HomeMy WebLinkAboutCity Council Committees - Human Services Commission - 10/21/2021 (2)
Human Services CommissionAgenda
Commissioners: Connie Stolpp - Chair, Selam Demssie - Co-Chair,
Gina Belisario, Rickie Robinson, Bill Hallerman, Zenovia Harris,
Kelly Guy,Zandria Michaud
October 21,2021
3 p.m.
THIS IS A REMOTE MEETING DUE TO THE COVID-19 CORONAVIRUS EMERGENCY
To jointhis meeting,click https://cityofkent.zoom.us/j/98634036617. Meeting ID:986 3403 6617Dial:
253-215-8782
ItemDescriptionActionSpeakerTime
1.Call to orderNoChair1
2.Roll CallNoChair1
3.Approval of September 16, 2021 MinutesYesChair3
4.Public Hearing:YesDinah Wilson20
CommunityDevelopmentBlock Grant
(CDBG)2022 Annual Action Plan
5.Community EngagementNoLori Guilfoyle20
6.UpdatesNoStaff20
7.AdjournmentNoChair1
For additional information please contact Christine Cainat 253-856-5063 or via email at
CCain@KentWA.gov.
Any person requiring a disability accommodation should contact the City Clerk’s Office at 253-
856-5725 in advance. For TDD relay service call Washington TelecommunicationsRelay Service
at 7-1-1.
Kent Human Services CommissionMeetingSeptember 16, 2021
MinutesKent, Washington
Approved
Date:September 16, 2021
Time: 3p.m.
Place:Zoom VirtualMeeting
Agenda:
Call to Order
1.
The meeting was called to order at3:04 p.m.
Roll Call
2.
Connie Stolpp, Chair
Selam Demssie, Co-Chair
Bill Hallerman, Commissioner
Rickie Robinson, Commissioner
Gina Bellisario, Commissioner
Zandria Michaud, Council Member
Merina Hanson, Human Services Manager
Dinah Wilson, Senior CDBG Planner
Lori Guilfoyle, Senior Human Services Planner
Christine Cain, Human Services Planner
Absent:
Zenovia Harris, Commissioner(Excused)
3.Public Comment
There was no public comment.
4.Approval of June 15, 2021 Minutes
Commissioner RobinsonMOVEDto approve the Minutes. Commissioner Guy
SECONDEDthe motion. Motion Passed 6 - 0.
5.Racial Equity Community Engagement
Human Services Manager, Merina Hanson, provided an overview and recap of the
race equity community engagement information that was presented at the
Committee of the Whole.Staff provided information to Council supporting the work
being done by Commission and staff.
.Boards and Commission Policies and Procedures
Staff reviewed some of the changes andimplementation of new policies to City boards
and commissions. Changes are intended to bring clarity and consistency to roles and
expectations of members. The addition of term limits is designed to ensure other
interested members of the community have increased access to participation.
Grant Review Advisory Development
.
Senior Human Services Planner, Lori Guilfoyle, leda discussion regarding
Commission interest in improving e grant and application development by adding
Kent Human Services CommissionMeetingSeptember 16, 2021
MinutesKent, Washington
Approved
advisory members from the community who are interested in participating. Staff and
Commissioners raised potential pro’s and con’s and discussed possible parameters.
Discussion will be continued at a later date.
.Updates
Staff provided updates on regional projects and various topics of interest to the
Commission.
.Adjournment
Commissioner Stolppadjourned the meeting at 4:08pm.
Respectfully submitted by
Christine Horn
For Immediate
Publication/Release
Posted on City of Kent
Web Page
September 21, 2021
PUBLIC NOTICE
CITY OF KENT
Department of Parks, Recreation & Community Services
Human Services Division
NOTICE OF SECOND PUBLIC HEARING REGARDING THE COMMUNITY
DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG)
2022 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
In accordance with 24 CFR 91.105, notice is hereby given that the City of Kent will
hold its second public hearing on October 21, 2021 to receive comments from Kent
residents, low/moderate-income persons, non-governmental organizations (AKA
nonprofits), and other interested parties regarding approval of the CDBG
2022 Annual Action Plan for Housing and Community Development. Comments will
be received by the Kent Human Services Commission and/or CDBG Program staff.
The 2022 Annual Action Plan 22 Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds awarded to the City by the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban development (HUD) under Title 1 of the Housing
and Community Development Act of 1974 as amended, known as the Community
Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program. The Plan also identifies the objectives
s. (PY)
for investing these funds runs from January 1, 2021 to December 31, 2021. In PY
2021, the City received $1,159,798 in CDBG funds and estimates that it will receive
the same amount or less in 2022.
COMMUNITY PARTICIPATION PROCESS
All interested persons are invited to attend a public hearing to provide comments
and recommendations to the City on how CDBG funds should be invested in 2022.
This is an opportunity for residents, stakeholders, non-profit organizations and
others to influence the Annual Action Plan before the initial written draft is
completed.
DATE/TIME OF PUBLIC HEARING
Thursday, October 21, 2021 3:00 p.m.
Virtual Hearing Link: https://cityofkent.zoom.us/j/88058396727
Meeting ID: 880 5839 6727
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+12532158782,,88058396727# US (Tacoma)
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Dial by your location
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A draft copy of the 2022 CDBG Annual Action Plan can be found on the Citys web
site at the following address: http://www.kentwa.gov/residents/human-social-
services. (Click on Community Development Block Grant after opening the Human
Services page.)
Written comments will be accepted and may be mailed or e-mailed to:
Dinah R. Wilson, Senior CDBG Program Coordinator
th
City of Kent, 220 4 Ave. South, Kent, WA 98032
E-mail: drwilson@kentwa.gov
The comment period will remain open for 30 days from the date that this notice was
ADA Information:
This notice is available in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities upon
request. Reasonable accommodations at the public hearing such as sign language
interpretation or alternate formats for printed material are available for individuals
with disabilities with a minimum of four (4) days advance notice. Please call (253)
856-5070 directly, email drwilson@kentwa.gov, or:
For TDD call (253) 856-5499
For Braille Relay Service call 1-800-833-6385
For Hearing Impaired Relay Service call 1-800-833-6388
Merina Hanson, Housing & Human Services Director
Housing and Human Services Division | Parks, Recreation & Community Services Department
__________________________________________
Signature
9/21/2021__________________________________Date
City of Kent
2022 Annual Action Plan
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program
Annual Action Plan 1
2022
Executive Summary
AP-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b)
1. Introduction
The City of Kent became a Community Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement City in in 2003. Entitlement cities
receive a CDBG entitlement grant directly from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
(HUD), managing and staffing their own programs.\[1\] Cities are eligible to apply for a direct grant only if
they have at least 50,000 residents and submit a multi-year Consolidated Plan (CP); the City submits its
plan every five years through the King County Consortium. In addition to King County and Kent, the
Consortium includes the cities of Auburn, Bellevue, and Federal Way. The most recent five-year plan was
approved by HUD and is effective for 2020-2024. An Action Plan is submitted each year of the 2020-
2024 CP; this Annual Action Plan (AAP) is for the 2022 program year, the third program year of the CP.
The CP identifies the objectives and outcomes that will guide the city as it determines how to invest its
grant. The objective of the CDBG Entitlement Program is to develop urban communities by providing
decent housing, a suitable living environment, and economic opportunities, principally for
low/moderate-income persons. Low/moderate-income persons are those earning less than 80% of the
area median income (AMI). The 2022 AAP will continue to pursue the objectives outlined in the CP,
tracking outcomes for each funded project.
2022 CDBG Allocation:
The City of Kent estimates it will receive the same CDBG allocation in 2022 that HUD awarded in 2021:
$1,159,798. Once HUD confirms the City’s final allocation, the City will adjust its budget before
submitting the 2022 Action Plan to HUD. The City anticipates that HUD will verify the final allocation by
March or April 2022. The CDBG contract between HUD and the City is usually signed months after HUD
provides notice regarding the amount of the City’s grant. Consequently, CDBG sub-recipients receive
their first payments between late spring to late summer.
2. Summarize the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan
The outcomes and objectives are:
Accessibility to decent housing
Accessibility to a suitable living environment
Accessibility to economic opportunities
The mission of the City’s Human Services Division, which awards CDBG grants to sub-recipients, is to
create a healthy, thriving, and inclusive community for all Kent residents by ensuring access to
opportunity and high-quality services.
Annual Action Plan 2
2022
3. Evaluation of past performance
This is an evaluation of past performance that helped lead the City to choose its goals or projects.
In 2021, the City used its CDBG funds to provide a wide variety of services which met the objectives of
the CDBG Entitlement Program. Work was primarily executed by nonprofits (sub-recipients); however,
City staff provided home repair services to Kent homeowners and hired private contractors as needed.
In addition, the City collaborated regionally with consortium cities, suburban cities, foundations, new
and emerging organizations, businesses, faith-based organizations, and government (county, federal,
and State).
Accomplishments in 2021 were:
2021: $1,159,798
The City successfully addressed the goals of meeting basic needs, affordable housing to homeless and
at-risk persons, increasing self-sufficiency, and planning and administration. Sub-recipients used Kent
CDBG funds to provide:
Rent and utility assistance
Home repair assistance
Case management services to youth with intellectual disabilities and their families
Healthcare resources and testing for individuals in the sex industry
Shelter
Transitional housing
Comprehensive case management and support services to two housing facilities in Kent-
Titusville Station & Family Emergency Shelter
Employment and training
Legal services to West African residents
Support to immigrants, refugees and other under-served residents
Planning and administration activities
Outcomes for 2021 are still in process and organizations are primarily on track.
4. Summary of Citizen Participation Process and consultation process
Summary from citizen participation section of plan.
Citizen participation (hereinafter referred to as Community Participation Process or community
participation) is the lifeblood of the Consolidated Plan. The City solicited comments and input from
Annual Action Plan 3
2022
low/moderate income persons and households, non-governmental organizations, nonprofits, and other
interested parties regarding the development of the 2022 AAP.
The City convened the first public hearing on August 18, 2021, before this draft AAP was released; and a
second hearing was held on October 21, 2021, after the draft AAP was released. Both hearings were
nd
held virtually. Two people attended the first hearing, and \[insert # of 2 hearing attendees___ person(s)
attended the second hearing.
5.\[Summary of public comments-add after hearing \]
6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them
All comments were accepted.
Annual Action Plan 4
2022
PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)
1. Agency/entity responsible for preparing/administering the Consolidated Plan
The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and
those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.
Agency Role Name Department/Agency
Lead AgencyKENT
CDBG Administrator KENT City of Kent Parks, Recreation & Community
Svs
Table 1 – Responsible Agencies
Narrative
The City of Kent, Housing and Human Services Division, is the lead agency for the CDBG Program. Merina
Hanson, Housing and Human Services Manager, is the program administrator, and Dinah Wilson, Senior
CDBG Coordinator, is the program manager.
Sub-recipients that receive CDBG funds are responsible for executing programs on behalf of the City and
are consulted during the development of the Action Plan. These agencies are listed in the AP-10
Consultation section of this document.
Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information
Housing and Human Services Manager Senior CDBG Coordinator
Merina HansonDinah Wilson
220 4th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032 220 4th Ave S, Kent, WA 98032
253.856.5070
253.856.5070
drwilson@kentwa.gov
mhanson@kentwa.gov
AP-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)
1. Introduction
Annual Action Plan 5
2022
The City of Kent consulted with multiple entities, including South King County cities (the cities of Auburn
and Federal Way are the two other entitlement cities in South County), the King County Housing
Authority, King County Department of Community and Human Services, nonprofit agencies delivering
services in Kent and the sub-region, Washington State Department of Social and Health Services, Public
Health-Seattle and King County, Kent Cultural Diversity Initiative Group, and United Way of King County.
The City of Kent carries out homeless planning and coordination both sub-regionally and regionally. Kent
works with All Home (transitioning to the Regional Homeless Authority), which includes King County,
cities, mainstream systems, Safe Harbors, housing funders, community agencies, United Way, the
private sector (including businesses), and homeless people.
Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between
public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health
and service agencies (91.215(l)).
Kent Housing and Human Services Division meets regularly with other King County jurisdictions, public
housing authorities and State Departments to develop strategies and to implement plans to improve the
quality of service and access for low-income residents in the City and throughout the region.
Additionally, the City participates in quarterly meetings with King County staff, including Public
Health Seattle/King County, to review implementation and delivery of services funded through regional
efforts. The City will continue to participate in All Home strategic planning efforts, funding review panels
for Continuum of Care (CoC), Emergency Shelter Grant, McKinney funding, and other housing funding
application review teams. Since the COVID-19 pandemic, staff are actively engaged in local and regional
emergency service coordination, including securing funding, PPE supplies, etc. The City also participates
in the Refugee Housing Task Force hosted by DSHS, Office of Refugee and Immigrant Assistance, and
attends quarterly briefings provided by local refugee resettlement organizations. The CDBG Coordinator
sits on the King County Climate Equity Community Task Force. The Task Force developed a new
Sustainable and Resilient Communities section for the 2020-2025 King County Strategic Climate Action
Plan (SCAP), which include goals and guide priority areas for climate action based on community values
and concerns. The SCAP was unanimously adopted by the King County Council in May 2021. The City is
assessing how to connect the goals and outcomes of the Annual Action Plan with the Sustainable and
Resilient Frontline Communities Section of the Strategic Climate Action Plan.
Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of
homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with
children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness.
Staff worked extensively in 2018 to develop an Interlocal Agreement, creating a formal collaboration on
housing and homelessness issues between six cities in South King County, including Kent. Kent has
contributed funds to the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership since 2016; this partnership
provided additional staff capacity for tracking, developing, and implementing policies related to
Annual Action Plan 6
2022
affordable housing and homelessness to participating cities. The City funds this project with Human
Services General Funds. Kent staff and other South King County stakeholders continue to meet to
deepen cross-jurisdictional coordination, create a common understanding for housing and homelessness
needs and strategies for South King County, and move forward strategies in the South King County
Response to Homelessness. Two separate groups currently meet the South King County Homeless
Action Committee and the South King County Joint Planners.
In December 2018, the City of Seattle and King County, along with local partners, publicly committed to
moving forward with the actions and strategies outlined in a report by The National Innovation Service
(formerly, Future Laboratories). The report included ten actions and strategies, including a
recommendation to consolidate authority for homeless assistance through the implementation of a new
regional consolidated entity. These actions are intended to fundamentally change the landscape of
homeless services and their administration within the region. On September 4th, 2019, Executive Dow
Constantine and City of Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan transmitted a proposed ILA and Charter to their
respective councils to establish and define the role, scope, and governance of the King County Regional
Homelessness Authority, including the creation of a King County Regional Homelessness Authority
governance structure, including a Governing Committee and Implementation Board. The purpose of the
CoC governance adjustments is to be responsive to the changing regional environment, so that the CoC
can be directly connected to regional efforts to make homelessness rare, brief and non-recurring.
Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction’s area in
determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards for and evaluate
outcomes of projects and activities assisted by ESG funds, and develop funding, policies and
procedures for the operation and administration of HMIS
As mentioned above, All Home, King County, City of Seattle, and staff from local jurisdictions
collaborated to define and design a unified Regional Homeless Authority. This work was coordinated in
partnership with people with lived experience of homelessness, homeless advocates, housing and
service providers, Sound Cities Association (SCA) members, and local business and philanthropy.
The mission of the CoC is to make homelessness in the region rare, brief, and non-recurring. To
accomplish this mission, the CoC adopted a set of values that will guide its actions and a theory of
change that will orient the CoC in specific ways towards its mission. The CoC (through the Board and its
committees) will endeavor to make funding, program and policy actions that are aligned with its stated
values.
Kent is one of the participating jurisdictions partnering with King County who agree via an ILA that it is
mutually desirable and beneficial to enter into a consortium arrangement pursuant to and authorized by
the Homeless Emergency Assistance and Rapid Transition to Housing Act of 2009, for purposes of the
ESG and to cooperate in undertaking ESG activities. The County and the City are committed to targeting
ESG and HOME Program funds to ensure benefit for very low to moderate-income persons as defined by
Annual Action Plan 7
2022
HUD; and also recognize that needs of very low to moderate-income persons may cross jurisdictional
boundaries.
As part of the ILA, staff attend (and in alternating years maintain a voting seat) on the Joint
Recommendations Committee. The JRC has the responsibility to review and recommend to the King
County Executive all policy matters concerning the ESG program. They also review and recommend to
the King County Executive the projects and programs to be undertaken with ESG funds. They monitor
and ensure that for all geographic areas and participating jurisdictions that benefit from ESG programs
funded activities over time, so far as is feasible considering eligible applications submitted within the
goals, objectives and strategies of the Consolidated Plan. Additionally they monitor to ensure that equity
in distribution of funds is pursuant to proportion of the region’s low to moderate-income population
and that equity is achieved over time pursuant to Consortium Guidelines adopted by the JRC.
The City consults with County staff and those working on the Regional Homeless Authority, and they in
turn, consult with the State on behalf of local jurisdictions, including Kent. Staff has participated in the
Continuum of Care Application and Rank Order Committee and Joint Recommendations Committee,
which as mentioned previously reviews recommendations for allocation of funds. Staff consults with
King County on HUD Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) data standards and
performance indicators to capture and evaluate the CoC’s performance regarding the reduction of
homelessness through investments in homeless housing and services, and rapid re-housing.
2. Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and
consultations
Note: This section will be updated after the public hearing.
Annual Action Plan 8
2022
AP-35 Projects - 91.420, 91.220(d)
Introduction
Funded projects include a variety of activities: employment services and training, maintaining affordable
housing, shelter and housing assistance, legal services, case management, food security through
gardening, and health resources and support.
# Project Name
1 Partner in Employment: Job Readiness and Training
2 West African Community Council:Immigration Legal Program
3 Kent Home Repair Program: Minor Home Repair
4 Planning & Administration
5 Catholic Community Services: Katherine's House
6YWCA-Anita Vista Transitional Housing
7 Open Doors for Multicultural Families: Youth Case Management
8 St. Stephen Housing Association: Transitional Housing
9 Puget Sound Opportunities Industrialization Center (PSTC): Employment & Training Services
10 Multi-Service Center: Case Management & Supportive Services
11 Utopia: Street Outreach Services
12 World Relief: Paradise Parking Plot Community Garden
13 Highline Community College
Table 7 – Project Information
Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved
needs
Priorities were decided based on resident needs and is partnership with the community. The pandemic
will remain an obstacle to addressing underserved needs. Additionally, limitations on the precentage of
funds that can be used for personnel costs is an impediment as staffing requirements and workload
increase.
CONTINGENCY PLANS
Public Services
In the event of a funding increase, the amount of the increase will be awarded to Utopia, which received
under $10,000.
In the event of a funding decrease, the amount of the decrease will be deducted from a project(s)
guided by an equity lens. If possible, the City will provide at least $10,000 to each project.
Capital
Annual Action Plan 23
2022
In the event of a funding increase, funds will be allocated to the City's Home Repair Program and/or an
East Hill capital project.
In the event of a funding decrease, the Home Repair Program budget will be reduced.
AP-38 Project Summary
Project Summary Information
1
Project Name Partner in Employment
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Support Economic Viability
Needs Addressed Economic Viability
Funding CDBG: $15,000
Description Public Services: Funds used to provide culturally responsive case
management & job readiness skills to prepare Kent tim find
employment.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 10 immigrants and refugees residing in Kent will
and type of families benefit.
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description SeaTac, on the border of Kent. Services may be provided virtually or
via phone until it is safe to meet clients in the office.
Planned Activities Culturally responsive case management & job readiness skills services
2
Project Name West African Community Council: Immigration Legal Program
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Needs Addressed Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $15,000
Description Public Services: This project provides culturally responsive legal
assistance to immigrants.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Annual Action Plan 24
2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 11 immigrants residing in Kent will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Culturally responsive legal assistance
3
Project Name Kent Home Repair Program: Minor Home Repair
Target Area City of Kent
Racially and Ethnically Concentrated area of Poverty (R/ECAP) 2010
Goals Supported Maintain Affordable Housing
Needs Addressed Affordable Housing
Funding CDBG: $693,868
Description Capital: Low/moderate-income homeowners in Kent receive minor
home repairs
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 100 families will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Minor home repair and rehabilitation.
4
Project Name Planning & Administration
Target Area City of Kent & Racially and Ethnically Concentrated area of Poverty
(R/ECAP) 2010
Goals Supported Planning and Administration Support
Needs Addressed Planning & Administration
Funding CDBG: $231,960
Description City uses funds to administer the CDBG project carried out by the
City, to monitor sub-recipients, and to deliver strategies outlined in
the 2015-2019 Consolidated Plan.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Annual Action Plan 25
2022
Estimate the number N/A
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities City uses funds to administer the CDBG program, to monitor sub-
recipients, and to deliver strategies outlined in the 2020-2024
Consolidated Plan.
5
Project Name Catholic Community Services: Katherine's House
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Prevent Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homeless Prevention
Funding $14,000
Description Public Service: Sub-recipient provides shelter and case management
services to women residing in transitional shelter
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 1 homeless woman will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent.
Planned Activities Shelter and case management services to women
6
Project Name YWCA: Anita Vista Transitional Housing
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Prevent Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homeless Prevention
Funding CDBG: $20,000
Description Public Service: Project provides transitional housing to domestic
violence survivors and their children.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Annual Action Plan 26
2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 14 female domestic violence survivors and their
and type of families children will benefit.
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Transitional housing and services.
7
Project Name Open Doors for Multicultural Families: Youth Case Management
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Needs Addressed Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $15,000
Description Public Services: This project provides case management services to
youth with intellectual disabilities and their families.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 22 individuals with intellectual disabilities and
and type of families their families will benefit.
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Case management services for youth
8
Project Name St. Stephen Housing Association: Transitional Housing
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Prevent Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homeless Prevention
Funding CDBG: $15,000
Description Public Services: This project provides temporary housing to homeless
families.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 25 homeless individuals will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Renton
Annual Action Plan 27
2022
Planned Activities Transitional housing
9
Project Name Puget Sound Opportunities Industrialization Center (PSTC):
Employment & Training Services
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Support Economic Viability
Needs Addressed Economic Viability
Funding CDBG: $10,000
Description Public Services: This project provides employment and training
services to under-served individuals.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 44 underserved & unemployed individuals will
and type of families benefit.
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Renton, near the Kent border
Planned Activities Employment and training services
10
Project Name Multi-Service Center: Case Management & Supportive Services
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Prevent Homelessness
Needs Addressed Homeless Prevention
Funding CDBG: $49,000
Description Public Service: Funding used to provide comprehensive case
management& support services to two housing facilities in Kent
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 30 individuals will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Comprehensive case management and & support services
11
Project Name Utopia: Street Outreach Services
Target Area
Annual Action Plan 28
2022
Goals Supported Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Needs Addressed Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $6,517
Description Public Services: This project provides healthcare resources and testing
for individuals in the sex industry.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 19 individuals will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Healthcare resources and testing services
12
Project Name World Relief: Paradise Parking Plot Community Garden
Target Area City of Kent
Goals Supported Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Needs Addressed Opportunity to Meet Basic Needs
Funding CDBG: $14,453
Description Public Services: This project provides a community garden for
refugees residents to prevent food insecurity.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 32 refugee and their families will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description City of Kent
Planned Activities Community gardening for refugees residents to prevent food
insecurity
13
Project Name Highline College
Target Area Racially and Ethnically Concentrated area of Poverty (R/ECAP) 2010
Goals Supported Support Economic Viability
Needs Addressed Economic Viability
Funding CDBG: $60,000
Annual Action Plan 29
2022
Description Funds will be primarily invested on the East Hill of Kent, a
Racially/Ethnically Concentrated Area of Poverty (R/ECAP). City staff
will work with residents to respond to emerging needs and plan for
future use of funds. Funds will be used to mitigate poverty by
providing technical assistance to micro-enterprise business owners.
Target Date 12/31/2022
Estimate the number It is estimated that 30 individuals will benefit.
and type of families
that will benefit from
the proposed activities
Location Description East Hill of Kent
Planned Activities Funds are slotted for economic activities such as business assistance
or micro-enterpise development.
AP-50 Geographic Distribution - 91.420, 91.220(f)
Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and
minority concentration) where assistance will be directed
Historically, low/moderate-income households were dispersed throughout the City, and CDBG funds
were distributed accordingly. Data now indicates that the East Hill of Kent has the highest concentration
of poverty in the City. The federal government categorizes the East Hill as a Racially or Ethnically
Concentrated Area of Poverty (R/ECAP). A R/ECAP is defined as a census tract that is majority non-White
and has a poverty rate greater than 40% or is three times the average census tract poverty rate for the
metro/micro area, whichever threshold is lower. (Kent is the only City in the CDBG Consortium that
includes a R/ECAP; cities in the Consortium include Auburn, Bellevue, and Federal Way.)
Neighborhoods with high concentrations of poverty can serve as a tipping point to a family’s ability to
reach positive outcomes; therefore, the City will work will residents and nonprofits in the East Hill Area
to develop a strategy for investing in East Hill beginning in 2021. The City will begin with an investment
of five percent (5%) of its HUD allocation in 2022 and could increase its investment as opportunities
arise for the duration of the Consolidated Plan cycle.
Geographic Distribution
Target Area Percentage of Funds
City of Kent 100
Racially and Ethnically Concentrated area of Poverty (R/ECAP) 20105
Table 8 - Geographic Distribution
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Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically
Because low/moderate-income families reside throughout Kent, investments will be dispersed where
those families live. A 5% portion of the City’s funds will be targeted on the East Hill to address the high
concentration of poverty in that area.
Note: The 5% of funds to be allocated within the R/ECAP does not include amount spent through the
Home Repair Program.
Discussion
According to the American Community Survey (2019), the poverty rate in Kent is 13.4 %. This rate was
determined before the pandemic struck; therefore, it is a low estimate. According to YCHARTS, the
unemployment rate ranged from a low of 3.2% in January 2020 when rumblings of the COVID-19 virus
first started to a high of 19.3% in May 2020 when the area experienced a full-fledged pandemic. As of
July 2021, the unemployment rate is down to 7.2%. When the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan was drafted
in 2020, poverty in pockets throughout the City were just over 20%, and just over half of the students in
the Kent School District qualified for free and reduced lunches. Economic disadvantage and poverty
associated with the pandemic led to increased dependence on public assistance and forced many
households to use public services for basic needs, including food, utility assistance, rental assistance,
medical services, childcare, etc. Housing costs continue to rise in Kent. According to the apartment web
service, Rent Café, the average cost for an apartment in Kent is $1,648 (average one-bedroom size), and
this represents an 8% increase from the average cost over a year.
Additionally, the East Hill of Kent is defined by the federal government as a R/ECAP. This high poverty
rate justifies targeted investment on the East Hill.
AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing -91.420, 91.220(j)
Introduction
Barriers to affordable housing include fallout from the pandemic, poverty, rental and other debt,
insufficient down payment funds, code restrictions, displacement, insufficient number of jobs with a
living wage, among others. Ameliorating barriers to affordable housing is a priority for the City.
Actions it planned 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
In June 2021, the City adopted the Kent Housing Options Plan that identifies actionable code
amendments that will increase overall residential building capacity. The plan assesses housing needs
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including affordability at all income levels and adopts strategies to improve housing outcomes. Other
identified strategies include strengthening partnerships, increasing access to homeownership, and
adjusting development regulations to increase future potential for more housing inventory.
Implementation work will begin in late 2021 with near-term steps as resources allow and continue with
medium- and long-term steps over the next 2-5+ years.
Additionally, the City’s Senior CDBG Coordinator is a core member of the Connecting Capital and
Community (3C) initiative, a three-year effort funded by JPMorgan Chase, which will focus on
eliminating the racial inequities and barriers to homeownership in Black, Indigenous, and People of
Color (BIPOC) communities. Civic Commons, an initiative of Seattle Foundation, is the convening
organization for the 3C’s Seattle site. The role of the core team includes defining priorities, developing
and executing a pipeline, and working to change policies and practices. The Seattle site, which will target
regional housing inequities, is one of six sites in the nation. Other 3 C’s sites include Chicago,
Washington, DC, Los Angeles, Miami, and New Orleans.
Discussion
Economic and Community Development staff presented the Housing Action Plan to the Kent Cultural
Diversity Initiative Group and received comments from under-served communities. Human Services
Division staff is also collaborating with Economic and Community Development staff on identifying
opportunities for non-profit affordable housing developers to work in Kent.
AP-85 Other Actions -91.420, 91.220(k)
Introduction
The City is actively involved in many initiatives and ongoing commitments to improve the life of Kent
residents. The City is actively engaged with refugee and immigrant communities by staffing and
facilitating the Kent Cultural Diversity Initiative Group (KC-DIG).
In 2020, the City hired a Race and Equity Manager, who began concentrating on racial justice issues
facing the City on a full-time basis in 2021. An Equity Diversity and Inclusion Strategic Plan will be
drafted over the next few months.
The City’s Human Services Division hired consultants to work with the Kent Human Services Commission
and staff to prioritize and direct 2021-2022 human services investments using a racial equity lens. A
consultant was also hired to evaluate the 2021-2022 human services funding cycle. The Kent Human
Services Commission and HSD staff have begun implementing recommendations from the report which
is entitled, A Community-Based Vision for Equitable Grantmaking.
In 2016, the City appointed a Cultural Communities Advisory Board to advise the Mayor and City Council
on how to engage with and provide culturally responsive services to the cultural communities residing in
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Kent.
The CDBG Coordinator participates in the King County Climate Equity Community Task Force, where
frontline racial and ethnic communities collaborated and developed the Sustainable and Resilient
Communities section of the 2020 Strategic Climate Action Plan (SCAP). The SCRAP was adopted by the
King County Council, and the Task Force continues to advice the county and work on recommendations
contained in the Sustainable and Resilient Communities section of the plan .
In 2020 and early 2021, the CDBG Coordinator was on the board of Communities Rise, which
fosters movements to build power in communities impacted by systemic oppression.
Kent’s Human Services Manager has been actively involved in regional discussions about governance in
the Seattle/King County homelessness system. In August of 2018 the City of Seattle and King County
partnered with Future Laboratories to launch a community-driven process of listening, and ultimately,
designing a stronger regional response. A key part of the process going forward will be to design with
equity in mind, building a system that is responsive to the needs of those who are at the highest risk for
prolonged or multiple episodes of homelessness. While service systems are traditionally built with the
input of “experts” as the guiding voices, delivering services that are effective means the input of people
utilizing those services must be understood as the primary data source.
Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs
Staff will continue to play a leadership role in emergency and COVID-19 service coordination.
Staff will continue to administer and manage CDBG Coronavirus (CDBG-CV ) grants (total of $1,530,361),
which are provided to organizations assisting individuals and families impacted by COVID-19.
Human Services Division staff will continue to work with Economic Development Division staff on
outreach and engagement and provide recommendations on best practices to ensure culturally
responsive service to under-served communities.
Staff will continue to work with Seattle Foundation and King County on the Communities of Opportunity
Grant which provides funds to organizations whose activities reduce inequities in the areas of health,
housing, and economic opportunities.
Staff will continue to participate on the King County Refugee Housing Task Force, which is led by DSHS,
Office of Immigrant and Refugee Assistance. This stakeholders’ group works collaboratively to influence
policies, resources, and the public’s interest to increase affordable housing for refugees.
The City will continue to provide educational support to the Kent School District to improve outcomes
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for students.
Kent’s Human Services Manager will continue to participate in regional discussions about governance in
the Seattle/King County homelessness system.
Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing
The City will continue its long-term collaboration and participation on Boards, committees, funding
review teams; etc., to foster and maintain affordable housing for the South County Region. Through sub-
regional efforts, City staff and stakeholders will engage in discussions with elected officials and Land Use
and Planning Board members about the impact that affordable housing has on the long-term viability of
the community. As part of the South King Housing and Homelessness Partnership project, staff will
review opportunities to implement strategies recommended by the Regional Affordable Housing Task
Force.
Additionally, in 2020 the state legislature gave counties and cities authority to impose a 1/10 of one
percent sales tax for affordable housing. Kent was one of eight city councils that chose to impose it
within their city limits and then the county imposed it countywide (minus the eight cities). The eight
cities are Bellevue, Issaquah, Snoqualmie, North Bend, Renton, Kent, Covington, and Maple Valley. State
law places the same requirement on every county and city that imposes the tax: spend 60% of the
proceeds to construct affordable housing and 40% on human services. City staff is formulating plans for
allocating these funds.
Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards
No actions are planned.
Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families
Actions to reduce the number of poverty level families maintaining relationships with local training
schools, encouraging business to hire low-income residents and outreach to increase opportunities for
low-income residents to obtain livable wage jobs, investing in training under-served/BIPOC populations,
and partnering with the City’s Economic Division to increase opportunities to LEP and BIPOC residents.
The City also collaborates with the Financial Empowerment Network. Based on homelessness research,
it is evident the City must prioritize economic stability to reduce inflow into homelessness. Research
data and coordination will help guide the City’s planning process.
Actions planned to develop institutional structure
In 2018, the City hired a consultant to evaluate its Parallel Human Services Application process (PAP).
PAP was piloted in 2017-2018 and extended to 2019-2020. The purpose was to use a streamlined
application process to increase funds to under-served and under-resourced organizations that received
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a disproportional percentage of human services funds but provided a great deal of services to Kent
residents. We used lessons learned from the Parallel Application pilot to simplify the human services
and CDBG-CV application process and to increase investments to Ethnic Community-Based
Organizations and under-served residents. The City awarded leftover Parallel Application funds to a
Latinix organization in 2021.
The City is also developing a plan to implement recommendations from an evaluation of the 2021-2022
Human Services Application Cycle (including CDBG) that was conducted by Equitable Futures.
Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social
service agencies
The City was instrumental in developing relationships between public and private housing and social
service agencies and will continue to collaborate with these entities, including the Homeless Forum (a
monthly meeting of housing and support service providers), South King Council of Human Services,
South King County Housing Development Group, and theKing County Housing Development
Consortium. The South King County Housing and Homelessness Partnership will be a key driver of
enhancing coordination in this area in 2022 as well.
Discussion
The City will diligently engage in actions to support its residents and the goals of the Five-Year
Consolidated Plan.
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Program Specific Requirements
AP-90 Program Specific Requirements - 91.420, 91.220(l)(1,2,4)
Introduction
The City of Kent will use CDBG funds to benefit low/moderate-income residents. The full amount
allowable by regulation will be used for Public Services and Planning and Administration. The balance of
funds will be used for housing rehabilitation services and micro-enterprise. The City will not receive
program income from prior years.
Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG)
Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1)
Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the
Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in
projects to be carried out.
1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next
program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0
2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to
address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0
3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0
4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not
been included in a prior statement or plan 0
5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0
Total Program Income: 0
Other CDBG Requirements
1. The amount of urgent need activities0
2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that
benefit persons of low and moderate income.Overall Benefit -A consecutive period
of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall
benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate
income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 100.00%
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Discussion
All CDBG funds will be used to benefit low/moderate-income individuals and households.
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