appendix a: tables - meridian city...

Draft Report

2011 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)

Community Development Block Grant Program

City of Meridian, Idaho

TABLE OF CONTENTSI. Introduction………………………………………………………………………………………………………………3

II. Executive Summary…………………………………………………………………………………………………..5a. Summary of PY2011 Accomplishments…………………………………………………………..6b. Summary of Resources and Distribution of Funds…………………………………………..7

III. Five Year Plan Assessment of Progress……………………………………………………………………..10a. Five Year Goals and Objectives……………………………………………………………………..11b. Lessons Learned…………………………………………………………………………………………….16

IV. Assessment of Annual Progress………………………………………………………………………………..17a. Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing……………………………………………………………18b. Affordable Housing……………………………………………………………………………………….19c. Addressing Worst-Case Needs……………………………………………………………………….19d. Addressing Accessibility Needs……………………………………………………………………..19e. Continuum of Care………………………………………………………………………………………..19f. Other Actions………………………………………………………………………………………………..20

V. Program Narratives…………………………………………………………………………………………………..26

APPENDICESAppendix A: Tables

Joint Table 1C, 2C, and 3A—Summary of Specific/Annual Objectives…………….29Table 2A—Priority Housing Needs/Investment Plan Table…………………………….32Table 2B—Prioirty Community Development Needs………………………………………33Table 3B—Annual Affordable Housing Completion Goals………………………………34

Appendix B: ReportsSummary of Activities (PR03)………………………………………………………………………..35Summary of Activities (PR03) CDBG-R……………………………………………………………51Summary of Consolidated Plan Projects for Report Year 2011 (PR06)…………….53Summary of Accomplishments Report (PR23)……………………………………………….54Financial Summary Report (PR26)………………………………………………………………….55Expenditure Report (PR50)…………………………………………………………………………….57Expenditure Report (PR50) CDBG-R……………………………………………………………….57Timeliness Report (PR56)………………………………………………………………………………58Performance Measures Report (PR83)…………………………………………………………..59Strategy Area, CDFI, and Local Target Area (PR84)…………………………………………64

City of Meridian, Idaho 2

2011 CAPER—November 19, 2012

Appendix C: Legal Notices……………………………………………………………………………………..65Appendix D: Public Comments……………………………………………………………………………….66

SECTION IIntroduction



Section IIntroduction

The City of Meridian is a recipient of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides these funds to the City on a formula basis. As a recipient of these funds, the City is required to prepare a Consolidated Plan, also known as a five-year strategic plan. The plan identifies the housing and community needs of the City, organizes these needs based on priority, identifies resources that address the community’s needs, and establishes annual goals and objectives to meet those needs. The Consolidated Plan is further broken down into annual action plans, which the City prepares and submits to HUD each year. The annual action plan spells out specifically how the City will address the goals and objectives in the Consolidated Plan during that program year. At the end of each program year, the City provides a summary of expenditures and related accomplishments to the public and HUD. This annual assessment is called the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER).

While this report addresses goals achieved by expending funds for the CDBG program, it is important to note that the success of the program is largely dependent on the efforts and resources of other private and public agencies and organizations as well as HUD.

CAPER requirements are outlined in 24 CFR § 91.520. The report provides a review and evaluation of the City’s performance during the 2011 Program Year (PY 2011) and the five-year timeframe of the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan. The subject program year began October 1, 2011 and ended September 30, 2012.

This document includes reports generated by HUD’s Integrated Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). These IDIS reports summarize the City’s accomplishments for PY2011. HUD-recommended tables complement the narrative section and IDIS reports to provide an update on the City’s progress in achieving the goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan.



SECTION IIExecutive Summary



Section IIExecutive Summary

The performance measurement system outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan is based on the following HUD initiatives:

• Create a Suitable Living Environment• Provide Decent Housing• Create Economic Opportunities

These initiatives are carried out by the City of Meridian and various partner agencies and entities. They are consistent with the guidelines set-forth by HUD in accordance with regulations governing the use of CDBG funds and are based on the needs that the City has identified through its own assessment and on-going input from the citizens of Meridian.

Table 1 provides a summary of PY2011 Action Plan activities, along with an update of activity status (expenditures to date).

Table 1: Program Year 2011 AllocationsPY2011 ($230,715) Allocated Expended Remaining

Administration $46,115.00 $42,631.69 $3,483.31Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00

Neighborhood Housing Services $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00Meridian Playground Project $75,000.00 $0.00 $75,000.00

Meridian Food Bank $24,600.00 $24,600.00 $0.00Boys and Girls Club Scholarship Program $10,000.00 $9,970.00 $30.00

Façade Improvement (MDC) $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00TOTAL $230,715.00 $77,201.69 $153,513.31

A. Summary of PY2011 AccomplishmentsThe following is a summary of the City’s accomplishments in PY2011, including projects that were carried over from previous program years:

Completed the PY2012-2016 Consolidated Plan. Completed the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Report. Completed the lighting design for the Meridian Split Corridor Phase 2 Roadway project

in partnership with the Meridian Development Corporation from Program Year 2007. (This project will remain open until the roadway construction project is complete.)

Completed the Five Mile Creek Pathway Segment H.1 from Pine Avenue to Badley Street. (PY2007, PY2009, and PY2010)



Completed the Boys and Girls Club Transportation Program from Program Year 2009. Provided down payment assistance to one eligible low/moderate income household for

the purchase of a home in Meridian (funds from PY2010). Provided assistance to the Meridian Food Bank for the purchase of food during the 2011

program year. In combination with other monetary donations and support, the Meridian Food Bank assisted over 55,000 individuals and families during the past year.

Provided scholarships to 47 children at the Meridian Boys and Girls Club for their fee-based programs.

Completed the second and final project utilizing the PY2009 CDBG-R stimulus funds. Funds were utilized to install energy efficient pedestrian lighting along a ½ mile segment of W. 8th Street from Pine Avenue to Fairview Avenue.

B. Summary of Resources and Distribution of FundsThe City continued its efforts to address the priority housing and community needs identified in the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan. The 2011 Action Plan focused primarily on LMI beneficiaries. Table 2 provides a summary of expenditures by Consolidated Plan goals-objectives categories.

Table 2: PY2011 Activities and by Goal and ObjectivesGoal/Activity Allocated Expended Remaining

Suitable Living Environment $109,600.00 $34,570.00 $75,030.00Playground at Meridian Elementary School $75,000.00 $0.00 $75,000.00Meridian Boys and Girls Club Scholarships $10,000.00 $9,970.00 $30.00

Meridian Food Bank $24,600.00 $24,600.00 $0.00

Decent Housing $35,000.00 $0.00 $35,000.00Ada County Housing Authority $15,000.00 $0.00 $15,000.00

Neighborhood Housing Services $20,000.00 $0.00 $20,000.00

Economic Opportunities $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00Façade Improvement $40,000.00 $0.00 $40,000.00

General $46,115.00 $42,631.69 $3,483.31Administration $46,115.00 $42,631.69 $3,483.31

Note: None of the City's activities this year generated program income.Note: All funds received were from the CDBG Program.



Table 3: Expenditures during PY2011 from previous program years

Goal/Activity Program Year AllocatedExpended in

PY2011

Expended in Previous Program

Years Remaining

Suitable Living EnvironmentFive Mile Creek Pathway Segment H.1 PY2009 $32,322.72 $19,846.83 $12,475.89 $0.00Five Mile Creek Pathway Segment H.1 PY2010 $120,000.00 $120,000.00 $0.00 $0.00

Meridian Boys and Girls Club Transportation PY2009 $16,865.27 $3,800.86 $13,064.41 $0.00

Decent HousingAda County Housing Authority PY2010 $40,000.00 $15,000.00 $5,000.00 $20,000.00

Economic OpportunitiesStreet Light Design (MDC) PY2007 $55,000.00 $21,948.50 $33,051.50 $0.00

Total Expenditures During PY2011 (non-PY2011 Activities) $180,596.19

Table 4: CDBG-R Expenditures during PY2011

Goal/Activity Program Year AllocatedExpended in

PY2011

Expended in Previous Program

Years Remaining

Suitable Living EnvironmentW. 8th Street Pedestrian Lighting PY2010 $39,726.94 $33,670.94 $6,056.00 $0.00

During Program Year 2011 the City expended a total of $257,797.88 in CDBG funds for projects from Program Years 2007 through 2011. The City also expended $33,670.94 in CDBG-R stimulus funds on the second and final project utilizing that funding source.



SECTION IIIFive Year Plan Assessment of Progress



Section IIIFive Year Plan Assessment of Progress

A. Five Year Goals and ObjectivesDue to the broad range of goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan relative to the limited resources available for its implementation, the City was not able to explicitly address each specific objective in the Consolidated Plan during the 2011 Program Year. All expenditures did, however, achieve outcomes and address goals put forth in the City’s Consolidated Plan. Just about all of the PY2011 funds (excluding administrative funds) that were expended this year, were spent in the LMI target area. The City of Meridian has chosen a two year period of 2010 and 2011 to meet its Certification of Overall Benefit. As identified in the attached report (PR26), the City’s certification percentage for these two program years is 91.35% benefit to low/moderate income persons. The City made progress on the following objectives through PY2011 activities as described below:

Five Mile Creek Pathway Segment H.1(Suitable Living Environment): The Five Mile Creek Pathway segment H.1 traverses along the east side of Five Mile Creek from Pine Avenue to Badley Street; and will ultimately connect all the way to Fairview Avenue. This project has received funding over three program years: 2007, 2009, and 2010. Segment H.1 was constructed and completed during the spring and summer of 2012. A ribbon cutting ceremony was held on October 8, 2012 and the pathway is now being used by area residents. The project is located in a pre-designated LMI area as identified by HUD (Census Tract 010321, Block Group 2). The 2010 Action Plan allocated $120,000 for construction



funding. This project has contributed to the availability/accessibility of a suitable living environment (SL-1) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

The original scope for this pathway project included construction from Pine Avenue to Fairview Avenue; however, throughout the course of negotiating for easements, the Parks Department was unable to obtain the necessary easements to construct the segment of the pathway from Badley Street to Fairview Avenue. It is still in the City’s Master Pathway Plan to either construct

this segment of the pathway in the future with general funds or to require the construction of the pathway at such time as re-development occurs on the adjacent properties, which are largely underutilized. Because the timeline of the future construction of this segment is unknown and

outside the control of the City, the City intends to process a substantial amendment to the past action plans (PY07, PY09, and PY10) to amend the scope of the project. The project will remain open until such time as the amendment is complete.

Meridian Food Bank (Suitable Living Environment): In PY2011, the City allocated $24,600 for use by the Meridian Food bank to purchase food for area residents in need to be distributed through their location in downtown Meridian. The Meridian Food Bank expended its entire allocation during the program year. The Meridian Food Bank has been instrumental in filling a critical need within the community. The Food Bank provided food to over 55,000 individuals and families during this past year. Ninety-six percent (96%) of those individuals served were



low to moderate income persons. This contributed to the sustainability of a suitable living environment (SL-3) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

Boys & Girls Club Transportation Program (Suitable Living Environment): In PY2009, $17,000 was allocated to the Boys & Girls Club Transportation Program. No new funds were allocated to this project in PY2011. This public service program provided free transportation to students from targeted area schools to the Boys and Girls Club for after school programs during the 2009-2010; 2010-2011; and 2011-2012 school year. This transportation program sought to provide a suitable living environment by promoting the health, safety, and welfare of the children in Meridian’s LMI Areas. Ninety-five percent (95%) of the students transported through the three years of this activity were from L/M income households. During the 2011-2012 school year, 151 students were transported to the Club for after-school activities. The Boys and Girls Club is located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a designated LMI area. This activity has expended all of its funding and is identified as complete in IDIS. This contributed to the availability/accessibility of a suitable living environment (SL-1) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

Boys & Girls Club Scholarship Program (Suitable Living Environment): Ten thousand dollars ($10,000) was allocated in PY2011 for a scholarship program at the Meridian Boys and Girls Club for their fee-based programs or activities. Throughout the course of the year, 47 students were provided with scholarships that allowed them to participate in the Year One program, the Sunrise Club, field trips or to pay for a summer membership. The Club expended $9,970, and the activity is identified as complete in IDIS. The remaining $30 will be reallocated to an eligible activity. The Boys and Girls Club is located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a designated LMI area. This activity contributed to the availability/accessibility of a suitable living environment (SL-1) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan.

Playground Project at Meridian Elementary School (Suitable Living Environment): Seventy-five thousand dollars ($75,000) was allocated in PY2011 to purchase and install all-abilities

playground equipment at Meridian Elementary School, a public school. The Playground Project Team has been working diligently through the year to secure donations (cash and in-kind) to ensure the completion of this project. The majority of the site work has been completed, and the



playground equipment has been ordered. It is anticipated that the equipment will be installed in late October or early November. This project will contribute to the availability/accessibility of a suitable living environment (SL-1) as outlined in the Consolidated Plan. Meridian Elementary School and the new playground are located in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a designated LMI area.

Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) (Decent Housing): In order to increase the affordability of decent housing as outlined in the Consolidated Plan (DH-2), the City allocated $15,000.00 to ACHA for homeownership assistance through the housing choice voucher program. In addition, ACHA had remaining PY2010 funds, some which were spent during program year 2011. ACHA assisted one low/moderate income family with the purchase of a home in Meridian in the 2011 Program Year. The family received $15,000.00 in down payment, closing cost, and/or principle buy down assistance. The City plans to continue this partnership with ACHA in PY2012.

Because ACHA was unable to distribute its grant funds from PY2010 and PY2011, the City has amended its sub-recipient agreement with ACHA with a revised deadline to expend the funds by June 14, 2013. If the remaining funds from PY2010 ($20,000) and the funds from PY2011 ($15,000) are not expended by the new deadline, the City will reallocate the funds to another eligible activity. The conditions which led to this situation were primarily outside the control of the ACHA, and they are agreeable to this modification to the sub-recipient agreement.

Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) (Decent Housing): In order to increase the affordability of decent housing as outlined in the Consolidated Plan (DH-2), the City allocated $20,000.00 to NHS Lending for homeownership assistance for qualifying low/moderate income households. NHS assisted two low/moderate income households with the purchase of homes in Meridian in the 2011 Program Year. Due to conditions outside the control of NHS, they were unable to



distribute the remaining grant funds from PY2010 ($5,880.58) and the funds from PY2011 ($20,000). Because of this situation, the City has amended its sub-recipient agreement with NHS with a revised deadline to expend the funds by December 14, 2012

Street Lighting Design (Economic Opportunity): The Meridian Development Corporation (MDC) expended the remaining $21, 948.50 during PY2011 to complete the street light design plans for the Meridian Road Split Corridor Phase 2 roadway project ($55,000 originally awarded in PY2007 funding). The lighting design plans were included as part of the bid package for the entire roadway project. The project is scheduled to begin construction on October 29, 2012, and is expected to take approximately one year. The City and MDC are paying for the construction of the lighting through their own general funds. This PY2007 project will remain open until construction is complete. As identified in the Consolidated Plan, this project seeks to promote economic opportunity (EO-3) through the elimination of the conditions which contributed to the slum and blight of the area. The roadway project is taking place in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a designated LMI area; in addition, the project is located within the City’s designated urban renewal area.

Façade Improvement, Meridian Development Corporation (Economic Opportunity): Forty-thousand ($40,000) was allocated in PY2011 for a façade improvement program to be carried out by the Meridian Development Corporation (MDC). MDC opened up the application period in June 2012, and several businesses applied for use of the funds. Not all of the businesses met the criteria established for participation in the program. For those that did, MDC is still working through the details for the use of the grant funds. MDC has requested a time extension of their sub-recipient agreement in anticipation of being able to complete this activity by June 30, 2013. As identified in the Consolidated Plan, this project seeks to promote economic opportunity (EO-3).

Administration (General): Administrative funds during the 2011 program year paid for staff time, required notices, the writing and processing of the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan and Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Report, and other miscellaneous expenses. The City expended $42,631.69 of its allocation of administrative funds. The project is identified in IDIS as complete. The remaining $3,483.31 will be reallocated in the future to a qualified activity.

CDBG-RDuring the 2011 Program Year, the City completed its second and final project utilizing the $64,584 in CDBG-R (aka – ARRA or stimulus) funding. The second project utilized $39,726.94 to design and install energy efficient pedestrian scale lighting on W. 8th Street between Cherry Lane and Pine Avenue along a Safe-Routes-to-School corridor for Meridian Middle School, a public school. The project was completed in February 2012, and the increased lighting levels



have enhanced safety both for school children going to Meridian Middle School and for residents of this low income neighborhood who walk, bicycle and drive this roadway. This project took place in Census Tract 010322, Block Group 1, which is a designated LMI area. This activity has expended all of its funding and is identified as complete in IDIS.

B. Lessons LearnedBased on experiences in PY2011 the City will likely make the following changes in the future:

Improve timely expenditure of funds: While the City has met the requirement for the timely expenditure of funds during each program year, there is room for improvement. During the planning stages of the next Action Plan, the City will place a greater emphasis on projects that have a higher likelihood of being completed during the program year and projects that have a clearly defined timeline.

Improve Project Selection Process. This strategy relates to the above one to improve the timely expenditure of funds. The City has developed a scoring and ranking system that focuses on projects that achieve the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan as well as those projects that can be executed in a timely manner.



SECTION IVAssessment of Annual Progress



Section IVAssessment of Annual Progress

A. Affirmatively Furthering Fair HousingThe City of Meridian’s Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) identifies variables that can act as barriers to housing choice. Among the barriers identified in the AI were a lack of understanding of the requirements of the Fair Housing Act, a need for vouchers under the Section 8 Rental Assistance Program, limited income and high housing costs, and lack of understanding about housing accessibility requirements under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

Meridian acted primarily to address the lack of understanding of fair housing issues within the community. The Mayor made a declaration that April was Fair Housing Month in Meridian. During the month of April posters addressing various issues related to Fair Housing were displayed throughout City Hall. An article regarding Fair Housing was also published in the City’s e-newsletter that is distributed to approximately 2,500 Meridian community members. Fair Housing information is available on the City’s website, and the City participates in the Idaho Fair Housing Forum which is a “community of stakeholders dedicated to open and respectful discussion of issues impacting housing consumers, providers and advocates.” The group meets throughout the year to discuss issues affecting not only the Treasure Valley, but the state as a whole. The website (www.fairhousingforum.org) provides links to news, events, and other fair housing information.

The City also went through a comprehensive process to complete an updated Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice Report during the 2011 Program Year. This process included an in-depth analysis of the demographic composition of the City and an in-depth analysis of the current housing market in the City. A survey was conducted city-wide to gather public input in the Analysis of Impediments process. The resident survey was distributed through a wide variety of public and community organizations, mediums, and locations throughout the City. Three hundred and thirty (330) residents responded to the survey. In addition, a stakeholder survey was distributed to housing, fair housing, and social service professionals and 15 of those professionals responded. In addition, the City conducted stakeholder interviews with those professionals to gain a greater understanding of the current state of fair housing issues within our community.

Based on the information gathered and the research conducted during the AI process, the City developed a Fair Housing Action Plan (FHAP) to address the three identified impediments. This FHAP has very specific activities and target goals for the coming years that will guide the City in its actions to affirmatively further fair housing in the community.



http://www.fairhousingforum.org/

B. Affordable HousingHousing Units: In the 2011 Program Year the City partnered with Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) to address affordable housing issues. The City allocated a total of $35,000.00 in CDBG funds to ACHA and NHS for homeownership assistance. ACHA provided down payment, closing cost, and principle buy down assistance to low income buyers identified through the Housing Choice Voucher Program. The Housing Authority successfully helped one buyer purchase a home. NHS provided down payment and closing cost assistance to two low/moderate income households for the purchase of homes in Meridian. The Consolidated Plan identifies a multi-year goal of five affordable housing units made available to LMI residents; to date the City, NHS, and ACHA have assisted ten (10) households in the purchase of homes.

C. Addressing Worst-Case NeedsThe City partners with El Ada Community Action Partnership to provide utility bill assistance through the Meridian Cares Program. Funded with City enterprise revenues (not CDBG), Meridian Cares allows residents living at or below the poverty limit to receive up to $70.00 per year to pay City utility bills (water, sewer, and trash). The program does not differentiate between owners and renters; low-income renters are absolutely (although not exclusively) eligible. The program avoids service interruptions that would otherwise make a housing unit substandard (no water, for example).

D. Addressing Accessibility NeedsThe City of Meridian’s Community Development Department which includes the Building and Planning Divisions ensures that ADA requirements are met with all new construction and development projects occurring within the City.

E. Continuum of CareThe City of Boise has taken the lead on outlining an inclusive process to establish and implement a continuum of care strategy for Ada County. The City of Meridian has been actively involved in this process. In the meantime, Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) administers HUD Emergency Shelter and Supportive Housing Grant funds that benefit local homeless individuals and providers. Meridian does not have a substantial homeless population and as such does not currently have any housing facilities to administer services to this population. The City of Meridian maintains contact with El-Ada Community Action Partnership, Neighborhood Housing Services, Ada County Housing Authority, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and others interested in homeless and special needs populations and contributes to the dialogue as opportunities arise.



Meridian does not administer any programs for individuals with HIV/AIDS. The Idaho Housing and Finance Association (IHFA) contracts with Housing Opportunities for Persons with HIV/AIDS (HOPWA) service providers throughout the State to facilitate affordable housing for persons with HIV/AIDS and their families. ACHA is the HOPWA provider serving Meridian. ACHA’s administration of HOPWA funds is undertaken in accordance with IHFA’s HOPWA policies, which are designed to provide resources and incentives to devise long-term comprehensive strategies for meeting the housing needs of persons with HIV/AIDS.

The total Continuum of Care Funding for Ada County was $942,003 for fiscal year 2011. There were seven projects and three applicant agencies funded, and they are as follows:

Boise Cares – Boise City Housing Authority $64,514 Landmark Project – Boise City Housing Authority $7,696 WCA Transitional Housing – Women’s and Children’s Alliance $113,450 Threshold Crossing -Boise City Housing Authority $18,410 Coordinated Housing Options and Individualized Services – Ada County Housing

Authority $541,169 Shelter Plus Care – Ada County Housing Authority $177,192 Lifeline Home—$19,572

F. Other Actions in Strategic Plan/Action Plan:1. Address obstacles to meeting underserved needs

The primary obstacle in Meridian to meeting underserved needs is identification of those needs. Data is available at the state and county level, but there is little information about needs within Meridian. The City is eager to work with Ada County Housing Authority, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, and others interested in meeting underserved needs to develop an approach to data refinement toward the end of developing an area wide plan.

2. Foster and maintain affordable housingPlease see “Affordable Housing” on page 20 above.

3. Eliminate barriers to affordable housingPage 43 of the Consolidated Plan states that “After thorough evaluation and consideration of the elements of the 2006 [Meridian Comprehensive Plan], no specific barriers to affordable housing, controlled by the City were identified. These considerations were relative to local tax policies, land use controls, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limits, and policies that affect the return on residential investment.” During the past year, the City went through the process of updating its Comprehensive Plan, and the CDBG Administrator and the Comprehensive Planning Manager convened a group of local experts to review the City’s existing



housing goals, objectives, and actions items and come up with new ones for inclusion in the Comprehensive Plan. This Housing Sub-Committee made recommendations to revise and update these goals and objectives in coordination with an understanding of the City’s Consolidated Plan.

Barriers identified in the Consolidated Plan that are outside of the City’s control include high cost of land (which increases with demand for housing units), cost of building materials and supplies, labor costs, and County tax assessments. The cost of each of these elements has moderated or receded in the last year.On the ground, the primary barrier to affordable housing is adequate capital to purchase a home. The City’s partnership with and CDBG assistance to Ada County Housing Authority and Neighborhood Housing Services seeks to address this barrier.

4. Overcome gaps in institutional structure and enhance coordinationThe City continuously seeks to enhance coordination and overcome gaps in institutional structure. Participation in the continuum of care, attendance at IHFA and related events, and participation in regional coalitions and associations to forward program objectives all work toward the end of enhancing coordination.

Internally, the City continues to become more familiar with the CDBG program. Department Directors are showing more interest in the program and its possible application within their areas of focus, and potential new activity ideas are suggested regularly. Staff continues to establish standard operating procedures and guiding documents to monitor the program, track financials, ensure compliance, and address program requirements in a timely manner.

5. Improve public housing and resident initiativesThe City does not provide these services, but it continues to support Ada County Housing Authority and other providers in improving public housing.

6. Evaluate and reduce lead based paint hazardsThe City has began addressing the issues surrounding lead based paint hazards by making available, on its website, information to increase awareness of lead based paint hazards.

7. Ensure compliance with program and comprehensive planning requirementsStaff continues to establish standard operating procedures and documents to guide the program, track financials, ensure compliance, and address program requirements in a timely manner. The CDBG administrator communicates regularly with Community Planning and Development staff to stay on top of requirements related to the CDBG program and is unaware of any major missteps over the 2011 Program Year. The City



also understands that this is a very large and multifaceted program, and will continue working to understand its many nuances and address the related requirements that it entails.

8. Reduce the number of persons living below the poverty levelThe City focuses primarily on job creation and availability of educational opportunity to reduce the number of persons living below the poverty level. For example, the City, through its Economic Development Administrator, works to recruit new employers and encourage business expansion within in Meridian. One example is the “Core” which is a healthcare, education, and technology enterprise zone east of Downtown. The Core capitalizes on the success of complementary businesses and services that are already present in the area. Examples include St. Luke’s Hospital, Idaho State University, Meridian Joint School District No. 2, Crucial/Lexar Media, and others. The City has successfully facilitated the creation/recruitment of hundreds of jobs over the last few years by highlighting this emerging industry cluster in Meridian. These new jobs and educational opportunities are available for the entire area, including residents currently living in poverty. The economic downturn has had a dramatic impact on the region as a whole, but the City continues to do what it can to reduce the number of people living in poverty.

9. Leveraging ResourcesDuring Program Year 2011, the City was able to leverage additional resources in coordination with the Meridian Food Bank. In addition to the funds provided through the City, the Meridian Food Bank receives monetary and food donations from a variety of sources and uses all of the resources available to serve those in need.

The 2007 – 2011 Consolidated Plan states that “At this time, only CDBG, City general funds and tax revenue from the Urban Renewal Area are being made available to support program activities.” The Plan continues to identify other entities that may be able to contribute to the program at some point in the future. The City did not pursue additional funding through any of the listed potential partners during the 2011 Program Year. This is not inconsistent with the Plan; however, as the Plan acknowledges “other resources may not be able to contribute directly toward a CDBG eligible activity.” The City is making progress toward objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan; however this is being done using primarily CDBG resources.

10. Citizen CommentsIn addition to the requirements of the Citizen Participation Plan (which is included in the Consolidated Plan), the City took steps to broaden public participation this program year. To get word out about the program and what it seeks to achieve, and discuss



possible projects and activities, staff met with several non-profit entities throughout the community prior to call for projects. In preparation for the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan and the PY2012 Action Plan, staff sought public input through a citywide survey to determine the community’s needs and priorities. The survey was widely distributed to both residents and community stakeholders. In addition, on March 12, 2012 staff hosted a CDBG Workshop for past sub-recipients and interested organizations to learn about the CDBG Program and to solicit potential project ideas. Throughout the coming Program Year, the CDBG Administrator will again work to increase public awareness of the CDBG Program both to beneficiaries of the program and to possible sub-recipients. This can be accomplished by improving the information available on the City’s Community Development webpage, as well as, participating in the “This Week in Meridian” videos. These brief videos are posted weekly on the City’s main webpage and highlight things happening in the City during the week.

11. Self EvaluationWhile the City did not achieve all of the goals set forth in the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan, progress was made on the identified priorities within the Consolidated Plan and the PY2011 Action Plan. The City has learned a great deal about the types of projects that are viable within the monetary and programmatic constraints of the Community Development Block Grant program. The working relationships between the City and the individual sub-recipients have proved to be extremely valuable to the success of the program. The City has been able to utilize the experience and expertise of its non-profit partners to advance the stated goals of the CDBG program. The City’s sub-recipient partners have also been willing to adapt their policies and procedures in order to conform to CDBG regulations.

The PY2011 Action Plan states the following priorities and related outcomes; an update of progress/success in achieving each anticipated outcome is included.

Priority 1: Suitable Living Environment/Community ImprovementAnticipated Outcomes:

Public Facilities: Playground Project at Meridian Elementary SchoolAs identified earlier, this project did not advance as quickly as planned due to efforts to privately fundraise for the many additional components related to the site of the new playground facility. The playground equipment has been ordered and it is anticipated that the equipment will be installed in late October or early November.

Public Services: Support public service activities that benefit presumed and documented LMI residents on both an area and clientele basis.



The anticipated outcome for this priority was achieved by the City partnering with the Meridian Food Bank. The Meridian Food Bank provided food to over 55,000 persons who were in need from their location in the LMI area. The outcome for this priority was also achieved through the successful efforts of the Meridian Boys & Girls Club Scholarship program. The Club offered scholarships to 47 children from LMI households for their fee-based programs.

Priority 2: Affordable Housing (Homeownership)Anticipated Outcomes:

Partner with Ada County Housing Authority (ACHA) and Neighborhood Housing Services (NHS) to provide affordable housing opportunities.During PY2011, ACHA provided down payment and closing cost assistance to one LMI family using CDBG funds.

Priority 3: Economic Development

Support the efforts of Meridian Development Corporation to implement the Urban Renewal Area Plan in revitalizing downtown by completing at least one façade improvement project.As identified earlier, this project did not advance as quickly as planned. The Meridian Development Corporation has been working to clarify its requirements and criteria for participation in the program. Several local businesses have expressed interest in participating and utilizing the grant funds. Due to the slow start this program has had, MDC is requesting a 6-month time extension in their sub-recipient agreement in anticipation that the program will advance and expend funds.

Priority 4: Planning and AdministrationAnticipated Outcomes:

Ensure proper and timely administration and disbursement of CDBG funds.During PY2011 the CDBG Administrator submitted all required reports and documents to HUD and met the timely expenditure of funds as evidenced by the attached PR56 report. Planning and Administration funds were invested into the preparation of an updated Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing (AI) and components of an updated Consolidated Plan. The City hired BBC Research and Consulting to prepare the AI and particular components of the Consolidated Plan. The AI Report was adopted by the



Meridian City Council on April 18, 2012, and the 2012-2016 Consolidated Plan was adopted by the City Council on July 24, 2012.

Due to the broad range of goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan relative to resources available for its implementation, the City was not able to address each specific objective in the Consolidated Plan during the 2011 Program Year. All expenditures did, however, achieve outcomes and address goals outlined in the City’s Consolidated Plan. Additional information regarding the City’s progress toward achieving multi-year objectives is available in Joint Table 1C, 2C, and 3A in Appendix A.

12. MonitoringThe City used a variety of techniques to monitor subrecipients and review for compliance. Expectations were outlined in sub-recipient agreements, tailored specifically to each activity and sub-recipient entity. Through phone conversations, written correspondence, and desk monitoring staff reviewed sub-recipients’ progress toward meeting the program’s financial, production, and overall management requirements.

The City is timely in expenditure of CDBG funds as confirmed in the submitted PR56 report. The City does not use letter of credit disbursement and instead funds the program on a reimbursement basis (i.e. the money is spent by the time the City submits a draw down request to HUD). Proposed activities are yielding successful results, and the City is making progress toward Consolidated Plan goals and objectives as described herein. In conclusion, the City is encouraged by the overall status of the CDBG program.



SECTION VProgram Narratives



Section VProgram Narratives

A. Assessment of Relationship of CDBG Funds to Goals and ObjectivesAn assessment of the relationship of CDBG funds to goals and objectives is presented under “Five Year Goals and Objectives” on pages 12-16, and “Self Evaluation” on page 24.

B. Changes in Program ObjectivesThe City is not proposing any changes to program objectives at this time.

C. Assessment of Efforts in Carrying Out Planned ActionsAs noted throughout this report, the City pursued the resources indicated in the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan to the greatest extent possible. The activities carried during PY2011 were consistent with the strategies identified in the 2007-2011 Consolidated Plan.

D. Use of CDBG Funds for National ObjectivesAs outlined in Table 2, the majority of funds allocated and expended in PY2011 met the LMI national objective. Funds allocated to the administration of the program and for façade improvement are the exception.

E. Anti-displacement and Relocation – for activities that involve acquisition, rehabilitation or demolition of occupied real property

No activities in PY2010 involved acquisition, rehabilitation, or demolition of occupied real property.

F. Low/Mod Job ActivitiesNo activities were undertaken in PY2011 related to low/mod job creation.

G. Program Income ReceivedNo activities in PY2011 generated program income.

H. Prior Period AdjustmentsN/A

I. Loans and Other ReceivablesN/A

J. Lump Sum AgreementsN/A

K. Neighborhood Revitalization Strategies



N/A



APPENDICES



Appendix A: Tables

Joint Table 1C, 2C, and 3A - Summary of Specific/Annual ObjectivesGrantee Name: City of Meridian, Idaho



Note: Activities that are not proposed for advancement in PY2011 are included in gray font.Availability/Accessibility of Decent Housing (DH-1)

Specific Objective Source of Funds

Year Performance Indicators

Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

DH1.1

Support the development of new affordable housing.

CDBG/ Other/ Private

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

New affordable housing units.

0 0 0 0 1

0 0 0 0 0

N/A N/A N/A N/A 0 %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 0 0 % DH1.2

Acquire, demolish, and/or clear property for new affordable housing.

CDBG/

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Sites/lots acquired, demolished, and/or cleared.

1 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0

0 % N/A N/A N/A N/A


As available, acquire and sell a Dollar HUD Home as affordable housing.

CDBG/ Other/

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

New affordable housing units.

0 0 0 0 1

0 0 0 1 0

N/A N/A N/A

100% 0 %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 1 1 100 % Affordability of Decent Housing (DH-2)



Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

DH2.1

Create an Affordable Housing Task Force to advise the City on affordable housing issues.

CDBG/ Other/

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Task Force established.

1 0 0 0 0

1 0 0 0

100 % N/A N/A N/A N/A


Expand homeownership opportunities for low-moderate income individuals and families.

CDBG/ Other

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Affordable units purchased (homeowners assisted).

0 1 1 1 2

0 4 2 3 1

N/A 400% 200% 300% 100 %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 10 200% DH2.3

Design, print, and disseminate Community Resource Guide to provide information about housing, counseling, treatment, and other services in Meridian.

CDBG 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Residents/ Resource Guide recipients.

150 0 0 0 0

500 100 ? ?

333 % 100% N/A N/A N/A

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 150 600 400 %



Sustainability of Decent Housing (DH-3) Specific Objective Source of

Funds Year Performance

Indicators Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

DH3.1

Participate on boards and committees and cooperate with other entities to promote fair and affordable housing.

CDBG/ Other

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Activities. 1 1 1 1 1

1 2 1 1 1

100 % 200 % 100% 100 % 100 %


Collect and disburse information about the dangers of lead based paint.

CDBG/ Other

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Individuals educated.

20 20 20 20 20

100 ? ? ?

500 % 0 % % % %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 100 100 100 % Availability/Accessibility of Suitable Living Environment (SL-1)



Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

SL 1.1

Invest in public facility projects that help create a suitable living environment in LMI neighborhoods.

CDBG 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Public facility activities.

1 1 1 1 1

0 2 1 1 0

0 % 200% 100 % 100% 0 %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 4 80 % Affordability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-2)

SL2.1

N/A

MULTI-YEAR GOAL Sustainability of Suitable Living Environment (SL-3)



Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

SL 3.1

Reduce deterioration of LMI area around Downtown through Code Enforcement activities.

CDBG 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Code Enforcement cases/activities.

2 2 2 2 2

60 0 289

3,000 % 0 %

14,450% % %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 10 349 3,490 % SL 3.2

Organize neighborhood clean-up activities in the LMI area.

CDBG/ Other

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Activities conducted.

1 1 1 1 1

1 1 0\ 0

100 % 100 %

% % %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 5 2 40 % SL3.3

Support public service activities that benefit presumed and documented LMI residents on both an area and clientele basis.

CDBG 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Residents assisted.

5 5 5 5 5

0 13,223 29,673 36,576 55,844

0 % 264,460 % 593,460 % 731,520% 1,116,880

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 25 135,316 541,264 %



U.S. Department of Housing OMB Approval No. 2506-0117 and Urban Development (Exp. 4/30/2011)

Availability/Accessibility of Economic Opportunity (EO-1) Specific Objective Source of

Funds Year Performance

Indicators Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

EO 1.1

Increase access to services and jobs in LMI area through business recruitment/location/ expansion in URA.

CDBG/ Other

2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Businesses recruited to/ expanded in URA/LMI area.

0 0 3 3 4

0 2 0 0

N/A 200%

% % %

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 10 2 20 % Affordability of Economic Opportunity (EO-2)

EO 2.1

N/A

MULTI-YEAR GOAL Sustainability of Economic Opportunity (EO-3)



Expected Number

Actual Number

Percent Completed

EO 3.1

Support the efforts of Meridian Development Corporation to implement the Urban Renewal Area Plan in revitalizing downtown.

CDBG 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011

Revitalization and/or façade improvement activities.

1 0 1 1 1

0 0 0 0 0

0 % N/A 0% 0% 0%

MULTI-YEAR GOAL 4 0 0 % Neighborhood Revitalization (NR-1)

NR 1.1

N/A

MULTI-YEAR GOAL Other (0-1)

0 1.1

N/A

MULTI-YEAR GOAL



Table 2A Priority Housing Needs/Investment Plan Table

PRIORITY HOUSING NEEDS (households)

Priority

Unmet Need

0-30% 75% 31-50% 85.3% Small Related

51-80% 34.5% 0-30% 100%

31-50% 82.6% Large Related

51-80% 75% 0-30% 44.4%

31-50% 100% Elderly

51-80% 46.2% 0-30% 87.5%

31-50% 100%

Renter

All Other

51-80% 34.6% 0-30% 80.8%

31-50% 20/9% Small Related

51-80% 34.5% 0-30% 100%

31-50% 68.8% Large Related

51-80% 69.1% 0-30% 61.5%

31-50% 20.9% Elderly

51-80% 25.5% 0-30% 75.0%

31-50% 72.1%

Owner

All Other

51-80% 76.7% Elderly 0-80% 56.5% Frail Elderly 0-80% unknown Severe Mental Illness 0-80% unknown Physical Disability 0-80% unknown Developmental Disability 0-80% unknown Alcohol/Drug Abuse 0-80% unknown HIV/AIDS 0-80% unknown

Non-Homeless Special Needs

Victims of Domestic Violence 0-80% unknown Source: Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy (CHAS) Data as referenced in 2007 – 2011 Consolidated Plan.



Table 3B ANNUAL AFFORDABLE HOUSING COMPLETION GOALS

Grantee Name: Meridian, Idaho Program Year: 2011

Expected Annual Number of Units To Be Completed

Actual Annual Number of Units

Completed

Resources used during the period

CDBG

HOME

ESG

HOPWA

BENEFICIARY GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)

Homeless households 0

Non-homeless households 1 1

Special needs households 0

Total Sec. 215 Beneficiaries* 1 1

RENTAL GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)

Acquisition of existing units 0

Production of new units 0

Rehabilitation of existing units 0

Rental Assistance 0

Total Sec. 215 Affordable Rental 0

HOME OWNER GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)




Homebuyer Assistance 0

Total Sec. 215 Affordable Owner 1

COMBINED RENTAL AND OWNER GOALS (Sec. 215 Only)




Rental Assistance 0

Homebuyer Assistance 1 1

Combined Total Sec. 215 Goals* 1 1

OVERALL HOUSING GOALS (Sec. 215 + Other Affordable Housing)

Annual Rental Housing Goal 0

Annual Owner Housing Goal 1 1

Total Overall Housing Goal 1 1



Appendix B: Reports



Appendix C: Legal Notices



Appendix D: Public Comments



appendix a: tables - meridian city...

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