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HomeMy WebLinkAboutAuthorize HRDC letter to MDC Home Program1 Commission Memorandum REPORT TO: Honorable Mayor and City Commission FROM: Tracy Menuez, HRDC Wendy Thomas, Community Development Director SUBJECT: Human Resource Development Council (HRDC) is requesting a letter from the City to the Montana Department of Commerce (HOME Program) recognizing them as the local HOME administrator and recognizing Gallatin County as the agency preparing environmental review for eligible HOME projects/developments. MEETING DATE: December 2, 2013 AGENDA ITEM TYPE: Consent RECOMMENDATION: Authorize the City Manager to sign a letter recognizing HRDC as the local HOME administrator and recognizing Gallatin County as the agency preparing environmental review for eligible HOME projects/developments. BACKGROUND: The HOME program is a federal block grant program directed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and is designed to create affordable housing for low-income households. The Montana Department of Commerce (MDOC) is responsible for the administration of HOME within the state of Montana. MDOC provides HOME funds to community housing development organizations (CHDOs), public housing authorities (PHAs), and units of local government (counties and incorporated cities, of less than 50,000, and towns) throughout the state. The purposes of the HOME Program include expanding the supply of affordable housing for low- and very low-income persons; improving the means of state and local governments to implement strategies to achieve adequate supplies of decent, affordable housing; and providing both financial and technical assistance to participants to develop model programs for affordable, low-income housing. Every two years HRDC is prequalified by the Montana HOME program to allow HRDC to access funds for homebuyer assistance and homeowner rehabilitation on a noncompetitive basis. The letter of support from the City is an important part of the prequalification certification process. UNRESOLVED ISSUES: None at this time. ALTERNATIVES: As determined by the Commission. FISCAL EFFECTS: None. Attachments: Draft letter from the City Manager Report compiled on: November 20, 2013 129 CITY OF BOZEMAN 121 North Rouse P.O. Box 1230 Bozeman, MT 59771 Phone: (406) 582-2324 Cell: (406) 581-7026 TDD: (406) 582-2301 www.bozeman.net City Manager Chris A. Kukulski December 2, 2013 Montana Department of Commerce HOME Program P 0 Box 200545 Helena MT 59620-0545 Dear Ms. Maureen Martin: Affordable housing is an ongoing issue for Southwest Montana and is a topic that is frequently under consideration by the City of Bozeman. The goal of homeownership is important to our residents and to our city. To assist in achieving this goal, I would like to extend our support of the Human Resource Development Council of District IX, Inc. Road to Home Program to resume the use of the HOME Investment Partnership Program funds for down payment and closing cost assistance for moderate income households within our jurisdiction. The continuing partnership of the City of Bozeman, the MDOC HOME Program and the HRDC IX Road to Home Program will enable additional eligible households within our community to achieve homeownership. In addition, I am acknowledging that we accept the offer of Gallatin County to perform all activities associated with preparing the Environmental Review Record and the Site Specific Reviews for our jurisdiction on behalf of the HRDC IX. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the MDOC HOME Program and the HRDC IX Road to Home Program to provide the financial assistance that promotes homeownership. Sincerely, Chris Kukulski, City Manager Core Values Integrity: Be honest, hard- working, reliable and accountable to the public. Leadership: Take initiative, lead by example, and be open to innovative ideas. Service: Work unselfishly for our community and its citizens. Teamwork: Respect others, welcome citizen involvement, and work together to achieve the best result. 130