Evaluación de la Calidad de voz Mediante el MOS 1 Generalidades

Assessment of Relationship of CDBG Funds to Goals and Objectives

During the year, the City of Baytown utilized all of its CDBG funds toward the goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan. An assessment of the relationship of CDBG funds to goals and objectives is illustrated in the Summary of Specific Annual Objectives in Exhibit A, the CPMP Tool Project Sheets in Exhibit B and the CDBG Summary of Activities Report in Exhibit M. All three include the stated objectives and/or CDBG funds spent. The CPMP Tool Project sheets further details the priority need category, specific objective, performance measure, and accomplishments. The Community Development Needs Table (Table 2B) from the CPMP and Consolidated Plan has been amended to show the fifth and final program year accomplishments next to the proposed goals. Some of the eligible community development needs that are not used in Baytown have been deleted from the table. The table entitled Five Year Goals for Accomplishing Non-Housing Community Development Priority Needs is located in Exhibit I.

The highest priority during the year was placed on safe, affordable housing. In PY2014, Baytown utilized approximately 48% of its CDBG funds toward improving the quality and access to decent owner housing. Progress was made by assisting 12 owner households through the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation and Residential Sewer Line Repair Programs. In addition, the Homebuyers’ Assistance Program helped three households with down-payment and closing cost assistance and three with home buying education. The number and types of households served can be seen on the Summary of Households/Persons Assisted table in Exhibit G and in the CDBG Summary of Activities Report in Exhibit M.

In PY2014, there were seven out of the 10 funded activities benefitting extremely low-income, low- income, and moderate-income persons using $478,050.99 in CDBG funding. The following chart lists each program and the income levels of the 611 persons assisted. 98% of those benefiting were low- moderate income. The Neighborhood Improvement Program benefitted residents that live within the CDBG target area. The target area is comprised of residents who are 51% or more low-moderate income. The exact number of beneficiaries in the target area is not listed in the chart below.

CDBG funded Program Extremely

Low-Income

Low- Income

Moderate Income

Total Assisted % Low-moderate income

Bridge Over Troubled Waters 54 3 58 98 % Bay Area Homeless Project Bridge 36 0 0 36 100% Baytown Optimist 30 8 3 42 98 % Baytown Resource & Assistance 167 140 36 351 98% Baytown YMCA Swim Safe 0 0 0 0 0 % CD Transportation 109 0 0 109 100% CD Housing Programs 8 6 1 15 100%

Total 404 157 40 611 98%

Changes in Program Objectives

The City of Baytown recognizes the importance of sound housing and its role in a community. As such, the 2010-14 Consolidated Plan listed two main objectives in regards to housing: 1) conserving and improving the housing stock and 2) expanding housing development and housing opportunities. Those objectives were evident in this year’s Action Plan as a majority of CDBG funds were allocated to the Community Development Housing Programs including First Time homebuyers’ assistance and housing rehabilitation. During the year, there were no changes in the overall Consolidated Plan

program objectives. Due to the influx of Low Income Housing Tax Credit properties in Baytown, there has been a shift in priority from the 2005 Consolidated Plan (expanding housing) to improving the current aging housing stock.

The 2010-14 Consolidated Plan documents the existence of older units in Baytown that are in need of repair and rehabilitation. In addition to continuing the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Residential Sewer Line Repair/Repair Program, the Planning and Development Services Department is committed to assisting local agencies and developers in the rehabilitation of existing rental housing for the very low- and low-income residents. The Department is also willing to provide technical assistance to agencies that are willing to provide subsidies to low- moderate income special needs renters seeking housing in existing units. Within the last nine years and since the 2005 Consolidated Plan, there has been approximately $5,828,335 in Low Income Housing Tax Credit dollars allocated in Baytown for six projects which yielded over 2,000 affordable rental units. Two of the projects were developed specifically for low income disabled persons. There has also been a slight increase in Section 8 rental vouchers since 2009. Several new single-family housing developments in the greater Baytown area have been built to accommodate those earning 80 to 120 percent of the median income. Plus, the cost of homeownership has remained relatively low, as the median price of existing single-family homes in the Baytown area averages around $180,000.

Another asset the City has in place that has helped in the expansion of housing, is the Development Review Committee (DRC). The DRC consists of staff from multiple City departments gathered together in one setting to review projects and offer technical assistance from platting vacant land to final construction. This Committee has assisted the developers of commercial projects and single- family/multi-family housing projects to ensure the development process is handled in the most efficient and effective manner. Combined, all of these actions by the City have contributed to the existence of additional affordable rental and owner units (and support services) available to lower- income residents. Considering the significant development of affordable housing within a relatively short period of time, combined with collaboration with the Baytown Housing Authority, the City has demonstrated its support of sustaining affordable housing which is consistent with the objectives of the Consolidated Plan.

As a result of the influx of affordable housing developments, the City reviewed guidelines for the Low Income Housing Tax Credit (LIHTC) Program administered by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA). TDHCA’s policies require developers to seek local approval for additional LIHTC developments if the locality is saturated by the same. The City of Baytown has more than two times the State’s average of units per capita supported by LIHTC. The City Council passed a resolution associated with the TDHCA’s LIHTC Program. The intent of the resolution is to make developers aware that approval of additional LIHTC units would not be automatic. The resolution does not establish a moratorium, as it does not preclude developers from seeking the City’s approval for LIHTC developments or any other affordable housing project in Baytown. In an effort to further support affordable housing options, the CDBG program will continue to pursue the objective of providing and expanding homeownership opportunities for low- and moderate income residents through the Homebuyers’ Assistance Program and homebuyer education. The City will also seek to provide technical assistance to the Baytown Housing Authority and any other agency and/or developer seeking to improve the current stock of affordable housing in Baytown.

Since the objective of conserving and improving the current housing stock has taken priority, the City actively enforces a multi-family rental licensing ordinance, which is aimed at upgrading all multi- family complexes to minimum standards. City Staff is also committed to coordinated code

enforcement of existing buildings and neighborhoods. The CDBG funded housing rehabilitation and sewer line repair/replacement programs, substandard structure abatement, as well as, the inspection of single and multi-family rental units will continue. These efforts aim to ensure the citizens of Baytown are afforded safe, decent and sanitary affordable housing.

Because of the recent development of affordable rental and ownership opportunities by way of new construction and financing options, the need and types of affordable housing was a paramount issue which was explored during the development of the 2015-2019 5-year Consolidated Plan. Approximately four years ago, the Baytown Economic Development Foundation completed a housing market study and next year, the City will compile information and update the Analysis of Impediments. Once complete, all available information, including updated Census data will be evaluated for a more accurate description of housing in Baytown. This information along with the information gathered for the most recent Consolidated Plan will give an idea of how limited CDBG dollars can be allocated more effectively in the future.

Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned Actions

Staff attempted to pursue all reasonable financial and non-financial resources to accomplish the stated goals and objectives listed in the Consolidated Plan and Action Plan. The financial resources used to accomplish the PY2014 goals included CDBG funds and City general funds. Non-financial resources included public service agency volunteers and the priceless in-kind donations from within the City structure. The support services from the City’s Finance, Legal, Public Works, Parks and Recreation, Human Resources, Engineering, Purchasing, Building, and Administration is invaluable and necessary for the successful implementation of CDBG in Baytown.

To obtain assistance in furthering the goals of the Consolidated Plan, staff provides a Certificate of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan if requested by agencies who are developing within the city limits. The City of Baytown has a standard procedure for issuing Certificates of Consistency with the Consolidated Plan. When a certificate is requested for a related project, Staff requires the project manager to submit the request in writing specifying the details of the project. City staff evaluates the information to determine the scope, budget and the number and type of persons that will be assisted. Staff also reviews the funding source and any potential opportunities to coordinate other services. The Staff drafts a memorandum that summarizes the project and notes how it is (or is not) consistent with the Consolidated Plan. Once all documentation is satisfactorily completed, the certificate is drafted and all of the background information is sent to the City’s Legal Department for review. Upon completion of the review, the certificate is submitted to the City Manager for approval. Staff notifies the project manager after the City Manager has executed the Certificate of Consistency. The Community Development staff retains a copy of each Certificate of Consistency issued.

Staff did not hinder the implementation of the Consolidated Plan by action or willful inaction.

For Funds Not Used for National Objectives

All of the CDBG funds used during the program year met one of the three national objectives. The use of CDBG funds met the overall benefit certification. The Financial Summary in Exhibit D indicates that approximately 81% of all CDBG funds expended benefited low-moderate income persons and areas. The remainder of the funds was used to demolish vacant substandard structures on a spot basis, general program administration and the development of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan, 2015-2019 Citizen Participation Plan, 2015-2016 Action Plan and the Analysis of Impediments/Fair Housing Plan.

Anti-Displacement and Relocation

The City of Baytown updated its Citizen Participation Plan in PY2014. The 2015-2019 Citizen Participation Plan discusses relocation and displacement. In PY2014, the City did not administer any programs that triggered the displacement of households, businesses, farms, or non-profit organizations. The Substandard Structures Abatement Program only targets dilapidated housing units that have been confirmed vacant for a consecutive three months prior to the initial inspection. Therefore, there is no person(s) to remove or displace during the process. Once the structure is tagged for dilapidated conditions, it cannot be occupied until it has been brought into current building code compliance. Those who choose to apply for the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program understand that the program is voluntary and no alternative shelter will be provided. If the home undergoes rehabilitation only, the contractor works around the owner and reconnects utilities at the end of each day if necessary. If the home needs to be demolished and reconstructed, the owner is made fully aware that the household must have an alternate place to live, at the owner’s expense, throughout the duration of the project. Finally, the Homebuyers’ Assistance Program which is administered by the City requires all sellers to sign a “Notice to Seller” disclosure in which the seller is required to disclose if he/she or any occupant in the home is being displaced due to the sale of the property. This year, no seller/occupant was involuntarily displaced. If relocation is necessary, Staff will consult the newly updated Citizen Participation and HUD regulations to effectively manage the process.

Low/Mod Job Activities

The City of Baytown did not have any programs that directly provided jobs to low-moderate income persons as a result of the projects undertaken in the PY2014 Action Plan. There were no proposed outcome measurements for jobs. However, the City provides contracting opportunities to small and historically underutilized and disadvantaged businesses (HUBs) through the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation, Residential Sewer Line Repair and Substandard Structure Abatement Programs. HUB contractors are identified using the Texas Building and Procurement Commission website. During the bid process, Staff mails a bid notice specifically to those identified as HUBs and possesses the experience needed to complete the project. Additionally, the City has in place, a CDBG Section 3 Plan. The Plan ensures employment (and other economic opportunities) generated by certain HUD financial assistance shall, to the greatest extent feasible, and consistent with federal, state and local laws and regulations, be directed to low- and very low income persons. Employment and economic opportunities generated by the projects will be geared towards the benefit of individuals who are recipients of government assistance for housing, and be directed to business concerns which provide economic opportunities to low- and very low income persons.

Low/Mod Limited Clientele Activities

There were six direct assistance public service programs that benefited a limited clientele. They included Baytown Resource and Assistance Center, Baytown Optimist, Bay Area Homeless Services Project Level Start, Community Development Transportation, The Bridge Over Troubled Waters and the Baytown Family YMCA Swim Safe Programs. Income information was collected for all of the participants and each program served far over 51% low-moderate income persons. Out of the 596 served in those programs, 586, or 98% were low-moderate income.

The Bay Area Homeless Services provided a childcare assistance program for homeless households in the Project Bridge. All participants in this program were presumed low income based on the fact that

they are homeless. The guidelines of the Community Development Citizens Transportation require that all participants be at or below 30% of the area median income. Although income information is collected and reviewed for the program, the Community Development Transportation participants are presumed to be at least 51% or more low-moderate income due to their senior and/or disabled or victims of domestic/sexual assault status. Income information was also collected and reviewed for participants in the Bridge Over Troubled Waters and the Optimist Youth Football Programs. The Baytown Resource and Assistance Center provided school clothing and school shoes as a last resort for families who could not afford suitable school clothing, shoes and/or uniforms. Many recipients are referred by school counselors because of their family’s low-income status and urgent needs. However, income information is also disclosed for the Baytown Resource program applicants. Due to unforeseen repairs of the swimming pool, the Baytown Family YMCA did not expend their allocation of PY2014 CDBG funding. However, it is customary for the YMCA to verify income on both the Swim Safe and the Life Guard Training Programs whenever they do expend CDBG funding.

The Bridge Over Troubled Waters (TBOTW) offers counseling and other assistance to victims of domestic violence and sexual abuse in times of crisis. In addition to counseling and various referrals, TBOTW staff will accompany victims to the local police department and provide follow-up as necessary. In 2012, the only domestic violence shelter within the city limits closed its doors. To fill this gap, TBOTW recently opened a satellite office in Baytown. In addition to one-on-one assistance, TBOTW also provides outreach and prevention services. In PY2014, CDBG funding was used to assist TBOTW with purchasing 1,500 brochures for the Baytown Outreach Program.

The following chart lists the direct-assistance programs that benefited a limited clientele and the percent of the low- moderate income persons assisted.

Limited Clientele Programs % Of Low-moderate income Persons

Baytown Optimist 98 % Baytown Resource and Assistance 98 % Bridge Over Troubled Waters 98% Baytown Family YMCA Swim Safe N/A Bay Area Homeless Services Project Bridge 100% Community Development Transportation 100%

Program Income Received

During the program year, a total of $6,422.17 was received as program income. At the beginning of the year, $10,000 was anticipated as program income and budgeted. Anticipated program income is based on an average of previous years’ program income received. However, actual program income received is usually the result of lien payoffs due to land transfers, sales, and property refinancing. Such private land transactions are unforeseen and cannot be precisely estimated for the original budget. Anticipated Program Income was less in PY2014 due to a decline in demolition lien payoffs. Two programs contributed to program income received this year, the Substandard Structures Abatement, and the Community Development Housing Programs. Below is a table which illustrates the programs that provided program income this year.

TABLE - PROGRAM INCOME

Programs Income Received

Substandard Structure Abatement $4,040.86 Community Development Housing $2,381.31

Total $6,422.17

The program income received was recorded as regular income and was not entered into any individual revolving funds. The City of Baytown does not have revolving funds for housing rehabilitation or economic development. There were no float-funded activities. The City of Baytown’s CDBG Program does not own any property, thus no program income were received as a result of property sales.

Prior Period Adjustments

There were no reimbursements or adjustments made this reporting period for expenditures that have been disallowed.

Loans and Other Receivables

There were no float-funded activities during the reporting year for which a principal balance is outstanding.

At the end of the reporting year, there were 97 outstanding loans totaling $639,557.74 as the principal balance owed. The Community Development Housing Programs, including the Homebuyers’ Assistance Program, Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program and the Residential Sewer Line Repair/Replacement Program grant funds in the form of a five-year deferred, forgivable loan. The principal balance of all loans made in these programs is forgiven each year by 20% until the balance is zero. If the original recipient no longer owns the property receiving the assistance, the remaining balance is due and payable immediately as per the lien agreement. The Homebuyers’ Assistance Program has 37 outstanding loans in the amount of $81,178.13. There are 23 deferred, unpaid loans in the amount of $520,090.60 for the Owner-Occupied Housing Rehabilitation Program. The Residential Sewer Line Repair/Replacement Program has 37 outstanding loans in the amount of $31,289.91. An inventory of each program has been generated to list the outstanding loans and the principal