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APRIL 21, 1997
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LEGISLATION MOVES SLOWLY, LITTLE ACTION ON APPROPRIATIONS OR AUTHORIZATION
Budget/Appropriations
With the Budget Committee activities, slowed by debates over medicaid and
other domestic discretionary issues and the 602(b) allocations for HUD
not yet designated, it does not seem likely that any substantive discussion
regarding the HUD budget will occur before mid to late May.
Action on the VA, HUD and Independent Agencies spending measure is presently in a holding pattern. The Senate Appropriations Subcommittee has not yet scheduled a markup date and the House hearings are slated to begin April 30.
Public Housing Legislation
The House Banking and Financial Services Committee, chaired by Representative
James Leach (R-IA) held three days of mark-up last week, moving through
more than 50 non-controversial amendments to the bill in an attempt to
conclude action on the public housing reform measure, H.R. 2, "The
Housing Opportunity and Responsibility Act." However, the Committee
was forced to recess on Friday, April 18 with 12-15 additional amendments
still remaining. The Committee is scheduled to resume mark-up on H.R. 2
on April 23 and hope to take the bill to the floor for a vote sometime
in May.
H.R. 2 still contains some of the controversial elements pertaining to community development and housing such as: the "Home Rule Provision"/Title IV, which allows jurisdictions to undertake a performance-based contract with HUD for the use of public housing and assisted housing funds; and, the "CDBG Sanction Provision", which permits the Secretary of HUD to withold
CDBG funds from a local government if the local public housing authority is designated as troubled and the local government is deemed partially responsible.
No further action has been undertaken on the Senate public housing bill, S. 462, "Public Housing Reform and Responsibility Act of 1997"or House bill, H.R. 217, "Homeless Housing Programs Consolidation and Flexibility Act", or S. 2042, "The Multifamily Assisted Housing Reform and Accountability Act of 1997" introduced earlier this session.
HUD PUBLISHES HOME MATCH GUIDANCE NOTICE
On March 27, 1997 HUD issued a guidance notice (CPD-97-03) on HOME match (Notice enclosed with this mailing). The purpose of this notice is to provide HOME participating jurisdictions (PJs) with information regarding the: recognition of matching contributions to HOME-assisted and non-assisted affordable housing; identification of eligible and ineligible sources of matching contributions, calculation of match; timing and distribution of the match credit; and, tracking of match obligations and contributions.
Section 220 of the Cranston-Gonzalez National Affordable Housing Act (NAHA) established the requirement that each HOME PJ make a contribution (match) to its HOME-assisted projects. NAHA established a list of eligible forms of matching contributions. However, through legislative acts and regulatory means, numerous additional forms of match are now available. It is for this reason that HUD has packaged all of these complex issues regarding match into one cohesive guidance document.
HUD ANNOUNCES HOMEOWNERSHIP ZONES
The long awaited announcement of the HUD Homeownership Zones occured on April 8 with fairly little fanfare. Secretary Andrew Cuomo announced the award of $30 million in grants and $60.8 million in loan guarantees to six cities across the country. These six sites were selected from an applicant pool of 97 cities and counties.
The Homeownership Zone aid will go to: Baltimore, MD - $5.24 million in grants, $6.7 million in loan guarantees; Buffalo, NY - $5 million in grants, $7.7 million in guarantee; Cleveland, OH- $4.64 million in grants, $18 million in loan guarantees; Louisville, KY - $4.6 million in grants and $5 million in guarantees; Philadelphia, PA - $5.52 million in grants, and $18 million in guarantees; and, Sacramento, CA - $5 million in grants and $5.4 million in loan guarantees.
As the first round of Homeownership Zone awards, these programs are designed to build or rehabilitate large tracts of single-family homes to help turn blighted inner city areas into thriving neighborhoods with revitalized job bases as well. Expenses such as the purchase of land and infrastructure improvements can be funded with HUD's Homeownership Zone assistance, while additional activities must be provided for through leveraged funds.
CONTINUUM OF CARE NOFA RELEASED
The applications are available for the FY97 homeless assistance funds. The nearly $625 million made available through this Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) can be used under any of these three programs: Supportive Housing; Shelter Plus Care; and, Section Moderate Rehabilitation for Single Room Occupancy (SRO). The NOFA contains information concerning the Continuum of Care approach, eligible applicants and activities, and application processing.
This year, for the first time, you may use a special supplement to HUD's new Community Planning Software (CPS+) to prepare your application. The special supplement has been programmed to produce the charts and narratives that will meet both the requirements of the homelessness sections of the Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) and the identical requirements of the Continuum of Care application. The supplement will also produce the necessary project-specific information. If you choose to use the supplement to prepare your Continuum of Care application, you will simply submit the required information on computer diskettes, together with signed application cover sheets (SF-424A), all required certifications and other required documentation by the July 8, 1997 deadline.
For a copy of the application package and supplemental information, please call Community Connections information center at 1-800-998-9999 or http://www.comcon.org/ccprog.html.
POST OFFICE COMMUNITY PARTNERSHIP ACT INTRODUCED
On April 8, Representative Earl Blumenauer (D-OR) introduced H.R. 1231, "Post Office Community Partnership Act", a bill designed to make sure the post office remains an integral part of the community, especially in inner city neighborhoods. "For the first time the post office would be treated as a responsible part of the local community, and not be above the local law," said Blumenhauer, while introducing the bill on the House floor.
Current law requires the Post Office to consider the effect of any closures or consolidations of post offices on communities. However, the postal authorities often define closings of downtown postal facilities to move to a suburban location as "relocations" rather than closings, thereby avoiding any public scrutiny of such a decision. Blumenauer's bill, would require that before the Postal Service make major changes to a post office, it consider: the effect on the community; the extent to which the post office is part of the downtown business community; whether the community opposes the decision; what long-term economic savings will be incurred by the post office through a relocation; and, whether all reasonable alternatives have been thoroughly evaluated.
For copies or further information regarding this bill, contact, Margaret McGilvray, at NCDA, (202) 293-7587. You are also encouraged to contact your local Congressional representative with your opinion on the measure.
NOTICES OF FUNDING AVAILABILITY ISSUED FOR CDFI PROGRAM — TRAINING AVAILABLE
The revised interim regulations and Notices of Funds Availability (NOFAs) for the CDFI Program appeared in the Federal Register on Friday, April 4. Two separate NOFAs were published, one for the core component of the CDFI Program and another for a new intermediary component.
The deadline for receipt of an application under the core component is June 20, 1997. The Fund intends to award up to $32.5 million in appropriated funds pursuant to the core component. The intermediary components are staggered into two rounds with deadlines of May 16 and June 20, 1997 respectively. The Fund anticipates making awards of between $5.0 and $7.5 million for the intermediary component.
In an effort to provide potential applicants information on the CDFI regulations, the application process and insights into the first round of funding, the CDFI Fund is conducting a set of one-day informational workshops. The schedule of workshops is as follows:
To obtain an application packet, send a written request by facsimile to (202) 622-2599. For questions, call (202) 622-8662. You can also contact, Margaret McGilvray, at NCDA, for further information.
ANNUAL CONFERENCE UPDATE - CHICAGO CITY TOUR AND BASEBALL GAME
In order to facilitate the scheduling of the Bus Tour of Community Development Projects, the City of Chicago is requesting that you complete the enclosed fax, indicating which of the two tours you will attend as a part of the Annual Conference. The tours are scheduled on Monday, June 9, immediately following the Opening General Session. Lunch will be provided on both tours. Complete the enclosed form and return it by May 12, directly to Peg White, City of Chicago.
We are pleased to announce that the City of Chicago has obtained tickets to see the Chicago Cubs play the New York Mets at Wrigley Field on Tuesday, June 10 at 7:00 p.m. as a post conference activity for those of you remaining in Chicago on Tuesday evening. In order to determine the exact number of tickets needed, we are asking that those who are interested, again, complete the enclosed form and return it directly to Peg White, City of Chicago.
NATIONAL HOMEOWNERSHIP SUMMIT CANCELLED
The National Homeownership Summit, originally scheduled for May 29-30, 1997, has been cancelled. The National Partners in Homeownership regret any inconvenience that this causes you or your organization.
There are, however, still ways for you to contribute to the National Homeownership Strategy this spring. Plans are currently underway for National Homeownership Week, June 7-14. We urge you to actively participate in this nationwide celebration of homeownership by planning an event in your community. For a copy of the Homeownership Week Event Planning Guide, please call the National Partners in Homeownership at 1-800-297-4183.
The National Partners look forward to working with you to make the National Homeownership Week a resounding success.
NCDA SPONSORS FOCUS GROUP ON FAMILY SELF-SUFFICIENCY IN IN NEWPORT, RI
On March 23-25, NCDA cosponsored a taskforce meeting with its affiliate organization, the Community Development Training Institute (CDTI), entitled, "Family Self-Sufficiency Strategies for HOME and CDBG Programs." Ten members of NCDA from throughout the country, NCDA staff member, Robin Thompson and other members of the NCDA Family Self-Sufficiency Task Force met to discuss the development of training curriculum around this issue.
The topics of discussion included: current HOME and CDBG Program Models to promote self- sufficiency; workforce development models; the composition of the TANF (Welfare Reform); the concept of place-based welfare-to-work strategies; and discussion of a three year plan for addressing welfare-to-work.
The meeting was a result of workshops and discussions conducted during the NCDA Executive Symposium held in Newport, RI, in August, 1996 and subsequent discussions at the NCDA Winter Meeting in January. To this end, a taskforce has been formed and is scheduled to meet during the NCDA Annual Meeting, June 7-10, in Chicago, IL. For more information regarding the taskforce and their activities, call NCDA, (202) 293-7587.
CALL FOR AGENDA ITEMS
In order to encourage and extend opportunities to the membership to bring issues of interest or concern to the agenda of the Board of Directors of NCDA, this "Call for Agenda Items" is hereby issued.
Members wishing to place an item on the agenda must find a Board member who is willing to act as a sponsor of the agenda item. The Board member shall submit the item to the NCDA office. As an alternative, any item signed by three active members and sent to the NCDA office will also be placed on the agenda. Either the member proposing the item or the Board member sponsoring the item should be prepared to present the item at the Board meeting. The prior submission of a brief written position statement is encouraged.
Proposed agenda items should be of general interest to the membership. They should not be of limited or strictly local interest.
The Board of Directors is encouraged to discuss proposed items and/or refer them to the appropriate committee. The president of the Board will make the final decision as to which items to include on the agenda. Should he/she decide that any items are not appropriate for inclusion, he/she will provide the Board with a list of those items and a brief reason why they were not included. Items must be received at the NCDA office by May 23 in order to be referred to the president for inclusion on the agenda.
NCDA WELCOMES NEW STAFF MEMBER — JAMES WELFLEY
Mr. Welfley comes to us from the office of Representative James Traficant, Jr. (D-OH), where he served as a Legislative Assistant and Federal Grants Coordinator. During his time on Capital Hill, Jim worked on housing, economic development, banks and small business issues. He will be assuming responsibility for the HOME program and related housing program activities. We welcome Jim to the NCDA family and encourage you to get to know him better at the Annual Conference in June.
FORMER EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF U.S. CONFERENCE OF MAYORS - JOHN GUNTHER - PASSES ON
On April 14, former executive director of the United States Conference of Mayors died in Algarve, Portugal. Mr. Gunther served the Conference for 30 years as the general counsel and then as the third executive director of the organization. NCDA joins many in Washington, DC and throughout the country who mourn the death of Mr. Gunther and send sympathies to his wife and daughter.
CALL FOR FAIR HOUSING PLANS
During the upcoming NCDA Annual Conference several topical roundtables will be held, one of which will feature, "New Approaches to Furthering Fair Housing". To facilitate this session, NCDA is requesting that any members who would like to share their current fair housing plans or analysis to the impediments to fair housing, should send a copy to NCDA: Attention, Margaret McGilvray. Thank you for you assistance.
HUD NOTICES
CDBG Community Revitalization Strategies in the State CDBG Program -- CPD-97-01 - 2/4/97 - Notice outlining the process for state implementation of the revitalization strategy area concept.
Office of Affordable Housing Programs Current List of Publications, March 1, 1997. For copies contact Community Connections, 1-800-998-9999.
Best Practices - Spotlighting What Works: A Showcase of Community Planning Successes in the Field, Issue No. 15, March 14, 1997. Features the Marshall Heights CDC in Washington, DC and a recent shopping center project.
FEDERAL REGISTER NOTICES
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), FY97 Family Unification Program -- FR 62 19208-19214, 4/18/97 - This notice announces the availability of FY97 funding for section 8 certificates under the Family Unification Program. Up to $58.8 million in funds are available for approximately 6,400 certificates. Application deadline is June 17, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for FY97 Revitalization of Severely Distressed Public Housing (HOPE VI) Program -- FR 62 18242-18260, 4/14/97 - This notice announces the availability of approximately $447.5 million in funding for the Revitalization of Severely Distressed Public Housing (HOPE VI). Applications are due by July 18,1997.
NOFA for Emergency Shelter Grants Set-Aside for Indian Tribes and Alaskan Native Villages -- FR 62 17970-17974 4/11/97 - This NOFA announces the availability of approximately $1.265 million in funds for emergency shelter grants (ESG) to be allocated by competition to Indian tribes and Alaskan Native Villages. Applications must be submitted by May 23, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Indian Tribes and Alaska Native Villages (FY97) -- FR 62 17976-17990, 4/11/97 - This notice announces the availability of $67.453 million for the CDBG program for Indian tribes and Alaska Native Villages. Applications must be received by July 25, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for FY97 for Indian Applicants Under the HOME Program -- FR 62 17992-18002, 4/11/97 - This notice announces the availability of $21 million for the HOME program for Indian tribes. Applications must be received by June 20, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Mainstream Housing Opportunities for Persons With Disabilities (Mainstream Program) for FY97 -- FR 62 17666-17670, 4/10/97 - This notice announces the availability of $48.5 million in five-year budget authority for Section 8 rental vouchers and certificates for persons with disabilities. This funding will support approximately 2,000 rental vouchers and certificates. Housing authorities are eligible to respond and applications must be received by June 9, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Rental Assistance for Persons with Disabilities in Support of Designated Housing Allocation Plan and Establishment of Preferences for Certain Section 8 Developments -- FR 62 17672-17678, 4/10/97 - This notice announces the availability of $25 million in one-year budget authority for Section 8 rental vouchers and certificates for non-elderly persons with disabilities in support of designated housing allocation plans. This funding will support approximately 4,200 rental vouchers and certificates for persons who are not currently receiving section 8 assistance. Housing authorities are eligible to respond and there are no application deadlines.
Final Rule: Hispanic-Serving Institutions Work Study Program -- FR 62 17492-17496, 4/9/97 - This final rule establishes the regulatory provisions for the Hispanic-services Institutions Work Study Program.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for FY97 for the Hispanic-serving Institutions Work Study Program -- FR 62 17498-17502, 4/9/97 - This notice announces the availability of $1.5 million in grants for the Hispanic-serving Institutions Work Study Program (HSI-WSP) to assist economically disadvantaged and minority students participating in a community building work-study program while enrolled in a full- time community building academic program. Certain instituions of higher learning are eligible to respond and applications must be received by June 5, 1997.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for FY97 for Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance; Supportive Housing Program (SHP); Shelter Plus Care (S+C); Section 8 Moderate Rehabilitation Single Room Occupancy Program for Homeless Individuals (SRO) -- FR 62 17024-17036, 4/8/97 - This notice announces the availability of approximately $625 million in FY97 funds. Applications are due July 8, 1997. For a copy of the application package and supplemental information call Community Connections, 1-800-998-9999.
Revised Interim Rule: Community Development Financial Institutions Program (CDFI) -- FR 62 16444- 16460, 4/4/97 - See enclosed article.
Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for the Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFI) Program Intermediary Component -- FR 62 16461-16464, 4/4/97 - (See enclosed article for details. Application deadlines are May 16 and June 20, 1997 respectively for components one and two.
Final Rule: Revision of HUD's Fair Housing Complaint Processing -- FR 62 15794-15797, 4/2/97 - This rule finalizes the policies and procedures set forth in the August 8, 1996 interim rule regarding HUD regulations governing fair housing complaint processing and adopted the rule without change.
Final Rule: Protection and Enhancement of Environmental Quality: Technical and Clarifying Amendments -- FR 62 15800-15803, 4/2/97 - This streamlining rule describes procedures pertaining to the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA) including those activities excluded from the compliance requirements of various environmental authorities and other technical changes.
Notice: FEMA FY97 Plan for Carrying Out the Emergency Food and Shelter Program (EFSP) -- FR 62 15482-15516, 4/1/97. This notice sets out the plan by which the Emergency Food and Shelter Program National Board is conducting a program to distribute $100 million in FY97 funds to private voluntary organizations and local governments for delivering emergency food and shelter to needy individuals.
