CDBG Advisory Committee

PUBLIC TELEPHONE CONFERENCE CDBG ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING AGENDA Thursday, May 14, 2020 - 6:00 p.m. Committee Members please call 816-220-4504 if unable to attend The public may participate via telephone conference by calling (816) 743-4875 – Conference ID: 143 649 740# as provided in Section 610.020(4) RSMo. Members of the CDBG Advisory Committee will be participating via video conference and/or telephone as provided in Section 610.020(1) RSMo. Pursuant to Jackson County Executive Order dated March 22, 2020 requiring residents to stay at home and limiting public gatherings, this CDBG Advisory Committee Meeting will be conducted by taking safe social distancing measures as required by the Order. 1 CALL TO ORDER • Minutes – November 20, 2019 2 PUBLIC HEARING / SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENTS TO 2017-2021 CONSOLIDATED PLAN & CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PLAN & 2019-2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN • Affidavit of Publication in The Examiner on May 2, 2020. • Public comments received during public period beginning May 2, 2020 and ending at public hearing. • Proposed substantial amendments to CDBG plans to accommodate and allocate $158,235 of CDBG- CV funds received through the CARES Act, including staff recommended allocations for review and recommendation to the City Council. • A final public comment period will be provided between May 16, 2020 and May 25, 2020 with a final public hearing being held by the City Council on June 1, 2020. 3 OTHER BUSINESS • 2020-2021 Annual Action Plan schedule 4 ADJOURN If special accommodations are required for citizen participation in this meeting, PLEASE CALL 228-0207 (VOICE) OR 228-0250 (TDD) Agenda posted at the following locations: City Hall, 903 W. Main Street City’s website http://www.bluespringsgov.com/AgendaCenter May 7, 2020 A quorum of the City Council may be in attendance however no City Council votes will be taken. Community Development 05-14-2020 CDBG Page 1 of 1 mw  City of Blue Springs 903 W. Main Blue Springs, Missouri 64015 CDBG ADVISORY COMMITTEE MINUTES Wednesday, November 20, 2019 A regular meeting of the CDBG Advisory Committee of the City of Blue Springs was held at City Hall in the Development Conference Room 128 located at 903 W. Main Street on Wednesday, November 20, 2019 with the following members, guests and staff in attendance: VOTING MEMBERS Susan Stokenbury, PC Rep. Galen Ericson, Council Dist. 1 PRESENT Cindy Miller, Chairperson Keith Hannaman, Vice Chair STAFF / OTHERS Matt Wright, Com. Dev. Chris Sandie, Public Works Dennis Dovel, Parks VOTING MEMBERS Ron Folwer, Council Dist. 3 ABSENT Kent Edmondson, Council Dist. 2 Jason Ellis, DRB Rep. CALL TO ORDER Chairperson Cindy Miller called the meeting to order at 6:00 p.m. Chairperson Miller requested action on the June 12, 2019, meeting minutes. Committee Member Keith Hannaman made a motion to approve the minutes, a second from Committee Member Susan Stokenbury, and a unanimous vote, the minutes for June 12, 2019, were approved as submitted. AGENDA ITEM 2 Chairperson Miller opened the public hearing for the Annual Action Plan at 6:01 PUBLIC HEARING / 2018- p.m. 2019 CAPER Matt Wright, Senior Planner, presented the draft 2018-2019 CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report) which is required to be submitted to HUD by December 30th. The CAPER is an annual report on how the City utilized CDBG funds during the program year, which covers October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019. Mr. Wright went through the main highlights of the report. The City expended $209,239 during the program year, which was expended as follows:  $81,687 – Sidewalk Improvement Program for sidewalks adjacent to James Walker Elementary at Walnut St. and Sunnyside School Rd. CDBG Minutes – 11.20.2019 Page 1 of 2 mw   $67,442 – Minor Home Repair Program which assisted 14 households.  $619 – Fieldhouse Recreation Scholarships  $9,478 – Hope House for domestic violence counseling  $18,631 – Community Services League for housing and utilities assistance  $12,500 – Downtown Alive for technical assistance for economic development in a slum/blight area  $12,000 – First Time Home Buyers which assisted 4 households  $6,883 in program administration and planning Mr. Wright noted that no funds were expended on the Commercial Façade Grant Program. A public notice was published on November 2, 2019 announcing the public hearing. The public hearing is also the official opening of the minimum 15-day public comment period, which will run through Monday, December 9, 2019. After that date, staff will finalize the CAPER and submit to HUD. QUESTIONS There were no questions from the Committee. There were no members from the public in attendance. HEARING CLOSED Chairperson Cindy Miller closed the public hearing at 6:10 p.m. OTHER BUSINESS Mr. Wright provided an update to the Committee on the status of 2019-20 projects. Unless there are any major plan changes, staff does not anticipate needing an additional CDBG meeting until April, when the City will begin the process of developing the 2020-21 Annual Action Plan. MEETING ADJOURN With no further discussion, a motion was made by Committee Member Keith Hannaman to adjourn at 6:13 p.m. Seconded by Committee Member Susan Stokenbury. _________________________ Respectfully Submitted by, Karen Findora, Recording Secretary ____________________________________ __________________________ Cindy Miller, Chairperson Date CDBG Minutes – 11.20.2019 Page 2 of 2 mw DATE: May 7, 2020 TO: CDBG Advisory Committee FROM: Matt Wright, Senior Planner SUBJECT: Substantial Amendments to accommodate CDBG-CV funds The purpose of the May 14, 2020 CDBG Advisory Committee is to begin the public input process in amending the 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan/Citizen Participation Plan and 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan to accommodate and allocated $158,235 in CDBG-CV funds received through the CARES Act. The following have been included in the agenda packet for review and reference:  Public Notice published in The Examiner on Saturday, May 2, 2020 opening a public comment period between May 2nd and May 14th and noticing the CDBG Advisory Committee public hearing on May 14th.  Proposed substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Citizen Participation Plan. Only sections in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan proposed to be amended are shown, with recommended amended noted. The Citizen Participation Plan includes the entire plan with proposed amendments shown using “track changes” editing.  Copy of letter received from HUD dated April 2, 2020 to Mayor Ross announcing the $158,235 allocation to the City of Blue Springs.  Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infection Disease Response (Revised April 6, 2020). The allocation of CDBG-CV funds is limited to the activities included in the 2-page guide. Since publishing the original public notice, staff has received additional guidance from HUD, including the need to request a waiver from the minimum comment period. Due to this requirement, a second notice of public comment period and public hearing will be required to ensure compliance with the waiver regulations. A second public notice will be published on May 16, 2020 opening a new public comment period which will begin May 16th and end on May 25th. A final public hearing will be held by the City Council on Monday, June 1, 2020.  Public Notice City of Blue Springs, Missouri Community Development Block Grant Substantial Amendments 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan 2017-2021 Citizen Participation Plan 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan In accordance with 24 CFR 91.05(c)(2) and subpart B of the federal regulations relative to citizen participation for Community Planning and Development Programs and applicable waivers made available to those requirements through the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), the City of Blue Springs is proposing substantial amendments to the 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan, 2017-2021 Citizen Participation Plan, and the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. Amendments include the following: accepting and allocating $158,235 in CDBG-CV funds in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, which are proposed to be allocated for microenterprise and small business assistance for retention of low-moderate income jobs or businesses owned by low-moderate income persons and for public services to assist low-moderate income persons and households impacted by employment losses or reductions or other financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic; and amending the Citizen Participation Plan to accommodate expedited review processes for urgent needs and to hold virtual public hearings when necessary. Proposed amendments can be viewed on the City’s website at: http://www.bluespringsgov.com/202/Community-Development-Block-Grant-CDBG. This notice shall serve as the opening of the public comment period, which will run between Saturday, May 2, 2020 and the videoconference public hearing, which will be held by the CDBG Advisory Committee on Thursday, May 14, 2020 at 6:00 P.M. Instructions on how to participate in the public hearing will be provided with the agenda packet, which will be published in the Agenda Center on the City’s website in advance of the meeting. The purpose of the public comment period and public hearing is to invite the public to review the proposed amendments and provide input on proposed processes, programs, and activities. The CDBG Advisory Committee will make a recommendation to the City Council for final consideration and adoption. The public is encouraged to submit public comments or participate in the public hearing, including organizations that provide assistance to low-moderate income residents and individuals who may be homeless or at risk of becoming homeless, public housing agencies, residents of public and assisted housing developments, and low-moderate income residents. The City shall consider the views of citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties in preparing final submissions and attach a summary of such comments as they relate to the substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, and the Annual Action Plan. For more information on the proposed substantial amendments, contact Matt Wright, Senior Planner, at 816-220-4504 or by email at mwright@bluespringsgov.com. Public comments may be submitted via any of the following: By email at mwright@bluespringsgov.com; by mail at City of Blue Springs, Attn: Community Development – CDBG, 903 W. Main St., Blue Springs, MO 64015; or by participating in the public hearing. Published in The Examiner: Saturday, May 2, 2020  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan City of Blue Springs, Missouri 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan Proposed Substantial Amendments – May 2, 2020 The City of Blue Springs has received $158,235 in CDBG-CV funds through the CARES Act passed in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. As part of the response, the City is amending the 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan, the 2017-2021 Citizen Participation Plan, and the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan. The following documents detail the amendments that are being proposed and notes either how the requested projects meet the existing strategies or goals in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan or where amendments are needed. All amended sections and additions are noted in red bold. Sections noted in black bold are for clarification purposes but will not be officially included in the amended plan. Proposed funding amounts are preliminary and are subject to change based on public comment and recommendation by the CDBG Advisory Committee, with the City Council making the final determination on funding amounts. 1  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan The following amendments are proposed to the 2017-2021 Consolidated Plan:  Strategic Plan / Priority Needs (SP-25/SP-26): o #1: Reinvest in Downtown & Existing Neighborhoods  Current Description: Reinvesting in downtown and existing neighborhoods, especially those in central Blue Springs, help to maintain existing building stock and infrastructure to create economic development opportunities for low-mod income residents.  Proposed Amended Description: Reinvesting in downtown and existing neighborhoods, especially those in central Blue Springs, help to maintain existing building stock and infrastructure to create economic development opportunities for low-mod income residents. Provide resources for microenterprises and small businesses to retain and/or create jobs for low-moderate income residents and business owners.  Strategic Plan / Priority Needs (SP-25/SP-26): o #4: Public Services for LMI Persons and Areas  Current Description: Public services can be used to provide direct and in-direct benefits to LMI persons and areas. Some public services will provide assistance to a limited number of households, who must apply for the funds, while others may be provided to an organization that administers funds that have a positive impact on entire neighborhoods and areas.  Proposed Amended Description: Public services can be used to provide direct and in-direct benefits to LMI persons and areas. Some public services will provide assistance to a limited number of households, who must apply for the funds, while others may be provided to an organization that administers funds that have a positive impact on entire neighborhoods and areas. Funds may be allocated to public services to assist low-moderate income persons and households impacted with employment changes or losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with materials and supplies, including subsistence payments for housing and utilities. (Note: The City has and is currently funding subsistence payments under the current description, however, is providing additional clarification).  Strategic Plan / Goals (SP-45/SP-46): o #1: Redevelop Downtown Blue Springs  Current Description: Support the preservation of existing buildings to encourage rehabilitation and reuse. Support targeted acquisition and demolition of blighted properties to encourage redevelopment opportunities. Support infrastructure improvements that encourage redevelopment opportunities.  Proposed Amended Description: Support the preservation of existing buildings to encourage rehabilitation and reuse. Support 2  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan targeted acquisition and demolition of blighted properties to encourage redevelopment opportunities. Support infrastructure improvements that encourage redevelopment opportunities. Provide financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses to retain and/or create jobs for low-moderate income residents and business owners. o #3 Reinvest in Existing Neighborhoods  Current Description: Reinvest in existing low-moderate income neighborhoods through infrastructure, park, and economic improvements, including: support infrastructure improvements in low-moderate income neighborhoods, including replacement of streets, sidewalks, trails, and ADA improvements; support park improvements in low-moderate income neighborhoods; and support rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings that create economic opportunities in low-moderate income neighborhoods.  Proposed Amended Description: Reinvest in existing low- moderate income neighborhoods through infrastructure, park, and economic improvements, including: support infrastructure improvements in low-moderate income neighborhoods, including replacement of streets, sidewalks, trails, and ADA improvements; support park improvements in low-moderate income neighborhoods; and support rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings that create economic opportunities in low-moderate income neighborhoods. Provide financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses to retain and/or create jobs for low-moderate income residents and business owners. o #4: Support Public Service Agencies  Current Description: Provide support to public service agencies that benefit low-moderate income persons and areas, including providing services to low-moderate income clientele or areas.  Proposed Description: Provide support to public service agencies that benefit low-moderate income persons and areas, including providing services to low-moderate income clientele or areas. Funds may be allocated to public services to assist low- moderate income persons and households impacted with employment changes or losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with materials and supplies, including subsistence payments for housing and utilities. (Note: The City has and is currently funding subsistence payments under the current description, however, is providing additional clarification).  Amendments to the 2017-2021 Citizen Participation Plan are attached and redlined as a separate document. 3  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan The following amendments are proposed to the 2019-2020 Annual Action Plan:  Annual Action Plan / Expected Resources (AP-15): o Introduction  Current Introduction: Community Development Block Grant is the only HUD program available to the City to address community development needs. Area Public Housing Authorities also receive funds from HUD to help administer their programs that provide assistance to low-moderate income families in Blue Springs. Other public service agencies may receive other public funding sources, including from other communities through CDBG.  Proposed Amended Description: Community Development Block Grant is the only HUD program available to the City to address community development needs. Area Public Housing Authorities also receive funds from HUD to help administer their programs that provide assistance to low-moderate income families in Blue Springs. Other public service agencies may receive other public funding sources, including from other communities through CDBG. Additionally, the City will utilize CDBG-CV funds received through the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic to provide assistance to microenterprises and small businesses for low-moderate income jobs retention and for public services to assist low-moderate income persons and households impacted by employment losses or reductions. o Priority Table  Added “Other – CDBG-CV” to Source of Funds.  Source: Public-Federal  Uses of Funds: Economic Development, Public Services  Expected Amount Available: $158,235  Narrative Description: CDBG-CV funds received through the CARES Act in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.  Annual Action Plan / Goals & Objectives (AP-20/AP-21): o #1 Redevelop Downtown Blue Springs  Current Narrative: Support preservation of existing building to encourage rehabilitation and reuse; support targeted acquisition and demolition of blighted properties to encourage redevelopment opportunities; and support infrastructure improvements that encourage redevelopment opportunities.  Proposed Amended Narrative: Support preservation of existing building to encourage rehabilitation and reuse; support targeted acquisition and demolition of blighted properties to encourage redevelopment opportunities; and support infrastructure improvements that encourage redevelopment opportunities. Provide financial assistance to microenterprises and small 4  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan businesses to retain and/or create jobs for low-moderate income residents and business owners.  Funding Allocated: o CDBG: $55,000 (Note: Downtown Alive & Façade Grant)  Goal Outcome Indicator: o Facade: 3 businesses o Jobs created/retained: 25 jobs o Businesses assisted: 50 businesses (Note: the goals above are already included in the current plan as these are the goals associated with the Downtown Alive and Façade Grant projects). o #3 Reinvest in Existing Neighborhoods  Current Narrative: Support infrastructure improvements in LMI neighborhoods, including replacement of streets, sidewalks, trails, and ADA improvements; support park improvements in LMI neighborhoods; and support rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings that create economic opportunities in LMI neighborhoods.  Proposed Amended Narrative: Support infrastructure improvements in LMI neighborhoods, including replacement of streets, sidewalks, trails, and ADA improvements; support park improvements in LMI neighborhoods; and support rehabilitation and reuse of existing buildings that create economic opportunities in LMI neighborhoods. Provide financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses to retain and/or create jobs for low-moderate income residents and business owners.  Funding Allocated: o CDBG: $120,000 (Note: Rotary Park improvements) o Other–CDBG-CV: $100,000 (Note: microenterprises and small businesses may be located anywhere within the City limits, provided they meet the low-moderate income job retention and all other CDBG requirements. This amount is not specifically listed under “Redevelop Downtown Blue Springs” to distinguish it as a Citywide program).  Goal Outcome Indicator: o Public Facility: 3,470 persons assisted o Jobs created/retained: 20 jobs o Businesses assisted: 20 businesses (Note: the above goals must be updated to reflect proposed allocation amendments) o #4 Support Public Service Agencies  Current Narrative: Support public service agencies that provide services to LMI income clientele or LMI income areas. 5  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan  Proposed Amended Narrative: Support public service agencies that provide services to LMI income clientele or LMI income areas. Funds may be allocated to public services to assist low- moderate income persons and households impacted with employment changes or losses as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic with materials and supplies, including subsistence payments for housing and utilities. (Note: The City has and is currently funding subsistence payments under the current description, however, is providing additional clarification).  Funding Allocated: o CDBG: $39,090 (Note: CSL, Hope House, & Fieldhouse Scholarships) o Other – CDBG-CV: $58,238 (Note: 15% cap on public services does not apply to CDBG-CV funds)  Goal Outcome Indicator: o Public services other than LMI Housing: 154 persons assisted o Public services for LMI Housing: 48 306 households assisted (Note: staff has arrived at 306 households based on usage of existing funds provided to CSL, which average to $272 per household for either housing or utility assistance = $83,235 / $272 = 306)  Annual Action Plan / Projects (AP-35/AP-38) o Current Introduction: Most of the projects proposed in the 2019-20 program year are continuations of existing programs that have proven successful, including the Minor Home Repair Program and First Time Home Buyer Program. These are also programs that were seen as the most important to continue with the 2016 Assessment of Fair Housing by providing affordable housing for low-moderate income families. Other projects that will be carried forward include the funding of public services for Community Services League (CSL), Hope House, and Fieldhouse Recreation Scholarships; funding of Downtown Alive and the Commercial Facade Grant Program to support economic development in a slum/blight area; and a Park Improvements Program to assist with parks and recreation improvements in low-moderate income areas. Program administration and planning will be utilized to administer programs and planning efforts. o Proposed Amended Introduction: Most of the projects proposed in the 2019-20 program year are continuations of existing programs that have proven successful, including the Minor Home Repair Program and First Time Home Buyer Program. These are also programs that were seen as the most important to continue with the 2016 Assessment of Fair Housing by providing affordable housing for low-moderate income families. Other projects that will be carried forward include the funding of public services for Community Services League (CSL), Hope House, and Fieldhouse Recreation Scholarships; funding of Downtown Alive and the Commercial Facade Grant Program to support economic development in a slum/blight area; and a Park Improvements Program to assist with parks and 6  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan recreation improvements in low-moderate income areas. Program administration and planning will be utilized to administer programs and planning efforts. CDBG-CV funds will provide additional funds for CSL to expand their subsistence program. Funds will also be allocated to establish programs for financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses to retain low-moderate income jobs or to assist low-moderate income owners of microenterprises.  Project #7: Community Services League  Current Description: Community Services League will assist in covering short-term rent and utility assistance (subsistence payments) to prevent homelessness and assisting households in locating long-term housing.  Proposed Amended Description: Community Services League will assist in covering short-term rent and utility assistance (subsistence payments) to prevent homelessness and assisting households in locating long- term housing. CDBG-CV funds will be used to expand the subsistence payments program to provide housing and utility assistance to low-moderate income residents impacted by employment reductions or losses or other financial impacts as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Expected Resources: o CDBG: $25,000 o Other-CDBG-CV: $58,238  Goal Outcome Indicators: o Public service activities for LMI Housing Benefit: 180 306 households assisted  Project #27: Microenterprise and Small Business Assistance Programs  Description: Financial programs to assist microenterprises and small businesses with retaining low-moderate income jobs as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic.  Expected Resources: o Other-CDBG-CV: $100,000  Annual Goals Supported: o Redevelop Downtown Blue Springs o Reinvest in Existing Neighborhoods  Target Areas Included: o Downtown Blue Springs o Low-Mod  Target Date Complete: o 09/30/2020  Location Description: o Qualifying microenterprises and small businesses must be located within the Blue Springs city limits.  Priority Needs Addressed: 7  DRAFT Amended 2017-21 Consolidated Plan & 2019-20 Annual Action Plan o Reinvest in Downtown & Existing Neighborhoods  Planned Activities: o Financial assistance to microenterprises and small businesses to retain low-moderate income jobs.  Goal Outcome Indicators: o Jobs created/retained: 20 jobs o Businesses assisted: 20 businesses assisted 8 City of Blue Springs, Missouri Citizen Participation Plan October 1, 2017 – September 30, 2021 Amended for Public Comment – May 2, 2020 Formatted: Font: 12 pt Proposed amendments are in red. Formatted: Centered Formatted: Font: 12 pt  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 Table of Contents (heading and page numbers will be updated as necessary once amendments are finalized) 1. Overview..................................................................................................................... 3 2. Citizen Participation Process .................................................................................. 3 A. Introduction ......................................................................................................... 3 B. Consolidated Plan & Citizen Participation Plan .......................................... 43 C. Annual Action Plan .......................................................................................... 54 D. Amendments to the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan ............... 5 E. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report ........................ 7 F. Assessment of Fair Housing ............................................................................ 8 3. Displacement Policies ........................................................................................ 1110 4. Public Availability ................................................................................................ 1211 A. Public Hearings ............................................................................................ 1211 B. Access to Records ...................................................................................... 1211 C. Technical Assistance .................................................................................. 1312 5. Complaints ........................................................................................................... 1312 6. Summary of CDBG Program Year ................................................................... 1413 2  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 1. Overview As a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Entitlement community, the City of Blue Springs, Missouri is required to adopt a Citizen Participation Plan that sets forth the jurisdiction’s policies and procedures for citizen participation per 24 CFR 91.105. The Citizen Participation Plan encourages all citizens to participate in the development of the Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, Annual Action Plan, Assessment of Fair Housing, Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, and any substantial amendment to any adopted plan. All citizens are encouraged to participate, especially low-moderate income residents, minorities, non-English speaking persons, and persons with disabilities. 2. Citizen Participation Process A. Introduction The following section outlines the citizen participation policies and procedures in the development of and amendments to the Consolidated Plan, Citizen Participation Plan, Annual Action Plan, Assessment of Fair Housing, and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report. Document Legal Notice Public Hearing Public Review & Local Approval Requirements Comment Period Authority Requirements Consolidated 15 Days 2 Public 30 Days City Council Plan & Citizen Hearings Participation Annually Plan Annual Action 15 Days 2 Public 30 Days City Council Plan Hearings Annually CAPER 15 Days Not Required 15 Days Administrative Substantial 15 Days 1 Public Hearing 30 Days City Council Amendments Non-Substantial Not Required Not Required Not Required Administrative Amendments Exceptions to the above table: Upon determination of urgent need, the Citizen Formatted: Underline Participation Process allows expedited procedures to draft, propose, or amend the above documents. Expedited procedures must include notice and a Formatted: Font: Bold reasonable public review and comment period of no less than 5 days. The 5-day public review and comment period may run concurrently for any and all amendments to the above documents. The determination of urgent need is based on funding sources that will be used for activities in response to a 3  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 Federally declared disaster. See Section 2.G. for a more detailed process for Formatted: Font: Bold Citizen Participation Process for urgent needs. Formatted: Font: Bold Formatted: Font: Bold B. Consolidated Plan & Citizen Participation Plan There are several requirements included to encourage citizen participation in the development of the Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan. The City initially shall make available to citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties information that includes the amount of assistance the jurisdiction expects to receive and that range of activities that may be undertaken. The City shall also encourage the participation of local and regional institutions, the Continuum of Care and other organizations (including businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and community-based and faith-based organizations) in the process of developing and implementing the Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan. The City shall also encourage the participation of public housing agencies, residents of public and assisted housing developments, and low-moderate income residents of targeted revitalization areas. To meet the citizen participation goals, the City of Blue Springs shall complete the following procedures: 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing on an annual basis in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input on the Needs Assessment, Proposed Activities, and Strategy portions of the Consolidated Plan, as well as input on policies and procedures of the Citizen Participation Plan. 3. Provide information to social service agencies, housing agencies, and other non-profit organizations regarding the program and invite input. 4. Upon completion of the draft, publish a notification of the Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan’s availability for public review and comment for a period no less than thirty (30) calendar days. 5. Copies of the draft Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan will be made available at public libraries, government offices, and other public places where appropriate. 6. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the plan along with public comments not accepted into the plan along with reasons for not being accepted. The summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan. 7. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan by resolution. 4  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 8. The adopted Consolidated Plan and Citizen Participation Plan shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the start of the next program year. C. Annual Action Plan The Annual Action Plan is a one-year plan that implements the Consolidated Plan. The Annual Action Plan includes funding priorities and expected accomplishments from each project. The City initially shall make available to citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties information that includes the amount of assistance the jurisdiction expects to receive and the range of activities that may be undertaken. To meet the citizen participation goals, the City of Blue Springs shall complete the following procedures: 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing on an annual basis in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input on the Needs Assessment, Proposed Activities, and Strategy portions of the Annual Action Plan. 3. Provide information to social service agencies, housing agencies, and other non-profit organizations regarding the program and invite input. 4. Upon completion of the draft, publish a notification of the Annual Action Plan’s availability for public review and comment for a period no less than thirty (30) calendar days. 5. Copies of the draft Annual Action Plan will be made available at public libraries, government offices, and other public places where appropriate. 6. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the plan along with public comments not accepted into the plan along with reasons for not being accepted. The summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final Annual Action Plan. 7. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the Annual Action Plan by resolution. 8. The adopted Annual Action Plan shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) at least forty-five (45) days prior to the start of the next program year. D. Amendments to the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan 5  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 The adopted Consolidated Plan and/or Annual Action Plan must be amended when one (1) or more of the following three (3) criteria are met: 1. Substantial change in the City’s fund allocation priorities or method of fund distribution; 2. To carry out an activity not previously included in the adopted Annual Action Plan or using funds for any program or activity not covered by the adopted Consolidated Plan; or 3. To substantially change the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity approved as part of the adopted Annual Action Plan. The criteria to determine what actions constitute a substantial change shall be as follows: 1. A substantial change in regard to D.1. above will occur in the event that the process of citizen input or decision making is significantly altered such as including alternative means of input, revision of program year dates, or redefining the decision-making body. 2. A substantial change in regard to D.2. above will occur in the event that a new activity is proposed by any party and has not previously been approved by the adopted Annual Action Plan. 3. A substantial change in regard to D.3. above will occur in the event that: a. An approved activity is significantly altered in scope that as a result of changes, the overall purpose of the activity results in an increase of the activity’s budget by more than 50%; b. An approved activity is significantly altered to include new project elements not previously approved, constituting more than 50% of the project; c. The location of the approved activity is significantly altered to a different facility or type of structure; or d. The beneficiaries of the activity are altered by excluding a group previously considered to be a beneficiary of the approved activity. Once a substantial change has been determined, the City will adhere to the following procedures: 6  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing and public comment period in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input regarding the proposed amendment. 3. Accept public comments for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days on the amendment following the public hearing. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the amendment along with public comments not accepted into the amendment along with reasons for not being accepted. The summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final amendment. 4. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the amendment by resolution. 5. The adopted amendment shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for recording. A non-substantial change is defined as any change or alteration to an activity that will not constitute a substantial change. Examples of non-substantial changes may include: 1. Cancellation of a previously approved activity due to unforeseen circumstances that have caused significant delays or unreasonable cost burdens; 2. Termination of a Grant Agreement due to violation of terms and conditions of the agreement; 3. Removal and reallocation of funds remaining after an activity is completed as approved; 4. Recapture of funds remaining from any public service activity after the end of the program year; or 5. Increase of activity budget to make up the shortage in order to secure a contract. The City staff responsible for overseeing and managing the CDBG program will have authority to approve and implement non-substantial changes on an as- needed basis as part of the CDBG program administration. Non-substantial changes made during the program year will be noted in the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). E. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report 7  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) identifies the final budget expenditure and performance results for each Annual Action Plan activity completed during the most recent program year and any outstanding activities from prior program years. The City will adhere to the following process in presenting the CAPER for public input: 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing and public comment period in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input regarding the performance report (CAPER). 3. Accept public comments for a period not less than fifteen (15) calendar days on the draft CAPER following the public hearing. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the CAPER and public comments not accepted into the CAPER along with reasons for not being accepted. A summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final CAPER. 4. The final CAPER shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) no later than ninety (90) days after the end of each program year. F. Assessment of Fair Housing Entitlement communities are required to prepare an Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) which is utilized to identify and understand local and regional fair housing issues. In 2015, a new Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing (AFFH) rule was established which requires communities to set forth a meaningful and transparent process for the development of the AFH and set goals for improving fair housing choice and access to opportunity. The City shall encourage the participation of local and regional institutions, the Continuum of Care and other organizations (including businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and community-based and faith-based organizations) in the process of developing and implementing AFH. The City shall also encourage the participation of public housing agencies, residents of public and assisted housing developments, and low-moderate income residents of targeted revitalization areas. The City shall make HUD-provided data and any other supplemental information the City plans to incorporate into the AFH available to the public as soon as feasible after the start of the citizen participation process. It is preferable that the AFH be developed in collaboration with other entitlement communities in the region. The City will adhere to the following process in developing the AFH: 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing and public comment period in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 8  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input on the development of the AFH. 3. Publish a summary of the content and purpose of the draft AFH in a location newspaper of greatest circulation in a manner that affords residents, public agencies, and other interested parties a reasonable opportunity to examine its content and to submit comments. Copies of the draft AFH will be made available at public libraries, government offices, and other public places where appropriate. A list of places where the draft AFH can be viewed will be included in the public notice. 4. Accept public comments for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days on the draft AFH following the public notice. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the AFH and public comments not accepted into the AFH along with reasons for not being accepted. The summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final AFH. 5. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the AFH by resolution. 6. The adopted AFH shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for review and recording. An AFH previously approved by HUD must be revised (amended) and submitted to HUD for review under the following circumstances (per 24 CFR 5.164): 1. A material change occurs, including a change in circumstances in the City or a program participant that affects the information on which the AFH is based to the extent that the analysis, the fair housing contributing factors, or the priorities and goals of the AFH no longer reflect actual circumstance, including, but not limited to: Presidentially declared disasters; significant demographic changes; new significant contributing factors identified in the City; and civil rights findings, settlements, or court orders; or 2. Upon HUD’s written notification specifying a material change that requires an amendment. A revision may not necessarily require the submission of an entirely new AFH. The revision need only focus on the material change and appropriate adjustments to the analyses, assessments, priorities, or goals. If an amendment is required, the City shall follow the following process: 9  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing and public comment period in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input regarding the proposed amendment. 3. Accept public comments for a period not less than thirty (30) calendar days on the amendment following the public hearing. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the amendment and public comments not accepted into the amendment along with reasons for not being accepted. A summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final amendment. 4. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the amendment by resolution. 5. The adopted amendment shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for review and recording. G. Urgent Needs Upon determination of urgent need, the Citizen Participation Process allows expedited procedures to draft, propose, or amend the above documents. The determination of urgent need is based on funding sources that will be used for activities in response to a Federally declared disaster. Amendments to Consolidated Plans, Citizen Participation Plans, and Annual Action Plans to accommodate urgent needs shall follow the following process: 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing and public comment period in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least seven (7) days prior to the public hearing. The public hearing notice shall serve as the opening of the minimum five (5) day public hearing. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering 2. Hold a public hearing inviting input regarding the proposed amendment (see Section 4.A. for public hearing options). The public comment period will be closed with the closing of the public hearing. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering 3. Prepare a summary of public comments received and accepted into the amendment along with public comments not accepted along with reasons for not being accepted. The summary of all public comments shall be attached to the final amendment. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering 4. The Blue Springs City Council shall be responsible for adoption of the amendment by resolution. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering 10  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 5. The adopted amendment shall be submitted to the U.S. Department of Formatted: Numbered + Level: 1 + Numbering Style: 1, Housing & Urban Development (HUD) for recording. 2, 3, … + Start at: 1 + Alignment: Left + Aligned at: 0.25" + Indent at: 0.5" 3. Displacement Policies The City of Blue Springs does not intend to undertake any activities funded by the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD) that would cause either temporary or permanent displacement of an individual or family. However, the City is required to provide a policy should such an event occur. The policy includes the following components: 1. One-for-One Replacement of Low-Moderate Income Dwelling Units: All low-moderate income dwelling units (either occupied or could be occupied) that are demolished or converted to a use other than as low- moderate income housing as a direct result of any activity assisted under Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as amended, will be replaced with low-moderate income dwelling units within three (3) years of commencement of the activity. 2. Relocation Assistance: The City will ensure that relocation assistance is provided as described in 24 CFR 507.606 to each low-moderate income person who is displaced by the demolition or by the conversion of low- moderate income dwelling unit to another use as a direct result of a CDBG-assisted activity. When needed, relocation notices will be distributed to the affected persons in accordance with the Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisition Policies Act of 1970 (URA). 3. Steps to Minimize Displacement: The City will take the following steps to minimize the involuntary displacement of low-moderate income persons when CDBG funds are involved: a. All CDBG applications will be reviewed to determine whether involuntary displacement is likely to occur. Those applications involving displacement will receive a lower priority recommendation for funding unless it can be shown that alternatives are not available. b. Applicants who utilize CDBG funds to rehabilitate or convert a low- moderate income unit to a non-residential use will be required to supply replacement housing as well as relocation assistance. c. The cost of any required relocation assistance and the provision of replacement housing will be borne by the applicant. 11  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 4. Public Availability A. Public Hearings The following procedures shall be followed regarding public hearings (see Sections 2.A. and 2.G. for exceptions to these standards for urgent needs): 1. Publish a statement of intent and notice of public hearing in the local newspaper of greatest circulation at least fifteen (15) days prior to the public hearing. 2. All public hearings shall be held at times and locations convenient to potential attendees. Persons with disabilities should notify the City a minimum of five (5) work days prior to the hearing for the City to provide reasonable accommodations. 3. In the event that a public hearing is planned and it can be reasonably anticipated that a significant number of non-English speaking participants will be in attendance, the City will request that the neighborhood designate a translator if one is available. If a translator is not available, the City will make reasonable efforts to provide a translator. 4. Per 24 CFR 91.105 the City shall hold a minimum of two (2) public hearings per year. 5. Public hearings shall be held by either the CDBG Advisory Committee or the City Council. Other public meetings may be held by City staff in the development of the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Assessment of Fair Housing, but no formal action may be taken at these public meetings. Public meetings held by City staff shall meet all other public hearing noticing requirements. Public meetings shall be held in locations accessible to the public and are primarily for the purposes of presenting information, reviewing past performance, answering question, and gathering input. Formatted: Indent: Left: 0.5", No bullets or numbering 5.6. Public hearings may be held virtually via videoconference or teleconference if Federal, State, or local health authorities recommend social distancing or limiting public gathering for public health and safety reasons. Details on how to participate in a public hearing will be included in the public notice and the subsequent meeting agenda(s) for either the CDBG Advisory Committee and/or City Council. B. Access to Records The City shall provide that citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties have reasonable and timely access to information and records pertaining to the City’s Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and CDBG projects for a minimum of the preceding five (5) years. 12  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 Requests for access to records shall adhere to the following process: 1. A written request for access shall be required and shall be submitted to the City Clerk. 2. Legal staff shall review the written request for legality under the Missouri Sunshine Law of 1973. 3. The City must provide a replay within three (3) business days of a request. If the information cannot be provided within the three days, the City must respond with the date the information or records will be available. Files will not be permitted to be taken off site; however, copies will be made available based on the current nominal fee per page. C. Technical Assistance City staff is available to assist organizations and individuals representing low- moderate income persons and households who are interested in requesting funding for a project. A request for technical assistance should be made to the Community Development Department at 903 W. Main Street, Blue Springs, Missouri 64015. 5. Complaints In the event that a citizen complaint is received regarding the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Plan Amendments, Assessment of Fair Housing, Performance Reports, or the Citizen Participation Plan, the City will adhere to the following process: 1. Complaints must be submitted in writing to the Community Development Department and contain a concise statement of the complaint and an explanation of the action desired. 2. All complaints will be initially responded to in writing within fifteen (15) calendar days, and resolved, if possible, within thirty (30) calendar days. 13  City of Blue Springs CDBG Citizen Participation Plan 2017-2021 6. Summary of CDBG Program Year The City’s program year corresponds to the City’s fiscal year, which begins on October 1 and ends on September 30 each year. Although the dates included in the table below represent a typical Program Year, all dates are subject to variation or change. October 1st: Program Year Begins CAPER Process begins November Publish CAPER Public Notice & Draft Availability December Public Hearing & 15-Day Public Comment Period for CAPER 30th: CAPER Submitted to HUD January February March Annual Action Plan Process Begins April May Annual Action Plan Public Hearings June Publish Annual Action Plan 30-Day Public Comment Period & Draft Availability July Preparation of Final Annual Action Plan August Annual Action Plan Adopted by City Council 15th: Annual Action Plan submitted to HUD September 30th: End of Program Year 14  U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT WASHINGTON, DC 20410-7000 ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR COMMUNITY PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT April 2, 2020 The Honorable Carson Ross Mayor of Blue Springs 903 W Main Street Blue Springs, MO 64015-3709 Dear Mayor Ross: I am pleased to inform you of a special allocation to your jurisdiction of Community Development Block Grant funds to be used to prevent, prepare for, and respond to the coronavirus (COVID-19). This allocation was authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act), Public Law 116-136, which was signed by President Trump on March 27, 2020, to respond to the growing effects of this historic public health crisis. The CARES Act made available $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds. Of this amount, the Department is immediately allocating $2 billion based on the fiscal year 2020 CDBG formula. The remaining $3 billion shall be allocated based on needs using best available data, in the following tranches: $1 billion shall be allocated to States and insular areas within 45 days of enactment of the Cares Act, and $2 billion shall be distributed to states and local governments at the discretion of the Secretary. Up to $10 million will be set aside for technical assistance. Given the immediate needs faced by our communities, the Department has announced the first allocation of funds. Your allocation is $158,235. The CARES Act adds additional flexibility for both the CDBG-CV grant and, in some cases, for the annual FY2020 CDBG grants in these unprecedented times. The public comment period is reduced to not less than 5 days, grantees may use virtual public hearings when necessary for public health reasons, the public services cap is suspended during the emergency, and States and local governments may reimburse costs of eligible activities incurred for pandemic response regardless of the date. In addition, the CARES Act authorizes the Secretary to grant waivers and alternative requirements of statutes and regulations the Secretary administers in connection with the use of CDBG-CV funds and fiscal year 2019 and 2020 CDBG funds (except for requirements related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, labor standards, and the environment). Waivers and alternative requirements can be granted when necessary to expedite and facilitate the use of funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. The Department is developing a notice that will further describes the CARES provisions, a Quick Guide to the CARES Act flexibilities and other provisions, and other resources to enable swift implementation of CDBG-CV grants. As these become available, they will be www.hud.gov espanol.hud.gov po . The Department will also support grantees with technical assistance. As you develop your plan for the use of these grant funds, we encourage you to consider approaches that prioritize the unique needs of low- and moderate income persons and the development of partnerships between all levels of government and the private for-profit and non- profit sectors. You should coordinate with state and local health authorities before undertaking any activity to support state or local pandemic response. CDBG-CV grants will be subject to oversight, reporting, and requirements that each grantee have adequate procedures to prevent the duplication of benefits. HUD will provide guidance and technical assistance on DOB and regarding prevention of fraud, waste, and abuse and documenting the impact of this program for beneficiaries. The Office of Community Planning and Development (CPD) is looking forward to working with you to successfully meet the urgent and complex challenges faced by our communities. If you or any member of your staff has questions, please contact your local CPD Field Office Director or CPDQuestionsAnswered@hud.gov. Sincerely, John Gibbs Acting Assistant Secretary for Community Planning and Development U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Quick Guide to CDBG Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Response REVISED April 6, 2020 Grantees should coordinate with local health authorities before undertaking any activity to support state or local pandemic response. Grantees may use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds for a range of eligible activities that prevent and respond to the spread of infectious diseases such as the coronavirus. Examples of Eligible Activities to Support Coronavirus and Other Infectious Disease Response For more information, refer to applicable sections of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (for State CDBG Grantees) and CDBG regulations (for Entitlement CDBG grantees). Buildings and Improvements, Including Public Facilities Acquisition, construction, Construct a facility for testing, diagnosis, or treatment. reconstruction, or installation of public works, facilities, and Rehabilitate a community facility to establish an infectious disease treatment clinic. site or other improvements. Acquire and rehabilitate, or construct, a group living facility that may be used to See section 105(a)(2) (42 centralize patients undergoing treatment. U.S.C. 5305(a)(2)); 24 CFR 570.201(c). Rehabilitation of buildings and Rehabilitate a commercial building or closed school building to establish an infectious improvements (including disease treatment clinic, e.g., by replacing the HVAC system. interim assistance). See section 105(a)(4) (42 Acquire, and quickly rehabilitate (if necessary) a motel or hotel building to expand U.S.C. 5305(a)(4)); 24 CFR capacity of hospitals to accommodate isolation of patients during recovery. 570.201(f); 570.202(b). Make interim improvements to private properties to enable an individual patient to remain quarantined on a temporary basis. Assistance to Businesses, including Special Economic Development Assistance Provision of assistance to Provide grants or loans to support new businesses or business expansion to create jobs private, for-profit entities, and manufacture medical supplies necessary to respond to infectious disease. when appropriate to carry out an economic development Avoid job loss caused by business closures related to social distancing by providing project. short-term working capital assistance to small businesses to enable retention of jobs held by low- and moderate-income persons. See section 105(a)(17) (42 U.S.C. 5305(a)(17)); 24 CFR 570.203(b). Provision of assistance to Provide technical assistance, grants, loans, and other financial assistance to establish, microenterprises. stabilize, and expand microenterprises that provide medical, food delivery, cleaning, See section 105(a)(22) (42 and other services to support home health and quarantine. U.S.C. 5305(a)(22)); 24 CFR 570.201(o).  Provision of New or Quantifiably Increased Public Services Following enactment of the Carry out job training to expand the pool of health care workers and technicians that CARES Act1, the public are available to treat disease within a community. services cap2 has no effect on CDBG-CV grants and no Provide testing, diagnosis or other services at a fixed or mobile location. effect on FY 2019 and 2020 Increase the capacity and availability of targeted health services for infectious disease CDBG grant funds used for response within existing health facilities. coronavirus efforts. See section 105(a)(8) (42 Provide equipment, supplies, and materials necessary to carry-out a public service. U.S.C. 5305(a)(8)); 24 CFR Deliver meals on wheels to quarantined individuals or individuals that need to 570.201(e). maintain social distancing due to medical vulnerabilities. Planning, Capacity Building, and Technical Assistance States only: planning grants Grant funds to units of general local government may be used for planning activities and planning only grants. in conjunction with an activity, they may also be used for planning only as an activity. See section 105(a)(12). These activities must meet or demonstrate that they would meet a national objective. These activities are subject to the State’s 20 percent administration, planning and technical assistance cap. States only: use a part of to Grant funds to units of general local government to hire technical assistance providers support TA and capacity to deliver CDBG training to new subrecipients and local government departments that building. are administering CDBG funds for the first time to assist with infectious disease See section 106(d)(5) (42 response. This activity is subject to the State’s 3 percent administration, planning and U.S.C. 5306(d)(5). technical assistance cap. Entitlement only: data Gather data and develop non-project specific emergency infectious disease response gathering, studies, analysis, plans. and preparation of plans and the identification of actions that will implement such plans. See 24 CFR 570.205. Planning Considerations Infectious disease response conditions rapidly evolve and may require changes to the planned use of funds:  CDBG grantees must amend their Consolidated Annual Action Plan (Con Plan) when there is a change to the allocation priorities or method of distribution of funds; an addition of an activity not described in the plan; or a change to the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity (24 CFR 91.505).  If the changes meet the criteria for a “substantial amendment” in the grantee’s citizen participation plan, the grantee must follow its citizen participation process for amendments (24 CFR 91.105 and 91.115).  Under the CARES Act, CDBG grantees may amend citizen participation and Con Plans concurrently in order to establish and implement expedited procedures with a comment period of no less than 5-days. Resources The Department has technical assistance providers that may be available to assist grantees in their implementation of CDBG funds for activities to prevent or respond to the spread of infectious disease. Please contact your local CPD Field Office Director to request technical assistance from HUD staff or a TA provider.  Submit your questions to: CPDQuestionsAnswered@hud.gov  Coronavirus (COVID-19) Information and Resources: https://www.hud.gov/coronavirus  CPD Program Guidance and Training: https://www.hudexchange.info/program-support/ 1 On March 27, 2020, President Trump approved the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (Public Law 116-136) (CARES Act). The CARES Act makes available $5 billion in CDBG coronavirus response (CDBG-CV) funds to prevent, prepare for, and respond to coronavirus. 2 Section 105(a)(8) of the HCD Act caps public service activities at 15 percent of most CDBG grants. Some grantees have a different percentage cap.