HomeMy WebLinkAboutHCDC Packet - February 2022If you will need disability-related accommodations to participate in this program or event, please contact Brianna Thul at brianna-
thul@iowa-city.org or 319-356-5230. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Upcoming Housing & Community Development Commission Meeting
Regular: March 24, 2022 / April 21, 2022
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION (HCDC)
February 17, 2022
Regular Meeting – 6:30 PM
The Center Assembly Room
28 S Linn Street
AGENDA:
1.Call to Order
2.Consideration of Meeting Minutes: January 20, 2022
3. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda
Commentators shall address the Commission for no more than 5 minutes. Commissioners shall not
engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
4.Question and Answer Session for FY23 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and
HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Applicants
Submissions can be found online at icgov.org/actionplan. At this meeting, HCDC will host a question
and answer session with FY23 CDBG/HOME applicants. Applicants are encouraged to send a
representative to answer any questions. The scoring criteria found in the Applicant Guide will focus
questions. No action will be taken this meeting. HCDC will make funding recommendations to
Council at the regular March 24, 2022 meeting.
5.Question and Answer Session for FY23 Emerging Aid to Agencies (EA2A) Applicants
Submissions can be found online at icgov.org/actionplan. At this meeting, HCDC will host a question
and answer session with FY23 EA2A applicants. Applicants are encouraged to send a representative
to answer any questions. EA2A applications do not have a scoring criteria. No action will be taken
this meeting. HCDC will make funding recommendations to Council at the regular March 24, 2022
meeting.
6.Iowa City Council Meeting Updates
Commissioners volunteer each month to monitor Council meetings. This agenda item provides an
opportunity for brief updates on City Council activity relevant to HCDC business. Commissioners shall
not engage in discussion with one another concerning said items.
7.Staff Updates
8. Adjournment
Housing and Community Development Commission
February 17, 2022 Meeting Packet Contents
Agenda Item #2
• January 20, 2022 HCDC Draft Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item #4
• Submissions are available for review at icgov.org/actionplan
• FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
• FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summaries (x4)
• FY23 Scoring Criteria
Agenda Item #5
• Submissions are available for review at icgov.org/actionplan
• FY23 Emerging Aid to Agencies Application Summary
Agenda Item #7
• Correspondence from Center for Worker Justice
MINUTES PRELIMINARY
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
JANUARY 20, 2022 – 6:30 PM
FORMAL MEETING
ENVIRONMENTAL EDUCATION CENTER
MEMBERS PRESENT: Kaleb Beining, Maryann Dennis, Matt Drabek, Nasr Mohammed, Becci
Reedus, Kyle Vogel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Peter Nkumu
STAFF PRESENT: Erica Kubly, Brianna Thul
OTHERS PRESENT: Jason Barker (Houses into Homes), Lucy Barker (Houses into Homes),
Hailey Behmer (Unlimited Abilities), Crissy Canganelli (Shelter House),
Charlie Eastham (Center for Worker Justice), Simon Fall (Unlimited
Abilities), Karen Fox (Center for Worker Justice), Roger Goedken
(Successful Living), Caitlin McGowan (Successful Living), Mazahir Salih
(Center for Worker Justice), Joan Vandenburg (Houses into Homes)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 5-1 (Vogel dissenting) the Commission recommends approval of inclusion of Center for
Worker Justice, Dream City, and Houses into Homes as Legacy Agencies in the consolidated plan, City
Steps 2025, through the substantial amendment process.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Drabek called the meeting to order at 6:35 PM.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: NOVEMBER 18, 2021:
Vogel moved to approve the minutes of November 18, 2021, Dennis seconded the motion. A vote was
taken and the minutes were approved 5-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
OFFICER NOMINATIONS:
Drabek noted the Commission has a vacancy in the role of Vice Chair with Megan Alter being elected to
City Council. Vogel nominated Beining to be Vice Chair, Dennis seconded the motion and he was
elected to the role of vice chair and will serve through June 30, 2022.
DISCUSS LEGACY STATUS APPLICATIONS - AID TO AGENCIES:
Drabek noted the Commission has received number of applications for Legacy Agency status and the
process is a new thing and the Commission has not had a process to add Legacy Agency and therefore
had a discussion at the last meeting as to what the process might look like. Drabek noted the
Commission has received five applications from agencies to be added to the Legacy Agency status and
Agenda Item #2
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 2 of 11
2
he suggest they should discuss the applications one at a time and use the criteria discussed at the last
meeting for decisions.
Vogel noted he was reading the five-year plan City Steps 2025 and, in that plan, it does very specifically
say on page 150 that no new applicants would be considered until the next five year plan. It states that
agencies that are going to apply for legacy status to be included on the next Legacy Agencies list would
not be done until the next comprehensive plan. Vogel agrees it is important for them to have a process for
applications, but also after reading that it specifically states a new agency would not be included or
considered until the next comprehensive plan.
Dennis stated that's why it would require an amendment to the comprehensive plan to add in any new
Legacy Agencies at this point.
Reedus asks if it specifies whether they allow them have legacy status but not receive funding or is that
just for funding. It just said no new agency. Vogel replied it specifically says that the consideration of
being a Legacy Agency and applications would not be considered until the next comprehensive plan,
which would be in 2025. He thought that it was more fluid or more vague when they talked about it at the
November meeting and there was a concept that anybody could apply at any time but this clarifies they
can apply anytime but the Commission can't consider actually adding them until the five-year
comprehensive plan is done again, unless like Dennis noted that they do an amendment.
Dennis stated they already knew that they were going to have to make a significant change and go to
Council for an amendment. Drabek agreed, they’d have to change the plan since the agencies are listed
there.
Vogel felt it was important to mention this because they need to consider those agencies that were listed
as Legacy Agencies in the comprehensive plan likely thought they would have five years of being able to
set their budgets and if the Commission now adds Legacy Agencies that is going to change that.
Drabek noted this is a list of the agencies who would be the only ones that would be allowed to apply for
Legacy Agency funding, which is two-year cycles of stable funding. He noted the last sentence on page
150 states the priorities and agencies allowed to apply will be reevaluated with each new Consolidated
Plan to address changing priorities or gaps of service as identified in the plan
Vogel notes the application will be for a two-year cycle and funding rounds but then it says the priorities
and agencies allowed to apply will be reevaluated with each new consolidated plan to address changing
priorities or gaps of service. So, to him the agency's allowed to apply will be reevaluated with each new
consolidated plan in place, meaning allowing agencies to apply can only be done every five years. If the
Commission wants make that change, he is fine but they talked a lot about fairness to existing Legacy
Agencies last time and he thought it was important for them to keep that in their minds.
Reedus agrees there's a lot of discussion that they have to have because looking at the hypothetical
scenario for Legacy Agency funding and for adding new agencies, if they even add one tonight, it's going
to decrease funding to the existing agencies. There are also some proposed changes she wants to look
at so she is hoping that they can dig into this whole process and establish a process because at the last
meeting they were talking about how do they add existing agencies, they have to establish a process and
one where she’d like to see them funding agencies that solve certain kinds of problems in the community,
not necessarily just the same agencies year after year after year. She feels there are some huge
problems in the community which is where they should be directing the funding.
Drabek stated for the most part they did lay out a pretty good process at the last meeting and he wanted
to summarize that to start and see if there's anything anyone wanted to add to that. From the notes from
the previous meeting, one of the things they wanted to see was a pipeline for agency funding, an agency
starts with Emerging funds at least once and then becomes a Legacy Agency later. Another is they
discussed that an agency should exist for some number of years before getting to legacy status, there
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 3 of 11
3
was a bit of disagreement or different ideas on how many years that would be, a few people said
something in the four- or five-year range, other people had more like seven-to-10-year range in mind. The
third one is the Commission would ask for a number of financial documents and other disclosure
statements to review, and the fourth one would be fit with the Legacy Agency program, meaning fit with
the City's public service priorities and having something novel their agency is doing something that has
not been done or being duplicated by other services. Drabek noted they have a variety of other funding
sources that they look at with this Commission so one question is, is Legacy Agency status the best way
to compensate or can they apply for other types of funds. He did acknowledge when they have a larger
landscape of Legacy Agencies, how does it impact the other ones.
Reedus noted one of the issues Dennis raised last time was what does an agency need to be effective
and Reedus would rather look at certain kinds of issues that need funding for the City to solve some
problems with housing or food insecurity, or providing health or medical services, or providing services for
youth. Once those priorities get set it is easier for them to take a look at the agencies and how their
programs fit. She would like to get to a process where they're moving towards funding fitting with the
issues that they want to really tackle with the agency legacy money.
Drabek suggested they dig into the applications one by one. Reedus asked if they would be allowed to
ask the agency's questions. Drabek said they invited agency representatives here, but did not invite
anyone to give a presentation, but if there are some sort of pressing questions and it would be highly
relevant to anyone's vote, he wouldn't object to asking the representatives.
Drabek noted the Center for Worker Justice is the first application.
Mohammed asked if the Commission has any grading system to these applications. Drabek replied not
at this time as it’s the first time they've done this sort of valuation. Reedus did raise the point that they
may want to sketch something out in the future in more detail. Mohammed also wanted to know how
many applications would they review every cycle. Today they have five applications but they don’t know
the impact of adding new agencies to the list.
Drabek noted that in terms of the potential impact based on the number of agencies added, there are
scenarios sketched out by staff included in the packet.
Reedus noted her hope is that if they decide to accept two or three of these agencies as Legacy
Agencies, they will go to City Council and request a bigger pot of money. Drabek agreed that's an option
that they discussed and it seems to be good idea. Dennis noted that they would have to recommend that
they don’t want any of the current agencies to have funding cut, but it’s really up to the Council.
Drabek noted as far as the Center for Worker Justice application is concerned, he sketched out a few
things that he took from the last meeting notes as criteria when he was looking at these applications and
he couldn’t find any criteria where this application was not on top of.
Reedus had a few notes, first she feels this is a unique agency providing a unique service, however, one
of the things she does know is that in the past couple years the Center for Worker Justice has had some
financial difficulties and is wondering if the organization has a strategic plan, and are operating from a
strategic plan, to help them. She doesn’t know why those financial difficulties have happened, perhaps
they’re taking on too much, so it would be helpful to her to have some idea of how those financial
difficulties have occurred in the organization and what they’re doing to make an impact so that the
financial health of the organization was a little bit more stable.
Mazahir Salih (Center for Worker Justice) stated she doesn’t think they’ve had financial difficulty; they did
lose one of their significant funders, which is the CCHD (Catholic Campaign for Human Development)
and they had been funding them from day one but were only planning funding for six years and then they
have to wait two years before getting funding again. The CCHD give the Center funding for seven years
instead of six years but now they have to wait until next year to get more funding from them. During this
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 4 of 11
4
time, they start looking for another funder to fund their work, but they are not in a struggle, they did also
lose some dollars due to COVID-19 and stared doing something outside of their mission due to the crisis
of COVID-19.
Reedus agreed that was an excellent response because she does think loss of funding can precipitate a
crisis and the reason she was asking is if the Commission wants to make sure that they're investing the
City's money wisely, any agency funded through this process, does not have situations that create a crisis
or possible closure. So, in terms of services, if they were approved as a Legacy Agency, how would they
classify their services under City Steps.
Salih replied they are really doing community building not provided by other organizations in the area.
Their main mission, though since 2020, as was a lot of agencies, was providing financial aid and
assistance, but that is not their mission. Their mission is for low wage workers to organize in the
community and really solve those problems and raise wages. They were creating a community in the
County for everyone who lives here to have support so they are not scared to go and report on crime and
this is helping improve the safety in the community, and also helping people recover lost wages, as of
today, they have recovered over $180,000 for the people that otherwise would be lost. This improves the
economy. These are services no other organizations are doing. The State of Iowa has only one person
to do this type of work for all 99 counties, and when she asks clients how they heard about the Center,
they reply they went to the Department of Labor and they told them to go to the Center for Worker
Justice. Other unique services they provide are they speak and translate in many languages, and low-
income people come to them referred by different organization like the Shelter House to translate the
applications. Many people look at the Center as a safe place so they come to them for help on projects
that nobody else can solve, they help with immigration, they created a program during 2020 to help
people apply for IFA financing, they have over 500 people these days in housing and paying their rent
and nobody else is doing the service that they do. They are helping people with schooling, they do safety
training for meat-packing workers, help translate in many different languages French, Arabic, English and
no other organization does that. Salih does not believe they are duplicating services.
Dennis asked if the Center has a strategic plan that the board has approved.
Salih replied yes they do and they review it every year set their priorities for each year. This year they
have housing as a very like high priority, especially for Forest View, and also do five workshops for meat-
packing workers for safety. They also have computer classes and English classes for women, and
continue tutoring for immigrants, most are done via zoom due to the pandemic.
Charlie Eastham (Center for Worker Justice) also noted they review the strategic plan each year and look
to the members to let them know what the priorities each year might need to be.
Salih reiterated they are a member-based organization and members may come up with that unique issue
that the Center then has to come in and see if they have the capacity for it, but at the same time if it is
urgent they go for it otherwise they discuss it at the upcoming review.
Drabek noted when he was looking through these applications, he had few things he was looking for.
Clearly the pipeline is in place, the Center for Worker Justice had Emerging agency funding last year, he
added it was clearly the best application that they saw last year. The Center for Worker Justice has been
around about 10 years so it is established. He personally had no issues with the disclosure documents
but was glad Reedus was able to have her questions answered. Drabek feels the fit for City priority
funding is fantastic, things like the wage set campaign are clearly new and adds something to the Legacy
Agency list. Additionally, there's a lot of evidence they're working with other groups. Drabek also noted
the Center for Worker Justice is also not really appropriate for other money areas in a lot of cases so this
would be the way the City could fund the Center for Worker Justice; they wouldn't typically qualify for
CDBG or HOME funds. So that was his approach on the review and feels the Center for Worker Justice
did all those things extremely well so it was an obvious yes for him.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 5 of 11
5
Reedus stated she is also an yes, but did also have questions. She thinks it's a unique organization. She
spent a lot of time going through all the applications, and the last applications that Legacy Agencies put
forth, and she classified the organizations according to the services they provide. The Center for Worker
Justice is a unique service that almost reminds her of in the 60s and 70s where the minority communities
had community enablers, which really worked on working with the needs of that minority community,
whether it was police brutality, or food insecurity. The Center for Worker Justice in some ways has that
element of it, there's a fluidity about it, that probably has to remain in order to meet the needs of its
members. She also acknowledged the Center for Worker Justice has a lot of individuals who are
residents of the various segments of the community that are members on their boards and so that's why
maybe it might be a little bit more fluid and interesting organization that a long-range strategic plan might
be something that they can get to but maybe not right now. It is a yes for her and she thought it was real
positive application.
Vogel agreed noting it was one of the two applications that he also felt qualified under what he had in
mind as a Legacy Agency, it has been in place for 10 years and they fill the gaps that they generally can't
fund with CDBG and HOME. For him it still comes back to is it right to approve them now or is it right to
approve on that five-year plan. But to just look at this from the point of is this an Emerging agency that
deserves to make that step up, the answer is yes.
Mohammed stated one thing he noticed on the application the Center for Worker Justice was doing too
much and taking on too much.
Salih replied, to be honest it is a lot of work for two full time staff, but they are in the process of hiring one
more staff and have applied for funding. They also have a helpful intern from the University of Iowa. Every
year they have at least three interns from the University of Iowa. They also have some high schoolers that
volunteer so they can get volunteer time. They were one of the only organizations that remain open
during 2020, they did not close any single day because they know that immigrants need their services.
The Commission discussed voting on the applications tonight but the votes depend on upon whether or
not the amendment to the plan is approved, the applicants can't automatically be given Legacy Agency
status without a substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan. Thul confirmed that if HCDC approves
agencies tonight for legacy status staff would start the amendment process, probably the spring. The
amendment would have a 30-day public comment period, then it gets approved by HCDC, and then it
goes to Council for approval.
Vogel moved to include the Center for Worker Justice as a Legacy Agency. Drabek noted it does not
need to be a formal vote at this time, but an informal vote would be good. The Commission voted and it
was unanimously agreed to recommend including the Center for Worker Justice as a Legacy Agency
Drabek moved on to the Dream City application.
Dennis thinks it's a unique program.
Reedus agrees and didn't really have any questions, just a comment that over years they spent enough
profits. She appreciated getting to know the services of all the Legacy Agencies better through this
process and was surprised to see there’s not really these kinds of services elsewhere, the closest they
have is Big Brothers Big Sisters, so she really supports Dream City as becoming a Legacy Agency.
Drabek agreed and noted it was very similar to the last application, Dream City has been around nine or
10 years, Legacy Agency status is the best way to fund this organization, he doesn’t think they'll be using
other HCDC funds.
Vogel noted for him there's got to be a point for where a legacy is a legacy after at least a decade of
showing continued feasibility. He will not be a yes on this one only because in his mind they have not met
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 6 of 11
6
that minimum requirement. Drabek noted they were created in 2012, so Vogel said they could come back
next year when they hit that 10-year mark.
Dennis stated that one of the big yeses for her on Dream City is it really helps add a program that serves
a large number of minorities and that's important. And like Reedus noted the only other agency providing
similar services is Big Brothers Big Sisters, so Dennis strongly supports adding Dream City as a Legacy
Agency.
An informal vote of adding Dream City to the Legacy Agency group was taken and the vote was 5-1
(Vogel dissenting).
Drabek stated the third application is from Houses into Homes.
Reedus had a question for staff of are the are there other dollars within the City this organization could
apply for because they do reduce waste and that reduce costs. Thul noted there's the sustainability funds
but those are usually in high demand. Kubly agreed, the City has climate action funds and Houses into
Homes may have taken advantage of that grant in the past but it's hard for staff to speak on other funding
pools that they don't administer. Reedus was just looking for funds perhaps that they could add to their
allocation, some comes from the aid agencies pot and some comes from sustainability or some other
fund. She notes they do save the City a lot of money by reducing waste, which is really important, in
addition to doing the services they do.
Reedus noted this was another unique services but one of the questions that she had was if Houses to
Homes track unmet need and also if there was a certain reason such as lack of volunteers, lack of
resources or something like that.
Lucy Barker (Houses into Homes) stated she was not aware of any time they weren't able to meet the
need or couldn't reach somebody.
Jason Barker (Houses into Homes) added they had a lot this year with dealing with COVID and the end of
the eviction mortarium, so they really had to adapt quickly to what to do when they have a steady flow
and school coming back and had to come up with a process to do that. They were able to really mold
resources and figured out ways to do it.
Lucy Barker added it's a timing issue, getting people interested and sometimes having to wait more than
the deadline of within two weeks, making them offers. She noted there are agencies who've asked to
become referral agencies that they haven't been able to accommodate yet. So the need out there but
they may not have received all the referrals to meet the need.
Reedus asked why the reason is they haven't been able to meet the needs of the agencies who have
asked. Barker replied it is because of the amount of staff they have and the amount of time and then the
process they want to go through with agencies to make sure they understand the process.
Dennis asked if they have a stockpiled of furniture now. Barker replied they have a 10,000 square foot
warehouse but it is not always full, things are moved in and out quickly, donations come in and they
furnish homes so it's not really a stockpile, it's a supply.
Reedus asked how they prioritize the families and what constitutes a family. Barker replied they actually
serve households so there are quite a few individuals or single people. They used to have more of a
priority, their priority is always getting beds to people, but that changed a little bit since they were able to
hire staff and an increase in volunteers and now are able to do between six and 12 deliveries in one day
therefore cycling through the list.
Drabek noted when he was looking through the application there were two possible like reservations he
had, one was around possible funding sources and whether there would be an alternative funding source
for the agency, but after the discussion he does see the case for legacy status. The other reservation was
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 7 of 11
7
the organization was founded in 2018 so it doesn’t meet the 10-year requirement he was putting on the
applications.
Reedus stated the concerns she had about prioritizing households and wanting to make sure that a one-
person household was served because she thinks that's important. She noted this is a high priority in the
community and this is the type of organization that is needed. Therefore, she is fine supporting this
application.
Barker noted the City supported the old Furniture Project with $28,000 for a number of years so there is
some precedent in service that the City has supported in the past, and it was a huge gap when the
Furniture Project fell apart.
Reedus stated she is just not as concerned about this being a newer agency, yes often with new
agencies the failure rate is higher but this one has proven to be successful. As far as City priorities, they
are a housing adjacent agency, a housing related type of service.
Dennis asked how many paid staff Housing to Homes has. Barker replied they have the equivalent of
three full time, one full time and then five part time that hours add up to two fulltime people.
Joan Vandenburg (Houses into Homes) added that they were not aware 10 years was the mark that was
the cut off for a Legacy Agency, that would have been good to know and something that should have
been laid out.
Drabek replied there's no hard marker in terms of years, there was a discussion at the last meeting where
they were setting criteria and some people expressed four or five years and some people express seven
to 10 years, but there's no hard rule.
Vandenburg stated they do have a plan and do have a cash reserve so if they do lose a grant or lose a
funding source they have back up and some stability.
Vogel noted from a personal standpoint this is the one organization that he has put the most of his own
personal money into as he absolutely supports 100% the work they do. That being said he still thinks
there's got to be a point where the Commission has to consider what a Legacy Agency is and who's
putting the time.
Mohammed stated even though this agency has only existed since 2018 they are doing an incredible job,
there is a uniqueness of the job and a good volume. He did ask if they accept applications directly or just
from referrals from other agencies. Barker replied it is through a referral agency, if someone calls them
directly, they refer them to someone who can help them. Typically, Johnson County Social Services is the
referring agency and they have widened their eligibility over the last year and anybody who's called them
has been able to go to them. They use the referral so that somebody who's working directly with a
person can assess the need.
An informal vote of adding Houses into Homes to the Legacy Agency group was taken and the vote was
5-1 (Vogel dissenting).
Drabek stated the next application is Successful Living. They definitely meet the founding requirements
as they were founded in 1998.
Dennis noted Successful Living has gotten HOME funds in the past and asked if they incorporate a
developer fee into that, because that's really the administrative fee.
Roger Goedken (Successful Living) replied they can keep it in their budgets they just chose not to.
Dennis noted that would be another way to get money rather than from this pot of money but from the
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 8 of 11
8
HOME funds. Goedken noted the developer fee is a pretty small amount comparatively, generally
speaking. They did get $5000 from the Emerging agency funds.
Drabek does have any reservations with when the organization was founded, the mission is great, it
meets the City priorities, if he had a reservation it would be if this is the appropriate discipline, as the
Legacy Agency says specifically, as opposed to other sources of funding.
Reedus stated she has no doubt that there's always a need for funds. She believes that PCR should be
supporting some of these services, housing for chronic mental illness and therefore doesn’t think that this
is the type of service that they want to add to agency legacy status. She would encourage them to allow
for their administrative fees to be included in other application processes.
Dennis agrees and does not believe that this is the type of service that should become a Legacy Agency,
she also thinks the funding should be coming from a PCR. The City has a number of agencies that
provide this type of service and she just doesn’t think that's what the legacy money should be used for.
Dennis wanted it noted that it’s not that they do not support what Successful Living does, it’s just that
there are other pots of money they can apply for.
Drabek generally agrees and would say the Legacy Agency status is probably not the best.
An informal vote of adding Successful Living to the Legacy Agency group was taken and the vote was 1-5
(Beining, Dennis, Drabek, Mohammed and Reedus dissenting).
The final application is for Unlimited Abilities.
Dennis noted she feels the same way about this agency as she did about Successful Living.
Reedus agrees and has the same feelings, it's a similar organization serving much the same type of
population of folks, although it's newer than Successful Living who has much longer history in the City,
but again the money for operation costs if needed should be coming from the region.
Drabek noted broadly speaking he had reservations regarding source of funds, he had reservations about
legacy status for an agency that's five years old although was able to be talked out of that for one
application, he noted he would not be a no for an organization solely on the criterion of being founded five
years ago, but this with anything else caused him reservation.
An informal vote of adding Unlimited Abilities to the Legacy Agency group was taken and the vote was 0-
6.
Drabek believes what they need now a motion so that a number of these applications can be sent to the
next stages and amend the Consolidated Plan.
Vogel asked for clarification of is this recommendation going to be approved immediately with a change to
the Consolidated Plan for these agencies to be getting those legacy funds in the next cycle of 2024.
Drabek confirmed these were applications for the change of status starting with the 2024.
Drabek motioned to recommend inclusion of Center for Worker Justice, Dream City, and Houses
into Homes as Legacy Agencies in the consolidated plan, City Steps 2025, through the substantial
amendment process. Seconded by Reedus. Passed 5-1 (Vogel dissenting).
Drabek stated he would encourage the next commission to look at this again in a year or two to consider
writing up something more detailed for the process.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 9 of 11
9
Vogel questioned the recommendations they just approved and asked if they also need to vote on a
recommendation to Council to raise the funding for 2024 to offset the estimated 4% decrease that's going
to happen to all the existing agencies.
Drabek believes the result of that discussion was that they already did encourage the Commission to
make that recommendation when the time is right. There's no consideration of funding for that year
anytime soon, they're still working on the FY23 budget.
Kubly confirmed the FY23 budget will be approved probably in March and next year would be the 2024
budget. Drabek noted then the Commission should make their recommendation in about a year.
Vogel noted however the scenario does exist where the Council takes the recommendation to approve
these three new Legacy Agencies, but does not approve an increase in funding, which will result in an
estimated 4% decrease in funds to all the existing Legacy Agencies. Drabek stated that is with the
assumption that the same number of agencies applied for funding again at the same level.
Reedus asked for time at a future meeting to talk about the levels of funding because she does not agree
with the minimum of $15,000, she thinks there should be some instances where it should be lower. With
some of the smaller legacy organizations, because of that $15,000 base limit, they're getting 20% to 23%
of their full budget funding and larger organizations are getting a percentage or two. Reedus believes the
Commission should really evaluate that. It is her memory that this happened following the State during
that big tax change where the rollback City budget was strained, with staffing and all sorts of things and
having a minimum amount of funding going to each agency meant that there weren't 50 agencies or even
20 agencies getting $2,000 each, but rather five agencies getting $15,000. But now, since the Legacy
Agencies are the only ones eligible for this funding the number of agencies applying is not expanding nor
is the number of agencies that the City has to monitor. One of the major concerns with the City was how
much monitoring the staff had to do for these grants. Reedus believes the Commission needs to look at
agency’s fund balances, some agencies don't have any, some don't have enough, some do have a strong
fund balance, and then some have an excess fund balance. They should look at that because she doesn’t
think City funds from Aid to Agencies should be going to an agency that doesn't necessarily need it. The
dollars should be put to work in the community, and the kinds of issues that they should be addressing
are housing, food, and some of the newer service areas like youth services and things like that. Reedus
would like to have the discussion of minimum funding levels on a future agenda.
REVIEW TIMELING FOR FY23 CDBG/HOME AND EMERGING AID TO AGENCIES FUNDING:
Thul noted the press release went out for the FY23 funds, the window for the applications will close the
25th and then staff will send the applications out to the Commission for review. Staff will do cover sheets
again to give a summary of each submission and then the February meeting will be a Q&A session with
the applicants.
Thul also noted they pushed the March meeting back to the fourth Thursday of the month, March 24, to
not collide with spring break and she’ll send a reminder out closer to the time.
IOWA CITY COUNCIL MEETINGS UPDATES:
Two Commissioners are assigned each month to monitor Council meetings and this agenda item
provides an opportunity for brief updates on City Council activity relevant to the HCDC business.
Commissioners will not engage in discussion with one another concerning said items.
Drabek noted that there were no major updates relevant to HCDC business other than Megan Alter being
sworn in as Mayor Pro Tem. Drabek also noted there was not a new Commissioner appointed at that
meeting so they still have two vacancies, applications are due February 8.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 10 of 11
10
HOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INFORMATION:
Reedus asked if the bylaws are reviewed on a regular basis. Thul noted they have reviewed them
several times but does not believe it’s done on a regular basis or made changes. Drabek remembered
they did review the bylaws last year because there was the discussion on whether they might be
obligated to use Robert's Rules, but nothing was changed in the bylaws.
Reedus noted there's been a lot of discussion at the City about virtual accessibility to meetings and has it
been determined if that’s transferable to Commissions also or is it okay to not allow public comments on
the virtual level. There may be some technological issues. Thul commented on the technological issues
and is going investigate moving locations for that reason but is not sure about the virtual side of things.
Reedus stated that at some point she would like to discuss the bylaws as she has one recommendation.
Reedus would also like to talk about a community needs assessment and would like to put it on the next
agenda to discuss, they could possibly have the Agency Impact Council make a presentation or at least
have somebody here to answer some questions. She thinks they need a community needs assessment
to help identify service areas and really put money in the kinds of services where there is need.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dennis moved to adjourn, Drabek seconded the motion, a vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
January 20, 2022
Page 11 of 11
11
Housing and Community
Development Commission
Attendance Record 2021-2022
•Resigned from Commission
Key:
X = Present
O = Absent
O/E = Absent/Excused
--- = Vacant
Name Terms Exp. 8/19 9/16 10/21 11/18 1/20
Beining, Kaleb 6/30/24 X X X X X
Drabek, Matt 6/30/22 X X X X X
Dennis, Maryann 6/30/22 -- -- X X X X
Mohammed, Nasr 6/30/23 X X X O/E X
Nkumu, Peter 6/30/22 X X X X O/E
Reedus, Becci 6/30/24 X X X X X
Vogel, Kyle 6/30/23 X O/E X X X
Vacancy
Vacancy
Organization Type of Project Brief Description of Project
Anticipated Beneficiaries
by Income Requested Amount Eligibility
Iowa City Free Medical Clinic Public Facilities - Improvements
Project includes increased access to lower level of FMC to
facilitate provision of services on two levels instead of one.
Proposal includes installation of doors and overhang,
lighting, security camera installation, and increased parking
area.
0-30% - 900
31-50% - 250
51-60% - 50
$75,000.00 CDBG Only
Domestic Violence Intervention
Program Public Facilities - New Construction Project includes construction of a new shelter that will serve
victims/survivors of domestic violence.
0-30% - 350
31-50% - 325
51-60% - 20
61-80% - 5
$750,000.00 CDBG Only
The Housing Fellowship Rental Acquisition Acquisition of two 3-5 bedroom single family homes. 51-60% AMI - 12
(2 rental units)$320,000.00 HOME & CDBG
Inside Out Reentry Community Rental Acquisition Acquisition of a 4-6 bedroom home for individuals leaving
incarceration.
0-30% - 4
(4 rental units)$100,000.00 HOME & CDBG
$1,245,000
Estimated CDBG Available $500,000.00
Estimated HOME Available $450,000.00
Estimated Total Available $950,000.00
Total Requested
FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
Agenda Item #4
FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Applicant Agency Domestic Violence Intervention Program (DVIP)
Eligible Activity Public Facilities – New Construction
I. General Info and Project Need
City Steps Goal and Priority Serve people experiencing homelessness/reduce homelessness.
Staff Concerns Project timelines as it related to CDBG timeliness; Large scale
project will have requirements including Davis Bacon and Section 3.
II. Budget and Resources
Total Estimated Project Cost $6,000,000
Funds Requested $750,000
Funds Leveraged $5,250,000
III. Feasibility and Community Impact
Primary Target 50% of estimated beneficiaries below 30% AMI with 96% of total
estimated beneficiaries below 50% AMI.
Equity
Applicant notes serving victims of intimate partner violence, stalking,
and human trafficking and does not discriminate based on sexual
orientation, gender identity, race, color, age religion, political beliefs,
disability, economic standing, or other beliefs and affiliations.
Timeline
Project breaks ground in September of 2022 with the new building
scheduled for completion in September of 2023. This extends
beyond the City fiscal year.
Affordability Varies based on CDBG funds awarded. Example: $750,000 = 75-
year compliance period. $500,000 = 50-year compliance period.
IV. Capacity/History
Past Projects
Applicant has completed numerous public services activities with
CDBG funds. Most recently the applicant also completed a public
facilities rehab project in FY20 with $120,000 in CDBG funds.
Capacity Applicant has a 10-person board and receives a single audit (no
findings noted). Scale of project is larger than prior CDBG project.
Questions and Considerations
•Applicant has experience successfully undertaking other CDBG projects, however, the scale and
scope of this proposal is larger than previous projects.
•Timeline does extend beyond the fiscal year which may create timeliness concerns. How will funding
expenditures be prioritized? When does the applicant anticipate full expenditure of CDBG funds?
•What percentage of those served are Iowa City residents?
•Applicant has experienced Davis Bacon requirements before, but new Section 3 rules will likely apply
to this project.
•Activity is not an eligible use of HOME funds, but would be eligible for HOME-ARP should they wish to
apply.
Attachment Summary
W-9 Form X Evidence of Fiscal Capacity X
SAM.gov Registration X Evidence of Organizational Capacity X
DUNS or UEI Documentation X Scope of Work (if activity includes construction or
rehab work) X
Agenda Item #4
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Note: Risk assessments are intended to be general guidance. Staff cannot determine definitively how an applicant may
perform in the future. Risk is assessed based on the information available at the time of the submission.
Other Pro forma (if the project includes rental acquisition,
rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing) NA
Staff Calculations
Percentage of funds leveraged.
(II.5) 87.5% - 20 points
Primary percentage of median
income persons targeted. (III.8) Majority under 30% - 20 points
Experience with applicable federal
requirements. (IV.14) Yes, adequate experience demonstrated – 20 points
CHDO in good standing. (V.21) No, 0 points
Staff Risk Assessment
Risk Factor Staff Response Points Staff Comments
Has the applicant been subject to
recapture of funds in the last five
years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have more than
one other federally funded projects
currently underway?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant triggered the
City’s Unsuccessful and Delayed
Projects Policy in the last five
years (for reasons beyond factors
such as the COVID-19 pandemic)?
☐Yes (2 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
In the last five years, had the
applicant demonstrated reporting
issues for other City projects (e.g.
late reports, incomplete reports, or
failing to submit required reports)?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant experienced
turnover in key staff in the last 12
months?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have a lack of
experience undertaking projects of
similar size and scale
successfully?
☒Yes (3 pts.)
☐No (0 pts.)3
Applicant has successfully taken
other federally funded projects, but
the size of this project is
substantially larger.
Are factors present that indicate a
concern for financial capacity such
as audit findings?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant demonstrated
issues with long term compliance
for projects during the period of
affordability or compliance period
in the last five years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Are other factors present that
indicate risk? Is yes, explain.
☐Yes (1-3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Total Points 3 Points – Low Risk
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Staff Risk Assessment Key
Points Risk Level
0-3 Low
4-10 Moderate
>10 High
FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Applicant Agency Free Medical Clinic
Eligible Activity Public Facilities – Improvements
I. General Info and Project Need
City Steps Goal and Priority Provide public services; Improve public facilities.
Staff Concerns Federal procurement – see “Questions and Considerations” section.
II. Budget and Resources
Total Estimated Project Cost $340,000 total for all phases; $75,000 for phase two.
Funds Requested $75,000
Funds Leveraged $265,000
III. Feasibility and Community Impact
Primary Target 75% of estimated beneficiaries below 30% AMI with 96% of total
estimated beneficiaries below 50% AMI.
Equity
Applicant serves uninsured individuals who are unable to access
healthcare. Applicant provides demographics of those served such
as 55% of patients identifying as Hispanic or Latinx. Bilingual staff
and translation services are utilized by FMC to allow for better
communication.
Timeline Project to be completed within the fiscal year.
Affordability Varies based on CDBG funds awarded. Example: $75,000 = 7-year
compliance period.
IV. Capacity/History
Past Projects Applicant has completed federal activities in the past. Applicant
notes the most recent CDBG project was completed in 2012.
Capacity Governed by a board of directors, information provided on key staff.
Applicant has successfully undertaken previous CDBG projects.
Questions and Considerations
•Applicant has experience successfully undertaking other CDBG projects, however the last project was
around 2012.
•Can the applicant confirm the total budget for all three project phases? “Sources” in the budget
reflects total project, while “Uses” indicates phase two only.
•The applicant mentions Hodge Construction – has the contractor already been procured? Federal
procurement rules apply.
•Davis Bacon will apply to this project.
•What percentage of clients served are Iowa City residents?
•Can the applicant provide documentation of private funds available for the project?
Attachment Summary
W-9 Form X Evidence of Fiscal Capacity X
SAM.gov Registration X Evidence of Organizational Capacity X
DUNS or UEI Documentation X Scope of Work (if activity includes construction or
rehab work) X
Other (letter of support & news
article) X Pro forma (if the project includes rental acquisition,
rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing) NA
Agenda Item #4
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Note: Risk assessments are intended to be general guidance. Staff cannot determine definitively how an applicant may
perform in the future. Risk is assessed based on the information available at the time of the submission.
Staff Risk Assessment Key
Points Risk Level
0-3 Low
4-10 Moderate
>10 High
Staff Calculations
Percentage of funds leveraged.
(II.5) 77% - 20 points
Primary percentage of median
income persons targeted. (III.8) Majority under 30% - 20 points
Experience with applicable federal
requirements. (IV.14) Yes, adequate experience demonstrated – 20 points
CHDO in good standing. (V.21) No, 0 points
Staff Risk Assessment
Risk Factor Staff Response Points Staff Comments
Has the applicant been subject to
recapture of funds in the last five
years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have more than
one other federally funded projects
currently underway?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant triggered the
City’s Unsuccessful and Delayed
Projects Policy in the last five
years (for reasons beyond factors
such as the COVID-19 pandemic)?
☐Yes (2 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
In the last five years, had the
applicant demonstrated reporting
issues for other City projects (e.g.
late reports, incomplete reports, or
failing to submit required reports)?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant experienced
turnover in key staff in the last 12
months?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have a lack of
experience undertaking projects of
similar size and scale
successfully?
☒Yes (3 pts.)
☐No (0 pts.)3
Applicant has successfully
undertaken other federally funded
projects, but the size of this project
is larger than previous project.
Are factors present that indicate a
concern for financial capacity such
as audit findings?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant demonstrated
issues with long term compliance
for projects during the period of
affordability or compliance period
in the last five years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Are other factors present that
indicate risk? Is yes, explain.
☐Yes (1-3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Total Points 3 Points – Low Risk
FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Applicant Agency Inside Out Reentry
Eligible Activity Rental Acquisition
I. General Info and Project Need
City Steps Goal and Priority Increase affordable rental housing units.
Staff Concerns Applicant would be a first time subrecipient – fully funded project
would require 10 years of compliance.
II. Budget and Resources
Total Estimated Project Cost $360,000
Funds Requested $100,000
Funds Leveraged
$165,971.51 (applicant notes this will vary based on purchase price
–may require an additional mortgage from a lender which is
estimated on pro forma at $750 a month)
III. Feasibility and Community Impact
Primary Target 100% of estimated beneficiaries below 30% AMI.
Equity
Target population includes adults returning to Johnson County after
incarceration and prospective residents may include people
experiencing homelessness and/or people with disabilities. Applicant
notes that the criminal justice system disproportionately incarcerates
African Americans.
Timeline Project to be completed within the fiscal year.
Affordability
Varies based on amount and source of funds awarded. Example:
$100,000 HOME for 4 units = $25,000 per unit assistance with an
affordability period of 10 years.
IV. Capacity/History
Past Projects Applicant has not completed other federally funded projects through
the City in the past.
Capacity Governed by a board, information provided on key staff and those on
the housing committee.
Questions and Considerations
•Applicant mentions hiring an additional staff person as a housing case manager. Does the applicant
have funds in place for this position? Fully funded project would require 10 years of reporting and
compliance with federal regulations.
•Budget mentions rehabilitation work – if rehab is a part of the activity then additional regulations such
as procurement will apply.
•Units must be leased within six months of acquisition – if rehab is a factor, will the applicant be able to
meet this deadline given current construction challenges such as supply chain issues?
•Rent is anticipated to be $500 a month which is below the current SRO limit of $551. Does the
applicant plan to charge tenants for utilities?
•Does the applicant have a location or region of the City in mind for acquisition?
Attachment Summary
W-9 Form X Evidence of Fiscal Capacity X
SAM.gov Registration X Evidence of Organizational Capacity X
DUNS or UEI Documentation X Scope of Work (if activity includes construction or
rehab work)
Agenda Item #4
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Note: Risk assessments are intended to be general guidance. Staff cannot determine definitively how an applicant may
perform in the future. Risk is assessed based on the information available at the time of the submission.
Other (letter of support) X Pro forma (if the project includes rental acquisition,
rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing) X
Staff Calculations
Percentage of funds leveraged.
(II.5) 46% - 10 points
Primary percentage of median
income persons targeted. (III.8) Majority under 30% - 20 points
Experience with applicable federal
requirements. (IV.14) First CDBG/HOME project – 0 points
CHDO in good standing. (V.21) NA, 0 points
Staff Risk Assessment
Risk Factor Staff Response Points Staff Comments
Has the applicant been subject to
recapture of funds in the last five
years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have more than
one other federally funded projects
currently underway?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant triggered the
City’s Unsuccessful and Delayed
Projects Policy in the last five years
(for reasons beyond factors such
as the COVID-19 pandemic)?
☐Yes (2 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
In the last five years, had the
applicant demonstrated reporting
issues for other City projects (e.g.
late reports, incomplete reports, or
failing to submit required reports)?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant experienced
turnover in key staff in the last 12
months?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have a lack of
experience undertaking projects of
similar size and scale
successfully?
☒Yes (3 pts.)
☐No (0 pts.)3
Applicant has not undertaken a
project of similar size and scale
successfully.
Are factors present that indicate a
concern for financial capacity such
as audit findings?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant demonstrated
issues with long term compliance
for projects during the period of
affordability or compliance period
in the last five years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Are other factors present that
indicate risk? Is yes, explain.
☒Yes (1-3 pts.)
☐No (0 pts.)2
If funded, project would be the first
CDBG/HOME activity for the
applicant.
Total Points 5 Points – Moderate Risk
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Staff Risk Assessment Key
Points Risk Level
0-3 Low
4-10 Moderate
>10 High
FY23 CDBG/HOME Application Summary
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Applicant Agency The Housing Fellowship
Eligible Activity Rental Acquisition
I.General Info and Project Need
City Steps Goal and Priority Increase affordable rental housing units.
Staff Concerns Applicant has several projects currently underway.
II.Budget and Resources
Total Estimated Project Cost $440,000
Funds Requested $320,000
Funds Leveraged $120,000
III.Feasibility and Community Impact
Primary Target 100% of estimated beneficiaries between 51-60% AMI.
Equity Target population for units includes larger families. Applicant notes
that 65% of tenants served identify as persons of color.
Timeline Project to be completed within the fiscal year.
Affordability
Varies based on amount and source of funds awarded. Example:
$320,000 HOME for 2 units = $160,000 per unit assistance with an
affordability period of 15 years.
IV.Capacity/History
Past Projects Applicant has completed numerous federally funded projects.
Capacity Overseen by a 12-member board, information provided on key staff,
and agency is a certified CHDO.
Questions and Considerations
•Applicant has experience successfully undertaking other CDBG projects, however, applicant has
several other projects currently underway.
•HOME purchase price limits apply – currently $247,000 for each unit.
•$950 per unit is well below the current rent limits for 3-5 bedroom homes.
Attachment Summary
W-9 Form X Evidence of Fiscal Capacity X
SAM.gov Registration X Evidence of Organizational Capacity X
DUNS or UEI Documentation X Scope of Work (if activity includes construction or
rehab work) NA
Other (CHDO Certification) X Pro forma (if the project includes rental acquisition,
rehabilitation, or new construction of rental housing) X
Staff Calculations
Percentage of funds leveraged.
(II.5) 27% - 10 points
Primary percentage of median
income persons targeted. (III.8) Between 51-60% - 10 points
Experience with applicable federal
requirements. (IV.14) Yes, 20 points
CHDO in good standing. (V.21) Yes, 5 points
Agenda Item #4
Application summaries are intended to be a high-level overview of key information and not a substitute for
the full submission. Please consider all materials submitted by the applicant.
Note: Risk assessments are intended to be general guidance. Staff cannot determine definitively how an applicant may
perform in the future. Risk is assessed based on the information available at the time of the submission.
Staff Risk Assessment Key
Points Risk Level
0-3 Low
4-10 Moderate
>10 High
Staff Risk Assessment
Risk Factor Staff Response Points Staff Comments
Has the applicant been subject to
recapture of funds in the last five
years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have more than
one other federally funded projects
currently underway?
☒Yes (1 pts.)
☐No (0 pts.)1
Has the applicant triggered the
City’s Unsuccessful and Delayed
Projects Policy in the last five
years (for reasons beyond factors
such as the COVID-19 pandemic)?
☐Yes (2 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
In the last five years, had the
applicant demonstrated reporting
issues for other City projects (e.g.
late reports, incomplete reports, or
failing to submit required reports)?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant experienced
turnover in key staff in the last 12
months?
☐Yes (1 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Does the applicant have a lack of
experience undertaking projects of
similar size and scale
successfully?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Are factors present that indicate a
concern for financial capacity such
as audit findings?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Has the applicant demonstrated
issues with long term compliance
for projects during the period of
affordability or compliance period
in the last five years?
☐Yes (3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Are other factors present that
indicate risk? Is yes, explain.
☐Yes (1-3 pts.)
☒No (0 pts.)0
Total Points 1 Point – Low Risk
FY23 CDBG/HOME Scoring Criteria
I.General Information and Project Need Points Score
Reference
1
Project description is clear and explains how the project will address a specific goal from City
Steps 2025
Goal:
Y/N Q2; Q3
2 Are there staff concerns that affect the agency's ability to successfully undertake the
proposed project?
Comment:
Y/N
Submission; Staff Experience
II.Budget and Resources Points Score
Application Reference
3 Has the applicant provided an itemized project budget detailed enough to determine that the
proposed expenditures have been researched, documented and are deemed reasonable?
a. Based on Sources and Uses of Funds, budget appears accurate, comprehensive, and detailed.
Costs are clearly documented and appear reasonable and justified.
20
b. Based on Sources and Uses of Funds, budget appears reasonable, but not clear, comprehensive,
or detailed. The budget is substantively mathematically correct (i.e. minor errors noted), and/or does
not appear complete.
10
c. Based on Sources and Uses of Funds, budget appears questionable and/or unreasonable. The
budget is substantively mathematically incorrect.
0
4 Did the agency submit letters or other evidence of financial commitment for sources listed in
the project budget?
a. Letters or other evidence of financial commitment provided for all applicable sources listed in the
project budget.
20
b. Letters or other evidence of financial commitment provided for some of the sources listed in the
project budget.
10
c. Other sources of financing not committed or no documentation submitted.0
5 What percentage of funds has the agency leveraged for the project?
Leverage is determined by total request for City CDBG/HOME funds divided by total project cost.
a. 76-99 percent 20
b. 51-75 percent 15
c. 26-50 percent 10
d. 25 percent or less 5
6 Does the project leverage community partnerships and/or volunteer resources?
a. The project proposal demonstrates numerous community partnerships and/or volunteer resources.20
b. The project proposal demonstrates some community partnerships and/or volunteer resources. 10
c. Proposal does not demonstrate community partnerships and/or volunteer resources.0
7 Has the agency demonstrated that they have the resources and fiscal capacity to successfully
complete the proposed project?
a. The agency has clearly demonstrated that they have the resources and fiscal capacity to
successfully complete the proposed project.
20
b. The agency has somewhat demonstrated that they have the resources and fiscal capacity to
successfully complete the proposed project.
10
c. The agency does not have the resources or fiscal capacity to complete the proposed project or it is
unclear based on the proposal.
0
0
Q5; Q6
Q5; application attachments
Q5
Q5
Q5; Q6; Application Attachments
Total Section II Points
Agenda Item #4
III.Feasibility and Community Impact Points Score Application Reference
8 What primary percent of median income persons are targeted?
a. 0-30 percent 20
b. 31-50 percent 15
c. 51-60 percent 10
d. 61-80%5
9 Will the project assist any special populations (Example: people experiencing homelessness
or people with disabilities)?
a. The proposal clearly demonstrates that the project assists one or more special populations.20
b. The proposal somewhat demonstrates that the project assists one or more special populations. 10
c. The project does not assist a special population or it is unclear if a special population is assisted.
0
10 Does the project meet community demand for housing type?
a. Yes the project meets the current community demand for housing type.20
b. The project does not meet current demand for housing type.0
c. Not applicable, proposal does not include a housing activity (Example: public facility
improvements).
20
11 Does the project schedule adequately demonstrate the project will be completed within the
required time period?
CDBG projects must be completed within the City fiscal year which runs from July to June.
a. The project timeline is realistic and the project will proceed when grant funds are available.20
b. The project timeline is somewhat realistic and will proceed within a reasonable time period.10
c. The project timeline is unclear or the project is not ready to proceed.0
12 Will the project promote long-term, efficient use of funding (covering the compliance period at
a minimum)?
a. The proposal clearly demonstrates the long-term, efficient use of funding which meets or exceeds
the required compliance period.
20
b. The proposal somewhat demonstrates long-term, efficient use of funding that covers the required
compliance period.
10
c. The proposal does not demonstrate long-term, efficient use of funding and/or does not cover the
required compliance period.
0
0
IV Capacity and Applicant History Points Score Application Reference
13 Has the agency successfully completed federally funded projects through the City of Iowa City
of equal or larger scale in the last five years without compliance issues?Points
a. Yes, the agency has completed federally funded projects through the City of equal or larger scale in
the last five years without compliance issues.20
b. The agency has completed federally funded projects through the City of a smaller scale in the last
five years without compliance issues.5
c. The agency has completed federally funded projects through the City of equal or larger scale
resulting in compliance issues in the last 5 years.0
d. The agency has not completed a federally funded project through the City of any scale.0
14 Has the agency demonstrated experience with relevant project specific federal requirements
that may apply to the proposed project such as TBRA, Davis Bacon or Section 3?
a. Yes, adequate experience demonstrated.20
b. Not applicable, project is not anticipated to have project specific federal rules such as Davis Bacon
or Section 3 apply.
10
c. No experience or inadequate demonstration of experience with specific federal requirements that
may apply to the project.
0
15 Has the agency adequately described their business/operations plan approach and explained
the relevant factors to help verify demand for the proposed project?
a. Yes, the agency has clearly described their business/operations plan approach and explained the
relevant factors to help verify demand for the proposed project.
20
b. The agency has somewhat described their business/operations plan approach and explained the
relevant factors to help verify demand for the proposed project.
10
c. The agency has not described their business/operations plan approach and/or explained the
relevant factors to help verify demand for the proposed project or it is unclear based on the proposal.
0
16 Does the agency have sufficient staff resources, technical expertise, and experience to carry
out the project based on the information provided?
Score between 0 to 20 with 20 being the highest level of sufficiency, expertise, and experience. 0-20
Q7
Q7; Q21
Q8; Q9; Q12
Q10
Q11; Pro Forma (if applicable)
Total Section III Points
Q14; Q18
Q14; Q16; Q18
Q17
Q15; Q16; Application
Attachments
17 Does the project promote racial equity and inclusivity for marginalized populations?
a. The proposal clearly documents that the project will promote racial equity and inclusivity for
marginalized populations.
20
b. The project somewhat promotes racial equity and inclusivity for marginalized populations.10
c. The project does not promote racial equity and inclusivity for marginalized populations or it is
unclear based on the proposal.
0
18 Does the project incorporate sustainability initiatives (Example: Energy Star appliances or
solar)?
a. The project proposal strongly incorporates sustainability initiatives where possible that support the
City's climate related goals and actions outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
20
b. The project proposal somewhat incorporates sustainability initiatives that support the City's climate
related goals and actions outlined in the Climate Action Plan.
10
c. The project proposal does not include sustainability initiatives or it is unclear based on the proposal. 0
0
V Bonus Points Points Score Reference
19 Letter/s of support for the project submitted from community organizations. 5 Application Attachments
20 Is the public facilities project documented in City Steps 2025?5 City Steps 2025
21 Is the agency a certified Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) in good standing?5 Q3; Staff Information
0
Summary
0
0.00%Percentage of Maximum Score (320 Possible Points)
Project Total Score
Q21
Q20
Total Section IV Points
Total Bonus Points
Organization Brief Description of Project Requested Amount
Houses into Homes*Support for part time staff to organize pick-up of furniture
donations. $8,625.00
National Alliance on Mental Illness
(NAMI) Johnson County
Outreach to Latinx and African American communities in
Iowa City. $10,000.00
Healthy Kids School-Based Health
Clinics
Free medical services to children without access to
affordable health case (no insurance, ineligible for
insurance, or underinsured).
$15,000.00
$33,625
$30,000
FY23 Emerging Aid to Agencies Application Summary
Total Requested
Note
Estimated Available
1)*HCDC recommended inclusion of Houses into Homes as a Legacy Agency in the consolidated plan, City Steps 2025, through the substantial amendment process.
Passed 5-1.
2)Any unallocated EA2A funds will go back into the pot of funds available for distribution to Legacy Agencies.
Agenda Item #5
Agenda Item #7