title
Motion Expressing the Sense of Council of Allegheny county formally establishing policy with regard to developing the Community Development Block Grant Program budget, beginning with the Year 34 Program.
body
WHEREAS, the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program has been funded through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Affairs (HUD) since 1974, providing funding to (1) address critical social, economic, and environmental problems facing the Nation's urban communities; (2) establish and maintain viable urban communities; (3) to provide decent housing, suitable living environment, and economic opportunities for persons of low and moderate income; and (4) consolidation of complex and overlapping Federal assistance programs into consistent system of Federal aid; and
WHEREAS, twenty-eight years of CDBG programs funding has developed a strong network of relationships between the County, local government, residents, and non-profit agencies that provide services, relying heavily upon the dedication of those involved; all of which is of vital importance to our community and the people who live in it; and
WHEREAS, since the formation of the Home Rule government, County Council has become more involved in all aspects of County government; although recognizing the expertise of the Department of Economic Development staff and being confident in their decisions, Council Members have had discussions with the Administration about taking a more active role in the CDBG process; and
WHEREAS, Council Members believe that performing their due diligence in connection with their responsibility to appropriate funds requires involvement in the progress to voice their opinions as to whether eligible projects are an appropriate or proper use of CDBG funds based upon its role as a "voice" of the constituents; with an expected reduction in HUD funds and, consequently, CDBG funds, expected in the coming years, the use of that funding is even more critical; and
WHEREAS, beginning with the Year 34 CDBG Program, County Council will take a more active role in the process through the participation of the President, Budget & Finance Chair, Economic Development Chair and a representative of the minority party in the review of eligible applications and selection of CDBG Year 34 funding when the draft Consolidated Plan is made available for public review and comment, and before the Consolidated Plan is finalized;
NOW THEREFORE, IT IS MOVED, AND IT IS THE SENSE OF THE COUNCIL OF ALLEGHENY COUNTY, that this Body formally establishes what its role will be in the Community Development Block Grant Program process, beginning with the Year 34 Program.