[ Council Communication ]  [  The Action Plan ]

ACTION PLAN: ONE YEAR USE OF FUNDS
Fiscal Year 2002-2003

Prepared for:
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

By:  The City of Ashland
Department of Community Development
Planning Division
Ashland, Oregon

Mission Statement

The following mission statement is taken from the City of Ashland’s current Strategic Plan.

Housing
The City has a responsibility to ensure that proper amounts of land are set aside to accommodate the various housing needs in the City, and that its land development ordinances are broad enough to allow for variation in housing type and density.

Economy
The City seeks to provide opportunities for a variety of economic activities in the City, while continuing to reaffirm the economic goals of Ashland citizens. Economic development in Ashland should serve the purpose of maintaining and improving the local quality of life.

Social and Human Services
To ensure that all people in Ashland live in a safe, strong, and caring community, the City seeks to enhance the quality of life and promote self-reliance, growth and development of people. To these ends, the City will strive to provide resources and services to meet basic human needs.

Strategic PlanThe projects that CDBG funds can be spent on is very restricted by the federal regulations. In addition to the requirement that 51% or more of the beneficiaries/clients of a project must qualify as low- or moderate-income, there is a list of "eligible" projects. For example, CDBG funds can be used to acquire vacant land or existing housing, but can not be used to for the construction of new housing. Another example of a requirement that severely restricts the manner in which the City of Ashland can allocate CDBG funds is that only 15% of the yearly allocation (approximately $30,000 per year) can be spend on public services, sometimes referred to as soft costs.

The City of Ashland has been allocated $225,000 of Community Development Block Grant funds for Fiscal Year (FY) 2002-2003 by the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This document, the Action Plan for FY 2002-2003, describes the projects that the City will undertake and the manner in which the projects are consistent with the priorities of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. In addition, the Action Plan describes the activities the City will undertake addressing homeless households, affordable housing and lead-based paint hazards. Below is a table summarizing the projects funded by CDBG dollars in FY 2002-2003. 

The Five-Year Consolidated Plan is the planning document required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Development (HUD) for the receipt of the City’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. The purpose of the Consolidated Plan is to outline a strategy the City will follow in using CDBG funding to achieve the goal of the CDBG program, "to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities principally for low- and moderate-income persons." In May 2000, the City completed the updated Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Every year thereafter, the City is required to submit an Action Plan that addresses the priorities of the Consolidated Plan. The priorities of the Five-Year Consolidated Plan are listed below. In March of 2002 The City of Ashland revised the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan to limit awards to one, potentially two, affordable housing project consistent with the highest priorities identified in the 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan. 

Housing Goals

Goal 1: To increase the supply of affordable rental housing for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income families. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes.

Rental Assistance Program
Action to meet priority and time-line: The initial costs of rental housing in Ashland, including first and last month's rent and a security deposit, are barriers preventing some low-income residents from improving their living conditions. In May 1998, the Housing Commission began the Ashland Rental Assistance Program. The purpose of the Ashland Rental Assistance Program is to provide low- to moderate-income Ashland households with the up-front cost of obtaining rental housing. Currently, ten households are participating in the program.

Rental assistance is made in the form of short-term loans to qualified applicants for use toward the first or last month’s rent, security deposit and other move-in fees. The maximum amount is $750 and the loan must be repaid in full within 15 months at a rate of five percent per annum. The participant(s) must be a resident of Ashland and must have resided, or worked in Ashland for a period not less than six moths prior to the date of application for assistance. The household income of the participant(s) shall not exceed 100 percent of the median income level for Jackson County, Oregon, and is required to be at a level commensurate with monthly payment obligations. The participant(s) is billed through the City utility billing process

Although this program could provide valuable assistance to households with low and moderate income in need of rental assistance, public awareness of the program is low.

In order to assist in administering this program, and to advertise its availability, the City of Ashland has entered into a contract with Access Inc, a local no-prophit communnity development corporation. Access will find and qualify participants and provide the short-term loan administration.

FY 2001-2002 Number of Households Assisted: 0 household with a loan of $750

FY 2002-2003 Projected Number of Households to be Assisted: 20 Households. The contract for FY2002-2003 program administration is complete and will be executed between Access Inc. and the City of Ashland prior to June 1 2002. thus we anticipate all funds will be provided to qualified applicants within the program year.

Funding sources for this project include: City of Ashland Housing Trust Fund. No CDBG Funds will be used for this program.

Funding Level: $15,000

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

 Accessory Residential Units
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City of Ashland allows small second units in the single-family residential zones) to increase the supply of affordable rental units. The Conditional Use Permit Procedure was changed in 1990 to allow an accessory apartment or cottage (Accessory residential Unit – ARU within single family residential zones. This provided valuable affordable housing units without unreasonable impacts on the neighborhood. A total of 76 units have been made legal or been newly constructed of which 2 were approved and completed in FY 2001-2002.

FY2001-2002 Number of Households Assisted: two

FY2002-2003 Projected number of ARU to be approved in 2002-2003: five

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support.

Probable Funding Level: N/A

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation (RVCDC)
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City will provide CDBG funding to the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation(RVCDC) (Project 1). The funding will be utilized to purchase property for the subsequent construction of 15 Apartment units. RVCDC is a private non-profit corporation with a mission to create and sustain long-term affordable housing in the Rogue Valley. This project focuses on the need for affordable rental housing within city limits of Ashland for households with incomes of 60% median income or less. RVCDC has proposed a mixed use development to include the 15 residential units and a 10,000 square foot commercial space.

As the grant awarded is for land acquisition for the creation of 15 affordable rental units, the commercial component is not required of the applicant. However, should the applicant’s development include a commercial component, upon the land acquired with the CDBG grant, it will be required to contain an eligible use that meets all federal requirements for use of CDBG funding.

Funding sources for this project include: CDBG funds

Projected Number Households to be Assisted: 15 Households

Probable Funding Level: $168,750

Target Date for Completion: June 30, 2003

Goal 2: To increase the homeownership opportunities for extremely low-, low- and moderate-income households. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes.

Affordable Housing Program
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City currently provides a density bonus to developers who construct affordable rental and ownership units. The City also defers the system development charges for affordable rental and single family homes. The deferred system development charges become a "sleeping second" mortgage and are only activated if the home is sold outside the program, or the rents exceed the maximum rent limit set by HUD. The participants can earn up to 130 percent of median income. A total of 40 households are currently participating in the program. The program is ongoing.

FY2001-2002 Number of Households Assisted: One Household was added to the program during FY 2001-2002. However, given the substantial increase in property values that have occurred in Ashland in recent years a total of eleven households which were enrolled in the program previously were re-conveyed during the calendar years of 2001 and 2002. These eleven households opted to pay off the "sleeping second" (deferred System Development Charges plus interest), and are therefore no longer within the program. In total during FY2001-2002 Ashland saw a net reduction from 47 units participating the program to only 40.

Funding sources for this project include: The City of Ashland's general fund forgoes collecting the systems development charges.

Projected Number Households to be Assisted in FY 2002-2003: Ten new households

Probable Funding Level: $125,000

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Home Ownership Program
Action to meet priority and time-line: The down payment and/or closing costs associated with purchasing a home are barriers preventing some low-income residents from owning their homes. In May 1998, the Housing Commission began the Ashland Home Ownership program. The purpose of the Ashland Home Ownership Program is to provide qualified participants assistance with down payments, closing costs, and in some cases, renovation funds for the first time purchase of a residence in the City of Ashland. The maximum amount of assistance provided by this program is $2,500 per household.

The assistance is made in the form of short-term loans to qualified applicants. The maximum amount is $2,500. The loan payments are deferred for five years, then amortized over ten years at a rate of five percent per annum. The participant(s) must be a first time home buyer, and the household income can not exceed 100 percent of the median income for Jackson County, Oregon. In addition, the participating household must not have liquid assets in excess of $5,000, excluding any such asset used toward the purchase of the home (down payment and closing costs), nor have ownership in any other real property. The participant(s) must complete a home ownership program approved by the City of Ashland. The participant(s) must be a current resident of the City of Ashland, and must have resided, or worked in Ashland for a period not less than six months prior to the date of application. The dwelling must be located within the Ashland city limits. The program is to be administered by ACCESS, Inc., a local non-profit organization.

This loan program can provide vital assistance to many low and moderate income households in need of first time home buyer down payment, and/or closing cost, however public awareness of the program is low. Thus the City of Ashland will contract with Access Inc. to advertise and inform potentially eligible applicants of the assistance program.

FY 2001-2002 Number of Households Assisted: No households were assisted during FY 2001-2002.

FY 2002-2003 Number of Households to be Assisted: Six households are to be assisted with loans of $2500. The contract for FY2002-2003 program administration is complete and will be executed between Access Inc. and the City of Ashland prior to June 1 2002. thus we anticipate all funds will be provided to qualified applicants within the program year.

Funding sources for this project include: City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support. City of Ashland Housing Trust Fund to provide loan funds.

Funding Level: $15,000

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Housing Commission
Action to meet priority and time-line: The Housing Commission was established in 1995 to monitor the accomplishments of the City's housing program, to make recommendations to the City Council on housing policy, and to serve as an advocate for affordable housing in the City's political process. The Housing Commission will also oversee specific affordable housing projects undertaken by the City in partnership with private groups. Additionally, the City of Ashland’s 2000-2004 Consolidated Plan has been amended to include Housing Commission review, and recommendations to the City Council, for awarding CDBG funds.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Technical Assistance
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City will provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations whose mission includes providing affordable housing. This technical assistance will include, when necessary, providing information on zoning, educating agencies on the planning process and providing information on the City's affordable housing program including deferred systems development charges and density bonuses. The City of Ashland will provide technical assistance through the Planning Division as requested and will support applications consistent with the Consolidated Plan.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support.

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Goal 3: To maintain the existing affordable housing supply. Where possible, give funding priority to those projects that will provide benefits to residents with the lowest incomes. Also, give funding priority to those programs which retain the units as affordable in perpetuity, or recapture the rehabilitation costs for further use in Ashland.

The City does not plan to use funds made available for this activity during FY 2002-2003.

Homeless Goals

Goal 4: Encourage the development of emergency and transitional housing for homeless families with children and/or individuals.

The City does not plan to use funds made available for this activity during FY 2002-2003.

Technical Assistance
Action to meet priority and time-line: The City will provide technical assistance to nonprofit organizations whose mission includes providing emergency housing, and support services for homeless prevention. This technical assistance will include, when necessary, providing information on zoning, and educating agencies on the planning process. The City of Ashland will provide technical assistance through the Planning Division as requested and will support applications consistent with the Consolidated Plan.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support.

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Goal 5: Support services for homelessness prevention and transition. Where possible, give funding priority to services that are part of a comprehensive approach that improves the living conditions of clients. Safety net services, or services that meet basic needs shall only be funded with CDBG dollars if it can be demonstrated that clients receiving those benefits are part of a program that will eventually help them obtain self-sufficiency.

The City does not plan to use funds made available for this activity during FY 2002-2003.

Special Populations Goals

Goal 6: To support housing and supportive services for people with special needs. People with special needs include the elderly, the frail elderly, persons with developmental disabilities, persons with physical disabilities, persons with severe mental illness, persons with alcohol or other drug dependencies and persons with HIV/AID or related illnesses.

The City does not plan to use funds made available for this activity during FY 2002-2003.

Community Development Goals

Goal 7: To provide safe and convenient access to alternative transportation routes in extremely low-, low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.

Action to meet priority and time-line: The City has made a commitment to sidewalk improvements in moderate- and low-income neighborhoods and in past years had allocated ten percent of the total CDBG funding for sidewalk improvement and new construction. In an effort to utilize the limited CDBG funds more effectively to address Ashland’s highest priority needs (provision of affordable housing), the 2000-2004 Consolidated plan was modified to exclude the sidewalk allocation and provide that 10% of the CDBG funding to the competitive award process. Thus no new actions are identified for use of CDBG funds to provide sidewalks in eligible low-income neighborhoods. However, past carryover designated for sidewalk installations will be used towards installing sidewalk(s) and or accessible sidewalk ramps in CDBG eligible neighborhoods. Particularly, $35,000 in past allocations is to be used to develop a sidewalk along Eighth Street, an eligible low-income neighborhood. This action was identified in the Action Plan for FY 2001-2002 but was not completed as the project was redesigned subsequent to neighborhood meetings with the affected residents. Funding sources for this project include: City of Ashland General fund and past Federal CDBG awards carried over from prior years. No new CDBG funding is to be allocated to sidewalk construction.

Projected Number Households to be Assisted: number of households dependent on density of neighborhood(s)

Funding Level: $45,100 in Total CDBG carry-over, no new funding proposed for FY 2002-2003.

$22,100 in CDBG carry-over for FY2000-2001

$23,000 in CDBG carry-over for FY2001-2002

Target Date for Completion: June 30, 2003

Goal 8: To make city facilities easier and safer to use for people with disabilities.

Action to meet priority and time-line: The City is committed to providing accessibility improvements to City-owned buildings. The City of Ashland has reached an agreement with the Department of Justice to improve access to City facilities over the next two years in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act. Five percent (5%) of the total CDBG funds ($11,250) are dedicated to completing tasks identified in the City of Ashland ADA Improvement Plan (Project 2).

Fiscal Year 2002-2003 projects will include projects identified, but not completed in FY2001-2002, specifically installation of an accessible route, and purchase of a portable ramp, to provide access to the Lithia Park Bandshell and the Community Center Stage. Also identified in 2001-2002, and to be completed this fiscal year, is the construction of an accessible restroom in Pioneer Hall. The City of Ashland shall also complete ADA improvements to the Community Center and Pioneer Hall as identified in the Ashland ADA agreement with the U.S. Department of Justice.

During FY 2002-2003 newly allocated CDBG funds, and past carry-over, will be used in part to begin a significant remodel the shower facilities and restrooms at Daniel Meyer Pool, provide an accessible route to the Hunter Park Tennis Courts, and provide a wider door width between said tennis courts. A portable dressing room(s) will also be acquired to provide disabled performers at Lithia Park Bandshell with an on-site facility for dressing, as retrofitting the existing dressing rooms to be accessible is not feasible.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG funds and City of Ashland General Fund

FY 2001-2002 ADA Projects: In FY 2001-2002 an assistive listening system in the City Council legislative chambers was installed, and a remodel the Men's and Women's bathrooms in the Civic Center was completed. Additionally a hearing aid compatible public phone was installed at the Police Department, and minor changes to the City Hall Men’s and Women’s toilet rooms were completed to bring the facilities into compliance with ADA requirements.

Projected Number Households to be Assisted: 853 mobility disabled Ashland residents

Funding Level: $11,250

Target Date for Completion: June 30, 2003

Other Goals

Fair Housing

Goal 9: To affirmatively further fair housing.

Action to meet priority and time-line: City of Ashland Staff will attend a training by the Fair Housing Council of Oregon (FHCO) to better understand the fair housing requirements and measures other small communities are using to address the federal requirements during Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

FY 2000-2001 Fair Housing Activities During Fiscal Year 2001-2002 no activities to affirmatively further fair housing were completed. Although Staff attendance at a FHCO training was anticipated an available training was not identified or attended.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support.

Lead-Based Paint

Goal 10: Assure activities assisted by the City are conducted in compliance with state and federal laws that apply to lead-based paint hazards, and the information distributed about lead-based paint is in compliance with current state and federal laws.

Outside of Staff time, the City does not plan to use funds made available for this activity during FY 2002-2003.

Goal 11: To reduce the number of people living in poverty in the City of Ashland.

Outside of Staff time, and the activities listed under Goal 2 , the City does not plan to use funds made available for a specific activity for Goal 11 during FY 2002-2003.

Within the section on Anti Poverty Strategies is a synopsis of the strategies and activities undertaken by the City of Ashland to address poverty.

 Goal 12: Promote and support activities in the community that improve or provide access to economic opportunities for extremely low- and low-income residents of Ashland.

Action to meet priority and time-line: Developing economic opportunities for mod- and low-income persons is a new area for the City of Ashland. During FY2001-2002 the City of Ashland enacted Living Wage Ordinance which requires that recipients of City of Ashland grants, or service contracts provide their employees, working on the City funded project, with a Living Wage (min. $10.75 per hour- to be increased by the Consumer Price Index annually). The recently passed ordinance will be in force during FY2002-2003.

Funding sources for this project include: City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff administration.

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Barriers to Affordable Housing

Goal 13: Remain aware of the barriers to affordable housing in Ashland, and where it is within the City’s ability, take steps to overcome such barriers.

Action to meet priority and time-line: The City of Ashland Housing Commission contracted with consultants (EcoNorthwest) to conduct a Housing Needs Analysis for the City which was completed in March of 2002. The second phase of the project will be to develop a Housing Action Plan to identify the barriers to affordable housing and to develop implementation strategies to overcome the identified barriers. This phase is underway and will be completed during FY2002-2003.

FY 2001-2002 Activities: A Housing Needs Analysis utilizing current market studies, MLS listings, Buildable Lands inventories, and economic data for the Medford-Ashland MSA and the City of Ashland specifically, was completed in FY2001-2002.

FY 2002-2003 Activities: Completion of a Housing Action Plan outlining implementation strategies to retain and develop affordable housing within Ashland.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support. City of Ashland general funds utilized for the contracted consulting work completed.

Target Date for Completion: June 30, 2003

Goal 14: To provide institutional structure and intergovernmental cooperation.

Action to meet priority and time-line: City of Ashland Staff will continue to provide staff support to the City of Ashland Housing Commission (see Goal 2).

FY 2001-2002 Activities During Fiscal Year 2001-2002 Staff supported the efforts of the Ashland Housing Commission to monitor the accomplishments of the City’s housing program, to make recommendations to the City Council on housing policy and to serve as an advocate for affordable housing in the City’s political process. The Commission also provided coordination and continuity to programs to meet housing and community development needs.

The Housing Commission oversees specific affordable housing projects undertaken by the City in partnership with private groups. The Commission promotes cooperation between local non-profit organizations and governmental agencies for projects in Ashland to insure that the resources are used as efficiently as possible and that there are not duplication of efforts. Additionally, the Housing Commission provided review of applicant proposals for use of CDBG funds and forwarded an award recommendation to the City Council. The Housing Commission is comprised of private developers, social service agency staff, real estate professionals and interested Ashland residents.

Funding sources for this project include: Federal CDBG and City of Ashland general funds utilized for staff support.

Target Date for Completion: Ongoing

Anti-Poverty
The activities listed below are completed or ongoing activities, whereas new activities to be undertaken during Fiscal Year 2002-2003 are outlined as activities within the goals above.

The Housing and Community Development Act of 1992 requires communities to include in their Consolidated Plan a description of an anti-poverty strategy. This strategy takes into consideration factors over which the City has control. The City of Ashland has limited resources for addressing the issues involved in reducing poverty and improving the self-sufficiency of low-income residents. Affordable housing is one of the factors directly related to poverty that the City of Ashland does have some ability to influence, and the related goals are covered in the Housing Goals section. In addition, the City supports housing and service programs targeted at the continuum of care needs of the homeless. The goals related to housing and support services are addressed in the Homeless Goals section.

The City of Ashland operates a variety of funding and other assistance programs which, together, strategically address the goals of reducing poverty and improving the self-sufficiency of low-income residents. The activities undertaken in conjunction with this anti-poverty strategy can be separated into two primary areas of effort: human services programs targeted at the continuum of care needs; and affordable housing programs. The City of Ashland has limited influence on many of the factors that affect opportunities for workers to earn a living wage. For example, the city does not directly affect wages or income assistance such as Social Security or Aid to Families with Dependent Children.

The City of Ashland provides funding to agencies that address the needs of low income and homeless residents through a Social Service Grant program. The goal of this program is to improve living conditions and self sufficiency for residents by meeting such basic needs as food, shelter, clothing, counseling and basic health care. The goal is carried out by providing funds to area agencies whose focus meets one or more of these targeted needs.

The Social Service Grant program is funded with general fund dollars from the City of Ashland budget. The award process is coordinated through the United Way of Jackson County. Local agencies and organizations providing continuum of care activities in the Rogue Valley coordinate their applications through a Community Services Consortium. The coordination of services and related funding requests through the consortium attempts to insure that the broad range of needs is met without overlap or duplication of services.

The second element of the City’s anti-poverty strategy targets the development and retention of affordable housing. The City of Ashland has made a serious effort to address the issues of housing affordability. An Affordable Housing Committee was formed in 1990 and reconvened in 1994 to search for ways to provide economical housing in Ashland. In 1995 a formal Housing Commission was formed. The Housing Commission has endeavored to create policies that will allow additional housing opportunities for low- and moderate- income Ashland households. The following programs/projects have been developed in an effort to create and retain affordable housing units in Ashland.

• Ashland Community Land Trust – The City of Ashland has recently worked to assist in the establishment of the Ashland Community Land Trust (ACLT). The purpose of the land trust is to create and sustain long-term affordable housing in the city limits of Ashland for low- and moderate-income families. The land trust acquires and holds land, while the improvements are sold to the low-income residents.
  
  In FY 1999-2000, land trust purchased 3 vacant lots with $90,000 of CDBG funds from the City of Ashland. The homes were subsequently built on the lots, and all of the buyers were at 60% or less of median income. . In addition, two of the three families were female-headed households.
  
  In FY 2000-2001 ACLT was awarded $75,000 for the acquisition of property to construct 2 units, with these funds, and other grants, ACLT was able to purchase a parcel (41 Garfield St.) upon which they are ultimately to build 5 residential units. Development of the 5 residential units is to begin during this program year.
  
  In FY 2001-2002 ACLT received a CDBG award in the amount of $120,000 to purchase property for the development of four residential units. At this point a property has yet to be acquired to complete this project.
  
  ACLT is a non-profit organization, and is directed by a board including representatives from social service agencies, the Ashland Housing Commission, participants in the trust, City Staff, local developers and local realtors.
  
  
• Accessory Apartments - The Conditional Use Permit Procedure was changed in 1990 to allow an accessory apartment or cottage within single family residential zones. This provided valuable affordable housing units without unreasonable impacts on the neighborhood. A total of 76 units have been made legal or been newly constructed since 1990.
  
  
• Incentives for Affordable Housing - Higher densities of residential development are allowed when affordable housing is guaranteed. All density bonuses (for energy efficiency, landscaping, etc.) were limited to 60%. For every percent of units that are affordable, an equivalent percentage of density bonus shall be allowed. A maximum bonus of 35% is granted for providing affordable housing. In 1980, Ashland increased development densities in order to encourage the building of more affordable homes. What occurred, however, was that expensive homes were built on smaller lots. Modification of densities in single-family zones were reduced from that level back to the 8,000 to 10,000 square foot lot size and in multi-family zones to 13.5 or 20 dwelling units per acre.
  
  
• Deferred System Development Charges for Homes Constructed under the Affordable Housing Program - This provision of the affordable housing program works in conjunction with the affordable housing density bonus. To increase the affordability of newly constructed homes or rentals the City defers the system development charges which can be between $7,000 and $9,000 for a three bedroom two-bath unit. This fee becomes a "sleeping second" on the mortgage. This second is not awakened unless the home or rental is sold outside of the program. In the event the home or rental is sold outside the program the SDCs are paid back plus six percent interest accrued annually. If the home or rental remains affordable for 20 years the SDCs are forgiven, and if it is sold within the program the SDC credits are simply transferred to the next owner.
  
  
• Manufactured Housing - Manufactured housing can involve significantly lower costs than conventional housing. Ashland adopted standards and overlay zone that complied with state law and permitted manufactured homes on individual lots in areas outside the historic district.
  
  
• Ashland Rental Assistance Program - The initial costs of rental housing in Ashland, including first and last month's rent and a security deposit, are barriers preventing some low-income residents from improving their living conditions. In May 1998, the Housing Commission began the Ashland Rental Assistance Program. The purpose of the Ashland Rental Assistance Program is to provide low- to moderate-income Ashland households with the up-front cost of obtaining rental housing. Currently, ten households are participating in the program.
  
  Rental assistance is made in the form of short-term loans to qualified applicants for use toward the first or last month’s rent, security deposit and other move-in fees. The maximum amount is $750 and the loan must be repaid in full within 15 months at a rate of five percent per annum. The participant(s) must be a resident of Ashland and must have resided, or worked in Ashland for a period not less than six moths prior to the date of application for assistance. The household income of the participant(s) shall not exceed 100 percent of the median income level for Jackson County, Oregon, and is required to be at a level commensurate with monthly payment obligations. The participant(s) is billed through the City utility billing process. The program is administered by ACCESS, Inc., a local non-profit organization.
  
  
• Ashland Home Ownership Program - The down payment and/or closing costs associated with purchasing a home are barriers preventing some low-income residents from owning their homes. In May 1998, the Housing Commission began the Ashland Home Ownership program. The purpose of the Ashland Home Ownership Program is to provide qualified participants assistance with down payments, closing costs, and in some cases, renovation funds for the first time purchase of a residence in the City of Ashland. The maximum amount of assistance provided by this program is $2,500 per household.
  
  The assistance is made in the form of short-term loans to qualified applicants. The maximum amount is $2,500. The loan payments are deferred for five years, then amortized over ten years at a rate of five percent per annum. The participant(s) must be a first time home buyer, and the household income can not exceed 100 percent of the median income for Jackson County, Oregon. In addition, the participating household must not have liquid assets in excess of $5,000, excluding any such asset used toward the purchase of the home, nor have ownership in any other real property. The participant(s) must complete a home ownership program approved by the City of Ashland. The participant(s) must be a current resident of the City of Ashland, and must have resided, or worked in Ashland for a period not less than six months prior to the date of application. The dwelling must be located within the Ashland city limits. The program is administered by ACCESS, Inc., a local non-profit organization.

Monitoring
The City of Ashland, as the grantee for CDBG grants, will monitor the subrecipients on a quarterly basis. Staff will maintain a close working relationship with the subrecipients. The City is committed to ensuring that CDBG funds are used as specified in State and Federal regulations through: public and City Council monitoring through public hearings; staff evaluation; annual evaluation of the priorities set forth in the Consolidated Plan; periodic site visits and program evaluations; financial monitoring, record keeping, and reporting requirements.

The City would like to maintain its role as a supportive partner and stimulate new partnerships with nonprofit and public agencies. In the future, if the strategies are not being met in this manner, the City will consider other actions to accomplish goals.

Public Participation
Public meetings were held on April 17^th, and April 24^th, 2002 before the Ashland Housing Commission to review applications submitted for CDBG grant awards, and to public obtain input (housing Commission Public Hearing was held April 24^th). After review of the proposals the Housing Commission forwarded an award recommendation to the City Council. The City Council held a public hearing on May 7^th, at which time a recipient was selected. All meetings were noticed in the Community Calendar and Legal Notices in The Ashland Daily Tidings, and posted on the City of Ashland website. At the public hearing held on May 7th the City Council awarded $168,750 of the FY 2002-2003 CDBG allocation as a grant to the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation. This project (project 1) entails land acquisition for the construction of 15 rental units for low-income households.

Testimony specific to the CDBG allocations was received and Minutes from the meeting are attached. The Ashland Daily Tidings published a frontpage article on the proceedings of the City Council Hearing on May 8^th, and this article is attached.

The public comment period for the draft One Year Use of Funds Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 began May 13, 2002 and ran through June 18^th 2002. The availability of the draft plan was also posted on the City of Ashland web page on May 13^th, 2002 and an Adobe Portable document (pdf) of the Action Plan was available for download throughout the public comment period.

An advertisement was published on May 17^th and May 23^rd, 2002 in The Ashland Daily Tidings (a copy of the advertisement is attached). In addition, a flyer announcing the availability of the draft One Year Use of Funds Action Plan for Fiscal Year 2001-2002 was mailed to the mailing list of 45 public agencies and non-profit organizations in Jackson County.

The Ashland City Council held a public hearing on June 18th, 2002 and approved the Action Plan for the one year use of CDBG funds for Fiscal Year 2002-2003.

 
Funding Tables 

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