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CR-05 - Goals and Outcomes Progress the jurisdiction has made in carrying out its strategic plan and its action plan. 91.520(a) This could be an overview that includes major initiatives and highlights that were proposed and executed throughout the program year.

Four priority needs are identified in the five-year plan: Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Special Needs Populations, and Non-Housing Community Development. In 2017, CDBG funds addressed these needs as listed below.

Affordable Housing: 3 Bricks & Mortar projects

Homelessness: 1 Bricks & Mortar project

Special Needs: 1 Public Service project

Non-Housing Community Development: 4 Bricks & Mortar projects

Highlights include substantial CDBG expenditures for Valley Community Health Center’s clinic expansion and completion of CVIC’s newest shelter facility. Other local accomplishments include breaking ground on the first “housing first” project in Grand Forks, the Community Call To Action on Addiction and Substance Abuse, and full operation of the social detox facility by Public Health.

CAPER 1 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Comparison of the proposed versus actual outcomes for each outcome measure submitted with the consolidated plan and explain, if applicable, why progress was not made toward meeting goals and objectives. 91.520(g) Categories, priority levels, funding sources and amounts, outcomes/objectives, goal outcome indicators, units of measure, targets, actual outcomes/outputs, and percentage completed for each of the grantee’s program year goals.

Goal Category Source / Indicator Unit of Expected Actual – Percent Expected Actual – Percent Amount Measure – Strategic Complete – Program Complete Strategic Plan Program Year Plan Year Public Facility or Infrastructure Capital support to Non-Housing Activities other than Persons enhance health care Community 1500 0 Low/Moderate Assisted 0.00% access Development Income Housing Benefit Create affordable Household Affordable Homeowner Housing owner-occupied Housing 2 0 0 0 Housing Added 0.00% housing Unit Create affordable Household Affordable Homeowner Housing owner-occupied Housing 0 0 0 0 Housing Rehabilitated housing Unit Public Facility or Infrastructure Non-Housing Enhance public CDBG: Activities other than Persons Community 135 527 10656 527 facilities $442000 Low/Moderate Assisted 390.37% 4.95% Development Income Housing Benefit

CAPER 2 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Public Facility or Infrastructure Expand facilities that Non-Homeless Activities other than Persons address Substance 75 0 Special Needs Low/Moderate Assisted 0.00% Abuse Income Housing Benefit Preserve affordable Affordable CDBG: Other Other 50 0 54 0 rental housing Housing $190000 0.00% 0.00% Public service Non-Housing activities other than Community Persons Promote fair housing Low/Moderate 35 0 Development Assisted 0.00% Income Housing Administration Benefit Non-Housing Community Promote fair housing Other Other 5 3 1 1 Development 60.00% Administration Public Facility or Infrastructure Provide capital CDBG: Activities other than Persons support to homeless Homeless 1000 691 700 691 $400000 Low/Moderate Assisted 69.10% 98.71% facilities Income Housing Benefit Provide capital CDBG: Homeless Person Persons support to homeless Homeless 0 634 0 634 $400000 Overnight Shelter Assisted facilities Provide capital Overnight/Emergency CDBG: support to homeless Homeless Shelter/Transitional Beds 0 0 0 0 $400000 facilities Housing Beds added

CAPER 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Rehab affordable Household Affordable CDBG: Homeowner Housing owner-occupied Housing 40 8 5 8 Housing $136511 Rehabilitated 20.00% 160.00% housing Unit Household Rehab affordable Affordable CDBG: Rental units Housing 50 0 3 0 rental housing Housing $45000 rehabilitated 0.00% 0.00% Unit Public service Non-Housing activities other than Remove barriers to Persons Community Low/Moderate 50 0 self sufficiency Assisted 0.00% Development Income Housing Benefit Public Facility or Infrastructure Support facilities for Non-Homeless Activities other than Persons 5000 2497 0 2497 Special Needs Special Needs Low/Moderate Assisted 49.94% Income Housing Benefit Public service Support activities other than Persons homeless/prevention Homeless Low/Moderate 2000 0 Assisted 0.00% programs Income Housing Benefit Public service Support non- activities other than Affordable Persons traditional housing Low/Moderate 20 0 Housing Assisted 0.00% for homeless Income Housing Benefit Support non- Household Affordable Rental units traditional housing Housing 15 0 Housing constructed 0.00% for homeless Unit

CAPER 4 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Public service Support Non-Housing activities other than Persons racial/cultural Community Low/Moderate 400 0 Assisted 0.00% inclusivity Development Income Housing Benefit Public service activities other than Support services for Non-Homeless Persons Low/Moderate 3500 0 Special Needs Special Needs Assisted 0.00% Income Housing Benefit Public service activities other than Support services for Non-Homeless CDBG: Persons Low/Moderate 75 136 90 136 Substance Abuse Special Needs $59000 Assisted 181.33% 151.11% Income Housing Benefit Support services for Non-Homeless CDBG: Homeless Person Persons 0 0 0 0 Substance Abuse Special Needs $59000 Overnight Shelter Assisted Public service Support services to Non-Housing activities other than Persons enhance access to Community Low/Moderate 1500 0 Assisted 0.00% health care Development Income Housing Benefit Table 1 - Accomplishments – Program Year & Strategic Plan to Date

Assess how the jurisdiction’s use of funds, particularly CDBG, addresses the priorities and specific objectives identified in the plan, giving special attention to the highest priority activities identified.

The Con Plan does not prioritize any of the four identified priority needs over the others; however, activities to address homelessness and

CAPER 5 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) implement “Lighting the Way Home: The City’s 10-Year Plan to End Long-Term Homelessness” have long been local CDBG priorities. Two projects that filled key gaps identified in the 10-year plan reach milestones in 2017: a full year of social detox facility operations and groundbreaking for ”LaGrave on First,” a housing-first permanent supportive housing facility for the chronically homeless. CDBG funding was instrumental in the fit-up and start-up of the social detox facility. CDBG funds were initially used for site acquisition for LaGrave on First but were subsequently disallowed due to violation of 24 CFR 58.22. While the CDBG acquisition funds were returned in 2017, the project moved forward utilizing other funding sources.

Over the years, a large balance had built up in the HomeCents Program Revolving Loan Fund. While HomeCents is a successful and popular housing rehab program, this high balance created timely expenditure issues for Grand Forks. To address this, $400,000 was re-allocated (through an amendment to the 2017 Annual Action Plan) to a multi-phase HVAC upgrade at the Shelter for Homeless.

The following projects expended CDBG funds in 2017 but were not completed. They will not report accomplishments until the year in which they are completed, thus accomplishments associated with the following projects are not included in this CAPER.

 Valley Community Health Centers Clinic Expansion (goal addressed: enhance health care access)  Habitat for Humanity Acquisition (goal addressed: create affordable owner-occupied housing)  GF Homes’ Acquisition of Winterland Apartments (goal addressed: preserve affordable rental housing)  Kannowski Skate Park Improvements (goal addressed: enhance public facilities)  Police Department Parking Lot Improvements (goal addressed: enhance public facilities)

PY 2016 projects that were completed and reported accomplishments in 2017 include:

 RRVCA HomeCents Housing Rehab (goal addressed: rehab affordable owner-occupied housing)  Shelter for Homeless Window Replacement (goal addressed: provide capital support to homeless facilities)  Community Violence Intervention Center (CVIC) Shelter Security (goal addressed: provide capital support to homeless facilities)  CVIC Agency HVAC Renovation (goal addressed: support facilities that serve special needs populations).

It should be noted that 100% of 2017 CDBG funds (non-Administrative) were expended on activities that benefit low-to-moderate income people.

CAPER 6 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)

CAPER 7 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-10 - Racial and Ethnic composition of families assisted Describe the families assisted (including the racial and ethnic status of families assisted). 91.520(a)

CDBG White 2,492 Black or African American 526 Asian 47 American Indian or American Native 695 Native Hawaiian or Other Pacific Islander 1 Total 3,761 Hispanic 301 Not Hispanic 3,460

Table 2 – Table of assistance to racial and ethnic populations by source of funds

Narrative

It should be noted that the above table does not offer “multi-race” or “other” as an option; therefore, 98 beneficiaries who reported themselves as “multi-race” or “other” are not included in the table. Actual beneficiaries total 3,859.

The following chart compares CDBG beneficiaries by race/ethnicity with the race/ethnicity of Grand Forks' general population. This shows minority populations are not underserved in Grand Forks, and indicates satisfactory outreach by CDBG subrecipient agencies. It is the policy of the City of Grand Forks to provide services without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, familial status, physical handicap or disability. The City promotes inclusivity in programs and agencies funded through the CDBG program.

CAPER 8 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-15 - Resources and Investments 91.520(a) Identify the resources made available Source of Funds Source Resources Made Amount Expended Available During Program Year CDBG CDBG 2,048,981 1,220,776 HOME HOME HOPWA HOPWA ESG ESG Other Other Table 3 - Resources Made Available

Narrative

The City of Grand Forks typically receives CDBG and HOME Program funds each year. CDBG funds come directly from HUD, while HOME funds come through the State of North Dakota. The 2017 CDBG Program Year began with $1,022,939.73 in carryover funds. This includes unexpended prior year entitlement funds, program income, and revolving loan fund (RLF) proceeds. The City was awarded 2017 CDBG entitlement funds of $371,429 and generated $464,127.84 in program income, primarily from the sale of property acquired with CDBG disaster recovery funds. The HomeCents RLF receipted an additional $190,484.15 in 2017. This yields a total of $2,048,980.72; in addition, $332,925 in disallowed funds expended in 2016 for LaGrave on First acquisition costs were returned in 2017. 2017 expenditures totaled $1,220,776.44.

HUD’s HOME Investment Partnership Program provides funds for housing activities that benefit LMI people. The North Dakota HOME Program is administered by the Commerce Department’s Division of Community Services. Per the State’s Consolidated Plan, HOME funds can be used for: rehab of owner- occupied or rental property; homebuyer assistance, refinancing of owner-occupied housing; tenant- based rental assistance; acquisition, site improvement or demolition linked to a housing project that benefits LMI people; and new construction. The City directed its 2017 allocation of $335,000 in HOME funds to Grand Forks Homes, Inc., for the rehabilitation of a 66-unit affordable rental property (LaGrave on 4th); the City was also allocated $15,000 for HOME Program administration.

Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments Target Area Planned Percentage of Actual Percentage of Narrative Description Allocation Allocation City-wide 100 Other Table 4 – Identify the geographic distribution and location of investments

Narrative

Grand Forks does not currently have any designated geographic target areas. The attached map shows

CAPER 9 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Grand Forks' LMI neighborhoods and the locations of 2017 CDBG projects. The HomeCents Program is available throughout central Grand Forks but is limited to income-eligible households, which are not mapped.

CAPER 10 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Leveraging

Explain how federal funds leveraged additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements were satisfied, as well as how any publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that were used to address the needs identified in the plan.

The City of Grand Forks understands the importance of looking beyond HUD funding for resources to help meet the needs of LMI citizens. Subrecipient agencies awarded 2017 CDBG funding reported leveraging those CDBG funds with over $3.9 million in county and dollars, Low Income Housing Tax Credits, donations, and private grant and foundation funding. In terms of publicly owned property used to address identified needs, the social detox facility is publicly owned, and the City transferred the land for the LaGrave on First project to the developer at no cost.

CAPER 11 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-20 - Affordable Housing 91.520(b) Evaluation of the jurisdiction's progress in providing affordable housing, including the number and types of families served, the number of extremely low-income, low-income, moderate-income, and middle-income persons served.

One-Year Goal Actual Number of Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units 0 0 Number of Non-Homeless households to be provided affordable housing units 0 0 Number of Special-Needs households to be provided affordable housing units 0 0 Total 0 0 Table 5 – Number of Households

One-Year Goal Actual Number of households supported through Rental Assistance 0 0 Number of households supported through The Production of New Units 0 0 Number of households supported through Rehab of Existing Units 11 8 Number of households supported through Acquisition of Existing Units 54 0 Total 65 8 Table 6 – Number of Households Supported

Discuss the difference between goals and outcomes and problems encountered in meeting these goals.

The 2017 goal for “Rehab affordable owner-occupied housing” was 8 units, which was met. A 2017 AAP amendment added a project to rehab a permanent supportive housing tri-plex owned by RRVCA, which added 3 units to the goal of “Rehab of affordable rental housing.” This brings the 2017 goal for “number of households supported through the rehab of existing units” to 11; however, the triplex rehab was not completed in 2017, so those 3 units are not included as "Actual" (Table 6). The 2017 goal of "Preserving affordable rental housing" was 54 units, which was supported through the the GFHA’s CAPER 12 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Acquisition of Winterland Apartments. While the acquisition was completed in late 2017, beneficiaries ("Actual") will be reported in 2018 following lease-up of units. In addition, RRVCA weatherized 247 homes in 2017 using $361,710 from the Department of Energy and $683,321 in Health and Human Services’ Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program funds. RRVCA also receives HOME funds for housing rehabilitation activities.

Discuss how these outcomes will impact future annual action plans.

Outcomes from 2017 activities indicate that Grand Forks is on track to meet or exceed the affordable housing goals in its five-year plan; however, it should be noted that there is often a lag between expenditure of funds and project completion. For example, the 2016 CDBG project that provided Habitat for Humanity with funds for site acquisition will not yield beneficiaries/accomplishments until homes are constructed and sold to LMI families. This takes several years for the local Habitat chapter.

Include the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income persons served by each activity where information on income by family size is required to determine the eligibility of the activity.

Number of Households Served CDBG Actual HOME Actual Extremely Low-income 1 0 Low-income 4 0 Moderate-income 3 0 Total 8 0 Table 7 – Number of Households Served

Narrative Information

For those in Grand Forks with “worst case housing needs” (unassisted very low income renters who either pay more than half of their monthly income for rent, live in severely inadequate conditions, or both), the availability of housing, rather than substandard condition, is the more serious barrier. GFHA offers the most viable options for dealing with worst case needs through its HAP programs, and offers a wait list preference for homeless families. In addition, the LaGrave on First project referenced previously is designed specifically to serve those with worst case needs: the chronically homeless. This 42-unit facility will include 5 units that are fully accessible for those with physical disabilities. GF Homes’ acquisition of Winterland Apartments (54 units) will also include ADA modification to the building entrances, installation of fire alarm systems for the hearing/visually impaired, and renovation of 3 units with ADA modifications to bathrooms and kitchens. The GFHA is a lead agency in the Region 4 Housing Collaborative, which partners service agencies with affordable housing providers. This partnership strengthens the local network to improve outcomes for both housing and service providers.

CAPER 13 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-25 - Homeless and Other Special Needs 91.220(d, e); 91.320(d, e); 91.520(c) Evaluate the jurisdiction’s progress in meeting its specific objectives for reducing and ending homelessness through:

Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs

The City continues to maintain active membership in the Community Agency Networking Association, the entity responsible for coordinating the local semi-annual Point-in-Time homeless surveys sponsored by the ND Coalition for Homeless People. In addition, the social detox facility was developed to serve unsheltered individuals with substance abuse issues; it received CDBG public service funding in 2017. Progress Evaluation: Good/Ongoing

Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons

2017 CDBG bricks and mortar funds were allocated to the Shelter for Homeless for two projects: improvements to the HVAC system and completion of a window replacement project. 2017 public service funds were allocated to the social detox center, which provides a safe sobering environment for intoxicated homeless individuals. A security project at an emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence, funded with 2016 CDBG dollars, was completed in 2017. Operating funds Progress Evaluation: Adequate

Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: likely to become homeless after being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); and, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs

Local agencies like Communities United in Partnership, Salvation Army, and St. Joseph’s Social Care and others listed below may provide assistance when someone is at risk of being made homeless under many circumstances, including following discharge from Altru Health Services (Grand Forks’ primary health care provider), the ND State Hospital, or Grand Forks County Correctional Facility. Northeast Human Service Center staff often coordinate these efforts, and note that while local agencies work together, their options are limited. The ND Dept. of Corrections and Rehabilitation funds a residential program for those transitioning back into the community. The Shelter for Homeless (Northlands Rescue Mission) is available to assist people being discharged out of the social detox facility.

The ND Homeless Grant and Emergency Solutions Grant programs also provide financial assistance to CAPER 14 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) facilities and programs within North Dakota to identify sheltered and unsheltered homeless persons, as well as those at risk of homelessness, and provide services to help those persons regain stability in permanent housing. The Grand Forks recipient of a 2017 ND Homeless Grants was Red River Valley Community Action - $23,000. Recipients of 2017 Emergency Solutions Grant funds: Community Violence Intervention Center - $31,637; Red River Valley Community Action - $48,550; Salvation Army - $8,000; St. Joseph’s Social Care - $34,500; and Shelter for Homeless (Northlands Rescue Mission) - $33,750. Progress Evaluation: Adequate

Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again

The HUD-Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program combines HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher rental assistance program with case management and clinical services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). The VA and the Grand Forks Housing Authority co-managed 25 VASH vouchers in 2017.

St. Joseph's Social Care’s Transitional Housing Program provides housing and case management to homeless families in Grand Forks. Generally running from six months to two years per household, it combines temporary housing with intensive case management and supportive services to work toward self-sufficiency and permanent housing. 2017 CDBG funds were provided to St. Joseph’s to make HVAC improvements in their administrative (non-housing) facility.

Community Violence Intervention Center provides transitional housing and intensive support for up to two years, aimed at helping single-parent families who have become homeless due to domestic violence attain financial independence. 2016 CDBG funds were allocated to HVAC improvements at CVIC’s administrative offices and security measures at a new homeless shelter; these projects were completed in 2017.

RRVCA operates a tri-plex that provides permanent supportive housing to homeless families with a disabled family member. 2017 CDBG funds were allocated to rehab this facility.

The LaGrave on First permanent supportive housing facility mentioned previously is targeted specifically to the chronically homeless. It is expected to begin leasing units in late 2018. Progress Evaluation: Good.

CAPER 15 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-30 - Public Housing 91.220(h); 91.320(j) Actions taken to address the needs of public housing

There is no public housing per se in Grand Forks. In 2017, the City provided CDBG funds to Grand Forks Homes, Inc., for two projects: the acquisition of Winterland Apartments, a 54-unit affordable rental housing complex, and the installation of a playground at Columbia Square South, a 72-unit assisted multi-family rental property. The City also obligated 2017 HOME funds to Grand Forks Homes to rehabilitate LaGrave on Fourth, a 66-unit affordable rental property. All of these properties are managed by the Grand Forks Housing Authority.

Actions taken to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership

The Grand Forks Housing Authority’s Client Services Division offers programs, services, and assistance to tenants and clients of the GFHA. The goal is to serve, empower, and connect residents with the resources they need to improve the quality of their lives and their prospects for their future. Resident Service Coordinators are available at several of the apartment communities managed by GFHA. Services include access to Neighborhood Networks Learning Centers, assisting residents to connect with community agencies and programs, resident advocacy, and facilitation of resident meetings and neighborhood involvement. Learning Centers offer a variety of computer classes, job skill/search enhancement classes, a job-training program, connections with other agencies in the community, youth programming, homeownership classes, budgeting classes, and more. Family Self-Sufficiency Program and Housing Counseling staff also provide integrated services.

The City and the GFHA continue to focus on housing affordability as a key impediment to housing choice. GFHA manages a variety of affordable rental projects, as well as the Section 8 Homeownership Program, which encourages eligible renters to use their voucher for home ownership.

The US Census Language Identification Flashcard is displayed in the GFHA lobby and the GFHA helps locate and pay for translators for immigrants/refugees or anyone with limited English proficiency who may request housing assistance.

GFHA also operates a successful Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program. It is designed for motivated households in the Voucher Program with the goal of financial independence. The program provides families with personal attention, guidance, referral, opportunities, and encouragement to reach the goals they set for themselves. By joining FSS, the voucher holder is set up with a savings account so that assistance they would typically lose if they were to have an increase in income is instead escrowed into that account. Those funds are then available to the client upon successful completion of the FSS program. In 2017, the FSS program provided service to 125 participants, 14 of which moved to unsubsidized housing and 72 of which increased their household income. At year end, 97 families were enrolled and 61 families had funds in their escrow account.

CAPER 16 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Actions taken to provide assistance to troubled PHAs

N/A

CAPER 17 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j) Actions taken to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment. 91.220 (j); 91.320 (i)

The five-year plan listed strategies related to real estate tax exemptions, addressing NIMBYism through better public outreach, and zoning and land use controls as ways to ameliorate barriers to affordable housing in Grand Forks. While real estate exemptions are unchanged, the City adopted a special assessment policy in 2016 to provide a three-year deferral for new home sites. In tandem with encouraging smaller lot sizes, this was meant to help new home buyers to “step into” some of the initial costs of home ownership. This was extended in 2017 to allow projects begun in the 2017 construction season to be completed in 2018. Data on the effects of this policy on supply and affordability will be collected and analyzed following the 2018 construction season.

The City continues to emphasize public engagement and outreach efforts. It should be noted that there was little NIMBYism associated with the creation of a social detox facility or the LaGrave on First project.

Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

Underserved needs identified in Lighting the Way Home, Grand Forks’ 10-Year Plan to End Long Term Homelessness, included a social detox facility and affordable housing. Thanks to collaborative partnerships that were developed in recent years, a social detox facility is fully operational and a “housing first” facility is under construction. The approach taken to develop these projects offered a model for the 2017 Mayor’s Call to Action to address the local opioid crisis. The City will continue to take part in and facilitate this collaborative model to help address underserved needs as they evolve.

Actions taken to reduce lead-based paint hazards. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The community has not historically seen large numbers of lead poisoning cases. In 2017, 160 children were tested for elevated blood levels in Grand Forks County, which is down from the previous year; 14 (2%) had elevated lead levels (5-29 ug/dl). (ND Dept of Health Air Quality Division). The Grand Forks Public Health Department administers North Dakota Health Tracks, a preventive health program that is free for children age 0 to 21 who are eligible for Medicaid. Health Tracks pays for screenings, diagnosis, and treatment of numerous health-related issues, including lead poisoning. In addition, parents of children who have been identified through the local health care system as having elevated lead blood levels are referred to the Grand Forks Housing Authority or Red River Valley Community Action, who have certified lead inspectors on staff who can provide home testing.

The City of Grand Forks requires testing for lead paint hazards before any federally-assisted renovation work takes place in pre-1978 buildings and requires contractors working in them to be certified in lead

CAPER 18 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) safe work practices. Properties rehabbed through the HomeCents program are subject to lead-based paint testing and clearance.

The University of North Dakota Environmental Training Institute (based in Grand Forks) is a certified provider of lead paint hazard training and certification courses. The City will continue to work with UND to make this information available to the community, and particularly members of the housing and construction industry most directly affected by the issue.

Actions taken to reduce the number of poverty-level families. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

ACS 5-year estimates (2012-2016) show that Grand Forks has a slightly higher poverty level than Grand Forks County and a significantly higher poverty level than the State of North Dakota:

City of Grand Forks: 20.6%

Grand Forks MSA: 16.5%

Grand Forks County: 13.9%

State: 10.7%

While this number is somewhat elevated due to a high university student population, the local United Way chapter has made poverty reduction its priority, with a goal of reducing Grand Forks’ poverty rate so that it will be the lowest among the four major cities in North Dakota by 2030. The City continues to work to reduce poverty in the community by supporting agencies that are committed to helping families enhance self-sufficiency and by working to ensure that a full continuum of housing opportunities is available to residents. In addition, Mayor Brown recently proposed development of a “Grand Forks Promise Fund” that employs donations and philanthropic foundations to spur innovation. This will be pursued in partnership with United Way, the Community Foundation, faith-based organizations and others.

Actions taken to develop institutional structure. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The City has a strong collaborative record and continued to work within the local institutional structure (City, County, Community Action Agency, social service agencies, CHDOs, Housing Authority, public and private non-profit organizations, etc.) to achieve coordinated and efficient provision of services. The Region IV Supportive Housing Development Collaborative and the Mayor’s Call to Action on addiction and substance abuse are examples of a strong and evolving local institutional structure. The Community Advisory Committee (CAC), whose membership is developed in partnership with the Nonprofit Business Alliance, was formed in 2013 to better assist in identifying community needs and priorities. The CAC provides input on the use of CDBG and HOME funds on an ongoing basis and assisted with development of the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan. The City notifies units of local government of all CDBG/HOME

CAPER 19 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) priority need development, notice of funding availability, and reporting processes.

Actions taken to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies. 91.220(k); 91.320(j)

The Region IV Supportive Housing Development Collaborative was created to enhance communication and coordination between housing providers and agencies providing supportive services. It is made up of public and private affordable housing providers, government entities, non-profits and service agencies. The collaborative was instrumental in developing the LaGrave on First housing project; it continues to take an active role as the project moves from construction to operation, working toward successful lease-up and bringing the right array of supportive services to residents.

Identify actions taken to overcome the effects of any impediments identified in the jurisdictions analysis of impediments to fair housing choice. 91.520(a)

To receive CDBG funds, the City is obligated to “affirmatively further fair housing” and continues to work with High Plains Fair Housing Center to address fair housing issues and ensure fair housing choice.

Based on HUD’s Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity (FHEO) 2016 monitoring, CAPERs for the City of Grand Forks will include additional demographic data in Section CR-10 and a “Fair Housing and Civil Rights Compliance Report” (Attachment 3).

Grand Forks’ AI identified four action items: Improve access to information and educate residents about fair and affordable housing; Support creation of a fair housing education and/or enforcement organization; Work to address NIMBYism; Examine how land use and zoning regulations could be improved to encourage affordable, mixed-income and special needs housing. The 2016 monitoring identified the following additional impediments to fair housing choice:

 Black and Native American families have disproportionate cost burden and housing needs. A disproportionate representation of Black, Hispanic and Asian persons residing in assisted housing provides additional evidence that minorities are disproportionately impacted by lack of income.  Lack of affordable housing disproportionately impacts minority groups.  Two areas with disproportionate minority concentration that are also potential racially and ethnically concentrated areas of poverty were identified.  Housing choice voucher usage is more concentrated in low-income and minority areas.  People with disabilities are more likely to be served by GFHA than the private market.  A lack of accessible units for people with disabilities.

Related action in 2017 includes:

 Support to High Plains Fair Housing Center: Based in Grand Forks, it is the only dedicated fair

CAPER 20 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) housing entity in North Dakota. HPFHC provides direct counseling, enforcement, and testing. The City provided $10,000 in CDBG administrative funds plus in-kind support (valued at approximately $14,800) for education and outreach on fair housing issues and recruiting fair housing testers by running ads on the City’s television channel and including fair housing info on utility billing statements.  Grand Forks Immigrant Integration Initiative: This initiative was established by the Mayor’s Office and City Council with a steering committee of elected officials and representatives of city government, social service organizations, banking institutions, and the Grand Forks Air Force Base. It is a member of the National League of Cities Municipal Action for Immigrant Integration. The goal of the initiative is to promote naturalization and civic engagement among immigrant populations in our community, to assess and align community resources to best serve both the New American population and general community, and to assist New Americans with becoming engaged citizens.  Inclusion Resolution: City Council passed a resolution that reaffirms Grand Forks as a community that is welcoming for all people, that supports and celebrates diversity, that actively works on inclusive practices with the goal of equity, and that condemns acts of hate, violence and discrimination.

CAPER 21 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-40 - Monitoring 91.220 and 91.230 Describe the standards and procedures used to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and used to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements

The City’s Monitoring Plan was updated in 2017, and is included as Appendix C of the Consolidated Plan. It details the City’s policies and procedures to monitor individual projects and agencies receiving CDBG funds, as well as how the City monitors progress on meeting the goals outlined in the Plan.

Subrecipient monitoring begins with the application process. Each applicant is required to submit information on the agency’s organization and financial management to show the agency’s administrative capacity to manage a CDBG-funded project. In addition, City staff host a workshop each year as part of the application process. This allows staff to guide potential applicants through HUD requirements and update them on any changes. Once an application is funded, technical assistance on CDBG regulations and requirements is provided as needed and as appropriate.

The City’s Construction Compliance Officer (CCO) monitors Bricks & Mortar projects on an ongoing basis throughout the construction process. This includes review of plans, specifications and bidding documents; attending bid openings; review of construction contracts; attending construction meetings and frequent site visits. The CCO inspects projects prior to approving pay requests, and generally assists grantees as needed through successful completion of their projects. Both Public Service and Bricks & Mortar recipients submit financial and performance reports which incorporate HUD Performance Measures (outputs/outcomes).

The 2017 Monitoring Plan update included development of a risk analysis matrix to determine which projects will receive on-site monitoring. Based on that matrix, three 2017 programs, GF Social Detox, Acquisition of Winterland Apartments, and RRVCA Rehab of Permanent Supportive Housing, are scheduled for monitoring in early 2018. In addition, an in-depth monitoring of Red River Valley Community Action‘s administration of the HomeCents program was completed in February 2017 using HUD’s Guide for Review of CDBG-Funded Rehabilitation Program Management and Guide for Review of Individual CDBG-Funded Rehabilitation Activities. No findings or concerns were noted and they were determined to have the capacity to continue to administer CDBG-funded programs.

CAPER 22 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)

Citizen Participation Plan 91.105(d); 91.115(d)

Describe the efforts to provide citizens with reasonable notice and an opportunity to comment on performance reports.

A notice was published in The Grand Forks Herald on March 3, 2018, indicating the availability of the draft 2017 CAPER, inviting public comment, and advertising the public hearing to be held at the Grand Forks City Council meeting on March 19 (Attachment 2). The notice was also posted on the City’s website and was provided to the following agencies that serve protected classes: LISTEN Inc., Mountainbrooke Recovery Center, UND Ten Percent Society, Greater Grand Forks Senior Citizens Association, Global Friends Coalition, Prairie Harvest Mental Health, Era Bell Thompson Cultural Center (UND), Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Options Interstate Resource Center, Lutheran Social Services New American Services, Women’s Way Program, UND Indian Association, Bhutanese Society, United African Community, and the Grand Forks Immigrant Integration Initiative. The following units of local government were also invited to comment on the report: State, GF Park District, GF County, GF/EGF MPO, and GF Public Schools. At the March 19 public hearing, no comments, either oral or written, were received.

CR-45 - CDBG 91.520(c)

Specify the nature of, and reasons for, any changes in the jurisdiction’s program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences.

A review of the accomplishments/goals in the 2015-19 Con Plan shows that Grand Forks is largely on track to meet or exceed them, and no changes in objectives are anticipated. It should be noted, however, that some of these goals will be met using resources other rather than CDBG. For instance, the goal to “support non-traditional housing for homeless” anticipated using CDBG funds for construction of the LaGrave on First project. While the use of CDBG funds was disallowed, the project went forward and the City continued to support it with HOME funds and site donation. Further, due to timely expenditure concerns, the CDBG funds intended for that goal/project had to be reallocated to another project quickly. Since shovel-ready options involved public improvements, the City will exceed estimated accomplishments associated with its goal to “enhance public facilities.”

CAPER 23 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) $400,000 to a project at the Shelter for Homeless (discussed previously). To deal with longer-term issues, the City and Red River Valley Community Action entered into a Memorandum of Agreement. This updated administrative protocols and clarified expectations for the HomeCents Program, specifically in regard to use of revolved funds and keeping the RLF balance below $200,000.

Another administrative change in 2017 was the decision to discontinue public service funding to subrecipient agencies. Prior to 2017, the City’s CDBG program routinely budgeted the maximum allowable amount for public service activities, and allocated those funds through a competitive application process. However, HUD monitoring of the City’s CDBG program in 2017 raised serious concerns about the viability of this approach: is the benefit of funding public services, especially at the smaller amounts that Grand Forks typically grants, worth the administrative time and cost required? This is an interim approach to public service funding, and City staff will continue to confer with stakeholders and affected agencies to reconcile the local appetite for operating funds with HUD/CDBG administrative and reporting requirements. It is anticipated that local policies on public service funding will be updated in conjunction with the 2020-2025 Consolidated Plan.

Does this Jurisdiction have any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grants?

[BEDI grantees] Describe accomplishments and program outcomes during the last year.

CAPER 24 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) CR-45 - CDBG 91.520(c) Specify the nature of, and reasons for, any changes in the jurisdiction’s program objectives and indications of how the jurisdiction would change its programs as a result of its experiences.

While no change in program objectives is anticipated, 2017 did see changes in program administration. Due to timely expenditure concerns, HUD advised the City to greatly reduce its HomeCents revolving loan fund balance. When the City initiated the HomeCents Program, HUD excluded RLFs from timeliness calculations, and the City had allowed the RLF balance to grow over the years, exceeding $516,000 by PY 2017. Since HUD now includes RLFs in timeliness calculations, Grand Forks needed to re-allocate a large share of those funds to a shovel-ready project. This was accomplished through a one-time transfer of $400,000 to a project at the Shelter for Homeless (discussed previously). To deal with longer-term issues, the City and Red River Valley Community Action entered into a Memorandum of Agreement. This updated administrative protocols and clarified expectations for the HomeCents Program, specifically in regard to use of revolved funds and keeping the RLF balance below $200,000.

Does this Jurisdiction have any open Brownfields Economic Development Initiative (BEDI) grants?

CAPER 25 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) [BEDI grantees] Describe accomplishments and program outcomes during the last year.

CAPER 26 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Attachment

2017 Geographic Distribution Project Map

CAPER 27 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)

CAPER 28 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Notice of Public Comment Period and Public Hearing

CAPER 29 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)

CAPER 30 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018) Fair Housing and Civil Rights Compliance Report

CAPER 31 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 06/30/2018)