2010-2014 Consolidated Plan - City of Champaign

Activities:1) Targeted Full Home Improvement Program: 5-10 projects per year (25-50 for five-year planperiod). This is a whole house rehab program targeted to low- and moderate-income owneroccupiedhouseholds in Planning Areas 1, 2, 4, 7, 8, 9, and 14 where property values (adjusted forsize of unit) are below City average and/or the overall housing condition is rated as preservation orrestoration. Income-eligible property owners in other Planning Areas may also be assisted. Thepurpose of the program is to improve the quality of the housing stock by bringing units intocompliance with applicable code requirements, eliminating lead-based paint hazards, applyingenergy efficiency and improving exterior appearance to achieve maximum neighborhood impact.(FY 10/11 Budget: $100,000 HOME, $25,000 match)2) Citywide Emergency Repair Program: 30-35 projects per year (150-175 for five-year plan period).This program addresses repairs of an urgent nature that threaten the health and safety ofoccupants. Addressing isolated repairs as they occur prevents the further deterioration of thehousing stock. Eligible households include low- and moderate-income owner-occupants. (FY10/11 budget: $152,500 CDBG)3) Credit Counseling for Rehab Programs: 5-10 clients per year (10-50 for five-year plan period).The City offers credit counseling opportunities to all housing rehab applicants that cannot qualifydue to credit problems. Applicants can participant in counseling provided by a non-profit through acontractual arrangement with the City or an accredited agency of their own choosing. The City’scurrent contract for credit counseling is with the Central Illinois Debt Management and CreditEducation, Inc. (FY 10/11 Budget: $2,000 CDBG)b) Improve the condition of rental properties in the City’s low- and moderate-incomeneighborhoods. 53% of the City’s housing stock is rental property. Much of the affordable rentalproperty is located in the lower income neighborhoods which contain the oldest housing stock in theCity. Private investment has not been enough to keep these units well-maintained. Additional publicfunding is required to ensure that the City’s rental properties continue to provide a viable source ofaffordable housing for low- and moderate-income families.Activities:1) Rental Rehabilitation Program: Bring 1-2 units per year (5-10 per five-year plan period) into codecompliance. This program provides matching funds for the renovation of rental housing stock. Tobe eligible for the program, rental units must be affordable to households at 65% of median familyincome. Property owners must match the City’s investment in the units at a level to bedetermined. Repairs will focus on code requirements, removal of lead paint hazards, and exteriorrepairs that provide an overall neighborhood improvement benefit. In the initial years of theprogram, the HOME rents presented a challenge for most landlords and the utilization rate of theprogram was lower than expected. No new funds are allocated during FY 10/11 but previousyears’ allocations will be available.2) Apartment Safety Program: The City will require systematic inspection of common areas inapartment buildings with 3 or more housing units throughout the City. Properties are inspected forcompliance with the fire prevention code on a 3-year cycle. During off-years, property owners willbe required to file a self-inspection checklist with the City to assure that fire prevention systemsare operable and fire safety issues have been addressed.3) Tenant Education: Work with the Tenant Union to provide education to tenants and landlordsabout their rights and responsibilities during the annual Community Reinvestment Group HousingFair.72 Strategic Plan: Affordable Housing