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, 2017 through June 30, 2018.  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 2017-18, 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 2017-18 performance include:

• Assisted 679 individuals and/or households with fair housing services
• Assisted 753 seniors with services and meal delivery
• Reduction of crime in gang activity hot spots in low- and moderate-income areas
• Assisted 31 low-income seniors with Home Improvement Grants
• Provided street improvements directly assisting 4,155 individuals
• Provided one small business loan which created four new jobs filled by low-income Garden Grove residents
• Provided homeless prevention and  rapid rehousing services to 5 families and overnight shelters to help 174 homeless residents

HUD requires local jurisdictions to make the CAPER available to the public for examination and comment for at least 15 days.  A public notice was published in English, Spanish and Vietnamese advertising the public comment period which began on August 27, 2018 and will conclude with the Public Hearing before City Council.  The Neighborhood Improvement and Conservation Commission held a meeting on September 10, 2018 to accept public comments. 

The CAPER reports accomplishments using $3 million of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds during FY 2017-18 in accordance with the 2017-18 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 and issue comments concerning the Fiscal Year 2017-18 CAPER; and

• Accept the FY 2017-18 CAPER and direct its transmission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

By:    Allison Wilson

          Neighborhood Improvement Manager