Title
Resolution in Support of Federal Funding for the Housing and Urban Development Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing (Section 4) Program
Memorandum
The lack of affordable housing in the Ann Arbor community is a compelling social equity issue and lies at the heart of the City’s mobility and carbon neutrality challenges. The City government seeks to leverage all options to increase the supply of quality-constructed, energy-efficient, and well-managed affordable units. The federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing (Section 4) program strengthens low-income urban and rural communities across the nation to support local nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing, finance small businesses, revitalize commercial corridors, and help address local healthcare, childcare, education, and safety needs.
Several of the City’s local partners have asked that the City sign on to support funding of the Section 4 program, including urging Congress to provided $45 million in the FY2021 federal budget. This support includes sending a letter to the Chairs and Ranking Members of the House of Representatives and the Senate Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development. This resolution provides direction to the City Administrator to submit the letter of support on behalf of City Council.
Fiscal Impact
This resolution has no financial impact.
Staff
Prepared by: Howard S. Lazarus, City Administrator
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem Lumm, Councilmembers Bannister, Ackerman, Grand, and Eaton
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor is facing a housing affordability crisis that is directly tied to our mobility, equity, and climate challenges;
Whereas, The City seeks to increase affordable housing options within the community through direct investment in the Ann Arbor Housing Commission, public private partnerships, and support of its non-profit partners;
Whereas, The Housing and Urban Development Section 4 Program provides funding for Capacity Building for Community Development and Affordable Housing (Section 4) program strengthens low-income urban and rural communities across the nation to support local nonprofit organizations to develop affordable housing, finance small businesses, revitalize commercial corridors, and help address local healthcare, childcare, education, and safety needs; and
Whereas, The City’s non-profit partner agencies have requested that the City provide a letter of support to the US Senate and House of Representatives Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development for the inclusion of not less than $45 million for the Section 4 program in the FY2021 budget;
RESOLVED, That City Council directs the City Administrator to submit the attached letter to in support of Section 4 Funding to the Chairs of the Subcommittees on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; and
RESOLVED, That the City Council directs the City Administrator to also communicate the City Council’s support of Section 4 funding to our local representatives in the Senate and House of Representatives.
Sponsored by: Mayor Taylor, Mayor Pro Tem Lumm, Councilmembers Bannister, Ackerman and Grand