To: Mayor and City Council
From: Mark R. Hafner, City Manager
Subject:
Title
Consider a resolution authorizing the Mayor to enter into an agreement for participation with Tarrant County’s Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership and Emergency Solutions Grant Consortium for the three program year period, Fiscal Year 2021 through Fiscal Year 2023.
Background:
Tarrant County currently administers Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership and Emergency Solutions grant funding for a number of local cities, including the City of Keller. To qualify for Federal funding, Tarrant County must re-qualify every three years as an Urban County under the CDBG and HOME programs. Tarrant County is eligible to receive entitlement grant funds by having a combined population of 200,000 or more from unincorporated areas and participating cities.
The approval of the proposed resolution designates the City of Keller as a participating city for a period of three (3) years. Further, it allows the City to be eligible for CDBG funding as administered through the County. CDBG funds may be available to the City on a limited basis for targeted demographics such as senior citizens. The City does not typically qualify for HOME Investment Partnership or Emergency Solutions grant programs. Definitions of each program are listed below.
-Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a flexible program that provides communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. Beginning in 1974, the CDBG program is one of the longest continuously run programs at HUD. The CDBG program provides annual grants on a formula basis to 1209 general units of local government and States. Tarrant County receives annual CDBG funds to assist cities outside of Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie. Each of those cities administers and receives their own CDBG funds.
-HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) program provides formula grants to States and localities that communities use, often in partnership with local nonprofit groups, to fund a wide range of activities that build, buy, and/or rehabilitate affordable housing for rent or homeownership or provide direct rental assistance to low-income people. Tarrant County receives annual HOME funds to create and maintain affordable housing outside of Fort Worth, Arlington and Grand Prairie. Each of those cities administers and receives their own HOME funds.
-Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program provides homeless persons with basic shelter and essential supportive services. It can assist with the operational costs of the shelter facility and for the administration of the grant. ESG also provides short-term homeless prevention assistance to persons at imminent risk of losing their own housing due to eviction, foreclosure, or utility shutoffs. Tarrant County receives annual ESG funds to assist homeless persons throughout Tarrant County by providing funds to non-profit agencies.
Alternatives:
City Council has the following alternatives:
- Approve as submitted
- Denial