Charlotte City Council
Housing and Neighborhood Development
Committee
Summary Minutes
March 28, 2006
COMMITTEE AGENDA TOPICS
INFORMATION
I.
Subject:
FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Report
The Committee received the FY06 Neighborhood Development Mid-Year
Compliance Report.
II.
Subject:
Neighborhood Symposium Update
The Committee received an update on the 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium.
III.
Subject:
Charlotte Neighborhood Fund Mid-Year Report
The Committee received the FY06 Charlotte Neighborhood Fund Mid-Year Report.
ACTION
I.
Subject:
The Housing and Neighborhood Development Action Plan
The Committee reviewed and recommended additions to the Housing and
Neighborhood Development Action Plan. Staff will revise the plan and present it
to the Committee at their next meeting for approval.
II.
Subject:
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan
The Committee reviewed the Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan. (Excluding a
funding recommendation, which will be considered as part of the City Council’s
FY2007 Budget process.) The Committee will continue the discussion on the
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan at their next meeting.
III.
Subject:
After School Enrichment Programs
The Committee reviewed the program standards and Intermediary Vendor
Selection process. The Committee will continue the discussion on the After
School Enrichment Programs at their next meeting.
IV.
Subject:
Proposed Meeting Schedule
The Committee reviewed the proposed meeting schedule and scheduled additional
meetings for the months of April and May.
Present:
COMMITTEE INFORMATION
Council Members Susan Burgess, Michael Barnes, Anthony Foxx, Pat Mumford
Absent:
Council Member Don Lochman
Charlotte City Council
Housing and Neighborhood Development
Committee
Summary Minutes
March 28, 2006
Staff:
Julie Burch, Ruffin Hall, Patricia Mason, Stephanie Small, Stanley Watkins
Others:
Ebonie Alexander, North Carolina Community Development Initiative, Inc.
Anthony Lindsey, Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board, Chairman
Chris Squire, Privatization and Competition Committee
Clair Tate, Partners-In-Out-of-School-Time
Time:
12:15 PM – 2:22 PM
ATTACHMENTS
1. Agenda Packet – March 28, 2006
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 2
DISCUSSION HIGHLIGHTS
INFORMATION
I.
FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Monitoring Report
Patricia Mason provided the FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Monitoring Report. Key points include the
following:
ƒ
The Compliance Monitoring Program was developed in 2000 to ensure the accountability and
performance of Neighborhood Development’s financial partners.
ƒ
Financial partners are evaluated on the following factors: assessment of governing board,
assessment of staff capability, review of fiscal/financial policies and practices, review of business
operational policies/practices and determination of regulatory and contract compliance.
ƒ
Each partner is rated and scored as Compliant (2.0), Needs Improvement (1.0) or NonCompliant (0). Organizations that do not receive a rating of compliant have a six to 12 month
follow up conducted. Each financial partner is reviewed every three years.
ƒ
The summary of findings for the reviews conducted to date are as follows:
• Charlotte-Mecklenburg Housing Partnership received a rating of compliant (2.0). No
items were cited for corrective action.
ƒ
•
Charlotte Mecklenburg Schools were rated as needing improvement (1.82). The
corrective action plan for the items cited has been submitted. The items cited have also
been cleared.
•
The Regional HIV/AIDS Consortium was also rated as needing improvement (1.67).
The corrective action plan has been submitted and reviewed. One item has been
cleared. However, information has been requested for several remaining items.
•
The YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Inc. – Community Development received a rating of
needing improvement (1.95). The corrective action plan has been submitted and the
items cited were reviewed and cleared.
Ms. Mason informed the Committee that staff is in the process of conducting reviews for the
Belmont Community Development Corporation, City West Development Corporation and the
Uptown Men’s Shelter. The tentative completion date for these reviews is May 2006. She also
informed the Committee that staff will conduct follow up reviews on the Northwest Corridor
Community Development Corporation and the St. Paul Church After School Program in April
2006.
Questions/Answers/Comments:
Burgess:
Would you say that we are on track with the compliance reviews?
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 3
Mason:
II.
Yes.
2006 Neighborhood Symposium Update
Stephanie Small provided an update on the 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium. Key points are
as follows:
ƒ
The 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium will be held on April 22, 2006 from 8:00 A.M. until
4:00 P.M. at the Charlotte Marriott Center City, located at 100 West Trade Street.
ƒ
The keynote speaker is Mickey Fearn with the City of Seattle, Washington. As a Senior Policy
Analyst for the Mayor of Seattle, his current responsibilities include citizen engagement and
community relations. He has served there as an Organizational Development Specialist and he
also created and lead their Neighborhood Leadership Program.
ƒ
Invitations have been mailed to over 1,700 people. To date, approximately 95 people have
registered for the Symposium. Anticipated enrollment is estimated to exceed 350 participants.
ƒ
Approximately 30 exhibitors have been confirmed. These include several city Key Business
Units, Community Link (including Family Financial Literacy Coalition and the IRS Earned
Income Tax Credits,) Habitat for Humanity, neighborhood associations and other neighborhood
based entities.
Questions/Answers/Comments:
III.
Burgess:
numbers?
How does the registration to date compare with previous year’s registration
Small:
We’re actually ahead of where we were this time last year. We normally have an
influx of registration the week before the conference.
Barnes:
Do we always have the Symposium at an uptown location?
Watkins:
Yes, because it is a central location to all neighborhoods.
Burgess:
I want to make sure that all parts of the City are represented at the Symposium. It is
important that the district representatives help market the Symposium.
Barnes:
I am happy to promote it at my neighborhood meetings. Is there a better name we
could use for the Symposium that better describes the event?
Small:
We are happy to hear any suggestions you might have.
FY2006 Charlotte Neighborhood Fund Mid-Year Report
Ebonie Alexander of the North Carolina Community Development Initiative, Inc. presented the
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 4
Charlotte Neighborhood Fund mid-year report. Key points are as follows:
ƒ
The report represents the performance goals, actual performance and projected units to be
completed by June 30, 2006 for the Belmont, City West, Friendship, Grier Heights, Lakewood
and Northwest Community Development Corporations.
Name
Belmont
*City West
Friendship
Grier Heights
Lakewood
*Northwest Corridor
Total
Target
Number
of Units
6
10
5
19
10
24
74
Completed
Units
As of 1/05
1
0
0
9
4
0
14
Projected
Units
Year-End
6
N/A
5
19
10
N/A
40
Projected %
Complete
At Year-End
100%
0%
100%
100%
100%
0%
54%
FY2005
CNF
Funding
$75,000
$75,000
$50,000
$50,000
$85,000
$75,000
$410,000
ƒ
Ms. Alexander explained that the NCCDI is in the 3rd year of administering the contract for the
Charlotte Neighborhood Fund.
ƒ
She noted that the numbers reported for Grier Heights are not accurate. She informed the
Committee that the numbers should be revised to reflect that the target number of units for
Grier Heights is 19, and the number of units completed as of 1/05 is 9.
Questions/Answers/Comments:
Burgess:
If Grier Heights became more productive could they get funding again?
Alexander:
City Council would have to make that decision.
Burgess:
How can we get a copy of the Z Reynolds Smith Foundation Report?
Alexander:
I will make a copy available.
Watkins:
We will also be bringing you a year-end report at which time we will make funding
recommendations for next year.
Barnes:
What are the barriers to successful CDCs?
Alexander:
Leadership is the primary barrier. The Boards are not very engaged.
Barnes:
How frequently are the Boards replaced?
Alexander:
It depends on the by-laws of the individual CDCs.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 5
Foxx:
Is it possible to see information on the year to year investments in CDCs and the
return on those year to year investments?
Alexander:
Yes. I’ll be happy to share that information with you.
Mumford:
I applaud your work, but I’m hard on CDCs. Our funding should not be used to
build the capacity of the CDCs. Our funding should be used to produce housing
units. At the end of the year we need to have an honest discussion about the
continued funding of CDCs.
Foxx:
Do other CDCs focus only on housing?
Alexander:
No. Most CDCs focus on housing and economic development.
Barnes:
Are people being paid to work at the CDCs.
Alexander:
Yes.
Mumford:
Can we schedule another discussion on CDCs?
Watkins:
Yes.
ACTION
I.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Action Plan
Stanley Watkins presented the suggested Housing and Neighborhood Development Action Plan
agenda. Key points include the following:
ƒ
Mr. Watkins reminded the Committee that the City Council selected the Housing and
Neighborhood Development Focus Area as one of their three priorities at the 2006 City Council
Retreat.
ƒ
He reminded the Committee that on March 6, 2006, City Council approved the focus area plans
and referred the action plans to the Committee for review and additional discussion.
ƒ
Mr. Watkins also reminded the Committee that City Council also selected some high priority
subject areas that need to be addressed in the Housing and Neighborhood Development focus
area.
ƒ
He explained that staff has taken those priorities and identified some suggested action steps to
address these high priority subject areas.
Questions/Answers/Comments:
Barnes:
Several Neighborhoods are on the verge of declining. Has staff given any additional
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 6
thought on how to address this issue?
Watkins:
This issue is listed on the action plan. The purpose of this discussion is to make
sure that we have the items you want to discuss listed on the action plan.
Foxx:
Is the ombudsman position properly placed in Neighborhood Development or
should it be in another department?
Watkins:
The action plan simply describes the issue; it does not presuppose that the position
has to be placed in Neighborhood Development. When you discuss the item more,
we can then decide where the position best fits. The action plan is simply an agenda
to begin the discussion.
Foxx:
Related to the ombudsman, I’m envisioning a sort of neighborhood advocacy role.
Burgess:
Let’s change the name from neighborhood ombudsman to neighborhood advocate.
Burch:
The words advocate and ombudsman have different meanings, but we’ll have an
opportunity to discuss this more later.
Barnes:
I like the term ombudsman because this person will assist communities when the
developers leave so that neighborhood covenants remain in place and communities
continue to be strong. This is not an advocacy issue.
Watkins:
This is good discussion, but let me remind you that today we are only trying to
decide if this is the correct agenda.
Mumford:
We need to add zoning standards and a discussion on infill housing to the agenda.
Burgess:
I’d like to add the following items:
• Increasing the number of Community Watch programs
• Distribution of affordable housing
• Increased effort to educate citizens on the earned income tax credits
• Update on the Homeless Report
• Status report on gentrification
• Discussion on foreclosures
• Discussion on predatory lending
• Review of the transit oriented development policies
Barnes:
I agree with adding the discussion on the earned income tax credits because there
are a number of Hurricane Katrina evacuees who could benefit from this tax credit.
Mumford:
How do you envision the Committee addressing the issue of predatory lending? Is it
a report on if and how this is impacting Charlotte to see if it is a problem?
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 7
Burgess:
Yes.
Mumford:
I agree. It would be good to review the transit oriented development policies to see
how we’re doing and if what we decided three years ago is still working.
Burch:
We will bring you back a revised action plan at your early April meeting.
Mumford:
Does the advocate/ombudsman role put us in a position where if something does
not go the way a neighborhood wants it to; the neighborhood will feel as though the
City failed them?
Foxx:
I think the position is more about giving the neighborhoods a voice.
Barnes:
I agree. The person in this position would assist the neighborhoods with problem
solving, but the neighborhoods would make the final decisions on issues.
Next Steps/Action:
Staff will make the recommended revisions to the Action Plan and bring it back to the Committee
for review and approval at the next meeting.
II.
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan
Stanley Watkins and Anthony Lindsey, Chairman of the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board,
presented the revised Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan. Key points include the following:
ƒ
Mr. Lindsey presented the Committee with a letter that outlines the Housing Trust Fund
Advisory Board’s annual request to the Housing Trust Fund. He explained that this request is a
follow up to the Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee’s discussion during their
February 14, 2006 meeting and is made with respect to the City’s ongoing fiscal challenges.
ƒ
Mr. Watkins explained to the committee that the Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan has been
revised to address the concerns raised at the Housing and Neighborhood Development
Committee’s February 14th meeting.
ƒ
Mr. Watkins reminded the Committee that the key policy concerns were:
• The inclusion of a numeric target created challenges in light of ongoing Council budget
deliberations.
• Placing more emphasis on identifying targeted areas in affordable housing which need
attention or present opportunities.
ƒ
Based on the Committee’s discussion, the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board proposes the
following modifications:
A minor change was made to the vision and is noted with underlined text.
• Everyone in our community should have a good place to live to achieve their potential.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 8
A mission statement was added and is noted in underlined text:
• Finance affordable housing, review affordable housing policies and engage in education
and outreach on affordable housing.
The Long Range Goal was modified as follows:
• Address 50% of the 2010 projected unmet housing demand (6,265 units) over the next
ten years.* (Increase housing for families earning less than $16,000). This will take $758
million in 2006 dollars to accomplish this goal.
* Annual affordable housing objectives, priorities and performance measures will be recommended by the
Housing Trust Fund based on market conditions and available funding.
Questions/Answers/Comments:
Mumford:
In the previous presentation, there were a number of categories. I’m not sure how
we should address homeownership.
Watkins:
We expect that Council’s housing priorities will change over time.
Burgess:
Does the goal only focus on those earning $16,000 and below?
Watkins:
Yes. This is the group that needs the most help.
Mumford:
Let’s spend more time on supporting low income individuals. We should not lose
sight of the social services activities that are also a part of Housing Trust Fund
projects.
Burgess:
I think that this is a good action plan. However, I think that the Housing Trust
Fund should partner more with the Council to achieve this work.
Lindsey:
I agree with you. The Housing Trust Fund understands the need to partner
with Council and fully intends to partner with Council in doing this work.
Watkins:
Staff will go back and revise the action plan to make it more explicit that the
Housing Trust Fund is indeed partnering with City Council to do this work.
Lindsey:
The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board does not want to look as though
we are taking a unilateral approach to achieve this work.
Burgess:
I would like to see a matrix that explains the number of units we could expect to be
built if the Housing Trust Fund were awarded the following amounts: $10m, $15m,
$20m and $30m per year.
Foxx:
I think staff is only seeking approval of the action plan today. Is that correct?
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 9
Watkins:
Yes, we are only asking for your approval of the action plan.
Foxx:
How will this come back to us for approval?
Watkins:
This will come back to the Committee for approval and then go to Council.
Mumford:
As you address the Committee’s request, please also include the types of units that
could be produced with the specified funding amounts (i.e. Special Needs, buying
apartments and converting them, etc.). Also, consider if we should include
homeownership in the percentage of units serving $16,000 or less.
Burgess:
Can Budget give us a number by which we would have to increase taxes to provide
funding for the Housing Trust Fund?
Hall:
That number will come back to you at your April 12th Budget Retreat.
Next Steps/Action:
Staff will make the recommended revisions to the Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan and bring it
back to the Committee for review and approval at the next meeting.
III.
After School Enrichment Programs
Stephanie Small presented information on the After School Enrichment Programs (ASEP). Key
points include the following:
ƒ
Two outstanding issues from last year’s budget decisions were adopting new quality standards for
ASEPs and a resolution on using an intermediary to administer the program on behalf of the
City.
ƒ
City staff worked with Partners-in-Out-of-School-Time (POST) to review and expand current
ASEP quality standards to support the highest quality program possible. New standards include:
prioritizing programs located in Charlotte’s Revitalization Areas, North Carolina Day Care
Certification, collaborating with schools and teachers and providing transportation when
needed. These standards have not been implemented as they await review and approval by City
Council.
ƒ
After working with POST to develop the quality standards, staff reviewed the proposed ASEP
Quality Standards and program administrative options with the Privatization and Competition
Advisory Committee (PCAC).
ƒ
The PCAC met on March 10, 2005 and recommended that the City initiate a RFP process to
select a third-party intermediary to administer the After School Enrichment Program. The
Intermediary will help leverage City funds for the ASEPs and provide oversight, consultation and
training for the programs. The intermediary selection will be based on organizational expertise,
management plan, compliance system, fund raising expertise and competitive cost to the City.
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 10
Questions/Answers/Comments:
Burgess:
Is it possible to get the unlicensed providers, licensed within two years?
Tate:
Yes, I think so.
Mumford:
Should the City be engaged in the business of After School programs? This should
be a service provided by Mecklenburg County. The money being used to fund After
School programs could be used to support other housing initiatives.
Burgess:
Is the $100,000 for the intermediary new money?
Watkins:
Yes, it will be considered as part of your FY07 budget deliberations.
Burch:
We are asking the Committee to make a recommendation on the program standards
and the intermediary contingent on the FY07 budget approval.
Mumford:
I’m not comfortable that this is what Council asked staff to do last year. I think we
need to have a broad discussion about whether we should be in the business of after
school.
Foxx:
I agree with Mr. Mumford.
Burgess:
If we privatize this function, would this free up a staff person?
Watkins:
We only spend about 25% of a full time position on monitoring this program.
Barnes:
How was this funded last year?
Hall:
City Council moved money from the Community Development Block Grant and
other housing programs to fund the After School Programs.
Foxx:
I have more questions, so I’m requesting that this topic come back for more
discussion.
Barnes:
Do the extra meetings in April and May account for additional discussions on the
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan and the After School Enrichment Programs?
Watkins:
No.
Next Steps/Action:
The Committee asked staff to put this back on the agenda for continued discussion at the next meeting.
IV.
Proposed Meeting Schedule
The Committee scheduled extra meetings for the months of April and May. The meeting dates are
as follows:
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
Meeting Summary for March 28, 2006
Page 11
April 6th at 12:00 PM
April 21st at 12:00 PM
May 10th at 12:00 PM
May 23rd at 12:00 PM
The meeting was adjourned at 2:22 PM
City Council
Housing and Neighborhood Development
Committee Meeting
Tuesday, March 28, 2006 – 12:00 Noon
Charlotte-Mecklenburg Government Center – Room CH-14
Committee Members:
Susan Burgess, Chair
Anthony Foxx, Vice-Chair
Michael Barnes
Don Lochman
Pat Mumford
Staff Resource:
Julie Burch
REVISED AGENDA
INFORMATION
-
FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Monitoring Report
Neighborhood Symposium Update
Charlotte Neighborhood Fund
-
Approval of the Housing and Neighborhood Development Action Plan
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan – Council Priority
After School Enrichment Programs
Proposed Meeting Agenda & Schedule (Info will be distributed at the meeting)
-
ACTION
________________________
Distribution:
Mayor/Council
Pam Syfert, City Manager
City Leadership Team
Corporate Communications
Debra Campbell - Planning
Stanley Watkins – Neigh. Dev.
Richard Woodcock – Neigh. Dev.
Stan Wilson – Neigh. Dev.
Stephanie Small – Neigh. Dev.
Walter Abernethy – Neigh. Dev.
Pat Mason – Neigh. Dev.
Ruffin Hall – Budget Office
Mike Nail – Budget Office
Anna Schleunes – City Attorney Office
Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board
Charles Woodyard -CHA
Pat Garrett - CMHP
Chris Squier – PCAC
David Elmore - Business Support Services
Claire Tate – Partners In Out-of-School Time
Housing and Neighborhood Action Plan
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
March 28, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Approve the 2006 Housing and Neighborhood Development Council Priority suggested action plan
agenda.
Explanation:
ƒ At the February, 2006 City Council Retreat, Council selected the Housing and Neighborhood
Development Focus Area as a priority.
ƒ Council also selected some high priority subject areas that need to be addressed in the Housing and
Neighborhood Development focus area.
ƒ City Staff has taken those priorities and identified some suggested action steps to address these high
priority subject areas.
ƒ On March 6, 2006. City Council approved the focus area plans and referred the action plan to the
Committee for further review and comment.
ƒ Attached is a copy of the suggested action plan agenda for the Committee’s review and approval.
Attachment:
Housing and Neighborhood Development Council Priority Action Plan
2006 Housing and Neighborhood Development Council Priority
Action Plan
1. Neighborhood Policy
Goal: Decrease the number of Challenged neighborhoods.
Objectives:
A. Review the City’s strategy for addressing neighborhoods
B. Define the City’s service delivery expectations for Stable, Transitioning and
Challenged neighborhoods
C. Specify City strategic investments for neighborhoods, e.g., infrastructure, housing and
economic development
D. Discuss the City’s role in neighborhood outreach, education and capacity building to
strengthen neighborhood organizations
E. Assess the City’s current targeted neighborhood revitalization and intervention
efforts;
F. Perform a “gap” analysis on the City’s neighborhood efforts
G. Establish goals and priorities for City neighborhoods
2. Neighborhood Ombudsman
Goal: Provide proactive outreach services to non-targeted neighborhoods.
Objectives:
A. Assess the need for a more proactive neighborhood approach
B. Provide information to residents on current city programs and services
C. Assist neighborhoods in identifying and solving complex problems
D. Assist neighborhoods in understanding land use and zoning requirements
E. Provide training and capacity building services to strengthen neighborhood
organizations
3. Housing Trust Fund and Bond Issue
Goal: Establish City affordable housing goals and priorities for the next 5 years.
Objectives:
A. Select priority affordable housing markets to serve, e.g., preservation of existing
rental units, households earning less than $16,000, etc.
B. Establish Housing Trust Fund performance measures
C. Review current affordable housing policies and impact of local regulations on
affordable housing
D. Expand education and outreach initiatives for affordable housing
E. Assess the need for a 2nd Housing Summit of local housing providers
6
4. Neighborhood infrastructure
Goal: Upgrade streets, sidewalks, curb & gutter and other infrastructure to sustain
neighborhoods.
Objectives:
A. Address important health, safety and appearance issues related to infrastructure needs
B. Provide minimum level of infrastructure consistent with the character and needs of
neighborhoods
C. Leverage other investments in neighborhoods
D. Recommend neighborhood priorities for infrastructure
5. Rental Property and Landlords
Goal: Maintain high quality rental properties.
Objectives:
A. Assess impacts of problem landlords on neighborhoods
B. Review current City polices and ordinances to address problem landlords
C. Identify strategies and actions to address problem landlords
6. Good Neighbors (Section 8)
Goal: Engage in education and outreach to improve citizen awareness and involvement in
maintaining neighborhoods.
Objectives:
A. Increase residents awareness of the importance of property maintenance, sanitation,
code enforcement and zoning regulations
B. Help residents understand their individual responsibilities for maintaining their
properties to sustain neighborhoods
C. Provide strategies and tools to assist residents in negotiating practical solutions to
neighborhood conflicts
INFORMATION
7. Charlotte Housing Authority
Goal: Increase City Council’s awareness of the Charlotte Housing Authority goals, plans
and implementations strategy.
Objectives:
A. Review the Charlotte Housing Authority Strategic Plan
B. Receive information on property disposition strategy
C. Understand the impact of the Charlotte Housing Authority strategies on the City’s
affordable housing
7
FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Monitoring Report
Housing and Neighborhood Development Services Committee
March 28, 2006
Committee Action Request: Receive as information Neighborhood Development Compliance Monitoring
Unit’s mid-year report on compliance activities.
Program Description:
ƒ Developed in 2000 to ensure accountability and performance of thirty (30) Neighborhood
Development’s financial partners
ƒ Ensure compliance with federal, state and local grant requirements
ƒ Enhance long-term sustainability and viability of the financial partners
ƒ Forty-one (41) compliance reviews have been conducted since 2000
Financial partners are evaluated on the following factors:
ƒ Assessment of Governing Board
ƒ Assessment of Staff Capability
ƒ Review of Fiscal/Financial Policies and Practices
ƒ Review of Business Operational Policies/Practices
ƒ Determination of Regulatory and Contract Compliance
Based on the above factors, each financial partner is rated and scored as Compliant (2.0), Needs
Improvement (1.0) or Non-Compliant (0). Organizations that are rated as Needs Improvement or NonCompliant have a six to 12 month follow-up conducted. Each financial partner is reviewed approximately
every three years.
The City provides technical assistance to financial partners to help increase the organization’s capacity and
provide on-going guidance and counsel. The overall average scoring on the factors determines the City’s
response to the review – Business Risk Analysis (0 - 1.0), Compliance Unit Intervention (1.0 – 1.5) and
Staff Level Technical Assistance (1.5 – 1.99).
Summary of Findings
The Compliance Unit has completed 4 of 7 compliance reviews scheduled for this fiscal year.
A summary of findings regarding the status of the compliance reviews are highlighted in the Assessment of
Outcome chart on page 3.
Financial Partner
Program Funding
Charlotte-Mecklenburg
Housing Partnership, Inc.
Charlotte--Mecklenburg
Schools
Affordable Housing
Development
After School Enrichment
and Summer Programs
Overall Rating &
Score
Compliant (2.0)
Status as of January 2006
Needs
Improvement (1.82)
Corrective action plan for items cited
has not been submitted. Once plan
is submitted, it will be reviewed by
the Compliance Unit
(Program Level Technical Assistance)
No items cited for corrective action
1
Financial Partner
Program Funding
Regional HIV/AIDS
Consortium
Provide services and
initiative that assist
HIV/AIDS families and
individuals
YMCA of Greater
Charlotte, Inc. –
Community Development
Strengthening Families
Program that provides
resources and services to
families and individuals
Overall Rating
& Score
Needs
Improvement
(1.67)
Needs
Improvement
(1.95)
Status as of January 2006
Corrective action plan submitted for
items cited has been reviewed with
one item being cleared for
compliance. Additional information
has been requested for remaining
items.
(Program Level Technical Assistance)
Corrective action plan has been
submitted and items cited were
reviewed and cleared.
(Program Level Technical Assistance)
The three remaining reviews to be conducted are: Belmont Community Development Corporation, City
West Community Development Corporation and Uptown Men’s Shelter. In addition, the Compliance
Unit will conduct follow-up reviews on Northwest Corridor Community Development Corporation and St.
Paul Baptist Church After School Program.
Attachment
FY06 Mid-Year Compliance Monitoring Report
2
2006 Neighborhood Symposium Update
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
March 28, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Receive an update on the 2006 Neighborhood Symposium
Program Update/Highlights:
ƒ The 11th Annual Neighborhood Symposium will be held from 8:00 A.M until 4:00 P.M. on
April 22, 2006 at the Charlotte Marriott Center City, located at 100 West Trade Street.
ƒ
Symposium invitations were mailed to more than 1,700 people, including neighborhood
leaders, non-profit organizations and other entities. To date, 60 registrations have been
received; however anticipated enrollment should exceed 350. Interested persons may preregister on line at neighborhoods.charmeck.org or by calling 704-336-2061.
ƒ
Information has been disseminated through the following outlets: Save-the-Date post cards,
flyers, posters, channel 16 public service announcements, Charlotte-Mecklenburg website, CNotes electronic newsletter, City Notes (water bill insert) and City Source weekly news show.
ƒ
Sponsors, partners and contributors are city KBUs (Planning, Police, and Solid Waste
Services), YMCA of Greater Charlotte, Leadership Charlotte and Junior League of Charlotte.
ƒ
Keynote speaker is Mickey Fearn with the City of Seattle, Washington. He has served there as
an Organizational Development Specialist. He also created and led their Neighborhood
Leadership Program. As a Senior Policy Analyst for the Mayor of Seattle, his current
responsibilities include citizen engagement and race and social justice.
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The Youth Track for young people ages 12-18 has been extended this year to include
workshops during the morning and a special activity during the afternoon. The youth
workshops and activities will focus on the influence of the hip-hop culture, the pressure of gang
activity, career development and youth involvement in government and civic activities.
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Nearly 30 exhibitors have been confirmed, including several city KBUs, Community Link
(including Family Financial Literacy Coalition and IRS Earned Income Tax Credits), Habitat
for Humanity, neighborhood associations and other neighborhood-based entities.
Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan Follow-up
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
March 28, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
Approve Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board revised recommendations for the Housing Trust
Fund Strategic Plan and adopt the proposed action plan.
Policy Framework:
ƒ On November 26, 2001, City Council established a Housing Trust Fund to provide financing
for affordable housing in the Charlotte community.
ƒ On April 8, 2002, City Council established a Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board. The
Advisory Board is charged with: overseeing the Housing Trust Fund, establishing policy and
guidelines, monitoring performance and reporting annually to City Council.
Revised Plan:
ƒ On February 14, 2006, the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board presented their strategic plan to
the City Council’s Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee.
ƒ Upon review, the Committee raised some policy concerns and made several information
requests of the Housing Trust Fund Board and staff.
ƒ Key policy concerns were 1) inclusion of a numeric target created challenges in light of ongoing
Council budget deliberation and 2) more emphasis should be placed on identifying targeted
areas in affordable housing which need attention or present opportunities. Based on the
Committee’s discussion, the Housing Trust Board proposes the following modifications to the
plan. (Underlines represents new language and strike thoughts represent deleted language)
Vision (Minor Change)
o Everyone in our community should have the opportunity to have a good place to live
to achieve their potential;
o The community should make available a continuum of housing options for its
residents that range from shelter and transitional housing for the homeless and special
needs populations, to low and moderate-income rental homes, and ownership homes;
o The best model for success is building sustainable mixed-income communities
Mission (Addition)
o Finance affordable housing, review affordable housing policies and engage in
education and outreach on affordable housing.
Long Range Goal (Modified)
Address 50% of the 2010 projected unmet housing demand (6,265 units) over the next ten
years.* (Increase housing for families earning less than $16,000). This will take $758 million in
2006 dollars to accomplish this goal.
* - Annual affordable housing objectives, priorities and performance measures will be recommended by
the Housing Trust Fund based on market conditions and available funding.
ƒ
ƒ
Minor changes are proposed for the vision statement, a proposed Housing Trust Fund
Board mission statement is added and the goal was modified to reflect numeric target
without a firm time line. It is envisioned that this new goal would represent the utilization
of all the City resources. The Council will establish priorities annually for affordable
housing as is done under the current system.
The Housing Trust Fund Strategic Operating Plan is attached.
ƒ
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The Committee requested some additional information on affordable housing, which is
attached – Alternative Ways of Financing Affordable Housing and Examples of MixedIncome Projects that have been successful nationally.
The Committee also requested that Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board provide a
projected affordable number to assist City Council in their budget deliberations. That
information is being provided under a separate letter.
Background:
ƒ Since 2002, City Council through voter approved bonds and other appropriations have
designated $47 million for the Housing Trust Fund.
ƒ To date, 100% of the Housing Trust Fund’s appropriations have been allocated to housing
funding categories and all but $8 million has been awarded to affordable housing developments.
ƒ The results so far have been the financing of 2,300 affordable homes of which 811 have been
completed. The Housing Trust Fund primarily serves families earning an annual income of
$38,500 or less.
ƒ On March 12, 2005 the Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board held its Annual Retreat. The
focus of the retreat was:
o Long-term future of affordable housing in the City
o Role of the Trust Fund in ensuring an adequate supply of affordable housing in
Charlotte
ƒ A Housing Market Study, commissioned by the Housing Trust Fund in 2005, forecasts a need
for 12,530 new affordable rental homes by 2010 for families with annual earnings of less than
$16,000.
ƒ Based on the market information and key affordable housing issues, the Housing Trust Fund
drafted the following vision statement:
ƒ The Housing Trust Fund Advisory Board established a goal of meeting 50% of the 2010
projection over the next ten years, which would require annual capital budget of $76 million.
ƒ The Strategic Plan also sets forth strategies and action plans for the Housing Trust Fund
Advisory Board to address: Funding, Housing Policy, Trust Fund Operations and Education and
Outreach initiatives. (See page 4 of the Draft Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan)
Attachments:
Draft Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan
Mixed-Income Housing: Myth and Fact, Urban Land Institute, 2003 (Mailed Separately to Council
Members)
Alternative Ways of Financing Affordable Housing
After School Enrichment Programs
Quality Standards and Intermediary Selection
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee
March 28, 2006
Committee Action Requested:
A.
Approve the new standards developed Partners in Out-of-School Time (POST).
B.
Approve recommendation for an Intermediary Selection Process from the Privatization and
Competition Advisory Committee, which is contingent on FY07 budget approval.
Background:
ƒ On June 28, 2004 Council directed staff to work with Partners in Out-of-School Time (POST) to
develop quality standards for the After School Enrichment Program (ASEP); and develop an ASEP
vendor selection process in conjunction with the Privatization and Competition Advisory Committee
(PCAC). However, Council action on the items was delayed from last year’s budget discussions.
ƒ
The City has been involved with After School Enrichment Programs (ASEPs) for approximately 30
years. ASEPs provide elementary and middle school students with a safe, nurturing environment
during after school hours where time is spent involved in constructive and healthy activity. ASEPs are
also designed to support the child’s intellectual, social, physical and emotional growth.
ƒ
The City of Charlotte currently provides $1.2 million to serve 775 children in six ASEPs - The
Bethlehem Center, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools, Greater Enrichment Center, J.T. Williams Middle School, St.
Paul Day Care and the YWCA. These programs are currently funded through CDBG (71%) and City’s
Innovative Housing Program (29%). The FY07 funding recommendations for ASEPs are still being
evaluated and will be addressed in the City Manager’s budget submission.
Outstanding Issues
ƒ Two outstanding issues from last year’s budget decisions were adopting new quality standards for
ASEPs and a resolution on using an intermediary to administer the program on behalf of the City.
ƒ
City staff worked with POST to review and expand current ASEP quality standards to support the
highest quality program possible. New standards include: prioritizing programs located in Charlotte’s
Revitalization Areas, North Carolina Day Care Certification, collaborating with schools and teachers
and providing transportation when needed. These standards have not been implemented as they await
review and approval by City Council. See attached document for details on the standards.
ƒ
After working with POST to develop the quality standards, staff reviewed the proposed ASEP Quality
Standards and program administrative options with the PCAC.
ƒ
The PCAC met on March 10, 2005 and recommended that the City initiate a RFP process to select a
third-party intermediary to administer the After School Enrichment Program. The Intermediary will
help leverage City funds for the ASEPs and provide oversight, consultation and training for the
programs. The intermediary selection will be based on organizational expertise, management plan,
compliance system, fund raising expertise and competitive cost to the City. Attached is an updated
selection process schedule for consideration.
ƒ
The City’s cost is expected to be less than $100,000 annually for an Intermediary. Pursuing the
Intermediary is contingent upon City Council FY07 budget approval.
Attachments:
ASEP Program Standards recommended by POST
Proposed ASEP Intermediary Selection Criteria
2006
Housing and Neighborhood Development Committee Meetings
Upcoming Agenda Items*
March 28, 2006
Information:
• Mid-Year Compliance Report
• Neighborhood Symposium Update
• Mid-Year Charlotte Neighborhood Fund Report
Policy:
• Housing Trust Fund Strategic Plan - Council
Priority
• After School Enrichment Program
Early April (TBD)
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• Need for 2nd Housing Summit- Council Priority
• Johnston & Mecklenburg Mill Properties RFP
• Charlotte Housing Authority
April 25, 2006
Information:
• TBD
Policy
• 2006 QOL Study (Crime Generators)
• Consolidated Action Plan
• Foreclosures
Early May (TBD)
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• Neighborhood Policy (1st Mtg.) - Council Priority
• Neighborhood Ombudsman (1st Mtg. – Council
Priority
• Neighborhood Infrastructure - Council Priority
May 23, 2006
Information
• TBD
Policy
• Neighborhood Policy (2nd Mtg.) - Council Priority
• Neighborhood Ombudsman (2nd Mtg.) – Council
Priority
• Charlotte Neighborhood Fund Recommendation
Early June (TBD)
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• Rental Property and Landlords- Council Priority
• Good Neighbors Section 8- Council Priority
June 27, 2006
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• Inventory of Boarded Up Structures
July
No Meeting
August
No Meeting
September 26, 2006
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• TDB
October 24, 2006
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• TBD
November 28, 2006
Information:
• TBD
Policy:
• TBD
December
No Meeting
* Additional Items may be referred from Council throughout the year