Citizen Participation Plan for 2025-2029
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1 Maricopa County HOME Consortium & Urban County Citizen Participation Plan 2025-2029 2 Contents Introduction ......................................................................................................................... 3 HOME Consortium Applicability .................................................................................................. 3 Citizen Participation Plan Adoption and Amendments ............................................................... 4 Consolidated Plan Summary ...................................................................................................... 4 Encouragement of Citizen Participation............................................................................. 5 Consolidated Plan ....................................................................................................................... 5 Annual Action Plan ...................................................................................................................... 6 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER)........................................ 6 Public Hearings................................................................................................................... 7 Comments Received at Public Hearings .................................................................................... 7 Amendments to Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan............................................. 8 Criteria ......................................................................................................................................... 8 Process ....................................................................................................................................... 8 Emergency or Disaster Procedures ................................................................................... 9 Technical Assistance .......................................................................................................... 9 Access to Records ............................................................................................................ 10 Comments and Complaints .............................................................................................. 10 Other Citizen Participation Requirements ....................................................................... 10 Anti-Displacement Plan ..................................................................................................... 11 Acquisition and Relocation Policies ...........................................................................................11 3 Introduction HOME Consortium Applicability The Maricopa County HOME Consortium is committed to encouraging citizens to participate in the planning, implementation, and assessment of the performance of its federal HUD-funded programs including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG). The Citizen Participation Plan emphasizes the need to provide citizens with adequate information and to afford them the opportunity to give meaningful input. The goal of the Citizen Participation Plan is to fully integrate citizen input into the participation, planning, and reporting activities required to successfully manage the Maricopa HOME Consortium’s HUD programs. These activities include developing the following: 1. Amendments to the Citizen Participation Plan (CPP); 2. Five-year Consolidated Plan; 3. Annual Action Plans (AAP); 4. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER); and 5. Substantial amendments to the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plans. This document implements the consultation and citizen participation planning regulations applicable under Consolidated Plan submittal requirements noted under 24 CFR 91.105. This citizen participation plan applies to the following jurisdictions submitting Consolidated Plans covering FY 2025 through FY 2029, HUD Program Years 2025-2029, pursuant to: • 24 CFR 91.400 for Consolidated Plan submission for the: Maricopa HOME Consortium • 24 CFR 91.200 for Consolidated Plan submission for the: City of Avondale City of Chandler City of Glendale City of Peoria City of Scottsdale City of Surprise City of Tempe Town of Gilbert Maricopa County The Maricopa County HOME Consortium includes the Cities of Avondale, Chandler, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe; the Town of Gilbert; and Maricopa County; with Maricopa County, administered by the Human Services Department Housing and Community Development Division as the designated Lead Agency. The Consortium has elected to establish July 1 through June 30 as the Program Year under forthcoming Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan submissions. This program year corresponds with each jurisdiction’s fiscal year. 4 To request access to documents, or for more information concerning the citizen participation process associated with the Consolidated Plan, please contact one or all of the following organizations: • Maricopa County Human Services Department at (602) 506-5911 • City of Avondale at (623) 333-2726 • City of Chandler at (480) 782-4349 • City of Glendale at (623) 930-3670 • City of Peoria at (623) 773-7770 • City of Scottsdale at (480) 312-7156 • City of Surprise at (623) 222-1550 • City of Tempe at (480) 350-8958 • Town of Gilbert (480) 503-6956 Citizen Participation Plan Adoption and Amendments The Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) is a required component of the Consolidated Plan. The CPP, and any subsequent amendments to the CPP, are adopted by the Maricopa County Board of Supervisors and City/Town Councils of Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise, and Tempe concurrent with the scheduled adoption of each Maricopa County Consortium member’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Amendments to the CPP may occur on an as-needed basis at any time during the Consolidated Plan period. Consolidated Plan Summary HUD regulations noted in 24 CFR 91.105 require the preparation of Consolidated Plans for all entitlement communities. The Consolidated Plan is prepared in draft form by April in the year the Plan takes effect and includes needs, priorities and long- and short-term strategies concerning affordable housing, homeless/special needs, and community development in the region, unless a delay in HUD allocation release causes delay in the submission deadline to HUD and subsequently delays the draft preparation. The Consolidated Plan process includes a Five-Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plans, and serves as a long- and short- term investment guide for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME). The Consolidated Plan is also consulted prior to the award of other funding administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Consolidated Plan prepared for the Maricopa HOME Consortium is regional in nature and focuses on affordable housing, homeless and special needs priorities and strategies pursuant to 24 CFR 91.400, while those prepared by entitlement community members herein are local in nature and shall address affordable housing, community development, homeless and special population needs priorities and strategies pursuant to 24 CFR 91.200. Consortium members must participate in submission of a Consolidated Plan for the Consortium, prepared in accordance with 24 CFR 91. As described in 24 CFR 91.400, CDBG entitlement communities that are members of a consortium must provide additional information for the consolidated plan. 5 Encouragement of Citizen Participation In order to encourage citizens to participate in the development of the Consolidated Plan, any substantial amendment to the Consolidated Plan, and the performance report, the following efforts shall be undertaken by HOME Consortium members. Consortium members shall encourage participation by low- and moderate-income persons, particularly those persons living in areas designated by the jurisdiction as a revitalization area or in a slum and blighted area and in areas where CDBG funds are proposed to be used, by residents of predominantly low- and moderate- income neighborhoods, as defined by the jurisdiction. Consortium members must take appropriate actions to encourage the participation of all its citizens, including minorities and non- English speaking persons, as well as persons with disabilities. Per 24 CFR 91.100, the HOME Consortium members shall consult with housing authorities in their jurisdictions to solicit participation of the residents of public and assisted housing (including any resident advisory boards, resident councils, and resident management corporations) in plan development and review, which is anticipated to be derived from PHA planning activities stipulated under 24 CFR Part 903. As needed and applicable, Maricopa County Consortium members will also consult with the Maricopa Regional Continuum of Care and organizations therein, supportive housing agencies, relevant businesses and industry representatives and low- income residents of targeted revitalization areas in which federal projects are anticipated. Consortium members shall make Consolidated Plan information available to local housing authorities on a continuing basis for any public hearings to be held under the HUD Comprehensive Grant Program or Public Housing Agency Plan established pursuant to 24 CFR Part 903. Per 24 CFR 91.100, Maricopa County Consortium members shall encourage participation of local and regional institutions and other organizations (including businesses, developers, nonprofit organizations, philanthropic organizations, and community-based and faith-based organizations), public and private organizations, broadband internet service providers, organizations engaged in narrowing the digital divide, agencies whose primary responsibilities include the management of flood prone areas, public land or water resources, and emergency management agencies in the process of developing and implementing the Consolidated Plan. Consolidated Plan Maricopa County Consortium members shall each hold at least one public hearing concerning the Consolidated Plan in addition to surveys, consultation, and other methods to solicit input desired by members as required by 24 CFR 91.105 (e)(ii). The public hearing will be held during the development and preparation of the Consolidated Plan, and before publishing the plan for the 30-day public comment period. The public hearing to be conducted by Maricopa County Consortium members shall include the following items: • The amount of CDBG, ESG, and HOME resources anticipated to be made available within member jurisdictions on a program year basis, and the eligible range of activities that may be undertaken concerning such federal programs. • The amount of CDBG, ESG, and HOME resources anticipated to benefit income qualified persons residing within member jurisdictions on a program year basis. 6 • Plans by Maricopa County Consortium members to minimize the displacement of persons from the intended uses of CDBG, ESG, and HOME resources anticipated to be invested during any given fiscal year. • Perspectives on priorities and housing and community development needs in each Maricopa County Consortium member jurisdiction. • Proposed strategies and actions for affirmatively furthering fair housing. • Other aspects of the Consolidated Plan as applicable. Annual Action Plan Maricopa County Consortium members shall each hold at least one public hearing concerning the development of Annual Action Plan each year as required by 24 CFR 91.105 (e)(ii). The public hearing will be held during the development and preparation of the Annual Action Plan, and before publishing the plan for the 30-day public comment period. Additional citizen outreach efforts may be undertaken and may include surveys, consultation and other methods to solicit input desired by members however these are held at the discretion of Consortium members and not required. On or before April 1st of any given year, Maricopa County Consortium members will make available their draft Annual Plans and the previous year’s Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to each housing authority, libraries, surrounding municipal governments (as applicable), and selected other locations for the mandatory 30-day public comment period to end no later than the 1st of May of any given year. If HUD annual funding allocations have not been released by March 15, the timeline for the draft and subsequent submission to HUD may be delayed. Members may also post their draft Plans using other supplemental forms of securing valid public input. The public shall be notified at least 14 days in advance of the public hearing, and before the comment period of this opportunity for review and comment in one or more newspapers with general circulation in each Consortium member’s jurisdiction and shall identify the locations where citizens may review copies of draft Annual Action Plan and relevant CAPERs. A member may pursue alternative forms of posting with prior HUD written approval. The public hearing to be conducted by Maricopa County Consortium members shall include the following items: • The amount of CDBG, ESG, and HOME resources anticipated to be made available within member jurisdictions on a program year basis, and the projects within the range of eligible activities that may be undertaken concerning such federal programs. • The amount of CDBG, ESG, and HOME resources anticipated to benefit income qualified persons residing within member jurisdictions on a program year basis. • Other aspects of the Annual Action Plan as applicable. Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) In early September of each year, Maricopa County Consortium members shall make available their draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPERs) for the previous 7 fiscal year to each housing authority, libraries, surrounding municipal governments (as applicable); and selected other locations for the mandatory 15-day public comment period to end no later than September 28 as per 24 CFR 91.105 (d). Again, members may also post their draft CAPERs using other supplemental forms of securing valid public input. A member may pursue alternative forms of posting with prior HUD written approval. Document Required Number of Days for Notice of Comment Period Required Number of Days for Public Comment Consolidated Plan 14 days 30 days Annual Action Plan 14 days 30 days Citizen Participation Plan 14 days 30 days Substantial Amendment to Con Plan/AAP/CPP 14 days 30 days CAPER 14 days 15 days Public Hearings At least two public hearings are required at two different stages of the year. As noted earlier in this plan, one of the public hearings must be held during the development of the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan. Public hearings to be conducted by Maricopa County Consortium members shall be publicly noticed with a minimum of 14-day lead time, before the actual public hearing is conducted and be noticed in one or more newspapers with general circulation in the community. All postings shall include relevant information to permit informed citizen comments. Together, the hearings must address housing and community development needs, development of proposed activities, proposed strategies and actions for affirmatively furthering fair housing, and a review of program performance as per 24 CFR 91.105 (d) & (e). Consortium members shall explore alternative public involvement techniques to encourage citizen participation, i.e. use of the internet, and making copies of the notices and documents available on City/Town/County websites, distribution of materials in public service lobbies, and QR codes. Consortium members will provide a reasonable number of free copies of the Consolidated Plan as applicable to residents or groups that request it. All public hearings to be conducted will be held at times and locations convenient to prospective program beneficiaries and be conducted with accommodation for persons with disabilities when requested at least three working days in advance. Where appropriate to the local community and were requested in advance, a bilingual staff person or translator may be made available to meet the needs of residents. Specific determinations on the issues noted above shall be made by the staff of each Maricopa County Consortium member on a case-by-case basis. Comments Received at Public Hearings Prior to transmitting a Citizen Participation Plan, Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, substantial amendments, or Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report, members 8 shall compile any comments or views of citizens received in writing or orally at public hearings. A summary of these comments or views, and a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons therefore, shall be attached to the related document for final submission to HUD. Amendments to Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan Criteria Should any Maricopa County Consortium member decide to make one of the following changes outside of the annual action planning process, an amendment to the Consolidated Plan or Annual Action Plan would be required: a) To make a substantial change in the allocation priorities or methods of distribution delineated in the plans. “Substantial” in this context is defined as: • Changes made to funding priorities in the Consolidated Plans over time when not undertaken through annual submission requirements stipulated by HUD; and/or; • Changes in any method of distribution for HOME or ESG resources that will alter the manner in which funds are allocated to individual projects identified in the Annual Action Plan, including reallocation of funds i.e. returned funds or program income, by at least 30% of any annual Consortium allocation, subject to other program requirements in the CFR as applicable; and/or; • Project deletions or changes made in allocation priorities or methods of distribution that have the effect of changing the funding level of individual CDBG projects within an eligible project identified in its Annual Action Plan by more than 30% of an entitlement jurisdiction’s annual funding level, subject to other program requirements in the CFR as applicable. Any new eligible project funded with CDBG and not already identified in an Annual Action Plan, as well as significant changes in the use of CDBG funds from one eligible project to another, in an amount greater than 30% of the annual CDBG allocation. b) To carry out an eligible project, using funds from any program covered by the Consolidated Plans (including program income), not previously described in the Annual Action Plans. c) To substantially change the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of a project. Process Should substantial amendments be made to any aspect of the Consolidated Plan after its formal adoption, Maricopa County Consortium members will undertake the following: a) In the instance of Maricopa County, inform units of local government. b) Provide reasonable public notice of the proposed amendment(s) in applicable newspaper/s of general circulation to enable review and comment by the public for at least 30 days. 9 c) Upon the termination of the 30-day comment period, include any citizen comments received and the response(s) by Consortium members to such comment(s). d) Update Plan document available to the public to include amendment (i.e., paper or electronic versions posted on the internet) e) Submit substantial amendments to HUD through Information Disbursement and Information System (IDIS). f) Notify HUD of any amendments submitted in IDIS. Emergency or Disaster Procedures In the event of a local, state, or federally declared disaster or emergency, including the COVID- 19 or other health-related Pandemic, public places may be closed to the public, or in-person participation may not be feasible, or large gatherings may be considered a public health risk. In some situations, it may be necessary to expedite the Substantial Amendment to a Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, or Citizen Participation Plan to provide updated procedures or rapid allocation or reallocation of funds in order to respond to a disaster or emergency; expedite the amendment to a Consolidated Plan or Action Plan prior to the submission/approval of the plan to HUD to provide allocation or reallocation of funds to be used to respond to a disaster or emergency; and/or receive public input using alternate methods such as holding public hearings remotely. In these cases, the following modifications to the citizen participation processes may be made, subject to any applicable or mandated HUD regulations, requirements, approval, or waivers: • Public Comment Period - Provide reasonable public notice of the proposed documents and/or amendment(s) and enable review and comment by the public for at least 5 days. Conduct a public hearing on the subject of the proposed amendment during the abbreviated or expedited comment period. Draft documents will be provided to the public through posting on the appropriate Consortium member websites. • Public Hearing - Public hearings and meetings may be conducted virtually via conference call or live web-streaming with the ability for participants to ask questions and provide comments in real time. Accommodations for persons with disabilities and/or with limited English proficiency will be made available to the greatest extent possible upon request. • Submission Deadline - In the event that HUD waives or updates the submission deadlines for any HUD-required Consolidated Plan, Action Plan, CAPER, or other any other document or report, Consortium members may opt to follow revised submission deadlines within HUD guidelines. • In the event that HUD waives any or all components of the public participation process, Consortium members may opt to follow revised citizen participation allowances within HUD guidelines. Technical Assistance Maricopa County Consortium members will provide assistance to very low- and low- income persons and groups representative of them that request such assistance in commenting on the Consolidated Plan, or in developing proposals for funding under the CDBG, ESG, and HOME 10 resources as applicable. Each respective Consortium member will determine the level and type of technical assistance on a case-by- case basis. Access to Records All Maricopa County Consortium members shall provide citizens, public agencies, and other interested parties with reasonable and timely access to public records relating to the Consolidated Plan as adopted, substantial amendments, the performance report, and their past use of CDBG, ESG, and HOME and related assistance for the previous six years. This information shall be made available to interested parties and persons with disabilities in alternate formats as reasonably requested and shall be so noticed. Comments and Complaints Any citizen, organization or group desiring to make a comment or complaint regarding the Consolidated Plan, any activity related to the implementation of the Consolidated Plan, amendments, or performance reports may do so in writing to any Maricopa County Consortium members. Comments or complaints may also be made verbally during the execution of such public hearings and submitted in writing during a public comment period. In addition, any citizen, organization or group may also make comments or complaints verbally or in writing to a respective jurisdiction. At all times, citizens have the right to submit complaints directly to the Department of Housing and Urban Development as well. All comments and complaints are recorded in the Citizen Participation Record in the Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plans, CAPERs, or Assessment of Fair Housing along with the response and any changes, if made, as a result of the comments. Each Maricopa County Consortium member shall respond in writing to comments or complaints in their jurisdiction within 15 working days from receipt. The Maricopa County Board of Supervisors is the final disposition authority for comments or complaints under the purview of Maricopa County, while the City/Town Councils of Avondale, Chandler, Gilbert, Glendale, Peoria, Scottsdale, Surprise and Tempe are the final disposition authority for comments or complaints applicable to such jurisdictions. To make comments or complaints to Maricopa County, please contact: Maricopa County Human Services Department Housing and Community Development ATTN: HCD Division – Citizen Input 234 N. Central Ave, Suite 3000 Phoenix, AZ 85004 Email: HCD@maricopa.gov Other Citizen Participation Requirements People and agencies seeking resources from individual Consortium members may need to comply with additional citizen participation requirements imposed on them by such entities. For additional information in this regard, contact the jurisdictions noted under the “HOME Consortium 11 Applicability” section in this document. HUD waivers relevant to the provisions of this document shall override and supersede the applicable contents of this citizen participation plan. Anti-Displacement Plan All Maricopa County Consortium members will minimize the displacement of persons assisted through the use of CDBG, ESG and HOME resources. The policies to be followed are separately included in this document, and all Maricopa County HOME Consortium members have agreed to abide by the anti-displacement plan. For efforts other than federally funded acquisition or rehabilitation, Consortium members may utilize adopted local policies concerning displacement assistance. Acquisition and Relocation Policies Preface This policy is necessary to minimize displacement and ensure compliance with the Uniform Acquisition and Relocation Act when displacement is unavoidable. Acquisition may in some cases be undertaken by the subrecipient, but only with the close coordination of Maricopa County Human Services Department staff and/or consultants. The Maricopa Human Services Department, in carrying out its responsibility for CDBG and HOME Program administration, and as the designated "State Agency" responsible for acquisition and relocation associated with CDBG and HOME Program assisted projects will use staff and professional consultants as necessary to comply with the requirements of the Uniform Acquisition and Relocation Act of 1970 (PL 91-646), as amended. 12 MARICOPA COUNTY HOME CONSORTIA POLICIES ON DISPLACEMENT FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) and/or HOME FUNDED ACTIVITIES This policy follows Guide form Residential Anti-displacement and Relocation Assistance Plan under Section 104(d) of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, as Amended. The Maricopa Consortium, in accordance with Federal Regulations for Displacement, 24 CFR 570.606(b), hereby issues this statement of policy regarding the displacement of persons by CDBG or HOME Program funded activities. Any entity receiving CDBG or HOME Program funds will replace all occupied and vacant units that will be demolished or converted to a use other than as low/moderate income housing. (One- for-one replacement) All replacement housing will be provided within three years of the commencement of the demolition or rehabilitation relating to conversion. This includes any property obtained through a public undertaking. Before obligating or expending funds that will directly result in such demolition or conversion, the entity will make public and submit to the HUD Field Office the following information in writing. • A description of the proposed assisted activity; • The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be demolished or converted to a use other than for low/moderate income dwelling units as a direct result of the assisted activity; • A time schedule for the commencement and completion of the demolition or conversion; • The general location on a map and approximate number of dwelling units by size (number of bedrooms) that will be provided as replacement dwelling units; • The source of funding and a time schedule for the provision of replacement dwelling units; and • The basis for concluding that each replacement dwelling unit will remain a low/moderate income dwelling unit for at least 10 years from the date of initial occupancy (i.e.: Deed of Trust, Deed Restriction, etc.). The entity will provide relocation assistance, as described in 570.606(b)(2), to each low/ moderate income household displaced by the demolition of housing or by the conversion of a low/moderate income dwelling to another use. Benefits will be provided relocatees and displaces according to the calculation of benefits derived pursuant to requirements of regulations promulgated under the Uniform Property Acquisition and Relocation Act of 1970, as amended Permanent Displacement Displacement is defined as follows: Permanent movement of person(s) or other entities from a dwelling unit or business location resulting from CDBG or HOME funded code inspection, rehabilitation, demolition or acquisition. 13 In order to minimize displacement and mitigate adverse effects, the policy shall consist of the following guiding principles. In the event displacement is caused by current or future CDBG or HOME Program funded projects the project plan will: • Avoid or minimize permanent displacement whenever possible and only take such action when no other viable alternative exists. • Consider impact on existing persons and properties in the development of CDBG and HOME Program funded projects. • Inform citizens of CDBG or HOME Program project area(s) through information made available as part of the annual plan for use of CDBG and HOME Program funds. • Follow current regulations, HUD notices and policies when preparing informational statements and notices. • Provide written notification of intent to eligible property owners or tenants who may be displaced and/or relocated due to an approved project activity. • Assist those displaced in locating affordable, safe, decent and comparable replacement housing. • Ensure that "just compensation" for CDBG or HOME Program acquired property (as determined by appraised fair market value) is paid with relocation benefits, if applicable. • Provide for reasonable benefits to any person permanently displaced as a result of the use of CDBG or HOME Program funds to acquire or substantially rehabilitate property. • Provide information about equal opportunity and fair housing laws in order to ensure that the relocation process does not result in different or separate treatment on account of race, color, national origin, religion, sex, disability, familial status or source of income. • Contingent upon availability, displaced households may be provided assistance through Section 8, Conventional Public Housing or any other federally funded program for which they might qualify. Temporary Displacement CDBG or HOME Program funded activities may involve temporary displacement. While strict adherence to provisions of the Uniform Relocation Act are not specified, it is the policy of the Consortium that all subrecipients shall take steps to mitigate the impact of CDBG or HOME Program funded code inspections, rehabilitation, demolition or acquisition that results only in temporary movement of person(s) from a dwelling unit. Such temporary displacement primarily involves demolition and reconstruction of a single- family owner- occupied home or lead based paint abatement during rehabilitation of a residential unit. Accordingly, the citizens involved in a temporary movement shall be fully informed of the below matters and appropriate steps shall be taken to ensure that fair and equitable provisions are made to: • Receive temporary living accommodations while their CDBG or HOME Program funded unit is being rehabilitated or demolished and reconstructed. • Move and temporarily store household goods and effects during the rehabilitation or demolition and reconstruction project. • Reimburse all reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in connection with the temporary relocation, including moving costs and any increased rent and utilities. 14 Assistance To Aliens An alien who is not lawfully present in the United States is prohibited from receiving assistance under the Uniform Relocation Act, per 49 CFR 24.208, and assisted housing programs. Circumstances may dictate that determination that an alien is ineligible would result in exceptional and extremely unusual hardship to a spouse, parent, child who is a United States citizen. A final determination on the eligibility of the request will be made by HUD before any assistance is provided.