2017 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) DRAFT

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CR-35 - Other Actions 91.220(j)-(k); 91.320(i)-(j) Actions taken to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as ' barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment. 91.220 (j); 91.320 (i) ' In 2017 the St.Joseph County Council approved an agreement that puts the South Bend Human Rights Commission in charge of investigating discrimination cases of residents that live outside the city limits of South Bend. Previously, County residents could only submit complaints to Indianapolis agencies. County residents will also now be able to have LGBT-related complaints investigated; Indianapolis agencies ' don't investigate those complainces.The St.Joseph County Housing Consortium will continue to encourage efforts to expand the reach of the Human Rights Commission to the City of Mishawaka. Support for the development efforts that improve employment prospects for low mod income individuals is ongoing. ' People returning to the community from prison often need assistance in securing jobs and affordable housing. A movement to "Ban the Box' in South Bend may open up more employment opportunities , for those re-entering the community from incarceration. The Residential Tax Abatement program is available to potential homeowners for consideration when , thinking about homeownership.This allows a phasing in the costs that can lessen the immediate financial burden and, coupled with the legislative property tax cap, could be critical to new , homeowners. The City of South Bend continues its Housing Counseling and Homebuyer Education programs.Although ' not a financial mechanism, being better educated and understanding the costs and risks of homeownership can direct individuals to an outcome that best suits them. Understanding if and when a home purchase is a viable option is of critical importance. Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) ' Program year 2017 allocations aligned with the High Priorities listed in the 2015-2019 HCD Plan and emphasized homeownership, public improvements and technical assistance. These remained the ' broader community priorities in 2017 based upon a number of issues: • Community need exceeded available resources ' • Slow economy/ high unemployment depleted existing resources, while reducing donations • High rate of underemployment meant homeowners lacked income to maintain housing ' • High foreclosure rate was still a relevant issue • Large elderly population living in homes they could not maintain CAPER 20 ' OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.06/30/2018) '