AGENDA DATE: 8/4/2021
TITLE:
Title
Community Development Block Grant COVID response (CDBG-CV).
BODY
SUBJECT/PROPOSAL/REQUEST: Public hearing for proposed application for CDBG-CV funding to support COVID-related food security activities.
ITEM TYPE: Regular Action Item
STAFF CONTACT(S): Richardson, Kamptner, Baumgartner, Stebbins, Pethia
PRESENTER (S): Stacy Pethia
LEGAL REVIEW: Yes
REVIEWED BY: Jeffrey B. Richardson
BACKGROUND: The Virginia Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program is a Federally funded grant program administered by the Virginia Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD). DHCD is making a portion of their current allocation of CDBG available to address COVID-19 related needs, including issues surrounding access to fresh and healthy foods. The CDBG application process requires two local public hearings be conducted. At the first public hearing with the Board on June 2, 2021, information was provided on eligible activities that may be funded by the CDBG program, the amount of funding estimated to be available, past activities undertaken with CDBG funds, and the process for applying for funding. No public comments were received during this hearing. The purpose of this public hearing is to provide information on the proposed project application and to accept public comment on this application.
STRATEGIC PLAN: Quality Government Operations - Ensure County government’s capacity to provide high quality service that achieves community priorities.
DISCUSSION: On July 15, 2020 the Board approved submission of a CDBG-CV application to provide rental and mortgage assistance to the County’s low- and moderate-income households suffering loss or reduction or income during the COVID-19 pandemic. However, before that application was approved, DHCD launched the Virginia Rent and Mortgage Relief Program, making the County’s application a low priority request. Subsequent conversations with DHCD highlighted a couple of other COVID-related needs that could be addressed with future CDBG-CV funding, with food security projects being a priority for DHCD.
Following the first public hearing held on June 2nd, staff worked with the Blue Ridge Health District and several local nonprofit organizations to develop a project to connect low/moderate-income households and Migrant farmworkers with sources of fresh, and culturally appropriate food options; and to provide prepared meals to any county residents who may need to quarantine due to a COVID-19 exposure or positive test. As outlined in the Letter of Interest (Attachment A), the application requests a total $314,000 with $284,000 applied to direct service delivery, and the remaining $30,000 for administrative costs. Project components include:
1. $110,000 to provide grocery gift cards to 120 low-income households and 100 Migrant workers;
2. $144,000 to cover the cost of Fresh Farmacy food boxes for 100 households, including 10 families
enrolled the ACPS Families in Crisis or Migrant Education Programs.
3. $30,000 to provide prepared meals for up to 150 county residents needing to quarantine due to a
positive COVID test or exposure to the coronavirus.
The full application is included as Attachment B to the staff report.
BUDGET IMPACT: There is no budgetary impact unless and until an application is made and a grant is awarded, at which time the Board will be asked to appropriate funding. Community Development staff will work in partnership with Finance & Budget to administer the grant. CDBG projects include various levels of funding to offset administrative costs by awarding such funds based on performance. The budget submitted with the application will include a performance-based budget for administration.
RECOMMENDATION:
Recommendation
Staff recommends that the Board adopt the attached Resolution (Attachment C). This action approves the County’s submission of a Letter of Interest for CDBG-CV funding at the recommended amount and authorizes the County Executive to execute the application package, as well as any supporting or related contracts or documents required to obtain or accept this grant, and to take any further action required for this application.
ATTACHMENTS:
A - Letter of Interest
B - CDBG-CV application
C - Resolution