ITEM TITLE: Discuss granting CDBG funding to qualifying Public Service Organizations, the process of reviewing, scoring and allocating thereof, and providing staff with direction and taking appropriate action if necessary.
INITIATOR: Christine James, Community Services Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Christine James, Housing & Community Development Administrator
BACKGROUND: Annually, the City of Lawton is allocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which in turn the City of Lawton reallocates to qualifying projects/programs. According the HUD regulations, a maximum of fifteen percent (15%) of the annual CDBG allocation can be reallocated to public services.
This year, the City Planning Commission reviewed, scored, and made an allocation recommendation to Council for their final approval. The allocations were based off of their ranking after all application scores were tallied.
The process of determining individual allocation amounts to deserving Public Service Organizations (PSOs) is a daunting task, since all of the organizations do great work in our community and we wouldn't be the great community we are without them. Therefore, staff is requesting direction from Council on the process of reviewing, scoring, and allocating CDBG funds to PSOs.
The Citizen Participation Plan still requires that at least two public hearing be held, one in front of the City Planning Commission and one at a City Council meeting, to allow citizens to provide comments on the development and adoption of each Annual Action Plan.
EXHIBIT: CPC Recommended Allocation Amounts
KEY ISSUES: How should individual allocation amounts be determined for qualifying Public Service Organizations?
FUNDING SOURCE: CDBG federal grant
STAFF RECOMMENDED COUNCIL ACTION: Provide staff with direction regarding the process of reviewing, scoring, and allocating CDBG funds to qualifying Public Service Organiza...
Click here for full text