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HomeMy WebLinkAbout~Master - Approving Home Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program Proposed Allocation Projects RESOLUTION NO. 23-046 RESOLUTION APPROVING HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS AMERICAN RESCUE PLAN PROGRAM (HOME-ARP) PROPOSED ALLOCATION PROJECTS FOR THE CITY OF AMES,IOWA WHEREAS, in September 2021, the City of Ames was officially notified that $1,269,248 of the HOME-ARP funding would be received. This funding is in addition to the City's regular HOME funding. Congress appropriated HOME-ARP funding as part of the American Rescue Plan (ARP) Act to give qualified participating jurisdictions (PJs) significant new resources to address their homeless assistance needs by creating various affordable housing options. In October 2021, the City signed and returned the HOME-APR Grant Agreement with HUD for this special one- time round of funding; and, WHEREAS, with the approval of the HOME-ARP Grant Agreement, the City as the PJ is responsible for ensuring that all grant funds are used in accordance with all program requirements and is a legally binding agreement between the Department of Housing and Urban Development and the City of Ames; and, WHEREAS, HOME-ARP funds must be used for individuals or families from the following qualifying populations (QPs): 1) homeless; 2) at risk of homelessness; 3) fleeing or attempting to flee domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, stalking, or human trafficking; 4) other populations where providing assistance would prevent the family's homelessness or would serve those with the greatest risk of housing instability including veterans and families their veteran families; and, WHEREAS, HOME-ARP funds can be used for the following four-eligible activities: 1) the production or preservation of affordable rental housing; 2) tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA); 3) supportive services (including homeless prevention services and housing counseling services); and 4) the purchase or development of non-congregate shelters for individuals and families experiencing homelessness; and, WHEREAS, ARP can provide up to 5 percent of the grant for the operating cost of Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs) and other non-profit organizations, including homeless providers. Five percent of the funds are also available to these organizations for administrative capacity building. Additionally, HOME-ARP provides up to 15 percent of the allocation for the administrative and planning cost of the PJ and sub-recipients administering all or a portion of the grant; and, WHEREAS, HUD published detailed and restrictive program regulations and requirements. There are four (4) very specific requirements: 1) The Allocation Plan must be submitted to HUD by March 31,2023; 2)All funds must be expended by September 30,2030, and any remaining funds will be returned to the US Treasury; 3) PJs must conduct stakeholder consultations to gain feedback on the community needs of the funding, and 4) HUD must approve the Allocation Plan before funds are made available. In addition to these requirements, the City will be required to amend its 2021-2022 CDBG/HOME Annual Action Plan to include all activities to be implemented. To date, the staff has participated in several HOME-ARP Webinars and has contacted PJs across the country to gain knowledge and expertise in the complexities of the program requirements and processes. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Ames, Iowa, that the HOME Investment Partnerships American Rescue Plan Program(HOME-ARP)Proposed Allocation Projects and proposed estimated budget, directing staff to prepare the draft allocation plan, and set March 28, 2023, as the date of the public hearing for approval of submitting the plan to HUD on or by March 31, 2023, is hereby approved. ADOPTED THIS 24th day of January, 2023. Renee kall, City Clerk John A. Haila, Mayor Introduced by: Beatty-Hansen Seconded by: Rollins Voting aye: Beatty-Hansen, Betcher, Corrieri, Gartin, Junck, Rollins Voting nay: None Absent: None Resolution declared adopted and signed by the Mayor this 241h day of January, 2023.