City of San Marcos staff is in the process of selecting projects to be funded by a $740,000 grant for fair housing and demands for community and housing development.
The overview
The city receives a Community Development Block Grant annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, or HUD.
“The overall purpose of [the grant] is to promote the development of viable urban communities, provide decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities,” said Terry Floyd, city of San Marcos director of planning and development services, during a March 3 City Council meeting.
City staff identified high-priority project areas for San Marcos, including affordable housing, public services and public facilities.
Projects and programs selected to receive funding from the grant are required to serve those earning a low to moderate income or must “eliminate slum or blight,” according to agenda documents.
Selected projects must have a direct or area benefit:
- Direct benefit: Those impacted have an annual income less than 80% of the area’s median income.
- Area benefit: The project serves a primarily residential area where at least 51% of residents have an annual income less than 80% of the area’s median income.
Looking back
“In San Marcos specifically, [the grant] has been used for a number of things,” Floyd said. “Some of our concepts for housing here in San Marcos are used for housing repair, park upgrades, major ADA sidewalk updates [and] social services.”
The application period for grant recipients was open from Feb. 1 to March 2. Eligible applicants for the HUD Community Development Block Grant include:
- Public or private nonprofit agencies
- Public housing authorities
- Churches or other religious institutions
- Counties
- School districts
- City of San Marcos departments
City staff held a workshop for stakeholders and applicants Feb. 5. A presentation was given on the grant program at a March 3 City Council meeting, along with a public hearing open to the community.
Looking ahead
A second public hearing on the grant will be held at an April 7 council meeting, where citizens will have the opportunity to speak regarding needs in the community. City staff will make recommendations for which projects are allocated funding at the meeting.
A 30-day public comment period will be held during the month of May, providing residents with additional time to share existing needs. City Council will officially consider project recipients at a July 7 meeting.
