Staff recommends approval of this ordinance.

This ordinance designates 2020-21 program year HOME Program funds to Truman Heritage Habitat for Humanity (THHFH), a qualifying Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO), for the development of affordable homeownership opportunities in Independence. With this award two single-family homes will be constructed for resale to income eligible families. THHFH will acquire and construct two vacant or abandoned properties in the Englewood area.

The homes will be single family and Universal Design will be incorporated as is feasible. Included in the HOME funding will be $24,118.00 of HOME Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) operational funds which will be used for on site management of the construction trades program.  

In April 2021, the City of Independence initiated a Request for Proposals from non-profit developers and non-profit housing service providers for the development or preservation of housing opportunities affordable to low- and moderate-income households.  Resources offered through this Request for Proposals (RFP) include federal HOME funds awarded to the City by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

Available funding was to be allocated towards housing objectives established in the City’s 2017-21 Consolidated Plan.  An Evaluation Committee reviewed proposals based on established criteria which included:

·         Development Aptitude demonstrating prior success in the development of affordable housing, which may include substantial rehabilitation, reconstruction and new construction.

·         Financial Capacity that shows the project is sufficiently financed through design, construction and the lease-up or sale of the units. 

·         Project Design, Construction and Readiness that align with design concepts found in the City’s Unified Development Ordinance, Comprehensive Plan and Consolidated Five Year Action Plan.  Consideration was given to the projects’ proximity and access to transportation services, shopping, complete streets, sidewalks, and neighborhood schools.

·         Community Impact that document how residential rehabilitation blends well with cultural appeals found within the community. 

·         Planning & Implementation with City’s Objectives that demonstrate developer’s ability to adapt City planning objectives into projects that are well defined and ready to proceed (provide an estimated timeline). 

The ordinance will authorize the expenditure of $193,611.00 in CHDO Project funds, and $24,118 in CHDO Operating funds from the 2020-21 program year Department of Housing and Urban Development HOME Program funds.  (Accounts 6803.5406 for project funds and 6805.5226 for CHDO operating funds).