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HomeMy WebLinkAbout2025 - DRAFT Annual Action Plan FY2025-2026 CITY OF LANSING, MI ANNUAL ACTION PLAN JULY 1, 2025 - JUNE 30, 2026 Prepared for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by the City of Lansing, Michigan Department of Planning and Neighborhood Development 316 N. Capitol Avenue Lansing, MI 48933-1234 CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 2 Table of Contents Executive Summary ...................................................................................................................................... 2 AP-05 Executive Summary ........................................................................................................................ 3 The Process ................................................................................................................................................... 7 PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies ......................................................................................................... 7 AP-10 Consultation ................................................................................................................................... 9 AP-12 Citizen Participation ..................................................................................................................... 15 Annual Action Plan ................................................................................................................................... 19 AP-15 Expected Resources ...................................................................................................................... 19 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives ........................................................................................................ 22 AP-35 Projects ......................................................................................................................................... 24 AP-38 Project Summary .......................................................................................................................... 27 AP-50 Geographic Distribution ............................................................................................................... 31 AP-55 Affordable Housing ....................................................................................................................... 32 AP-60 Public Housing .............................................................................................................................. 33 AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities ............................................................................. 35 AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing...................................................................................................... 44 AP-85 Other Actions ................................................................................................................................ 47 AP-90 Program Specific Requirements ................................................................................................... 52 CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 3 Executive Summary AP-05 Executive Summary INTRODUCTION The City of Lansing, Michigan has completed the planning process for the 2025/2026 Annual Action Plan as required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The Annual Action Plan guides the use of city resources to address these needs over a one-year period. Over the past five years (2017-2021), the City received an annual allocation of approximately $2.0 million Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, $720,000 in HOME Investment Partnerships Program funds, and $171,000 in ESG Program funds. The city expects a similar revenue this fiscal year. For the 2025 fiscal year, the City of Lansing expects to receive $2,031,586 in CDBG funds, $675,060 in HOME funds, and $181,984 in ESG funds. The Annual Action Plan (Plan) is developed in a manner specified by HUD, and the city has followed the prescribed format in completing the plan. The Plan was developed using HUD and U.S. Census data for demographics and housing, input from public meetings, focus groups, a community survey, city planning board meetings, city council meetings, and past program performance. During the planning process, the city conducted one public hearing with the city planning board on December 4, 2024 and held a 30-day public comment period. They plan to hold another before the Planning Board on March 3, . The purpose of this process was to receive citizen input on the current housing and community development needs of the city. To reiterate: There are four major areas of focus in the Consolidated Plan: • Housing • Homelessness • Non-Housing Community Development • Non-Homeless Special Needs • CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 4 The Consolidated Plan process requires the city to identify priority needs for each area and prepare an Annual Action Plan to address the priorities. For every priority, there are goals, objectives and strategies established to measure progress. The citizen input was critical in developing the goals, objectives, and strategies of this Consolidated Plan. This Annual Action Plan presents goals to address the priority needs of the city and the statutory goals established by Federal law: Decent Housing: • Assist homeless persons to obtain affordable housing • Assist persons at risk of becoming homeless • Retain affordable housing stock • Increase the availability of affordable housing in standard condition to low- and moderate- income families, particularly to economically disadvantaged persons (and without discrimination on the basis of race, creed, religion, color, age, sex, marital status, familial status, national origin, disability, gender identity or sexual orientation) • Increase the supply of supportive housing which includes structural features and services to enable persons with special needs (including persons with HIV/AIDS) to live in dignity and independence • Provide affordable housing that is accessible to job opportunities A Suitable Living Environment: Improve the safety and livability of neighborhoods Increase access to quality public and private facilities and services Expanded Economic Opportunities: Job creation and retention for low-income persons Availability of mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates using nondiscriminatory lending practices Empowerment and self-sufficiency for low-income persons to reduce generational poverty in federally assisted housing CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 5 SUMMARY OF THE OBJECTIVES AND OUTCOMES IDENTIFIED IN THE PLAN NEEDS ASSESSMENT OVERVIEW The Five-Year Consolidated Plan identifies five goals, along with corresponding objectives and strategies, to address Lansing’s housing and community development needs. These goals are summarized as follows: GOAL 1: AFFORDABLE HOUSING Description: Improve availability, quality, and accessibility of affordable housing to persons of low- and moderate-income, protected classes as defined by the Fair Housing Act, and special needs populations throughout the City of Lansing. GOAL 2: HOMELESSNESS Description: Help to prevent and reduce homelessness within the City of Lansing. GOAL 3: PROVISION OF PUBLIC SERVICES AND OTHER NEEDED SERVICES Description: Provide support and capacity building for public services targeting low- and moderate-income and special needs populations within the City of Lansing, including but not limited to senior programs, youth services, and mental health services. GOAL 4: PUBLIC FACILITY AND INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENTS Description: Enhance the living environment of low- and moderate-income, homeless, and special needs populations through public improvement projects and activities. GOAL 5: PROGRAM ADMINISTRATION Description: Planning and administration of the CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs. EVALUATION OF PAST PERFORMANCE The previous five years have shown significant progress in the City of Lansing’s efforts to implement HUD entitlement programs. The city complies with HUD regulations and continues to deliver housing and community development services in an efficient manner. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 6 The Department of Economic Development and Planning is a city agency which works to improve the quality of life for City residents and to revitalize neighborhoods by providing decent and safe affordable housing. The Department of Economic Development and Planning oversees implementation of the CDBG HOME, and ESG programs. The Department of Economic Development and Planning provides an array of housing programs and services providing the foundation needed to aid in promoting homeownership and sustainable neighborhoods: • Homeowner Emergency Repair Program • Lead Safe Lansing • Down Payment Assistance Program • Housing Rehabilitation Additionally, the city funds public services activities, such as youth and senior programs, blight removal, the development of affordable housing for both rental and homeownership, economic development, and public facility improvements, such as ADA improvements. The city has been successful in implementing these programs in the past and anticipates the continuation of such programs in the future. The city will use CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds to make these programs successful and to meet the goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan. SUMMARY OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND CONSULTATION PROCESS Comments and concerns raised during the citizen participation process were taken into consideration when developing the Consolidated Plan's priority needs, goals, and strategies and this Plan’s priorities and projects. The development of the Annual Action Plan is a collaborative process that involves interviews with stakeholders and meetings with the public to determine areas of need. As part of this process, the city sought to identify the priority needs and strategies to address those needs. Priority needs were identified based on available housing data, public input, stakeholder consultation, public meetings, community surveys, and past program performance. In addition, the city consulted with the Lansing Housing Commission, other city departments, the city planning board, and the city council to identify priority needs and develop corresponding strategies. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 7 SUMMARY OF PUBLIC COMMENTS Based on input and data received through an extensive citizen participation process, the following summarizes the public comments: Although there are many issues that the public felt are important, there are a few items that were stressed throughout the meeting as being of the highest priority: • Affordable housing • Job training and educational programs for youth and young adults (vocational) • Housing rehabilitation for renters and owners • Additional homeless shelters and transitional housing • Expanded mental health programming. SUMMARY OF COMMENTS OR VIEWS NOT ACCEPTED AND THE REASONS FOR NOT ACCEPTING THEM All comments received by the City of Lansing were considered and are, generally or specifically, addressed by the Annual Action Plan. SUMMARY The Annual Action Plan for fiscal year 2025 identifies priority needs, goals, and strategies to address the City of Lansing’s housing and community development needs. These needs were identified through an extensive citizen participation process that involved neighborhood residents, service providers and other community partners. The Annual Action Plan guides the city's use of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds through five goals. These goals are summarized as Affordable Housing, Homelessness, Provision of Public Services and Other Needed Services, Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvements, and Program Administration. Over the next year, the City of Lansing will continue to deliver housing and community development services through housing programs, public works, as well as through partnerships with an array of public service providers. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 8 The Process PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 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. TABLE 1: RESPONSIBLE AGENCIES Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency CITY OF LANSING Department of Economic Development and Planning Table 1 – Responsible Agencies NARRATIVE The City of Lansing, Michigan is the lead agency responsible for overseeing the development of the Annual Action Plan. The Department of Economic Development and Planning is the internal department that is responsible for the day-to-day administration of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME, and for the ESG funding the grant manages. The development of the 2025 Annual Action Plan was based on the current 2022 - 2026 Consolidated Plan and other studies, plans and reports that have been prepared in recent years. Some of the primary documents include the previous City of Lansing Consolidated Plan, Lansing Parks and Recreation Master Plan, January 2020 Continuum of Care Homeless Assistance Programs Homeless Populations and Subpopulations report (PIT counts), and the City of Lansing Form-Based Zoning Code and Building Codes, among others. To maximize citizen participation, staff along with a consultant (Wade Trim) conducted outreach through a series of public notices, hearings, and focus groups, as well as a community questionnaire. As CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 9 part of these efforts, low- and moderate-income residents, as well as service providers, were encouraged to provide input on the Annual Action Plan. CONSOLIDATED PLAN PUBLIC CONTACT INFORMATION Inquiries, comments, or complaints concerning the Annual Action Plan, any amendments, or performance reports, can be conveyed by contacting city staff at: City of Lansing Department of Economic Development and Planning 316 N Capitol Avenue, Suite D-1 Lansing, Michigan 48933 Telephone: (517) 483-4040 Business hours: 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Inquiries, comments, or complaints on the programs may also be offered at the public hearings. Written responses to all written complaints may also be made to the Detroit Office of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) at the following address: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Detroit Field Office McNamara Federal Building 477 Michigan Avenue Detroit, Michigan 48226 Telephone: (313) 226-7900 Fax: (313) 226-5611 CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 10 AP-10 Consultation 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 Institutional coordination of the Consolidated Plan, and thus the Annual Action Plan, establishes a unified vision for community development. The city uses a collaborative process to shape various programs into effective, coordinated strategies. This process also facilitates the opportunity for planning and citizen participation to take place in a comprehensive context, attempting to reduce duplication of effort at the local level. The city will execute this Plan in harmony with public, private, and nonprofit agencies. Nonprofit agencies may include, but are not limited to, service providers and community housing development organizations. Private sector partners may include, but are not limited to, local financial institutions, developers, and local businesses. The city works closely with its partners to design programs that address identified needs. Table 2 outlines the types of agencies and organizations consulted throughout the program year and during the development of the City of Lansing Annual Action Plan. Organizations invited to participate included the Holy Cross Services of Lansing, Ingham County Department of Health and Human Services, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, Habitat for Humanity Capital Region, Lansing Community College, The Davies Project, End Violent Encounters, Poor People’s Campaign, Haven House, Disability Appeals Advocates, Offender Success, Strong Start Healthy Start, and Lansing City Departments, among others. 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 The city coordinated with the City of Lansing Human Relations and Community Services department, the Lansing Housing Commission (the Collaborative Applicant for the CoC), and HUD (PIT) homeless counts to determine the extent of and identified needs. This consultation was pivotal in preparing the Needs CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 11 Assessment and Strategic Plan components of the Consolidated Plan, which inform the priorities and projects of this Annual Action Plan. DESCRIBE CONSULTATION WITH THE CONTINUUM(S) OF CARE THAT SERVES THE JURISDICTION'S AREA IN DETERMINING HOW TO ALLOCATE ESG FUNDS, DEVELOP PERFORMANCE STANDARDS AND EVALUATE OUTCOMES, AND DEVELOP FUNDING, POLICIES AND PROCEDURES FOR THE ADMINISTRATION OF HMIS. The Capital Region Housing Collaborative (CRHC) (formerly the Greater Lansing Homeless Resolution Network (GLHRN) is the Continuum of Care for the City of Lansing and works in cooperation with the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA). The CRHC actively participates in monthly regional meetings. Topics include discussion of current and future funding. Opportunity is given to share best practices, review progress in 10-Year Plans to End Homelessness, address obstacles to meeting the need, and make policy recommendations. MSHDA also convenes statewide meetings where two State representatives attend. The State representatives are voted from regional group. The CoC funds HMIS support for Haven House and utilizes technical support from the Michigan Coalition against Homelessness. In addition, the City of Lansing Department of Economic Development and Planning supports the CoC Board and is involved in the discussion of how to allocate ESG funds. Part of these meetings includes the development and implementation of the ESG performance standards. The CoC Board receives HMIS data reports monthly for each agency participating in the system. There is also a monthly CQI meeting to look at the HMIS process. The HMIS sharing agreement was recently updated to accommodate the new veterans’ initiatives in the state and county. Along with weekly quality reviews the CQI/HMIS is monitored by a legal professional as chair of the committee. Lansing works in cooperation with HUD to support their annual funding to the CoC. Capital Region Housing Collaborative has a CQI committee that reviews annual performance data; Finance committee that oversees annual grant application process; Special Populations committee that plans around certain sub-pop needs (e.g., veteran, LGBT, family, etc.); and a Coordinated Entry committee that prioritizes need. Additionally, MSHDA formed Regional Housing Partnership networks, of which, City and our CoC are members of Region I (Ingham, Clinton, and Eaton counties). Region I has an “Ending Homelessness” committee that the City regularly attends and actively supports the state’s housing plan. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 12 TABLE 2: AGENCIES, GROUPS, ORGANIZATIONS AND OTHERS WHO PARTICIPATED IN THE PROCESS AND CONSULTATIONS Agency/Group/ Organization Agency/Group/ Organization Type What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? City of Lansing Other Government - Local Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan/Annual Action Plan Public Meeting/Phone/Email/Internet Outreach/Coordination Lansing Housing Commission Housing PHA Services - Housing Services - homeless Service - Fair Housing Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Phone/Email Michigan State Housing Development Authority Housing Services - Housing Service - Fair Housing Other government - State Community Development and Revitalization, Supportive Housing Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Internet Outreach Eastside Neighborhood Neighborhood Organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Ingham County Land Bank Housing Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach Holy Cross Services/New Hope Community Center Services - Homeless Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach Consumers Energy Other - Utility Provider Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Ingham County Department of Health and Human Services Other Government - County Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Legal Services of South-Central Michigan Other - Legal Services, Services - Homeless, Services - Victims of Domestic Violence Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting City Rescue Mission Services - Homeless Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Services - Housing Services - Children Services - Health Services - Education Health Agency Other government - State Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Internet Outreach CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 13 Lansing Community College Services - Education Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Habitat for Humanity Capital Region Housing Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Coordination Capital Region Housing Collaborative Services - Housing Services - Persons with Disabilities Services - Persons with HIV/AIDS Services - Victims of Domestic Violence Services - homeless Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Coordination The Davies Project Services - Health Services - Children Services - Persons with Disabilities Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Michigan Women Forward Services - Employment Business Leaders Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach St. Vincent De Paul Services - Homeless Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Capital Area Housing Partnership Regional organization, Other - Non-Profit Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Internet Outreach/Coordination End Violent Encounters (EVE, Inc.) Services - Victims of Domestic Violence Needs Assessment/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email/Internet Outreach Blue Cross Complete Services - Health Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Lansing School District Other - School District, Services - Education Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Poor People’s Campaign Other - Advocacy Organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Haven House Services - Homeless Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Meridian Township Other Government – Local Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Disability Appeals Advocates Services - Persons with Disabilities Other - Legal Services Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Offender Success by Michigan Department of Corrections Other - Community Re- entry programming Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Strong Start Healthy Start Services - Health Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Lansing Economic Area Partnership Regional Organization Planning Organization Other – Economic Development Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Michigan Economic Development Corporation Regional organization, Planning Organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting Michigan Foreclosure Task Force Regional organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 14 Lansing Area Aids Network Services - Persons with HIV/AIDS Needs Assessment/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach Capital Area Center for Independent Living Services - Persons with Disabilities Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach National Council on Alcoholism Services - Persons with Disabilities Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Regional organization Planning organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Coordination/Internet Outreach/Email Tri-County Office on Aging Services - Elderly Persons Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Internet Outreach City of East Lansing Service - Fair Housing Other government - Local Planning organization Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Email/Coordination Advent House Housing Services - Housing Services - Homeless Services - Education Services - Employment Needs Assessment/Market Analysis/Strategic Plan Public Meeting/Email Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated IDENTIFY ANY AGENCY TYPES NOT CONSULTED AND PROVIDE RATIONALE FOR NOT CONSULTING The City of Lansing seeks input from a wide variety of agencies. Agencies indicated in Table 2 were notified of document availability and public meetings. DESCRIBE COOPERATION AND COORDINATION WITH OTHER PUBLIC ENTITIES, INCLUDING THE STATE AND ANY ADJACENT UNITS OF GENERAL LOCAL GOVERNMENT, IN THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE CONSOLIDATED PLAN (91.215(L)) The City of Lansing coordinates with adjacent units of government (i.e., Lansing township, Eaton County, Delhi township, City of East Lansing) regarding planning issues and/or other common/regional issues. In addition, city staff continues to collaborate with various State departments such as Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Department of Transportation, etc. on similar issues including the development of the Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan. At a minimum, implicit in these goals is the city’s commitment to providing coordinated community, housing, and supportive services to its low-income residents. These services are provided through partnerships with governmental and quasi-governmental agencies, as well as respective planning efforts shown in Table 3. The City of Lansing will continue to encourage building partnerships between CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 15 governments, lenders, builders, developers, real estate professionals, and advocates for low-income persons. The City of Lansing will continue to work with the building industry, banking industry, real estate industry, social service providers and other community groups to promote the development of affordable housing and related housing services. Many of the programs and activities that will be carried out by the city during this program year, and in the future, will involve coordination with partner agencies and organizations. TABLE 3: OTHER CONSULTATIONS & COORDINATION Name of Plan Lead Organization Coordination Continuum of Care Homeless Service Providers/City of Lansing Public Meeting/Coordination/Action Plan Involvement Public Housing – Action Plan Lansing Housing Commission Public Meeting/Coordination/Action Plan Involvement Mid-Michigan Program for Greater Sustainability Tri-County Regional Planning Commission Public Meeting/Coordination/Action Plan Involvement Consolidated/Annual Action Plan Michigan State Housing Development Authority Public Meeting/Coordination/Action Plan Involvement City of Lansing Comprehensive Master Plan City of Lansing Public Meeting/Coordination/Action Plan Involvement Table 3 – Other Consultations & Coordination AP-12 Citizen Participation SUMMARY OF CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROCESS/EFFORTS MADE TO BROADEN CITIZEN PARTICIPATION The development of the Annual Action Plan requires extensive citizen participation. For the 2025 Annual Action Plan, the City of Lansing underwent an in-depth citizen participation process. HUD requires local jurisdictions to provide for citizen participation which encourages the development of the Annual Action Plan in cooperation with residents from every walk of life. HUD believes it is important to obtain the views of residents who live within CDBG eligible areas, as well as service providers who deliver services to low-income and special needs residents. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 16 The following section describes the public participation process that was completed for the City of Lansing, Michigan 2025 Annual Action Plan. A summary of the public participation process is shown in Table 4. TABLE 4: CITIZEN PARTICIPATION OUTREACH Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/ attendance Summary of comments received Summary of comments not accepted and reasons Public Hearing #1 Non- Targeted/Broad Community March 5, 2024 – Planning Board Meeting 1. Two attendees stated that the city should focus more attention and resources on addressing the digital divide i.e. training, internet assistance, funding for hardware etc. 2. Continue to provide support for both homeowner and rental rehabilitation programs. 3. Consider an increase in Down Payment Assistance due to the affordability issues. 4. Support for shelters. 5. Consider adding addition resources into blight removal as this is an important issue for the City. All comments considered and addressed. 30-Day Public Comment Period Non- Targeted/Broad Community March 14, 2024 – April 15, 2024 No comments received. All comments considered and addressed. Public Hearing #2 Non- Targeted/Broad Community April 15, 2024 No comments received. All comments considered and addressed. Public Meeting #3 – Adoption at City Council Non- Targeted/Broad Community June 24, 2024 TBD All comments considered and addressed. Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach Although there are many issues that attendees felt are important, there are a few needs that were stressed throughout the meetings as being of the highest priority: • Job training and educational programs for youth and young adults CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 17 • Blight elimination/code enforcement • Homeless shelters for transitional housing and rapid re-housing • Housing rehabilitation and affordability • Youth programs and services • Sidewalk repair and accessibility improvements SUMMARIZE CITIZEN PARTICIPATION PROCESS AND HOW IT IMPACTED GOAL-SETTING Comments and concerns raised during the citizen participation process were taken into consideration when developing this Annual Action Plan. The development of priority needs, goals, and strategies were a result of the public process during the development of the Consolidated Plan. This was a collaborative process that involved discussions with stakeholders and meetings with the public to determine areas of need. As part of this process, the city sought to identify the priority needs and strategies to address those needs. Priority needs were identified based on available housing data, public input, non-profit agency meetings, community survey and past program performance. In addition, the city consulted with various city departments to identify priority needs and develop corresponding strategies. The strategies described below were developed as part of the 2022 – 2026 Consolidated Plan. The corresponding needs were also identified using information collected during the Consolidated Plan public process. Together, with information collected during the development of this plan, they work to inform the priorities and proposed projects for this Annual Action Plan. Complete summaries and minutes of the meetings and surveys are included in the Appendix to this document. Housing Strategy Housing strategies were determined by using housing data provided by HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau. Customized HUD data is available to help communities evaluate housing and homeless needs. Complete summaries of this data are available in the Needs Assessment and Market Analysis section, as the Appendix to this document. In addition, the city has a long and successful history of administering numerous housing programs and meeting housing needs. Several housing programs, particularly housing rehabilitation activities, have been underway for many years and provide good value to the community. In general, housing programs CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 18 receive emphasis in the City of Lansing due to the large, ongoing need for housing services, as supported by survey results previously stated. Homeless Strategy Homeless strategies were developed in several ways. The city worked closely with the Continuum of Care, which is the Capital Region Housing Collaborative (CRHC) – (formerly the Greater Lansing Homeless Resolution Network – GLHRN) and consists of several homeless and housing service providers addressing the needs of the homeless population in this community through coordinated resources and services. The city worked with these organizations to obtain the latest point-in-time counts of the homeless population. The Capital Region Housing Collaborative is the lead agency for homeless services and represents agencies that implement homeless services. The city also utilized data from HUD that details homelessness. Finally, the city met and invited service providers to public meetings to determine what assistance was most needed and to identify gaps in existing services. Community and Economic Development Strategy Community and Economic Development strategies were determined through a community survey, community meetings, meetings with staff and internal departments, and review of current planning activities. The city is working to leverage other planning efforts with funding opportunities where possible. Non-Housing Special Needs Non-Housing Special Needs were determined through meetings with service providers, City staff, HUD data and surveys. As with the homeless and housing areas, HUD and the U.S. Census Bureau provide data on Special Needs populations. In addition, there are service providers that are knowledgeable about Special Needs populations and were able to provide valuable information. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 19 Annual Action Plan AP-15 Expected Resources INTRODUCTION The Annual Action Plan identifies the federal, state, local and private resources expected to be available to the City of Lansing to address priority needs and specific objectives identified in the Strategic Plan. These resources are summarized in SP-35 of the 2022 – 2026 Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is carried out through Annual Action Plans, which provide a concise summary of the actions, activities, and the specific federal and non-federal resources that will be used each year to address the priority needs and specific goals identified by the Consolidated Plan. The city expects a similar revenue this fiscal year. For the 2025 fiscal year, the City of Lansing expects to receive $2,031,586 in CDBG funds, $675,060 in HOME funds, and $181,984 in ESG funds. Program income and previous years funding is expected for the 2025/2026 program year, totaling $2,631,586 in CDBG funding and $700,060 in HOME funding. CDBG funds will be used for housing and community development activities such as housing rehabilitation, blight elimination, public services, business technical assistance, and administration of the city’s CDBG program. HOME funds will be used to support Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), down payment assistance, homeowner housing construction and repairs, and administration. ESG funds will be used for homelessness prevention, street outreach, and overnight shelter operations, HMIS support, as well as administration. Anticipated resources are summarized in Table 5. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 20 TABLE 5: ANTICIPATED RESOURCES Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 3 Expected Amount Available Remainder of Consolidated Plan $ Narrative Description Annual Allocation: $ Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ CDBG Public – Federal Acquisition; Economic Development; Housing; Public Improvements; Public Services; Administration/Planning $2,031,586 $100,000 $500,000 $2,631,586 $5,333,333 Additional resources for leveraging may include State and Federal grants, City Departments, public or social service providers, or other sources. HOME Public – Federal Acquisition; Homebuyer Assistance; Homeowner Rehab; Multifamily rental new construction; Multifamily rental rehab; New Construction for ownership; TBRA $675,060 $25,000 $0 $700,060 $1,920,000 Additional resources for leveraging may include State and Federal grants, partner housing providers, or other sources. ESG Public— Federal Conversion and rehab for transitional housing; Financial Assistance; Overnight shelter; Rapid re-housing (rental assistance); Rental Assistance; Services; $181,984 $0 $0 $181,984 $456,000 Additional resources for leveraging may include other local, state and federal grants, partner housing providers, or other sources. HUD FY 2024 Formula Allocations Table 5 – Anticipated Resources CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 21 The Annual Action Plan must summarize the city’s priorities and the specific goals it intends to initiate and/or complete within the third year of the Strategic Plan. These goals must be described in quantitative terms. The City of Lansing has selected goal outcome indicators and quantities based on the anticipated performance measures of the 2025 Annual Action Plan. See Table 6 and Table 7. EXPLAIN HOW FEDERAL FUNDS WILL LEVERAGE THOSE ADDITIONAL RESOURCES (PRIVATE, STATE AND LOCAL FUNDS), INCLUDING A DESCRIPTION OF HOW MATCHING REQUIREMENTS WILL BE SATISFIED The city will look to leverage funds, if available, from State and Federal grants, city departments (e.g., Public Works, Parks and Recreation), public or social service providers, or other sources against CDBG, HOME, and ESG dollars. The city will look to leverage funds, if available, from Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDOs), Lansing Housing Commission (LHC), or other agencies and programs. The City shall assure that the requirements as it relates to non-federal share will be utilized as referenced in 24 CFR 570.201 (3) (g), for any project in which CDBG funding is used as the non-federal match. In the future, the city will continue, as necessary, to pursue funding from private, public, and federal sources to complete both our economic and community development needs. Matching requirements for the ESG funds will come from the City Human Services General Funds in grants made directly to the sub-recipients, primarily to enhance emergency shelter and prevention services. IF APPROPRIATE, DESCRIBE PUBLICALLY OWNED LAND OR PROPERTY LOCATED WITHIN THE JURISDICTION THAT MAY BE USED TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS IDENTIFIED IN THE PLAN Not applicable. DISCUSSION The City of Lansing’s anticipated funding allocation from CDBG, HOME, and ESG will address many of the city's goals, including housing, homelessness, non-homeless special needs, and community development. The city is fortunate to have a network of public and social service providers and other city departments to help address these goals through financial leveraging, coordination, and collaboration. CITY OF LANSING 2025 Annual Action Plan 22 AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives TABLE 6: GOALS SUMMARY INFORMATION Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Affordable Housing 2025 2026 Affordable Housing Citywide LMI Benefit Preserve and maintain existing housing; Increase supply of affordable housing; general housing assistance/accessibility; Fair housing choice and equitable access for protected classes; Public Housing CDBG - $1,991,111 HOME - $632,554 21 Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated 28 Rental units rehabilitated 6 Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers 4 Homeowner Housing Added 2 Homelessness 2025 2026 Homeless Citywide LMI Benefit Homeless Prevention assistance; Shelter Facilities and operations ESG - $169,246 700 Homeless Person Overnight Shelter 300 Homelessness Prevention 3 Provision of Public Services and Other Needed Services 2025 2026 Non-Homeless Special Needs Citywide LMI Benefit Senior Programs; Youth Services; Mental health services; Capacity building and organization development; Technical Assistance CDBG - $233,158* 22 Other (Economic Development) 85,795 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit 30 Public service activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit 4 Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvements 2025 2026 Non-Housing Community Development Citywide LMI Benefit ADA improvements; Neighborhood clean-up; Code Enforcement/Blight Elimination; Public Improvements CDBG - $1,000 1 Buildings Demolished 5 Program Administration 2025 2026 Program Administration Citywide LMI Benefit Program Administration [Indirect Need] CDBG - $406,317 HOME - $67,506 ESG - $12,738 N/A Table 6 – Goals Summary Information *Other needed services include $30,000 in Economic Development activities, which are not included as a Public Service activity. 2025 Annual Action Plan TABLE 7: GOAL DESCRIPTIONS Table 7 – Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Affordable Housing Goal Description Improve availability, quality, and accessibility of affordable housing to persons of low- and moderate-income, protected classes as defined by the Fair Housing Act, and special needs populations throughout the City of Lansing. | CDBG - $1,991,111 | HOME - $632,554 2 Goal Name Homelessness Goal Description Provide emergency shelter to homeless persons; provide street outreach to homeless youth; provide prevention services to at-risk persons at imminent risk of loss of housing; provide HMIS services to the CoC and sub-recipients.| ESG - $169,246 3 Goal Name Provision of Public Services & Other Needed Services Goal Description Provide support and capacity building for public services targeting low- and moderate-income and special needs populations within the City of Lansing, including, but not limited to, senior programs, youth services, and mental health services. | CDBG - $233,158* *Other needed services include $30,000 in Economic Development activities, which are not included as a Public Service activity. 4 Goal Name Public Infrastructure & Public Improvements Goal Description Enhance the living environment of low- and moderate-income, homeless, and special needs populations through public improvement projects and activities. | CDBG - $1,000 6 Goal Name Program Administration Goal Description Program administration is required to implement the City's five (5) goals. Program administration addresses all outcomes, objectives, and priority needs. | CDBG - $406,317 | HOME - $67,506 | ESG - $12,738 2025 Annual Action Plan AP-35 Projects INTRODUCTION The City of Lansing’s planned actions for the 2025 Annual Action Plan are intended to support housing and general community development for low- and moderate-income populations as well as homeless and special needs groups within the city. The city will continue to operate its CDBG, HOME, and ESG programs through the Economic Development and Planning Department, which will continue to provide funding for the Emergency Repair program, ownership, and counseling in partnership with service providers. These actions will further the goal of improving the availability and accessibility of affordable housing in the City of Lansing. As in the past, the city will continue to coordinate with public or social service providers to prevent homelessness and promote access to public services for special needs populations generally assumed to be low- and moderate-income. During the 2025 program year, the city will fund activities that address the needs of the homeless and non-homeless special needs populations such as at-risk youth and seniors. Planned public facility and infrastructure activities include slum and blight removal to enhance the living environment for people living in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods. In the event of an emergency, CDBG funds may be redirected to assist low- and moderate income residents as appropriate. The City of Lansing’s planned actions for the 2025 Annual Action Plan are summarized in Table 8 and Table 9. 2025 Annual Action Plan TABLE 8: PROJECT INFORMATION # Project Name 1 Homeowner Emergency Repair Program (CDBG) 2 Rental Unit Rehabilitation (CDBG) 3 Blight Removal (CDBG) 4 Public Services (CDBG) 5 Economic Development & Business Technical Assistance (CDBG) 6 Planning & Administration (CDBG) 7 Down Payment Assistance (HOME) 8 Homeowner Housing Construction & Homebuyer Repairs (HOME) 9 CHDO Set Aside (HOME) 10 CHDO Operating (HOME) 11 Planning & Administration (HOME) 12 Homelessness Prevention, Street Outreach, HMIS, and Shelter Operations (ESG) 13 Planning & Administration (ESG) Table 8 – Project Information 2025 Annual Action Plan DESCRIBE THE REASONS FOR ALLOCATION PRIORITIES AND ANY OBSTACLES TO ADDRESSING UNDERSERVED NEEDS The allocation priorities are focused on the five goals of the Strategic Plan: affordable housing, homelessness, provision of public services and other needed services, public facility and infrastructure improvements, and program administration. It is important to note that total funding for public services is capped at 15% of the total CDBG allocation. Total funding for activities related to administration is capped at 20% for CDBG and 10% for HOME. All ESG funding for activities related to administration is capped at 7.5%. Strategic Plan Goal CDBG (% of Total Award)* Program Administration: $406,317 (15.4%) Affordable Housing: $1,991,111 (75.6%) Provision of Public Services and other Needed Services: $233,158 (8.8%) Economic Development (other needed service): $30,000 (1.1%) Public Facility/Infrastructure Improvements: $1,000 (0%) *Program administration cap is 20% of the estimated allocation plus available program income. Totals may not equal 100% due to rounding. Other needed services include economic development activities, which are not included as a public service (matrix code activity 18C). Strategic Plan Goal HOME (% of Total Award) Program Administration: $67,506 (9.6%) Affordable Housing: $632,554 (90.4%) Strategic Plan Goal ESG (% of Total Award) Program Administration: $12,738(6.9%) Homelessness Activities: $169,246 (93.1%) The city’s primary obstacle to meeting underserved needs is a lack of funding. In recent years, spurred by a nation-wide recession and the COVID-19 pandemic, reduced revenues have plagued all levels of government (federal, state, and local). These reduced revenues have hindered the city’s ability to meet the needs of low-income residents. Another obstacle to meeting underserved needs is the generally 2025 Annual Action Plan increasing demand for public services that is placing an additional burden on public service agencies within the city. AP-38 Project Summary TABLE 9: PROJECT SUMMARY INFORMATION 1 Project Name Homeowner Housing Rehabilitation (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Preserve and Maintain Existing Housing; Increase Supply of Affordable Housing, General Housing Assistance/Accessibility Funding CDBG: $1,457,614 Description Loans and grants for rehabilitation and Emergency Repair of owner-occupied housing units through city sponsored programs, and rehabilitation in conjunction with affordable housing efforts sponsored by nonprofit housing corporations, public and private developers, and other state and federal agencies, as well as lead hazard reduction, emergency housing rehabilitation, technical assistance to nonprofit housing corporations, ADA ramps, and hazard remediation. Planned Activities 14A Rehabilitation Goal Outcome Indicator Homeowner Housing Rehabilitated | 21 Household Housing Units 2 Project Name Rental Unit Rehabilitation (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Preserve and Maintain Existing Housing, Increase Supply of Affordable Housing, General Housing Assistance/Accessibility Funding CDBG: $533,497 Description Includes loans and grants for rehabilitation of rental housing units through city sponsored programs. Includes funds to meet healthy housing standards and/or lead hazard reduction regulations in rehabilitated structures. Planned Activities 14A Rehabilitation Goal Outcome Indicator Rental Units Rehabilitated | 28 Household Housing Units 3 Project Name Blight Removal (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Public Facility and Infrastructure Improvements Needs Addressed Public Improvements, Code Enforcement/Blight Elimination Funding CDBG: $1,000 Description Includes acquisition, maintenance and security of properties acquired through programs, and activities related to acquisition, disposition, relocation and clearance of dilapidated and blighted structures. Funds may also be used to acquire and clear properties in the flood plain. Includes staff time associated with this activity. Planned Activities 01 Acquisition; 04 Clearance and Demolition 2025 Annual Action Plan Goal Outcome Indicator Buildings Demolished | 1 Building 4 Project Name Public Services (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Provision of Public Services and Other Needed Services Needs Addressed Senior Services, Youth Services, Mental Health Services, Capacity Building and Organization Development, Economic Development & Business Technical Assistance, ADA Improvements Funding CDBG: $203,158 Description Includes services for low- and moderate-income individuals such as: education, youth and senior programs, neighborhood clean-ups, community gardens, home repair classes. Services are for low- and moderate-income individuals and/or those in CDBG- eligible areas located within the Lansing city limits. Planned Activities 05A Senior Services; 05D Youth Services; 05O Mental Health Services; 05V Neighborhood Clean-ups; 05U Housing Counseling; 05X Housing Information and Referral Services Goal Outcome Indicator Public Service Activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit | 85,795 Persons Assisted Public Service Activities for Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit | 330 Households Assisted 5 Project Name Economic Development & Business Technical Assistance (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Provision of Public Services and Other Needed Services Needs Addressed Technical Assistance Funding CDBG: $30,000 Description Loans, technical assistance and training to low- and moderate-income owners of and persons developing micro-enterprises within or planning to locate within the Lansing city limits. Technical assistance to individuals and for-profit businesses including workshops, technology assistance, and façade improvement loans/grants. Creation of jobs to benefit low and moderate-income City of Lansing residents. Technical assistance to individuals and for-profit businesses including workshops, technology assistance, façade improvement loans/grants, market analysis, business promotion, referrals for the attraction of new business and expansion of existing business within CDBG-eligible areas of Lansing. Planned Activities 18B Economic Development: Technical Assistance; 18C Micro-Enterprise Assistance Goal Outcome Indicator Other (Economic Development) | 22 Other 6 Project Name Planning & Administration (CDBG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Program Administration Needs Addressed Program Administration [Indirect Need] Funding CDBG: $406,317 Description City of Lansing CDBG Administration (2024) Planned Activities 21A General Program Administration Goal Outcome Indicator Other | 0 Other 2025 Annual Action Plan 7 Project Name Down Payment Assistance (HOME) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed General Housing Assistance/Accessibility, Fair Housing Choice and Equitable Access for Protected Classes Funding HOME: $100,000 Description Funds provided to homebuyers for down payment and closing costs for purchase of a single-family home located within the Lansing city limits. Up to $10,000 will be available as a 0% interest second mortgage for homebuyers with income at or below 80% of median income. May include staff time and/or homeownership counseling fees associated with this activity. Planned Activities 05R Down Payment Assistance Goal Outcome Indicator Direct Financial Assistance to Homebuyers | 6 Households Assisted 8 Project Name Homeowner Housing Construction & Homebuyer Repairs (HOME) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Increase Supply of Affordable Housing Funding HOME: $397,543 Description Includes funds for loans and grants for housing construction and rehabilitation with non-profit and for-profit developers, including CHDOs. HOME funds allocated for housing developed in partnership with the city, including Supportive Housing Program (SHP) and Acquisition, Development and Resale (ADR) activities. Projects may include new construction and rehabilitation activities with non-profit and for-profit developers, including CHDOs. Funds may be used for staff time associated with these activities. Planned Activities 12 I Construction of Housing Goal Outcome Indicator Homeowner Housing Added | 4 Household/Housing Units 9 Project Name CHDO Set Aside (HOME) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing Needs Addressed Increase Supply of Affordable Housing Funding HOME: $101,258 Description Reserved for housing developed, sponsored or owned by CHDOs in partnership with the city. Planned Activities 21 I CDBG Funding of HOME CHDO Operating Expenses Goal Outcome Indicator Homeowner Housing Added | 1 Household/Housing Units 10 Project Name CHDO Operating (HOME) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Affordable Housing 2025 Annual Action Plan Needs Addressed Increase Supply of Affordable Housing Funding HOME: $33,753 Description Funds reserved at option of the city to provide operating funds to CHDO’ utilizing the city’s HOME funds to produce affordable housing in the community. Planned Activities 21 I CDBG Funding of HOME CHDO Operating Expenses Goal Outcome Indicator Other | 0 Other 11 Project Name Planning & Administration (HOME) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Program Administration Needs Addressed Program Administration [Indirect Need] Funding HOME: $67,506 Description City of Lansing HOME Administration (2024) Planned Activities 21A General Program Administration Goal Outcome Indicator Other | 0 Other 12 Project Name Homelessness Prevention, Street Outreach, HMIS, and Shelter Operations (ESG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Homelessness Needs Addressed Homeless Prevention Assistance, Shelter Facilities & Operations, Transitional Housing Funding ESG: $169,246 Description Street outreach activities, homelessness prevention activities, funding for the HMIS and comparable database costs, and funds for shelter providers to cover cost of maintenance, operations, insurance, utilities, and furnishings in shelter facilities. Planned Activities Homelessness Prevention Activities Goal Outcome Indicator Homeless Person Overnight Shelter | 700 Persons Assisted Homelessness Prevention | 300 Persons Assisted 13 Project Name Planning & Administration (ESG) Target Area Citywide LMI Benefit Goals Supported Program Administration Needs Addressed Program Administration [Indirect Need] Funding ESG: $12,738 Description City of Lansing ESG Administration (2024) Planned Activities 21A General Program Administration Goal Outcome Indicator Other | 0 Other Table 9 – Project Summary Information 2025 Annual Action Plan AP-50 Geographic Distribution DESCRIPTION OF THE GEOGRAPHIC AREAS OF THE ENTITLEMENT (INCLUDING AREAS OF LOW- INCOME AND MINORITY CONCENTRATION) WHERE ASSISTANCE WILL BE DIRECTED For the 2025 Annual Action Plan, City of Lansing will direct assistance to low- and moderate-income areas throughout the city. Assistance will also be made available citywide to persons meeting the CDBG eligibility requirements for low- and moderate-income benefit. TABLE 10: GEOGRAPHIC DISTRIBUTION Target Area Percentage of Funds Citywide LMI Benefit 100% Table 10 – Geographic Distribution RATIONALE FOR THE PRIORITIES FOR ALLOCATING INVESTMENTS GEOGRAPHICALLY The City of Lansing reviews statistical information on annual basis for all city neighborhoods that have been determined to have at least 51% of its population with low and moderate incomes (80% of the Area Median Income). DISCUSSION Lansing has identified 13 projects to implement the five goals of the Strategic Plan during the third year of the 2022 - 2026 Consolidated Plan. These projects benefit low- and moderate-income persons citywide. 2025 Annual Action Plan AP-55 Affordable Housing INTRODUCTION As stated previously, the city of Lansing places a high priority on providing homeownership opportunities, as well as ensuring there is affordable, safe, and decent housing stock within the city. This goal shall be addressed primarily through the preservation and maintenance of existing housing by funding rehabilitation projects for homeowners and rental units. Additionally, affordable housing will be achieved, in part, by local organizations/developers that construct new, modestly priced, affordable houses, or repair existing houses for resale to lower-income, first-time homebuyers. In addition, the jurisdiction shall seek creative ways in which we can provide affordable housing opportunities and a means for obtaining such for broader populations. In the past, the City of Lansing has achieved this goal through investing and supporting the development of Permanent Supportive Housing units for Walter French and Hillsdale Place developments. Some of these units are specifically reserved for homeless populations. The Annual Action Plan must specify goals for the number of homeless, non-homeless, and special needs households to be supported within the program year. These numbers are shown in Table 11 and are inclusive of the affordable housing activities shown in Table 7, in addition to other planned housing activities identified in Table 9. Table 12 indicates the number of households to be supported through specific activities, including rental assistance, production of new units, rehabilitation of existing units, or acquisition of existing units. For the purposes of this section, the term “affordable housing” is defined in the HOME regulations at 24 CFR 92.252 for rental housing and 24 CFR 92.254 for homeownership. This section replaces the former HUD Table 3B. TABLE 11: ONE YEAR GOALS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY SUPPORT REQUIREMENT One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 0 Non-Homeless 59 Special Needs 0 Total 59 Table 11 – One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement 2025 Annual Action Plan TABLE 12: ONE YEAR GOALS FOR AFFORDABLE HOUSING BY SUPPORT TYPE One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through: Rental Assistance 0 The Production of New Units 4 Rehab of Existing Units 49 Acquisition of Existing Units 0 Total 53 Table 12 – One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type DISCUSSION The city will rely on various partners throughout the jurisdiction, and county in assisting its residents in obtaining affordable housing. It also relies on the following city-run programs: Homebuyer housing repairs/down payment assistance; owner-occupied rehabilitation emergency repair loans; and rental- unit rehabilitation. The city intends to assist 21 households through the homeowner rehabilitation program, 28 households through rental rehabilitation program, 6 households through down payment assistance, and 3 units through new unit construction. AP-60 Public Housing INTRODUCTION The Lansing Housing Commission (LHC) is the housing authority for the City of Lansing. This section of the Annual Action Plan describes what actions the City of Lansing will take in the 2025/2026 program year to carry out the public housing portion of the Strategic Plan. Below, the city has identified the manner in which the 2025/2026 Annual Action Plan will address the needs of public housing during the program year. ACTIONS PLANNED DURING THE NEXT YEAR TO ADDRESS THE NEEDS TO PUBLIC HOUSING The LHC has been charged with the responsibility of the administration of housing programs for low- income persons. The operations of the LHC are funded through annual appropriations provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). LHC lists the following as goals pertaining to both addressing the needs of public housing and improving the quality of affordable housing in their Annual Public Housing Plan. The jurisdiction shall make a strong 2025 Annual Action Plan effort to work collaboratively with the local housing authority were feasible on these goals, and others throughout the coming years. • Continue to convert Public Housing units through HUD sponsored Rental Assistance Demonstration (RAD) to move the properties to the more stable Section 8 funding platform. • Continue to renovate affordable housing units by using creative funding mechanisms. • Partner with local developers to build and fill more affordable units in the area. • Develop new units of affordable housing in the area using the Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) Low Income Tax Credits program. • Continue and expand the HCV and project-based voucher programs and other specialized voucher programs administered by HUD and MSHDA. The LHC has been committed to advocating for and providing affordable housing for eligible individuals and families, and continues to work closely with HUD, City of Lansing, and area agencies and organizations to address the needs for public housing. ACTIONS TO ENCOURAGE PUBLIC HOUSING RESIDENTS TO BECOME MORE INVOLVED IN MANAGEMENT AND PARTICIPATE IN HOMEOWNERSHIP The LHC makes a concerted effort to address the needs of the residents in their affordable housing properties. Several public meetings with residents have been held in the last 12 months to address concerns and gain feedback from residents. LHC board meeting are public meetings and subject to the open meeting act. Collaborative efforts among residents and managers will continue to assure the resident programming meets the needs of our tenants. A quarterly newsletter is produced and distributed to all residents. Property managers will encourage residents to become more involved in management and will continue to encourage residents to participate in active programming such as outreach coordination, help with obtaining a GED, literacy improvement services for children and adults, homeownership opportunities for residents as well as other education and sports programs. IF THE PHA IS DESIGNATED AS TROUBLED, DESCRIBE THE MANNER IN WHICH FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE WILL BE PROVIDED OR OTHER ASSISTANCE The local PHA, Lansing Housing Commission, is not designated as troubled. 2025 Annual Action Plan DISCUSSION Affordable housing needs are met by multiple stakeholders within City of Lansing. The LHC is responsible for the administration of public housing in the City of Lansing and Ingham County and continues to work closely with HUD, City of Lansing, and area agencies and organizations to address mutual affordable housing goals. AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities INTRODUCTION This section of the Annual Action Plan describes City of Lansing’s one-year goals, and the specific actions steps it will undertake in the program year to carry out the homeless strategy identified in the Strategic Plan. Additionally, this section addresses any activities related to the supportive housing needs of non- homeless populations. The City of Lansing Economic Department and Planning and Human Relations and Community Services (HRCS) Departments work closely together in addressing the needs of the homeless population in this community. EDP and HRCS works with the CoC, Capital Region Housing Collaborative (CRHC) to administer the ESG dollars in the community. The following figures are inclusive of all program types serving people who are experiencing literal homelessness except for street outreach and DV shelters, according to the CoC’s latest Longitudinal Systems Analysis, which reflects people served in the Ingham County homeless system during Oct. 1, 2022 – Sep. 30, 2023, Total households: 1,602 Total people: 2,288 Adults: 1,695 Children (minors): 593 Veterans: 128 Chronically Homeless: 175 Avg. Days Homeless: 112 (based on dates of stay in programs) 2025 Annual Action Plan DESCRIBE THE JURISDICTIONS ONE-YEAR GOALS AND ACTIONS FOR REDUCING AND ENDING HOMELESSNESS A key component of the city’s homeless strategy is to support critical housing and service activities within the Continuum of Care for the homeless. The City of Lansing participates with the Lansing, East Lansing, Ingham County Continuum of Care, a network-wide consortium of homeless and housing and service providers, city and county governments, agency representatives and the former homeless. The Committee’s goal is to establish a cooperative effort leading to the development of a continuum of housing and services for the homeless and to create supports to prevent at-risk populations from becoming homeless: 1. The City of Lansing HRCS Department recently issued an RFP to conduct a study of homelessness in the local community to gain a full understanding of the extent of homelessness, and the need for homeless services, including a gaps analysis. 2. The MI-508 CoC was recently awarded a Youth Homelessness Demonstration Project grant which began with creating a coordinated community plan to prevent and end homelessness for youth and young adults, identifying gaps and needs in youth housing and homeless services. An RFP process is now underway to provide funding for the identified projects to fill these gaps. A youth subcommittee was also formed to monitor and evaluate youth housing projects ongoing. 3. Several CoC board members are participating in the State Development Authority (MSHDA) sponsored regional community planning process of establishing a regional plan to prevent and end homelessness. Working committees are established and meeting ongoing. The CoC will incorporate this process with the local Homeless study to ensure all gaps in service are considered and any funding to our County will be targeted to the greatest needs. REACHING OUT TO HOMELESS PERSONS (ESPECIALLY UNSHELTERED PERSONS) AND ASSESSING THEIR INDIVIDUAL NEEDS A key component of the city’s homeless strategy is to support critical housing and service activities within the Continuum of Care for the homeless. The City of Lansing participates with the Lansing, East Lansing, Ingham County Continuum of Care, a network-wide Collaborative of homeless and housing and service providers, city and county governments, agency representatives and the formerly homeless. The Collaborative’s goal is to establish a cooperative effort leading to the development of a continuum of 2025 Annual Action Plan housing and services for people who are unsheltered and to create supports to prevent at-risk populations from becoming homeless. The CoC has committed to conducting the sheltered and unsheltered Point-in-Time (PIT) count annually. Each year the number of locations visited increases and the outreach efforts will further the effectiveness of the PIT by building a greater awareness of locations where people stay and developing a rapport. Increased street outreach is taking place for adults and families, funded by local grants. Specific Initiatives include: 1. Street outreach (PATH and CFC), housing hotlines (Advent House and CFC), and the HARA. 2. A new community-wide assessment tool was implemented this year along with a redesign of our Coordinated Entry system. This provides a uniform assessment tool to identify the needs of homeless persons and prioritize households for housing vouchers and other housing programs as well as connect households to mainstream community resources to meet their basic needs, as well as other physical, social, and emotional needs of each member of the household, thus increasing housing stability overall. 3. Focus groups with persons with lived experience/expertise in homelessness were utilized to provide feedback to improve the Coordinated Access and Entry processes. Youth and young adults focus groups are ongoing through an active Youth Action Council made up of youth and young adults with lived experience/expertise. ADDRESSING THE EMERGENCY SHELTER AND TRANSITIONAL HOUSING NEEDS OF HOMELESS PERSONS According to the 2023 Housing Inventory Count Report, as reported by the Lansing, East Lansing/Ingham County Continuum of Care, the community has 1,260 emergency shelter, safe haven, and transitional housing beds and when family shelters are at capacity there are hotel vouchers that can be used to keep families sheltered. There are specific shelters for families, youth, and people with mental health conditions. These shelters will continue to address the immediate shelter needs of the homeless in the community. The coordinated assessment staff meets with people in shelters to develop housing plans 2025 Annual Action Plan and provide referrals to appropriate resources. Transitional housing has been scaled down over the years and is almost exclusively targeted to specific sub-populations including veterans, youth, people in recovery from substance use disorders, and older victims and survivors of domestic violence/abuse. Shelter options for two-parent families and families with teenage is a gap in the community. In general, the needs can be summarized as follows: 1. Shelter – youth, families, those with mental health issues, seniors, DV have specific needs that may prevent their use of the general congregate shelters; so this includes the need for non-congregate shelters currently unavailable except through hoteling in our community. 2. Transitional Housing – is a large gap in our community. 3. Basic needs – food, clothing, health care, mental health care 4. Substance use and other supportive services – especially for chronically homeless persons that help them deal with crises and avoid evictions. 5. SOAR resources to assist people in applying for SSI/SSDI 6. Disability services – the full range of services to address undiagnosed or unidentified needs that lead to people’s homelessness. 7. Income maintenance programs – financial assistance and supports to help increase income, apply for mainstream benefits, child care, TANF, WIC, employment supports and assistance, access to education to achieve a living wage. 8. Affordable Housing – rental and home ownership programs, down payment programs. Safe, stable/permanent, and affordable housing based on the individual needs of the household. A stock of affordable housing units or additional and longer-term rental assistance. 9. Financial literacy- knowledge of how to improve credit, budgeting and money management, access to programs that assist with down payments and support home ownership, building banking history. 10. Reducing physical and emotional barriers to stable housing- access to physical and mental health care without judgement or stigma. 2025 Annual Action Plan 11. Building positive and healthy support systems that reduce future housing crises and dependency on systems of care. HELPING HOMELESS PERSONS (ESPECIALLY CHRONICALLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES, FAMILIES WITH CHILDREN, VETERANS AND THEIR FAMILIES, AND UNACCOMPANIED YOUTH) MAKE THE TRANSITION TO PERMANENT HOUSING AND INDEPENDENT LIVING, INCLUDING SHORTENING THE PERIOD OF TIME THAT INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES EXPERIENCE HOMELESSNESS, FACILITATING ACCESS FOR HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES TO AFFORDABLE HOUSING UNITS, AND PREVENTING INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES WHO WERE RECENTLY HOMELESS FROM BECOMING HOMELESS AGAIN Homeless households usually enter the system through 211, the HARA (coordinated entry) or a shelter and undergo a shelter diversion screening. Once in shelter a needs assessment is done to determine the level of need to help prioritize people for housing resources and referrals are made to other community supports and mainstream resources, if necessary. This may include: • Referral to DHHS SER or ES programs for rental assistance, security deposits, utility assistance, furniture, etc. • Referral to RRH ESG (HUD or MSHDA) or CoC RRH program - Coordinate benefits with DHHS to provide short- or medium-term rental assistance. • Referral to SSVF, FEMA, LSSCM for special programs, landlord mediation. • Referral to PSH for Families Program if disability. • Sign up on HCV waiting lists (MSHDA and LHC). HARA staff participates with shelters and key providers in a weekly IDT meeting where high need families and individuals (those with the longest history of homelessness and greatest needs) are identified and prioritized for the most intensive resources and services based on their individual needs. This collaboration allows case managers to work in a more coordinated way on specific cases. Efforts to shorten the length of time that people experience homelessness include a shelter diversion strategy to help people calling and presenting at shelters to identify alternative arrangements before they enter a shelter. For people in shelters, the HARA staff are available on-site to meet with clients to develop housing plans, provide resources on affordable housing and inform people of available mainstream benefits or housing assistance. People are added to housing voucher lists upon initial screening and the list has been shortened significantly with new practices implemented this year. This process has led to a 2025 Annual Action Plan significant reduction in the wait time for names to be pulled from the list and should have a direct impact on length of time homeless. Housing for veterans is being addressed by the VOA By Name list Committee working with veteran service organizations who have HUD-VASH vouchers. A by name list of homeless veterans and service providers connects veterans to all available resources to help end their homelessness. Rapid re-housing providers work with their clients throughout the term of the program enrollment on budgeting, increasing income, establishing savings accounts, and accessing and utilizing mainstream resources and other support networks to ensure that housing can be maintained after the financial assistance has ended. The HARA manages most of the Rapid Rehousing funds and Prevention financial assistance for the local area. There are specific shelters for families, youth, and people with mental health conditions. These shelters will continue to address the immediate shelter needs of the homeless in the community. Shelter staff meets with people to develop housing plans and provide referrals to appropriate resources. Local funds have been provided to address the lack of shelter capacity during the winter months for the most vulnerable, through opening a Warming Center, temporary sheltering in hotels and intensive case management to move people out to shelters or housing. Transitional housing has been scaled down over the years and is almost exclusively targeted to specific sub-populations including veterans, youth, people in recovery from substance use disorders, and older victims and survivors of domestic violence/abuse. Shelter options for two-parent families and families with teenagers is a gap in the community. Emergency shelters are frequently at capacity, with overflow going to the Outreach and the Warming Centers which was recently developed to provide a safe and low-barrier space for unsheltered homeless to come in out of the elements and receive basic care needs. The two largest shelters have plans to renovate spaces to increase the number of shelter beds. Shelter for families is also limited and the City is conducting focus groups to create a plan to best address this critical need. Hoteling families unable to secure shelter is how the community is currently managing. A recent RFP issued from the City of Lansing 2025 Annual Action Plan HRCS Dept is looking to use State and Local funding to open a Temporary Emergency Shelter until the larger shelters finish their renovations to accommodate more people. Shelter diversion is being practiced more frequently as shelter beds are limited. Two CoC agencies are collaborating on a shelter diversion pilot project and utilizing flexible financial assistance to help households remain doubled up. Ongoing case management is provided to move the family directly from couch surfing/doubled-up situations to permanent housing without having to enter the already overburdened emergency shelter system. Another of the city’s strategies for reducing homelessness is to support non-profit service providers that offer self-sufficiency training, medical care, mental health counseling, case management, and other activities to prevent homelessness. The non-homeless special needs populations include the elderly, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, substance abusers, and persons with AIDS or related diseases. During the upcoming year, the city and other non-profits will provide various types of assistance, primarily through supportive services, to persons with special needs in the community. Furthermore, the city will continue to work with homeless service providers and the Continuum of Care to implement a cohesive, community-wide discharge coordination policy that can be successfully implemented to ensure that persons being discharged from publicly funded agencies and institutions do not become homeless upon release. Prevention is a priority of the plan. Previously funded efforts included the Eviction Diversion program, Rapid Rehousing and Prevention Services, Eviction Prevention Program through CRHC, and State-funded & CoC collaborations for rapid re-housing. Additionally, the City of Lansing HRCS Department food programs assist “at-risk” households, allowing them to spend their limited funds on housing and other necessities. New affordable housing developments are also being pursued. CoC agencies routinely refer people to the Financial Empowerment Center for free assistance with budgeting, money management, 2025 Annual Action Plan and improve credit scores among other services. ESG may fund utility assistance and legal services to prevent evictions and for landlord mediation for “at risk” households. City funded programs provide basic needs services to help prevent homelessness for low income, at-risk residents. The city’s ESG allocation and complementary CoC funding will continue to provide the range of services for literally homeless individuals including linkages to permanent Housing. There are many techniques that the City uses to support homeless populations and prevent future homelessness: 1. Meeting them where they are at- in crisis, developmental stage, trauma-informed, strength- based approaches. a. Homeless households usually enter the system through 211, the HARA, a shelter or an agency participating in the coordinated entry system and participates in a shelter diversion screening. 2. Assessing the individual needs of the household and making referrals or advocating for services to meet the needs that are preventing accessing or stabilizing in permanent housing. a. A needs assessment is done to determine the level of need to help prioritize people for housing resources and referrals are made to other community supports and mainstream resources, if necessary. The Coordinated Entry system is meeting weekly to identify high needs families and individuals (those with the longest history of homelessness and greatest needs) and prioritizing them for the most intensive resources and services based on their individual needs. 3. Creating individualized service plans that move households from homelessness to safe, stable, and permanent housing. This includes addressing income, assisting the household in locating an appropriate and affordable housing option, and providing aftercare services to support housing stability whenever needed. a. This collaboration allows case managers to work in a more coordinated way on specific cases. Efforts to shorten the length of time that people experience homelessness include a shelter diversion strategy to help people to identify alternative arrangements before they enter a shelter. For people in shelters, staff meets with clients to develop housing plans, provide resources on affordable housing and inform people of available 2025 Annual Action Plan mainstream benefits or housing assistance. People are added to housing voucher lists upon initial screening. 4. New monthly landlord engagement meetings began this year. This includes landlord outreach, addressing their concerns, educating landlords about housing vouchers and other housing programs (RRH, PSH), building collaborative partnerships to prevent and end homelessness. a. Some financial assistance is available to help households get started (security deposit and/or utility assistance, rental assistance, other forms of financial assistance needed to secure and/or maintain permanent housing) from a variety of funding sources. HELPING LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AVOID BECOMING HOMELESS, ESPECIALLY EXTREMELY LOW-INCOME INDIVIDUALS AND FAMILIES AND THOSE WHO ARE: BEING DISCHARGED FROM PUBLICLY FUNDED INSTITUTIONS AND SYSTEMS OF CARE (SUCH AS HEALTH CARE FACILITIES, MENTAL HEALTH FACILITIES, FOSTER CARE AND OTHER YOUTH FACILITIES, AND CORRECTIONS PROGRAMS AND INSTITUTIONS); OR, RECEIVING ASSISTANCE FROM PUBLIC OR PRIVATE AGENCIES THAT ADDRESS HOUSING, HEALTH, SOCIAL SERVICES, EMPLOYMENT, EDUCATION, OR YOUTH NEEDS Another of the city’s strategies for reducing homelessness is to support non-profit service providers that offer self-sufficiency training, medical care, mental health counseling, case management, food banks, and other activities to prevent homelessness. In the current year, the City is providing additional local funds to enhance prevention and rapid rehousing efforts to keep people in housing. The non-homeless special needs populations include the elderly, mentally ill, developmentally disabled, physically disabled, substance users, and persons with AIDS or related diseases. During the upcoming year, the city and other non-profits will provide various types of assistance, primarily through supportive services, to persons with special needs in the community. Prevention is a priority of the plan. Previously funded efforts included the Eviction Diversion program, Rapid Rehousing and Prevention Services, Eviction Prevention Program through CRHC, and State-funded & CoC collaborations for rapid re-housing. Additionally, the City of Lansing HRCS Department food programs assist “at-risk” households, allowing them to spend their limited funds on housing and other necessities. New affordable housing developments are also being pursued. CoC agencies routinely refer people to the Financial Empowerment Center for free assistance with budgeting, money management, 2025 Annual Action Plan and improve credit scores among other services. ESG may fund utility assistance and legal services to prevent evictions and for landlord mediation for “at risk” households. City funded programs provide basic needs services to help prevent homelessness for low income, at-risk residents. The city’s ESG allocation and complementary CoC funding will continue to provide the range of services for literally homeless individuals including linkages to permanent housing. DISCUSSION The city plans to allocate 100% of their ESG grant allocation (besides a portion for administration costs) toward activities to reduce homelessness. These funds are generally provided to a subrecipient to administer programming related to homelessness. The city will continue to offer funding, assistance, advice, and coordination with agencies that provide day facilities, case management, job skills training, vocational tools and other homeless services as needed. AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing INTRODUCTION This section of the Annual Action Plan summarizes actions City of Lansing will undertake during the program year to reduce barriers to affordable housing and influence whether the cost of housing or the incentives to develop, maintain, or improve affordable housing are affected by public policies, particularly those of the local jurisdiction. Such policies include building codes, financing mechanisms, zoning ordinances, and general approach to preserving the housing stock. 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 Lansing has several strategies that it utilizes to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that are barriers to affordable housing. In general, Lansing will continue to work with non-profit housing developers and providers to increase the amount of affordable housing. The city's building and zoning codes do not, in general, constitute barriers to developing new affordable housing in Lansing. The 2025 Annual Action Plan City shall seek to update its zoning codes and land use plans as needed in the future. DISCUSSION The following is a summary of the city’s past and current strategies to reduce barriers to affordable housing: Building Codes – A revised building and mechanical code could better reflect the appropriate use of land and existing structures, while still solving some of the problems of the old code; however, the code still needs to focus on housing-related issues such as quality and safety. The city’s codes are governed by the state of Michigan but hopes that over time a revised code will make affordable development of decent housing units. Housing Loss – The city may, in the future, choose to off-set barrier costs such as security deposits, utility connection/reconnection fees, and high late rent fees with financial help and one-time emergency assistance payment to encourage residents and property owners to rehabilitate existing housing and increase affordable housing stock. Lack of Quality Housing – The city utilizes a multi-faceted approach to address this barrier, including the use of CDBG funds to rehabilitate existing homes, and eliminate blighted properties through demolition. The city also uses CDBG funds to stimulate private developers and other public resources to invest in inner-city communities and create mixed-income communities of choice. The city has made a concerted effort to invest in non-profit organizations that operate a mobile tool lending library, DIY courses, homeowner occupied rehab programs, and seek to purchase vacant homes for repair. Lead-Based Paint – The city has received multiple Lead Hazard Reduction grants from the Office of Healthy Homes and Lead Hazard Control since 2007 to provide additional funding for LBP remediation, targeting families with children under the age of six specifically for LBP remediation. Age & Physical Condition of Housing Stock – The city utilizes a multi-faceted approach to address this barrier, including rehabilitation assistance with the elderly, disabled and families with children receiving priority funding, marketing of homeownership programs to public housing tenants to 2025 Annual Action Plan support housing choice, and counseling to homeowners to educate them on basic maintenance to prevent further deterioration. Financing – The city utilizes a multi-faceted approach to address this barrier, including financial- counseling course funded by the city’s CDBG and administered through local service providers, down-payment assistance, and loans for emergency repairs in owner-occupied housing. 2025 Annual Action Plan AP-85 Other Actions INTRODUCTION This section of the Annual Action Plan describes City of Lansing’s planned actions to carry out the following strategies outlined in the Strategic Plan: • Foster and maintain affordable housing; • Evaluate and reduce lead‐based paint hazards; • Reduce the number of poverty‐level families; • Develop institutional structure; and • Enhance coordination. In addition, the city has identified obstacles to meeting underserved needs and proposed actions to overcome those obstacles. The City of Lansing will continue its efforts to assure that fair housing principles are followed in the city. The City of Lansing Department of Economic Development and Planning (DEDP) has completed its Analysis of Impediments (AI) to Fair Housing Choice and will continue to implement the recommended actions to address impediments to fair housing. The City of Lansing's DEDP, Human Relations and Community Services (HRCS) Department and Lansing Housing Commission work collaboratively to address fair housing issues which includes working with community organizations to educate citizens about fair housing issues and pursue enforcement in cases of housing discrimination; work to eliminate predatory lending practices that disproportionately affect protected groups and respond to inquiries/complaints relative to fair housing. The City of Lansing has a strong faith-based community, particularly among the homeless service providers. Most of the homeless shelters are grounded in organizations that are motivated by their religious principles. Several of the emergency services in Lansing are supported or operated by faith- based organizations. City staff involvement with the homeless population includes serving on several boards to enhance coordination and address the needs of this community including the Continuum of Care. This partnership includes assistance in funding rehabilitation and new construction of housing units. The city continues to make a concerted effort to work with various agencies to prioritize programs and services for those in the greatest need, including a range of anti-poverty programs, such as 2025 Annual Action Plan contracts with neighborhood organizations that provide a wide range of services to low-income persons to supplement their incomes. One of these programs provides one-time payments for rental arrears or utility assistance for those who do not qualify for any other programs, who would otherwise lose their housing. ACTIONS PLANNED TO ADDRESS OBSTACLES TO MEETING UNDERSERVED NEEDS Consistent with the Five‐Year Consolidated Plan’s Strategic Plan, Lansing will pursue the goal of promoting access to public services for special needs populations generally assumed to be low‐ and moderate‐income, including, but not limited to, programs addressing youth and children, seniors/elderly and frail elderly, veterans, and persons with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities, alcohol or drug addiction, HIV/AIDS or other special needs. The city, through the Consolidated Plan, shall seek to target federal funds, and other available resources, to residents that have traditionally not been served, or are underserved by previous programs. A strong emphasis will be placed on programmatic restructure that is not only compliant with changing rules and regulations, but make sense for today's economic climate, and ever-changing community structure. The City of Lansing will continue to utilize all resources including leveraging funds and seeking additional funding to meet the needs of the underserved. The most vulnerable and underserved population includes those who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. More specifically, as identified through its collaborative efforts with the Continuum of Care (CoC), the City of Lansing’s planned action steps to meeting the underserved needs includes partnering with several organizations, and creating a comprehensive, visionary, realistic CoC Strategic Plan to help the homeless/underserved. The CoC Strategic Plan calls for ongoing needs assessment efforts and identification of services gaps related to at risk and homeless persons. These efforts take place continuously but specifically in mid-winter beginning with a Community Forum of local human services agencies, hosted by the City of Lansing Human Relations and Community Services department. A review of local data and progress on housing performance measures also takes place at different points of the year. HMIS data is used to measure progress and identify changing trends and patterns in the utilization of housing assistance programs and services. 2025 Annual Action Plan ACTIONS PLANNED TO FOSTER AND MAINTAIN AFFORDABLE HOUSING As stated in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan Strategic Plan the city places a high priority on providing homeownership opportunities, as well as safe and decent rental housing in Lansing. This goal is addressed, in part, by local non-profit organizations that construct new, modestly priced, affordable houses, or repair existing houses for resale to lower-income, first-time homebuyers. Many of these non- profit organizations also provide down payment assistance to facilitate the purchase of the homes. The city places a high priority on both methods of expanding home ownership for lower-income households. The city's housing development plans should correlate with changing market conditions in the City of Lansing and the surrounding area. To ensure that the low- and moderate-income citizens of the community have access to affordable housing, the city will coordinate with local and regional financial organizations, as well as with our local, State, and Federal non-profit partners, to explore their financial participation. In efforts to foster and maintain affordable housing, CDBG and HOME funds identified in the Annual Action Plan to provide for the rehabilitation of 21 owner occupied homes, 28 renter occupied homes, and down payment assistance will be provided to 6 housing units. In addition, the City of Lansing will continue to work with developers including CHDOs to expand the number of housing units for low to moderate income households by development of 3 new housing units. We will also continue to support the development of affordable rental units utilizing Low Income Housing Tax Credits by assisting with Payment in Lieu Of Taxes (PILOTS) and will continue to evaluate funding for projects that expand access to affordable housing.. ACTIONS PLANNED TO REDUCE LEAD-BASED PAINT HAZARDS Housing units that receive more than $5,000 in non-emergency housing rehabilitation assistance through the Development Office have all identified lead-based paint hazards remediated. Additionally, the Development Office partners with the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Help for Lead Safe Homes program to provide CDBG funds where lead-based paint remediation costs for qualified and enrolled owner-occupied homes in Lansing exceed the amount of their grant program. The Development Office works with the Ingham County Health Department to ensure that owner-occupied and rental housing units where children with elevated blood lead levels (EBL’s) are notified about options through the Lead Safe Lansing Program and Housing Rehabilitation 2025 Annual Action Plan program. The Development Office operates the Lead Safe Lansing Program, a HUD Lead Hazard Control grant to assist with remediation of lead-based paint hazards in owner-occupied housing where children under age 6 reside, and in rental properties, and will continue to apply for this source of funding as it is made available. Housing that receives remediation through the Development Office is listed on the State of Michigan’s Lead Safe Housing Registry. ACTIONS PLANNED TO REDUCE THE NUMBER OF POVERTY-LEVEL FAMILIES According to the 2018-2022 American Community Survey (ACS) 5-year estimates, 19.98% of people living in the City of Lansing are below poverty level. The City of Lansing does not possess the capacity or manpower to directly improve the poverty status of its residents. However, the city supports County and State efforts to move low-income persons to economic self-sufficiency or to a maximum level of economic independence. The strategy aims to help families that are currently dependent on public assistance achieve economic self-sufficiency. In instances where this may not be possible because of personal limitations, the goal is to enable them to achieve the maximum level of independence for which they are capable. The City of Lansing continues to be actively involved on a local and regional scale in promoting growth and expansion of job opportunities. ACTIONS PLANNED TO DEVELOP INSTITUTIONAL STRUCTURE The City of Lansing has a strong Institutional Delivery System to carry out the city’s affordable housing strategy, homeless strategy, as well as other goals. A wide range of services are available in the community, including homelessness prevention services, street outreach, emergency shelter and transitional housing, and mental health services. These programs are provided by nonprofit organizations and Continuum of Care (CoC) member agencies. The city has identified various entities from the public, nonprofit and private sectors that will be institutionally involved in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan and this Annual Action Plan. To improve the housing and community development delivery system in Lansing, better coordination between the public, nonprofit and private agencies will be required. The programs and services that exist and that are available to residents in Lansing are extensive and varied. 2025 Annual Action Plan The collaboration between local, county, and state agencies is important in successfully carrying out the goals and objectives identified in the Consolidated Plan in addressing the housing and community development needs in the city. ACTIONS PLANNED TO ENHANCE COORDINATION BETWEEN PUBLIC AND PRIVATE HOUSING AND SOCIAL SERVICE AGENCIES The City of Lansing will continue to coordinate with formal and informal efforts to coordinate activities between or among many participants including the city, state and federal units of government, the Lansing Housing Commission (LH), public agencies, or private sector agencies such as lending institutions, health care providers, non-profit housing corporations, social service agencies, neighborhood organizations, and more. This coordination will develop an effective institutional structure and enhance inter-agency coordination. Although funding for public housing authorities may be reduced, it is anticipated that LHC will still be awarded a significant amount of Federal funds to provide housing-related activities, such as rental assistance, rehabilitation, and new construction, for low-income persons in Lansing. As previously identified, the Lansing Housing Commission is the Collaborative Applicant for the Continuum of Care. The local nonprofit organizations in Lansing provide various affordable housing and supportive services. These organizations typically have a specific target population that they serve, and accordingly possess a level of knowledge and expertise that is invaluable. The continuation and expansion of such services by aggressively seeking additional funding will be encouraged over the next year. In addition, better coordination between these agencies and with the public and private sector organizations will continue to be a high priority. The City of Lansing Development Office also acts at the Fiduciary for Michigan State Housing Development Authority (MSHDA) ESF, MSHDA Diversion Program, and ESG funding for the local Continuum of Care. City of Lansing Development staff play a critical role in staffing the CoC in this effort. The City of Lansing pays an annual membership fee to the CHRC (the Continuum of Care), which is an incorporated 501c3 organization. The city works to support the only CHDO, Capital Area Housing Partnership (CAHP). CAHP is also the only HUD certified Local Housing Counseling Agency for Ingham County. The City of Lansing houses an Office of Financial Empowerment, Eviction Diversion Coordinator, and Housing Ombudsman. Through various formats, Lansing coordinates with those folks to address barriers. 2025 Annual Action Plan DISCUSSION The city’s actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs include activities in support of special needs assistance for victims of domestic violence, at-risk families and youth, the disabled, elderly, those with mental health issues. Additionally, the city’s actions to foster and maintain affordable housing include continued funding of programs and agencies that further the affordable housing goals of the city. Lead-based paint hazards will continue to be evaluated, environmental testing conducted, and educational materials made available to families at-risk of exposure. Institutional structure will continue to be developed through continued coordination with Ingham County, the Capital Region Housing Collaborative, the Lansing Housing Commission, and other State and local agencies. The City of Lansing will continue to foster inter-agency coordination with the public service agencies in the community. AP-90 Program Specific Requirements INTRODUCTION This section addresses the program-specific requirements for the Annual Action Plan. Projects planned with all CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in Table 9. COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM (CDBG) REFERENCE 24 CFR 91.220. (I)(1) Table 13 identifies any CDBG program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 2025 Annual Action Plan TABLE 13: AVAILABLE PROGRAM INCOME Available Program Income Amount 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 $100,000 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 $100,000 Table 13 – Available Program Income TABLE 14: OTHER CDBG REQUIREMENTS Available Program Income Amount 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low- and moderate-income (for year 2025). 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. 99% Table 14 – Other CDBG Requirements HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIP PROGRAM (HOME) REFERENCE 24 CFR 91.220(I)(2) DESCRIPTION OF OTHER FORMS OF INVESTMENT BEING USED BEYOND THOSE IDENTIFIED IN SECTION 92.205 IS AS FOLLOWS The City of Lansing does not use float funds. If any program income is realized, it is re-budgeted annually. DESCRIPTION OF THE GUIDELINES THAT WILL BE USED FOR RESALE OR RECAPTURE OF HOME FUNDS WHEN USED FOR HOMEBUYER ACTIVITIES AS REQUIRED IN 92.254 IS AS FOLLOWS The City of Lansing utilizes the annual income definition found at 24 CFR Part 5 for determining eligibility 2025 Annual Action Plan of participants in HOME funded housing programs. The city has in place clear procedure to ensure that these definitions are implemented consistently and accurately. If the assisted homebuyer sells the home during the applicable period of affordability, the city shall recover HOME funds from the net proceeds of sale, as specified in the HOME regulations 92.254(a)(5)(ii). The City also adopts resale to secure the affordability period when rental units are developed utilizing CDBG and HOME funds. The city’s HOME Manual is attached. DESCRIPTION OF THE GUIDELINES FOR RESALE OR RECAPTURE THAT ENSURES THE AFFORDABILITY OF AUNITS ACQUIRED WITH HOME FUNDS? SEE 24 CFR 92.254(a)(4) ARE AS FOLLOWS The city requires resale and recapture requirements that conform with 24 CFR Part 92.254(a). A restrictive covenant on the property to recapture the entire amount of HOME Investment of the property is sold prior to the end of the applicable affordability period is required, except that development subsidies for costs in excess of fair market sales price are not subject to recapture and should not be included in the recapture amount established in the restrictive covenant. Recapture funds must be repaid to the City or used by the grantee to fund additional HOME eligible activities. Under resale, a restrictive covenant is also used to enforce the affordability period. Additional information regarding Resale and Recapture Provisions has been included as an attachment in the Home Manual. PLANS FOR USING HOME FUNDS TO REFINANCE EXISTING DEBT SECURED BY MULTIFAMILY HOUSING THAT IS REHABILITATED WITH HOME FUNDS ALONG WITH A DESCRIPTION OF THE REFINANCING GUIDELINES REQUIRED THAT WILL BE USED UNDER 24 CFR 92.206(b) ARE AS FOLLOWS Not applicable. EMERGENCY SOLUTIONS GRANT (ESG) REFERENCE 91.220(I)(4) INCLUDE WRITTEN STANDARDS FOR PROVIDING ESG ASSISTANCE (MAY INCLUDE AS ATTACHMENT) See attachment – Capital Region Housing Collaborative (CRHC) Policies. IF THE CONTINUUM OF CARE HAS ESTABLISHED CENTRALIZED OR COORDINATED ASSESSMENT SYSTEM THAT MEETS HUD REQUIREMENTS, DESCRIBE THAT CENTRALIZED OR 2025 Annual Action Plan COORDINATED ASSESSMENT SYSTEM The Coordinated Entry System has multiple entry points including shelters, state-DHHS office, DV shelters, outreach projects, events, eviction diversion program, and other locations. Most points of entry have become virtual as a result of social distancing and other measures to reduce the risk of spreading COVID. Entry points work with the Coordinated Entry Agency (CEA) to provide confidential and safe services especially for DV victims and youth. The CEA is located at the Holy Cross Services campus. The Coordinated Entry tool is used to assess homeless households based on severity of needs and urgency of housing crisis and targets the most appropriate response. Depending on urgency and priority, the needs assessment is followed by a more comprehensive assessment to identify unique housing barriers and needs. This assessment serves as the basis for creating a housing plan and a tool for resource coordination and resolution of the housing crisis. Housing assessments are entered on HMIS to facilitate sharing with CoC member agencies that use HMIS. Those experiencing chronic homelessness and with the longest length of homelessness and highest services needs are prioritized for supportive housing resources and wrap-around service coordination. A Housing Plan must be completed for all individuals that receive a housing assessment. The Housing Plan provides focus, goals, outcomes and collaboration of community resources and referrals to mainstream services that serves to guide a household’s rehousing efforts. The CEA staff also assists in gathering needed documentation for program eligibility, maintains the CH By-Name List, and refers priority households to PSH and RRH programs. The CoC is operating an interim Coordinated Entry process while we work with the Technical Assistance provider Abt Associates to redesign our process. The interim process leverages available information in HMIS to include as many households experiencing homelessness as possible in a By-Name-List and focuses on those who are most likely to be easy for providers to find quickly so units are filled. Housing providers utilize an HMIS report that ranks households by their length of time homeless, pulling those with the longest time homeless for the next available housing openings. The lists will pull from all households who are currently active in an emergency shelter or outreach program (except for unaccompanied minor and domestic violence specific shelters), all households who have exited a shelter or outreach program within 30 days prior, all households who have a recent VI-SPDAT assessment, and those served through the HARA. This captures as many households as possible while ensuring that clients have recently been engaged with a service provider and are likely to be easier to locate for a 2025 Annual Action Plan housing placement. Each housing provider is responsible for filling their own vacancies using this process. This interim process will be in place until an updated permanent process can be developed and approved by the CoC Board. There will be multiple opportunities for input into the design of the community’s permanent Coordinated Entry prioritization and referral process. IDENTIFY THE PROCESS FOR MAKING SUB-AWARDS AND DESCRIBE HOW THE ESG ALLOCATION AVAILABLE TO PRIVATE NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS (INCLUDING COMMUNITY AND FAITH-BASED ORGANIZATIONS) The CRHC-CoC uses an open solicitation process for notifying potential applicants. The CoC issues a request for proposal (RFP) to all CoC agencies to apply for ESG funds and applications are submitted and reviewed by the CoC Finance Committee. The CoC Board, community partners, and fiduciary determine sub-awards through this competitive application using an impartial, data-driven process. Decisions are made based on HUD and CoC priorities, in an open process with all agencies and City Departments. The ESG application and Ranking and Review tool are developed by the CoC Finance Committee and reviewed and approved by the CoC Board and the fiduciary/Collaborative Applicant. The review includes assessment of program goals, objectives, measurable outcomes, target populations to be served, organizational capacity and other factors. Prior to the application process, the CoC assesses community needs and gaps. ESG funding allocations are then divided into the five eligible components with larger allocations designated for the components most needed in the community, with an eye to services funded through other sources. ESG funding opportunities are advertised via email, websites, network meetings, and city resources, to encourage new and existing applicants. The CoC Network encourages new proposals from any interested and eligible agency including private non-profits, community and faith-based organizations. All applicants are notified via e-mail of the funding decisions. IF THE JURISDICTION IS UNABLE TO MEET THE HOMELESS PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENT IN 24 CFR 576.405(A), THE JURISDICTION MUST SPECIFY ITS PLAN FOR REACHING OUT TO AND CONSULTING WITH HOMELESS OR FORMERLY HOMELESS INDIVIDUALS IN CONSIDERING POLICIES AND FUNDING DECISIONS REGARDING FACILITIES AND SERVICES FUNDED UNDER ESG. 2025 Annual Action Plan The CoC Board currently has members who are formerly homeless, although more intensive efforts are taking place to engage those with more recent lived experiences. In addition, the general CoC Network membership always consists of homeless and/or formerly homeless participants who are instrumental in the decision-making process of the CoC and bring their experience and input into all discussions. The general meetings are held the third Thursday of the month, and there are focus groups held for specific issues. Specific efforts in the past year include: 1. Establishing a CoC budget to engage and support honorariums for formerly homeless persons to participate in the CoC Board and four CoC committees. 2. Intensive efforts to engage participants for these committees. 3. The Network of agencies has been and will be instrumental in making decisions and policies on: 4. The HRCS Community Forum that takes place in mid-Winter each year to gather gaps/needs information from a wide array of Community agencies who serve people who are homeless and the at-risk, ALICE population. 5. A Youth Advisory Board of mostly homeless youth is established to advise the CoC Board. The Board is considering inviting a member to join the CoC Board itself. 6. The CoC tracks the number of homeless or formerly homeless participants of the Network and keeps them engaged in the activities as well as continues to involve them in the policies and decision-making process. 7. Engaged a formerly homeless participant to serve on the Coordinated Entry Process Design Committee. DESCRIBE PERFORMANCE STANDARDS FOR EVALUATING ESG. ESG program monitoring is conducted annually by the Recipient agency, the City of Lansing HRCS Dept., using the ESG Exhibit Tools that cover compliance with HUD regulations, HMIS usage, monthly desk audits, client case reviews, outcomes, exits, client terminations, program barriers and shelter inspections. Shelter inspections have been suspended during COVID, but alternative methods are being explored for remote/virtual inspections. Monitoring results are shared with the agency, the CRHC Board and the CoC Ranking/Applications review committees during their organizational capacity review. A monitoring letter is sent to the agency with any findings, recommendations, or corrective actions. 2025 Annual Action Plan Program expenditures are reviewed via monthly desk audits. Any issues identified during the monthly desk audits are discussed with the agency, and if necessary, with the CoC Board. In the event of an 11% or more deviation from expected spending patterns, a Variance Explanation is required by the agency to address how the deviation will be resolved, with review by the Fiduciary, CoC Finance Committee, and CoC Board. Ongoing monitoring of progress is required. In the event the CoC Board or Fiduciary is not satisfied with the Explanation, a Corrective Action Plan (CAP) may be required. In addition, the CoC reviews the performance of the ESG funded projects on a quarterly basis, using data from HMIS (or a comparable database for DV and legal services providers). The CoC’s Continuous Quality Improvement (CQI) Committee conducts quarterly reviews of the ESG funded project outcomes to ensure that projects are meeting their performance standards and to identify opportunities for improvement. Outcomes used to evaluate the ESG projects performance include: • Engagement rate - % of exits to a known destination • Percent of exits to permanent housing • Percent of exits to “positive” housing (for shelters and programs serving sub-populations such as recovery and youth programs) • Percent of adults exiting with cash income • Percent of adults employed at exit • Percent adults that increased income during program enrollment • Average length of stay (ES only) • Average length of time to move into housing (RRH only) • Returns to homelessness within 1 year of discharge (only agencies using HMIS) • Recidivism to shelter – for ES: people returning to shelter following a shelter discharge • For Prevention and RRH: people returning to homelessness within 12 months of program exit. The baseline for comparison of the performance measures is set using historic project-level data, performance benchmarks from national organizations including USICH and the National Alliance for Ending Homelessness, and benchmarks from other similar project types in the CoC. High performing agencies share their practices with other providers to spread effective practices to all CoC members. Under-performance is viewed through a diagnostic lens to validate the results and to identify potential causes. If under-performance is specific to a particular project, the provider is expected to explain the 2025 Annual Action Plan reasons why and to provide a plan to improve going forward. Depending on the nature of the explanation and the plan presented, Programs that are under-performing year after year are considered for reallocation or de-funding, depending on the CoC Board’s and the fiduciary’s priorities and assessment of capacity. Following the CQI committee’s approval of the accuracy and completeness of the ESG quarterly report the information is sent to the CoC Board for their review and approval. DISCUSSION City of Lansing anticipates $100,000 in CDBG program income to be available during the year. As shown in Table 14 the City has not identified funds for urgent need activities at this time; however, the percentage of overall benefit to low- and moderate-income persons is expected to be over 99% as the Blight Removal project does not meet a LMI National Objective. The City of Lansing has calculated the percentage of overall benefit based on the program year (2025).