2018-2019 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Hard Cost Projects (Round 2)

Grants to Salt Lake County, Utah nonprofit organizations and government agencies for community development projects that primarily benefit low and moderate income households. Funding may be requested for capital projects related to affordable housing, homeless facilities, as well as public infrastructure to support homeless facility placement.

The Salt Lake County Division of Housing and Community Development (HCD) is seeking applications for projects that are in alignment with the Mayors “Future We Choose” vision for a healthy community – built on healthy people, healthy places, expanded opportunities and responsive government. Funding opportunities that are covered in this handbook include:

1. Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) “Hard Cost” projects (Housing Programs, Acquisition for Homeless Facilities and Land Acquisition for Housing Development). Funds will be used to provide a suitable living environment including affordable decent housing and revitalized neighborhoods by expanding economic opportunities primarily for low to moderate income (LMI) persons.

2. The County may or may not select one or more agencies per category in this Request for Applications.

Funding Priorities:

The funding priorities that have been identified are a result of an ongoing comprehensive analysis which factors in literature reviews of multiple needs assessments, public needs hearing process, and internal stakeholder meetings. The identified needs have been aligned with the objectives of multiple funding sources, including HUD criteria for CDBG, the priorities that have been determined by members of the Salt Lake County Consortium; and the goals of the Salt Lake County Mayor and the Mayors of the cities and towns in the Urban County. All funded activities must be consistent with priorities outlined in the Salt Lake County Consortium Consolidated Plan.

Salt Lake County will continue to place a very strong emphasis on measuring the impact of programs, and linking funding to desired outcomes. New for FY18 is a narrowed scope of performance indicators that will be tracked by the Office of Regional Development, and specified goals that must be measured by programs that are awarded funds under this Request for Applications.

New for FY18 is a refined framework for performance measurements which incorporates the dashboard categories that are reported on by other Salt Lake County programs and initiatives. The funding priorities for this grant cycle include Healthy People (County residents are safe, healthy, and have a place to call home). These priorities are further aligned with the desired HCD long-term outcomes of Individuals and Families to be Stabilized and Safe, Choice in Housing, and Homeless to be Housed. Property Acquisition for Affordable Housing Development Projects will also be a focus for the CDBG Hard Cost program. Projects should be ready to move forward within 12 months of award and have funds spent. This includes Neighborhood Revitalization through public infrastructure to support homeless facility placement.

Funding Priorities
-Healthy People (County residents are safe, healthy, and have a place to call home)
-Healthy Places (County residents have clean air and water, outdoor recreation, arts and cultural options and facilities that are well-maintained)

Long-Term Outcomes:
-Choice in Housing Options
-Healthy Homes
-Homeless to be Housed
-Individuals and Families to be Stabilized and Safe
-Neighborhood Revitalization

Eligible Activities:
Salt Lake County is accepting applications for the following eligible activities, listed by funding opportunity. Refer to Section III for additional requirements, definitions, and details. The County may or may not select one or more agencies per eligible category in this Request for Applications.

Community Development Block Grant Hard Costs:
-Land Acquisition for Affordable Housing Projects
-Housing Programs (Housing Rehabilitation, Substantial Rehabilitation and Homeownership)
-Acquisition of Homeless Facilities
-Public Infrastructure to Support Homeless Facility Placement

Federal Regulations require that CDBG funds be used for eligible activities that meet one of three National Objectives:
1. Benefit to low to moderate income (LMI) persons (Often referred to as the “primary objective” since agencies must show a benefit to LMI persons whether based on limited clientele or an area benefit.)
2. Aid in the prevention or elimination of slum or blight (The focus is a change in the physical environment of a deteriorating area)
3. Urgent Need (This National Objective is designed ONLY for activities that alleviate emergency conditions typically caused by a natural disaster. Use of this objective is rare.)

Additionally, HUD identifies criteria for how an activity may be considered to benefit LMI persons:
-Area Benefit (at least 51% of the residents must meet criteria for LMI)
-Limited clientele (activities benefit clientele that are at least 51% LMI or benefits a group that is principally "presumed" by HUD to be mostly LMI (abused children, elderly persons, battered spouses, homeless persons, severely disabled adults, illiterate adults, persons living with AIDS and migrant farm workers).
-Housing, (at least 51% of the units will be occupied by LMI households)