2019 (Draft) CAPER (Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report)

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1 ' 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 2019, the South Bend Human Rights Commission experienced an increase in inquires, discrimination charges filed, and charges investigated, due to an interlocal agreement with St.Joseph County. The interlocal agreement expanded the Commission's jurisdiction and made it possible to provide St.Joseph County residents the opportunity to have an agency that was certified and substantially equivalent to EEOC and HUD investigate their complaint. The South Bend Human Rights Commission continues to participate in St.Joseph County outreach events in an effort to disseminate information to St.Joseph 1 County residents. 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 homebuyers for consideration when thinking about homeownership. This program allows property taxes to be phased in over time, lessening immediate financial burden that could be critical to new homeowners. The City of South Bend continues its Housing Counseling and Homebuyer Education programs. While not a financial mechanism, increased education and understanding of the costs and risks of homeownership can direct individuals to successful outcome. Understanding if and when a home purchase is a viable option is of critical importance. In 2019 the City withdrew its membership from the Area Plan Commission, more control over decisions ' made regarding South Bend development. South Bend also updated its zoning ordinance to make the zoning process easier and quicker, and to encourage differing types of housing in neighborhoods. Actions taken to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs. 91.220(k); 91.320(j) ' Program year 2019 allocations aligned with the High Priorities listed in the 2015-2020 HCD Plan and emphasized homeownership and owner occupied repair, public services, and technical assistance. These remained the broader community priorities in 2019 based upon a number of issues: • Community need exceeded available resources CAPER 23 OMB Control No:2506-0117(exp.06/30/2018)