Focus on decent affordable housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities. That was the message from city officials during yesterdays City Council study session, which briefed councilmembers on Tacomas Five-Year Consolidated Housing Plan.
The plan is required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to apply for funds from three federal programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG).
According to Ric Teasley of the Tacoma Economic Development Department, the citys plan is consistent with HUD goals and targets the following areas:
Decent affordable housing
–Preserve existing affordable owner and renter housing;
–Expand / sustain homeownership opportunities;
–Provide support to preserve quality and habitability of rental housing;
–Provide assistance for a continuum of housing opportunities for persons with special needs, homeless persons and people at risk of homelessness;
–Reduce barriers to affordable housing;
Provide a suitable living environment
–Revitalize targeted neighborhoods;
–Maintain / improve community facilities and public infrastructure;
Expand economic opportunities
–Support the Citys Renewal Community activities;
–Focus on investment for economic development in targeted neighborhoods;
–Support economic development activities that provide livable wage jobs;
–Support small-business development;
The plan identifies areas for HUD funding.
Recommendations for Human Services total $481,111 in CDBG funding for housing related services in the area of crime prevention, self-sufficiency programs and job training.
Recommendations for Housing / Capital Projects and Economic Development total $583,571 in CDBG funding for the Hilltop Renaissance Project, Martin Luther King Housing Development Association, the Womens Entrepreneurial Assistance Program, William M. Factory Small Business Incubator, Paint Tacoma Beautiful, Tacoma Cares, and the Metropolitan Development Council.
