barriers to internet access within the community. Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(l)). The City of Auburn works closely with partnering King County jurisdictions, public housing authorities and health providers to develop systems in order to improve the quality of service and access for low- income residents as well as the community as a whole within the city and throughout the region. The City of Auburn, in partnership with the Seattle-King County Coalition on Homelessness, convenes a monthly group of service providers, faith communities, community advocates, and others, to coordinate efforts on serving individuals experiencing homelessness in South King County. The meeting provides a venue for resource sharing, collaboration, training, and best practice implementation. City staff also participate in regional collaborative and decision making bodies such as the King County Joint Recommendations Committee (JRC) and the South King County Human Services Planners group. The city is a member of the King County Human Services Funder Collaborative, which provides a more streamlined process for human service agencies to access funding from multiple cities. Additionally, the City participates in monthly Homelessness Action Committee meetings with staff from King County Department of Community and Human Services, Public Health King County, the Housing Development Consortium, Valley Cities, the Multi-Service Center, and the King County Housing Authority to review program progress and delivery of homeless services funded through regional efforts. In Annual Action Plan 2023 8 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) addition to these groups, the City’s regional collaboration work on affordable housing is supported by the South King Housing and Homelessness Partners, which Auburn and other South King County Cities contribute to in order to build additional capacity to address issues related to housing and homelessness in the South King County region. Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessnes s. In 2016, King County and All Home, our region’s Continuum of Care (CoC) lead agency at the time, launched the Coordinated Entry for All (CEA) system for homeless populations and our region has been refining the system since then. National research identifies coordinated entry as a key component for an effective homeless system because it improves the quality of client screening and assessment, matches clients to appropriately targeted services and resources, and promotes a more efficient use of resources. CEA processes and prioritizes assistance based on vulnerability and severity of service needs to ensure that people who need assistance the most can receive it in a timely manner. Chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, unaccompanied youth, and young adults are a part of the coordinated system. In addition, CEA utilizes regional access points which serve as the primary “front door” for the homeless housing system. In 2021, the newly-created King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) became our CoC lead agency, and has worked to consolidate structures and contracts across King County and Seattle to create greater efficiency and maximize impact. In 2022, this work continued and Auburn remained a partner in the work of the KCRHA. Auburn’s mayor currently sits on the Governance Board of the Regional Homelessness Authority, and staff participate in bi-weekly meetings with KCRHA to collaborate and inform the work they are overseeing, particularly in regards to subregional planning. Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction’s area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS The ESG program focuses on assisting people to quickly regain stability in permanent housing after experiencing homelessness or a housing crisis. Auburn does not receive ESG funds directly. Coordinating with King County’s Continuum of Care (CoC) is critical to our region’s implementation. The City will continue to look for deeper ways of participating in and collaborating with the Regional Homelessness Authority and its Advisory Committee, which serves as our Continuum of Care. Annual Action Plan 2023 9 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The City of Auburn supports the continuum of housing including prevention, emergency shelter, and permanent housing. The City provides financial support for these efforts with City general funds and also commits staff and leadership time to the ongoing development and implementation of the system to address the needs of persons experiencing homelessness. The City participates in and supports numerous coalitions and committees, such as the South King County Forum on Homelessness and the Homelessness Action Committee, focusing on developing resources in South King County. The City also participates in the annual Point in Time Count, which provides invaluable data for planning. The Point In Time Count was conducted utilizing a new methodology in 2022, which included over 500 in depth interviews with individuals experiencing homelessness. KCRHA utilized geographic hubs to reach individuals during this Count. One of the hub locations was located in Auburn. The City provides both CDBG and local funds to agencies that serve chronically homeless individuals and families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth. 2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and consultations Annual Action Plan 2023 10 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization King County Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - County What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Non-Homeless Special Needs Market Analysis Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? As a member of the King County Housing Consortium for the purpose of HOME funds, Auburn works closely with King County in the development of the City's and the County's Consolidated Plan. Because the two entities have a cardinal role in each other's program delivery there is active participation from both parties in the development of the plan. Staff from King County and Auburn met regularly prior to and during the development of the plan, and Auburn rotates as a regular voting member of the County's Joint Recommendations Committee. 2 Agency/Group/Organization KENT Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local Annual Action Plan 2023 11 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Non-Homeless Special Needs Market Analysis Anti-poverty Strategy Lead-based Paint Strategy Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? As members of the Urban County Consortium, Auburn and Kent staff worked closely together during the development of the Consolidated Plan. Staff from both cities attend monthly meetings to discuss human services and housing trends, needs, and progress on ongoing initiatives. 3 Agency/Group/Organization FEDERAL WAY Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Non-Homeless Special Needs Market Analysis Anti-poverty Strategy Lead-based Paint Strategy Annual Action Plan 2023 12 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? As members of the Urban County Consortium, Auburn and Federal Way staff worked closely together during the development of the Consolidated Plan. Staff from both cities attend monthly meetings to discuss human services and housing trends, needs, and progress on ongoing initiatives. 4 Agency/Group/Organization King County Regional Homelessness Authority Agency/Group/Organization Type Planning organization What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Public Housing Needs Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Auburn participates in monthly meetings convened by the King County Regional Homelessness Authority (KCRHA) on homeless response needs and strategy in SKC, and bimonthly meetings focused on affordable housing data and developments. The information collected by KCRHA helps to inform multiple pieces of our Annual Action Plan, particularly those strategies related to homelessness and affordable housing in our community. 5 Agency/Group/Organization Seattle-King County Coalition on Homelessness Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Annual Action Plan 2023 13 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Auburn is a member of the Seattle-King County Coalition on Homelessness (SKCCH), and co-convenes a monthly group of service providers working with people experiencing homelessness in our communities. The meetings provide a frequent check-in point, and the opportunity to hear from providers directly on the challenges and trends they're seeing in Auburn. The Coalition on Homelessness' organizational members include agencies and community groups that provide emergency shelter and services, transitional housing, and permanent, supported housing to the roughly 27,000 men, women, and children who are homeless in King County during one year. 6 Agency/Group/Organization South King Housing and Homelessness Partners Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local Regional organization What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Public Housing Needs Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children Homelessness Needs - Veterans Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth Homelessness Strategy Annual Action Plan 2023 14 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Briefly describe how the Agency/Group/Organization was consulted. What are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) is a coalition formed by an interlocal agreement between the jurisdictions of Auburn, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Maple Valley, Normandy Park, Renton, Tukwila, and King County. The agreement allows for South King County jurisdictions to work together and share resources in order to effectively address affordable housing and homelessness. This collaborative model is based on similar approaches used in Snohomish County, East King County, and other areas of the country. The purpose of the coalition is to increase the available options for South King County residents to access affordable housing and to preserve the existing affordable housing stock. Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting A wide range of groups and organizations participated in the process including public funders from Washington State and King County partner jurisdictions, public housing authorities, members from the Seattle-King County Housing Development Consortium, stakeholders, housing providers for low-and-moderate income persons, agencies who serve persons who are homeless, and Seattle-King County Public Health. In addition to the consultations referenced above, Auburn, King County and Consortium partner staff coordinate closely with each other and fan out to participate and attend a wide range of standing meetings with city planners, housing and service providers. The only types of organizations not consulted with were corrections facilities. The rationale for not consulting with these facilities is that the City does not host this type of organization. Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of Care King County Regional Homelessness Authority The goals of Auburn's Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of the CoC to address the needs of homeless residents in the community and reduce the risk of homelessness. Annual Action Plan 2023 15 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Table 3 - Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Narrative Annual Action Plan 2023 16 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-12 Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c) 1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal -setting Public participation plays a crucial role in the success of the City's Annual Action Plan. The goals are to hear the community's feedback and recommendations on how CDBG funds should be invested and how services can coordinate to achieve the greatest impact. In addition to the targeted outreach listed below, the City regularly engages service providers and stakeholders in discussions regarding human services and local economic development needs. Organizations funded by the city are monitored throughout the year and report quarterly on progress, trends, and challenges. City staff co-host a monthly meeting of service providers working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness in the region to gather feedback and support increased capacity building through broad collaboration of regional providers. In addition, City staff meet regularly with other cities in the area and other funders to evaluate gaps in services and seek solutions to local and regional community development challenges. Annual Action Plan 2023 17 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Citizen Participation Outreach Sort Order Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of comments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 1 Public Hearing Non- targeted/broad community A Public Hearing was conducted during the October 17, 2022 Auburn City Council meeting to hear public comment and input on the published draft of the 2023 Annual Action Plan. No comments were received. No comments were received. No comments were received. 2 Newspaper Ad Non- targeted/broad community A newspaper ad was placed in the City's paper of record, the Seattle Times, on September 16, 2022. No comments were received. No comments were received. No comments were received. Annual Action Plan 2023 18 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Sort Order Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of comments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 3 Web posting on Speak Up Auburn Non- targeted/broad community Interested community members were invited to provide comment via the City's public engagement web platform, Speak Up Auburn!, until October 17, 2022. No comments were received. No comments were received. No comments were received. 4 Web posting on City's Human Services page Non- targeted/broad community No comments were received. No comments were received. No comments were received. Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach Annual Action Plan 2023 19 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Expected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources - 91.420(b), 91.220(c)(1,2) Introduction The City of Auburn anticipates funding for the duration of the Consolidated Plan from • CDBG • City of Auburn General Fund allocation for Human Services Anticipated Resources Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $ Narrative Description Annual Allocation: $ Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ CDBG public - federal Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services 560,951 0 23,577 584,528 584,528 Auburn is anticipating approximately $550,000 per year in CDBG funds for the remainder of the Consolidated Plan period. General Fund public - local Public Services 1,100,000 0 0 1,100,000 2,200,000 General funds supporting Human Services grants in the City of Auburn Table 5 - Expected Resources – Priority Table Annual Action Plan 2023 20 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied The City of Auburn relies on CDBG funds to support community and economic development projects and activities in efforts to support low to moderate income populations to become self-sufficient and sustain affordable housing. However, CDBG funds are not the only source of funds the City uses to support community projects and activities. The City's general funds are used to support direct services benefitting Auburn's at risk populations in addition to CDBG funds. CDBG funds do not require matching funds. If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the ne eds identified in the plan n/a Discussion The City of Auburn will use CDBG funds to support all eligible projects and activities that align with CDBG guidelines and regulations. Annual Action Plan 2023 21 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives - 91.420, 91.220(c)(3)&(e) Goals Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Affordable Housing 2020 2024 Affordable Housing Public Housing Homeless Non-Homeless Special Needs Affordable Housing CDBG: $189,951 General Fund: $236,397 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated: 65 Household Housing Unit 2 Ending Homelessness 2020 2024 Homeless Ending Homelessness CDBG: $84,000 General Fund: $611,603 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 60 Persons Assisted 3 Community and Economic Development 2020 2024 Non-Homeless Special Needs Non-Housing Community Development Community and Economic Development CDBG: $198,577 General Fund: $347,000 Public Facility or Infrastructure Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit: 500 Persons Assisted Businesses assisted: 20 Businesses Assisted 4 Planning and Administration 2020 2024 CDBG: $112,000 Other: 0 Other Table 6 – Goals Summary Goal Descriptions Annual Action Plan 2023 22 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 1 Goal Name Affordable Housing Goal Description The City of Auburn will engage in housing activities, collaborations, and partnerships to enhance opportunities for the creation and preservation of affordable housing. The City will plan for and support fair housing strategies and initiatives designed to affirmatively further fair housing choice, and to increase access to housing and housing programs. 2 Goal Name Ending Homelessness Goal Description The City of Auburn will support Public Service activities that work toward the following outcomes: 1) reduce the number of households becoming homeless; 2) reduce the length of time that households are homeless; 3) increase the rate of exits to permanent housing; and 4) reduce the number of households that re-enter the homeless system after exit to permanent housing. 3 Goal Name Community and Economic Development Goal Description In an effort to meet the need of Auburn's economic and demographic growth the City intends to fund programs and activities that will enhance the economy, accessibility, safety, and physical appearance of neighborhoods. Activities that would be eligible for funding include fair housing public services, economic development and microenterprise assistance activities, public infrastructure and ADA improvements for public facilities. These investments help to ensure equitable opportunities for good health, happiness, safety, self-reliance and connection to community. 4 Goal Name Planning and Administration Goal Description General administration and project management Annual Action Plan 2023 23 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Annual Action Plan 2023 24 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d) Introduction Auburn's Annual Action Plan provides descriptions of proposals of how funds will be prioritized to achieve goals identified in the Consolidated Plan. Projects funded by the City will address the priority needs of providing assistance to prevent homelessness, ensure affordable housing and a suitable living environment. Projects and programs are selected through a competitive application process to ensure optimal quality services is provided to the community in use of the funds. # Project Name 1 Housing Repair 2 Administration 3 Solid Ground Housing Stability Program 4 Microenterprise Assistance 5 ADA Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements Table 7 – Project Information Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs The allocations proposed are based on the assessment of Auburn's needs, the resources available in the region, the availability of other funds also focusing on needs, and the purpose of Consolidated Plan funds. In addition to supporting Consolidated Plan goals, the inclusion of microenterprise assistance is responsive to increased need for support post-pandemic that we have seen in our small business community. Should CDBG revenues exceed the proposed amount, the additional resources shall be allocated in accordance to the following guidelines: • Fill gaps in human services primarily healthcare, homeless prevention and intervention and affordable housing accessibility. • Increase funding for community development projects and activities including housing, community facilities and economic development. If increases are not significant enough to enhance projects or activities funds may be placed in contingency for programming later in the year or the following program year. Should CDBG revenues come in lower than anticipated; the City will continue with its planned policy and to the extent allowed reduce funding allocations in homeowner rehabilitation projects, sidewalk projects, and administrative activities. The City’s 2023 allocation was lower than anticipated in the original planning efforts. As laid out in our Annual Action Plan contingencies, we reduced the amount of funding allocated to housing repair and administrative activities. We did need to reduce the amount Annual Action Plan 2023 25 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) allocated to public services in order to avoid exceeding the maximum allowable set aside for that purpose, but we retain the same proportion of funding set aside for public services in this plan. Funding was also slightly reduced in our sidewalk project, as it was determined that we will still have sufficient funding to carry out a sidewalk improvement project at that funding level. Should CDBG revenues come in less than originally proposed, the City will continue managing the programs with decreased resources to the extent possible and reduce funding allocations in administrative activities and not public services. Annual Action Plan 2023 26 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-38 Project Summary Project Summary Information Annual Action Plan 2023 27 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 1 Project Name Housing Repair Target Area Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Affordable Housing Funding CDBG: $189,951 Description Maintain the affordability of decent housing for low-income Auburn residents by providing repairs necessary to maintain suitable housing for low income Auburn homeowners. Target Date 12/31/2023 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities An estimated 65 low- and very low-income families will benefit from the housing repair program. As the City's largest homeless prevention program, housing repair ensures the sustainability of a safe home for some of Auburn's most vulnerable residents. Of the 65 low to moderate income residents who apply for the program, over half of them are of the senior and disabled population. Location Description n/a Planned Activities Activities include minor home repairs 2 Project Name Administration Target Area Goals Supported Planning and Administration Needs Addressed Funding CDBG: $112,000 Description General administration and project management Target Date 12/31/2023 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities n/a Location Description n/a Planned Activities General planning and administration of the CDBG programs include: management of the housing repair program, management of all CDBG related finances, all grant reporting, monitoring of subrecipients and providing guidance of program implementation in Auburn. Annual Action Plan 2023 28 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 3 Project Name Solid Ground Housing Stability Program Target Area Goals Supported Ending Homelessness Needs Addressed Ending Homelessness Funding CDBG: $84,000 General Fund: $8,112 Description Provide time limited emergency subsistence/rental assistance to Auburn residents paired with supportive services based on the progressive engagement model to support homelessness prevention and increased housing stability. This is a public service activity. Target Date 12/31/2023 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 60 low to moderate income Auburn residents will benefit from the housing stability program. Location Description n/a Planned Activities Provide time limited emergency subsistence/rental assistance to Auburn residents paired with supportive services based on the progressive engagement model to support homelessness prevention and increased housing stability. 4 Project Name Microenterprise Assistance Target Area Goals Supported Community and Economic Development Needs Addressed Community and Economic Development Funding CDBG: $75,000 Description Make funds available through an RFP process to nonprofit agencies to provide Microenterprise Assistance services to low to moderate income Auburn residents. Target Date 12/31/2023 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities An estimated 20 microenterprise businesses will benefit from the proposed activity. Location Description n/a Annual Action Plan 2023 29 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Planned Activities Provide microenterprise assistance, including technical assistance and grants, to low income microenterprise business owners in Auburn. 5 Project Name ADA Sidewalk Accessibility Improvements Target Area Goals Supported Community and Economic Development Needs Addressed Community and Economic Development Funding CDBG: $123,577 Description Provide sidewalk ADA improvements in low- to moderate-income residential areas of Auburn, improving accessibility, safety, and community connectedness. Target Date 12/31/2023 Estimate the number and type of families that will benefit from the proposed activities 500 low to moderate income Auburn residents will benefit from the improvements. Location Description The specific location of 2023 sidewalk ADA improvement projects has not been finalized, but the City aims to support improvements in low income residential areas, especially in those areas where a project can support greater residential connections to transit and services. Planned Activities Provide sidewalk ADA improvements in low- to moderate-income residential areas of Auburn Annual Action Plan 2023 30 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f) Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low -income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The City of Auburn intends on distributing funds throughout the jurisdiction. Geographic Distribution Target Area Percentage of Funds Table 8 - Geographic Distribution Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically Due to the fact that all areas of Auburn have low to moderate income families dispersed throughout the entire City, the City intends on investing throughout the entire jurisdiction to ensure that all populations throughout the region have access to beneficial programs and housing opportunities. Discussion Due to the fact that all areas of Auburn have low to moderate income families dispersed throughout the entire City, the City intends on investing throughout the entire jurisdiction to ensure that all populations throughout the region have access to beneficial programs and housing opportunities. Annual Action Plan 2023 31 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Annual Action Plan 2023 32 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j) Introduction The City of Auburn will continue to work with service providers, the housing authority and residents in coordination to fully address and develop systems and strategies to promote their efforts in providing sustainable, affordable housing. Auburn's partnerships with organizations such as the King County Housing Authority, South King Housing and Homelessness Partners, and the Housing Development Consortium of Seattle King County have allowed the City to explore new and innovative strategies to continue to offer affordable housing to its current and prospective residents. Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housi ng such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment The City of Auburn will continue to look at policies that remove barriers to affordable housing. The City of Auburn's Comprehensive Land Use Plan 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. In 2019, the Washington State Legislature adopted House Bill 1923, which awarded grants in the amount up to $100,000 to citie s for the purpose of increasing residential capacity. The City of Auburn partnered with five other South King County jurisdictions to establish a sub- regional framework of existing conditions. The results of that effort were used to inform and aid in the development of Auburn’s own Housing Action Plan. Auburn’s Housing Action Plan focuses on encouraging construction of additional affordable and market rate housing in a greater variety of Annual Action Plan 2023 33 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) housing types and at prices that are accessible to a greater variety of incomes, including strategies aimed at the for-profit single-family home market. The Housing Action Plan aims to address the following four goals: A) Encourage market rate development in Downtown Auburn: more development and denser development B) Encourage the development of below-market workforce housing in Downtown Auburn C) Encourage the development of middle housing types in R-5 and R-7 Zones in the Study Area D) Prevent displacement and encourage the preservation of existing affordable housing The final Housing Action Plan was adopted by Auburn City Council on July 6, 2021. The City will continue its work in implementing strategies identified in the Housing Action Plan in 2023 and through the remainder of the Consolidated Plan period. In 2020 the City of Auburn passed an ordinance adopting a new chapter of Rental Housing Code. Included in this ordinance were multiple housing stability strategies, including increased notice of rental increases, a cap on late fees, and a Just Cause Eviction Ordinance that requires landlords to have good cause in order to evict or terminate tenancy of a renter. Just Cause protections are especially helpful in addressing fair housing issues, and this adoption was consistent with the City’s efforts related to the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. This builds on previous protections passed by Auburn City Council, including Source of Income Discrimination protections and enhanced rental inspections. Auburn staff have been involved in local and regional policy conversations exploring opportunities to further support anti-displacement efforts and reduce barriers to affordable housing development within our jurisdiction. In 2022, the City of Auburn funded Fair Housing Public Services utilizing CDBG funds, consistent with the findings and goals of the City’s adopted Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. The City also continues to support proactive landlord and tenant education through outreach Annual Action Plan 2023 34 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) and web-based resource supports. Discussion Annual Action Plan 2023 35 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-85 Other Actions - 91.420, 91.220(k) Introduction The City of Auburn will continue to work with service providers throughout the region in coordination to develop systems and strategies to promote their efforts in providing optimal, easily accessible services. The City will work to reduce the number of families in poverty, sustain relationships with employment training agencies, and work to preserve and increase the affordable housing stock in our community. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs By establishing a strong foundation of networks between local service providers, stakeholders and government agencies through committees and coalitions, the City will work in partnership to address obstacles and ameliorate barriers to meeting underserved needs. The collaborated organizations will develop detailed strategic plans that will delegate tasks, build systems and ongoing assessment of service delivery. Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The City will continue to maintain the affordability of decent housing for low income Auburn residents by allocating almost $200,000 of CDBG funds to the City's Housing Repair Program. The program provides emergency repairs necessary to maintain safe housing for at least 65 Auburn homeowners, many of whom are senior citizens and/or are experiencing barriers to safely accessing their homes due to physical disabilities. In addition to Auburn's Housing Repair program, the City will maintain affordable housing by continuing to engage and partner with coalitions, committees and other government agencies to integrate and enhance efforts on the issue. The City has formally adopted a Housing Action Plan, as discussed in AP-75, that is helping to guide current and future efforts in this area. That plan is available to the public on the City of Auburn’s website. Auburn has been participating in multiple robust regional efforts to coordinate affordable housing activities in King County. One of these efforts, The South King Housing and Homelessness Partners (SKHHP) is a coalition formed by an interlocal agreement between the jurisdictions of Auburn, Burien, Covington, Des Moines, Federal Way, Kent, Normandy Park, Renton, Tukwila, and King County. The agreement allows for South King County jurisdictions to work together and share resources in order to effectively address affordable housing and homelessness. This collaborative model is based on similar approaches used in Snohomish County, East King County, and other areas of the country. The purpose of the coalition is to increase the available options for South King County residents to access affordable Annual Action Plan 2023 36 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) housing and to preserve the existing affordable housing stock. Additionally, the City of Auburn has been an active participant in the Affordable Housing Committee of the Growth Management Planning Council (GMPC), with a City Councilmember sitting on the Committee as an alternate member. The Affordable Housing Committee serves as a regional advisory body to recommend action and assess progress toward implementing the Regional Affordable Housing Task Force (RAHTF) Five Year Action Plan. The Committee functions as a point in coordinating and owning accountability for affordable housing efforts across King County. Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards The City of Auburn includes language in its CDBG contracts that require agencies to comply with HUD Lead-Based Paint Regulations (24 CFR Part 35) issued pursuant to the Lead-Based Paint Poisoning Prevention Act (42 U.S.C. Sections 4831, et seq.) requiring prohibition of the use of lead-based paint whenever CDBG funds are used. In addition, the City notifies residents of potential lead-based paint hazards when it awards a Housing Repair grant. A copy of the pamphlet – "Protect Your Family from Lead In Your Home" is provided each Housing Repair client when the City conducts the initial inspection of their home. The city takes additional measures when the age of the home indicates a possible presence of lead- based paint. Before housing repair work commences, the city contracts with a certified provider to undertake lead paint testing. When lead-based hazards are positively identified, the city works with the housing repair client and contractors certified in RRP Lead Abatement to implement the necessary mitigation and safety strategies. Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City of Auburn's planned actions to reduce the number of poverty- level families within the context of this Annual Action Plan include but are not limited to: • Allocating almost $200,000 to the Housing Repair program, which serves low- and very low- income residents and supports households to remain in safe and affordable housing. • Allocating $84,000 to public service activities providing Homelessness Prevention and Intervention services. • Participate and partner with coalitions, committees and agencies that provide antipoverty services to develop and enhance strategies and efforts to reduce poverty level families. • Supporting the development and sustainability of affordable multi-family housing in Auburn. In addition, the city will continue to support and fund programs serving families living in poverty through Annual Action Plan 2023 37 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) a competitive human services funding process. Actions planned to develop institutional structure The City's planned actions to address the gaps and weaknesses identified in the strategic plan include: • Maintaining partnerships with and participating in the South King County Housing and Homelessness Partnership, the Regional Homelessness Authority of King County and other regional human service providers, coalitions and committees who address homeless issues. The City will also continue to work collaboratively with partnering organizations and groups to integrate and enhance services to provide optimal services to individuals and families currently experiencing or at risk of homelessness. In addition the City plans to prioritize General Fund human services dollars for housing and homelessness interventions, and allocate $240,000 to basic needs services such as food, financial assistance, clothing and healthcare. • Take a comprehensive approach to consolidated and comprehensive planning to include all internal City departments, commissions, committees and task forces. Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies The City of Auburn has heavily contributed and intends to continue cultivating relationships between public and private housing and social service agencies. In addition the City will continue to participate in collaborations with the South King County Forum on Homelessness, the South King County Council of Human Services, Seattle-King County Housing Development Consortium and the King County Joint Planners Meeting. Discussion The expressed goal of the City's Consolidated Plan is to reduce the number of people living in poverty within Auburn. The City intends to give funding priority to programs that in addition to complying with federal regulations and address a priority a outlined in the Consolidated Plan are consistent with all of the goals and objectives identified. Annual Action Plan 2023 38 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Program Specific Requirements AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4) Introduction Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0 2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0 4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 0 Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income.Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 0.00% Annual Action Plan 2023 39 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Discussion The City of Auburn plans no urgent need activities during this program year. Annual Action Plan 2023 40 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021)