Title:
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Approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Seminole County 2024-2025 One-Year Action Plan with required documents to submit to HUD for approval. Countywide (Allison Thall, Community Services Director)
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Division:
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Community Services - Community Development
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Authorized By:
Allison Thall, Community Services Director
Contact/Phone Number:
Stacey Smithwick/407-665-2362
Background:
Seminole County is an Entitlement County that receives Federal grants annually for the following programs administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD):
• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG),
• HOME Investment Partnership Grant, and
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
These programs fund activities that address the housing and community development needs and priorities identified in the FY2020-2024 Consolidated Plan (5-Year Plan) to benefit lower income persons and neighborhoods throughout Seminole County. To remain in compliance with the 5-Year Consolidated Plan, the County is required to submit an Annual Action Plan (1-Year Plan) outlining the programs and projects to be funded and implemented during the FY2024-2025 program year. The 1-Year Annual Action Plan serves as the grant application, required for HUD’s approval and awarding of funds.
Community Development Division staff issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for FY2024-2025 to solicit applications for CDBG, HOME, and ESG projects. The NOFA was published in the Orlando Sentinel on January 28, 2024. Staff hosted one Technical Assistance in-person meeting on February 22, 2024, and one Technical Assistance webinar on February 28, 2024. The purpose of these meetings was to present the NOFA, provide instructions on how to complete the applications, and address any questions regarding the funding requirements and application submission. A total of 23 applications were submitted. Based on the funding availability, the 12 highest ranked applications were approved for funding. Each of the approved applications meet the goals and funding priorities listed in the FY2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.
On May 22, 2024, staff hosted an in-person Public Hearing to outline the details of the FY2024-2025 Annual Action Plan and solicit public comments. No one from the public attended the hearing. On May 23, 2024, the FY2024-2025 Annual Action Plan was made available on the Community Services Department website for public review and comments. The public comment period was open from May 23 through June 23, 2024. A hard copy of the FY2024-2025 Annual Action Plan was also available for review at the Community Services Department office. No public comments were received.
Requested Action:
Staff requests the Board to approve and authorize the Chairman to execute the Seminole County 2024-2025 One-Year Action Plan with required documents to submit to HUD for approval.