Title
Resolution to Authorize a Change in the Sidewalk Financial Assistance Program for Homeowners with Low Income
Memorandum
Attached is a resolution that authorizes a change in the sidewalk financial assistance program for homeowners with low income.
In November 2007, City Council approved a resolution that increased the Ann Arbor Housing Trust Fund by $25,000.00 each year to provide financial assistance to low-income home owners with sidewalks in need of repairs. The funds were to be used solely for sidewalk repairs. The income criterion for assistance was set at an area median income (AMI) of 30%.
The City completed the 5-year Sidewalk Inspection Program and is following up on properties that have not completed noticed repairs. Staff continues to receive requests for financial assistance from families with low income. The program required that the property must be owner-occupied, and have a household income of 30% AMI. At 30%, the 2010 AMI is $17,900.00 for a single person household and $20,450.00 for a two-person household. This leaves many low income applicants unable to qualify and funding unused. The list of applicants remains long, and continues to grow. The Office of Community Development uses an AMI of 75% for similar programs. Staff recommends that the AMI be changed to 50%, with the authorization to increase it to 60% if many low-income applicants remain and funding is available.
The following illustrates the AMI based.
Family Size 1 2 3 4
Extremely Low Income 30% $17,900.00 $20,450.00 $23,000.00 $25,500.00
Very Low Income 50% $29,800.00 $34,100.00 $38,350.00 $42,600.00
Low Income 60% $35,800.00 $40,900.00 $46,000.00 $51,100.00
Staff
Prepared by: Craig Hupy, Acting Field Operations Manager
Reviewed by: Sue F. McCormick, Public Services Area Administrator
Approved by: Roger W. Fraser, City Administrator
Body
Whereas, In November 2007, City Council approved a resolution that increased the Ann Arbor Housing Trust Fund by $25,000.00 each year to provide financial assistance to low-income homeowners with sidewalks in need of repairs;
Whereas, The home must be owner-occupied and the funding can only be used for sidewalk repairs;
Whereas, The income criterion was set at an average median income of 30%;
Whereas, At 30% many low-income families are not able to quality and funding remain unused; and
Whereas, The Office of Community Development uses an AMI 75% for similar programs.
RESOLVED, That Sidewalk Financial Assistance Program is continued and the criterion for qualifying for assistance is an AMI of 50%;
RESOLVED, That the Office of Community Development is authorized to change the AMI to 60% if many low-income applicants remain ineligible and funding is available; and
RESOLVED, That City Administrator be authorized to take any necessary actions to implement this resolution.