BACKGROUND

The purpose of this public hearing is to receive final comments on the proposed 2021 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget for the program year October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022.

2021 Annual Action Plan and CDBG Budget

The 2021 Annual Action Plan states how the Village will address its community development needs, especially those of its low- and moderate-income residents, during the October 1, 2021 – September 30, 2022 program year including how the Village will use its available CDBG funds.

Since the annual CDBG budget has historically been of particular interest to members of the community, the draft 2021 CDBG allocations are provided as a separate document for the convenience of the Village Board and the public.

A Draft of the 2021 Annual Action Plan is provided. The draft has been updated to include information on the public participation process including public comments received and the Village’s responses to those comments. Certain pages have also been added to reflect the draft CDBG budget discussed at the June 7, 2021 Village Board meeting. The 2021 Annual Action Plan will require a final update to reflect the discussions at the Village Board meeting on July 21, 2021 prior to submission to HUD.

Public Comment

The 2021 Annual Action Plan was made available for a 30-day public comment period ending on July 9, 2021. Four comments were made in response to the public comment period announcement on the Village’s Facebook page. Four emails were received from one resident and two CDBG grant applicants. The comments and the Village’s responses to those comments are attached to the Draft Annual Action Plan beginning on page 40. Below is a summary of the comments received from the public

• CDBG funds should not go to groups that collect taxes as funding and should instead all go to go non-profits. The Village should not take any money other than a small amount for administration. Allocations should be based on the number of Arlington Heights residents served for free and the cost of providing the services (ex. salary costs). All CDBG eligible activities may be considered by the Board.

• There was a comment that the materials provided were too lengthy, lacked substance, and indicated that the program is being continued as in the past. The Village follows the CDBG requirements and copies of the grant applications were provided for additional information for the public.

• There was a request for additional information about the proposed infrastructure program. The Village clarified the nature of this program and provided additional information was provided to the person who submitted the comment.

• Full Circle Communities asked for feedback concerning their grant application which was not recommended for funding. The Village provided the requested feedback on the conceptual nature of the preliminary proposal.

• Journeys|The Road Home stated that the level of funding in the draft CDBG budget for the agency’s homeless services is too low. The agency also objected to the draft CDBG budget not including additional funds for the agency’s new building project. The Village has provided significant funding to Journeys and needs to allocate scarce resources amongst many agencies. There were emails exchanged between Journeys and the Village which are provided in an attachment to the Draft 2021 Annual Action Plan beginning at page 40.

HUD REVIEW

If approved by the Village Board, the Village’s 2021 Annual Action Plan will be updated as per the Village Board’s discussion and funding allocations. The final 2021 Annual Action Plan will then be submitted by Cook County for submission to HUD along with the 2021 Annual Action Plans of the other municipal members of the Cook County HOME Consortium. HUD may take up to 45 days to review the Village’s 2021 Annual Action Plan. Upon approval, HUD will provide a Grant Agreement to the Village for its Federal fiscal year 2021 CDBG entitlement funds.