Title
Resolution to Approve the City of Ann Arbor Renewing Its Participation In the Washtenaw Urban County for FY 2013, 2014, and 2015
Memorandum
Attached for review and action is a resolution to approve the City of Ann Arbor renewing its participation in the Washtenaw Urban County for FY 2013, 2014, and 2015.
On July 2, 2007 the City Council created the Urban County Task Force per Resolution R-303-7-07. The resolution directed the Task Force to gather relevant information to identify and address issues related to the City of Ann Arbor joining the Washtenaw Urban County (Urban County), evaluate the relative merits vs. risks and explore contingencies to ensure value to the City, and bring forward a recommendation to City Council.
The Urban County Task Force examined key elements and issues to be considered in this potential consolidation. The discussion of the Task Force focused on building a foundational understanding of HUD funding to entitlement communities in order to form this recommendation. Key issues examined included: implications for decision-making, funding implications, and operational implications of the City of Ann Arbor joining the Urban County.
The Urban County Task Force recommended to City Council in April, 2008 that the City of Ann Arbor join the Washtenaw Urban County for the 3-year cooperative agreement period beginning July 1, 2009. The City's participation in FY 2010, 2011, and 2012 was approved per Resolution R-08-133. The City entered into a three-year Cooperative Agreement with Washtenaw County for participation in the Washtenaw Urban County to access funds under the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Program, and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) Program.
In May, 2011, Washtenaw County received correspondence from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as formal notification of the Urban County requalification process. Renewal documentation is due to the Detroit HUD Field Office by July 15, 2011 from all participating jurisdictions. The current cooperative agreement between the City of Ann Arbor and Washtenaw County is set to expire on June 30, 2012. The next three-year cooperative agreement period begins on July 1, 2012 and ends on June 30, 2015.
The continued consolidation of City and County Community Development functions is on the leading edge of the regional cooperation being explored throughout our community and the State. The joint office has been in operation since September, 2004 and a number of significant service improvements have occurred since its creation. The biggest success from the consolidation has been the regional planning that has occurred with the City of Ann Arbor becoming an official member of the Washtenaw Urban County. This regional approach continues to advance a vision of having one community where the human service and affordable housing providers from throughout the County move toward increased collaboration, cooperation and effectiveness.
In participating in the CDBG, HOME and ESG programs in conjunction with the County, the City lends their population count to allow greater pull of participants and increases the available funding for cities and townships with a population count fewer than 50,000. This meets the goals outlined in the Washtenaw Urban County 5-Year Consolidated Plan. Council approval will ensure the City's participation for a three-year period, commencing with FY 2012. This will enable the City to continue to access CDBG, HOME, and ESG program funds. These funds are generally targeted to benefit low-income persons/families. The joint Office of Community Development manages the administration of the funds and ensures compliance with HUD guidelines. Activities eligible for funding include (among others):
· Public Infrastructure and Facility Improvement Projects
· Economic Development Initiatives
· Housing Rehabilitation
· Energy Improvements
· Human/Public Services
· Homeless Prevention and Sheltering Activities
· Removal of Blighted Structures
· Mortgage Subsidies for First-Time Homebuyers
· Acquisition and Rehabilitation of Rental Housing
· New Construction of Rental Housing
Therefore, it is recommended that City Council authorize the City to renew its participation in the Washtenaw Urban County for a second three year term beginning in July, 2012 inclusive to June, 2015.
Staff
Prepared by: Damon E. Thompson, Operations Manager
Reviewed by: Mary Jo Callan, Community Development Director
Sumedh Bahl, Community Services Administrator
Body
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has been notified by Washtenaw County of its intent to seek status as an Urban County for the qualification period of July 1, 2012 - June 30, 2015;
Whereas, Washtenaw County invites all units of government within its boundaries to participate in the Urban County, in order to realize the benefits of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, and Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG) funding that the Urban County receives from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development;
Whereas, The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development requires that the governing body of each participating jurisdiction consider and make known its decision by resolution whether to be included in (or excluded from) the Washtenaw Urban County; and
Whereas, Each of the participants in the Urban County are represented by the chief elected official of that jurisdiction or their formal designee on the Urban County Executive Committee;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and Council authorize the City to join the Washtenaw Urban County for a second three-year period beginning July, 2012 inclusive to June, 2015;
RESOLVED, That the Mayor and City Clerk be authorized and directed to execute the Urban County Cooperative Agreement with Washtenaw County after approval as to substance by the City Administrator, and approval as to form by the City Attorney; and
RESOLVED, That the City Administrator be authorized to take all necessary administrative actions to implement this resolution.