Austin City Council Approves City's FY 2005-09 Federal Spending Plan

AUSTIN, TX: The Austin City Council approved the City's 5-year Consolidated Plan during its scheduled meeting yesterday. This plan is a blueprint that will guide the expenditure of over $65 million in federal and local resources during the next five years. The plan is required by federal law and serves as the application for and acceptance of four entitlement grants from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The Consolidated Plan is essentially describes the City's strategies for addressing the housing and community development needs of its low and moderate-income residents. Low-income families are typically those earning below 50 percent of median income, or about $35,550 for a family of four. Federal standards set moderate - income at 80 percent of median, or about $56,900, for a family of four.

The Consolidated Plan concludes that addressing Austin's affordable housing needs is the highest priority with other key needs such as economic development activities and expanding childcare and youth services.

The Council-approved Plan continues the City of Austin's investment in successful Programs; establishes a capacity building program for Community Housing Development Organizations (CHDO), maintains investments in public services activities, allows for a Neighborhood Based Strategy for Service Delivery, and includes other amendments as proposed by the Community Development Commission. In addition, Council directed staff to continue to work with Southwest Key in their efforts to bring about the East Austin Community Development Program, which received strong support from the community.

Paul Hilgers, Community Development Officer says, "this plan has been in the works for nearly a year. We are pleased about the level of participation we received from the stakeholders and the City Council's unanimous support for these priorities. With the Consolidated plan as a guide, the office of Neighborhood Housing and Community Development can continue to provide housing and community development investments in our city in the most efficient and cost effective manner."

Federal and State law require that the public participate in the development of the Consolidated Plan. This was achieved through public hearings, stakeholder meeting, surveys, citizen comments, a market analysis and a study of the impediments to Fair Housing.

Federal regulations require that a Council-approved Consolidated Plan be delivered to HUD no later than August 15, 2004. Once approved, it will be available to the public at the City's Main Library or at their local neighborhood center.

The City of Austin is committed to compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended. Reasonable modifications and equal access to communications will be provided upon request. Please call 974-3100 (voice) or 974-3102 (TDD) for assistance. This project is made possible by funding from HUD through the City of Austin.

CONTACT: Julie Beggs, (512) 974-3121 (voice)