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SR-300-002-01 (48) 9t?O-OO-Z-O/ //-A CjED:CNS:BS:grsr Council Meeting 1/12/88 JAN 1 2 1988 Santa Monica, California TO: Mayor and City Council FROM: City staff SUBJECT: Recommendation to Hold Community Development Block Grant Performance Hearing and to Approve the FY1988-89 community Development program Funding Rationale INTRODUCTION This report presents a funding rationale for the City's FY1988-89 Community Development Program for approval by City Council. This funding rationale serves as a guide to city staff and the City Council in soliciting proposals and allocating funds for the coming year f s program. The report further recommends that the City Council hold a public hearing on the FY1986-87 Community Development Block Grant-funded portion of the program as required by the City's local community Development Block Grant Ordinance. BACKGROUND Each year the City's Community Development Program allocates approximately $4 million in local and Federal funds for operating grants to non-profit human service organizations (Community Service Projects) and support for capital projects benefiting lower income residents and neighborhoods (Community and Neighborhood Improvement Projects) . - 1 - /I-A JAN 12 1986 In the past several years, the program has grown substantially in size and scope and is now recognized as a major source of support for important, ongoing community programs. During the current year, 39 Community Service Projects ($2.675 million) and 9 Community and Neighborhood Improvement Projects ($1.389 million) were approved by the City Council. The breakdown of support for the 1987-88 fiscal year is shown in the table below: General Prop. Rental Redeve1. Total CDBG Fund A Rehab Agency GRS COrnmun1ty & Ne1ghb. Improvements 1,38B,913 918,518 145,895 -0- 197,000 127,500 -0- COl"J'lUn1 ty SerV1ces 2,675,021 125.913 l,201),674 342,534 -0- -0- -0- - 4.063.934 1,044,431 2,352,569 342.534 197,000 127,500 -0- The Community Development Program has met a number of important goals since its inception: (1) it has supported a wide range of human service, housing and community improvement projects for residents most in need: (2) it has provided stability to a core group of non-profit service providers in an era of substantial decreases in funding from other governmental sources; and (3) it has fostered a number of innovative programs to respond to unmet needs and gaps in services in Santa Monica. The funding rationale for the 1987-88 fiscal year encouraged a competitive !'unding process to ensure that the city had the flexibility to allocate its funds to the most needed and . - 2 - Both ongoing and new programs were evaluated on the same criteria. As a result, a number of programs were reduced or el imina ted and several programs were enhanced or added to the roster of City-funded programs. Additionally, the City incorporated the use of various new funding mechanisms to implement the FY1987-88 program. These new mechanisms, in addition to the traditional one-year grants and one-time capital projects, included: (I) Renewable Operating Grants: Approximately 65% of all grantees were awarded funds in FY1987-88 through renewable operating grants that provide for continued funding in FY1988-89, contingent upon satisfactory performance and the availability of funds. The introduction of this new mechanism was intended to move toward a two-year funding cycle, allowing for funding stability for those effective, proven community programs and increased time for planning efforts in areas of unmet need. As approved by council, nearly 75% (or $2.01 million) of current Community Service funds and 40% (or $556,000) of Community and Neighborhood Improvement funds have been committed to projects that have priority for funding in FYI988-89. (2) Contingency Contracts: Six grantees were awarded funds in FY1987-88 through contingency contracts which clearly specify performance standards, over and above the standard workplan obj ecti ves required for all grantees, which must be met in order to be considered for funding in FY1988-89. The performance standards were developed based on identified, - 3 - ongoing deficiencies in the organization's administrative or service delivery functions. In order to encourage attainment of these standards, city staff provides technical assistance, as well as monitoring, during the year which is targeted to improvement in these areas. The balance of funds were conuni tted to proj ects for one year through standard operating agreements or one-time capital projects. DISCUSSION Community and Neighborhood Improvement (CNI) Projects Based on national priorities of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, this component prioritizes the use of available funds for housing projects and other community development activities that benefit lower income residents and lower income neighborhoods. In the past, this component has provided core funding for the City's affordable housing efforts, has supported the acquisition and rehabilitation of facilities for social and community services, and has enhanced lower income neighborhoods through revitalization activities. Unlike the Community Service component, it is more targeted in scope and supports a small number of more capital-intensive projects. The Communi ty and Neighborhood Improvement component relies almost entirely on Federal CDBG funds and a limited amount of Federal Rental Rehabilitation, Redevelopment Agency and city General funds. - 4 - FY1988-89 Level of Funding: It is projected that the FY19BB-89 CDBG entitlement may be reduced by as much as 7% (or $70,000) due to Gramm-Rudman federal budget cuts. In addition, it is anticipated that no Rental Rehabilitation funds will be available in the coming year, resulting in an additional $200,000 loss to the program. The proposed funding rationale assumes that the General Fund and Redevelopment Agency contributions will be sustained at current FYl987-8B levels. Given the projected loss of $270,000 in funds for eNI projects (a 20% decrease over FY1987-88) and the fact that a remaining $556,000 may be committed through renewable operating grants, it is proj ected that only $563,000 may be available to sustain current programs such as the Pice Neighborhood Housing Trust Fund and other one-time capital projects. Proposed FY1988-89 Funding Rationale: Given the limited amount of funds available for CN! projects, the following key elements should guide the funding process in FYl9BB-89: (1) Funding decisions will be based on the premise that highest priority should continue to be given to provide critical support to the City's affordable housing program. However, these decisions should be made in the context of the total housing program and on the extent to which currently appropriated funds are being utilized. (2) Special consideration will be given to proposals that address the housing needs of very low income persons, including families and senior citizens in Santa Monica. - 5 - (3) Other eligible capital proj ects will be considered if they can be shown to meet a clearly identified and critical community need. Special consideration may be given to one-time eligible projects that will provide stable, improved facilities for non-profit organizations providing direct services to low income persons. (4) Since FY1988-89 represents the 'Imid-point" in a two-year funding cycle, requests for one-time support will be prioritized over requests continued, ongoing funding. for new programs requiring (5) In making difficult funding decisions, the following minimum eligibility requirements and selection criteria will be used: Minimum Eligibility Requirements o If the project is to be implemented by an outside agency, the agency meets the basic eligibility requirements for grantees detailed on pages 11 and 12 of this report. o The project primarily benefits low and moderate persons by ensuring that at least 75% of its beneficiaries are of low or moderate income: or, income direct o The project primarily benefits low and moderate income persons by ensuring that at least 51% of the population of the proj ect area benefited by the proj ect are low and moderate income persons. o The project meets Federal eligibility definitions for CDBG-funded projects. Selection Criteria Each eligible project will then be assessed on the extent to which: o The project will result in long-term benefit to low and moderate income residents; - 6 - o The project provides evidence that the proposed program or proj ect does not duplicate other programs or proj ects in the community: o The proposed funding structure leverages City funds with funds from other sources: o The project shows long-term potential for a cash return on the COBG investment and does not require ongoing COBG or city support for maintenance; o If the project is to be implemented by an outside organization, the proposal includes documentation of current administrative capacity to implement community development projects and to sustain the project operations throughout the life of the project, as well as experience with similar government-assisted programs; o The implementing agency presents a program that includes both administrative procedures and a viable implementation plan for timely execution of the project: o If a currently-funded project, the agency requesting funding fully justifies additional support based on timely expenditure of currently appropriated funds: o For any housing rehabilitation programs, the program conforms to HUD program performance standards with an administrative cost cap of 15% of the total funds requested: o For one-time housing acqu.isition/rehabilitation projects, the total project cost 1S reasonable with the subsidy request not exceeding $35,000 per unit, at least 75% of the existing tenants affirm in writing interest in participating in the program, and the project benefits a high percentage of very low and low income households. (*Note: Recently enacted federal requirements concerning the elimination of lead-based paint hazards may impact the per unit cost subsidy request.) Community service projects Community Service projects are implemented through the award of operating grants to local, non-profit organizations providing human services in the community. Funded categories of service have included: counseling and advocacy, independent living services, health care services I legal services, employment and - 7 - training.. emergency assistance.. crime prevention.. citizen participation, and social service information and referral. These services have been targeted to a broad range of groups including youth, families.. adults, seniors, disabled persons.. and women. In addition, special priority has been given to no or low-income persons and minority residents in need of services. In FYl987-88, the funding base for Community Service proj ects shifted to primary dependence on the General Fund due to the elimination of the Federal General Revenue Sharing program and continued decreases in CDBG funding. In addition to major General Fund support, this component relies on additional support from CDBG public service funds (up to 15% of each year's entitlement) and Proposition A funds for paratransit services. FYl988-89 Level of Funding: As previously mentioned, there may be a reduction in the overall COBG entitlement and, therefore, a commensurate reduction in CDBG public service funds of approximately $10,000. Proposi tion A support is expected to remain relatively stable in the coming year. While the total amount of support to be made available from the city's General Funds cannot be determined until the city.s overall fiscal situation is assessed as a part of the FYl988-89 budget process, the proposed rationale assumes that, if possible, the total funding base will be sustained at the current level, with additional support for justifiable cost-of-living requests. However, it is important to note that providing this support will be tied to the city's ability to generate additional general - 8 - revenues during the coming year which are required to meet these and other funding needs. Assuming a constant base of funding, approximately $2.675 million may be available for FY1988-89 projects. Of this base, 75% ($2.01 million) may be committed to renewable operating grants, 13% ($343,000) are restricted Proposition A funds, and only 12% are currently awarded through one-year or contingency contracts. Proposed FYl988-89 Funding Rationale: Given that only a small percentage of the current funding base may be available for redistribution on a competitive basis, the following funding guidelines are proposed: (1) Funding priority will be given to those currently-funded grantees that were awarded renewable operating contracts in FY1987-88. Funding will be contingent upon the availability of funds and the ability of the agency to fully document its success in meeting contracted workplan objectives in the current year. Agencies will be required to submit an abbreviated request for funding consisting of a budget, workplan, a narrative explaining any proposed changes, and a description of grantee workp1an performance for the current year. (2) Grantees on one-year or contingency contracts will be required to complete the standard request for proposal. Furthermore, current grantees on contingency contracts will be required to submit detailed justification for continued - 9 - funding support, including documentation of progress in meeting contracted performance standards. (3) Because FY1988-89 represents the second year of a modified two-year funding cycle in which major planning efforts are being undertaken in specified service areas (e.g., youth, legal services, information and referral), requests for new or expanded programs will not be accepted. While the Community Development Program is intended to foster innovations and improvements in service delivery, initiating new ongoing proj ects mid-way in the two year funding cycle and prior to completion of maj or planning efforts that may yield specific recommendations for improved programs is not recommended. Therefore, it is recommended that consideration of funding proposals for new, ongoing programs be deferred until the completion of these studies in order to maximize the possibility of some support for these efforts in FY1989-90. (4) Additional requests for funds from currently-funded grantees will be considered for cost-of-living increases with priority given to the justifiable increases to remedy salary inequities for direct service staff or specific, documented program cost increases that, if not funded, will result in decreased administrative or program delivery functions. Priority will be given to those agencies serving a high percentage of lower income clients due to the lack of fee-generating capacity of those agencies. - 10 - (5) Requests from currently-funded grantees for one-time expenditures or projects that do not require sustained funding in future years will also be considered. Priority will be given to those agencies requesting $5,000 or less for one-time items such as equipment purchases, professional services or activities that will improve the agency's efficiency, self-sufficiency, or ability to collaborate with other agencies in the areas of administration, planning, outreach or service delivery) . (6) While the funding rationale provides for funding stability and the maintenance of current programs, program design improvements to be implemented through the reallocation of staff resources or creative use of volunteers are encouraged especially if the changes result in: o increased outreach and case-finding services to low-income and minority clients and those isolated residents who are not assessing services currently (e.g., frail elderly and disabled residents); o improved services that encourage client self sufficiency and the ability to live independently (e.g., money management for homeless or elderly clients, handyperson and home clean-up services for elderly and disabled individuals); o collaborative efforts between agencies resul ting in improved direct service delivery and elimination of service duplications. (7) In reviewing proposals, the following minimum eligibility requirements and selection criteria will be used: Minimum Eligibility Requirements o The applicant has non-profit, tax-exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue service Code or Section 23701(d) of the California State Franchise Tax Code at the time of application. - 11 - o The grantee is in compliance with the civil Rights Act of 1964 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, which bars discrimination in the hiring of staff or provision of services on the basis of race, religion, sex, age, national origin, disabilities, or sexual preference; and provides assurances that it will comply with all Federal and local provisions regarding political and lobbying activity. o The grantee is a private, non-profit organization located in or serving Santa Monica. o The grantee has formal approval of its Board of Directors to submit a proposal for city support. Selection criteria Each eligible project will then be assessed according to the extent the organization can: o document progress towards meeting FYl987-88 contracted levels of service to Santa Monica residents; o incorporate program design improvements that result in improved outreach, case-finding, and services that encourage independent living and self sufficiency; o provide a minimum of 20% of the total budget for the Santa Monica program from non-City sources, thus lending to the financial stability and the ability to sustain itself as part of the community services network; o provide a cost-effective budget that is consistent with the amount of service provided to Santa Monica residents. Further, for those agencies currently receiving funds under one-year or contingency contracts, each project will also be assessed according to the extent that it can: o clearly identify its Santa Monica target population and document the continued need for services; o provide access to services for including appropriate geographic operation, physical accessibility, cultural sensitivity; o effectively serve minority, low-income and disabled residents and other groups most in need of services; Santa Monica residents location and hours of bi-lingual capacity and o demonstrate community support through its ability to procure community resources (e.g., fundraising, use of volunteers, donated services); - 12 - . . . ' o if on a contingency contract, the degree of success in meeting the specific program performance standards contained in the 1987-88 contract with the city. proposals for one-time expenses or projects will be assessed on the extent that: o the proposed expenditures are, in fact, non-recurring; o documentation can be provided to substantiate the amount of the proposed expenditures; o the organization has fully explored alternative means of funding; o the proposed expenditures will have a defineable impact upon improving the management/administrative capability and/or service delivery of the agency, or encourage collaborative efforts among agencies. Funding Timeline Based on Federal and local requirements for the program and consistent with the City1s FY1988-89 budget process, the following timeline will be used to implement the funding process: Community Needs Forum - "It's Time to Plan" 12-5-87 Discussions regarding Funding Rationale with city commissions 12-87 CDBG Performance Hearing by City Council 1-12-88 Council Approval of CD Program Funding Rationale 1-12-88 "Requests for Proposals" Available to Public 1-15-88 workshop on Proposal Preparation 1-27-88 Deadline for Submittal of Proposals 2-29-88 Transmittal of Proposal Summaries to Commissions 3-4-88 Community Development Plan Draft Available to Council, Commissions and Public 4-21-88 Administrative Hearing on community Development Plan Draft 5-5-88 - 13 - Transmittal of Proposal Community Development Plan to Council 5-9-88 Budget Hearings and Council Approval of Community Development Plan and CDBG statement of objectives 5-24-88 BUDGETARY/FINANCIAL IMPACT Recommendations included in this report will have no budgetary or financial impact on the current year's budget. All recommendations for specific funding appropriations and allocations will occur in the context of the Fiscal Year 1988-89 budget process. RECOMHENDATIONS City staff recommends that the City Council: (1) hold the scheduled public hearing to hear public comment on the 1986-87 community Development Block Grant Program~ (2) approve the funding rationale as specified in the staff report~ and ( 3 ) authorize the City Manager to implement the grant funding process within the time1ines specified. Prepared by: Barbara stinchfield, Community Development Manager Department of Community and Economic Development - 14 - . . - ~ .,. " ,~n I ! ~~: _ City ~f Santa Monica - ~ ~~ ~l ~ ):;- NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING ,; .~. ~1..1 ! - ~~~. 1986.87 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT '~f~ 'j BLOCK GRANT PERFORMANCE ASSESSMENT ~- '1 f - The CIty Couneil of the City of Santa M_iea will hold. puhlie hearill8 to l'eYIew pl'OJnlm PI"Ofll'"I _d NIIeM perforPUUlee of the City'l CoDllllun,ty: DeYelopment Block Gn.t (CDBC) PJ'OII'UD. The City Counell iDvil'" re- : adeD18 to comment on the perf_ce of the 1986-87 PJ'OII'8Q1 winch ended on June 30th. I THE PUBLIC HEARING illeheduled for TUESDAY, JANUARY 12,1988 at '2'130 p.m. i It wall be held an the Caty Hall Council Chaoaber at 1685 Main Street., Sao- ta Monica, California. I The purpose of the hearill8 11 to pl'OVlde citizenl an Opportunity 10 eom- i menl on the recent accompli.hmen.. of the CoQlmunity Development pro-! gram and U&illt the elly Couned lD deeidinl how 10 'pend CDBG fuadl in, the fUlure. , , I The annual Grantee Perfonnanee Report (CPR), wbieh revie_ the' pr-ogrelll of aU CDBG proice.. and progrlllU during 1986-81, hu heeD prepared by .he Depllrlmea. 01 Communi.y 81Jd Eeonomic Development. TO. ohwn a 'ree copy o' tbe CPR or obtai. more in'ormation reprdtq. the public hearing, pleate conrad the Dept. of CGmlDunity and Ecollomic. De..elopment, City Hall, 1685 Main Street, Room 206, telephone 458- i 8701. i The meetUll 'acihty il wheelcbair aee_ihle. If you have -y .pec...l da.- I .bdaty-relat~ needa luch al I~ laft81l8le interpreting, pleale contact the City'l Offic.. 'or the Dillabled at 458-8701. ' {-~ ~~ c I e-t:> )1- /) ! / J :; /y y //- A //1 ~j!_} 1 U. , . 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