Title I of the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 requires jurisdictions that receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME) and/or Emergency Service Grant (ESG) funding to assess the activities implemented during its previous program year through an annual CAPER. 

This CAPER explains how the City of Garden Grove carried out its housing and development strategies and projects using HUD funds over the period of July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017.  The CAPER provides narrative descriptions and financial information on specific activities, and evaluates Garden Grove’s progress toward the housing and community priority needs and objectives stated in the City’s 5-Year Consolidated Plan.

During the period 2016-2017, the City utilized its resources to expand or preserve affordable housing opportunities, support job creation and economic development and assist special needs groups such as senior citizens, homeless and at-risk for homeless persons.  Highlights of 2016-2017 performance include:

• Assisted 345 individuals and/or households with fair housing services;
• Assisted 1,141 seniors with services and meal delivery;
• Reduction of crime in gang activity hot spots in low- and moderate-income areas;
• Constructed 47 affordable units for low-income seniors and families;
• Assisted four low-income households with rental assistance in the form of Tenant Based Rental Assistance; and
• Provided homeless prevention and  rapid rehousing services to 26 families and overnight shelters to help 252 homeless residents.

HUD requires local jurisdictions to make the CAPER available to the public for review and comment for 15 days prior to the hearing.  A public notice was published in English, Spanish and Vietnamese advertising the public comment period which began on September 8, 2017, and will conclude with the Public Hearing before City Council.  The Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commission held a meeting on September 11, 2017, to accept public comments.

The CAPER reports accomplishments using $4 million of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds during Fiscal Year 2015/16 in accordance with the 2015/16 Action Plan previously approved by City Council.  Expenditures enabled the City to provide a higher level of services to its low/moderate-income residents and neighborhoods.

It is recommended that the City Council:

• Conduct a Public Hearing to receive comments concerning the Fiscal Year 2016/17 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER); 

• Accept the 2016-17 CAPER; and

• Direct staff to transmit the CAPER to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

By:    Nida Watkins, Project Manager