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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2006-09-18 Housing PACKET Ashland Housing Commission Regular Meeting Agenda: September 18, 2006 6:30 - 8:30pm Community Development & Engineering Services Building 51 Winburn Way, Ashland OR. 1. (6:30) Approval of Minutes (5 min) 2. (6:35) Public Forum (10 min) items not on the agenda 3. (6:45) Other Business from Housing Commission Members (5 min) items not on the agenda 4. (6:50) Project Updates Ashland Community Land Trust (15 min) Bridge Street Garfield Street 5. (7:05) New Business Interagency Council on Homelessness (30 min) Paul Carlson, Regional Coordinator, Federal Region X CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (20 min) Review and Public Comment period 7. (7:55) Reports and Updates (25 min total) Subcommittee/Liaison Updates Land Use (5 min) Finance (5 min) Education (5 min) Pre-app Review report (5 min) Liaison reports (5 min) 8. (8:20) Meeting Agenda Items Study Session Items Regular meeting items Lithia Lot Update 8. (8:25) Commission Coordination September 26th - Study Session 4:00-7:00 October 10, 2006 Anticipated Planning Commission hearing on Condo-conversion ordinance October 16, 2006 Regular Meeting Subcommittee meeting to be coordinated by subcommittee chairs: Standing: Education- October 4, 2006 @ 5:00-6:30 Finance- October 9, 2006 @5:30-7:00 Land Use- October 12, 2006 @ 12:00-1:00 Pre-app Review if needed Î October2nd, 2006 @ @ 5:00-6:00 9. (8:30) Adjournment Paul H. Carlson, Regional Coordinator, Federal Region X United States Interagency Council on Homelessness HUD Regional DirectorÓs Office st 909 1 Avenue, Seattle, WA 98104 (206) 220-5362 BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION Paul Carlson represents the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness for federal Region X, the Pacific Northwest and Alaska. The mission of the Interagency Council is to lead the national strategy to end chronic homeless. The Interagency Council coordinates the efforts of all federal agencies with regards to homeless policy. It promotes the work of cities and states in developing local 10 Year Plans to End Homelessness. Prior to coming to the Interagency Council Paul worked for the City of Seattle, directing the operations of the Sound Families Initiative, a housing production program funded through a $40 million gift from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. The goal of Sound Families is to create a network of 1,500 units of supported housing for families in transition out of homelessness in the Puget Sound region. Paul Carlson worked for many years as the Housing Coordinator of Harborview Mental Health Services in Seattle, where he developed the housing program and housed homeless persons with chronic mental illness. He serves on the National Shelter plus Care Steering Committee that advises HUD on this McKinney funded program. He also serves on several advisory boards on housing and homelessness in Washington State. He received a BA from Dickinson College and an Masters of Divinity from Fuller Theological Seminary. He has also attended St. Andrews University, Scotland, and Princeton Theological Seminary. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Mission. The mission of the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness is to coordinate the federal response to homelessness and to create a national partnership at every level of government and every element of the private sector to reduce and end homelessness in the nation. Revitalized by President Bush in 2002, the Council, under the leadership of Executive Director Philip F. Mangano, is engaged in carrying out the PresidentÓs commitment to end chronic homelessness in the United States. In doing so, the Council has forged an unprecedented national partnership that extends from the White House to the streets and includes federal, state, and local government, advocates, providers, consumers and faith-based organizations. The Council works to improve access to and coordination of federal investments among its Council member departments and agencies; ensure the effectiveness of federal activities and programs; engage and assist state and local governments, advocates, service providers, and customers in creating effective local solutions; and provide technical assistance and evidence-based best practice information to partners at every level of government, as well as the private sector. Interagency Collaboration - Federal. The Council is an independent agency within the federal executive branch composed of 20 Cabinet Secretaries and agency heads and reports directly to the White House Domestic Policy Council. Meeting regularly at the White House, the CouncilÓs Cabinet Chair is currently Department of Housing and Urban Development Secretary Alphonso Jackson. Intergovernmental Collaboration. As part of the CouncilÓs strategy to establish non-partisan, intergovernmental partnerships to end chronic homelessness, specific initiatives have been fostered with state and local governments. To date, Governors of 53 states and territories have taken steps to create State Interagency Councils on Homelessness. Over 200 Mayors and County Executives and 6 Governors have committed to 10-Year Plans to End Chronic Homelessness. The Council provides technical assistance to states and localities in the development of these initiatives including the expeditious dissemination of innovative best practices that are results- oriented. Intercommunity Collaboration. To carry out the strategy of intergovernmental and inter-sector partnership, the Council has developed community partnerships with the National Governors Association, U.S. Conference of Mayors, National League of Cities, National Association of Counties, United Way, Chamber of Commerce, International Downtown Association, National Alliance for the Mentally Ill, and the National Alliance to End Homelessness. Additionally, the Council regularly convenes state and local officials, communicates with national and local provider and advocacy organizations, and communicates directly with homeless people to foster consumer-centric solutions. Technical Assistance and Support. To administer and facilitate the CouncilÓs mission at the local and regional level, the Council has Regional Coordinators throughout the country. Each of the Coordinators is responsible for working with federal partners and state and local governments, homeless advocates, providers, and consumers to encourage and coordinate their collective efforts to end chronic homelessness. The Coordinators facilitate the creation of regional federal interagency councils and state interagency councils, as well as jurisdictional 10-Year Plans. The Council, in keeping with the PresidentÓs Management Agenda, encourages activities and initiatives that incorporate research- driven, performance-based, and results-oriented solutions. For example, the Council supports: The dissemination of new and innovative approaches such as Housing First, Assertive Community Treatment Teams, and Project Homeless Connect that are proving effective at ending chronic homelessness; Local cost-benefit studies that reveal the costs of homelessness to the community and the cost savings that arise from effective solutions; Strategies to prevent homelessness for individuals and families before it occurs; and, Access to mainstream resources for the benefit of homeless persons and families. For more information, please visit the CouncilÓs website at www.usich.gov. United States Interagency Council on Homelessness Phone: 202/708-4663 FAX: 202/708-1216 DRAFT FOR COMMENT PERIOD CONSOLIDATED ANNUAL PERFORMACE EVALUATION REPORT (CAPER) Program year 2005 (July 1, 2005 Î June 30, 2006) Date of Report Sept 15, 2006 Prepared for: The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development By: The City of Ashland Department of Community Development Planning Division Ashland, Oregon One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year City of Ashland 2005 Program Year Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) Part 1. Narrative Statement A) Assessment of Three to Five Year Goals and Objectives In May of 2005, the City of Ashland Acknowledged the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2005-2009). Fourteen priorities (goals) are identified in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. The priorities are not ranked in order of importance.Each project/activity, which was undertaken during Fiscal Year 2005-06, is listed and discussed under the relevant priority. This assessment provided in this CAPER covers the 2005 Program year (July 1, 2005-June 30, 2006). Goal 1: To increase the supply of affordable rental housing for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income families. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes. Rental Assistance Program The City Rental Assistant Program was administered by Access Inc. to provide no interest loans to help cover the upfront moving costs of obtaining rental housing during the 2005 program year. A loan of up to $750 was available to low-income qualified residents to be applied to first last and deposit to be repaid through monthly installments over the course of 2 years. This program has not functioned as intended since its inception, with very little utilization in spite of considerable advertising and amendments to the program to make it more attractive. Although 70 inquiries for rental assistance were received from prospective applicants during the 2005 program year, only one applied for, and received, assistance through the City of Ashland rental assistance program. Although some of these 70 inquirers may have ultimately selected housing in other communities within the region the repayment provisions were likely a deterrent to those eligible households that chose not to submit applications. As the program requires repayment of the original loan, ACCESS believes that the Ðrepayment requirements make the program unattractive for those seeking assistanceÑ. The reason Access believes the Ashland Rental Assistance Program is ineffective is that it is competing with a grant program otherwise available. The alternative ÐDeposit OnlyÑ program, offered to low One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year income residents of Jackson County, provides 2/3rds of a rental deposit which the household is eligible to keep upon being refunded by the property owner when they relocate, with no repayment provisions. The City of Ashland originally intended the Rental Assistance Program to be a revolving loan, not a grant. AccessÓ suggestions to restructure the program to be more effective are to forgive repayment, in total or in part. This is counter to the original concept of the program. The City wanted to create a means by which the substantive upfront moving costs of First-Last and Deposit could be less impacting on renters forced to relocate within Ashland. Spreading these costs across two years would seem to satisfy this intention. In the case of the single individual that took advantage of the program on 2005, the monthly loan repayments have not been made and the loan has gone into default. However, as underutilized as the program is one must question whether the impediments of the upfront costs (First, Last and Deposit) is as great as anticipated, or whether the loan provisions (repayment) are too strong a barrier to utilization. Accessory Residential Units The City of Ashland allows small second units in the single-family residential zones to increase the supply of affordable rental units. The Conditional Use Permit Procedure was changed in 1990 to allow an accessory apartment or cottage within single family residential zones. This provided valuable affordable housing units without unreasonable impacts on the neighborhood. A total of 108 units have been made legal or been newly constructed since 1990. Building permits for four accessory residential units were issued in this period. Although five additional units had received planning approval in 2005- 2006, the City considers the issuance of a building permit to the delineator of additional stock, thus a 4 unit increase is shown over the program year. This is considerably less than the 10 units projected in the 2005 Action Plan. The development of accessory units, and the time between approval and issuance of a building permit is largely outside the CityÓs control as they receive no subsidy from the City. No Accessory Residential Unit projects were funded with Community Development Block Grant funds or City General funds in the program year. Large scale developments The City of Ashland currently requires that for large scale developments over 10 residential units, 10% of the units be provided to qualified low-income households earning less than 80% of area median income at rents equal to or less than those set under the Ashland Affordable Housing Program. In 2005- 2006 one such project at 1651 Ashland Street received planning approval. In this project two affordable units were required to be available to households earning less than 80% the area median income. Additionally the developers have proposed providing two additional units, for a total of four, that would be affordable. Building permits have not been issued for this project and as such One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year this CAPER will not consider these ÐapprovedÑ units to be additional housing stock in this program year. Ashland Community Land Trust The City of Ashland awarded ACLT 271,000 in CDBG funds through review of the competitive proposals for the 2004-2005 CDBG program year. At that time the program year was a calendar year which was changed through the adoption of the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan. ACLT utilized the $271,000 to purchase an existing duplex at 264 Grant Street. Under a separate CDBG award of $14,000 ACLT rehabilitated the units (reported under Goal 3). These two units are occupied as low-income rentals and the units are to continue to benefit low or very low income households for a period of not less than 60 years. The acquisition and rehabilitation was completed in July of 2005 thereby adding two units of secured affordable rental housing to Ashlands inventory during the reporting period of this CAPER . Total New Affordable Rental Units Added July 1, 2005 Î June 30, 2006 The 2005-2006 program year saw a two unit increase of affordable rental housing secured as affordable through deed restrictions establishing a period of affordability of not less than 60 years. The units shall be restricted to households earning less than 60% AMI. Goal 2: To increase the homeownership opportunities for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income households. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes. Ashland Community Land Trust(ACLT) The purpose of the land trust is to create and sustain long-term affordable housing in the city limits of Ashland for low and moderate-income families. The land trust acquires and holds land, while the improvements are sold or rented to the low-income residents. During September of 2005 ACLT expended $80,000 in CDBG funds to purchase a vacant parcel on Garfield Street to complete two new ownership units. ACLT completed the purchase of the property and has received planning approval for the proposed two unit development. The completion of the two units is expected during the 2006-2007 CDBG program year. ACLT has also entered into a purchase of a property at 404-408 Bridge Street to build two additional units on the property that contains a duplex. All four units are to be included in the Land Trust and sold to qualified buyers at or below 80%AMI. Although the ACLT entered into a purchase agreement for the property prior to July 1, 2006, the CDBG contribution was withheld until a variance was obtained on the property. As the variance has been th granted by the planning commission (findings adopted Sept. 12) the City One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year has requested release of the CDBG funds to purchase the property. The existing duplex is thus not being counted as contributing to AshlandÓs affordable housing stock until the property is added to the inventory through a deed restriction. Further, the additional two units have yet to receive planning approval and issuance of building permits. It is anticipated that they will be developed in the 2006-2007 Program year and will therefore be counted in a subsequent CAPER. Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC) RVCDC received two prior CDBG awards which resulted in the acquisition of Property during the 2004 CDBG Program Year. Combined the two properties purchased will allow the development of 15 affordable ownership in cooperation with the USDA Rural Development Self Help Program. Homebuyers will contribute a significant amount of Ðsweat equityÑ to lower the ultimate purchase price to below $120,000 per unit. All units will be occupied by low-moderate income households and will remain affordable for a minimum of 20 years per the CDBG Subrecipient Agreement. However RVCDC has indicated through their continued ownership of the land, the units will effectively be affordable in perpetuity. The two properties purchased for this scattered site development include 2001 Siskiyou Blvd, and 795 Park Street. RVCDC Î Siskiyou Blvd The first site (2001 Siskiyou Blvd.) is nearing completion of nine units. Occupancy of these units by the low income owners is expected in October of 2006. Ashland provided RVCDC with $361,750 in CDBG funds to acquire the property for this phase of the development. This contribution was the complete purchase price for the property. The RVCDC received a SHOP grant award of $80,000 to provide pre-development costs as well as to contribute toward common area improvements. The individual homeowners (builders) received USDA 502 loans for the construction funds which provided a low interest loan subsidy to further reduce the cost of the housing. As all 9 units received the issuance of building permits in 2005-2006, and were deed restricted to remain affordable, they are considered additions to AshlandÓs affordable housing inventory at this time. RVCDC - Park St. The second site, located at 795 Park Street was purchased by RVCDC for a total of $350,000 with $274,000 being provided by the CDBG Program. The remaining $76,000 in purchase price and additional closing costs was obtained through a loan from Rural Development Collaborative in the amount of $80,500. As with the previous site the RVCDC will be working with USDAÓs Self-Help Program to obtain low-interest construction loans for the home-owner/builders to develop the six units intended for this site. All units will be affordable to households earning less than 80% Area median income. RVCDC has received Planning Approval from the City of Ashland for the proposed development and RVCDC anticipates breaking ground on the development in October of 2006. The construction of these units is not expected to be completed until FY 2006-2007 and thus the accomplishments One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year of providing six affordable units will be reported in that years CAPER. RVCDC has obtained Planning Approval for the six unit development and these units will qualify for deferral of SDCs and Engineering and Community Development fees. RVCDC-Quincy St The City of Ashland had awarded RVCDC $190,000 in CDBG funds as part of the 2005 competitive award process to purchase three existing townhouse units at 1255, 1257 and 1259 Quincy Street, rehabilitate them, and resale them to low-moderate income households. The City imposed a deadline for acquisition on RVCDC of January 1st 2006 in the 2005 CDBG Action Plan. RVCDC failed to complete the purchase within this timeframe and as such the City rescinded the award and reprogrammed it in the 2006 Award process. The $190,000 in CDBG funds were ultimately reallocated in combination with the 2006 grant to Ashland Community Land Trust for acquisition of an existing duplex at 404-408 Bridge Street and the development of two additional units on the property. Affordable Housing Program During the 2005-2006 Fiscal year the City examined and amended existing affordable housing standards in order to be more effective at supporting affordable housing and in securing protections for the occupant households of covered units. In this process the City amended existing resolutions that established what is considered an affordable purchase price or rental costs for units covered under the program. The new methodology for designating qualified affordable housing units correlates housing costs based on a range on incomes (60%, 80%, 100%, and 120% AMI), and to establish a minimum 30 year period of affordability for covered units as required by the City land use ordinance or those assisted with a System Development Charge Deferral. The maximum purchase price of affordable homes now is considerate the total housing costs including Principal, Interest, Taxes , Insurance and any Homeowner Association dues. Lastly the approval of the new resolution that established the new program parameters (Res. 2006-13) now allows for a waiver of Community Development and Engineering Services fees for eligible affordable units that are voluntarily provided. These fees amount to 1.85% of a projects valuation. Therefore the automatic waiver of these fees for voluntarily provided affordable units amounts to a direct subsidy from the City in the average amount of approximately $1500 - $2000 per unit The program allows the deferral of SDCs for any affordable unit targeted to ownership households earning less than 80% the Area Median Income (AMI), or rental households dedicated to households earning 60% AMI or less. A total of 72 households are currently participating in the program. During the 2005 program year 17 new units were assisted with SDC deferrals and nine of those also received the waiver of the community development and engineering services fees. Units added to the program include eight units off of Ashland Street (Barclay Square) and the nine affordable homes developed One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year by RVCDC at 2001 Siskiyou Blvd. The deferred SDC amount on the newly added households totaled $81,069 and the Community Development and Engineering services fees waived totaled $11,635, for a combined contribution of $92,704 in City General Funds to support the development of these 17 affordable units. Although the SDC deferral program only requires a 30 year period of affordable, all 17 units assisted will be affordable for a minimum of 99 years as proposed by the applicants. No CDBG funds were used for the deferred SDC program, as the City of AshlandÓs general fund forgoes collection of the system development charge to assist in lowering the cost of the housing. This program is ongoing. The City of Ashland General fund contributed $92,704 in assistance to affordable housing projects during 2005 through this program. No CDBG funds were used to pay these development costs. Density Bonus Program The City of Ashland offers a density bonus for the voluntary inclusion of affordable housing within a subdivision or multifamily development. During the 2005-2006 Program year one private developer utilized the density bonus for affordable housing and conservation to develop a 32 unit mixed use project on Ashland Street. This project included eight four-plexes all individually condominimized. In this development, Barclay Square, the developer provided eight (8) 1-bedroom units for sale to households earning 120% median income or less. These units received building permits in 2005- 2006 and had resale restriction covenants recorded on the units prior to July 1, 2006. Completed units are currently being offered for sale for $132,290 in accordance with the City Affordable Housing Resolution that was in place at the time the units were issued building permits (Res. 2004-046). The purchasers of these units will not be assessed homeowner association fees and as such the units are affordable to the buyers. The units are secured as affordable for a 99 year period as a voluntary commitment by the developer. It is important to note that identical one-bedroom condominium units within the development are listed for sale at a purchase price of $229,000 with additional homeowner association dues. This disparity between the market rate units and the covered affordable units demonstrates clearly the cost savings provided to the qualified purchasers of the 8 designated affordable units. Annexation In the 2005 CDBG Program year the City Council approved the a 10 acre annexation on Clay Street. The CityÓs annexation requirements require a percentage of the development to be retained as affordable for a period of not less than 60 years. This 10 acre annexation proposal was required to provide 17 units of affordable housing to households earning 60% the Area Median Income or less. Although the annexation request has been approved the City will not report the addition of these units to the CityÓs affordable housing stock until their the issuance of building permits and the units are One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year deed restricted to remain affordable as required. Given the period of build out the City anticipates these units will not be reported until the 2008 CDBG Program year. Condominium Conversions The City allows conversion of existing apartments to ownership units only in cases where 25% of the units converted are affordable where the residents have first right of refusal. In the 2005 CDBG program year the City approved the conversion of three apartment complexes into condominiums for a total number of 22units converted, or pending conversion. The City considers units that are required to be affordable to be added to our inventory only upon the recording of deed restrictions on the property. As noted earlier the adoption of the Affordable Housing Program parameters under resolution 2006-13 established that rental apartments converted into condominiums are to be affordable at the 80% income level for a period of not less than 30 years. The time period between the initial approval for conversion of an apartment complex into condominiums, and the actual recording of a condominium survey can be lengthy. The corresponding resale restriction covenants (deed restriction)are not imposed until such time as the condominium survey is completed thus this CAPER will distinguish between those approved and those considered complete. th On July 12 of 2005 a seven unit apartment complex was approved for conversion by the Planning Commission at the intersection of Glendale and Siskiyou Blvd. The resulting two affordable units were deed restricted establishing a 20 year affordability period (the twenty year period reflects that these units were approved prior to the adoption of the new resolution 2006- 13). Four existing apartments on South Mountain Street were converted into condominiums during FY2005-2006, of which one was dedicated as affordable to households earning 80% the area Median Income. This unit is to be retained as affordable for not less than 20 years (the twenty year period reflects that these units were approved prior to the adoption of the new resolution 2006-13). An eleven unit apartment complex on North Main Street was approved for conversion into town-homes during FY2005-2006 thereby requiring that three (3) of the units be dedicated as affordable housing consistent with the City policy, however the conversion process on these units is not complete and no deed restrictions have been recorded. Therefore the City will not consider the addition of three affordable housing units until that time and will thus report them in the 2006 CAPER. In the 2005 DBG program year the City added three units to our affordable housing stock through condo conversions and has three pending recording of their final surveys at which time they will be secured as affordable through deed restrictions. The condominium conversion process has accelerated in Ashland in recent months. As such it is anticipated that in addition to the One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year eleven unit conversion noted above, a considerable number of conversions will be initiated and completed in 2006-2007. Currently submitted for planning application approval are three other apartment complex conversions totaling 42 individual apartments. The City has initiated ordinance changes and the establishment of a resolution establishing tenant rights that are triggered by such conversions to address the adverse impacts of such conversions on tenants and AshlandÓs rental housing stock. The proposed ordinance and resolution addressing tenant rights will be presented to the Planning Commission in October 2006 followed by review and decision by the City Council. If approved, provisions within the proposed ordinance will be applied to new condominium conversion applications submitted after the effective date of the ordinance. Total Affordable Ownership Units Added July 1, 2005 - June 30, 2006 During the 2005 CDBG program year Ashland increased its stock of affordable ownership housing by 20 units As noted above, 3 units were designated as affordable through the condominium conversion process, Additionally 8 new ownership units were developed by a private developer in conjunction with the density bonus program, and RVCDC developed 9 ownership units upon property purchased with CDBG funds. All 20 of the above mentioned ownership units have been deed restricted to remain affordable from 20 years (condo conversions) to 99 years (the 17 new units). CDBG funds in the amount of $361,750 were contributed to the 9 unit RVCDC project at 2001 Siskiyou Blvd. Additionally $271,000 in CDBG funds were utilized to purchase property on Park Street by RVCDC to accommodate 6 new ownership units that will be built and reported in the 2006-2007 CDBG program year,. Goal 3: To maintain the existing affordable housing supply. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes. Also, give funding priority to those programs which retain the units as affordable in perpetuity, or recapture the rehabilitation costs for further use in Ashland. Ashland Community Land Trust The purpose of the land trust is to create and sustain long-term affordable housing in the city limits of Ashland for low and moderate-income families. The land trust acquires and holds land, while the improvements are sold or rented to the low-income residents. The ACLT accomplishments regarding new ownership housing are noted under Goal 1, and the accomplishments regarding new rental Housing are noted under Goal 2. In 2004 ACLT completed the acquisition of an existing Duplex at 264 Grant Street to become affordable in perpetuity under the Land Trust model and therefore maintain two existing affordable rental units consistent with Goal 3. This One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year activity is noted under Goal 1 above. In 2005 ACLT was awarded and expended $14,000 to rehabilitate this duplex on Grant Street. These improvements completed in August 2005 utilizing $14,000 in CDBG funds. Rehabilitation included a roof replacement, bathroom repair, wall and floor repair, cabinet repair, and interior and exterior paint. Given the units are to be retained as affordable housing in perpetuity, this rehabilitation project will continue to benefit the low income residents for a considerable period. Technical Assistance The City provided technical assistance to nonprofit organizations whose mission includes providing affordable housing. This technical assistance includes, when necessary, providing information on the CDBG program, City zoning regulations, educating agencies on the planning process and providing information on the City's affordable housing program including deferred systems development charges and density bonuses. The City also aims to direct potential affordable housing developers to other resources such as Rural Development programs and Oregon Housing and Community Services funding. The City of Ashland provided technical assistance through the Planning Division as requested and supported applications consistent with the Consolidated Plan. The City provided assistance to the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation, Rogue Valley Habitat for Humanity, Ashland Community Land Trust, Fordyce Co-Housing Project, and the Housing Authority of Jackson County in preparing applications for their proposed developments during the 2004 CDBG program year. Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized are for staff support. Twenty Percent of the yearly CDBG allocation ($47,500 in 2005- 2006) was utilized for CDBG program administration. Total Existing Affordable Units Retained July 1, 2005 ÎJune 30, 2006 During the 2005 CDBG program year Ashland saw the retention of two existing affordable units through the assistance of CDBG to rehabilitate a duplex at 264 Grant Street.. Goal 4: Encourage the development of emergency and transitional housing for homeless families with children and/or individuals. No CDBG funded actions were undertaken or completed during the 2005 program year that specifically applied CDBG funds toward the development of emergency or transitional housing. Goal 5: Support services for homelessness prevention and transition. Where possible, give funding priority to services that are part of a comprehensive approach that improves the living conditions of clients. Safety net services, or services that meet basic needs One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year shall only be funded with CDBG dollars if it can be demonstrated that clients receiving those benefits are part of a program that will eventually help them obtain self-sufficiency. No actions were undertaken or completed during the 2005 program year that specifically directed CDBG funds toward services for the homeless. The City does allocate over $100,000 of general fund dollars each year in Social Service grants from the City General Fund. These Social Service grant allocations are listed under the Continuum of Care Narrative. Goal 6: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, persons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses. No specific CDBG Funded activities were identified in 2005 Action Plan to address this goal. However the City will continue to support the development of housing and supportive services for individual with special needs. The City allocates over $100,000 bi-annually in ÐSocial Service GrantsÑ out of the CityÓs General Fund. Through this City Grant Program $115,400 was awarded to 18 agencies of which the majority specifically address supportive services for people with special needs. Most notably the Community Health Center was provided $30,000 to provide health care services, the Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (ICCA) was provided $25,000 to provide client services to homeless individuals, and Community Works was given a total $33,000 to provide services including rape crisis counseling as well as temporary shelter for victims of domestic violence. Additionally a grant of $2000 was provided to OnTrack Inc. to assist in the operating expenses for their drug abuse treatment programs. Agency and Program Name Amount Granted ACCESS, Inc (Housing) $5,000 CASA of Jackson County, Inc. (Housing) $2,500 Center for NonProfit Legal Services, Inc $5,000 Children's Dental Clinic of JC $1,750 Community Health Center $30,000 Community Works- Dunn House $19,000 Community Works- Help Line $8,000 Community Works- Parent Education $2,000 Community Works- Rape Crisis $2,700 Community Works- Personal Safety $1,300 ICCA (Homeless services) $25,000 JC Children's Advocacy Center $3,000 Mediation Works $2,400 One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year Ontrack, Inc (Drug treatment) $2,000 Planned Parenthood of SW Oregon $1,750 RV Manor- Senior Volunteer $1,500 RV Manor- Foster Grandparent $1,000 SDS RVCOG Food & Friends $1,500 TOTAL GRANTED $115,400.00 The City does not use CDBG funds made available for these activities. Goal 7: To provide safe and convenient access to alternative transportation routes in extremely low-, low- and moderate- income neighborhoods. In previous years the City had made a CDBG commitment to sidewalk improvements in moderate- and low-income neighborhoods by allocating ten percent of the total federal funding for sidewalk improvement and new construction annually in prior years. However the Ashland Consolidated Plan was revised to eliminate this 10% set-aside beginning with the 2002-2003 program year. This limitation on the allocation of CDBG was continued in the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan further eliminating the potential to apply CDBG funds to sidewalk improvements exclusively based on qualified low-income neighborhood status. In 2004 the City awarded $13,800 in CDBG funds to be utilized toward public facility improvements (curb, gutter, sidewalks) within the street right of way on the frontage at Siskiyou Blvd and Faith Street in conjunction with an affordable housing development (see Goal 2). RVCDC has requested that this award be rescinded and the subrecipient agreement be nullified as it was their finding that given such a relatively small improvement projects they encountered difficulty in identifying contractors willing to meet the Bid requirements, and ongoing wage verification to comply with CDBG and Davis Bacon Wage requirements. Of bids they did receive RVCDC indicated that the cost added onto the project due to CDBG requirements, both actual costs and administrative responsibilities for RVCDC, exceeded the value of the grant to the organization. For this reason the City has cancelled the project and will re-program the $13,800 to be awarded in 2007 as part of the competitive proposal process. During the CDBG 2005-2006 Program year the City did purchase with General funds a covered bus shelter for installation on Siskiyou Blvd adjacent to the High School. This location is within a designated low income census tract (1900 block 1) where the average household income is only 58% of the area median income. The covered bus stop is intended to improve access to alternative transportation. The entire $30,000 expense was paid out of the CityÓs General fund and no CDBG funds were applied to this project. One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year Goal 8: To make city facilities easier and safer to use for people with disabilities. The City did not utilize CDBG funds toward this goal in the 2005 program . year Goal 9: To affirmatively further fair housing. The City of Ashland did not conduct any fair housing workshops over the course of 2005-2006 as had been done in prior years in collaboration with the Fair Housing Council of Oregon. The Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center did conduct a regional training in June of 2006 for the benefit of the jurisdictions represented in the SOHRC including the City of Ashland. City of Ashland Staff, Brandon Goldman, also met with FHCO during the program year to plan a series of quarterly trainings to take place in Ashland and Medford in 2006-2007 and Ashland supports FHCOÓs application for funding to support these trainings that would be archived, televised, and webcast for statewide benefit. During the 2005-2006 program year the City provided CASA with a $2500 grant to assist them in providing minority residents with an advocate and resource to receive housing assistance. Additionally $5000 was provided to the Center for NonProfit Legal Services to again provide an advocate resource for individuals in Ashland that have tenant landlord issues including potential Fair Housing complaints. These activities attempt to address the enforcement side of Fair Housing in addition to the educational trainings that work preemptively to reduce discrimination before it occurs. The City did not utilize CDBG funds toward the $7500 in grants noted above.. Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds were utilized for staff support. The Federal CDBG funds allocated toward fair housing activities were part of the 20% yearly allocation identified for CDBG program administration. Goal 10: Assure activities assisted by the City are conducted in compliance with state and federal laws that apply to lead-based paint hazards, and the information distributed about lead-based paint is in compliance with current state and federal laws. The City did not use funds made available for an activity addressing this goal during 2005 as no projects assisted by the City in this period involved properties with lead based paint contamination. The City will continue to ensure that when the potential of lead based paint hazards exists on an activity by the City that any and all effected parties will be provided with appropriate information and that proper abatement will take place. One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year Goal 11: To reduce the number of people living in poverty in the City of Ashland. The City did not use CDBG funds for a specific activity addressing this goal during the 2005 Program year other than through the efforts to promote affordable housing. The City social service grants provided to Community Health Center ($30,000) and the Interfaith Care Community of Ashland ($25,000) were to provide direct benefits to impoverished residents and homeless individuals. Through improved health provided by the Community Health Center, or direct client counseling and case management provided by ICCA, the individuals receiving services have an increased ability to obtain self sufficiency. Ashland Low-Income Energy Assistance Program (ALIEAP) As the City of Ashland owns and operates the Electric Utility, the City is in the unique position to assist very-low income households in meeting their energy needs, specifically during the winter months when energy costs and use are highest. To this end the City targets assistance to Low-income Ashland utility customers who need help to pay their heating bills over the course of each winter. Applicants must have an active electric utility account with the City of and the ApplicantÓs household income may not exceed 125% of the Federal Poverty Guidelines. The City Distributes approximately $50,000 per winter period to qualified households. On average the City assistance benefits approximately 300 households with 50-60% reductions in their monthly utility bill for either a 3 or 6 month period. Such assistance is vital to the households that receive it as many recipients have fixed incomes and are adversely effected by increases in utility costs. In the case where a very low or low-income household benefits from this program they are better able to apply their limited income to address other needs and thus raise their standard of living. Although the program prioritizes benefits to Seniors and individuals with disabilities in advance of low-income households, each year the City has allocated sufficient resources to benefit the low-income households that qualify as well. \[A listing of households that benefited from the program by household type will be provided in the final draft of the CAPER.\] Household Household number 2005-2006 Type Seniors tba Disabled tba Military tba Low-income tba Total households tba Total Direct Distribution $TBA One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year Goal 12: Promote and support activities in the community that improve or provide access to economic opportunities for extremely low- and low-income residents of Ashland. Although no CDBG funds were directed to address this goal, the City of Ashland granted numerous Economic Development Grants during the 2005 CDBG program year. 19 different organizations received awards, however the majority were granted to organizations supporting the arts (Ballet, theater, singers, etc.). Ashland also recognizes the increasing opportunities for low income residents to participate in home businesses, either as a proprietor of services, manufacturer of goods, or through employment at such small home occupations. Between July 1 2005 and June 30, 2006 the City issued 130 Home Occupation permits well exceeding the yearly average of 100 such permits. Home Occupation Permits allow incubator businesses, home based services, internet based businesses, and other such small, residentially compatible, business opportunities for Ashland Residents. Given the ability to work out of ones home, expenses typically required for securing commercial property are eliminated. No data is collected on the incomes of applicants for Home Occupation Permits so it can not be determined how effective this is at providing opportunities for low- or extremely-low income households. Goal 13: Remain aware of the barriers to affordable housing in Ashland, and where it is within the CityÓs ability, take steps to overcome such barriers. In December of 2005 the City of Ashland conducted a workshop on Employer Assisted Housing to convene local businesses to address the housing issues faced by AshlandÓs workforce and examine what barriers could be addressed by employers including housing costs, access, moving expenses, and benefits. Additionally the Housing Program Specialist at the City of Ashland was a member of the planning committee for the Workforce Housing Summit in February of 2006. This summit was attended by approximately 200 individuals and brought regional focus to the issue of affordable housing and examined various barriers to the development and retention of affordable housing. As mentioned previously under goal 2 the City restructured its Affordable Housing Program and specifically allowed for a elimination in fees (System Development Charges, Engineering Fees, and Community Development Fees) when a unit is to be affordable to low-income households. Through this program during the 2005-2006 Fiscal year the City contributed $92,704 in One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year City General Funds to reduce the development costs of affordable housing within Ashland. Goal 14: To provide institutional structure and intergovernmental cooperation. Over the course of 2005-2006 the City of Ashland increased its participation in intergovernmental cooperation by a significant degree. Joining the Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center Council the City is now able to directly coordinate with other representative jurisdictions and agencies to address housing issues region wide. Additionally the CityÓs Housing Program Specialist was a member of the planning committee for the Workforce Housing Summit in February of 2006. This summit was attended by approximately 200 individuals and brought regional focus to the issue of affordable housing and examined various barriers to the development and retention of affordable housing. During Program Year 2005 Staff supported the efforts of the Ashland Housing Commission to monitor the accomplishments of the CityÓs housing program, to make recommendations to the City Council on housing policy and to serve as an advocate for affordable housing in the CityÓs political process. The Commission also provided coordination and continuity to programs to meet housing and community development needs. The City of Ashland and the numerous organizations directly involved with providing affordable housing in our region interact in a number of ways. Through common memberships, periodic updates, and collaborative forums the City of AshlandÓs elected officials and the Ashland Housing Commission have been able to keep abreast of the myriad of activities underway related to housing. Ashland has continued active participation in the Jackson County Housing Coalition attending nearly every meeting during the 2005 Program Year and hosting every other meeting at the City of Ashland offices. The membership of the Jackson County Housing Coalition includes a substantial number of individuals that are elected officials of the Ashland City Council, as well as appointed representatives on the Ashland Housing Commission. These representatives, as well as City Staff, attend the meetings of the Jackson County Housing Coalition and are thus able represent Ashland, and to effectively convey the activities and objectives of the Coalition back to their respective governing bodies. This ensures a broader understanding and coordination with the activities undertaken by all participants of the Jackson County Housing Coalition. The Ashland Housing Commission oversees specific affordable housing projects undertaken by the City in partnership with private groups. The Commission promotes cooperation between local non-profit organizations and governmental agencies for projects in Ashland to insure that the resources are used as efficiently as possible and that there are not One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year duplication of efforts. The Housing Commission also reviews the proposals received for use of CDBG funds and provides award recommendations to the City Council. $47500 in Federal CDBG funds (20% of the yearly allocation) was directed toward Administration of the CDBG Program during 2005. Administration of the CDBG program includes staff support of programs and projects that further the goals outlined in the 2005-20094 Consolidated Plan, provision of technical assistance, and the monitoring of the activities of sub-recipients. City of Ashland general funds are also utilized to contribute toward CDBG program administration as well as staff support of non-profit organizations and intergovernmental cooperation. One Year Use of Funds CAPER for CDBG Funds 2005 Program Year CDBG ACTION PLAN ADDENDUM Performance Measurement Submitted Aug 15, 2006 Executive Summary The City of Ashland outlined three new activities for the 2006 CDBG program year. These activities include the administration of the CDBG Program, the funding of a transitional housing coordinator position through the Interfaith Care Community (ICC), and the purchase of property to rehabilitate the existing duplex and allow for the development of two additional low-income residential units through the Ashland Community Land Trust (ACLT). CDBG administration, is a program wide serving function and as such is not limited to one objective or outcome but serves to address the activities outlined below. The Transitional Housing Coordinator position through ICC will provide direct services to approximately 600 individuals in an effort to provide extremely low income, and special needs populations, the necessary life skills to move out of homelessness. Development of such skills is a necessary step for homeless individuals and families to build self sufficiency and transition into, and maintain, stable housing The objective of this public service activity is ultimately to provide decent housing through efforts to increase availability and accessibility of transitional housing to the anticipated 600 individuals served during the program year. Currently no such service exists within Ashland thus this activity will provide new access for the individuals benefiting from the public service as assisted with $32,000 in 2006 CDBG funds The Ashland Community Land Trust received a grant of $328,800 to acquire property containing an existing duplex, rehabilitate the duplex, and develop two additional units at the rear of the property. This project will promote affordability for the purpose of providing decent housing. Four units of affordable housing secured as affordable for the long term through the long term under the Land Trust Model, is the measurable indicator of this activity. Citizen Participation Public hearings were held on March 15th to solicit comments on the potential uses of the 2006 CDBG allocation. Additionally at that meeting the Ashland Housing Commission to reviewed applications submitted for CDBG grant awards. After review of the proposals the Housing Commission forwarded an award recommendation to the City Council. The , City Council held a public hearing on April 4th2006, at which time a recipients were th selected. The Housing Commission further held a public hearing on April 17 to elicit comments of the draft Action Plan and concluded the adoption of the 2006 Action Plan th decision on May 15 at a regular public meeting. All meetings were noticed in the Community Calendar and Legal Notices in The Ashland Daily Tidings, and posted on the City of Ashland website. The public comment period for the draft 2006 One Year Use of Funds Action Plan for th Program Year began on April 11th, and ran through May 15 2006. The availability of th the draft plan was also posted on the City of Ashland web page on April 10th, 2006 and an Adobe Portable document (pdf) of the Action Plan was available for download throughout the public comment period. A Display advertisement was published on April 14th, 2005 in The Ashland Daily Tidings. Testimony Received One comment was received as part of the hearing to identify uses of CDBG funding for the 2006 program year. The individual stated that it is a problem when a neighborhood is designated as Ðlow-incomeÑ and as such the City should not concentrate CDBG funds into any particular area. She recommended that HUD housing and low income housing mixed with all neighborhoods saying ÐWhen you have a mix of long-term homeowners with short-term renters, there are a lot more people paying attention to quality of life in the neighborhoodÑ. In consideration of this comment the City recognizes the value of creating mixed income neighborhoods. However it is also recognized that the affordable housing project locations is largely driven by land availability and being opportunistic upon what properties are available to provide the most housing for low income residents. The density of housing allowable in multi-family zones often functions to preference properties in low-income neighborhoods. Further the City sees a value in providing a revitalization function in providing CDBG grants to support new housing development or rehabilitation in established low-income neighborhoods. Given the limited applications for CDBG funds received the City selected to fund a housing project within a designated low-income neighborhood as it was an application that best demonstrated feasibility to provide decent housing opportunities. This amendment to the 2006 Action Plan does not constitute a substantial amendment per the City or federal CDBG regulations. Resources The projects awarded 2006 CDBG are to be carried out by leveraging other resources than strictly the Community Development Block Grants. The ACLT acquisition of 404-408 Bridge Street is funded with 328,800 in CDBG funds, of which $190,000 is reprogrammed from the 2005 CDBG year. The total project cost is estimated to be $715,728 to complete the purchase of the property, the construction of two additional units and the rehabilitation of the existing duplex. In total $386,928 in private funds to complete the project. In partnering with Habitat for Humanity to construct the two new units they will contribute approximately $114,286 for each of the two new units. Additionally ACLT will contribute approximately $23,400 toward the rehabilitation of the property. The remaining $134,956 in private contribution to the project will cover the remaining purchase price of the land and site improvements necessary for the development of the new affordable housing units. In this project the CDBG contribution accounts for 46% of the total project costs. The ICC transitional Housing Coordinator is to be funded with 32,000 in CDBG funds. The new full time Staff position has a project cost of $49,000. The $17,000 beyond the CDBG award contribution is to be obtained through the general operating budget of ICC. In this project the CDBG contribution accounts for 65% of the total project costs. The General Administration of the CDBG program is to be funded with $42,701 in CDBG funds. This accounts for 20% of AshlandÓs 2006 CDBG entitlement grant and functions to support planning and administration activities associated with the CDBG funded projects. The City awarded $13,800 to the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC) to construct a sidewalk within the public right of way at the intersection of Siskiyou and Faith Streets. This project is a carry-over activity that received funding in 2004, but it will be completed in the 2006 CDBG program year. The cost estimate for the public sidewalk, curb and gutter was provided to be $16,000 and as such the CDBG portion accounts for approximately 86% of the project cost. The remaining costs will be paid by RVCDC. Final estimates and work is scheduled to begin in early September. The City of Ashland will apply approximately $110,000 in General fund money to social service activities that support low income households as outlined in the Action Plan (pg 14). No CDBG funds are spent on these activities and thus they are not considered to leverage CDBG funds. The City of Ashland is not the direct recipient of Section 8- funds, or McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance programs. The Housing Authority of Jackson County is the regional authority for the Section 8 program providing vouchers to residents of Ashland as well as elsewhere in the Valley. The Jackson County Continuum of Care Consortium is the regional body that applies for and receives McKinney-Vento funds. During the 2006 Program year the activities funded are not to receive Low-income Housing Tax Credits or other assistance through the State of Oregon of Federal Government beyond the CDBG contributions noted above. Summary of Specific Annual Objectives and Outcome Measures. During the 2006 program year the City of Ashland anticipates the completion of seven CDBG funded activites. Activities awarded funds in prior program years but are to be completed in 2006 include: ACLT Garfield St 2 unit development; RVCDC Siskiyou and Faith 9 unit Self Help project; RVCDC Park Street 6 unit project; and the RVCDC Siskiyou street public facility (Sidewalks, gurbs gutter) project. Activities awarded funds in 2006 to be completed in this program year include ACLTÓs Bridge Street project which entails two new ownership, and two existing units to be rehabilitated for occupancy by low income households, and the Inter Faith Care Community will provide direct services to homeless individuals to improve their access to decent housing. These activities are outlined in the table below. Summary of Specific Annual Objectives Outcome/Objective Specific Projects Year to be Expected Actual Performance Indicators Percent Obj. # (CDBG Funded) completed NumberNumber Specific Annual Objectives DH-1 Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing DH-1.1 Address the need for ICC Transitional 2006 600 Number of affordable decent housing Housing Coordinator homeless, or buy increasing access to life households at risk skills training to individuals to of homelessness, enable them to move out of that have received homelessness. services designed to improve health, safety and counseling. DH-2 Affordability of Decent Housing DH-2.1 Address the need for ACLT Garfield Project 2006 19 Number of new for- affordable housing by (2 new units) purchase housing development of new units affordable to, ownership housing RVCDC Siskiyou and occupied by, Project (9 new units lower income nearing completion) households. RVCDC Park Street project (6 new units) ACLT Bridge Street Project (2 new units) DH-2.2 Address the need for ACLT Bridge Street 2006 2 Number of housing affordable housing by Project (2 existing units occupied by rehabilitating existing housing units to be lower income for occupancy by low-rehabilitated) households that moderate income households have been rehabilitated SL-1 Accessibility of Suitable Living Environment Accessibility for the purpose RVCDC Sidewalk, Number of linear feet of 2006 SL-1.1 225 of creating a suitable living curb, gutter installation sidewalk, curb and gutter environment through the at the intersection of installed. availability of of improved Faith and Siskiyou public infrastructure serving Streets. low-moderate income persons Outcome measures - In addition to the table above, included in this submission is Table Ò3CÓ (OMB 2506-0117) for each of the activities receiving CDBG funds for the 2006 program year and for those remaining open as indicated in the summary of specific annual objectives above. Within the 3C tables the City has indicated the Objective and Outcome categories and incorporated the identification of the CPD outcome statement as an Objective number. Allocation priorities Î The City of Ashland is a small entitlement community with limited resources to apply to CDBG funded activities. As the City of Ashland primarily uses CDBG funds to assist projects that seek to create or retain affordable housing. These priorities are noted as the Housing Goals 1-3 in the CityÓs 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan. Most applicable to the 2006 CDBG award to the Ashland Community Land Trust is Goal 2.2 which is to support the acquisition and development of affordable ownership housing units through a sustainable program, which retains the units as affordable in perpetuity, such as a land trust. Within Ashland the affordable housing projects funded are opportunistic based on market availability of property. The City aims to utilize CDBG funds to benefit the greatest number of households as opposed to a direct application of funds to a particular neighborhood as part of a revitalization strategy. With a limited number of applications received for CDBG funds the City has not had to further delineate a spending priority based on location as a selection criteria in evaluation of proposals. However, as land values are slightly lower in designated low-moderate income census block groups the City is often in the position of making awards to acquire property or rehabilitate housing in such neighborhoods. In 2006 the City will utilize 328,800 in CDBG funds to assist ACLT in purchasing a property at 404-408 Bridge Street. This property is within Census tract 1900 Block Group 1 which is qualified as one of three low-moderate income neighborhoods in Ashland. This project is located within a designated low-moderate income block group, however that did not have specific bearing on its selection to be funded. In 2005 the City of Ashland adopted the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan and in doing so re-established a 15% allocation for social services per the CDBG eligible activities. Further the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan established the goal (4) of providing support services for homeless prevention and transition. The goal further states that services that are part of a comprehensive approach to improve the living conditions of clients are a priority. The Interfaith Care Community proposal met this intention and as such was awarded 2005 CDBG Funds. Affordable housing Î During the 2006 CDBG Program Year the City of Ashland expects a number of affordable housing projects to be completed. Through the activities of the Ashland Community Land Trust to construct four new units (two on Garfield Street and two on Bridge Street, and the ongoing projects of the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation to develop 15 units through assistance from the USDA Self Help Program a total of 19 new units will be affordable to AshlandÓs lower income households in 2006. Additionally ACLT will rehabilitate an existing duplex to further provide decent affordable housing for two low income households on Bridge Street. Each of the above noted projects was possible only through the contributions of Community Development Block Grants. Non CDBG funded affordable housing projects in Ashland to be completed and occupied by low income households are being created by the private sector in response to City incentives and regulations. To this end the City anticipates eight new low income units will be provided in the Barclay Square Subdivision, two new affordable units to in the Fordyce CO-Housing Community, Three affordable units will be required through the conversion of apartments to condominiums on Glendale Street, four new affordable units will be provided in a mixed use development on Ashland Street, and two new to affordable units will be provided through a townhome conversion on North Main Street. A total of 19 affordable housing units will be provided by the private sector in projects already approved by the City for completion in 2006. Therefore combining the CDBG funded projects and the privately funded projects the City anticipates a 38 unit increase in our affordable housing stock in 2006. As the private development market is not within the CityÓs control our established goal remains the production of 19 new units, and the rehabilitation of two existing units using funds made available through the CDBG Program. Public housing Î The City of Ashland does not own or operate any public housing within the City. Additionally, the Housing Authority of Jackson County which serves the Ashland area in this regard and has no proposed projects within our City limits for the 2006 CDBG program Year. Chronic homelessness -- In the 2006 Program year the City awarded ICC $32,000 to provide staffing to assist homeless individuals obtain improved access to transitional housing. ICC estimates this position will serve up to 600 people per year to assist the individuals in obtaining self sufficiency through referrals to job skills training, drug treatment, monetary education, and any other activities necessary to increase the individuals life skills to leave chronic homelessness and succeed in transitional housing. In July of 2006 the City also sent a representative to the Oregon Leadership Summit on Ending Chronic Homelessness which is working with the United States Interagency Council on Homelessness in order to comprehensively address homelessness. Jackson County currently does not have a 10year Plan to address homelessness in this way as do other regional jurisdictions. Ashland will aim to encourage other jurisdictions in the southern region to engage in the planning process as is being done elsewhere in the State of Oregon. Ashland will continue to work with the Jackson County Continuum of Care Consortium to address the needs of the homeless on a regional scale. Low/Mod Benefit Î The City of Ashland uses 100% of our competitive CDBG grants to benefit extremely low, low- and moderate income households. In the 2006 program year all CDBG funded activities 100% of the intended beneficiaries are to be qualified as extremely-low or low-income. The carryover project of sidewalk installation ($13,800 at the intersection of Siskiyou Blvd. and Faith St.) is located within a qualified low-income block group. Therefore as a neighborhood benefiting activity its service will be to a census block group (1800 blkgrp 4) with 70% of the residents earning less than 80% Area median income. This block group has the lowest average incomes and highest poverty level (36%) within the City of Ashland. Specifically the sidewalk, curb and gutter are to be located along the property frontage of a site that is being developed as 9 low-moderate income ownership units by the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation.