HomeMy WebLinkAbout2012-04-25 Housing PACKET
Ashland Housing Commission
Regular Meeting Agenda
April 25, 2012: 4:30 – 6:30pm
Council Chambers – 1175 East Main Street
1. (4:30) Approval of Minutes (5 min)
March 28, 2012
2. (4:35) Public Forum (5 min)
3.(4:40)New Commissioner Introduction (5 min)
4.(4:45) CDBG Annual Action Plan Review and Approval (30 min)
Linda Reid
5. (5:15) Letter to Property Owners Discussion (20 min)
6.(5:35)RVTV Discussion (25 min)
James Dills
7.(6:00)Liaison Reports discussion (20 min)
Liaison Reports
Council (Carol Voisin)
Staff(Linda Reid)
General Announcements
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8.(6:20)May 25, 2012 MeetingAgenda Items (5 min)
CDBG Action Plan Approval
Commissioner items suggested(5 min)
Quorum Check – Commissioners not available to attend upcoming regular meetings
should declare their expected absence.
9.(6.25)Upcoming Events and Meetings
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Homeless Task Force Meeting- May 15, 2012: 10:30-12:00: Housing Authority
Conference Room 2231 Table Rock Road, Medford
Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting
4:30-6:30 PM; May 23, 2012
10. (6:30) Adjournment
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, if you need special assistance to participate in this meeting, please contact the
Community Development office at 541-488-5305 (TTY phone is 1-800-735-2900). Notification 48 hours prior to the meeting will
enable the City to make reasonable arrangements to ensure accessibility to the meeting(28 CFR 35.102-35.104 ADA Title 1).
ASHLAND HOUSING COMMISSION
DRAFT MINUTES
March 28, 2012
CALL TO ORDER
ChairRegina Ayars called the meeting to order at 4:30 p.m. at the Council Chambers located at 1175 East Main St.
Ashland, OR 97520.
Commissioners Present:Council Liaison
Regina AyarsCarol Voisin
Brett Ainsworth
Barb Barasa
Staff Present:
Ben ScottLinda Reid, Housing Specialist
James Dills Carolyn Schwendener, Admin Clerk
Richard Billin
No Commissioners Were
Absent
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Billin/Dills m/s to approve the minutes of the February 22, 2012 regular Housing Commission meeting. Voice Vote:
All Ayes minutes were approved as presented.
PUBLIC FORUM
No public comments were made.
CDBG APPLICANT PRESENTATIONS
Reid briefly went over the staff evaluation of the four applications that were received. It is the City’s policy to award
no more than two projects in any given year. Reid acknowledged that all of the applications were wonderful and
they appreciated everyone’s effort. The following are the two applications that staff is recommending.
For public services staff is recommending the funding of St. Vincent De Paul. Reid acknowledged that both the
Maslow Project and St. Vincent De Paul are fabulous projects and are much needed in this valley. One reason staff
is recommending St. Vincent De Paul over the Maslow Project is they serve similar populations and have similar
goals but Maslow did not provide clarity on how the CDBG funding would substantially increase the services that
they would be offering. St. Vincent De Paul stated they would be helping thirty additional families with the grant
money; Maslow did not quantify a number.
For Capital improvementprojects staff is recommending to fund $20,000 to Living Opportunities for renovations at
747 Normal Street and that $87,646 to be held in reserve for the Ashland Emergency Food Bank to acquire a
permanent location. The Ashland Emergency Food Bank would not be prepared to acquire a site until completion of
an extensive fundraising campaign and as such could not feasibly acquire the property in this program year. Staff’s
recommendation to reserve the money would be contingent upon successful fundraising which allows AEFB to
consider the CDBG funding as leverage for further grant applications but the City would have the ability to re-
allocate those funds should fundraising efforts fall short or other unforeseen circumstances necessitate a change in
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plans prior to March 2013.
The applicants gave their presentations
Maslow Project – Lacy Renae, Mental Health Counselor and Art Therapist as well as the newly appointed person
for overseeing program evaluation was present to represent the Maslow Project. Maslow Project is a non-profit
agency providing homeless children and youth with basic needs and support services including case management
and counseling support services through agency partnerships and Community resources to best meet the needs of
our youth. Our biggest goal is helping kids graduate from High School despite their homelessness, said Renae.
Their school based program places case managers in Medford, Rogue River and now Ashland schools to identify
youth in need of services. Renae introduced Ali LaJuenesse new Ashland case manager. She is based out of
Ashland High School though she also serves Ashland Middle School as well as the elementary schools. Currently
there are ninety-nine children and youth who are identified as fitting the criteria for homelessness in Ashland. Of
the ninety-nine children identified as needing services LaJuenesse said fifty-three students are under grade five,
twenty-three are between six grade and eighth grade and another twenty-three are between ninth grade and twelfth
grade.
A question and answer period followed the presentation
What year did you get the ninety-nine student count?
The current year, 2012. Referrals come to Maslow from the school councilors and attendance
administrators. The correct count is probably closer to one-hundred and twenty-five youth. LaJuenesse is
helping an Ashland High Senior set up an emergency clothes closet as part of their senior project.
What would be the impact of not getting these funds?
Due to their budget LaJuenesse is serving two days at week at the Ashland Schools. The grant would
allow LaJuenesses’ position to expand to three or four days a week. She would be able to have more of a
presence in the schools and be able to identify the additional children and youth who are under the radar.
The grant money would be used to expand your program. If you don’t get the money would you continue to serve
the youth of Ashland two days a week?
They are committed through June of 2012. They would need to acquire more funding to start up the
program again in the fall.
Explain what you guys do different then what Community Works does in our Community.
Community Works has a street outreach worker who works in Ashland. She works with the kids who are
more visible in the downtown area.LaJuenesse is in the process of contacting her to hopefully bring some
of those kids into their program. Primarily the difference is in the population they serve. Maslow is the only
organization that serves just the children and youth so they can provide more services for them. They do
not feel they duplicate Community Works but complement each other.
St. Vincent De Paul – Rich Hanson and Charlotte Dorsey along with past recipient of the program Desirea Flowers
were present to discuss the application of the Ashland Home Visitation program. Mr. Hanson thanked the
Commissioners for their confidence they have placed in them by awarding them with the public service grants for
the last two years. With the combination of HUD funds, their twelve volunteers and their own budget monies St.
Vincent De Paul has been successful with the challenge of preventing homelessness. The CDBG funds of $30,000
from 2010 enabled them to help eighty-seven people, thirty-six households and move three families out of
homelessness. With the HUD funds St.Vincent DePaul is able to help with transition housing by providing rental
deposits and several months’ rent. All the funds go directly to people in need as St. Vincent De Paul is entirely run
by volunteers. Hanson is optimistic that with the continued CDBG funds they can move more families out of
homelessness in the coming years.
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Charlotte Dorsey has volunteered with St. Vincent De Paul serving in the Ashland and Talent area for over 13
years. Dorsey addressed the issue of homelessness and what the CDBG money is used for. Presently they are
working with six individual people; two woman living in their cars, one woman living in a barn, one living at the Dunn
house and two senior men. St. Vincent De Paul is able to work with more individuals this year then prior years due
to the CDBG funds.
Desirea Flowers introduced herself and shared what an honor it was to be here. St. Vincent De Paul volunteers
Charlotte and Allison have been awesome and Flowers has developed a wonderful friendship. She was made
aware of St. Vincent De Paul from Pam at the Peace Church. At one point Flowers was living in her car with her
two dogs. After receiving some funds she was able to move to a trailer but needed further assistance with first and
last month’s rent, food, gas money etc. St. Vincent De Paul provided those things for Flowers. She is forever
grateful. Flowers is currently working and hopes that some day she too can help people get off the streets.
A question and answer period followed the presentation
Sounds like you give people a fishing pole not a fish to enable them to become who they want to be. You give
them the resources they need.
The nature of the mission is we cannot do it for anyone they must participate at the level they are able.
What do you do with mentally ill individuals?
Because of the personal nature of the team working together it’s possible to work over an extended period
of time getting to know the clients. Many who come for help don’t fully understand the safety net that is
available to them. St. Vincent De Paul gives the client the assistance and education they need to know the
agencies that can help them. Seniors are especially unaware of what is available to them often not having
been in the situation before.
If the CDBG funds are not available or more funds are needed do you use your own money for the same purposes?
St. Vincent De Paul spends from their own funds each month anywhere from $7,000 to $13,000 in Ashland
and Talent. If we chose to use our own money for rental assistance we would run out of money, stated
Hanson. When CDBG funds end they can no longer provide those specific services until it is replenished.
Their current budget this year is $120,000 of which $30,000 comes from the City’s Block Grant. From their
own funds $50,000 is used to pay utilities, $35,000 for rent, and lesser amounts for transportation, medical
etc. The block grant has enabled us to work with people who are in serious situations and need that
additional help to leave homelessness.
What type of success have you had in keeping people in housing over a long period of time?
After checking back with people who have received CDBG funds the success rate appears to be 100%.
Clients need an income before moving into housing in order to move forward and meet the responsibility of
the expenses associated with housing. That is what we try to help them secure. The majority of people we
find are not able to work and we assist by advocating for social security, veterans pension, disability etc. By
receiving some income it allows the client to make housing possible.
At what point is it considered a success story and no need for follow-up?
We leave that decision up to the individual. They always have support from us as long as it takes.
Ashland Emergency Food Bank – Susan Harris, part time AEFB manager and Ward Wilson board member
spoke regarding their application. Harris is the only paid position everyone else is volunteers. The Food Bank was
started in 1972 from a handful of women who decided there was a need to address the hunger issues families were
experiencing in the Ashland, Talent area. In any given month the AEFB serves anywhere from 425 to 450
households. Twenty percent come from Talent, five percent are homeless and 38 percent are individuals under the
age of 18. The average household size is 2.5 people. This is the first time they are seeking funds in order to
purchase a permanent home located at 560 Clover Lane.
Ward Wilson introduced himself. He stated they are a faith based organization and by far the largest food bank
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functioning in Ashland. The Food Bank expects to deliver 380,000 pounds of food to anywhere from 5,500 to 6,000
households. Roughly twenty-five percent of all households within the City of Ashland contribute food to the food
bank.
The AEFB has entered into a lease to buy agreement with People’s Bank in Medford. They have two years to raise
the money and purchase the building at a fixed price of $475,000. The bank has allowed the AEFB to pay a small
rent of $600.00 a month allowing them to be successful.
A question and answer period followed the presentation
Have you at this time applied for any of the other non-governmental grants that you are expecting to receive?
No we have not applied yet. It is unknown if those funds will be received.
What would the impact be if we weren’t to award the grant at this time but ask that you apply again next year?
The biggest thing is that the restricted award would give us something to say to potential donors letting
them know we are on our way. We do feel we will be able to meet our goals but that first drop in the bucket
is a big help with our promotion. We are also planning a campaign for direct asks of donors in town to
supplement the other requests.
What type of relationship do you have with the other businesses in the area?
A very good relationship. We are located next to Brammo Manufacturing and owner Craig Bramscher is
very supportive of our project. Holiday Inn Express and the Best Western have been exceptionally
supportive as well. We have been very well received in our area.
Is all the space currently being used?
Yes, extensively.
Are there other additions you will need to make on the building?
No, not at this time. We don’t anticipate our donated food becoming a whole lot bigger; hopefully the
economy will be improving.
The bank is giving you a break on the price. Sounds like they have been a good partner.
We have been impressed with the willingness from the bank to consider the lease to buy proposition and
their willingness to contribute their support to the community.
Will you be able to get the option extended?
There is no guarantee we could. Due to the changing economic atmosphere it’s hard to determine what
could happen in the next couple of years. Reality is if the economy improves and they receive another
offer they could accept that offer and not extend our option. We do think the possibility of an extension is
feasible though we don’t believe we will need it; our goals are achievable.
With property taxes and upkeep what are you doing to continue ownership?
One of the advantages of being a 501C3 is they have been granted a property tax exemption. Since we
are the tenant the bank doesn’t have to pay taxes on this property. Our overhead runs less than 10% of the
dollar value of the 380,000 pounds of food given out each year. Our rent runs $7,200 a year and utilities
along with Susan’s salary run around $65,000. Our monthly needs are not that great.
What other organizations are you collaborating with?
Private foundations, individual donors and hopefully the City of Talent.
Living Opportunities – Jim Gochenour, Development Director for Living Opportunities was present to give an
overview of the application. Living Opportunities has been around since 1983. They are the largest provider of
services for people with developmental disabilities in Jackson County, serving over 300 people. Their mission is
“For people with developmental disabilities to work for the same employers, live in the same neighborhoods and
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have the same experiences everyone aspires to in our community.”
Living Opportunities has housed the employment and leisure activities in the Ashland building located at 747
Normal. They have over 100 individuals that are employed, over 50 businesses that employ their clients and 45
staff members working in their employment office. Ashland has been very receptive of them and they have many
local businesses partners. Their placement rate is 99.5% for employees with disabilities.
Living Opportunities is requesting $20,000 in order to complete the renovation at 747 Normal Street. The first
phase of the renovation was the installation of a new roof, including patching and repairing the current
understructure, for $15,000; phase two included rewiring the buildings existing electrical and overlaying the ceiling
with drywall to accommodate new lighting, for $13,581.23. Matching funds of $20,000 are needed in order to
complete the remodel project, plumbing that needs repaired, interior walls, windows and doors along with additional
electrical work and a new heating system. The total amount needed to complete the project is $40,000, $20,000 of
which they already have.
A question and answer period followed the presentation
You indicated that you had a project that was previously funded by CDBG funds, what was that.
No we have never received any funding from Ashland though we have applied in the past.
The completion cost is $40,000 and you already have in hand $20,000 is that correct?
Yes, we purchased the building in 1986 which had been the old Goodwill building.
Will you be able to continue to use the facility while it is being remodeled?
During the last phase we had different people in the community who volunteered to house the people while
it was being completed. Darex gave us space as well as a local church. We are not planning on spending
any money to house the folks while the project is being done.
Without the money what will you do?
We would not be able to go forward with the project at this time.
HOUSING COMMISSION RECOMMENDATIONS
The Commissioners deliberated and discussed the presentations in order to make a recommendation. One topic of
discussion was whether the City had the ability to award more than two applicants grant money. Reid said in order
to award more than two projects it would take an amendment to the consolidated plan which can be done only
through the direction of the City Council. Reid stated the rule was put into place because earlier in the CDBG cycle
the City would award multiple grants or split them creating an administrative burden on both the grantee and city
staff. Also as the City developed a priority for housing splitting the grants would eventually make them too small to
do those projects. Reid acknowled the process would entail drafting an amendment to the consolidated plan,
publishing a notice about the change in the newspaper and sending the amendment to HUD for approval.
Ainsworth/Scott m/s to “Recommend funding the St. Vincent De Paul Home Visitation proposal in the amount
of $14,000 and funding the Maslow Project for $10,000 and that the Living Opportunity ACES remodel
Capital Improvement proposal be fully funded in the amount of $20,000. The Commission would also
recommend that the balance of the funds $87,646 be placed in reservation for the Ashland Emergency
Food Bank pending the results of their fundraising efforts which could include a second application for the
2013 CDBG RFP and also request Council to direct Reid to draft an amendment to the consolidated plan
allowing more than two awards but no more than three in any one year.”
The Commissioners discussed the motion. The Commissioners main concern was that if in the future several
projects were brought before them how many could they award? The Commissioners agreed that they needed to
inform all applicants of other available funds and resources including the Housing Trust Fund.
The Commissioners asked St. Vincent De Paul if they received a reduced award, how would that effect the number
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of people they could serve? On average expend approximately $800.00 per client with the Block Grant money,
making that total approximately 42. The Commissioners agreed St. Vincent De Paul has many positive attributes;
an all volunteer organization, no administrative overhead, a proven record and they serve a lot of people. On the
other hand we would like to encourage other agencies to come to Ashland and be part of the Ashland Community.
The Commissioners voted: The motion passed unanimously.
LIAISON REPORTS DISCUSSION
Council – Voisin reported that the Council Study Session on Monday April 16 may include a discussion regarding
whether to combine the Homeless Committee with the Housing Commission. It was suggested that the
Commissioners might like to attend the meeting.
General Announcements – Dills announced that a Demographer by the name of Charles Rynerson visited the
Ashland School Board. Rynerson had recently reviewed the 2010 census report in comparison to the 2000 census
report and discovered the dwindling enrollment in Ashland Public Schools. He determined there was a direct
relationship with lack of affordable housing in the community. If we want to attract young families in our community
we need to offer more affordable housing, stated Dills. Dills is working on getting the report that Rynerson
completed. It may be posted on the web soon.
Dills announced that being a newly married man, a full time student and having a job is making it difficult to remain
on the Commission. His term is up next month and he will not be reapplying. He intends to be at next month’s
meeting in order to discuss the RVTV project. The Commissioners acknowledged how much they will miss Dills and
hate to see him go, but respect his decision. Dills said he had gained a lot from the Commission and will continue
to volunteer in various capacities.
Reid reminded any Commissioner whose term is expiring to send an email to the City Recorder, Barbara
Christianson, acknowledging their desire to reapply.
APRIL 25TH, 2012 MEETING AGENDA ITEMS
CDBG Action Plan Approval
RVTV project discussion
Preservation letter from Barasa and discussion of incentives
Quorum check; Scott will be out of town everyone else will be there.
UPCOMING EVENTS AND MEETINGS
Homeless Task Force Meeting-April 17th, 2012: 10:30-12:00 Housing Authority Conference Room 2231, Table
Rock Road, Medford
Next Housing Commission Regular Meeting
April 25th, 2012 4:30-6:30 PM
ADJOURNMENT - The meeting was adjourned at 6:50 p.m.
Respectfully submitted by Carolyn Schwendener
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Housing Commission Memo
Title:Letter to HUD and RD Expiring Use Property owners
Date: April 25, 2012
Submitted By: Barbara Barasa and Linda Reid, Housing Program Specialist
Dear property owner \[it would be better if it were addressed to an individual, don’t know if you have
that information\]:
I am writing you on behalf of the Ashland Housing Commission. One of the goals of the commission is
preservation of the affordable housing units already available in the city. We monitor the number of
units of affordable housing within the city and, when possible, help owners retain those units as
affordable housing when the owner’s current contractual obligation with a lender regarding affordable
housing is going to expire.
Your property at XXXXXXXXXXXXX is one of the properties which we have identified as having a
loan which is nearing the date when the affordable housing restriction will expire unless you choose to
renew it.
As you know, many individuals and families are struggling to find housing they can afford, and the
demand for moderate and low income housing will most likely increase during the next few years due to
the recession and the high rate of foreclosures. Therefore we feel it is vitally important to do everything
we can to help provide moderate income housing.
Linda Reid, Affordable Housing Specialist with the City of Ashland, and I would like to meet with you
to discuss your plans for the future use of your property. There may be financial assistance available in
the form of Community Development Block Grant funds or money from the Housing Trust Fund which
could help you keep those units affordable for Ashland residents.
Please feel free to contact Linda Reid if you have any questions regarding available incentives. We hope
you will consider setting an appointment with us to discuss your plans and how we can assist you.
Sincerely,
Regina Ayars
Ashland Housing Commission Chair
FINAL ACTION PLAN: ONE YEAR USE OF FUNDS
Program Year 2012
(July 1, 2012 – June 30, 2013)
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
Action Plan for CDBG Funds
Program Year 2012
Mission Statement
The following mission statement is taken from the City of Ashland’s current Strategic Plan.
H OUSING
The City has a responsibility to ensure that proper amounts of land are set aside to
accommodate the various housing needs in the City, and that its land development ordinances
are broad enough to allow for variation in housing type and density.
E CONOMY
The City seeks to provide opportunities for a variety of economic activities in the City, while
continuing to reaffirm the economic goals of Ashland citizens. Economic development in
Ashland should serve the purpose of maintaining and improving the local quality of life.
S OCIAL AND H UMAN S ERVICES
To ensure that all people in Ashland live in a safe, strong, and caring community, the City seeks
to enhance the quality of life and promote self-reliance, growth and development of people. To
these ends, the City will strive to provide resources and services to meet basic human needs.
Executive Summary
The City of Ashland is an Entitlement Community. The city anticipates an annual allocation of
$164,556 in Community Development Block Grant funds for Program Year 2012 (July 1, 2012-
June 30, 2013) by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
This document, the CDBG Action Plan for Program Year 2012 describes the project(s) that the
City will undertake and the manner in which the project(s) are consistent with the priorities of the
Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Within this document is a table summarizing the projects to be
funded by CDBG dollars in Program Year 2012 (page 3).
Following the recommendation of the Housing Commission, the City Council has identified that
at total of $44,000 in available grant funds, is to be awarded to three projects: $14,000 to St.
Vincent de Paul-Home Visitation Program for emergency rental and utility assistance, $10,000
to Maslow Project for outreach and case management for homeless youth enrolled in the
Ashland School District, and $20,000 to Living Opportunities to remodel their ACES
employment building. The balance of the funds is to be placed in reservation for the Ashland
Emergency Food Bank to acquire the building which they currently lease, pending further
fundraising efforts. The City Council has also approved an amendment to the 2010-2014
Consolidated Plan for the use of Community Development Block Grant funds to allow for the
funding of three projects in a given year. This is a change from the previously adopted policy of
funding no more than two projects in a given year.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 2
The table provided below shows the projects awarded CDBG funds in Program Year
2010:
CDBG Funded Projects for Program Year 2012
Project ID Recipient Activity Name Location CDBG # Households or
Organization Funds Persons Assisted
Annually
2012-1 City of Ashland CDBGCity Wide $32,911 city wide
Administration
(Consolidated Plan
Goal 14)
Home Visitation City Wide $14,000 15 low income
2012-2 St. Vincent De Program-Homeless households
(Consolidated Plan Paulprevention
Goals 6.1, 6.2 &
8.2)
City Wide
2012-3 Maslow Project School Based $10,000 Approx 35-99
Services for homeless youth
(Consolidated Plan
Homeless Youth (aggregate)
Goals 6.1)
2012-4 LivingRenovations to City Wide $20,000 22 Special Needs
Opportunities AshlandClients
(Consolidated Plan Community
goal 14.1) Employment
Center (ACES)
In previous years the City has funded a variety of activities including affordable housing
projects, respite care for special needs populations, and emergency assistance for households
at risk for homeless. In Program Years 2008 and 2009 the City awarded funds to the Housing
Authority of Jackson County (HAJC) for public facilities improvements in support of a large scale
affordable housing development. The development known as Snowberry Brook was completed
in Spring of 2011 and all 60 units were leased to qualified low-income households shortly
thereafter. This large scale affordable housing development allowed the City to meet its most
challenging goal identified in the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan of providing 55 new units of
affordable housing. In the 2011 Program year the City awarded grant funds to ACCESS, Inc to
acquire a piece of property on which to develop six units of housing affordable to households
making 60% of the Area Median or less. Currently this project is pending, contingent upon
funding from Oregon Housing and Community Services Consolidated Funding Cycle for
construction.
In 2010 the City awarded funding to Ashland Supportive Housing (ASH) to rehabilitate an
existing single family housing unit to be used as a respite care center for peoples with
disabilities. ASH’s respite home opened in the Fall of 2011. The City has funded the St. Vincent
De Paul-Home visitation program for previous three years running. This program works with the
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 3
homeless and households at risk of homelessness offering resources and assistance to
stabilize the households and move them back to self sufficiency. The SVDP Home Visitation
Program is administered by an all volunteer staff, so all program funds go directly to assist
participants. For Program year 2012 the City as also awarded funds to the Maslow Project
which seeks to provide outreach, case management, and resources to homeless youth enrolled
in schools and Living Opportunities to complete renovations on their Ashland Community
Employment Center that serves peoples with developmental disabilities. All of these activities
as well as the Annual Project Homeless Connect event, put on by the Jackson County
Homeless Task Force has allowed the City to reach its annual goals for serving homeless and
special needs households. The outcomes of these programs will be reported in more detail in
the 2012 CAPER.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 4
Citizen Participation
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A Public hearing was held on March 28 2012 to consider comments on the potential uses of the 2012
CDBG allocation. Additionally at that meeting the Ashland Housing Commission reviewed the
applications submitted for CDBG grant awards. After opening a hearing to solicit comments about how
the City should apply the CDBG funds (no public testimony provided), the Housing Commission
forwarded an award recommendation to the City Council. The City Council held a public hearing on April
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17 2012, at which time the CDBG applicants and one citizen testified during the public hearing and the
Council selected award recipients.
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The Housing Commission will hold a public hearing on April 252012 to elicit comments on the draft
Action Plan and provide recommendations for potential changes. The public comment period on the 2012
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One- year Action Plan will begin on April 23 and run through May 23.
All meetings are noticed in the The Ashland Daily Tidings, and posted on the City of Ashland website.
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The availability of the draft plan was also posted on the City of Ashland web page on April 23, 2012 and
an Adobe Portable document (PDF) of the Action Plan will available for download throughout the public
comment period.
A legal notice notifying the public of the availability of the draft Action Plan and the comment period was
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published on April 23 2012 in The Ashland Daily Tidings.
As of the date of submission no comments have been received.
Sources of Funds
There are several available private and public funding sources to assist developers of affordable housing,
area non-profit service providers, and organizations that assist at risk and low-income populations. This
section provides an overview of the potential funding sources for projects or services provided to the
aforementioned populations. Only the programs and resources most likely to be utilized by organizations
providing services to City of Ashland residents or that provide area wide benefit will be included in this
narrative. The City of Ashland is an Entitlement Jurisdiction for Community Development Block Grant
funds. Most other resources are provided on a competitive basis through state or federal programs.
1)Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
CDBG funds are an entitlement received by the City of Ashland based on a formula allocation. The City
expects to receive $164,556 in formula grant funds for fiscal year 2012. The eligible uses of these funds
permit the city to provide direct funding for community development projects such as streets, sidewalks
and other public infrastructure in low-income neighborhoods. The City of Ashland also awards funds to
agencies and organizations that provide housing and related services to low to moderate income and
special populations through a competitive process that requires a 10% match. Similarly CDBG funds
often allow the grantees to leverage substantial resources from state and federal funding sources. The
City of Ashland has instituted a 15% set aside for public service projects that benefit low to moderate
income populations and homeless, at-risk and special needs populations.
Total Fiscal Year 2012-2013 resources available for allocation in this program year
Community Development Block Grant Fund $ 164,556
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 5
The funds identified above represent both federal and local CDBG resources available for allocation to
eligible activities. The City intends that 100% of these funds will be invested in or support the delivery of
activities that primarily benefit very low, low, and moderate income persons. This table does not reflect
funding sources provided by federal, state, and local resources outside of the CDBG program which may
be utilized in projects and services that help to meet goals identified in the City’s five year Consolidated
Plan. The City has not received program income from the Housing Rehabilitation Loan program since
2007. The cumulative total comprised of pay-offs received since the close of fiscal year 1997, the year
that the first Home Rehabilitation Loan program was awarded a City of Ashland CDBG grant, is $49,217.
Three projects were completed in PY 2010 expending all but $46 of the program income. For fiscal year
2012 the Housing Authority of Jackson County does not expect to receive any program income from the
City of Ashland’s Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program. Program income derived from Housing
Rehabilitation Loan repayments are only eligibly for use in further Housing Rehabilitation Loan projects
2)Home Program
The City of Ashland is not currently a participating jurisdiction for HUD’s HOME funds. Some local
developers of affordable housing are eligible to apply to Oregon Housing and Community Services
Department which allocates funds based on a statewide Consolidated Plan.
3)Low-Income Energy Assistance and Weatherization
ACCESS, Inc. serves as the CAP agency providing service to all of Jackson and most of Josephine
County. ACCESS, Inc. receives U.S. Department of Energy funds which are distributed through Oregon
Housing and Community Services. These funds are used to provide low-income households with help in
paying their energy bills and weatherizing their homes. Furthermore, 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 and the Applicant’s household income may not exceed 125% of the Federal
Poverty Guidelines. The City of Ashland also offers a Senior and Disabled Discount on electric usage
charges. Last year the cumulative total the city provided out of the general fund toward this program was
$91,947.62,serving 442 households.
4)Low-income Housing Tax Credit Program
The Federal Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Program assists both for-Profit and non-profit housing
developers in financing affordable housing projects for low-income families and individuals. Some local
developers of affordable housing are eligible to apply to Oregon Housing and Community Services
Departmentwhich allocates funds based on a statewide Consolidated Plan. The Housing Authority of
Jackson County recently completed a 60 unit housing project financed with tax credits and ACCESS, inc
has submitted an application for funding to construct a six unit complex on land purchased with City of
Ashland CDBG funding.
5)Exemptions from Local Property Taxes
Non-profits that provide services for low and moderate income persons are often eligible for exemptions
from local property taxes. ACCESS, Inc. and the Housing Authority of Jackson County are two such
entities.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
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6)Homeless Populations
Oregon Housing and Community Services receive federal and state resources to be used to support
services for homeless populations. They include: Emergency Housing Account, Emergency Shelter
grants, State Homeless Assistance Program, Shelter Plus Care, and Supplemental Assistance for
Facilities to Assist Homeless. Additionally, under the Federal Continuum of Care program administered
by HUD, local governments and agencies can apply for federal funding for programs and services to
prevent and combat homelessness. The Jackson County Continuum of Care is an annual recipient of
McKinney Vento funds. The City of Ashland does not directly receive any funds to assist homeless
persons or persons at risk of becoming homeless, and there is no longer a local organization that
provides services to homeless populations; however City of Ashland residents can access available
services, programs and funds through ACCESS, Inc. the regional CAP agency that serves Jackson and
Josephine Counties. Similarly, many non-profit agency’s that provide housing or support services for
homeless populations are eligible to apply for funds through Oregon Housing and Community Services or
through the Jackson County Continuum of Care.
7)Public Housing Assistance-Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program
The Housing Authority of Jackson County is the local provider of HUD funded housing programs such as
the Housing Choice Voucher program and the Public Housing program. The Housing Authority also
operates a Family Self sufficiency program for families receiving federal housing assistance. The family
self sufficiency program offers an Individual Development Account program that provides a three to one
savings match to promote self sufficiency through furthering education, providing down payment
assistance for homeownership and the promotion of micro-enterprise. Currently the Housing Authority
receives approximately 1390 Housing Choice Vouchers for all of Jackson County. Just over 100 of those
vouchers are provided to City of Ashland residents.
8)USDA Rural Development Mutual Self Help Home Loans/SHOP
The Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development offers several loan options to assist low to moderate
income households attain homeownership. In recent years the City of Ashland has awarded Rogue
Valley Community Development Corporation CDBG funds to help leverage funds and initiate two Self
help homeownership projects that utilized funds from Rural Development programs.Rogue Valley
Community Development Corporation has utilized Self Help Ownership Program (SHOP) grant funds
awarded to Community Frameworks from HUD on these projects. Similarly USDA Rural Development
also offers low-interest loans and grants to assist low to moderate homeowner’s complete health and
safety repairs on their homes.
9)City General Fund Grants
The City of Ashland offers two types of grants, Social Service Grants and Economic Development
Grants. The City’s Social Service Grant program allocates approximately $118,000 annually to help fund
public service agencies and organizations providing essential safety net services for City of Ashland
residents. The City’s Economic Development Grant program provides over $150,000 in grants annually.
10)Land Donation/Systems Development Charge Deferrals/Fee Waivers
In recent years the City of Ashland has offered city owned land to developers of affordable housing
through a competitive RFP process to assist in buying down the land costs thereby encouraging the
development of affordable housing. In program year 2008 the City traded four City owned properties
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
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valued at $1.7 Million to assist in acquiring land for the purpose of developing an affordable housing
project in conjunction with the Housing Authority of Jackson County and yet to be identified developer(s)
of affordable housing. The City of Ashland also provided $620,000 in direct contribution from the General
Fund in order to assist with this acquisition. The City offers incentives to private developers and
affordable housing developers by deferring Systems Development Charges and waiving Community
Development Fees for providing ownership and rental units priced for low and moderate income
households. These incentives result in the non-collection of funds that would otherwise contribute to the
City’s General Fund.
Summary of Specific Annual Objectives
The Action Plan allocates $76,911 in new 2012-2013 CDBG funds. The funds will be used to support the
following activities:
Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance- St. Vincent De Paul-Home Visitation Program was awarded
$14,000 in public service funds to provide emergency rental and utility assistance to qualified
households.
Outcome Statement:Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing
Case Management for Homeless Youth- Maslow Project –School Based Services for Ashland
Homeless Youth was awarded $10,000 in public service funds to provide outreach case management
and resources to homeless youth in the Ashland School District.
Outcome Statement:Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunities and Decent Housing
Renovations to Employment center for peoples with Disabilities-Living Opportunities-ACES
employment Center renovation was awarded $20,000 in Capitol Improvement funds to complete
renovations to their employment center that serves peoples with disabilities.
Outcome Statement:Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunities
Program Administration-$32,911 will be used for general program administration.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
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Table 3-A
Summary of Specific Annual Objectives
Outcome/Objective
SpecificProjects 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 Provide assistance to non-Home Visitation Number of 2012
15
profit organizations that assist Program St. Vincent households at risk of
the homeless and those at De Paul homelessness that
risk of homelessness, provide have received
transition assistance to the services designed to
homeless and help prevent improve health and
homelessness. safety, and
counseling.
HUD Matrix = 05 Q
DH-1 Availability/Accessibility of Decent
DH-1.1 Provide assistance to non-School Based Number of homeless or 201235-99
profit organizations that assist Services for Homeless at risk youth that have
the homeless and those at Youth-Maslow Projectreceived services
risk of homelessness, provide designed to improve
transition assistance to the health and safety, and
homeless and help prevent counseling.
homelessness.
HUD Matrix = 05D
DH-1.3 Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing
DH-1.3 Provide assistance to non-Ashland Community 20121
Number of group
profit organizations that Employment Center
homes or other
provide support services for Remodel-Living
supportive housing
extremely low and low-Opportunities
developed for the
income special needs
elderly, individuals
populations.
with special needs.
HUD Matrix=14E
Outcome measures
In addition to the table above, included in this submission is Table ‘3C’ (OMB 2506-0117) for each of the
activities receiving CDBG funds for the 2012 program year. 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 and Geographic Distribution
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 in Housing Goals 1-3 in the City’s 2010-2014
Consolidated Plan). 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 selection criteria in evaluation of proposals. However,
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 9
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.
The jurisdiction has no plans to dedicate a percentage of CDBG funds to any one area.
For a number of years the City has struggled to retain existing and create new affordable rental housing
units. An insufficient quantity of new affordable rental housing units have been built within the City in
recent years, this has been attributed to the high cost of land, which despite the recent economic
downturn continues to remain higher (decrease at a lesser rate) than that of the surrounding cities in
Jackson County. The goals specified in the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan that aimed to provide services
to homeless, at-risk, and special needs populations have suffered due to the lack of support services for
homeless populations within the City. The loss of the Interfaith Care Community of Ashland, who was the
sole provider of homeless support services (aside from meals and the City’s Emergency shelter program
which only operates in extreme weather conditions), has had a severe impact on the amount of
homeless, at-risk and special needs populations that the City has been able to provide assistance for.
Homeless populations and those at risk of homelessness still have access to regional service providers,
most of which are located in and around the City of Medford approximately 13 miles from Ashland,
however, there is no system in place to track the services provided by the numerous agencies by locality
or without duplication. The 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan established the goal (6) 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 City received two
proposals in 2012 which will assist the City in addressing this goal.
Annual Affordable Housing Goals
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.
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.
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.
During the 2012 CDBG Program Year the City of Ashland expects one affordable housing project to be
underway. Access, Inc. has purchased a parcel of land on which to develop six units of affordable
housing pending funding from the State Consolidated Funding Cycle. Although this project is underway
and will help the city meet some the goals proposed in the five year Consolidated plan, the project is not
expected to be completed within this program year.
Needs of Public Housing
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 does not currently
own or operate any Public Housing units located within the city. The Housing Authority has no proposed
Public Housing projects within the Ashland City limits for the 2012 CDBG program Year.
Homelessness and other Special Needs Populations
Goal 6: 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
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 10
clients. Safety net services or services that meet basic needs 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.
Goal 7: Encourage the development of emergency and transitional housing for homeless families with
children and/or individuals.
Goal 8: 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/AIDS or related illness.
In prior years the City awarded CDBG funds and provided social service grant funds through the city’s
general fund to Interfaith Care Community of Ashland (ICCA) to provide services to homeless individuals
and improve access to transitional housing. For Program Year 2012, the City has awarded public service
funds to the St. Vincent De Paul, Home Visitation program in an effort to prevent homelessness. The city
has also awarded funding to Maslow Project to provide wrap around services, case management and
resources to homeless youth enrolled in the Ashland School District. The city continues to support
regional service providers through the City of Ashland’s general fund social service grants to
organizations that provide services to homeless, at-risk, and special needs populations. As mentioned
previously, the community volunteers organize emergency shelters through area churches and public
buildings in times of extreme weather conditions. Further, populations needing assistance not offered
locally have the ability to access a variety of safety net services through ACCESS, Inc, the regional
provider of Community Action Programs, as well as other social service providers located in Medford and
surrounding areas. The city continues to partner with other governmental jurisdictions, agencies and
organizations, in an effort to address homelessness and other special needs populations. The city
continues to be an active member in the Homeless Task Force, a sub-group of the Jackson County
Community Services Consortium, and Jackson County’s Continuum of Care body, to address the needs
of the homeless on a regional scale, and make referrals to the appropriate agencies when necessary.
Each year the Homeless Task Force conducts a one night homeless shelter survey, through a
coordinated effort of the task force members, emergency shelters, social service agencies, and
organizations that provide support services to homeless and special needs populations. This annual
survey allows jurisdictions and agencies to track the progress, or lack of progress on addressing the
issues of homelessness in the region as well as to recognize gaps in services. The city may attain a
percentage of the goals as outlined in DH1.1 -1.3; assistance and support services for special needs and
homeless populations, (3 group homes, 3 individuals, and 400-500 homeless individuals receiving
services county wide) through support of St. Vincent de Paul’s program, through the use of City of
Ashland general funds in the form of Social Service grants to area organizations offering services to at-
risk, homeless, and special needs populations, and through staff’s work with the Homeless Task force
and the City’s involvement in the Project Homeless Connect event, a one day event to provide outreach,
services, and resources to homeless and at-risk populations.
The City does not specifically prioritize activities that focus on serving the needs of chronically homeless
populations. However, Jackson County’s Ten-Year Plan to end homelessness, a document created and
carried out by the Jackson County Homeless Task Force, of which the City of Ashland is an active
member, does prioritize several strategies to address the needs of the chronically homeless throughout
the region. The six strategies identified by the Ten Year plan provided action steps to end chronic
homelessness. These action steps include; promoting the housing first model, providing coordinated and
consistent case management, increase financial assistance/incomes for those who are the most
vulnerable, provide life skill training, and coordinate discharge planning. Lastly, the Ten-Year plan
prioritizes the development and increase of emergency and transitional shelters, and permanent
supportive housing options open to those with the lowest incomes.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
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In 2011 the City Council adopted the goal of appointing an ad-hoc committee to make recommendations
to the City Council by December 31, 2011 about how the City and partner organizations can work
together in the long run to address the needs of homeless people and to reduce homelessness in the
community. In the year since the inception of the Ad Hoc Committee the City has installed a porta-potty
behind the downtown plaza to offer restrooms for the homeless and others after the community
restrooms have closed. The City in partnership with the Chamber of Commerce has purchased donation
drop-boxes, the proceeds of which will be administered by the Ashland council of the Society of St.
Vincent De Paul to assist homeless populations meet their needs and work toward self-sufficiency. In
April of 2012 the Ad Hoc committee received a renewal of their charge to continue their work on
partnering with area non-profits around the creation of a day use center and to foster an ongoing
community dialog around homelessness.
Racial/Minority Populations
According to the 2000 Census there were no block groups where 20% or more of the population is
comprised of racial or ethnic minorities. Consequently the City does not intend to direct any 2012 CDBG
funds to any one block group for this purpose. The City does however intend to direct resources toward
furthering fair housing and implementing the recommendations identified in the 2008 Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice. Specific actions the City is currently undertaking include;
partnering with the City of Medford to bring Fair Housing Trainings to targeted groups identified in the AI,
supporting the Center for Non-Profit legal services through City General Fund Social Service Grants,
regional coordination of fair housing activities to better meet the needs of the citizens while utilizing
regional resources more efficiently. Lastly, the City of Ashland’s Housing Commission is working on
implementing several of the recommendations identified in the AI, including an update of the City’s Fair
Housing Ordinance.
Barriers to Affordable Housing
Goal 4: Remain aware of the barriers to affordable housing in Ashland, and where it is within
the City’s ability; take steps to overcome such barriers.
Education and Outreach is a significant role of the Housing Commission and such activities often have
the benefit of not just disseminating information, but collecting information as well. Such a dialogue
within the City facilitates an awareness of the barriers to affordable housing and highlights mechanisms
available to address such barriers. In the 2012 CDBG program year the Housing Commission will
continue its ongoing efforts to produce informational material to raise awareness and understanding of
issues that surround affordable housing. Specifically, the Housing Commission has selected as an
annual goal education and outreach to homeowners dealing with the issues of foreclosure. The Housing
Commission has created a Finance Sub-Committee to work toward identifying a permanent funding
source to support the Housing Trust Fund. The Housing Trust Fund Ordinance was adopted in late 2008
in an effort to promote the development of affordable housing by assisting developers in overcoming the
barriers of land and development costs when developing affordable housing.
The City of Ashland Housing Commission, Planning Commission, and City Council have initiated an
examination of regulatory barriers and land use ordinance barriers to the promotion and development of
affordable housing. Similarly, the Housing Commission and city staff continue to research and implement
incentives to promote the development of affordable housing.
Anti-Poverty Strategy
Goal 13: To reduce the number of people living in poverty in the City of Ashland.
Goal 14: Promote and support activities in the community that improve or provide access to economic
opportunities for extremely low- and low-income residents of Ashland.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 12
The Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 requires communities to include in their
Consolidated Plan a description of an anti-poverty strategy. This strategy takes into consideration factors
over which the City has control. The City of Ashland has limited resources for addressing the issues
involved in reducing poverty and improving the self-sufficiency of low-income residents. Affordable
housing is one of the factors directly related to poverty that the City of Ashland does have some ability to
influence. In addition, the City supports housing, social service, and economic development programs
targeted at the continuum of care needs of the homeless.
Goals 13 and 14 of the five year consolidated plan target reducing the number of people living in poverty,
to this end the City adopted a Living Wage Ordinance in 2001 that stipulated that all employees,
contractors, or recipients of city grants or funds must meet minimum living wage requirements adjusted
annually to the Consumer Price Index. The Living wage ordinance continues to provide the benefits of a
higher wage scale for all people working to provide the City with services, or working on City funded
projects. Similarly economic development grants funded through the City’s General Fund provide
support for non-profit organizations that create living wage employment opportunities and fund programs
that provide job training for low-income, at-risk and special needs populations as well as supporting
humanities and the arts. The City of Ashland completed an Economic Development study to increase the
number of living wage jobs located within the city by promoting the expansion, retention and relocation of
local and national businesses.
The City of Ashland provides funding to agencies that address the needs of low income and homeless
residents through a Social Service Grant program. The goal of this program is to improve living
conditions and self sufficiency for residents by meeting such basic needs as food, shelter, clothing,
counseling and basic health care. The goal is carried out by providing funds in excess of $100,000 every
other year to various area agencies whose focus meets one or more of these targeted needs. Similarly,
the City of Ashland’s utilities department through the Ashland Low-Income Energy Assistance Program
(ALEAP) provides reduced cost energy bills and bill payment assistance to qualifying low-income, elderly,
and disabled residents in an effort to reduce cost burden. Both of these programs are paid out of the
City’s General Fund.
An Affordable Housing Committee was formed in 1990 and reconvened in 1994 to search for ways to
provide economical housing in Ashland. In 1995 a formal Housing Commission was formed. The
Housing Commission has endeavored to create policies that will allow additional housing opportunities
for low- and moderate- income Ashland households.
Lead-Based Paint
Goal 12: 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 of Ashland is acutely aware of the dangers posed by lead based paint poisoning. In goal 10 of
the five year Consolidated Plan, the city prioritized the goal of assuring that CDBG funded activities would
be in compliance with all state and federal laws regarding Lead Based Paint safe work practices in
federally assisted projects in an effort to reduce the number of housing units containing Lead Based Paint
Hazards and thereby reduce the number of children affected by lead based paint poisoning. The city
provides information regarding lead based paint hazards in the home, and information regarding lead
based paint safe work practices as requested. Lastly, The Housing Authority of Jackson County hosts
periodic Lead Based Paint Safe work practices training and certification which benefits local contractors
and the general public. The City of Ashland’s Housing Program Specialist is certified in lead based paint
safe work practices. The City sponsored housing rehabilitation program utilizing program income has the
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 13
potential to involve issues of lead based paint. The City has in the past and will continue to ensure that
lead testing and clearance is completed on any federally funded project involving a structure built prior to
1978.
Monitoring
The City of Ashland employs a full time Housing Program Specialist to oversee the Community
Development Block Grant program, the City of Ashland’s affordable Housing Program, and to work with
the City of Ashland’s Housing Commission in identifying the City’s housing needs, foster knowledge of
those needs and promote the development of needed housing types. The Housing Program Specialist is
responsible for monitoring the City’s progress in meeting the stated goals and objectives set forth in the
five year Consolidated Plan annually, and to ensure that CDBG awards and the yearly Action Plans are
developed to meet the intended goals. Specifically, the development of housing that is affordable to low,
moderate, and extremely low income households will be quantified each year. Throughout the year each
new unit that is developed, through grant assistance or through the private market to meet regulatory
requirements, will be deed restricted to ensure a period of affordability (typically 30 years or greater), The
development of both rental and owner occupied affordable housing will be compared to the targets
established in the Consolidated Plan and subsequent years CDBG awards will be targeted to those types
of housing that are not keeping pace with projections.
City staff will complete an Annual Performance Evaluation Report which will quantify both housing and
homeless accomplishments after the conclusion of each program year. Housing accomplishments will be
broken into the income and occupancy type categories identified in the 5-year Consolidated Plan.
The success of the Ashland CDBG program, SDC deferral program, Accessory Residential Unit
development, and Land Use requirements and incentives for affordable housing, will be examined and
presented to the Ashland Housing Commission for evaluation. This information will inform potential
modifications to existing or future programs to meet the goals outlined in the Consolidated Plan. The
information contained in the Annual Performance Evaluation Report will assist in informing the CDBG
award selection process undertaken in February-March of the following year.
Sub-recipient Monitoring-The City of Ashland, as the grantee for CDBG funds, will monitor the sub-
recipients on a quarterly basis. The Housing Program Specialist maintains a close working relationship
with the CDBG sub-recipients. One benefit of being a small entitlement community with a limited grant
amount is that the City typically provides only one or two awards per program year. This enables the City
Staff to closely follow the progress of CDBG projects and maintain open communication with Sub-
recipients.
The City is committed to ensuring that CDBG funds are used as specified in State and Federal
regulations through: public and City Council monitoring, through public hearings, staff evaluation, annual
evaluation of the priorities set forth in the Consolidated Plan, periodic site visits and program evaluations,
financial monitoring, record keeping, and financial and beneficiary reporting requirements.
The City requires recipients of CDBG funds to provide a project timeline with benchmarks for completion
which is incorporated into the Sub-recipient Agreement for use of CDBG funds. The City remains in
regular contact with each sub-recipient throughout the project’s development to monitor their
accomplishments to ensure they are meeting the projected benchmarks, and to provide ongoing
guidance on CDBG regulations.
For currently funded projects in development, at a minimum the City CDBG administration staff will meet
with each sub-recipient’s designated representative to review their project’s accomplishments and
investigate any failures to meet anticipated benchmarks at quarterly intervals. If deemed necessary, the
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 14
City of Ashland CDBG administrative staff will conduct a formal monitoring visit to evaluate the following
items as they relate to CDBG funded projects. If at any point the City CDBG administration staff
determines a project is failing to move forward the sub-recipient will be required to complete a Corrective
Action Plan as described below.
Financial management-The extent to which program participants account for and manage financial
resources in accordance with approved financial management standards. Additionally this criterion
relates to the amount of potential monetary exposure to the City, and the Department of Housing and
Urban Development.
Analysis to include assessment of:
Amount of current/total funding obligated and/or expended
Audits and/or Investigations
Staff experience with CDBG
History of performance
Physical asset maintenance and operation-The extent to which HUD-funded physical assets are
maintained and operated.
Analysis to include assessment of:
History of Performance
Condition of HUD funded physical assets
Use of facilities or physical assets in conformance with CDBG regulations
Management-The extent which the program participant has the administrative capacity to carry out
CDBG requirements.
Analysis to include assessment of:
Experience level of Key staff particularly as it relates to CDBG funded activities
Program History including performance indicators
Reporting consistency
Satisfaction-Extent to which clients express satisfaction or dissatisfaction with the delivery of the
program services.
Analysis to include assessment of:
Types of program activities
Complaints or compliments received
Services-Extent to which HUD program participants effectively and efficiently deliver
services to the intended beneficiaries/clientele.
Analysis to include assessment of:
Types of program activities
Accomplishments
Timeliness
Project development including timing benchmarks
Corrective Action Plan-If the activities funded with CDBG dollars are not being accomplished in a timely
manner, as set forth in the sub-recipient agreements the City of Ashland may issue a written notice
requiring the submission of a corrective action plan that is subject to the approval of the City. The City
shall provide the sub-recipient 14 days, or such time as City deems appropriate, to develop a corrective
action plan that is acceptable to the City for correcting the problem. At a minimum, the corrective action
plan must include;
(1) A written performance measure to be implemented by the Sub-recipient that corrects the specific
area(s) of noncompliance and how performance measure will be established and executed by the Sub-
recipient’s organization, including subcontractors and;
(2) Designates the person with authority within the Sub-recipient’s organization charged with the
responsibility of accomplishing and monitoring compliance.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 15
Acceptance of the Corrective Action Plan by the City will establish the curative period necessary to bring
the project into compliance. If the Sub-recipient has not submitted a corrective action plan that is
acceptable to the City within the specified time frame or does not implement or complete the corrective
action plan within the specified time frame, the City shall proceed with other enforcement remedies as
outlined in the Sub-recipient Agreement.
Coordination
Goal 5: To provide institutional structure and intergovernmental cooperation.
The City of Ashland’s Housing Program Specialist will continue to provide institutional structure as well as
examine and implement expanded opportunities for intergovernmental cooperation. City of Ashland Staff
will continue to; work with providers of public, private and assisted housing in an effort to promote the
development of affordable ownership and rental housing; with social service agencies to maintain,
expand, or bring needed services to homeless, at-risk, and special needs populations, and with other
municipalities and government entities to coordinate services to avoid duplication and serve the identified
needs of low-income populations throughout the region. City staff will provide technical assistance about
City programs, regulatory requirements and incentives as well as the CDBG program to area non-profits
and social service providers. The staff will also continue to work closely with and offer support to the City
of Ashland Housing Commission.
The Southern Oregon Housing Resource Center provides a clearing house for housing related resources
within Jackson and Josephine Counties. It is a collaborative effort between county governments, Access,
Inc., the Housing Authority of Jackson County, and several municipalities including the cities of Medford
and Ashland. The Housing Program Specialist sits on the Board of the Southern Oregon Housing
Resource Center to assist in regional coordination of their housing related efforts. Currently the SOHRC
is working on capacity building and coordination around fair housing issues and activities.
Currently, the City of Ashland’s Housing Program Specialist is the Chair of the Jackson County Homeless
Task Force, which coordinates the efforts of city and county governments, social service agencies,
federal agencies, and non-profit organizations to address affordable housing and homeless issues on a
regional level. The Homeless Task force is also the Continuum of Care administrator for McKinney-
Vento funding for the region.
The City of Ashland established a Housing Commission to address issues relating to housing
accessibility and affordability within the City. Serving in an advisory capacity to the City Council on
housing related issues, the Housing Commission is charged with the review and recommendation on all
CDBG related activities undertaken by the City. The Housing Program Specialist is the staff liaison to the
Housing Commission and works closely with that body in disseminating information regarding fair
housing and the needs of the community with regard to housing. Similarly staff and the Housing
Commissioners act as a conduit between the residents and the city government allowing for public input
and participation on issues of affordable housing and the CDBG program.
City of Ashland general funds help to support coordination activities undertaken by the Housing Program
Specialist and are also utilized to contribute toward CDBG program administration as well as staff support
of non-profit organizations and intergovernmental cooperation.
Program Benefit and Location-Low/Mod Benefit
In the 2012 program year all CDBG funded activities, 100% of the intended beneficiaries are to be
qualified as extremely-low, low or moderate-income or reside in a predominantly low to moderate income
census block group. 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 selection criteria in evaluation of proposals.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 16
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.
Impediments to Fair Housing and Fair Housing Activities
Goal 9: To affirmatively further fair housing.
An Analysis of Impediments (AI) is a review of impediments or barriers that affect the rights of fair
housing choice. It covers public and private policies, practices, and procedures affecting housing choice.
Impediments to fair housing choice are defined as: any actions, omissions, or decisions that restrict, or
have the effect of restricting, the availability of housing choices, based on race, color, religion, sex,
disability, familial status, or national origin.
The AI serves as the basis for fair housing planning and provides essential information to the city of
Ashland as well as local housing providers, lenders, and housing advocates. The City Contracted with
the Fair Housing Council of Oregon to undertake an update to the AI during the 2008 CDBG program
Year. In June of 2009, the draft AI was presented to the City of Ashland Housing Commission. The final
Draft of the AI was completed in September of 2009. In the 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan the City has
identified a plan for corrective actions the city may need to address to remove impediments or barriers
that exist in the community that have an affect on the housing choices of its residents based on the
recommendations asserted in the 2008 Analysis of Impediments.
The Fair Housing Council of Oregon continues to offer annual training workshops for social service
agencies on fair housing issues, as well as offering a fair housing hotline for all Oregon residents to seek
assistance regarding issues of fair housing. The City of Ashland partnered with the City of Medford and
the Fair Housing Council of Oregon in 2007 to create four separate web casts targeting realtors,
landlords and tenants, housing advocates, and architects in an effort to provide fair housing education
and training to those populations. The City of Ashland provides a link to one of these fair housing web
casts filmed by RVTV on its website. The City’s of Ashland and Medford continue to work together to
bring more advocacy and information to the Southern Oregon region and better coordinate regionally
toward building capacity for an increased local fair housing presence.
The City of Ashland’s Social Service Grant program offers annual support to the Center for non-profit
Legal Services to advocate for tenants rights and offer advice on issues of fair housing.
Underserved Needs
The City of Ashland in its five year Consolidated Plan has identified far more needs within the community
than its limited resources can meet. Consequently, the City has prioritized those needs through a ranking
system which targets limited CDBG funds to those projects that offer the most benefit to those
populations with the greatest need, i.e. long term affordability targeted to extremely-low, and low-income
populations.
Some underserved needs are supported through programs funded out of the City of Ashland’s general
fund, such as Social Service and Economic Development grants to area non-profits, safety net service
providers, agencies that offer support services to homeless, at-risk, and special needs populations, as
well as helping to support medical services for low-income populations. Many of these providers address
goals identified in the City’s Consolidated Plan which could not otherwise be met with the City’s limited
CDBG funds.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 17
In recent years the City has worked to create incentives and regulations designed to promote and protect
affordable housing. Incentives for both non-profit developers of affordable housing as well as private
developers to build affordable ownership and rental housing such as SDC deferral, community
development fee waiver and density bonus programs have served to create affordable units without
relying on CDBG funds. Similarly, the City has adopted regulations that promote the retention of
affordable housing types (such as the condo-conversion ordinance), and further the development of
needed housing types (such as the annexation and zone change ordinances). Without such programs
the City could not expect to meet the goals as outlined in the five year Consolidated Plan.
Community Development
Goal 10: To provide safe and convenient access to alternative transportation routes in extremely low-,
low-, and moderate-income neighborhoods.
Goal 11: To make City facilities easier and safer to use for people with disabilities.
Goal11.1:Make accessibility improvements to city-owned facilities.
In 2010 the City awarded the $27,623 in CDBG fund to complete public facilities improvements in
designated low to moderate income census block groups. This activity will assist the city in obtaining the
community development goals identified in the five year consolidated plan. This activity will serve to
provide safe and convenient access for all City of Ashland residents including those residents with
special needs. Further, this project may assist in fostering alternative transportation through the
improvement of bicycle and pedestrian connectivity to needed services. This project was not completed
in the 2010 or 2011 program year. Staff expects this project to be completed in the 2012 program year.
Strategy Implementation
The following is a listing of the goals and strategies that will be implemented in the 2012-2013 Program
Year. Each strategy is followed by the activity that will implement the goal and strategy. Where
appropriate, the activity is followed by the proposed accomplishments of the activity for the year.
Goal 6: 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 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.
Objective 1.2-Provide assistance to non-profit organizations that assist the homeless and those at
risk of homelessness, provide transition assistance to the homeless, and help prevent
homelessness.
Location:Citywide/low income benefit
Sub-recipient: St. Vincent De Paul Home Visitation Program
Funding: $14,000
Outcome: Number of homeless, or households at risk of homelessness that have received services
designed to improve health and safety, and counseling.
Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing (DH-1)
Activity Description: St. Vincent De Paul Home Visitation Program was awarded $14,000 in CDBG grant
funds to provide emergency assistance to households threatened with eviction and utility disconnection.
St. Vincent volunteers will work with staff to provide resources and counseling to improve conditions.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 18
Location:Citywide/low income/special needs benefit
Sub-recipient: Maslow Project
Funding: $10,000
Outcome: Number Homeless and at risk youth provided with case management and resources.
Availability/Accessibility of Suitable Living Environment (SL-1)
Activity Description: Maslow Project’s School Based Services for Ashland Homeless Youth was awarded
$10,000 in public service funds to provide outreach case management and resources to homeless youth
in the Ashland School District.
Location: Citywide/low income/special needs benefit
Sub-recipient: Living Opportunities
Funding: $20,000
Outcome: Number of peoples with Developmental Disabilities
Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing (DH-1)
Activity Description: Living Opportunities was awarded $20,000 to complete renovations to the Ashland
Community Employment Center that serves peoples with disabilities.
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 19
Table 3C
Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects
Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Ashland
Priority Need
Homeless Prevention-Emergency Services
Project Title:
St. Vincent De Paul Home Visitation Program
Description:
Public Service Activity: Emergency Rental and Utility Assistance.
Objective category:Suitable Living Environment Economic Opportunity
Outcome category: X Availability/Accessibility Sustainability
Location/Target Area:
City Wide
Funding Sources:
Objective Number Project ID
CDBG $14,000
DH-1.1IDIS ID 2011-2
ESG
HUD Matrix Code CDBG Citation
HOME
05Q570.201E
HOPWA
Type of Recipient CDBG National Objective
Total Formula
LMC570.208a -LMC
Assisted Housing
Start Date Expected Completion Date
PHA
July 1, 2012 June 30, 2013
Other Funding - SHOP
Performance IndicatorsAnnual Units
#of homeless or at risk City of Ashland (SDC)
15
households receiving services
RD Loans
Total
Local IDUnits Upon Completion
2012-2
The primary purpose of the project is to help: X the Homeless Persons
with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 20
Table 3C
Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects
Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Ashland
Priority Need:
Homeless Prevention-Emergency Services
Project Title:
Maslow Project-School Based Services for Ashland Homeless Youth
Description:
Outreach and Case management and resources to homeless youth in Ashland School District
Objective category:X Suitable Living Environment Economic Opportunity
Outcome category: Availability/Accessibility Sustainability
Location/Target Area:
City Wide
Funding Sources:
Objective Number Project ID
SL-1.1IDIS ID 2011-3
CDBG $10,000
HUD Matrix Code CDBG Citation
ESG
05 Q 570.201 (e)
HOME
Type of Recipient CDBG National Objective
HOPWA
LMC570.208(a) -LMC
Total Formula
Start Date Expected Completion Date
Assisted Housing
July 1, 2012 June 30, 2013
PHA
Performance IndicatorsAnnual Units
Other Funding - SHOP
#of homeless or at risk
35-99
City of Ashland (SDC)
households receiving services
RD Loans
Total
Local IDUnits Upon Completion
2012-3
The primary purpose of the project is to help: the Homeless Persons with HIV/AIDSPersons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2011
Page 21
Table 3C
Consolidated Plan Listing of Projects
Jurisdiction’s Name: City of Ashland
Priority Need
Homeless Prevention-Emergency Services
Project Title:
Living Opportunities ACES Center remodel
Description:
Ashland Community Employment Center Remodel
Objective category:Suitable Living Environment Economic Opportunity
Outcome category: X Availability/Accessibility Sustainability
Location/Target Area:
City Wide
Funding Sources:
Objective Number Project ID
CDBG $20,000
DH-1.1IDIS ID 2012-4
ESG
HUD Matrix Code CDBG Citation
HOME
14E570.201C
HOPWA
Type of Recipient CDBG National Objective
Total Formula
LMC570.208a -LMC
Assisted Housing
Start Date Expected Completion Date
PHA
July 1, 2012 June 30, 2013
Other Funding - SHOP
Performance IndicatorsAnnual Units
#of group homes or other City of Ashland (SDC)
1
supportive housing
RD Loans
developed for the elderly,
Total
individuals with special
needs
Local IDUnits Upon Completion
2012-4
The primary purpose of the project is to help: X the Homeless Persons
with HIV/AIDS Persons with Disabilities Public Housing Needs
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 22
ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN EXPENDITURES
Description of Activities
Direct Grant Assistance to Capitol Improvement Projects: $ 20,000
Public Service : $ 24,000
Program Administration: $ 32,911
Delivery of technical assistance, maintenance of program
compliance, preparing and submitting reports to HUD regarding
program activities, management and monitoring of grant financial
and sub-recipient activities, compliance with federal and local
public participation plans, planning and delivery of fair housing
activities, and fostering relationships with area non-profit
organizations, affordable housing developers, and social service
agencies.
Program Administration Total $ 32,911
Program Income
Home Repair Program $ 46
Program Income Total $ 46
TOTAL PROGRAM EXPENDITURES $ 76,957
City of Ashland
CDBG Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2012
Page 23