On Tuesday, March 7, at 7:00pm, Mayor Jackie Biskupski will formally present to the Salt Lake City Council her recommendations for projects to be undertaken in 2017-18 utilizing federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Neighborhood Development (HUD). These programs include:
– Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG funds may be used for the development of viable urban communities by providing decent housing and suitable living environments for persons of low and moderate income.
– Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
ESG funds may be used to assist individuals and families regain housing stability after experiencing a housing or homelessness crisis.
– HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)
HOME funds may be used to create affordable housing opportunities for low and moderate-income households.
– Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
HOPWA funds may be used to provide housing assistance and related supportive services to persons living with HIV/AIDS and their families.
The City received approximately $7.7 million worth of requests from 59 applications this funding cycle. Salt Lake City anticipates receiving approximately $5.2 million in funding from HUD. Applications are received from non-profit and city agencies, they are reviewed by citizen based boards who make recommendations to the Mayor on which projects to fund.
This year, the Housing and Neighborhood Development division, which oversee the programs, overhauled the process to increase impact, decrease administrative burden, and provide more technical support. These changes resulted in nearly 700 residents providing feedback on priorities, the opportunity for applicants to meet with citizen boards and the Mayor, and more clarity in the scoring process. A $30,000 minimum funding level was also established, as recommended by HUD, and with feedback from agency applicants. This minimum funding level is intended to help agencies balance administrative costs of these grants with the impact they are intended to provide.
At Tuesday’s formal Council meeting, the City Council will also hear public comments on the proposed projects and activities. Prior to making funding decisions on the 2017-18 program year, the Salt Lake City Council will consider and review all comments received at the public hearing, as well as funding recommendations provided by Mayor Biskupski and citizen advisory boards.
If you are unable to attend the hearing and want your voice to be heard, written comments may be submitted to Jennifer.Schumann@slcgov.com. Comments will also be accepted by the Salt Lake City Council office at 451 South State Street, Room 304, PO Box 145476, Salt Lake City, Utah 84111, or emailed to council.comments@slcgov.com. Additionally, messages may be left on the Council comment telephone number; 801-535-7654. Comments must be submitted by March 14, 2017.
Information on the funding recommendations can be found at: http://www.slcdocs.com/hand/2017-18_Grant_Recommendations_Public%20Release.pdf
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