To: Board of County Commissioners
Through: Katherine Smith, Director, Community Resources
Prepared By:
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Elizzebeth Loomis, Division Manager, Community Development, Housing and Homeless Services
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Subject:
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Urban County and HOME Consortium Agreement Approval and Ratification
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Purpose and Request:
recommended action
Community Development, Housing and Homeless Service staff is requesting the Board of County Commissioners (BOCC) to approve the Intergovernmental Joint Cooperative Agreement and HOME Consortium Agreement between Arapahoe County, Colorado and the Cities of Centennial, Englewood, Littleton, Sheridan and the Town of Deer Trail relating to the conduct of the Community Development Block Grant Program and HOME Investment Partnership Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2025 through 2027 and ratify its execution on September 25, 2024, by Community Resources Director Katherine Smith.
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Background and Discussion: The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) programs. These grant programs are designed to enhance the quality of life for low and moderate income people by increasing the availability of affordable housing, improving infrastructure, providing services and creating economic opportunities. Arapahoe County has participated in the CDBG program since 1991 and the HOME program since 1994. The following cities have agreed to participate in Arapahoe County’s Urban County designation: Sheridan, Deer Trail, Littleton, Englewood. Centennial, as an entitlement city, is eligible to receive funds directly from HUD. However, since the City has become eligible, it has contracted with Arapahoe County to administer the City’s allocation. This cooperation has worked well for both the County and the City. The City of Centennial has opted to continue this arrangement for the 2025-2027 program grant years. As an entitlement city that is choosing to have Arapahoe County administer their CDBG program, this language is incorporated into the IGA.
Fiscal Impact: The signed IGA’s must be included in the County’s application to HUD for renewal of our Urban County status in order for the County to continue to be eligible to receive CDBG and HOME funds. Although the programs target low and moderate-income persons, the entire County benefits from the investment of these funds into the community through programs such as multi family housing rehab, support for public service organizations, improving public facilities, and rehabilitation of single family homes within our community.
Alternatives: Arapahoe County is required to invite each of the incorporated municipalities to participate in the CDBG and HOME programs and to enter into an IGA for that purpose. If this requirement is not followed, the County cannot receive the funds and programs funded by the CDBG and HOME funds would be jeopardized.
Alignment with Strategic Plan:
☒Be fiscally sustainable
☒Provide essential and mandated service
☒Be community focused
Staff Recommendation: CDHHS Staff recommend approval of the Intergovernmental Joint Cooperative Agreement and HOME Consortium Agreement between Arapahoe County, Colorado and the Cities of Centennial, Englewood, Littleton, Sheridan and the Town of Deer Trail relating to the conduct of the Community Development Block Grant Program and HOME Investment Partnership Program for Federal Fiscal Years 2025 through 2027 and ratify its execution on September 25, 2024, by Community Resources Director Katherine Smith.
Concurrence: Arapahoe County Legal Department.