The City of Hemet (City) is an entitlement city of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and as such, receives annual grants on a formula basis from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The purpose of CDBG is to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services, with maximum feasible priority given to activities which benefit low and moderate income persons. The City is responsible for developing its own programs and funding priorities within CDBG and HUD requirements, as well as monitoring sub-recipients of the funds awarded under this grant.
In order to receive CDBG funding the City is required to prepare a comprehensive plan known as the Five Year Consolidated Plan. This plan identifies the City’s priorities and objectives for CDBG funding during the 2015-2019 program years. CDBG funds can be used for a variety of activities including but not limited to, afterschool activities, child care, education, health programs, job training, public transportation, and senior or youth programs. In addition, CDBG can fund public facilities development or improvements such as, clinics, community centers, domestic violence and homeless shelters, economic development activities, fire stations, libraries, parks and playgrounds and street improvements. The participation of residents, service providers, government agencies, community organizations, businesses and other interested parties is an essential part of developing the Consolidated Plan. City staff will prepare the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan with the assistance of Castaneda & Associates, a professional services consultant who will provide the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice and Fair Housing Action Plan elements.
It is anticipated that the City will receive between $650,000 and $850,000 for each of the next five program years, July 2015 through June 2019, for a total of $3,250,000 to $4,250,000 in CDBG funding. Regulations established by HUD, for receiving CDBG funding, require citizen participation in establishing funding needs and priorities. The City is beginning the process with this public hearing and will continue to provide opportunities for public participation through community meetings and a comprehensive community needs assessment survey. Information gathered will be summarized and incorporated into the City’s 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan draft. The Consolidated Plan draft will be available for public review, comment and a public hearing before final submission to HUD on May 16, 2015. In addition, the funding needs and priorities identified will guide the application process and funding recommendations for each of the five program years (2015-2019) covered by the Consolidated Plan.