Placement: Other Public Hearings
Action Requested: Motion / Vote
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Public Hearing for Public Input on the City’s Final Application for the Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Grant Round 2 and to Approve the Submittal of the Final Application
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Submitted By: Alessandra (Alex) Tasca, Deputy Director, Neighborhood Services Department
Strategic Plan Link: The City’s Mission to be responsive to our community.
Executive Summary (General Business): This request is to approve staff’s recommendation to apply for $1.5 million in CDBG-CV Round 2 funding via the Florida Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO) to fund a small business grant program in collaboration with the Small Business Development Center (SBDC) and open the 5-day comment period. The CDBG program provides Federal funds for projects and programs that help improve the physical, economic, and social conditions of our community. Eligible projects must benefit low-income and moderate-income persons, address an urgent need or address slum and blight.
Presentation Information: N/A, NSD staff and the Economic Development Administrator Elijah L. Wooten Jr. are available for questions.
Staff Recommendation: Move that the Council approve that staff move forward with the final application and open the required public hearing to receive public comments for a 5-day period.
Alternate Recommendations:
1. Move that the Council amend the recommendation and approve that staff move forward with the final application and open the required public hearing to receive public comments for a 5-day period.
2. Move that the Council not approve the proposed final application and provide staff direction.
Background: In April 2020, pursuant to passage of the CARES Act, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) allocated additional CDBG Coronavirus funds (CDBG-CV) to the state of Florida to address issues related to the impacts of COVID-19. HUD has provided three allocations to states and entitlement grantees under the fiscal year 2020 CDBG formula. DEO has received a total of $100 million in Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funding. In May 2020, HUD allocated $63.1 million for use in both entitlement and non-entitlement communities. DEO has created the CDBG-CV Entitlement Program for the award and administration of Round 2 funds for entitlement communities through its state CDBG program. As an entitlement community, the City has received Round 1 and Round 3 funding which has been allocated to the distribution of Wi-Fi hotspots to students in need, rent and mortgage assistance and vaccine distribution events. The City is now applying for Round 2 funding to be allocated towards small business assistance. Additional information about the program can be found on the DEO’s website here: http://www.floridajobs.org/community-planning-and-development/assistance-for-governments-and-organizations/community-development-block-grant-program/community-development-block-grant---coronavirus-relief-funding
The DEO Small Cities Community Development Block Grant - Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) Program is designed to help prepare for, prevent, or respond to the health and economic impacts of COVID-19. The activities must be critical to the locality and primarily for the benefit of low-income and moderate-income residents. Additional information about eligible activities can be found in the DEO’s Guidelines here: http://www.floridajobs.org/docs/default-source/2015-community-development/community-revitalization/cdbg/cdbg-cv/entitlementprogramguidelinesrevised2-17-21.pdf?sfvrsn=b80e4db0_2
The SBDC managed a $2 million small business grant program for businesses affected by COVID-19 in 2020 of which 60% of the funding awarded was distributed to City businesses. Staff has determined there is a need for an additional program for 2021.
Issues/Analysis: N/A
Financial Information: Program would be funded by CDBG-CV Round 2 grant funds if funding for the City’s small business grant program is approved by the DEO.
Special Consideration: N/A
Location of Project: City of Port St. Lucie city limits.
Attachments: Legal ad noticing this public hearing published with reasonable notice, 5 days prior to the meeting.
NOTE: All of the listed items in the “Attachment” section above are in the custody of the City Clerk. Any item(s) not provided in City Council packets are available upon request from the City Clerk.
Internal Reference Number: 7346
Legal Sufficiency Review:
Reviewed by Ella M. Gilbert, Deputy City Attorney. Approved as to Legal form and sufficiency by James D. Stokes, City Attorney.