ORDINANCE approving and authorizing City of Houston to execute and submit required materials including two applications and budgets to the UNITED STATES DEPARTMENT OF HOUSING AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT, for Grants made available for the Economic Development Initiative for the purposes of Community Project Funding; and authorizing the acceptance of funds from the aforementioned Grants and the execution of two Grant Agreements

The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing the following:

• The submission of required application materials to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), for two Community Project Funding/Congressionally Directed Spending awards (CPF) totaling $2,300,000.00, under the HUD Economic Development Initiative, to benefit residents of the City of Houston,
• The execution of the Agreements between the City of Houston (City) and HUD for the two CPF grants by the Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee; and
• The execution of related forms and documents for the CPF awards by the Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee.

In the Fiscal Year 2023 Consolidated Appropriations Act (Public Law 117-328) (the Act), the U.S. Congress made CPF awards available, and projects were identified in the annual appropriations legislation. The City of Houston was named the recipient of two grant awards for the following projects specified in the legislation that will be managed by HCD.

Sunnyside Park Capital Improvements: $1,550,000.00

This funding will be used to improve the Sunnyside Park Community Center, which may include a structural assessment, design services, permitting, and construction. This project will assist in making needed repairs, which may include, but are not limited to, roof repairs or replacement, enhancements to the gymnasium, or upgrades to the restrooms. The Sunnyside Park Community Center hosts recreation programs for people of all ages including youth after-school and summer enrichment programs, senior programs, and free play, as well as community meetings and other neighborhood gatherings. Sunnyside residents have identified the repair and replacement of assets at Sunnyside Park as a top priority, and “Improve Sunnyside Park” was the first project listed in the Parks and Community Amenities section of the Sunnyside Complete Communities Action Plan.

The Magnolia Park-Manchester Services Hub: $750,000.00

HCD will use a selection process to identify one or more nonprofit organizations to provide social services to Houstonians in the Magnolia Park-Manchester neighborhood, which is a low- and moderate-income area. Services may include, but are not limited to, childcare services, workforce training and development services, and/or other social services. Once a nonprofit partner is selected, these funds will be used for program expenses, which may include salaries and other program costs.

The date HUD signs each of the two grant agreements will be the start date for each grant’s period of performance and budget period. Fiscal Year 2023 CPF grant awards must be spent by August 31, 2031.

This item is a procedural, administrative matter for the City to receive the funds awarded. After the grant agreements are executed and partner organizations are selected, contracts or agreements related to these grant awards will be presented to City Council.

Fiscal Note:

No fiscal note is required for grant items. 

This item was reviewed by the Housing and Community Affairs Committee on October 17, 2023. 

___________________________________________

Keith W. Bynam, Director

$ 2,300,000.00

Federal Government – Grant Fund

Fund 5000

Roxanne Lawson

(832) 394-6307