Consideration and Approval of Intergovernmental Agreement:  Housing Stabilization Program.   

Approve the Intergovernmental Agreement with Coconino County for the administration of the Coconino County Housing Stabilization Program in the amount of $52,000 in the 2012/2013 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds.

Approval of the IGA is necessary for Coconino County to receive CDBG funds for the administration of the Housing Stabilization Program.

• Decision Points:  There are no subsidiary decisions that must be made prior to considering this matter.

Coconino County will receive $52,000 in 2012/2013 CDBG funds. These funds were budgeted as part of the 2012/2013 Annual Action Plan process.

Livability through good neighborhoods, affordable housing and varied recreational activities.

On April 17, 2012 City Council allocated these funds for this purpose as part of the 2012/2013 CDBG Annual Action Plan Process.
 

• Option 1: Approve the IGA
• Option 2: Modify the IGA and approve at a later time.
• Option 3: Do not approve the IGA and reallocate $52,000 in CDBG funds to another eligible activity.
   

 

On April 17, 2012 City Council approved Resolution No. 2012-16 approving the 12/13 Annual Action Plan and distributing $585,070.28 in Community Development Block Grant Funds.  As part of that distribution, the City Council approved $52,000 for the Housing Stabilization Program based on the proposal for use of funds submitted by Coconino County Community Services.  The use of funds for this purpose has also been approved by HUD.  The Housing Stabilization program maintains or re-establishes housing for individuals and families in the City of Flagstaff who are, or may face being, homeless in most cases due to eviction or foreclosure.
 
For over 10 years, the County has successfully administrated a housing stabilization program for City of Flagstaff residents and is the largest provider of emergency crisis and long term case management services in Coconino County.  The County is the Community Action Agency for Coconino County.  With a service area of 18,000 square miles, the County is challenged to provide effective integrated services in this primarily rural environment.

The County has extensive history and experience in the provision of emergency services and in particular, housing stability and homelessness.  To be eligible for the Housing Stabilization Program requires that the household:  Reside in the City limits of Flagstaff; face the possibility of a mortgage foreclosure or pending eviction notice or have move-in confirmation for a new residence; meet the income eligibility criteria of 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI); and participate in Coconino County Community Services Department’s case management program.
 

Provision of housing assistance in the form of annual one time eviction or mortgage foreclosure assistance allows low income Flagstaff families to stay in their homes when faced with a financial crisis.  This enables families to maintain stable, suitable living environments and facilitates a more stable community.  The CDBG funding for the Housing Stabilization Program is pure program dollars used for direct housing stabilization services, with zero dollars spent on program administration.  This grant will provide 198 people with assistance.

Collaborate - The City conducted a formal proposal and extensive public participation process as part of the Annual Action Planning process for the initial allocation of CDBG funds.  The County was the only agency that applied to utilize CDBG funds for a Housing Stabilization program.  

• Option 1: Approve the IGA.
• Option 2: Modify the IGA and approve at a later time.
• Option 3: Do not approve the IGA and reallocate $52,000 in CDBG funds to another eligible activity.

09/04/2012 - EAB