Planning Commission

AGENDA Meeting Location: Sloat Room—Atrium Building Phone: 541-682-5481 99 W. 10th Avenue www.eugene-or.gov/pc Eugene, OR 97401 The Eugene Planning Commission welcomes your interest in these agenda items. Feel free to come and go as you please at any of the meetings. This meeting location is wheelchair-accessible. For the hearing impaired, FM assistive-listening devices are available or an interpreter can be provided with 48 hour notice prior to the meeting. Spanish-language interpretation will also be provided with 48 hour notice. To arrange for these services, contact the Planning Division at 541-682-5675. MONDAY, MARCH 30, 2015 – REGULAR MEETING (11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.) 11:30 a.m. I. PUBLIC COMMENT The Planning Commission reserves 10 minutes at the beginning of this meeting for public comment. The public may comment on any matter, except for items scheduled for public hearing or public hearing items for which the record has already closed. Generally, the time limit for public comment is three minutes; however, the Planning Commission reserves the option to reduce the time allowed each speaker based on the number of people requesting to speak. 11:40 a.m. II. CONSOLIDATED PLAN UPDATE Staff: Stephanie Jennings, Community Development, 541-682-5529 12:25 p.m. III. MOVING AHEAD: PLANNING EUGENE’S KEY CORRIDORS Staff: Terri Harding, 541-682-5635 1:15 p.m. IV. ITEMS FROM COMMISSION AND STAFF A. Other Items from Staff B. Other Items from Commission C. Learning: How are we doing? Commissioners: Steven Baker; John Barofsky; Rick Duncan; John Jaworski (Vice-Chair); Jeffery Mills; Kristen Taylor; William Randall (Chair)  City of Eugene 99 W. 10th Avenue MEMORANDUM Eugene, Oregon 97401 (541) 682-5443 (541) 682-5572 FAX www.eugene-or.gov Date: March 24, 2015 To: Planning Commissioners From: Stephanie Jennings, City of Eugene Subject: Eugene-Springfield 2015 Consolidated Plan The Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan provides an assessment of local housing, homelessness, and community development needs and establishes a five-year strategic plan for use of federal funds received from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This memo provides an overview of the HOME and CDBG programs, review of the progress achieved under the 2010 Consolidated Plan, and the status of the development of the 2015 Consolidated Plan. Background The Eugene-Springfield 2015 Consolidated Plan will present an assessment of local housing, homelessness, and community development needs and establish goals and priorities for use of HUD funds to address those needs. Eugene and Springfield must complete, adopt, and submit a new five-year Consolidated Plan to HUD by May 15, 2015, and it will address the period from July 2015 through June 2020. Completion of the Consolidated Plan is a prerequisite for receiving CDBG, HOME, and other HUD grants. CDBG and HOME must be used to advance the following statutory objectives principally for low-income and moderate-income residents: • Provide decent, safe, and affordable housing (CDBG and HOME) • Create suitable living environments (CDBG) • Expand economic opportunities (CDBG) The Cities of Eugene and Springfield are both eligible to receive a direct annual allocation of CDBG funds from HUD, while only Eugene is eligible to receive a direct allocation of HOME funds from HUD. In 1992, Eugene and Springfield formed a HOME Consortium to provide local access to HOME funds for housing activities in Springfield. Eugene is the lead entity in the HOME Consortium and is responsible for the oversight and administration of HOME funds in the entire Consortium area. Since the formation of the HOME Consortium, Eugene and Springfield have jointly developed the Eugene- Springfield Consolidated Plan every five years. This collaboration has allowed for consideration of needs for the metropolitan area as a whole, development of a shared goals and strategies, and more efficient use of limited resources for plan development and reporting. Page 1 of 3 PC Agenda - Page 1 In addition to the five-year plan, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield must complete and submit a One Year Action Plan (Action Plan) for each fiscal year within the five-year period. The Action Plan describes the Cities’ annual allocation process and uses of HOME and CDBG funds allocated by Congress during a specific fiscal year. The next Action Plan will be completed and submitted to HUD along with the new Consolidated Plan. Lastly, the jurisdictions also jointly develop a Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) to report on outcomes and progress achieved for each year. Overview of the 2010 Consolidated Plan The Eugene-Springfield 2010 Consolidated Plan provides a foundation for development of the next Plan, with goals and strategies organized into an Affordable Housing Strategic Plan and a Community Development Strategic Plan in accordance with HUD requirements. Selected goals must address identified community needs but also must be feasible to implement within the complex regulatory requirements of the HOME and CDBG programs. The complete 2010 Consolidated Plan is available at www.eugene-or.gov/hudconplan. A summary of the goals, objectives and strategies are provided below. Affordable Housing Strategic Plan - Affordable housing goals, objectives, strategies, and outcomes are intended to address HUD program objectives to provide decent, safe, and affordable housing. Both HOME and CDBG funds are used to support affordable housing goals. 1. Increase the supply of affordable housing 2. Conserve and improve existing affordable owner and renter housing stock 3. Increase opportunities for low- and moderate-income households to become and remain homeowners 4. Increase opportunities for low- and moderate-income households to become and remain renters 5. Remove barriers to affordable and supportive housing Community Development Strategic Plan - Community development goals, objectives, strategies, and outcomes are intended to address multiple statutory objectives by providing human services; promoting economic opportunities; increasing access to public facilities; and improving low-income neighborhoods. 1. Support a human services delivery system that helps low- and moderate-income persons achieve dignity, well-being, and self-sufficiency 2. Provide economic development and diversification through the creation of jobs 3. Improve accessibility to public facilities 4. Make strategic investments to improve low-income neighborhoods and other areas exhibiting conditions of slums and blight Developing the 2015 Consolidated Plan HUD has provided extensive guidance on the required elements of the Consolidated Plan as well as the process for developing the Plan. Required elements of the next Consolidated Plan must include: • Evaluation of outcomes and results achieved under the previous Consolidated Plan • Assessment of Needs, Housing Market, and Community Conditions • Development and Prioritization of Goals, Objectives, and Strategies • Establishment of an Annual Allocation Process and Performance Metrics The process for developing the Consolidated Plan requires consultation with a wide range of stakeholders as well outreach to targeted populations. Engagement is strongly encouraged at both the needs assessment stage and also at the strategy development and prioritization stage. As part of the Consolidated Plan development process, staff have reviewed findings from other public engagement efforts, conducted surveys with the public and stakeholder agencies, and consulted with numerous agencies and community boards. These sessions yielded many insights that have informed the proposed priority needs and strategies. Page 2 of 3 PC Agenda - Page 2 HUD requires the Plan be completed and submitted in an online format that prescribes the information to be provided and analyzed. It also requires strict adherence to a process that specifies that 1) priority needs are identified based on the needs assessment data and input received, 2) each identified priority need will be addressed by a strategy and all strategies will be developed in response to priority needs, and 3) identification of HUD allocations are tied to each strategy as well as other resources to address the strategy. The draft summary of the 2015 Consolidated Plan was made available for review on February 23. A copy is provided as Attachment A. This document provides a summary of the plan development process, a community profile, priority needs, and a strategic plan for addressing those needs. A Consolidated Plan Advisory Committee was formed with representatives from the Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board, the Eugene Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee, the Springfield Community Development Advisory Committee, the Eugene City Council, and the Springfield City Council. This body held a public hearing on March 10 and is scheduled to make a recommendation to Eugene and Springfield City Councils at its meeting on March 31. Eugene City Council is scheduled to discuss and take action on the Consolidated Plan on April 15. Springfield City Council is scheduled to discuss and take action on the Consolidated Plan on April 27. Attachment A. Draft Summary Eugene-Springfield 2015 Consolidated Plan Page 3 of 3 PC Agenda - Page 3  Attachment A EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN A Five Year Strategic Plan for Housing and 2015 Community Development February 23, 2015 Draft PC Agenda - Page 4  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Acknowledgements Eugene City Council Springfield City Council Kitty Piercy, Mayor Christine Lundberg, Mayor George Brown Sheri Moore Mike Clark Joe Pishioneri Greg Evans Dave Ralston George Poling Sean VanGordon Chris Pryor Marilee Woodrow Claire Syrett Hillary Wylie Betty Taylor Alan Zelenka Citizen Advisory Committees Eugene Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee Eugene and Springfield Consolidated Plan Advisory Committee Intergovernmental Housing Policy Board Intergovernmental Poverty and Homelessness Board Intergovernmental Human Services Commission Springfield Community Development Advisory Committee Staff Team City of Eugene Lane County Stephanie Jennings Pearl Wolfe Carter Hawley Amanda McCluskey Sarah Zaleski Lisë Stuart City of Springfield HACSA Molly Markarian Chuck Hauk DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 2 PC Agenda - Page 5  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Executive Summary The Eugene-Springfield 2015 Consolidated Plan presents a strategic vision for housing and community development for the period beginning in July 2015 and ending in June 2020. The goals and activities outlined in the Consolidated Plan are based on priorities identified through an analysis of community needs and on an extensive community outreach process. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield must complete and adopt a Consolidated Plan every five years in order to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and other HUD grants. The purpose of CDBG and HOME is to advance the following statutory objectives principally for extremely low-income, low-income and moderate-income residents: • Provide decent, safe, and affordable housing • Create suitable living environments (CDBG) • Expand economic opportunities (CDBG) • Expand the supply of decent, safe, sanitary and affordable housing (HOME) In addition, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield must complete a Consolidated Plan One Year Action Plan (Action Plan) for each fiscal year within the five-year period. The Action Plan describes the Cities’ annual allocation process for specific uses of HOME and CDBG funds during a specific fiscal year. The first Action Plan, for fiscal year 2015-2016 will be completed and submitted to HUD along with the 2015 Consolidated Plan. The following summary of the Eugene-Springfield Consolidated Plan provides an overview of the Consultation and Citizen Participation process, Community Profile and Needs, Priority Needs, and a Strategic Plan. This document is a summary of materials submitted through HUD’s electronic plan submission template. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 3 PC Agenda - Page 6  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Consultation and Citizen Participation Staff from the Cities of Eugene and Springfield employed a multi-faceted approach to engaging community members and other stakeholders in the development of the Consolidated Plan. Specific consultations were conducted with key staff from the following organizations: • Cornerstone Community Housing • Housing Policy Board • Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County • Lane Integration Network • Lane County Human Services Commission Staff • Neighborhood Economic Development Corporation (NEDCO) • Lane County Poverty and Homelessness Board • Lane County Public Safety Coordinating Committee • ShelterCare • Sponsors, Inc. • St. Vincent de Paul Society of Lane County, Inc. • United Way of Lane County – Financial Stability Partnership • University of Oregon As part of this process, a needs survey was conducted for public, private and non-profit agencies that provide assisted housing, fair housing, health services and social services. Representatives from human service agencies, local school districts, parks providers, utilities, police departments and advocacy organizations were consulted in the development of the Plan. These consultations were on-going and occurred at several stages of the Plan’s development. In addition, staff met with area housing and community development advisory committees on several occasions, conducted a community survey, and held general public meetings and public hearings over the course of the Plan’s development. Citizen Participation Plan A requirement of the Consolidated Plan is to develop and utilize a strategy to achieve citizen participation. This plan was adopted in the 2010 Consolidated Plan, and is summarized here. The Cities will continue to encourage participation by low- and moderate-income persons throughout the community. Emphasis will be placed on reaching out to minority populations, non- English speaking persons, and persons with disabilities, in the preparation of the Plan. The Cities will also notify and seek the participation of local and regional institutions and other organizations, including businesses, developers, community and faith-based organizations, in the development and implementation of the Plan. The Cities will make vital information that pertains to the Plan available to the citizens, public agencies and other interested parties on an annual basis. The information to be made available includes the amount of assistance the Cities expect to receive, available unspent prior year’s funds DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 4 PC Agenda - Page 7  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN and related program income, the range of activities to be undertaken, including the estimated amount of CDBG and other funds that will be expended on low- and moderate-income persons. The Cities will provide interested parties with a reasonable opportunity to comment on the Plan or on any amendments to the Plan. The Cities will consider any comments or views of interested parties received in writing or orally, at any of the public hearings, or during the specified public comment review period. Meetings are announced through posting on City websites and in the Register Guard. All public hearings are advertised in the Register-Guard Newspaper 14 days prior to the hearing. A minimum of two public hearings are held over the course of the process to develop the Consolidated Plan to obtain citizen views and to respond to proposals and questions. Each hearing is held at a different stage of the Plan’s development. The hearings address housing and community development needs, development of proposed activities, and a review of program performance. At least one of these meetings is held prior to the proposed Consolidated Plan publication. Public meetings are held at times convenient to potential and actual beneficiaries in locations that meet Americans with Disabilities Act accessibility standards. With 48 hours’ notice prior to any public meeting, the Cities can provide the following services: an interpreter and audio equipment for the hearing impaired; a reader to review printed materials with the sight impaired, and a foreign language interpreter for non-English speaking residents. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 5 PC Agenda - Page 8  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Community Profile and Needs The Consolidated Plan relies upon an analysis of qualitative and quantitative data in order to identify housing, homelessness, and community development needs and trends. This picture of need is the basis of the proposed objectives and outcomes for the 2015 Consolidated Plan. In addition to the US Census data which provides the foundation for development of the document, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield utilized several alternative sources for needs data. These sources included several documents produced by the Lane Livability Consortium including Latino Public Participation Project and Community Indicators Project, November 2012; Assessment of Equity and Opportunity for Affordable Housing Residents, January 2014; and the Equity and Opportunity Assessment, July 2014. In summation, the local economy has continued to decline, although modest recovery was experienced, resulting in fewer job opportunities and less income for area households. As a result, there is a significant increase in the number of households who cannot meet the basic needs for food, shelter, medical care and transportation. In addition, there are a growing number of seniors, persons with disabilities, and others who are unable to work. These factors, combined with a very tight housing market, have resulted in a large number of households with moderate or severe housing cost burdens. A review of noteworthy trends is provided below. Population Growth The overall population of Eugene and Springfield continues to grow modestly at an annual projected population rate of 1.4%. The total population of Eugene and Springfield was 219,570 in 2013. Age Distribution The population of Eugene and Springfield is aging. In 2000, people aged 60 to 75 accounted for 8% of the total population. This grew to 12% in 2010. For the same period, people under 45 accounted for 67% of the population in 2000, and this has dropped to 63% in 2010. Racial and Ethnic Composition Eugene and Springfield are becoming more racially and ethnically diverse. Latino residents are the fastest growing population, representing 9% of the population in the two cities, and this population has grown 83% between 2000 and 2010. Approximately 18% of the population of the cities are either Latino or minority race. Household Composition While family households still make up the largest percentage of households (Eugene – 51%, Springfield 62%), there has been a significant increase in single person households, particularly in single female family households, which make up 11% of all households. The largest growth in household type is non-family households which increased 22% between 2000 and 2010. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 6 PC Agenda - Page 9  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Income and Poverty The Median Family Income for both Eugene ($40,628) and Springfield ($39,598) is lower than the US ($52,176) and Lane County ($41,936). The impact of wages appears in other indicators, such as the fact that 19% of Lane County residents receive food stamp benefits (SNAP), and 50% of students from the three Public School Districts in Eugene and Springfield are eligible for free and reduced lunch. Low wages also contribute to financial instability. At this time, 40% of households in Lane County do not have sufficient liquid assets to subsist at the poverty level for three months, in the absence of income. Below is a map of the areas of concentration of low- and moderate-income populations in Eugene and Springfield. The highlighted areas are census tracts where 51% or more of the population is low- to moderate-income. In Eugene, these areas are on Highway 99, the River Road area and the areas near downtown. Additionally, areas with large concentrations of student housing also are identified as an area of high concentration of poverty, which may inflate the poverty rates in those areas, due to the lack of reported incomes among students. In Springfield, the concentrations of poverty are in the Glenwood area, Gateway, near downtown, and in mid- Springfield. Persons with Disabilities In the Cities of Eugene and Springfield, about 29,125 people, or 14%, live with one or more disabilities. The highest reported disabilities include ambulatory (49%), cognitive (45%), and difficulty with independent living (35%). DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 7 PC Agenda - Page 10  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Persons Experiencing Homelessness The 2014 Point in Time Count identified 1,769 people experiencing homelessness. Of those, 1,100 were unsheltered, 336 were families with children staying in a shelter, 415 were chronically homeless, 229 were veterans, 164 were victims of domestic violence and 202 were seriously mentally ill. For FY 2014, Lane County reported that 11,668 unduplicated individuals who were homeless received human services from one or more agencies. Persons with Special Needs who are not Homeless Limited new data exists specific to non-homeless special needs populations in the cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are numerous sub-populations in this community. Of those, there are some that have both sufficient numbers and unique housing and service needs that warrant identification. Those include the following: veterans; children; people exiting incarceration; victims of violence; people living with HIV/AIDS; people living with drug or alcohol addictions; and college-age students. Children and youth aging out of foster care are newly identified special needs population worthy of specific attention. Employment and Economy Employment conditions in Lane County are improving but have not yet returned to pre-Recession levels. At its greatest, the unemployment rate in May 2009 was 12.8%. In December 2014, this had dropped to 6.7%. Between 2007 and 2010, Lane County lost 15,900 jobs. Since 2010, 5,400 jobs have been gained. Conditions are worse in Eugene and Springfield. In Eugene, the unemployment rate remains above 11%, while in Springfield the unemployment rate is nearly 13%. Unemployment in the region is creating a hardship not only for skilled workers, but for the new workforce of youth 16-24 years old, at 20%. With the high unemployment and demand for skilled workers, youth are not able to gain job experience, a situation which is shown to impact their lives long term through lower earnings and less labor market engagement. Housing Units and Tenure Together, Eugene and Springfield contain more than 89,400 housing units. The balance between unit types has remained relatively stable since 1990, with single family units accounting for 61% of the total, multi-family units for 33% and the remainder mobile/manufactured homes. The data also indicates that the majority of units available to renters are two-bedroom units, and the number of two-bedroom units has remained constant near 42% since 2000. There has been an increase in the number and percentage of three bedroom units, from 21% to 30% of all rental units, or an increase of 5,277 units. There is a commensurate decrease in the percentage of no- and one-bedroom units, from 38% of all rental units in 2000 to 28% in 2013, or a decrease of 1,800 units. About 51% of the housing units in the two cities are owner-occupied, with 49% renter-occupied. This reflects a slight reduction in the number of owner occupied units since 2000 of 52%. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 8 PC Agenda - Page 11  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Assisted and Public Housing A variety of assisted housing developments are currently available and serving low-income persons in the cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are at total of 4,452 assisted housing units in 113 developments in both cities, including projects subsidized with Section 8, Low-Income Housing Tax Credits, or other project-based subsidies. Eugene and its urban growth boundary has a total of 3,516 units in 83 developments and Springfield and its urban growth boundary has 866 units in 28 developments. The Housing and Community Services Agency of Lane County (HACSA) serves as the housing authority for the cities of Eugene and Springfield. There are a total of 705 public housing units, and as of January 2015, 683 were leased. HACSA has 708 public housing vouchers available, with 695 in use. Additionally, HACSA has 2,817 total vouchers (2,556 in use), of which 211 are designated as Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (143 in use). For all voucher programs, 8% are held by households with one or more persons who identify as a minority race or ethnicity. HACSA maintains a waiting list for all of their public housing units. There are 957 people on the one-bedroom wait list, with an average wait time of up to five years. The wait list for two- bedroom units is 939 with a wait time of up to three years. For three-bedroom units, there are 177 families, with a one year wait. Finally, there are 56 families on the 4- bedroom wait list, and the wait time is incalculable for the four-bedroom units because of their scarcity. The Section 8 waiting list was last opened in 2013. It is expected that when it is opened in 2015, 2,500 people will respond to the online application. At this point in time, many vouchers holders are unable to find suitable housing. Many units have rents that exceed voucher programs’ rent limitations or do not meet the minimum habitability standards. Housing Costs Housing costs in the Eugene-Springfield area have risen sharply over the past 25 years, forcing many households to pay more for housing than is affordable. Households paying more than 30% of household income are considered to have a ‘housing cost burden’. A majority of the renters in Eugene (54%) and Springfield (51%) are considered housing cost burdened, while approximately a third of home-owners are also cost burdened (Eugene – 32%, Springfield – 33%). Housing Conditions and Lead Based Paint Within the cities of Eugene and Springfield, about 62% of the housing stock was built before 1980 and may be in need of building rehabilitation to bring units up to modern standards. Given the age of the housing stock, and using a 2002 National Survey of Lead and Allergens in the Housing, it is estimated that approximately 13,800 homes in Eugene and Springfield have potential lead-based paint hazards to residents. Despite the age of the housing stock, the physical condition of the housing in Eugene and Springfield is generally good, as there are relatively few housing units (1,279) in the area that are considered substandard according to HUD. Of those, 97% are rental units, and 79% are occupied by people making 50% or less of the average median income. Based on input received during provider and public consultations, units available to low income residents tend to have DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 9 PC Agenda - Page 12  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN more significant issues, and because of the scarcity of affordable low-income housing, residents are reluctant to raise their concerns for fear of losing the housing. Manufactured dwelling parks are areas where people rent or lease a space for their manufactured home, which they may rent or own. A manufactured dwelling is a more affordable way for many people to own a home, or live independently in an environment for older individuals. About 5% of the housing units in Eugene and Springfield are manufactured home park spaces, with nearly 40% of the homes in three census tracts. These tracts are located in west Eugene, Glenwood, and mid-Springfield. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 10 PC Agenda - Page 13  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Priority Needs The purpose of identifying the community needs and trends, conducting surveys and meeting with providers is to identify what the priority needs are for the low-and moderate-income households in this community for the next five years. Listed below are the needs that were identified through the analysis that have been identified as priority needs to address using HUD funds. Renters Low and very low-income people need increased access to quality affordable rental housing. • A significant majority of low-income renters experience a housing cost burden, over- crowding, and/or substandard housing conditions(Eugene – 78%, Springfield – 76%) • A significant majority of low-income renters spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 76%, Springfield – 74%) • A large percentage of low-income renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 51%, Springfield – 34%) Home Owners Low and very low-income people need increased access to affordable home ownership opportunities and support to remain homeowners. • A significant majority of low-income owners experience a housing cost burden, over- crowding, and/or substandard housing conditions (Eugene – 76%, Springfield – 57%) • A significant majority of low-income owners spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 64%, Springfield – 56%) • A large percentage of low-income owners spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 40%, Springfield – 31%) Homeless People need access to housing and supportive services to prevent them from becoming homeless and to leave homelessness. • The 2014 Point in Time Count identified 1,769 people experiencing homelessness. • Of those, 1,100 were unsheltered, 336 were families with children staying in a shelter, 415 were chronically homeless, 229 were veterans, 164 were victims of domestic violence and 202 were seriously mentally ill. • Lane County reported that 11,668 unduplicated individuals who were homeless received human services from one or more agencies in fiscal year 2014. Non-Homeless Special Needs Populations People with special needs such as physical and mental disabilities, the elderly, or victims of domestic need additional support for housing and supportive services • Special needs populations need additional support as it relates to affordable housing, human services, and employment opportunities. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 11 PC Agenda - Page 14  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Employment Opportunities People who have low-incomes, are unemployed or underemployed need a broader range of employment opportunities, including self-employment • Between 2007 and 2010, Lane County lost nearly 16,000 jobs. • The loss of jobs combined with the subsequent recession, have widened the gap between employed wages and housing costs. Low-Income Areas & Areas of Slums and Blight Geographic areas defined as an area of slum or blight or as low-income areas need additional support for rehabilitation and public facility improvements • There are several areas in this community that are or could meet the HUD requirement for an area of slum or blight which would allow different uses of CDBG funds. These areas could benefit from increased investments in the area. • There are several areas of this community that are characterized by 51% or more low- to moderate-income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in this area. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 12 PC Agenda - Page 15  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN Strategic Plan After identification of the priority needs, strategies are developed that address those priority needs. Below is a summary of the strategies that have been identified that both meet priority needs and are also eligible uses of HUD funds. A table following this section shows the relationship between identified strategies and the priority needs of Eugene and Springfield for use of federal funds received from HUD. Increase the supply of affordable housing. The housing affordability challenges illustrate that it is necessary to continue to add units to the stock of affordable housing. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield will use a combination of HOME and CDBG funds for land and development subsidies for new construction of affordable housing, as well as for assistance to non-profit sponsors to build capacity for new development. This strategy will address the priority needs of renters, homeless, and special needs populations. Rehabilitate existing housing stock affordable to low-income persons. In addition to adding units, continued efforts are necessary to preserve existing rental and ownership housing for low-income persons. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield use primarily CDBG funds for this purpose, and use funds to provide assistance for minor home repairs and accessibility improvements. Additionally, the City of Eugene operates a Housing Revolving Loan Pool with CDBG funds for rental rehabilitation and owner rehabilitation loans. This strategy will address the priority needs of renters, home owners, the homeless, low-income areas, and special needs populations. Provide down payment assistance for home ownership. Both the Cities of Eugene and Springfield operate down payment assistance programs to help low-income persons become homeowners. The assistance received by each household is modest but plays a critical role in enabling them to become homeowners. In addition, the units vacated by households receiving homebuyer assistance become available to other renters. As part of efforts to affirmatively further fair housing, the Cities of Eugene and Springfield work together to enhance home ownership opportunities for persons of minority race and ethnicity. This strategy will address the priority needs of home owners. Remove barriers to affordable and supportive housing. Both the Cities of Eugene and Springfield seek opportunities to affirmatively further fair housing and also raise awareness of the housing needs of low- and moderate-income persons, so these may be considered in the development of related policies and regulations. This strategy will address the priority needs of renters, home owners, the homeless, and low-income areas. Support a human services delivery system to address the needs of homeless persons and special needs populations. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield collaborate with Lane County to fund human service providers. This collaborative funding model uses available federal, state and local funds to DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 13 PC Agenda - Page 16  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN efficiently support local agencies. The Human Services Commission is the intergovernmental body that guides the use of funds and oversees the activities of agencies receiving funds. In addition, both the Cities of Eugene and Springfield provide capital grants for public facilities operated primarily by nonprofit service providers. This strategy will address the priority needs of the homeless and special needs population. Promote economic development and employment opportunities through the creation of jobs and business development. The Cities of Eugene and Springfield will use CDBG funds to undertake economic development activities resulting in job creation for low- and moderate-income households. The City of Eugene’s Business Development Fund will continue to provide loans to local businesses resulting in job creation or retention. This Fund operates primarily with program income from previous business loans. The City of Springfield has initiated a similar program to provide loans to local businesses and will continue to provide such loans. Both Eugene and Springfield expect to continue support of microenterprise training for low- and moderate-income persons. This strategy will address the priority needs of increasing employment opportunities. Make strategic investments to improve low-income neighborhoods and other areas of slums and blight. Both the Cities of Eugene and Springfield will consider strategic investments in capital improvement projects serving eligible areas. Such projects may include public infrastructure and other facilities. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 14 PC Agenda - Page 17  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN DRAFT Priority Needs Identified by 2015 Eugene/Springfield Consolidated Plan Priority Need Explanation Renters - Low and very low income people need • A significant majority of low-income renters spend more than 30% of their income on increased access to quality affordable rental housing housing costs (Eugene – 76%, Springfield – 74%) • A significant majority of low-income renters experience over-crowding, substandard housing, or a housing cost burden (Eugene – 78%, Springfield – 76%) • A large percentage of low-income renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 51%, Springfield – 34%) Home Owners - Low and very low income people • A significant majority of low-income owners experience over-crowding, substandard need increased access to affordable home ownership housing, or a housing cost burden (Eugene – 76%, Springfield – 57%) opportunities and support to remain homeowners • A significant majority of low-income owners spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 64%, Springfield – 56%) • A large percentage of low-income owners spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs (Eugene – 40%, Springfield – 31%) Homeless - People need access to housing and • A total of 11,668 homeless individuals were served in FY 2014 by Lane County. supportive services to prevent them from becoming homeless and to leave homelessness Non-Homeless Special Needs Populations - People • Special needs populations need additional support as it relates to affordable housing, with special needs such as physical and mental human services, and employment opportunities. disabilities, the elderly, or victims of domestic violence need additional support for housing and supportive services. Employment Opportunities - People who have low • Between 2007 and 2010, Lane County lost nearly 16,000 jobs. incomes, are unemployed or underemployed need a • The loss of jobs combined with the subsequent recession, have widened the gap between broader range of employment opportunities, including employed wages and housing costs. self-employment Low-Income Areas & Areas of Slums and Blight – • There are several areas in this community that are or could meet the HUD requirement for Geographic areas defined as an area of slum or an area of slum or blight which would allow different uses of CDBG funds. These areas blight or as low-income areas need additional support could benefit from increased investments in the area. for rehabilitation and public facility improvements • There are several areas of this community that are characterized by 51% or more low- to moderate-income residents, which can benefit from increased investments in this area. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 15 PC Agenda - Page 18  EUGENE – SPRINGFIELD CONSOLIDATED PLAN DRAFT Strategies to Address Priority Needs as Identified by 2015 Eugene/Springfield Consolidated Plan Strategy Priority Needs Addressed Possible Examples Measurements Increase the supply of affordable Renters, Homeless, Special Land Acquisition. Development of new Number of new rental units housing Needs rental housing. Assistance to non-profits created sponsors to build capacity for new Number of sites acquired development. Number of non-profits assisted Rehabilitate existing housing stock Renters, Homeless, Special Continue and expand publicly supported Number of rental units rehabbed affordable to low-income persons Needs, Low-Income Areas, rehabilitation and accessibility Number of owner-occupied units Home Owners improvements. rehabbed Provide down payment assistance Home Owners Assist low-income residents with the first Number of owner units acquired for home ownership time purchase of a home. Number of households assisted Remove barriers to affordable and Renters, Home Owners, Support programs that assure housing Maintain fair housing services supportive housing Homeless, Low Income Area opportunities are provided without Number of fair housing events Non Homeless Special Needs discrimination. Support Housing Policy Board Support a human services delivery Homeless, Special Needs Fund capital improvements to facilities by Homeless and special needs system to address the needs of non-profits. Fund non-profit services people served homeless persons and special through the Human Services Commission Agencies served needs populations Promote economic development Employment Opportunities Provide below market financing to local Jobs created or retained and employment opportunities businesses creating or retaining jobs. Businesses assisted through the creation of jobs and Provide micro-enterprise training and business development development opportunities. Make strategic investments to Renters, Owners, Homeless, Provide financing for activities which Number of projects improve low income Special Needs, Low Income eliminate slums and blight, including neighborhoods and other areas of Areas and Slums & Blight, acquisition, clearance, rehab and historic slums and blight Employment Opportunities preservation and economic development activities. DRAFT: February 23, 2015 Page 16 PC Agenda - Page 19  AGENDA ITEM SUMMARY March 30, 2015 To: Eugene Planning Commission From: Terri Harding, City of Eugene Planning Division Subject: MovingAhead: Planning for Eugene’s Key Corridors ACTION REQUESTED The Planning Commission will hold a work session to learn about MovingAhead: a joint City of Eugene and Lane Transit District planning project that will prioritize completion of the remaining segments of the bus rapid transit system and associated bicycle and pedestrian improvements citywide. The project directly links the community vision in Envision Eugene to transportation planning and design of infrastructure improvements along the corridors. BRIEFING STATEMENT Residents in our region value transportation that is convenient and safe for everyone, whether on foot, bike, a bus or in a car. A safe, convenient transportation system supports great neighborhoods and helps keep us and our economy healthy. To improve transportation on some of our most important streets, the City of Eugene and the Lane Transit District are working with regional partners to determine what kinds of transit, biking and walking projects are needed and to prioritize the most important projects so that they can be funded and built. MovingAhead will build from Envision Eugene and LTD’s Long-Range Transit Plan. Envision Eugene specifically calls for BRT buildout and planning for redevelopment in downtown Eugene, in core commercial areas such as Valley River Center, and along key corridors including River Road, Highway 99, Coburg Road, and South Willamette. LTD, the City of Eugene and other regional partners are looking at each corridor individually to understand what types of transit, bike and pedestrian investments will meet transportation needs and support vibrant places. The project offers a timely opportunity for synergy with planning and urban design work already underway. Building on street typology and urban design products completed for South Willamette, planning staff have developed draft corridor typologies and cross sections to feed into the community discussion around Eugene’s corridors through MovingAhead. The draft corridor typologies and a MovingAhead project map are attached (Attachments A and B). The corridor typologies emphasize pedestrian space and aim to balance travel time goals with neighborhood livability goals, while creating a sense of place. MovingAhead will include several phases of work. The first phase, shown below, will look at seven important transportation corridors. It will determine the transit, biking and walking needs in each corridor and will identify the corridors that might be ready for transit capital investments, like EmX, in the near term. PC Agenda - Page 20 PHASE 1 Select corridors Develop corridor Evaluate concepts Determine needs for near-term concepts to serve and corridor in each corridor transit capital needs needs investments Spring 2015 Summer 2015 Fall 2015 Source: CH2MHill NEXT STEPS The broader community is an essential partner in this project. At many points during the process, the project team will reach out to the public to get feedback on key project decisions and help in understanding what actions would provide the most community benefit. A project website will be set up to share the latest information and provide opportunities for feedback. The Planning Commission will participate directly by sending two representatives to serve on a project sounding board. Corridor workshops are currently being planned for the last two weeks of May. Updates will be brought periodically to the full commission to connect the project to other planning work we are doing in the community. FOR MORE INFORMATION Terri Harding: 541-682-5635, terri.l.harding@ci.eugene.or.us ATTACHMENTS A. Draft Corridor Typologies B. Draft MovingAhead Corridor Map PC Agenda - Page 21  Attachment A Corridor Typologies Vehicle Lanes (no Transit). ...........................9-10 Feet Transit Lanes.........................................................11 Feet Transit Lanes next to Buffer.............................10 Feet “We build transit to support productive places.” Faith Cable Kumon, Smith Partners “No on-street parking...no on-street retail.” Bob Gibbs, Gibbs Planning Group for BRT Corridors Bike Lanes................................................................ 5 Feet Bike Lane Buffers............................................... 2-3 Feet “While dedicated lanes are an important feature of Bus Rapid Transit, they are most important on the long suburban Parking Lanes......................................................... 7 Feet stretches reaching to and from a downtown. Within downtown areas, it must be remembered that most transit trips Tree Grates. ............................................................. 5 Feet begin and/or end as a walk, and therefore transit that undermines downtown walkability threatens its own ridership. Planting Strip.......................................................... 6 Feet For this reason, downtown...should be thought of first as a rider generation zone, and only second as a trajectory to Sidewalk, Residential........................................... 8 Feet be cleared of impediments to quick flow.” Jeff Speck, Speck & Associates Sidewalk, Commercial.......................................15 Feet Residential Street Commercial Street Auto-Oriented Street A portion of thoroughfare with predominantly single A portion of thoroughfare in a pedestrian-oriented en- A portion of thoroughfare with buildings oriented to family residences addressing directly on to the street. vironment characterized by active retail frontage and parking lots and little to no spatial enclosure. T spatial enclosure. BRT in: Mixed Traffic AF Res. Street 64’ ROW (20 MPH) Comm. Street 66’ ROW (20 MPH) BRT in: Designated Lanes BRT in: DR Res. Street 91’ ROW Comm. Street 93’ ROW Auto-Oriented Street 91’ ROW Center Median Res. Blvd. 116’ ROW Comm. Blvd. 118’ ROW Auto-Oriented Blvd. 116’ ROW March 18, 2015 PC Agenda - Page 22  Attachment B MovingAhead corridors EmX corridors, existing and under construction Main-McVay Transit Study For information on the Main-McVay Transit Study BELTLINE go to ourmainstreetspringfield.org RIVE R RD COBURG RD VALLEY RIVER HW CENTER Y9 9 MLK JR BLVD/ CENTENNIAL 30th AVE/ L ANE C COLLOMMUN EGE ITY PC Agenda - Page 23