Background:
History: On March 11, 2021, the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021 was signed into law, including the appropriation of $5 billion to address the need for homelessness assistance and supportive services through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program. Hennepin County has been awarded a one-time allocation of $6,415,971 of HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funding on behalf of the Hennepin County Consortium (suburban Hennepin County).
HOME-ARP funds may be used to perform four activities that must primarily benefit qualifying individuals and families who are homeless, at risk of homelessness, or in other vulnerable populations. These activities include: (1) development and support of affordable housing, (2) tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA), (3) provision of supportive services; and (4) acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter units. The funds must be expended by September 30, 2030 (CPD Notice CPD-21-10).
To receive the HOME-ARP funds, the Hennepin County Consortium is required to create a HOME-ARP allocation plan and submit it to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as a substantial amendment to its Fiscal Year 2021 annual action plan (Resolution 210162, approved May 18, 2021). The allocation plan must describe the planned distribution of HOME-ARP funds, and the process for soliciting applications and/or selecting eligible projects. The allocation plan must also identify any preferences being established for eligible activities or projects. The allocation plan is not required to identify specific projects that will be funded by HOME-ARP.
Public comment will be solicited on the draft substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan for 30 days starting August 1, 2022. The substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan will be available on the county’s website (https://www.hennepin.us/your-government/research-data/housing-plans- accomplishments).
The board will consider authorizing submission of the draft substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan and awarding some or all HOME-ARP funds at the September 27, 2022 Hennepin County Board Meeting.
Request: This request is to establish a public hearing on Tuesday, August 9, 2022 at 1:30 p.m., to obtain public comment on the Hennepin County Consortium HOME-ARP allocation plan and substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan. The Clerk of the Board will publish notice of the public hearing in the official newspaper of the county; the Housing and Economic Development Department will publish notice of the public hearing in newspapers serving suburban Hennepin County and will distribute the notice to interested individuals, agencies, and organizations.
Impact/Outcomes: This public hearing is established to obtain public comment on the substantial amendment to the 2021 annual action plan to add the HOME–ARP funds and describe use of funds, as required by HUD.