Community Development Block Grant CDBG, Disaster Recovery

1. Community Development Block Grant& CDBG, Disaster Recovery Application Workshop

2. CDBG PY’2012 Allocation: $4,347,327 Significant reduction in recent years Federal Budget and New Data (ACS) Impact Deadline, Noon – Friday, April 20th In hands of OHCD staff by the deadline (not postmarked) 1 original and 1 electronic (required)

3. CDBG Management Workshop Alternatives discussion (priority areas/activities) Reductions in application caps $200,000, $300,000 & $400,000 Potential impact on “Administration” Reductions consistent with State program reductions. Actions taken to minimize impact of reductions (recapture) Activities above cap Housing Development & Economic Development (Jobs) NOT – Rehabilitation Programs (residential/commercial) Correction – Page 9 (Operating support - #5)

4. CDBG Forms Updated (formatting) Abstract/Narrative Provided to committee Speed up review process at State level Scoring/process simplified – some questions eliminated Drawdown Threshold 50% of Program Year 2010 (PY’10) 75% of PY’09 & PY’08 90% of PY’07 PY’06 and prior year funds will be deobligated for redistribution in current cycle.

5. CDBG Low/Moderate Income – Area Benefit Survey HUD Low/Moderate Income Summary Data Tables (LMISD) Changes anticipated but timing uncertain Information only down to Census Tract level Applications forms match HUD Technical Assistance funds available

6. CDBG Common Problems Budgets Mismatch and/or insufficient backup Often changed by Town/City Council Community can have subrecipient complete application forms, but should verify accurate and correct for changes. Not doing so is a negative reflection on local capacity. The committee will be advised of application errors, which may impact award.

7. CDBG Common Problems Environmental Review Choice Limiting Actions Obligating funds (CDBG/otherwise) prior to completion of environmental review process may require we eliminate activity from consideration. CDBG cannot reimburse a cost already incurred prior to application. Preagreement possible

8. CDBG Common Problems National Objective Checking all categories erroneously does not increase an activity’s competitiveness Assure the activity meets the HUD requirements related to each category. Area Benefit, Service Area Urgent Need (Recent, Alleviate public health/welfare, unable to finance) Jobs (Creation/Retention – requires income verification) Limited Clientele – proof not assumption

9. CDBG Common Problems Hearings Timing (publication must occur 7 days before hearing – not including day of publication) 2 hearing conducted Schedule hearings early, taking into account local planning, council and other approvals needed.

10. CDBG Questions & Answers Limitation on conversations once RFP issued. Q&As forwarded to June House and responses posted. All forms available 1/19 at: http://www.hrc.ri.gov/CDBGForms.php

11. CDBG-DR Funds Available Minimally $2 Million Additional funds possible through activities which complete at less than original allocation. Deadline – 3/15 (3pm) In hands of OHCD staff – no exceptions! 1 Hearing Applications forms revised Similar forms/process to CDBG Detailed damage assessment removed Overall CD Needs and Flood Narrative remains

12. CDBG-DR Individual Activity Pages Economic Development (Underwriting) All – Duplication of Benefits New HUD regulation/guidance Buyouts - narrative must show interest from all parties in target area and reuse plan. Infrastructure – damage repair and/or mitigation Housing Rehabilitation Accepted ongoing Debt cannot exceed 125% value Household cannot be cost-burdened (31%) Housing must income qualify Forms available (June House)

13. CDBG-DR National Objective Urgent Need - Unlikely Slums & Blight – Spot/Area Low/Moderate- Income Area (eg. Infrastructure) Housing (eg. Rehabilitation) Jobs (eg. Business - Create/Retain) Limited Clientele (eg. Facility)

14. CDBG-DR Common Problem(s) National Objective Recommend/Require that all applicants consult with local CDBG Program Manager OHCD will not generally contact applicants during process – decisions will be made based upon application content. Note – waivers for CDBG-DR

15. CDBG-DR, Staffing Coordinator position vacant but will be filled. In the interim, questions should be directed to Supervisor of CD (June.House@doa.ri.gov) who will consult with CDBG staff as appropriate. Questions should be forwarded by email/mail whenever possible – responses will be posted.

16. CDBG-DR Questions & Answers Forms available 1/19 at: http://www.hrc.ri.gov/CDBGForms.php