HomeMy WebLinkAboutCD Community Development Block Agreement____________________________________________________________________________________
FOR CITY CLERK ONLY
Council Meeting: April 6, 2020
Disposition: Resolution 14779
Agenda Item No: 4.d
Meeting Date: April 6, 2020
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT
Department: Economic Development
Prepared by: Danielle O'Leary
Director of Economic Development & Innovation
City Manager Approval: __________
TOPIC COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
SUBJECT COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) FUNDING
RECOMMENDATIONS FOR FISCAL YEAR 2020-21
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt a resolution recommending CDBG funding for Fiscal Year 2020-21 to the Marin County
Board of Supervisors (BOS) for the San Rafael Planning Area.
BACKGROUND
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a federally-funded program of
the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that provides funding for
housing, community facilities, and human services.
Federal regulation requires at least 85% of the funds must be spent on housing and capital
projects, and up to 15% may be spent on public services. The City Council has the option to
adjust the public service percentage on an annual basis. However, it cannot exceed 15% of San
Rafael’s grant. For example, the City Council could choose to allocate 0% of the CDBG
allocation to public services.
In San Rafael, examples of CDBG-funded projects have included development of affordable
housing, ADA sidewalk accessibility improvements, and a wide range of public services. The
funds are divided into three activity categories consisting of:
1.) Housing
2.) Capital Projects
3.) Public Services
In 2017, the City entered into a cooperation agreement with the County of Marin regarding the
management of the CDBG program. Under this agreement, Marin County is divided into three
local planning areas. Funding recommendations are overseen by a Countywide Priority Setting
Committee (PSC) made up of City and Town Council members, a County Supervisor, and
community members representing members of the protected classes (race, color, national
origin, religion, sex, familial status, or disability) under fair housing laws.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 2
Because San Rafael has a population of over 50,000 residents, under the cooperation
agreement, the City may choose to assume responsibilities for making its own
recommendations for funding projects in the San Rafael Planning Area (consisting of the City
and the surrounding unincorporated areas) to the Countywide Priority Setting Committee (PSC).
Since 1999, when San Rafael reached 50,000 in population, the City Council has elected to
assume responsibility for making funding recommendations for CDBG applications in the San
Rafael Planning Area. After the City Council makes its recommendations, the PSC recommends
them to the Board of Supervisors (BOS), which has final approval authority prior to sending the
recommendations to HUD.
CDBG Funding Update – Federal
Funds for the County of Marin’s 2020-2021 CDBG program funding cycle comes from the Fiscal
Year 2021 federal budget, which runs from October 1, 2020 to September 30, 2021, and
allocated on a formula basis to entitled cities and counties. County of Marin represents the
entitled jurisdiction covering the City of San Rafael. The County of Marin’s CDBG program
allocation is $1,594,625.
This grant, combined with income received by the program, brings San Rafael’s allocation to
$509,963 (sum of “San Rafael recommended Funds” in Attachment 2). A total allocation
maximum of $96,634 can be used for public services, a minimum of $210,080 must be spent on
housing, and the remaining $203,249 can be spent on either housing or capital projects.
Required Community Outreach and Analysis
HUD also requires all entitlement communities who are administering CDBG programs to
conduct periodic assessments of need in the community to inform how federal grant funding
should be spent, including CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds.
The two (2) primary reports required are the Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) and the Analysis of
Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI). The findings from community outreach and analysis
for both of these studies have informed the priorities for allocating funding recommendations
within this staff report. To learn more about the AI and ConPlan processes and findings, see
Attachment 3.
Federal Grant Program Enhancements
Through the ConPlan outreach process, two common themes arose that informed program
enhancements:
1.) Increase minimum grant size to $15K per year.
2.) Conduct application cycles every 2 years.
These two enhancements increase impact of funded organizations and enables nonprofit
partners to better plan their programs. While applications are only received every two years,
funding allocations must be approved annually based on the past performance of the project
and expected funding allocated by HUD.
Evaluation Guidelines
All project applications are evaluated based on their ability to meet HUD’s national objective
thresholds, the PSC’s enhanced thresholds for evaluating projects, and the standard project
evaluation criteria as listed below:
National Objective Thresholds:
• Benefit low-and-moderate-income persons.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 3
• Prevent or eliminate blight or meet other community development needs for low-and
moderate-income persons.
PSC Enhanced Thresholds:
• Support projects that Affirmatively Further Fair Housing and have the commitment and
capacity to engage in Affirmative Marketing 1.
• Prioritize projects that serve members of the protected classes as defined by HUD.
• Prioritize projects that serve low-income persons.
Project Evaluation Criteria:
• Readiness--can awarded funds be completely expended during the grant year?
• Sustainability—does the organization have the capacity to sustain a project or program
beyond this federal funding period?
• Effectiveness and Accountability—does the organization have the capacity and track
record to effectively conduct the project and administer federal funds?
• Prioritize greatest impact.
In addition to the criteria set forth by HUD, the ConPlan and AI process, the Countywide Priority
Setting committee established priorities for funding CDBG and HOME housing projects:
1.) Family Housing 2
2.) Land trust model in eastern Marin that provides home ownership opportunities (Eastern
Marin is defined as all of the areas in Marin, except West Marin).
The PSC also established the following priorities for CDBG funds allocated to public service
projects:
1. Basic Health Services—includes services that prevent or treat medical conditions for
individuals who are uninsured, under-insured, or people with low incomes who cannot
afford their deductible. Programs and services include preventive health such as
immunizations, well-childcare, periodic health evaluations for adults, voluntary family
planning services, children’s eye and ear examinations conducted to determine the need
for vision and hearing correction, and hygiene services. Services may also include
medically necessary emergency health care, inpatient and outpatient treatment,
diagnostic laboratory and diagnostic and therapeutic radiologic services, and
prescription drugs.
2. Children, Youth and Parent Support Services—includes services that address
disparities in access to early childhood education and the high costs of childcare,
targeting low-income families. Programs and services include supporting childcare
1 Affirmative Marketing is targeted outreach about program opportunities to groups of people otherwise
least likely to apply for or receive those opportunities. Given Marin’s history of segregation, the protected
class populations typically included in Affirmative Marketing are Black/African American, Asian/Pacific
Islander, and Latinx. Programs that do not conduct broad affirmative marketing are less competitive in the
allocation process. An example of a less competitive application this cycle is Canal Alliance. While they
serve the Latinx population the program does not affirmatively market to other protected classes.
2 Family Housing has been identified as a need to both the AI and ConPlan. In addition, HUD is requiring
Marin’s CDBG and HOME grant funding to contribute to the creation of at least 100 new family housing
units by 2022. Applications for projects not creating family housing this year are Whistlestop and
Homeward Bound.
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 4
scholarships, student extracurricular activities, parent engagement and training,
therapeutic services, teacher’s salaries, transportation and home visitations.
3. Housing Support Services—includes services that assist individuals in accessing
stable housing, prevent discrimination in housing choice, and aid renters in maintaining
stable housing. Programs and services include but are not limited to fair housing
counseling, legal support, housing locators, down payment and rental assistance.
ANALYSIS
The CDBG funding recommendations for FY20-21 have been vetted through the Countywide
Priority Setting Committee that consists of one County Supervisor, a representative from each
of the City and Town Councils, as well as seven community members representing six regions
spanning Marin and an at-large member representing the County.
In early May, the Board of Supervisors will hold a final public hearing on the recommendations
from the Countywide (PSC), and in mid-May, the County will send its annual list of projects to
the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Seven (7) housing projects submitted applications for funding from the San Rafael Planning
Area. The seven projects have a funding request of $3,421,545. Five (5) of the seven projects
will benefit the entire County, a subset of services and units will serve San Rafael residents.
There were also two (2) projects based in San Rafael with a total funding request of $611,545
(Bridge Housing – Centertown at $345,000 + San Rafael Rotary Manor at $266,545 – See
Attachment 2). The combined requests for both the San Rafael specific project and the San
Rafael portion of the Countywide projects is $1,491,170.
Funding Recommendations
HOUSING PROJECTS
PSC recommends the following housing applications, totaling $258,001 in available CDBG grant
funds. Based on Council feedback, from the March 23, 2020 Council meeting, Habitat for
Humanity’s Redwood Blvd. Homes allocation has been revised to reflect 39% of the Countywide
allocation, and the remaining difference of $13,732 has been reallocated to Bridge Housing’s
Centertown Apartments rehabilitation.
Organization FY 20-21
San Rafael
Requested
FY 20-21
San Rafael PSC
Recommendation
Countywide
Request
Expected
Countywide
Funding **
Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO)
Whistlestop Healthy Aging
Campus
$591,300
-
$1,500,000
$442,612
Habitat for Humanity
Greater San Francisco, Inc.
Redwood Blvd. Homes
$98,550 $84,347 $250,000 $216,275
Homeward Bound of Marin
Predevelopment and
Construction of Veterans
and Workforce Housing in
Novato
$49,275
- $125,000 $0***
Marin Center For
Independent Living
Residential Access
$30,000 $9,922 $60,000 $30,922
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 5
Modification Program
Marin Housing Authority
Residential Rehabilitation
Loan Program (RLP)
$110,500 $100,000 $425,000 $230,095
Bridge Housing
Centertown Apartments
$345,000 $63,732 $795,000 $500,000
San Rafael Rotary Manor
Rotary Manor Window
Rehabilitation
$266,545 - $266,545 $0
Grand Totals $1,491,170 $258,001 $3,421,545 $1,419,904
* Countywide request
** The Expected Countywide Funding includes anticipated recommendations for all Planning
Areas and HOME.
*** This project will be considered for a higher allocation in FY 2021-22
CAPITAL PROJECTS
Five (5) applications for capital projects were received—four (4) Countywide projects and one
(1) serving San Rafael only. The Countywide projects benefiting the entire County, including
services for San Rafael residents, have a funding request of $798,355.
The one (1) project based in San Rafael has a total funding request of $270,000.
Recommended for Funding
PSC recommends funding requests for capital projects totaling $155,328 in CDBG monies.
Based on Council feedback, from the March 23, 2020 Council meeting, Marin City Community
Development Corporation’s allocation has been revised to reflect 39% of the Countywide
allocation, and the remaining difference of $20,000 has been reallocated to City of San Rafael
Canal Area Pump Station Improvements.
Organization
FY 20-21
San Rafael
Request
FY 20-21
San Rafael PSC
Recommendation
Countywide
Request
Expected
Countywide
Funding **
Community Action Marin
CAM Community
Intake/Welcome Ctr.
$29,536 $10,000 $98,455 $35,000
Homeward Bound of Marin
Building a Gender-Neutral
Bathroom at the New
Beginnings Center Shelter
withdrawn
- withdrawn -
Marin City Community
Development Corporation
Empowerment Clubhouse
Pre-Construction and
Development
$109,161
$60,000 $279,900 $151,041
Marin City Community
Services District
Manzanita Center Facility
Master Plan
$30,000 - $150,000 -
City of San Rafael
Department of Public Works
Canal Area Pump Station
Improvements
$270,000 $85,328 $270,000 $65,328***
Grand Totals
$438,697 $155,328 $798,355 $251,369
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 6
* Countywide request
** The Expected Countywide Funding includes anticipated recommendations for all Planning
Areas.
*** This project will be considered for a higher allocation in FY 2021-22
PUBLIC SERVICE PROJECTS
Based on County estimates, the City is expected to receive an allocation of approximately
$96,634 for public services in 2020-21. This 15% allocation is based on the total funding
available including entitlements, program income and any reprogrammed funds. Whereas, the
overall allocation to each planning area is a percentage of these totals, less the allowed
administration allocation. Due to this, the amount available for Public Services is higher than a
straight 15% of San Rafael allocation allotment.
A total of 18 applications for public service funding were submitted—16 Countywide projects
with a portion of services going to San Rafael residents and two (2) serving San Rafael only.
Recommended for Funding
PSC recommends funding requests for public service projects totaling $96,634 in CDBG
monies, the maximum allowed by HUD. Based on Council feedback, from the March 23, 2020
Council meeting, Fair Housing Advocates of Northern California’s allocation has been revised to
reflect 39% of the Countywide allocation, and the remaining difference of $6,500 has been
reallocated to City of San Rafael Pickleweed Preschool.
Organization
FY 20-21
San Rafael
Requested
FY 20-21
San Rafael PSC
Recommendation
Countywide
Request
Expected
Countywide
Funding **
10,000 Degrees
Financial Aid Awareness and
Completion Campaign
$15,300 -
$30,000 -
Community Action Marin
CAM Economic Opportunity
and Safety Net Services
$15,000 -
$50,000 -
Covia Foundation
Home Match Marin
$12,900 $8,000
$30,000 $15,000
Early Vibes Inc.
The Turn
$2,500 -
$25,000 -
Fair Housing Advocates of
Northern California
Fair Housing Counseling and
Education
$31,500
$25,000 $75,000 $64,000
Family & Children's Law
Center
Domestic Violence Legal
Services for Low Income
Families
$6,750
$6,750 $15,000 $15,000
Hannah Project Partnership
for Academic Achievement
Hannah Freedom School
$6,260 -
$31,300 $15,000
House of Life Ministries
Family First
$6,600 - $22,000 -
Jewish Family and Children's
Services
Jewish Family and Children's
$9,900
- $30,000 -
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 7
Services, Skyview Day Club
Financial Assistance
Program
Legal Aid of Marin
Keeping Marin Residents in
their Homes
$20,400 $20,384 $40,000 $32,640
Marin City Community
Services District
MCCSD Manzanita Center
Free Youth Recreation
Programs
$3,000
- $30,000 -
Performing Stars of Marin
After School and Summer
Enrichment Programming of
Low-Income Marin County
Youth
$750 - $15,000 $15,000
Project Avary
Support Service for Children
of Incarcerated Parents
$7,500 - $15,000 -
RotaCare Bay Area
RotaCare Clinic of San
Rafael
$16,000
$15,000
$20,000
$15,000
Spahr Center
Readiness for Housing
Program
withdrawn -
withdrawn -
Women's Rights and Peace
of Bay Area
Korean Education Project
(KEP)
$7,500 -
$15,000 -
Canal Alliance
University Prep (UP!)
$30,000 -
$30,000 -
City of San Rafael, Library
and Recreation Department
Pickleweed Preschool
$49,440 $21,500
$49,440 $15,000
Grand Totals
$241,300 $96,634 $522,740 $186,640
* Countywide request
** The Expected Countywide Funding includes anticipated recommendations for all Planning
Areas.
A list of all the applications that were submitted for the San Rafael Planning Area and
Countywide projects serving San Rafael is provided in Attachment 2. This attachment also
includes staff recommendations for allocating all of San Rafael’s CDBG funds and the total
expected allocations including funding from the other planning areas. The applications for all
funding can be accessed online via these links:
Housing project applications:
https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-
received/202022-housing-applications3.pdf?la=en
Community Infrastructure/Capital project applications:
https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-
received/202022-community-infrastructure_capital-improvement-applications3.pdf?la=en
Public Services project applications:
SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL AGENDA REPORT / Page: 8
https://www.marincounty.org/-/media/files/departments/cd/federal-grants/2020_21/applications-
received/202022-public-services-applications1.pdf?la=en
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no direct cost or revenue impact generated by the recommended action as the City is
directing HUD funds to specific projects. Allocating funds to potential City projects may allow
City general and capital funds to be allocated to other priorities.
OPTIONS:
1. Make allocations of CDBG funding as recommended by staff.
2. Make different allocations of CDBG funding. (Funds may be shifted within categories,
but the Public Service category cannot exceed $96,634.)
3. Let the Countywide Priority Setting Committee provide a recommendation for the San
Rafael Planning Area funding requests.
4. Provide direction to staff.
ACTION REQUIRED:
1. Adopt Resolution recommending CDBG project funding for the FY 2020-21 CDBG
program to the Marin County Board of Supervisors.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 City of San Rafael Resolution CDBG Project Funding for FY 2020-21
Attachment 2 Attachment to Resolution: 2020-21 CDBG Project Allocations
Attachment 3 Required Community Outreach and Analysis
Attachment 4 PSC 2020-2021 Roster
Attachment 5 2020-2022 CDBG Application Guidelines
RESOLUTION NO. 14779
RESOLUTION OF THE SAN RAFAEL CITY COUNCIL RECOMMENDING
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROJECT FUNDING FOR
THE FISCAL YEAR 2020-21 TO THE MARIN COUNTY BOARD OF SUPERVISORS
BE IT RESOLVED by the Council of the City of San Rafael as follows:
WHEREAS in June 1999, the City Council revised the Cooperation Agreement
with the County of Marin for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds
whereby the City remained in the County system; and
WHEREAS in December 1999, the City devised a project selection process and
established allocation priorities for CDBG projects; and
WHEREAS on April 6, 2020, in accordance with the adopted project selection
process the City Council reviewed the submitted applications;
NOW, THEREFORE IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED that the City Council
recommends to the Marin County Board of Supervisors that the $509,963 in CDBG
funds available for allocation by the City of San Rafael be distributed to the projects and
in the amounts as shown on the attached Attachment 2 subject to adjustments
necessary to accommodate any changes in the final allocation given to the County of
Marin by the federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
I, LINDSAY LARA, City Clerk of the City of San Rafael, hereby certify that the
foregoing resolution was duly and regularly introduced and adopted at a regular meeting
of the Council of said City held on the 6th day of April 2020, by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: Bushey, Colin, Gamblin, McCullough & Mayor Phillips
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS: None
Lindsay Lara, City Clerk
Attachment 2
PROJECT
# PROJECT SPONSOR PROJECT NAME
SAN RAFAEL
SPECIFIC
FUNDING
REQUEST
SAN RAFAEL
RECOMMENDED
FUNDS
EXPECTED
COUNTYWIDE
FUNDING*
Housing
CH-1-2020 Eden Housing, Inc. (CHDO) Whistlestop Healthy Aging Campus $591,300 - $442,612
CH-2-2020 Habitat for Humanity Greater
San Francisco, Inc. Redwood Blvd. Homes $98,550 $8498,347079 $216,275
CH-3-2020 Homeward Bound of Marin Predevelopment and Construction of
Veterans and Workforce Housing in Novato $49,275 - $0
CH-4-2020 Marin Center For
Independent Living Residential Access Modification Program $30,000 $9,922 $30,922
CH-5-2020 Marin Housing Authority Residential Rehabilitation Loan Program
(RLP) $110,500 $100,000 $230,095
SH-1-2020 Bridge Housing Centertown Apartments $345,000 $6350,732000 $500,000
SH-2-2020 San Rafael Rotary Manor Rotary Manor Window Rehabilitation $266,545 - $0
San Rafael Housing Subtotal $1,491,170 $258,001 $1,419,904
Capital
CC-1-2020 Community Action Marin CAM Economic Opportunity and Safety
Net Services $29,536 $10,000 $35,000
CC-2-2020 Homeward Bound of Marin Building a Gender-Neutral Bathroom at the
New Beginnings Center Shelter $8,750 - -
CC-3-2020 Marin City Community
Development Corporation
Empowerment Clubhouse Pre-
Construction and Development $109,161 $6080,000 $151,041
CC-4-2020 Marin City Community
Services District Manzanita Center Facility Master Plan $30,000 - -
SC-1-2020 City of San Rafael
Department of Public Works Canal Area Pump Station Improvements $270,000 $865,328 $65,328
San Rafael Capital Subtotal $447,447 $155,328 $251,369
- -- -
- -- -
Attachment 2
PROJECT # PROJECT SPONSOR PROJECT NAME
SAN RAFAEL
FUNDING
REQUEST
SAN RAFAEL
RECOMMENDED
FUNDS
EXPECTED
COUNTYWIDE
FUNDING*
Public Services
CS-1-2020 10,000 Degrees Financial Aid Awareness and Completion
Campaign $15,300 - -
CS-2-2020 Community Action Marin CAM Community Intake and Welcome
Center $15,000 - -
CS-3-2020 Covia Foundation Home Match Marin $12,900 $8,000 $15,000
CS-4-2020 Early Vibes Inc. The Turn $2,500 - -
CS-5-2020 Fair Housing Advocates
of Northern California Fair Housing Counseling and Education $31,500 $2531,000500 $64,000
CS-6-2020 Family & Children's Law
Center
Domestic Violence Legal Services for Low
Income Families $6,750 $6,750 $15,000
CS-7-2020 Hannah Project
Partnership Hannah Freedom School $6,260 - $15,000
CS-8-2020 House of Life Ministries Family First $6,600 - -
CS-9-2020 Jewish Family and
Children's Services
Jewish Family and Children's Services,
Skyview Day Club Financial Assistance $9,900 - -
CS-10-2020 Legal Aid of Marin Keeping Marin Residents in their Homes $20,400 $20,384 $32,640
CS-11-2020 Marin City Community
Services District
MCCSD Manzanita Center Free Youth
Recreation Programs $3,000 - -
CS-12-2020 Performing Stars of
Marin
After School and Summer Enrichment
Program $750 - -
CS-13-2020 Project Avary Support Service for Children of
Incarcerated Parents $7,500 - -
CS-14-2020 RotaCare Bay Area RotaCare Clinic of San Rafael $16,000 $15,000 $15,000
CS-15-2020 Spahr Center Readiness for Housing Program $56,749 - Withdrawn
CS-16-2020 Women's Rights and
Peace of Bay Area Korean Education Project (KEP) $7,500 - -
SS-1-2020 Canal Alliance University Prep (UP!) $30,000 - -
SS-2-2020 City of San Rafael,
Library And Recreation Pickleweed Preschool $49,440 $2115,5000 $15,000
San Rafael Public Services Subtotal $298,049 $96,634 $171,640
* The Expected Countywide Funding includes anticipated recommendations for all Planning Areas and HOME.
- -- -
C O M M U N I T Y D E V E L O P M E N T A G E N C Y
HOUSING AND FEDERAL GRANTS DIVISION ...................................................................................................................................................
Attachment 3
Required Community Outreach and Analysis:
2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice &
2020-24 Consolidated Plan
2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice: Summary of Key
Findings, Conclusions, and Recommendations
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires jurisdictions
receiving federal grant funds for housing and community development to certify that they
are taking actions to affirmatively further fair housing (AFFH). Under both the CDBG and
HOME programs, the County is required to certify whether it, and the participating cities
and towns, are taking actions and documenting those actions that affirmatively further fair
housing. Affirmatively furthering fair housing means, according to HUD, "taking meaningful
actions, in addition to combating discrimination, that overcome patterns of segregation and
foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access to opportunity based on
protected characteristics.”
From 2016 to 2019, County staff engaged with over 2,700 individual residents, community
groups, nonprofits, youth, and County employees, among others, to develop a
comprehensive understanding of housing challenges in Marin and to hear
recommendations for addressing those housing challenges. The recommendations and
findings contained in this report are a direct result of the County’s robust community
engagement process and its commitment to setting locally-determined fair housing
priorities and goals.
A Community Advisory Group and Steering Committee were formed to analyze local,
demographic data and engage in comprehensive discussions about race, segregation and
integration patterns in Marin, and why where you live matters. The groups reviewed and
discussed data on homeowners and renters in Marin, legal and illegal housing
advertisement, the cost of housing in Marin, household incomes, the results of the
County’s 2015 Rental Housing Survey, and anticipated housing needs as the number of
adults age 60 and over in Marin continues to grow.
The 2020 Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice provides information on the
current population and housing needs of Marin County, with an emphasis and focus on the
needs of racial and ethnic minorities, families with children, persons with disabilities, and
other members of the protected classes.
The general conclusion is that whether assessed on a national, regional or local level,
where you live matters - particularly for people of color, those with disabilities, families and
other members of the protected classes. A person’s zip code can predict their life
expectancy, their ability to attend good schools, opportunities for employment,
transportation options and quality housing.
PG. 2 OF 10
The County’s goal is to increase, expand and maintain its affordable housing inventory
and to increase opportunities for housing choice for low income residents, people of color,
people with disabilities and residents who have specifically been impacted by historic
government policies and practices that created segregated communities in Marin and who
continue to be marginalized today. To that end, after years of community engagement and
changes in the County’s development codes, zoning policies, funding strategies and
collaborations with cities and towns, four overarching priorities were identified to address
impediments to fair housing choice:
• Community opposition;
• Cost of developing affordable housing and the lack of available land for
development;
• Lack of affordable housing, particularly family rental housing;
• Lack of homeownership, particularly for African Americans.
Impediment #1 - Community Opposition to Affordable Housing
Through the County’s community engagement and outreach process, which included the
County’s Community Advisory Group, Steering Committee, and voices from individual
residents, local groups, organizations, and nonprofits, among others, community
opposition was identified as the number one reason for the lack of affordable housing
development in the County, particularly for families and in areas outside of minority
concentration. Opposition to any new housing development can arise in all
neighborhoods of the County, but it is especially the case in majority
White neighborhoods, and particularly when the proposed development is affordable
rental housing for families. The opposition is often based primarily on common growth
issues such as traffic congestion, perceived threats to open space preservation, water
demand versus supply, and increased school enrollment. However, opposition can also
reflect underlying fears of reduced property values, safety concerns, the misperceptions of
the type of housing that would be created, and the stereotyped impressions of the people
who will occupy the housing.
An increased understanding about affordable rental housing and the positive impact it has
on individuals, families, and the community at large is instrumental to gaining wider
community support. The more informed the public, local government, County staff, and
elected officials are about the need for affordable rental housing and the benefits of
avoiding housing insecurity and homelessness, the more leverage supporters will have to
advance the development of affordable rental homes.
Recommendations
1. Provide ongoing community engagement to educate, include and inform residents
about the challenges with housing in Marin, and to highlight the County’s prior
achievements in developing affordable housing and addressing racial disparities in
housing choice.
2. Develop strategies and talking points to address opposition for development
including the impact on schools, water, transportation and traffic.
3. Include and expand the number of participants who engage in discussions about
barriers to fair housing and disparities in access and opportunities in Marin’s
communities, and provide opportunities to advance recommendations to address
housing challenges in the County.
4. In keeping with the County’s 2019 Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the
Department of Housing and Urban Development, prioritize the development and
funding for rental housing for families, particularly in areas outside of minority
concentration.
COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 3 OF 10
Impediment #2 - The Cost of Developing Affordable Housing
The cost of developing affordable housing in Marin is prohibitive even after accounting
for funding from grants, loans, direct and indirect subsidies, tax credits and private
donors. While many Marin communities require that developers of multi-unit housing set
aside a percentage of units as affordable housing, and the County’s Housing Trust Fund
provides financial assistance to help affordable housing developers create and preserve
affordable housing for low and very-low income households, some cities and towns do not
have inclusionary policies or affordable housing impact fees, and for some jurisdictions,
the housing trust account balances are too low to be useful. In addition, in-lieu fees which,
in some cases may be paid by developers instead of constructing affordable housing, do
not reflect the actual cost of building affordable housing in the County.
Recommendations
1. The County should consider ways to provide a local dedicated source of funding
for affordable housing. Options could include bonds, local sales tax, transit
occupancy tax, vacant home tax or other measure to raise funds that create and
preserve local affordable housing for low-income households, veterans, seniors,
teachers, first responders, persons with disabilities, and those experiencing
homelessness.
2. The County should work with cities and towns to pool in-lieu fees to increase funds
available for affordable housing and determine whether to increase the amount of
in-lieu fees to better reflect the actual cost of affordable housing development.
3. The County, cities and towns should consider a sub-regional approach for the
allocation of housing (Regional Housing Needs Allocation), to share resources and
possibly units to increase collaboration and production of housing.
4. The County should work with cities and towns to adopt inclusionary housing
policies to bolster funds available to support affordable housing.
5. The County should encourage cities and towns to reduce or waive fees for
affordable housing.
Impediment #3 - Lack of Affordable Housing Sites
Developers and members of the community are unaware of potential affordable housing
sites across the County. Because of this lack of knowledge, opportunities to purchase
land or properties may reduce the availability for affordable housing development.
Recommendations
1. Prepare and publicize available and easily obtainable maps of all incorporated and
unincorporated vacant and underutilized parcels in Marin. Housing sites identified
by the County, cities and towns in their respective Housing Elements could be the
basis for this information. Additional potential housing sites should also be
considered when preparing the maps.
a. Provide public updates and market to affordable housing developers, and
b. Prioritize the VCA commitment to 100 units for family housing for these
parcels.
2. Identify underutilized parcels in the County to acquire, convert and develop into
affordable housing.
a. Post/advertise information on the County’s website and update
continuously.
b. Identify whether parcels are privately or publicly held and if there are any
public right of ways.
3. Create a public database of potential sites that can be updated regularly.
COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 4 OF 10
4. As part of the County’s next Housing Element, consider rezoning sites to increase
density to accommodate multi-family housing in areas outside of areas of minority
concentration to further local housing goals and to comply with State housing law,
and consider objective development and design standards for housing
development projects that qualify for streamlined permit review.
Impediment # 4 - Lack of Opportunities for Home Ownership by People of Color and On-
going Concerns of Gentrification
The price of housing in Marin is unaffordable for most residents, but because of historic,
discriminatory practices and government policies, African Americans – in particular,
people who lived in Marin City during the Marinship years -- have been particularly
affected by policies that have created segregated communities with limited access to
opportunities.
In addition, gentrification of some Marin communities is forcing people of color and low-
income residents to be priced out of their own neighborhoods. Designating land
for the purpose of developing affordable housing that will remain affordable in perpetuity
will create opportunities for home ownership while acknowledging and affirmatively
furthering fair housing. Transforming racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty
into areas of opportunity can preserve existing affordable housing and protect existing
residents from displacement.
Recommendations
Work with communities to provide resources to support a community land trust for low
income residents of Marin that create opportunities for affordable housing and home
ownership, with specific inclusion for African Americans with historic connections to Marin
City. Model after the Community Land Trust of West Marin (CLAM) to ensure long-term
housing affordability.
2020-24 Consolidated Plan: Summary of Key Findings
The Consolidated Plan (ConPlan) is a five (5) year strategic plan that identifies goals for
federal funding programs provided through HUD, including the Community Development
Block grant program (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME).
The ConPlan provides a framework for identifying priorities and programs to address
affordable housing, community development needs, and public services for extremely low-
up to moderate-income families, persons with disabilities, seniors, and youth.
Understanding the needs of a community is critical to planning the use of federal grant funds.
As part of the 2020-24 Consolidated Planning process, Housing and Federal Grants staff
(Staff) engaged the community using various methods to gather information about housing,
community spaces and infrastructure, and public service needs in Marin. In addition, staff
reached out to other jurisdictions implementing federal grant programs to learn smart
practices to improve impact and effectiveness of Marin County’s federal grants program.
Results from the community engagement and interview process shall guide future planning
and program design for the County of Marin’s federal grants program.
Over the course of six (6) months County staff engaged the community in four ways: a
community survey, service provider survey, community meetings, and interviews.
COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 5 OF 10
Methodology
Community Survey
Online and paper surveys available in English, Spanish, and Vietnamese were
used to gather community input to inform funding priorities. Surveys were
disseminated in partnership with local nonprofit service and housing providers and
County departments including Health and Human Services and the Marin County
Free Library. To enhance and encourage participation staff attended numerous
community events, including weekly Health Hubs organized through the Marin Community
Clinics in both Novato and San Rafael, the Canal Alliance food pantry, and events put
together by local organizations, including Community Action Marin, the Marin Organizing
Committee, and Performing Stars. A total of 322 surveys were collected, with 229 in English,
92 in Spanish, and one (1) in Vietnamese.
Service Provider Survey
An online service provider survey was distributed to over 50 organizations in Marin
County. Twenty-five (25) surveys were completed by organizations that provide a wide
range of services including childcare, senior, parent support, case management, basic
health, and food security services. Survey respondents were asked about their biggest
demand for services, funding gaps, and demographic information about their service
population.
Community Meetings
In collaboration with Marin Health and Human Services, over the course of
four (4) months staff lead seven (7) community meetings and focus groups to
gather data. The meetings were held across the County including in Marin
City, Kentfield, Novato, San Rafael, West Marin and one meeting in the Canal
Neighborhood of San Rafael was held entirely in Spanish. Nearly 300 people
participated in these meetings.
Interviews
Staff reached out to 15 local government entities in Marin for interviews to garner
insights into client and service trends, funding available, and demand for services.
Of the interviews requested staff were able to conduct 11 interviews—two (2) cities,
eight (8) County departments/divisions, and one (1) community service district.
In addition, staff did outreach to nine (9) neighboring jurisdictions that administer federal
grant programs similar to Marin’s. Of those, five (5) neighboring jurisdictions wer e
interviewed to identify trends and practices that could be applied to Marin’s program.
Findings
Data from community surveys, service provider surveys, community meetings, and
interviews with jurisdictions were synthesized into the priorities listed below. Respondents
involved in the engagement process discussed concerns and provided specific comments
about issues related to housing, community infrastructure, and public services. These
concerns are articulated here as general findings that will be used to inform priorities. For
example, comments regarding a leaking roof in a community center were included in a
statement about improving and creating new community centers.
COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 6 OF 10
Housing
The findings related to housing focused on constructing, rehabilitating, and preserving
affordable housing that could fit the needs of all demographics. The most commonly
referenced populations included: families, single individuals, seniors, and populations in
need of supportive housing. Most comments specifically related to rehabilitation of existing
affordable housing focused on addressing substandard conditions. Respondents
commented on the lack of housing affordable to extremely low-income households, and long
and inaccessible waitlists.
Community infrastructure
Related to community
infrastructure comments
ranged from references to
specific rooms and
buildings, to discussions
about infrastructure
systems in cities and
towns. Many respondents
found that communities
lacked new and improved
community centers for all
age ranges, social groups,
and needs, including childcare facilities, youth centers, senior centers, and LGBTQ
centers. Additionally, respondents showed interest in more informal community gathering
spaces. Respondents stated that their communities lack well maintained parks and public
spaces, as well as homeless shelters/facilities. Most respondents mentioned the
importance of protecting communities from natural disasters by improving infrastructure.
Finally, transportation infrastructure improvements were mentioned in most surveys and
comments, more specifically related to transit route frequency and reliability and safety
measures such as adequate sidewalks and lighting were noted.
Public Services
The findings summarized for public services demonstrate the range of diverse needs in
Marin County. One of the services discussed most frequently was “homeless services.”
Homeless services fit under a larger classification of services that benefit those who are
homeless and in danger of becoming homeless. Several of the services mentioned in the
findings below are intended to serve these populations. Therefore, homeless services can
71%
Of survey respondents
indicated the need for
more construction of
affordable housing
Community meeting
participants indicated the
need for long-term,
supportive affordable
housing for all age groups
69%
Of survey respondents
indicated long waitlists as
a barrier to housing
44%
Of survey respondents
indicated the need to
rehabilitate existing multi-
family housing
1
42%
Homeless Facilities
2
30%
Childcare Centers
3
25%
Youth Centers
Top Three Identified Community Infrastructure Needs from Community
Survey
Top Four Identified Housing Needs from Community Survey
• ••• -··
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COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 7 OF 10
Top Five Identified Public Service Needs from Community Survey
translate into a wide array of services. For example, housing support services and legal
services were two of the most commonly mentioned needs, and these services can support
populations that are homeless or in danger of becoming homeless. Services for families
including children’s services and parent support services were mentioned in most surveys
and community meetings. Respondents specified that basic health services for all age
ranges were needed throughout the county. Services for very specific populations including
seniors and domestic violence victims were mentioned in a majority of survey responses
and at several community meetings. Food security was listed as a priority for vulnerable
populations. Language acquisition and education along with job training and microenterprise
business support were mentioned in many responses regarding public service needs.
Community-Specific Needs
A few of Marin’s federal grant program’s target populations and communities including
Marin City, West Marin, and Marin’s Spanish speaking population expressed their
community-specific needs and priorities at their respective community meetings. The
community survey data was disaggregated by community to allow Staff to pinpoint and
highlight these priorities.
Marin City
Housing
Marin City’s
housing
priorities differ
from overall
survey
respondents
and indicates a
need for more
financial
assistance for
first-time home
buyers,
rehabilitation of
existing multi-
family rental
housing, and some construction of new affordable housing. This community faces
gentrification and displacement pressures which may explain why rehabilitating and
securing homeownership for existing residents is a priority over the development of new
housing in the community.
1
53%
Homelessness
Services
2
44%
Housing Support
Services
3
41%
Children’s
Services
4
38%
Mental Health
Services
5
38%
Basic Health
Services
1
79%
Down Payment/Closing
Cost Assistance for First-
Time Home Buyers
2
50%
Rehabilitation of Existing
Multi-Family Rental Units
3
43%
Construction of New
Affordable Housing
Top Three Identified Housing Needs from Community Survey Amongst Marin City
Residents
COUNTY O F MARIN
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COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 8 OF 10
Community
Infrastructure
With regards to
community infrastructure,
like overall respondents,
Marin City residents also
indicated a priority to
focus on homeless
facilities/shelters, followed
by an interest in more
community gardens and
gathering spaces, and
improvements to nonprofit facilities.
Public Services
Public service priorities in Marin City follows a similar trend to the County as a whole.
However, after homelessness services, housing support services and children’s
services—Marin City’s specific needs for food security and employment readiness are
highlighted.
West Marin
Housing
West Marin’s
housing needs
are largely
related to the
need for more
housing,
specifically
affordable
housing,
through the
construction of
more housing
and the
purchase of
land to allow
1
53%
Homeless Facilities
2
40%
Community Gardens
3
33%
Nonprofit Facility
Improvements
1
64%
Homelessness
Services
2
50%
Housing Support
Services
3
43%
Children’s
Services
4
36%
Food Security
5
29%
Job Training &
Placement
Services
1
80%
Construction of New
Affordable Housing
2
76%
Purchase of Land to
Develop New Affordable
Housing
3
52%
Down Payment/Closing
Cost Assistance for First-
Time Home Buyers
Top Three Identified Community Infrastructure Needs from Community
Survey Amongst Marin City Residents
Top Five Public Service Needs from Community Survey Amongst Marin City Residents
Top Three Identified Housing Needs from Community Survey Amongst West Marin
Residents
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COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 9 OF 10
for more development of affordable housing. West Marin residents also highlighted the
need for more financial assistance to first-time home buyers.
Community
Infrastructure
With regards to community
infrastructure, West Marin
residents indicated the
need for facilities across
age groups and needs.
After homeless
shelters/facilities, West
Marin highlighted the need
for childcare centers and
older adult centers.
Public Services
Public service needs in West Marin are also similar to the County: beyond homelessness
services, housing support services, and children’s services—West Marin expressed
priorities related to mental health services and fair housing activities.
Spanish-Speaking Respondents
Housing
Spanish
speaking
respondents
indicated a
need for more
affordable
housing,
through the
construction of
more housing
and the
purchase of
land to allow
for more
1
58%
Homeless Facilities
2
31%
Childcare Centers
3
31%
Older Adult Centers
1
58%
Homelessness
Services
2
50%
Housing Support
Services
3
38%
Mental Health
Services
4
35%
Fair Housing
Activities
5
35%
Children’s Services
1
70%
Construction of New
Affordable Housing
2
37%
First-Time Home Buyer
Education Programs
3
34%
Purchase of Land to
Develop New Affordable
Housing
Top Three Identified Community Infrastructure Needs from Community
Survey Amongst West Marin Residents
Top Five Public Service Needs from Community Survey Amongst West Marin Residents
Top Three Identified Housing Needs from Community Survey Amongst Spanish-
Speaking Residents
COUNTY O F MARIN
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COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
PG. 10 OF 10
development. Spanish speaking respondents also indicated the need for more education
programs for first-time home buyers, highlighting the need for housing education programs
in Spanish.
Community
Infrastructure
Spanish speaking
residents of Marin County
also pinpointed the need
for youth centers,
childcare centers and the
need for accessible
facilities for persons with
disabilities. This highlights
the community’s
consistent priority around
improved or new
community gathering
spaces, especially for youth
in the Canal neighborhood of San Rafael.
Public Services
Public service priorities amongst Spanish-speaking residents in Marin shows a need for
children’s services, basic health services, fair housing activities, homelessness services,
and housing support services. It is critical to note that many survey respondents in
Spanish indicated that they are a one income household, largely due to the high cost of
childcare.
1
43%
Youth Centers
2
42%
Childcare Centers
3
31%
Accessibility for
Persons with
Disabilities
1
56%
Children’s
Services
2
55%
Basic Health
Services
3
38%
Fair Housing
Activities
4
35%
Homelessness
Services
5
35%
Housing Support
Services
Top Three Identified Community Infrastructure Needs from Community
Survey Amongst Spanish-Speaking Residents
Top Five Public Service Needs from Community Survey Amongst Spanish-Speaking Residents
. ~ ~ . . .
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COUNTY O F MARIN COMMUNITY DEVELO PMENT AGENCY 3501 C ivic Center Drive. Suite 308 · San Rafael, CA 94903
2020-2021 Countywide Priority Setting Committee
Name Affiliation
Claire McAuliffe City of Belvedere
Vacant City of Larkspur
Stephanie Moulton-Peters City of Mill Valley
Denise Athas City of Novato
John Gamblin City of San Rafael
Joe Burns City of Sausalito
Judy Arnold County of Marin
David Kunhardt Town of Corte Madera
Barbara Coler Town of Fairfax
Alexis Fineman Town of San Anselmo
Holli Their Town of Tiburon
Cathy Cortez At-Large Community Representative
Moses Gittens Lower Ross Community Representative
Veda Florez Novato Community Representative
Peggy Woodring San Rafael Community Representative
Sylvia Bynum Southern Marin Community Representative
PJ Feffer Upper Ross Community Representative
Jorge Martinez West Marin Community Representative
Application logistics:
Application Process and Timing
• Applications will be open on Monday, January 6, 2020.
• . Application Preparation (Bidders Conference): Wednesday, January 15th, 2020 at the Marin County
Civic Center, Board of Supervisors Chambers, 3501 Civic Center Drive, Room 330, San Rafael, CA 94903
o 1:00 P.M. to 2:00 P.M. -Public Service Projects
o 2:30 P.M. to 3:30 P.M. -Community Infrastructure/Capital and Housing Projects
• Applications will be due on Thursday, February 6, 2020, no later than 5:00 PM. POSTMARKS WILL
NOT BE ACCEPTED. ·
• Federal Grants staff will review applications in February and March.
• Public hearings for each of the three Planning Areas to determine recommendations will be held
March-April 2020.
• The Board of Supervisors will hold the final public hearing to confer recommendations on all of the
applications in May and transmit the recommendations to HUD.
Application submittal
Submissions may be made via on line, email, mail, or in person to one of the addresses below.
• Emailed applications should be sent to this address ONLY: federalgrants@marincounty.org
• Mailing address/physical address (if dropping off application):
County of Marin
3501 Civic Center Drive #308
San Rafael, CA 94903
Attn: Federal Grants
Application Content
• ***NEW*** Transitioning from a one (1) year application cycle to a two (2) year application cycle.
• The minimum grant size is $15,000 per year.
• Organizations may only apply for one project in each category of funding. (Ex. An organization may
apply .for funding under the Public Service category and the Community Infrastructure/Capital
category.
• Only complete applications submitted on time will be considered for funding.
• Complete applications include the application document, project budget, and organization budget.
Average Grant Size
• Public service grants are typically awarded between $15,000 and $30,000.
• Community Infrastructure/Capital improvement grants range from $15,000 to $150,000, depending
on the project scope.
• Housing grants vary from $30,000 to $500,000, depending on the project scope.
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME APPLICATION GUIDELINES Page I of 7
Eligible Applicants and Projects
• Applicants must either be a nonprofit, government entity, or have a fiscal sponsor that is a nonprofit
or government entity. Individuals are not eligible for funding.
• To ensure affordable housing is dispersed through the county, CDBG and HOME funds cannot be used
for housing projects in the Canal Neighborhood of San Rafael or Marin City.
• To learn more about eligible and ineligible activities, review these guides to CDBG
and E activities.
Notice of Funding Availability: Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG") and Home Investment
Partnership Program ("HOME") For 2020-22 funding cycle
The Marin County Community Development Agency's Federal Grants Division is pleased to announce the
opening of the application period for the CDBG and HOME programs.
Overview
Federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program provides communities
with resources to address a wide range of unique community development needs. The CDBG entitlement
program allocates annual grants to larger cities and urban counties to develop thriving communities by
providing funding to assist in the creation of affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded
economic opportunities for low and moderate-income persons. The Home Investment Partnerships Program
(HOME) funds the creation, preservation, and rehabilitation of affordable housing for low income households.
The programs are managed by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
National objectives for funding
Each activity funded by CDBG must meet one of the following national objectives for the program. Each
application must clearly state which objective the proposed project addresses.
• Benefit low and moderate-income persons.
• Prevention or elimination of slums or blight.
• Address community development needs having a particular urgency because existing conditions pose a
serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community for which no other funding is
available.
Priority Setting Committee local thresholds for funding
All applications are assessed using the following as thresholds for funding:
• Support projects that Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing and have the commitment and capacity to
engage in Affirmative Marketing.
• Prioritize projects that serve members of the protected classes as defined by HUD (race, color, religion,
national origin, sex, disability, and familial status).
• Prioritize projects that serve low-income persons.
Evaluation Criteria:
All applications are assessed on the following baseline criteria:
• Readiness-can awarded funds be completely expended during the grant year.
• Sustainability-does the organization have capacity to sustain a project or program beyond this federal
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Page 2 of 7
funding period?
• Effectiveness and Accountability-does the organization have the capacity and track record to effectively
conduct the project and administer federal funds?
• Prioritize greatest impact.
The Countywide Priority Setting Committee has approved funding priorities for CDBG Housing and Public
Services dollars that considers projects in the following categories first:
Funding priorities for CDBG Housing funds:
o Family Housing
o Land trust model in eastern Marin1 that provides home ownership opportunities
Funding priorities for CDBG Public Service funds:
o Basic Health Services -includes services that prevents or treats medical conditions for individuals
who are un-insured, under-insured, or people with low-incomes who cannot afford their
deductible. Programs and services include but are not limited to preventative health such as
immunizations, well-child care from birth, periodic health evaluations for adults, voluntary family
planning services, children's eye and ear examinations conducted to determine the need for vision
and hearing correction, and hygiene services. Services may also include medically necessary
emergency health care, inpatient and outpatient treatment, diagnostic laboratory and diagnostic
and therapeutic radiologic services, and provision of prescription drugs.
o Children, Youth, and Parent Support Services -includes services that address disparities in access
to early childhood education and high costs of childcare county wide targeting low-income
families. Programs and services include but are not limited to supporting childcare scholarships,
student extracurricular activities, parent engagement and training, therapeutic services, teacher's
salaries, transportation, and home visitations.
o Housing Support Services -includes services that assists individuals in accessing stable housing,
prevent discrimination in housing choice, and aids renters in maintaining stable housing.
Programs and services include but are not limited to fair housing counseling, legal support,
housing locators, down payment and rental assistance.
While this priority list does not preclude the funding of other types of projects, it provides staff with further
direction when evaluating applications that meet both the national and local baseline thresholds.
Project budgets:
Public Services:
Project budgets for all public service project applications should cover a 1-year time period only. Year
two funding allocations will be based on the 1-year budget in relation to outcomes achieved and HUD
funding levels.
Community Infrastructure/Capital and Housing:
Project budgets for community infrastructµre/capital and housing project applications should be
developed spanning a two-year time period, with specific outcomes and line items associated with each
1 Eastern Marin in this case is defined as all of the areas of Marin, except for West Marin
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Page3 of 7
year. If your project has received planning approvals, has an environmental review on file, and is ready
to move forward in a 1-year time frame please indicate so.
Income verifying clients:
All applicants are required to income qualify beneficiaries of services provided with CDBG and HOME
funds. Under CDBG regulations HUD presumes the following groups to be low-income and income
verification is not required: abused children, battered spouses, the elderly, adult persons with serious
disabilities, individuals who ar.e homeless, illiterate persons, and migrant farm workers. Removal of
architectural barriers to assist seniors and adults with severe disabilities would fall under this category
of Presumed Benefit.
Key changes for 2020-22 fiscal year
• Transitioning from a one (1) year application cycle to a two (2) year application cycle. 2
• The minimum grant size is $15,000 per year.
• CDBG housing funds will first prioritize projects that provide Family Housing and/or Land trust model in
eastern Marin that provides home ownership opportunities
• CDBG public service funds will first prioritize projects that provide Basic Health Services; Children, Youth,
and Parent Support Services; and Housing Support Services
• Staff will pursue reprogramming of funds for projects that do not make substantial progress in the initial
funding year.
Marin County CDBG Program Overview
All of the eleven cities and towns in Marin County and the County of Marin participate in the CDBG program
through a cooperation agreement. The cooperation agreement is renewed every three years. The cooperation
agreement allows Marin County to be defined as an "urban county", having a population of over 200,000, and
to receive a direct CDBG funding allocation. Novato and San Rafael are eligible to receive CDBG funding as
entitlement cities because their populations exceed 50,000 persons. However, both cities have chosen to
continue with the cooperation agreement to assure that Marin meets the population standard for urban
counties and continue to receive CDBG funding.
The total CDBG allocation for Marin County has been about $1.4 Million dollars annually and HOME is about
$700,000. Staff is anticipating the 2020-21 allocation will be similar to 2019-20. Staff will make their funding
recommendations based on the 2019-20 allocation.
Marin County Allocation Formula:
The program is administered by staff in the Marin County Community Development Agency. Federal
regulations limit the amount of administrative costs to 20% of the available grant funds. In addition, public
services are limited to 15% of available grant funds. 40% of funds are allocated to housing and the remaining
25% of funding is available for community infrastructure/capital improvement projects and/or housing.
HOME funds are used exclusively for affordable housing serving low and very low-income.
The County is divided into three (3) planning areas: Novato, San Rafael, and County Other. Each planning area
receives a portion of the overall allocation based on an analysis of 2010 Census Data looking at population,
2 Staff reserve the right to open the application in 2021-22, if deemed necessary.
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Page 4 of 7
the extent of poverty, and the extent of housing overcrowding, with the provision that the extent of poverty
be counted twice. For fiscal year 2020-21, the Novato planning area will receive 23.68% of funds, the San
Rafael planning area will receive 39.42% of funds, and the County Other planning area will receive 36.9% of
funds.
Selection Process:
The Novato City Council and San Rafael City Council hold public hearings on all applications for their respective
planning areas and make a funding recommendation to the Board of Supervisors.
The Countywide Priority Setting Committee makes funding recommendations for the County Other planning
area and HOME Program funding to the Board of Supervisors.
Requirements for Grant Disbursement:
All recipients will be required to enter into a contract with the County of Marin. This contract will include:
• Scope of service and use of funds.
• Expected outcomes.
• Compliance with certain administrate requirements and accounting records.
• Agreement to affirmatively further fair housing and conduct affirmative marketing.
• Non-discrimination.
All projects will require Federal environmental review clearance (NEPA}. This is required even for projects
that are not subject to CEQA. The Housing and Federal Grants Division is responsible to conduct the
environmental review. Awardees should note that project funds may not be spent until the environmental
review has been completed.
All community infrastructure/capital projects and some housing projects will be subject to the Federal Davis-
Bacon Act regarding prevailing wages for construction workers. Davis Bacon often has standards that differ
from California prevailing wage standards.
CDBG will place a lien on all community infrastructure/capital and housing improvement projects. This lien
must be repaid if the property is ever sold. The lien amount is not fixed and will be calculated as the amount
of CDBG funding to the current value. The lien will increase as the value of the property rises. This lien has no
time limit. The lien can be assumed by another nonprofit.
HOME will establish regulatory agreements dictating the affordability of the property and/or HOME units.
Commonly Used Terms
. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing: Taking meaningful actions, in addition to combating discrimination,
that overcome patterns of segregation and foster inclusive communities free from barriers that restrict access
to opportunity based on protected characteristics. Specifically, affirmatively furthering fair housing means
taking meaningful actions that, taken together, address significant disparities in housing needs and in access
to opportunity, replacing segregated living patterns with truly integrated and balanced living patterns,
transforming racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity, and fostering
and maintaining compliance with civil rights and fair housing laws. Public service projects can affirmatively
further fair housing by providing access to opportunities and by transforming racially and ethnically
concentrated areas of poverty into areas of opportunity.
County of Marin 2020-p CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Pages of 7
Affirmative Marketing: Through an affirmative marketing plan, a housing and service provider indicates what
special efforts they will make to reach out to potential tenants or applicants who might not normally seek
housing or services in their project and identify those least likely to apply and market to them.
Community Housing Development Organization {CHOO}, is a private nonprofit, communitycbased
organization that has staff with t.he capacity to develop affordable housing for the community it serves. To
qualify for designation as a CHOO, the organization must meet certain requirements pertaining to their legal
status, organizational structure, and capacity and experience. At least 15% of HOME funds must be allocated
to CHDOs. A minimum requirement to be a CHOO is that at least one-third of the board membership are either
low-income, residents of low-income neighborhoods, or are elected as representatives of low-income
neighborhood organizations.
Community Development Block Grant {CDBG}: funds local community development activities such as
affordable housing, anti-poverty programs, and infrastructure development.
Demographics: HUD changed the data collection requirements regarding race/ethnicity categories during
program year 2002-2003. These changes reflect Office of Management and Budget 1997 standards
establishing that "Hispanic11 is not a race category, but an ethnic category that cuts across all races. Those who
are White, Black, Asian, Pacific Islander, American Indian, or a multi-race may also be counted as being of
Hispanic ethnicity. As such, when asking the individual/household to select a race category, the
individual/household must also state whether they are of Hispanic ethnicity. For example, an
individual/household of Mexican descent would likely state their race as either American Indian or White, and
would also fall under the category of "also Hispanic.11
Federal Grants Division: Staffed by the Marin County Community Development Agency, Federal Grants
provides Marin communities with resources to address a wide range of unique community development
needs. Federal funds are awarded to non-profits which provide community development activities, anti-
poverty programs and affordable housing for low and moderate households throughout Marin County.
Oversight is provided by the Priority Setting Committee, made up of appointed community members as well
as elected officials from the County, cities and towns .
. HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME): funds a wide range of activities including building, buying,
and/or rehabilitating affordable housing for low-income people. HOME projects must match every dollar of
HOME funds used with 25 cents from nonfederal sources, which may include donated materials or labor, the
value of donated property, proceeds from bond financing, and other resources.
HUD: US Department of Housing and Urban Development
Protected classes: Under federal anti-discrimination law, a protected class is a group of people with a common
characteristic who are legally protected from discrimination on the basis of that characteristic. The following
characteristics are protected by the Federal Fair Housing Act: race, color, religion, national origin, sex,
disability, and familial status (This last term refers to the presence of at least one child under 18 years old, and
also protects prospects and tenants who are pregnant or in the process of adopting a child).
Public Services: CDBG funds can be used for activities that benefit low-and moderate-income people, such as
child care, health care, job training, recreation programs, education programs, public safety services, fair
housing activities, services for senior citizens, services for homeless persons, drug abuse counseling and
treatment, energy conservation counseling and testing, and homebuyer down payment assistance. To be
eligible for funding public services must be either a new service; or provide a quantifiable increase in the level
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Page 6of 7
of a service. No more than 15% of CDBG funds can be used for public services.
Rehabilitation: CDBG funds may be used to finance the costs of rehabilitation as shown below.
Residential-Residential property, whether privately or publicly owned; This includes manufactured housing
when such housing constitutes part of the community's housing stock.
Commercial/industrial-Commercial or industrial property, but where such property is owned by a for-profit,
rehabilitatio.n under this category is limited to exterior improvements of the building and the correction of
code violations.
Other-Nonprofit-owned, nonresidential buildings and improvements that are not considered to be public
facilities or improvements under §570.201(c) of the CDBG program regulations.
Construction of Housing: Under this category, CDBG funds may be used in certain specified circumstances to
finance the construction of new permanent residential structures. Eligible uses include acquisition of sites,
clearance of toxic contaminants of property to be used for the· new construction of housing, site
improvements to publicly-owned land to enable the property to be used for the new construction of housing, .
provided the ·
improvements are undertaken while the property is still in public ownership and the cost of disposing of real
property, acquired with CDBG funds, which will be used for new construction of housing.
Davis-Bacon: The Davis-Bacon Act of 1931 is a United States federal law that establishes the requirement for
paying the local prevailing wages on public works projects for laborers and mechanics.
NEPA: The National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) is a United States environmental law that promotes the
enhancement of the environment and established the President's Council on Environmental Quality (CEQ).
Staff must complete environmental review for all CDBG funded projects.
Income Limits -2019 HUD INCOME LIMITS
Household Size 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
Extremely Low (0-30%) $33,850 $38,700 $43,550 $48,350 $52,250 $56,111 $60,000 $63,850
!Very Low-Income {30+-50%) $56,450 $64,500 $72,550 $80,600 $87,050 $93,500 $99,950 $106,400
Low-Income (50+-80%) $90,450 $103,350 $116,250 $129,150 $139,500 $149,850 $160,150 $170,500
Moderate-Income (80+-120%) $114,900 $131,350 $147,750 $164,150 $177,300 $190,450 $203,550 $216,700
SOURCE: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
County of Marin 2020-22 CDBG/HOME FUNDING APPLICATION Page 7of 7