ITEM TITLE:
Discussion Item: Application to HUD for the PRICE Program Grant
SUBMITTED BY: Kate Huber, Community Development Director
FISCAL NOTES:
Expenditure Required: N/A
Unencumbered Balance: N/A
Funding Source: N/A
RECOMMENDATION:
N/A - Discussion Only
SUMMARY STATEMENT:
Community Development Department staff are working on a grant application for the HUD Preservation and Reinvestment Initiative for Community Enhancement (PRICE) program. Anticipated release of the application for public comment is Friday, May 17th for a public comment period running through June 1st.
The purpose of this discussion item is to provide information about the application packet and get preliminary feedback from City Council. The Community Development Director will provide a brief presentation detailing the application before the Council discussion.
Once released for public comment, the draft application will be available on the City of Valdez Public Notice Website. More information can be obtained from the Community Development Department by emailing PRICE@valdezak.gov <mailto:PRICE@valdezak.gov> or calling 907-834-3401.
The City Council will hold a special meeting later in the month (possibly May 28th) for an official public hearing on the application and to consider a resolution to approve the submission and any associated financial match. Any changes to the application deadline by HUD could impact the meeting schedule.
Staff will also be hosting a public open house series to answer questions about the application. The public, as well as elected and appointed officials, are encouraged to attend.
Open House Schedule
Wednesday, May 22 - 6 PM, Council Chambers
Thursday, May 23 - 12 PM, Council Chambers
6 PM, Valdez Airport Conference Room
City staff will be informing the public about this application and the associated public comment period utilizing the COV website, social media accounts, and bulletin boards. Information will also be shared via our local radio stations, direct mailed postcards to PO box holders, and through collaboration with the local Food Bank, Senior Center, and Valdez Native Tribe.
The PRICE program will provide $235 million in funding for communities across the country to preserve and revitalize manufactured housing units and support accessibility modifications, repairs, and replacement of deteriorating manufactured housing units - especially to increase accessibility and access for persons with disabilities, facilitate aging in place for older adults and increase access to affordable housing for low-income households. The program seeks to increase housing supply and affordability for people of modest means nationwide, including in urban, suburban, rural, and tribal areas.
Another important focus of the program that is relevant to Valdez is to increase resilience to extreme weather, natural hazards, and disaster events, support energy efficiency, and protect the health and safety of manufactured housing residents.
Due to the age of most mobile/manufactured housing units in Valdez, and the HUD eligibility requirements, the city’s application will focus on replacement of local units. If funded, the first phase of the program will allow no interest loans to qualifying applicants to purchase manufactured homes that will be shipped in by the city. The manufactured homes will be more suitable for local conditions and hazards including snow, wind and seismic events. Preference will be given to low-income applicants.
If funding is available, a second phase of the program will make manufactured homes available to low-income applicants seeking housing. This element is being designed with the intention of filling vacant spaces in existing manufactured home parks within Valdez.
During the discussion the Community Development Director will provide further detail on the city’s application approach.