9978-09 Appropriating $2,463,435 from Community Development (Fund 212), defraying expenses of CED

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St. Joseph County Housing Consortium Technical Assistance: HIGH PRIORITY: Support as it relates to increasing the capacity of neighborhood based entities to carry out eligible neighborhood revitalization activities. Public Services: MEDIUM PRIORITY CDBG funds are not planned to be used for public services at least through the 2010 program year. The City of South Bend's policy decision to shift resources from public services to physical improvements/neighborhood revitalization activities was effective with the 2007 program year. Given vacant property issues and the desire to more substantially advance efforts towards physical change in neighborhoods, the priority shifted away from public service activities. To that end, public service grantees were told to anticipate a 25% phase-out annually with 2010 being the final year of funding. Economic Development: MEDIUM PRIORITY The City of South Bend has actively pursued economic development initiatives through its partnerships/support of the Chamber of Commerce, Project Future, the Urban Enterprise Association, Downtown South Bend, as well as job training programs through Project Impact and Bridges out of Poverty. Additionally, the City has been focusing on larger economic development projects such as Eddy ~ Street Commons and Ignition and Innovation Parks as catalysts for broader neighborhood development. The basic plan, in terms of new business development complemented by the subsequent potential for renewed interest in housing, is to see revitalization over time impacting adjacent neighborhoods. These initiatives have been funded from local funding sources other than CDBG. Priorities were based upon identified needs, data available, market conditions, the capacity to address the need with available funding, and if the activity is complementary to planned/projected targeted efforts for neighborhood development. Lack of adequate funding can impede program/project activities. Current economic conditions provide a challenging fundraising environment for all nonprofit organizations. City services are challenged by tax revenue issues. The extent of foreclosures in St. Joseph County has resulted in an excess of vacant and abandoned properties creating public safety, tax and development issues. South Bend's neighborhood revitalization focus became more urgent in recent years with the onset of the housing crisis nationally and the resulting number of vacant and abandoned houses. This situation coupled with an aging housing stock creates a challenging environment for neighborhoods and the community. Complementary activities such as public facility rehabilitation, demolition, and infrastructure are seen as necessary and critical to achieving revitalization and assuring other investment. Therefore, the following objectives and proposed accomplishments are included: Community Facilities For those facilities seen as integral to neighborhood development and from which service provision is essential, South Bend will continue to support rehab efforts in a minimum of three facilities over the next five years. Demolition 2010-2014 Housing and Community Development Plan 58