Title
Strategic Initiative 6.2 - Ensure the quality and broad distribution of affordable housing throughout the City (B)
This item involves a request for the Community Development Committee to hear an update from Housing & Community Development staff on Strategic Initiative 6.2 - Ensure the quality and broad distribution of affordable housing throughout the City.
Explanation
As part of the City's Strategic Goals and Initiatives for FY 13, the City Commission has identified Strategic Initiative (SI) 6: Quality of Life, Improve the quality of life in our neighborhoods for the benefit of all residents, 6.2 Ensure the quality and broad distribution of affordable housing throughout the City. The City's Housing & Community Development Division (HCD) receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME); and the State of Florida Housing Initiative Partnership Program (SHIP) to provide housing assistance to low-income families to improve the quality of life for City residents and to revitalize neighborhoods by providing decent, safe affordable housing. The HCD Division continues to strive to meet these goals and initiatives by providing an array of housing programs and services providing the foundation needed to aid in promoting affordable homeownership and/or sustainable neighborhoods throughout the City.
The FY13 target goals are to assist 50 families with financial assistance such as homeowner rehabilitation and downpayment assistance; and to assist 175 families with housing counseling services such as homebuyer and homeowner education, credit counseling and other housing services. As of Quarter 2, the HCD is meeting the FY13 target goals by assisting 31 families with financial assistance and 213 families with housing counseling assistance. Attached for reference is a copy of the FY13 Quarterly Update Report for SI 6.2 (Attachment A).
Additionally, through the CDBG and HOME Program, the City provides funding to outside agencies in efforts to promote public/private partnerships and to further the goals of providing quality and broad distribution of affordable housing throughout the City. As of Quarter 2, these agencies have assisted 30 additional families with affordable housing assistance. Attached for reference is a copy of the FY13 Housing Program Assistance summary report (Attachment B).
Overall, it is anticipated that the City will meet and/or exceed its FY13 goals to ensure the quality and broad distribution of affordable housing throughout the City.
Recommendation
The Community Development Committee: 1) receive an update from staff; and 2) provide feedback and direction to staff as appropriate.