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A. 2015-2020 Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership (HOME) Programs (Item Continued from April 27, 2015) (304) Planning Manager Turner introduced the item and the presenters, Dana Elrod, the CDBG consultant, and Rhonda Kaufman, the CDBG Coordinator. Ms. Elrod gave the presentation on the Consolidated Plan/Annual Action Plan {presentation on file), speaking about who the CDBG benefits and how funds may be used. She gave an overview of the meetings and consultations on this topic so far. The number one priority in the draft is Affordable Housing. Ms. Elrod reviewed the one-year Action Plan recommendations for capital projects, non-housing community development, two-year fund cycle allocations for public services, housing, administration, and fair housing. Council Member Howard asked if the first-time home buyer loan program and if there is a partnership with the HEART (Housing Endowment and Regional Trust) organization. Mr. Turner stated that HEART is a City-funded organization, and the first-time home buyer's program is administered through HEART and Habitat for Humanity. Mayor Gee opened the Public Hearing. Public Comment Barbara Litke, HIP Housing, thanked the Council for its support. She noted that the pay scale is not keeping up with rent increases, and community services are not able to help, stating that there has been an increase in requests for help. Council Member Howard spoke about how HIP helps people who are in need of housing, by pairing those in need with people who have volunteered to let them live with them. Luis Vizcardo thanked the City for its support of Renaissance, who offers classes on starting a small business. He introduced Lucia Paredes, a small business owner in Redwood City. She spoke about her experience learning about how to run her business. She thanked the Council for helping small business owners and Renaissance. Timothy Russell, Program Director for Renaissance, thanked the Council for its support so that Renaissance can continue to help small business owners in Redwood City. Jackson Rabinowitz, Habitat for Humanity-Greater San Francisco, thanked the City Council and the Housing/Human Concerns Committee for their support of affordable housing in Redwood City. He stated that Habitat for Humanity will be bringing 20 affordable condo units to the downtown area. Vice Mayor Foust thanked Habitat for Humanity for their work in Redwood City. Melissa Lukin, Executive Director of CORA, thanked the City Council for its ongoing support. She spoke about the issue of domestic violence and need for support at the shelter. JOINT CITY COUNCIL/SUCCESSOR AGENCY BOARD/ May 4, 2015 PUBLIC FINANCING AUTHORITY MEETING MINUTES Page 4 MINUTE BOOK NO. 65 Page No. 400