The Housing and Community Development Department (HCD) recommends Council approval of an Ordinance authorizing the execution of a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant agreement, and related forms and documents, between the City of Houston (City), the Houston Housing Authority (HHA), and HUD by the Mayor, or the Mayor’s designee.
The Houston Housing Authority, as Lead Applicant, and the City of Houston, as Co-Applicant, submitted a joint application to HUD for a $500,000.00 HUD Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant (Grant). The Grant was awarded by HUD on September 10, 2024, with a period of performance of 30 months from the grant award date (September 10, 2024, through March 10, 2027). HUD now seeks execution of the associated grant agreement by the City and HHA before the end of October, 2024, to secure the Grant.
The Choice Neighborhood Planning Grant will fund the development of a Transformation Plan for the Near Northside – Irvington Village Choice Neighborhood area. As co-applicant, the City will work collaboratively with HHA and other key partners to assist in collecting and analyzing data and obtaining community input from all stakeholders to develop strategies for the Near Northside that are centered on housing quality and variety; economic opportunity; community assets and amenities; and community confidence and safety.
The City will also be a part of the oversight body that reviews summary information and recommendations presented by the Choice Neighborhood Housing, People, and Neighborhood Task Forces.
This is a reimbursement grant, and funding will be managed by the lead applicant, the Houston Housing Authority. No funding will be available to the City of Houston.
This item was reviewed by the Housing and Affordability Committee on October 15, 2024.
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Michael Nichols, Director