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Intent to Apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant 2025City of Dubuque City Council Meeting ITEM TITLE: SUMMARY: SUGGESTED DISPOSITION: ATTACHMENTS: Description CB Memo FY25 LHTF Application FY25 LHTF Application FY25 LHTF Application Copyrighted September 16, 2024 Consent Items # 013. Intent to Apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant 2025 City Attorney recommending City Council approval to apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant dollars in the amount of $250,334.00 from the Iowa Finance Authority for calendar year 2025. RESOLUTION Authorizing submittal of the application for Local Housing Trust Funds to the Iowa Finance Authority Suggested Disposition: Receive and File; Adopt Resolution(s) - Staff Memo - Resolution and Docs Type Staff Memo Staff Memo Resolutions Supporting Documentation Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members FROM: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney SUBJECT: Intent to Apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant 2025 DATE: September 12, 2024 Dubuque heal All -America City 111111 2007.2012.2013 2017*2019 Housing & Community Development Director Alexis Steger is recommending City Council approval to apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant dollars in the amount of $250,334.00 from the Iowa Finance Authority for calendar year 2025. A 25% local match in the amount of $62,584.00 is required and will come from Greater Downtown TIF. This application was approved through a Public Hearing held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, by the Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. The Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee is in the process of transitioning governance of the Local Housing Trust Fund from the City of Dubuque to its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This transition better meets IFA's objectives for Local Housing Trust Funds and allows the Board of Directors of the LHTF to fundraise and seek additional grant funds to support affordable housing in the community. I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council approval. CB:sv Attachment cc: Cori Burbach, Assistant City Manager Alexis Steger, Housing & Community Development Director Jennifer Larson, Chief Financial Officer Nathan Kelleher, Budget/Financial Analyst Masterpiece on the Mississippi TO: Crenna Brumwell, City Attorney FROM: Alexis Steger, Housing and Community Development Director SUBJECT: Intent to Apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant 2025 DATE: September 12, 2024 Dubuque IMEtill *lira my 2017*2019 INTRODUCTION The purpose of this memorandum is to request approval to apply for Local Housing Trust Fund Grant dollars from the Iowa Finance Authority for calendar year 2025. DISCUSSION The City of Dubuque's Local Housing Trust Fund is an entitlement community through IFA's State Housing Trust Fund allocation. This funding is calculated on a formula that includes an allocation based on the population of the area served and requires a 25% local match, funded through Greater Downtown TIF. Anticipated Amount: $250,334.00 Match Required: Yes Match Funding Source: Greater Downtown TIF Match Amount: $62,584.00 Application Due Date: 10/1/2024 Anticipated Notification Date: 12/6/2024 Anticipated Receipt of money: 1/1/2025 Departments Involved: Housing & Community Development GRANT OBJECTIVE This is entitlement funding from the State Housing Trust Fund to our Local Housing Trust Fund for calendar year 2025. This traditionally funds homeowner rehabilitation and first-time homebuyer down payment assistance for low- and moderate -income households in the target area. Assistance for households under 30% AMI can be given anywhere within the city limits. The Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee is in the process of transitioning governance of the Local Housing Trust Fund from the City of Dubuque to its own 501(c)(3) nonprofit, under the umbrella of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This transition better meets IFA's objectives for Local Housing Trust Funds and allows the Board of Directors of the LHTF to fundraise and seek additional grant funds to support affordable housing in the community. This application was approved through a Public Hearing held on Thursday, September 12, 2024, by the Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee. GOAL(S) ADDRESSED Council Goal: Livable Neighborhoods and Housing: Great Places to Live Outcome(s) Have safe, healthy, inclusive neighborhoods citywide Value(s) Protection of home and property values ACTION STEP I respectfully request to approve the application to the Iowa Finance Authority to receive Local Housing Trust Fund dollars for FY2025. CC: Jennifer Larson, Director of Budget and Finance Nathan Kelleher, Budget/Financial Analyst AS/mh Prepared by Maddy Haverland, Housing & Community Devel., 350 W. 6th St., Suite 312, Telephone: (563) 690-6072 Return to Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk, 50 W. 13th St., Dubuque, IA 52001, (563) 589-4100 RESOLUTION NO. 290-24 RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING SUBMITTAL OF THE APPLICATION FOR OF LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUNDS TO THE IOWA FINANCE AUTHORITY Whereas, the City of Dubuque administers a Local Housing Trust Fund; and Whereas, the City of Dubuque proposes to continue administering the Local Housing Trust Fund, to apply for funds from the Iowa Finance Authority for Local Housing Trust Fund for their Fiscal Year 2025; and Whereas, the Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee held a public hearing for the application on September 12, 2024, and such application was approved by the Committee for submittal. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA, THAT: Section 1. That the Housing and Community Development Director and the City Manager are hereby authorized to submit the application for Local Housing Trust Funds to the Iowa Finance Authority. Passed, approved and adopted this 16th day of September 2024. rad Managh, Mayor Attest: Adrienne Breitfelder, City Clerk 9/12/24, 9:49 AM Conduct Survey General Information —I Introduction In accordance with Iowa Code section 16.181, a housing trust fund ("Fund") is held within the Iowa Finance Authority (IFA). The moneys in the Fund are to be used for the development and preservation of affordable housing for low-income people in the state. The two programs operated under the Fund are the Local Housing Trust Fund Program and the Project -Based Housing Program. H APPLICATION DEADLINE: TUESDAY, OCTOBER 1, 2024, 4.30 PM Completed applications for the Local Housing Trust Fund (LHTF) Program must be submitted to the IFA through the online application system by no later than the established application deadline. The system will not allow an application to be submitted after this date and time. In order to avoid technical delays, IFA recommends that you do not wait until the last day to submit your application. Prior to completing this application, please refer to the Allocation Plan for the Local Housing Trust Fund Program ("Allocation Plan") for the rules and definitions governing the program. The Allocation Plan, approximate amount of funding available in the round, award maximums, and program schedule can be found on the IFA web site: SHTF web page d Maximum Application/Award Amount Limits The LHTF Program Award Maximums have been established based upon LHTF type and geographic service area population and are posted on the LHTF Resources web page: LHTF Resources web page d LHTF Certification Requirements All applicants applying for the LHTF Program must meet the requirements of Section 2 of the Allocation Plan and be certified as a LHTF by the IFA Board of Directors prior to funding. The LHTF Certification Requirements are available on the LHTF Resources web page (see above link). The request for LHTF certification must be submitted separately from the application for funding. — Program Guidelines and Threshold Requirements Applicants for LHTF Program funding should refer to the Allocation Plan for all program guidelines and threshold requirements. The application must meet all criteria specified in the Allocation Plan for application and awards. Applicants must complete the application in its entirety, including all exhibits and narrative documents, and submit the application to IFA by the specified deadline. IFA staff will review the application submission to determine if threshold has been met and will make a funding recommendation to the IFA Board of Directors. All LHTF Program awards must be approved by IFA's Board of Directors. —I Threshold Requirements and Corresponding Exhibits Need for Housing in the Community Impact of Activity Financial and Overall Feasibility of Activity Leveraging and Partners in Activity Administrative Capacity of Eligible Applicant Timeline of Fund Activity Application Instructions Section Navigation: Navigate through the application using the links for sections on the left. Once all REQUIRED questions in a section have been completed, the section icon will turn from a red "x" to a green "check." Note that a green "check" does not verify that questions have been answered fully or correctly, only that a response has been entered, and it does not reflect whether optional questions have been completed. Applicants are responsible for verifying that all information is complete and correct. Printing and Saving: Use the icons near the top of your application screen to "Print," "Save," and "Save and Exit." You may wish to save your narrative answers first in a Word document, and then copy and paste to the application when ready. This will help avoid the possibility of being "timed -out" of the system. Linking Additional Users to One Application: You may link a second user to your application. The second user must first create his or her own account in the system. Then the first user may log in, click on "View" in the header, and select "MyIFA Account." Then at the bottom of the screen, click on "Add New Authorized User," and enter the new user's username. Both users should now be able to access and work on the same application. Application Submission: Before the system will allow an application to be submitted, every icon must show a green "check" at left. Any missing responses to required questions will result in a remaining red "x." Any required responses that are missing may be identified by clicking the link at the bottom left for the "Error Log." Note that the system does not validate answers; it only verifies that each question contains a response. Once submitted, the application may be viewed, but no further edits will be allowed. -j Application and Program Questions Please contact the SHTF Team at SHTF@IowaFinance.com or 515-452-0400 with any questions. H Applicant Profile LHTF Applicant:* City of Dubuque Housing Trust Fund Federal Tax ID Number:* 142-6004596 LHTF Address and Contact Information:* Street Address: 1350 W. 6th Street, Suite 312 City: * DUBUQUE State:* IA Zip Code:* 52001 Telephone: * P.O. Box (if applicable): if J (563) 690-6102 E-mail: * mhaverla@cityofdubuque.org LHTF Administrative Contact:* Administrator's Name (Alexis Steger Administrator's Title (Housing & Community Development Department Direct LHTF Authorized Signer: Name and Title of person providing electronic signature to this application who will also electronically sign the Grant Agreement if the application is approved for award. NOTE: Additional authorized signers must be addressed after award by submitting a "Signature Authorization for Alternate Signors" form.* Authorized Signer's Name Authorized Signer's Title (James Holz (Chair, Dubuque Housing Trust Fund Authorized Signer's E-mail https://shtf. iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSW LEI U MVKOTOP7SKW FSKVW WQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 1/6 9/12/24, 9:49 AM Ijholz@msa-ps.com Conduct Survey Application Amount & Local Match State Housing Trust Fund Resources 1. Amount of LHTF Program grant award requested: (LHTF Program Award Maximums are posted on the SHTF Resources web page (see link above) under Resources for Grant Recipients, Local Housing Trust Fund, FY2025 LHTF Program Maximums)* Application Amount: I$250,334.00 2. Local Match 25% requirement for this Application (calculated as the Application Amount x .25): (Calculated Field) $62,584.00 Under the LHTF Program Allocation Plan, "Local Match" Is defined as follows: Local Match: Cash contributions and/or the fair market value of donated property or services to a LHTF. To be considered eligible local match, the following conditions must be met: (1) Documentation of contributions already received, an adopted resolution or ordinance, and/or a written letter of commitment from the source providing the contribution to the LHTF must be provided at the time of application (the submitted documentation must provide evidence of the source providing the local match contribution to the LHTF and must specify the type and amount of the contribution, including the specified value of any donated property or services) (2) The LHTF must be the direct recipient of the local match contribution with control over its expenditure and/or use (3) At least ten percent (10%) of the local match requirement set forth in section 3.3 of this Plan must be provided from local government and/or local private sector contributions (4) No more than 25 percent (25%) of the total proposed local match may be associated with the general administrative expenses of the LHTF, whether the contribution toward administration is provided in the form of cash or an in -kind donation (5) The proposed local match contribution must not have been used to fulfill the local match obligation in any prior application to the Fund. Will the Local Match funding identified as committed under the Budget tab in this application meet the LHTF Program Allocation Plan definition of "Local Match" in full?* *Yes O No 3. What is the total amount of Local Match committed to this application? (Local Match amount must be equal to or greater than 25% Local Match requirement in the above calculated field rounded up to the next whole dollar.)* Local Match Amount: $62,584 3A. Local Match percentage committed to this Application, calculated as follows: the total amount of the Local Match commitment divided by the LHTF Program grant Application Amount (must be equal to or greater than 25%) (Calculated Field) 25% 38. Will at least 10% of this required 25% Local Match requirement be provided from local government and/or local private sector contributions?* O Yes O No 3C. List the specific sources and amounts of these local government and/or local private sector contributions: * The City of Dubuque is contributing $62,584 of Greater Downtown TIF funding as match for this grant. 3D. Will the LHTF be the direct recipient of all Local Match contributions with control over expenditure and/or use (reminder: all Local Match funding must be identifiable in the LHTF's annual audit)?* *Yes 0 No If no, explain: 3E. Will any of the Local Match commitment, whether provided in the form of cash or an in -kind donation, be associated with the general administrative expenses of the LHTF?* 0 Yes 0 No If yes, what is the total amount of Local Match budgeted for general LHTF administration?* I$6,258 NOTE: Local Match budgeted for general LHTF administration expenses may not exceed 25 percent of the total amount of Local Match committed to this application. 3F. Has any of the proposed Local Match commitment been used to fulfill the Local Match obligation in any prior application to the Fund?* 0 Yes *No If yes, explain: -j Program Description 4. Awards from the Fund must be used for the development or preservation of affordable housing for Eligible Recipients as defined in the Allocation Plan, including infrastructure development, transitional housing, housing for the homeless, homeownership, rental housing, capacity building, or other purposes that further the Fund's goals. Describe the proposed activities the LHTF will assist under the total Budget submitted in this application:* This grant will be used to develop and preserve affordable housing in Dubuque. Activities will include first-time homebuyer assistance loans for income -eligible applicants, rehabilitation loans for LMI homeowners to make general repairs, energy efficiency improvements, emergency repairs of critical components (e.g., roofs, sewer laterals), and creation of new housing units on vacant infill lots that will be sold to LMI households. 5. LHTF Program grant amount to be reserved for Extremely Low -Income Eligible Recipients (this amount must be equal to or greater than the LHTF Program grant Application Amount requested multiplied by .30, rounded up to the next dollar):* I$75,101.00 5A. Minimum amount that must be reserved for Extremely Low -Income Eligible Recipients (Calculated Field) $75,101 5B. Explain how the LHTF will meet the requirement that at least 30 percent of the awarded LHTF Program funding must serve Extremely Low -Income Eligible Recipients:* Housing maintenance costs have increased dramatically over the last five years. Many homes that were affordable to Extremely Low -Income are now increasingly difficult to keep up. Homeowner rehabilitation loans will address this issue by providing zero percent interest, due on sale loans that stop deterioration, repair issues caused by deferred maintenance, and keep people in their homes. 6. In the table that follows, enter the number of housing units the LHTF estimates will be assisted by each Activity Type (Homebuyer/Owner-occupied Units, Rental Units and Housing for Persons Experiencing Homelessness Units) under the total Project Budget submitted in the Sources and Uses of Funds under the Budget section of this Application. The completed table must include all three Activity Type options, even if the estimated number https://shtf. iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSW LEI U MVKOTOP7SKW FSKVW WQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 2/6 9/12/24, 9:49 AM Conduct Survey of units to be assisted is zero.* Activity Type Homebuyer/Owner-occupied Units Rental Units Housing for Persons Experiencing Homelessness Units Number of Units* 15 0 0 7. Provide a brief description of your LHTF which IFA may release to the public (for example, how would you describe your LHTF and its mission in a sentence or two in a media release):* The Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund provides resources to Low- and Moderate -Income homeowners in Dubuque to maintain quality, safe affordable housing, increases homeownership opportunities, and revitalizes established Dubuque neighborhoods through affordable housing creation. 7 nu RlIr116lydtlull I 7. Will any portion of the LHTF Program grant Application Amount requested in this application under Question 1 be used to finance the on -going administration of the LHTF?* *Yes ONo 7A. If yes, what amount of the LHTF Program grant Application Amount is budgeted for administration?* ($25,033 1 7B. Percentage of the LHTF Program Application Amount budgeted for administration (Calculated Field) 9.999840% NOTE: LHTF Program awards used to finance administrative expenses of the LHTF may not exceed 25 percent of the Fund award during the first two years of certification for a Newly Formed LHTF and may not exceed 10 percent of the Fund award in subsequent years. To calculate the maximum allowable amount that your LHTF may budget for administration, multiply the LHTF grant award request amount by the applicable percentage and round down to the nearest dollar. 8. Has the applicant ever been issued a State Notice of Noncompliance or a "Closed and Incomplete" letter by IFA compliance monitoring staff under any IFA program or other local, state, or federal program or ever been debarred or suspended from participation at the local, state, or federal funding level for any period of time?* O Yes 0 No 8A. If yes, explain: NOTE: IFA reserves the right to deny funding to an applicant that has failed to comply with program requirements in the administration of any previous project funded by IFA through any of its programs. 9. The Applicant must demonstrate sufficient administrative capacity and the experience needed to successfully plan and execute the proposed activities in a timely manner. Describe the Applicant's administrative capacity and experience related to the LHTF Program:* The Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund is undergoing an organizational restructure, where the governance and administration of the LHTF will be transitioning from the City of Dubuque to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. This will allow the LHTF to stand alone as a nonprofit, with a separate and distinct Board of Directors. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque has been in operation since 2003 and has ample experience managing and administrating funds. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque will enter a Contract for Services with the City of Dubuque to continue to administer the programs and activities described in the Housing Assistance Plan. The City of Dubuque has administered teh LHTF program for over 30 years and has dedicated staff to ensuring that the program activities are carried out in a timely manner and tracked properly. The Community Development Programs Division of the Housing & Community Development Department has staff that have worked with this funding for many years. Additionally, these staff are responsible for multiple funding sources, including local, state, and Federal dollars that also contribute towards improvement of existing housing stock and creation of affordable housing. 10. Will the LHTF have two or more open LHTF Program grant agreements as of the application submission deadline date?* *Yes O No 10A. If yes, explain the proposed timeline for closing out the earliest fiscal year grant agreement: * FY22: Remaining funds are committed to homeowner rehabilitation projects for <30 % AMI households. Anticipated completion dates for these projects are before December 31, 2024, weather permitting. FY23: Two additional projects are lined up to assist <30% AMI homeowners with rehabilitation and anticipated completion date is June 30, 2025. NOTE: Pursuant to Section 1.8.2 of the Allocation Plan for the LHTF Program (the Administrative Rules), LHTFs with multiple open grant agreements may be subject to the following remedies: (1) LHTF Program funds awarded in a subsequent fiscal year shall not be disbursed until the earliest fiscal year grant agreement has been closed out. If applicable, this remedy shall be implemented, subject to Board approval, as a contingency to the new LHTF Program award. (2) If the earliest fiscal year grant agreement has not been closed out during a subsequent fiscal year following IFA's determination to apply remedy (1) above, the Grantee may be declared ineligible for funding, subject to Board approval, in the LHTF Program allocation round. IFA shall notify the LHTF of a declaration of ineligibility for future LHTF Program awards prior to the established application submission deadline but by no later than July 1 and may set forth certain conditions that if satisfied would restore the LHTF's eligibility for funding. H Board of Directors Total number of seats on the LHTF's Board of Directors:* 5 1 Total number of Board seats currently filled: * 14 Total number of Board seats currently vacant:* 11 J Board of Directors List In the following table, provide a current listing of all members of the LHTF's board of directors, which must include each board member's name, address, employer, term start and end dates, and whether the board member is affiliated with local government or is a public official. The number of rows in the completed table must equal the number of Board seats currently filled as listed in the previous question. No more than 50 percent of the LHTF board can be comprised of individuals from local government and/or public officials. Local government/public officials who are also employed in the private sector will be considered representatives of local government (the public sector) and will not be considered private sector representatives. Aet'on Board Member's First Name Board Member's Last Name Board Member's Address - Street Board Member's Address - City Board Member's Address - State Board Member's Address - Zip Code Board Member's Place of Employment Is the Board Member a Local Government Employee or a Public Official? Term Start Date Term End Date James Holz 3010 Indiana Ct. DUBUQUE IA 52001 MSA Professional Services No 9/3/2024 8/17/2027 Michelle Becwar 2115 Coates St DUBUQUE IA 52003 Dupaco Community Credit Union No 9/3/2024 8/17/2027 Rick Baumhover 601 Garfield St., Ste 105 DUBUQUE IA 52001 Hy-Vee No 8/17/2022 8/17/2025 https://shtf.iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSWLEIUMVKOTOP7SKWFSKVWWQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 3/6 9/12/24, 9:49 AM Conduct Survey Amy Eudaley 950 Wood St. DUBUQUE IA 52001 Goodwill Industries of NE Iowa No 8/17/2023 8/17/2026 —I ouugec I -j Sources of Funds Provide all sources of funds to be included in the budget for this grant year in the following table, identifying all sources of funds to be used to finance the LHTF Program including the LHTF grant award request and all Local Match commitments. Please enter the LHTF Program grant amount requested in this application as the first source of funding in the table. Note that only Committed funds may be counted as eligible Local Match.* Action Source of Funding Amount Type of Funds Form of Contribution If "other" Form of Contribution, describe: Status LHTF Grant $250,334 IFA - LHTF Program Cash Uncommitted GDTIF $62,584 Local Government Contribution Cash Committed $312,918 HUses of Funds Provide all proposed uses of funds in terms of types of housing programs and activities to be completed under the requested LHTF Program grant award. All applicants must list "Administration - LHTF Program Grant Funding" and "Administration - Local Match (cash or in -kind)" in the uses of funds grid, even if the amount budgeted for administration from each funding source is $0. If the proposed uses of funds includes a line item for Capacity Building Award to Affordable Housing Agency, the budgeted amount for capacity building awards should generally be limited to no more than 10% of the requested LHTF Program grant award amount. If your LHTF wishes to budget more than 10% of its annual LHTF Program grant award for capacity building activities, please contact IFA to discuss before submitting this application.* Action Use of Funding If "other" Use of Funding, describe: Amount Administration - LHTF Program grant funding $25,032 Administration - Local Match (cash or in -kind) $6,258 Homeowner - Owner -occupied Rehabilitation $206,628 Homeowner - Down Payment Assistance $75,000 $312,918 wmvrity ampaca oadaemena I Pursuant to 2008 Iowa Acts, HF 2393, Iowa Code Section 8.11, all grant applications submitted to the State of Iowa which are due beginning January 1, 2009 shall include a Minority Impact Statement. This is the state's mechanism to require grant applicants to consider the potential impact of the grant project's proposed programs or policies on minority groups. This section is not scored. DEFINITIONS "Minority Persons," as defined in Iowa Code Section 8.11, mean individuals who are women, persons with a disability, Blacks, Latinos, Asians or Pacific Islanders, American Indians, and Alaskan Native Americans. "Disability," as defined in Iowa Code Section 15.102, subsection 5, paragraph "b," subparagraph (1): b. as used in this subsection: (1) "Disability" means, with respect to an individual, a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, a record of physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual, or being regarded as an individual with a physical or mental impairment that substantially limits one or more of the major life activities of the individual. "Disability" does not include any of the following: (a) Homeosexuality or bisexuality. (b) Transvestism, transsexualism, pedophilia, exhibitionism, voyeurism, gender identity disorders not resulting from physical impairments or other sexual behavior disorders. (c) Compulsive gambling, kleptomania, or pyromania. (d) Psychoactive substance abuse disorders resulting from current illegal use of drugs. "State Agency," as defined in Iowa Code Section 8.11, means a department, board, bureau, commission, or other agency or authority of the state of Iowa. 1. Please choose the statement(s) that pertains to this grant application. Complete all the information requested for the chosen statement(s).* L A: The proposed grant project, programs, or policies could have a disproportionate or unique positive impact on minority persons. ❑ B: The proposed grant project, programs, or policies could have a disproportionate or unique negative impact on minority persons. ❑ C: The proposed grant project, programs, or policies are not expected to have a disproportionate or unique impact on minority persons. 2. If "A" is selected above, answer the following: Describe the positive impact expected from this project. The Housing Assistance Plan (HAP) prioritizes projects that are focused on increasing homeownership opportunities and maintaining quality, affordable housing for low and moderate -income households in Dubuque. Our first-time homebuyer loans provide affordable resource for LMI households to enter homeownership and secure a wealth -building asset. The homeowner rehabilitation loans provide an affordable means for LMI households, including those on fixed incomes, to address maintenance issues in a timely and proactive manner, with non-traditional financing. This helps the household retain or increase the value of the home, as well as contributing towards safe and healthy housing for vulnerable populations. Indicate which group is impacted: O Women SI Persons with a disability al Blacks IN Latinos ❑ Asians IN Pacific Islanders ❑American Indians ❑Alaskan Native ❑ Other 3. If "B" is selected above, answer the following: Describe the negative impact expected from this project. Present the rationale for the existence of the proposed program or policy. Provide evidence of consultation of representatives of the minority groups impacted. Describe the negative impact expected from this project. Indicate which group is impacted: ❑ Women ❑ Persons with a disability ❑ Blacks ❑ Latinos ❑ Asians ❑ Pacific Islanders ❑American Indians ❑Alaskan Native ❑ Other https://shtf. iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSW LEI U MVKOTOP7SKW FSKVW WQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 4/6 9/12/24, 9:49 AM 4. If "C" is selected above, answer the following: Present the rationale for determining no impact. Conduct Survey I hereby certify that the information above is complete and accurate, to the best of my knowledge. Entering my name and title here serves as my electronic signature. Name 'James Holz Title (Chair, Dubuque LHTF Advisory Committee cxmoas - vprvaa 1 Acknowledgment, Authorization, Certification and Release (all applicants) Download the LHTF Program Application Certification and Signature Page at the link below, print, read, and have signed by an authorized representative of the LHTF. Then upload a signed copy into this section of the online application submission. LHTF Program Application Certification - Housing Assistance Plan (all applicants) Upload the LHTF's current Housing Assistance Plan (HAP). As required by state administrative rules, the HAP should be reviewed by the LHTF at least annually for any updates that may be required. — Public Hearing Minutes (all applicants) Upload the minutes from the LHTF's most recent public hearing. As required by state administrative rules, the LHTF must hold at least one public hearing a year in order to solicit comments from the public as to their annual plan/budget, updates to the Housing Assistance Plan (HAP), the application to be submitted to the LHTF Program, the type of project or projects that will be financed, and how such funds should be allocated. Organizational Changes (if applicable) If applicable, the LHTF must submit documentation of any additional changes, updates, or revisions to the LHTF's organizational structure which have been made since the LHTF was originally certified as a LHTF of which IFA has not been previously notified. Examples of documents that may have been revised include articles of incorporation, bylaws, resolutions, IRS 501(c)(3) status, and/or formal recognition as the entity responsible for coordinating local housing programs. H Need for Housing/Activity in the Community (first-time applicants only) The Applicant must demonstrate a need for the proposed affordable housing activities. First-time applicants must upload a narrative Exhibit explaining how the proposed LHTF Program activities will help address the housing needs/gaps of the geographic area the applicant serves, as identified in the HAP. — Impact of Activity (first-time applicants only) First-time applicants must upload a narrative Exhibit explaining the impact the proposed LHTF activities will have in the geographic area served. Describe the impact of the activities in terms of the continuum of housing needs from homeless to transitional to rental to homeownership. d Financial and Overall Feasibility of Activity (first-time applicants only) I - First -time applicants must upload a narrative Exhibit explaining why the proposed activity or program is financially and operationally feasible. HLocal Support - Leveraging and Partners in Activity (first-time applicants required - optional for all other applicants) The applicant must demonstrate support from local entities (which may include, but is not necessarily limited to, local government entities, nonprofit organizations, neighborhood organizations, for -profit housing organizations, and/or local service providers) with respect to the proposed LHTF activities. First-time applicants must upload documentation in the form of resolutions or letters of support. If applicable you may reference but do not need to submit additional copies of local support documentation already provided in the request for LHTF certification. Optional: A previously certified LHTF may elect to provide new documentation of local support of which IFA has not been previously notified. H Local Match - Leveraging and Partners in Acitivity (all applicants) This uploaded Exhibit must include Local Match documentation. The applicant must have a Local Match (cash contributions and/or the fair market value of donated property or services to a LHTF) as defined in Section 1.5 and as described in Section 3.3 of the Allocation Plan. Documented Local Match commitments must total at least 25 percent of the grant amount requested from the LHTF Program in this application. If loan repayments to the LHTF are being pledged as Local Match, the upload to this Exhibit must include a letter of commitment from the LHTF signed by an authorized signer specifically stating the following language: 1) the Local Match funds are comprised of repayments from loans that had a term greater than 12 months; and 2) the original loans were not construction loans, regardless of the term of the construction loan; and 3) the funds have not been used as Local Match in any prior LHTF Program application submission. Only firm funding commitments can be counted as Local Match. Documentation of contributions already received, an adopted resolution or ordinance, and/or a written letter of commitment from the source providing the Local Match contribution to the LHTF must be provided in this Exhibit. A letter from the LHTF itself listing Local Match commitments made by other entities is not acceptable documentation under this Exhibit. The submitted documentation must include evidence of the source providing the Local Match contribution to the LHTF and must specify the type and amount of the contribution, including the specified value of any donated property or services. The LHTF must be the direct recipient of the Local Match contribution with control over its expenditure and/or use. At least 10 percent of the required 25 percent Local Match requirement must be provided from local government and/or local private sector contributions. No more than 25 percent of the total proposed Local Match may be associated with the general administrative expenses of the LHTF, whether the contribution toward administration is provided in the form of cash or an in -kind donation. The proposed Local Match contribution must not have been used to fulfill the Local Match obligation in any prior application to the Fund. d Timeline (all applicants) All applicants must upload a proposed timeline of activities. The timeline must include key dates for the proposed grant activities and show that all funds included in the Budget can be expended and that the proposed activities/units can be completed resulting in a benefit to Eligible Recipients or Extremely Low -Income Eligible Recipients as defined in Section 1.6 of the Allocation Plan within the two-year grant agreement period. If the LHTF has two or more open LHTF Program grant agreements as of the application submission deadline, also address the timeline for closing out the earliest fiscal year grant agreement. Annual Report (all applicants) ri https://shtf. iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSW LEI U MVKOTOP7SKW FSKVW WQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 5/6 9/12/24, 9:49 AM Upload an annual report or a narrative summarizing the LHTF's accomplishments over the past year. Conduct Survey Audit (all applicants) Upload the LHTF's most recent independent auditor's report. Upload Exhibits Upload your Exhibits here:* INC Documents Found Use the fields below to upload an exhibit. Document Type: Title: o Document to Upload: Select a Document Type Select Upload Document Remember to click on the "Submit" button when your application is complete and ready for submission to IFA for review. -j Error Log The following errors occurred in the Exhibits - Upload section: Upload your Exhibits here: All required Exhibits must be uploaded. Acknowledgment, Authorization, Certification & Release - LHTF Program Application Certification - required upload for all applicants Housing Assistance Plan - Housing Assistance Plan - required upload for all applicants Public Hearing Minutes - Public Hearing Minutes - required upload for all applicants Local Match - Leveraging and Partners in Activity - Local Match Commitments - required upload for all applicants Timeline - Timeline - required upload for all applicants Annual Report - Annual Report - required upload for all applicants (first-time applicants may upload "progress to date" statement) Audit - Audit - required upload for all applicants You must resolve the errors listed above before you can submit this application. https://shtf. iowafinance.com/QNA/ConductSurvey.aspx?Qry=YUJYBUCONKGUSW LEI U MVKOTOP7SKW FSKVW WQFTYAE2XF2LQEXBX32XOGXJ... 6/6 City of Dubuque Housing Department Community Development Programs 350 W 6TH Street, Suite 312 I Dubuque, IA 52001 563.589.4239 I TTY: 563.589.4230 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Dubuque kited 2007.2012.2013 2017*2019 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund Housing Assistance Plan I Iowa Finance Authority I September 2024 Introduction Dubuque is the oldest city in Iowa, beautifully situated on the Mississippi River, sharing a border with both Illinois and Wisconsin. While Dubuque's history contributes to its identity and culture, its early settlement means that over 75% of our housing stock was built before 1970. Our aging housing stock presents multiple challenges to the quality and maintenance of affordable housing in the city. Like many other cities in the nation, Dubuque is experiencing a lack of affordable housing units, aging infrastructure, homes that are not prepared for extreme weather, and rising housing costs that increase the housing burden on low and moderate -income residents. The Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund (GDLHTF) prioritizes affordable housing creation and providing financial assistance to property owners to maintain the quality of existing affordable housing. Geographic Area Served The majority of Dubuque's oldest housing stock is in the downtown area, correlating with primarily low -mod income (LMI) census tracts. While the entire geographic area for the operations of the GDLHTF is the corporate boundary of the city of Dubuque, emphasis is placed on the eligibility area outlined on the map in Appendix A. This area primarily encompasses the North End, Washington, and Point Neighborhoods in the city of Dubuque with the highest residential density and oldest workforce housing. Any applicants that are under 30% AMI within the corporate boundary of Dubuque will be considered for participation. Housing Needs The City of Dubuque's Housing and Community Development Department partnered with the University of Iowa School of Planning & Public Affairs, the University of Iowa Sustainable Development Program, and the Iowa Initiative for Sustainable Communities (IISC) to create an Affordable Housing Action Plan (AHAP) that was completed in May 2024. This was led by University of Iowa students as part of their graduate capstone course. The full plan with data references can be accessed here: https://iisc.uiowa.edu/sites/iisc.0 iowa.edu/files/2024-06/Final%20Report%20- 20Dubuque%20Affordable%20Housing%20PIan. pdf Multiple housing needs were identified and below is a synopsis of findings taken from the Affordable Housing Action Plan cited above: Lack of Units Dubuque has a noticeable shortage of housing units across all price ranges, specifically affordable housing. Rising costs of construction and upkeep reduce affordability. Most rental units available in Dubuque (63%) at any given time do not accept Housing Choice (Section 8) Vouchers, and non-LMI households may occupy units that could be affordable to LMI households. Additional factors at play in Dubuque impacting affordability include the increased prevalence of older adults aging in place, hesitancy from families to move because of high interest rates, the perceived notion of short-term rentals removing affordable units from the market, difficult topography limiting areas suitable for development, and underutilization of vacant or abandoned properties. (AHAP, p.8) 1 Rising Costs of Housing (Cost Burden) Housing costs are outpacing wage growth, contributing to housing cost -burden for many Dubuque households. This trend is leading to a growing number of households experiencing const burden (spending more than 30°/0 of gross income on housing cost). In Dubuque, 45% of renters and 17% of homeowners are cost burdened. Additionally, 24.3% of low-income households in Dubuque are severely cost burdened — spending over 50% of their gross income on housing. Energy costs further exacerbate housing cost burdens, disproportionately affecting LMI Households. (AHAP, p. 8-9) Age and Quality of Housing As Iowa's oldest city, Dubuque has an aging housing stock, which can impact affordability, livability, and sustainability. Housing quality declines over time and requires more maintenance. Affordable housing tends to be of lower quality as LMI homeowners and renters are more likely to have less income for maintenance and upkeep, LMI renters often do not have the authority to change their units, and landlords are seldom incentivized to improve their units. This is a particular risk for LMI renters who rely on landlords for property improvements and may be unaware of their tenant rights or fear losing housing if they report a complaint. (AHAP, p.9) Disparities Historically marginalized groups experience greater housing challenges. Affordable housing presents an equity issue, especially for residents of color, most notably for Black or African American families. Marginalized and disadvantaged groups face greater barriers in accessing quality, affordable housing due to lower median incomes and the legacy of racist historic housing policies (e.g., redlining). Currently, people of color are disproportionately affected by homelessness, residing in substandard housing, living in areas of concentrated poverty, having limited homeownership opportunities, and experiencing housing cost burden. (AHAP, p.9) Prioritized Activities For FY25, the prioritized activities are: Rehabilitation loans to homeowners The aging housing stock in Dubuque often presents challenges to low -moderate income homeowners when it comes to repairs that are beyond routine maintenance. Increased material costs and contractor scarcity has also driven prices upward over the last five years. The assistance cap will be raised from $25,000 to $40,000, which cannot be exceeded without approval from GDLTHF majority, and informal concurrence via e-mail is acceptable documentation for approvals. This cap increase shall be applicable to all open grants at the time of FY25 application approval. Rehabilitation activities may include general rehabilitation, emergency roof or sewer lateral replacement, energy efficiency improvements, and accessibility improvements. For loans, the maximum loan amount and terms will be determined by the eligibility income of the household. All loans are 0°/o interest with payments scaled based on income. There are no penalties for early payments. All loans are secured by real estate mortgages, usually subordinate to private lender financing. Maximum incomes of end -users of the funds cannot exceed income limits as periodically published by IFA. Exceptions to these guidelines can be made by the GDLHTF at the recommendation of staff (guidelines for existing programs are attached to the application documents). Low -Income housing creation on vacant infill lots The City of Dubuque currently owns vacant lots in connected areas of the city that are prime for new construction. Homes built on these lots are generally required to match the profile of the 2 neighborhood. Dubuque has been fortunate to attract developers creating affordable housing on larger parcels of developable land, but the need for low-income housing in areas near bus routes, within walking distance of schools and grocery stores, and proximal to other amenities is still greatly needed. Constructing small -footprint homes with efficient use of space, efficient systems, and tight envelopes is a way to provide truly affordable housing to low- and moderate -income households. Minimizing construction costs will make these homes more affordable and will cycle more dollars back into the Fund by taking a smaller net loss on the sale of the home. Keeping utility bills low will allow occupants to put those saved dollars towards other needs. Having a brand-new home will minimize the "big ticket" expenses that are inevitable when purchasing an existing structure. Down payment assistance loans to first-time homebuyers As the most impactful wealth -building asset, homeownership is a goal held by many, but one of the barriers to securing an affordable home is the down payment and costs associated with purchasing and closing on a loan. Maximum amount of assistance is $25,000, scaled by income level. Anticipated Benefits of LHTF Activities These activities will help address some of the greatest housing needs in Dubuque, most notably the need for rehabilitation of older, deteriorating homes owned by extremely low-income households. These improvements will help residents stay in their homes, maintain home insurance in an increasingly challenging market, preserve neighborhood stability, and build sustainable equity. First -Time Homebuyer loans will also help increase access to homeownership for LMI households. This program coupled with a partnership with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque to provide credit repair services and homeownership counseling provides comprehensive resources to homebuyers who are navigating homeownership for the first time. Local data shows that Black mortgage applicants have been denied at higher rates than White mortgage applicants and one of the cited reasons for denial is unsatisfactory credit. By offering credit repair counseling and downpayment assistance in tandem, there is more opportunity to bridge the gap and lead to fewer mortgage applications denied. Partnerships and Incentives The Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund will collaborate closely with the City of Dubuque Housing and Community Development (HCD) Department to carry out the activities under this grant. The City's Housing Department partners with the departments of Health, Sustainability, Fire and Police, Leisure Services, Planning and Zoning, Equity and Human Rights, Office of Shared Prosperity and Neighborhood Services, and the Community Impact Department. Other community partners include the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD), Greater Dubuque Development Corporation, Visiting Nurses Association (VNA), Crescent Community Health Center, Hawkeye Area Community Action Program (HACAP), Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Dubuque, the Dubuque Community School District, and many other nonprofit organizations. The HCD Department works closely with developers in preparation of applications for IFA Low Income Housing Tax Credits. There are 23 low-income housing apartment communities offering 1,015 assisted units in Dubuque. There are 429 income -based apartments, where tenants of these units pay no more than 30% of their income towards rent and utilities. There are 586 rent subsidized apartments that do not provide direct rental assistance but remain affordable to low-income households in Dubuque. 3 The HCD Department also works with developers to utilize other existing tax credit programs, in addition to affordable housing projects. These credit programs include State of Iowa Enterprise Zone Credits, State of Iowa, and Federal Historic Rehabilitation Tax Credits. The City has established large areas of the downtown as both historic and urban revitalization districts. These designations assist owners with costs of rehabilitation and maintenance of older properties through eligibility for special grants and tax abatements. The urban renewal district was established in the downtown area to offer Tax Increment Financing (TIF), a capitalized low -interest loan pool for residential rehabilitation projects. The HCD Department is currently developing a strategy to utilize approximately $4.2 million of TIF funds for acquisition/rehab/resale of blighted properties in the downtown area. The activities that are prioritized for this grant will also be supported by the programs offered through the HCD Department, which also serves as the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Public Housing Authority (PHA) for the City of Dubuque. Dubuque is a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement city and received $1,035,721 in FY2025 for housing and community development programs. Additional program income through the rehabilitation loans, bring the annual available total to approximately $1.1 million. Of that, approximately $386,000 is allocated for LMI housing activities. The HCD Department continually applies for state and federal funds, and utilizes local funds to promote and fund quality, affordable housing. Current grants include: - Lead Hazard Control and Healthy Homes: $4,000,000+ to address lead hazards and healthy homes deficiencies in pre-1978 housing with a focus on residences occupied by children under the age of 6. - Healthy Homes Production Grant: $2,000,000 to complete healthy homes interventions in 100 units - Older Adults Homes Modification Grant: $1,000,000 to provide interventions that allow adult homeowners over the age of 62 to safely age in place - Family Self -Sufficiency and Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher funds: The PHA administers approximately 850 vouchers annually. - USDA Urban Agriculture and Innovative Production: $300,000 to increase access to local healthy foods in low -mod income food deserts, and pilot large-scale hydroponic growing systems. - HOME TBRA: In September 2023 we received $55,000 in funding from IEDA to aid with security deposits. With local match, a total of $85,000 in assistance will be distributed. Local Housing Trust Fund Governance In 1992, the City of Dubuque's City Council adopted a Housing Trust Fund ordinance to promote assistance for the housing needs of low and moderate -income households. The mission of the Housing Trust Fund, as stated in the ordinance, "collect and disburse revenue to meet the housing needs of low and moderate -income households." To date, the Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee (LHTFAC) has met publicly on a minimum biannual basis. Minutes of all meetings are recorded and kept at the HCD office and are available online. All meetings are held in compliance with Iowa Open Meetings Law. This is a community - based board consisting of five members appointed by the City Council. Presently, two members represent the Housing Commission. Three at -large members round out the LHTFAC; they are 4 selected based on experience in real estate development, banking, finance, accounting, funds management or other related expertise. With the FY25 Application to the Iowa Finance Authority, the GDLHTF will be undergoing a structural reorganization. The City Ordinance from 1992 will be repealed, and governance of the GDLHTF will transition to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, becoming a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a Board of Directors that is fully independent from the City of Dubuque, as well as separate and distinct from the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. The GDLHTF will contract with the City of Dubuque HCD to implement programming. This transition is expected to take place formally when the FY22 and FY23 LHTF grants are fully spent and closed. Fundraising Efforts The transition of the Local Housing Trust Fund's governance from under the City of Dubuque government to its own nonprofit structure was initiated with the intention of making fundraising a possibility and a reality. Plans for grant -writing and soliciting donations from businesses are already in progress. Goals and Objectives of the Local Housing Trust Fund Target populations to benefit include: 1. Homeless persons and families 2. Extremely Low -Income persons and families 3. LMI Homeowners and Renters 4. Persons with Disabilities 5. BIPOC and LEP persons 6. First-time Homebuyers Eligible projects include: 1. Rehabilitation of owner -occupied single-family homes and owner -occupied duplexes 2. Assistance with home purchase for First -Time Homebuyers 3. Acquisition, rehabilitation, and resale of owner -occupied properties 4. Construction of new affordable residential units 5. Acquisition of developable sites, demolition/deconstruction, site development and infrastructure installation costs 6. Rehabilitation of single-family and multi -family rental properties 7. Transfer of structures to other sites 8. Financing the rehabilitation of buildings for conversion to residential use 9. Provision of supportive services as part of a housing project 10. Such other projects which address program goals and objectives 5 11. Direct assistance to non-profit owners/developers providing long-term affordable housing. Eligible applicants, within the SHTF requirements, include all for -profit and non-profit developers, housing agencies, other housing sponsors, joint ventures and individual property owners. All assisted housing must remain affordable to low and moderate -income people for a minimum term of 20 years. Dubuque's Continuum of Care Housing Provider Network Dubuque has an active Homeless Advisory Committee comprised of more than 25 local housing and supportive service agencies. It is facilitated by Dubuque County. They meet regularly to identify and respond to the needs of Dubuque's homeless population. The Continuum of Care programs in Dubuque are offered through: Permanent Supportive Housing: Phoenix Housing, Special Needs Assistance Program —SNAP, City of Dubuque, and the Hillcrest Supportive Housing Program through Hillcrest Family Services. Emergency Shelters Dubuque Rescue Mission - twenty-four rooms of emergency shelter for men in its primary location. An additional # of beds are available at its satellite location for overflow. Dubuque Community YWCA Domestic Violence Shelter - shelter for fifteen women with children. Hillcrest Family Services - emergency teen shelter at the Julien Care Facility with twenty-three beds. Hillcrest also operates a four -bed child emergency shelter. The Teresa Shelter - for women with children provides thirty beds for both emergency and transitional housing. It is owned and operated by Maria House/Opening Doors. Transitional Housing The Dubuque Rescue Mission can commit up to twelve of its emergency beds for longer stays for men only; residents participate in a structured work program. Maria House - shelter for twenty-four women with children. Maria House/Opening Doors provides transitional housing. Staff works closely with the residents to set developmental goals and create strategies to achieve them. Existing community resources are utilized for job training, education, employment, individual and family counseling plus access to safe, affordable, permanent housing. Hillcrest Family Services - two five -bed group homes for chronically mentally ill adults. Their Family Empowerment program offers supervised apartment living for three families or fifteen beds. Hillcrest Teen Residential Program operates five group homes that house sixty-four beds and include an on -campus school. Hillcrest Family Services receives a Continuum of Care grant for operation of five transitional housing apartments for families. Hopes Project/Hillcrest Family Services provides transitional housing to homeless families. Family apartments are provided in a safe and secure location with supportive services and 24-hour available supervision. Almost Home — a new shelter to address homeless fathers with children. Once all the units are open, they expect to house 12-15 families per year. Almost Home will work to help the fathers find stable employment at a living wage and permanent housing. 6 Permanent Housing The privately -owned Davis Place has 75 single room occupancy units for homeless and low-income men. Manasseh House, a 19-room SRO for homeless and low-income women, opened in 2007. It was assisted with a $680,000 HOME program grant to a private developer. Manasseh House/Operation Empower provides supportive services to low/moderate income women in single room occupancy (SRO) housing. The Operation Empower Program seeks to empower women through housing, education, and employment while offering a variety of services to enable them to succeed. In 2019, Operation Empower received $2.7 million from the Iowa Finance Authority and $300,000 from the City and County for the Liberty Recovery Center and construction of 24 one -bedroom units. The Center will focus on people suffering from of substance use disorders. This facility opened in 2021 A similar HOME -assisted facility, Salvia House, was completed in 2010 and leases 18 rooms. The Housing Department administers HUD funding for 850 housing choice vouchers. In addition, seven privately contracted HUD residential projects in the City offer rental assistance to another 435 households. The City of Dubuque is mandated to have a rental inspections program per state law. Dubuque enforces the International Property Maintenance Code and all 11,000+ units in the City are inspected on a 4-year cycle. Homeownership The Housing Department administers homeownership assistance programs funded through CDBG Entitlement, Local Housing Trust Fund and Tax Increment Financing (TIF). All major area lenders mutually participate with the City in these efforts. The City also exercises the right to petition for properties that are abandoned. When these properties are acquired, they are assessed for viability for rehabilitation. Options for bringing these properties back online include working with Affordable Housing Network Inc., selling the property on the open market, seeking proposals from developers to renovate the home, or requesting proposals for the City to make the repairs. In extreme cases, these structures will be deconstructed and new homes will be constructed on the infill lots. All new or renovated homes are required to be sold to low -moderate income individuals and a covenant is placed on the property that it must remain owner -occupied for twenty years. Additional Demographic Data Special Needs Populations The disabled population (under age 65 years) of is 9.4% of the City's total. The average SSDI amount is $1,400 per month. This averages out to be $8.07 per hour. In Iowa, a minimum wage worker earns an hourly wage of $7.25 per hour. In 2022 the Fair Market Rent (FMR) in Dubuque for a two -bedroom apartment is $996. Housing should be approximately 30% of a household's monthly income. For a household to afford a two -bedroom unit, plus utilities, the household would have to earn $2,998 monthly, assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks per year. 7 This calculates out to $17.24 per hour. This means that at minimum wage a person would have to work 2.1 full time jobs to afford a two -bedroom rental unit. Non -White Population Growth/Income Disparity The non -white population consists of Black or African American (4%); Hispanic or Latino (2.8%); Asian (1.5%); Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander (1.1 %); American Indian (<1 %) and Two or More Races (3.8%). Recent studies show that the non -white population continues to grow, although the overall numbers appear small, given income distributions, the need for affordable housing is high. (Iowa Profile, Dubuque City Demographics Data Snapshot; US Census Bureau ACS 5-year 2018- 2022) City-wide, the average median income is $63,520. The percentage of persons in poverty living in Dubuque is 13%. (Iowa Profile, Dubuque City Demographics Data Snapshot; US Census Bureau ACS 5-year 2018-2022) Poverty level statistics for Black or African American residents is 914; Hispanic or Latino residents is 193; Asian residents is 37; Native Hawaiian and Pacific Islander is 259; and Two or More Races is 435. (US Census Bureau 2022: ACS 5-year Estimate Detailed Tables) The poverty rate for the State of Iowa is lower at 11 %. One out of every three Iowa residents live in poverty. Dubuque is higher than the state across all races. Age of Housing/Incidence of Lead Paint Over 76% of residential properties in the City of Dubuque were constructed before 1978; the year lead paint was banned from residential use. This aged housing is expensive to maintain and rehabilitate, less energy -efficient and more -costly to renter occupants. Of the total units built before 1978, there are approximately 1,500 residential properties that have been made lead safe to date by the City's Lead and Healthy Homes Programs. Age of Population The median age of Dubuque's population is 39.5. The median age for males is 37.8 years, while it is 40.9 years for females. 17.6% of Iowa's population is 65 years or older compared to 20% locally. Rental Unit Supply There are approximately 27,271 housing units in the City of Dubuque, of those, 25,198 (92.4%) are occupied, leaving 2,073 (7.6%) units vacant. Of occupied units: 64.7% are owner -occupied and 35.3% are rentals. (US Census Bureau 2022: ACS 5-year Estimate Detailed Tables) Two- or three -bedroom units make up 56% of rental housing units available city-wide. Rental units with 4 bedrooms or more make up 7% of the availability city-wide. The median gross rent is $941 per month. 24.4% of renters are paying over 50% of their household income towards their gross rent; 36.4% of renters are paying over 35% of their household income towards their gross rent. 8 MINUTES LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING (UNAPPROVED) DATE: Thursday, September 12, 2024 TIME: 7:30 a.m. PLACE: Housing and Community Development Department. 350 West 6th Street, Conference Room 250, Dubuque, IA 52001 Virtually via Oaths of Office — Michelle Becwar Chairperson Holz administered the Oath of Office to Michelle Becwar at 7:29 a.m., Becwar signed and Amy Eudaley signed as witness. Chairperson Jim Holz called the meeting to order at 7:33 a.m. following staff assurance of compliance with Iowa Open Meeting Law. Commissioners Present: Michelle Becwar, Amy Eudaley and Jim Holz Commissioners Absent: Rick Baumhover Staff Present: Maddy Haverland and Stacey Weeber Public Present: Jason Adams (CFGD) and Dave Lyons (GDDC) Certification of Minutes — June 20, 2024 Commissioner Becwar motioned to approve the Minutes for the June 20, 2024, Local Housing Trust Fund Advisory Committee Meeting. Seconded by Commissioner Eudaley. Motion carried 3-0. Correspondence/Public Input There was no public input. Old Business There was no discussion on old business New Business a. Open public hearing for IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application for FY2025 Haverland stated the application for the IFA Local Housing Trust Fund for FY2025 deadline is October 1, 2024. Commissioner Eudaley motioned to approve the IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application for FY2025 with a few changes to the application. Seconded by Becwar. Motion carried 3-0. Haverland spoke about the application and went over the application in detail. There was discussion around the application on minorities under 30% AMI. The city will take the lead on submitting the application by the October 1, 2024, deadline. Commissioner Eudaley asked about the Minority Impact Statement on the application being incomplete. Haverland explained that the online application timed out before it saved, and that she was unable to access it to update and save a new copy before sending out the information. Haverland explained that the boxes that would be checked were 1A, that the proposed programming would have a disproportionately positive impact on minority persons, including Women, Persons with a Disability, Blacks, Latinos, and Pacific Islanders. Haverland cited the affordability and accessibility of these loans opening doors to homeownership as a positive impact, as well as maintaining health, safe, and affordable housing for LMI households as the anticipated positive impact. 1 MINUTES LOCAL HOUSING TRUST FUND ADVISORY COMMITTEE MEETING (UNAPPROVED) b. Close public hearing for IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application for IFA Local Housing Trust Fund for FY2025 Chairperson Holz motioned to approve the Close public hearing for IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application for IFA Local Housing Trust Fund for FY2025. Seconded by Commissioner Becwar. Motion carried 3-0. c. Approve IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application Haverland requested the Committee for approval on the IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application with updates to the Minority Impact Statement. Commissioner Becwar motioned to approve the IFA Local Housing Trust Fund application with the updates to the Minority Impact Statement. Seconded by Eudaley. Motion carried 3-0. Information Sharing Haverland stated contractors are breaking ground at 2527 Washington St. This is the energy efficent home being built by the city. Commissioner Eudaley shared that rent prices in Dubuque are increasing and continuing to increase throughout the community. She stated that she has had community members come to her with concerns of increasing rent and rental property conditions. Haverland shared information about referring code complaints to Inspection and Construction Services, and the upcoming changes to the rental inspection cycles. Adjournment There being no further business to come before the Commission, Commissioner Eudaley moved to adjourn the meeting. Commissioner Becwar seconded. Motion passed by voice vote. Meeting adjourned at 7:44 a.m. Minutes taken by: Stacey Weeber Housing Financial Specialist Respectfully Submitted: (44the7,:-.0 4%44 c.,./ Maddy Haverland Urban Development & Housing Rehabilitation Project Manager 2 THE CITY OF DUB Dubuque All -America City 1IIIPr 2007+201242013 Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019 Iowa Finance Authority 1963 Bell Ave, Suite 200 Des Moines, IA 50315 Dear IFA Board of Directors, The City of Dubuque has committed $62,584 of Greater Downtown TIF funding as the match for the Local Housing Trust Fund application for 2025. This commitment was approved with the City's FY25 budget that was passed in April 2024 via the attached resolution. The funding will continue to be allocated and reserved for the purpose of local match for the Local Housing Trust Fund. Thank you, Crenna Brumwell City Attorney Prepared by Finance Department; Address: City Hall, 50 W. 131h Street; Telephone: 589-4398 RESOLUTION NO. 100 - 24 ADOPTING THE CITY OF DUBUQUE FIVE YEAR CAPITAL IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM WHEREAS, a recommended five-year Capital Improvement Program for the period beginning July 1, 2024, and ending June 30, 2029, for the City of Dubuque has been prepared and submitted to the City Council; and WHEREAS, the five-year Capital Improvement Program describes specific capital improvement projects, provides estimated costs for those projects, proposes sources of funds for each of them, and schedules the year during which each project will be undertaken; and WHEREAS, the capital improvement projects for the first year are included in the Fiscal Year 2025 budget for the City of Dubuque; and WHEREAS, the five-year Capital Improvement Program will be reconsidered annually by the City Council and appropriately revised; and WHEREAS, the adoption of the five-year Capital Improvement Program is a prudent measure to provide continuity of programs and is in the best interest of the City of Dubuque. NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF DUBUQUE, IOWA: Section 1. That the five-year Capital Improvement Program for the period beginning July 1, 2024, set out in the Fiscal Year 2025-2029 Recommended Capital Improvement Budget, is hereby approved and adopted as allocation of City resources for capital improvements as scheduled in the years shown, subject to annual review and revision. Passed, approved and adopted this 15th day of April 2024. rad M.--Cavanaga, ayor Attest: 2c ?,t n.e, Adrienne N. Breitfelder, City Clerk City of Dubuque Housing Department Community Development Programs 350 W 6TH Street, Suite 312 I Dubuque, IA 52001 563.589.4239 I TTY: 563.589.4230 Masterpiece on the Mississippi Timeline of Fund Activity Dubuque l AIMerin ' 1111 � 2007.2012.2013 2017*2019 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY Anticipating the IFA Board approval of applications in December 2024 and execution of contracts in January 2025, continuation of Housing Trust Fund activities in Dubuque's targeted areas funded through the FY2025 Trust Fund grant will commence in December 2025. This is due to the existing balance of open grant funds to expend first. October 2024 December 2024 January 2025 June 2025 Contracts signed with homeowners committing remaining funds for 22- LHTF-12 grant. Contracts signed with homeowners committing remaining funds for 23- LHTF-21 grant. Award of 25-LHTF grant. Completion of projects funded through 22 and 23 grants, funds expended and drawn. July 2025 December 2025 December 2026 Transition of Greater Dubuque Local Housing Trust Fund from the City of Dubuque to the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. 24-LHTF-01 and 25-LHTF grants will be under a nonprofit Board of Directors. 50% of 24-LTHF-01 grant will be committed to projects. 100% of 24-LHTF-01 grant will be expended. 50% of 25-LHTF will be committed December 2027 100% of 25-LHTF will be expended. City of Dubuque Housing Department Community Development Programs 350 W 6TH Street, Suite 312 I Dubuque, IA 52001 563.589.4239 I TTY: 563.589.4230 THE CITY OF hitzl Dubuque DUB E ur 2007.2012*2013 Masterpiece on the Mississippi 2017*2019 Housing Trust Fund Annual Report Fiscal Year 2024 EQUAL HOUSING OPPORTUNITY The City of Dubuque's Fiscal Year operates July 1 — June 30, so the reference timeframe for this report will be the City's FY24 (July 1, 2023 - June 30, 2024). In Fiscal Year 2024, $141,518.00 was expended to assist nine (9) low- and moderate - income residents purchase homes and home rehabilitation. Of this amount: - Seven were homebuyers; two of which were female heads -of -household. - Two were low-income female heads -of -household receiving assistance with rehabilitation. Since this Program began in 2005 the Washington Neighborhood has realized 127 new homebuyers; 129 properties have been rehabilitated; 55 below -standard rental units were converted to affordable single-family homes. All households that receive LHTF are required to complete "homeowner ready" classes. In 2022, we switched to an online platform called Finally Home! Homebuyer Education. The Workshop is offered online and is a self -paced course that participants can complete at their own convenience from a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Feedback received is very positive, as this format allows people to work through the classes and gain knowledge without the pressure of making it to an in -person class. It eliminates barriers for low- to moderate -income families that may experience difficulties with access to childcare in the evening, mobility issues, work schedules, etc. In June 2019, City Council approved a partnership between Affordable Housing Network Inc. (AHNI) and the City Housing Department to operate a similar program to acquire, rehabilitate, resell and/or manage properties consisting primarily of residential units for the low and moderate -income residents. The City agrees to invest $600,000 as part of a comprehensive neighborhood revitalization initiative. ANHI has acquired eight residential properties to date and they have all been sold.