Bill 200624

..Title Approving a Second Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan 2019-2020 to add $11,311,404 in Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funding, all under certain terms and conditions. ..Body WHEREAS, In accordance with the approval of City Council in Bill No. 190441 (approved June 26, 2019), the City has filed applications for various forms of United States Department of Housing and Urban Development ("HUD") funding, as set forth in the City's Annual Action Plan 2019-2020; and WHEREAS, The Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act ("CARES Act") included supplemental formula allocations to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) programs. On September 11, 2020, a total of $11,311,404 in CDBG-CV3 funding was allocated to the City; and WHEREAS, The City has prepared a Second Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan 2019-2020 (attached hereto as Exhibit "A"); NOW, THREFORE THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF PHILADELPHIA HEREBY ORDAINS: SECTION 1. The City's Second Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan 2019-2020, attached hereto as Exhibit "A," is hereby approved. Exhibit A City of Philadelphia Second Substantial Amendment to the Annual Action Plan City Fiscal Year 2020 - HUD Program Year 2019 CARES Act Allocation - CDBG BACKGROUND On March 27, 2020 the Federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES) was signed into law to assist communities in their efforts to prevent, prepare for and respond to the coronavirus COVID19. The CARES Act included supplemental formula allocations to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Planning and Development (CPD) programs. On September 11, 2020 a second allocation of $11,311,404 in CDBG-CV3 was allocated to the City of Philadelphia. In accordance with the City's Citizen Participation Plan, a substantial amendment to the City's FY 20 Annual Action Plan is required. In response to COVID-19 and the urgency of need, HUD issued waivers for the substantial amendment process that reduce the public comment period to not less than 5 days, allow for virtual public hearings when necessary for public health reasons, and provide for reasonable notice to provide opportunity for public comment. The City notified HUD of its intent to utilize these waivers and amended its Citizen Participation Plan to incorporate these changes. In addition, the City must provide notice of the Proposed Substantial Amendment to individuals and organizations on DHCD's electronic mailing list, public notice of the proposed amendment in a newspaper of general circulation, and guidance as to where it may be reviewed and how comments on the proposed change may be submitted. City Council will hold a public hearing to allow for additional resident participation prior to Council consideration of the Proposed Second Substantial Amendment. Notification by City Council will be in the "Legal Notices" section of various newspapers. The proposed programs outlined in this amendment and detailed below are designed to continue and implement programs to respond to increased housing, economic and community development needs due to job loss and local funding reductions as a result of COVID-19. The City and its grantees will comply with all HUD CARES Act programmatic regulations and special conditions. PROPOSED AMENDMENT 1. CDBG-CV3 Budget Allocation - $11,311,404 PROGRAM AMOUNT Housing Counseling & Legal Services - prevent eviction & foreclosure 1,000,000 Emergency Rental Assistance - payment to landlords to cover up to 6 months of rent 7,745,000 Technical Assistance to Small Businesses - TA to strengthen minority/small business 265,570 Neighborhood Development Fund - assist neighborhood business to reopen/retool 300,000 Administration 2,000,834 TOTAL $11,311,404 PUBLIC COMMENT The deadline for comments is November 30, 2020. Comments should be directed to Mark Dodds by email at Mark.Dodds@phila.gov or via U.S. mail at: Division of Housing and Community Development 1234 Market St. 17th Floor Philadelphia, PA 19107. If City Council adopts the amendment in the form of a resolution as submitted, the amendment will be adopted after the hearing without further notification. If the hearing results in a revision that is ultimately adopted by City Council, the City will publish notification of the availability of the revised amendment in a newspaper of general circulation. The finalized notice may be obtained by contacting DHCD. ..End