REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBMITTED TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
SUBMITTED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Oliver Chi, City Manager
Subject:
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Adopt Resolution No. 2020-34 to authorize and submit an application for Local Early Action Planning (LEAP) Grant Funds
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Statement of Issue:
To apply for LEAP grant funds, the City of Huntington Beach must authorize the City Manager to apply for and submit an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD), as evidenced by the recommended adoption of Resolution No. 2020-34.
Financial Impact:
The City is eligible to receive up to $500,000 in LEAP funds to cover eligible expenses. The City is not required to contribute matching funds.
Recommended Action:
recommendation
Adopt Resolution No. 2020-34, “A Resolution of the City Council of the City of Huntington Beach to Authorize an Application for, and Receipt of, Local Government Planning Support Grant Program Funds.”
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Alternative Action(s):
Deny Resolution No. 2020-34, and direct staff accordingly.
Analysis:
The LEAP grant provides non-competitive, one-time grant funds to jurisdictions for the preparation and adoption of planning documents that may accelerate housing production. Funds are made available through the Local Government Planning Support Grants Program and is administered by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The City is eligible for a maximum award of $500,000.
To receive these funds, the City must submit an application to HCD by July 1, 2020. Staff proposes to use LEAP funds to update the City’s Housing Element, which is an analysis of the community’s housing needs at all income levels and the strategies to address those needs. Jurisdictions must update their Housing Elements every 5 years, and the major tasks include a thorough evaluation of the current Housing Element for necessary revisions; an assessment of the City’s current housing needs, constraints, demographics, and market conditions; identifying resources that may aid development; and public outreach to obtain meaningful input from the community. This information will be used to update the next Housing Element and ensure compliance with all new State housing regulations.
During this process, staff will also review and update its Land Use Element, as needed, to be consistent with land use changes that are necessitated by the updated Housing Element. Staff will also ensure that the Housing Element and Land Use Element Updates are prepared in accordance with CEQA requirements.
Staff is currently seeking proposals from qualified consultants to perform these tasks, and the total cost is to be less than the maximum award amount of $500,000. Should City Council adopt Resolution No. 2020-34, staff will prepare and submit the LEAP grant application this month.
Environmental Status:
Not applicable.
Strategic Plan Goal:
Non-Applicable - Administrative Item
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution No. 2020-34