FROM:
Housing
SUBJECT:
Title
First Public Hearing for the Five-Year Consolidated Plan (2025-2029)
End
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Conduct a first public hearing to receive comments from members of the public concerning housing and community development needs, program performance, and strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing.
End
COUNCIL GOALS:
• Increase citizen involvement by seeking community input.
• Increase citizen involvement by informing the public about issues, program, and accomplishments.
• Concentrate on Inter-governmental relations by pursuing financial participation from county, state and federal governments.
DISCUSSION:
As an entitlement jurisdiction, the City of Fontana receives annual allocations of federal funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. These funds are essential for developing local programs that benefit low- and moderate-income residents by addressing affordable housing, public service, and infrastructure improvement needs.
To continue receiving these funds, the City must prepare and submit a Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER). These documents serve as the City’s strategic framework for allocating federal resources and setting priorities for housing and community development over the next five years.
The purpose of this public hearing is to gather input from residents and stakeholders on what they consider to be the highest priority housing and community development needs, to evaluate program performance, and to discuss strategies for affirmatively furthering fair housing choice. This hearing will help to ensure that the City’s plans reflect the community’s needs and priorities.
In accordance with HUD regulations, the City is required to conduct at least one public hearing before publishing the draft Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan for public review. This public hearing is a vital component of the City’s commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and community engagement.
The Consolidated Plan outlines the City’s housing and community development needs and proposes strategies for using HUD funds to address these needs over a five-year period. The Annual Action Plan details the specific activities that will be undertaken each year to achieve the goals set forth in the Consolidated Plan. Together, these documents form the basis of the City’s efforts to enhance the quality of life for its residents, particularly those that are low- and moderate-income persons and families.
As part of the public participation process, the City is conducting this first public hearing and two community meetings to gather feedback from residents on how federal funds may be used to address the community’s high priority needs.
The first community meeting is scheduled for September 19, 2024 at 3:00pm at the City Hall Executive Conference Room, 8353 Sierra Avenue, Fontana, CA 92335. The second community meeting will be held on October 2, 2024 at 9:00 am at the City Hall Executive Conference Room.
Notice of invitation to comment and participate in the community meetings was published in the Press Enterprise, the San Bernardino Sun and El Chicano newspapers on September 5, 2024.
In addition, the City is distributing a survey to gather input on the community’s short- and long-term needs. The survey is available online at <https://www.fontanaca.gov/622/Federal-Grant-Programs> and in paper format, upon request, at Fontana City Hall, Housing Department 8353 Sierra Ave., Fontana, CA 92335. The survey will remain open until September 30, 2024, allowing residents ample time to share their views.
The input received during this public hearing, the community meetings, and from the survey will be used to refine the draft plans before they are finalized and made available for public review.
FISCAL IMPACT:
No fiscal impact. Future funds will be appropriated and allocated in the appropriate fiscal years in CDBG & ESG Fund #362 and HOME Fund #363.
MOTION:
Approve staff recommendation.