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Community Development

Community Development

Contact
Community Development 
phone: 318-449-5073
Email Community Development Administrator

Mission Statement
To apply for applicable federal and state grants, including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act, and Louisiana Emergency Shelter Grant Program, and to effectively and efficiently administer federal and state programs and activities related to these funds.

Function Description
The Community Development Department is responsible for preparing grant applications for federal and state funds, preparing all associated reports, complying with all federal and state requirements, maintaining records according to federal guidelines, and effectively administering the following programs:

  • Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program, for owner occupied structures with CDBG and HOME funds;
  • HOME Rental Housing Rehabilitation program for rental property within revitalization areas of the city;
  • Housing Development Program for the new construction of single-family housing units within revitalization areas. These homes will be sold to low-income first-time homebuyers.
  • Downpayment and closing cost assistance to low-income, first-time homebuyers who purchase a home within a revitalization area.
  • Code Enforcement / Demolition Program, to enforce the city’s Code Standards on vacant structures with the city limits.
  • Monitoring of all sub-recipients to ensure compliance with grant agreements and HUD regulations including: Boys & Girls Club of Central LA, Caring People’s Free Pharmacy, Inner-city Revitalization Corporation, and The Shepherd Center.
  • Economic Development Assistance Program to provide low-interest loans for clients of the Central Louisiana Business Incubator.
  • Downtown Revitalization Loan Program to provide low-interest loans for façade improvement to businesses located in the downtown area.

AMENDMENT
COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT-RECOVERY (CDBG-R)

The City of Alexandria is amending the following Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program 2008 Annual Plan to the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The following amendment is consistent with the City of Alexandria’s Consolidated Strategy and Plan for 2005-2009.

Persons who wish to comment on the proposed amendment to the 2008 CDBG Annual Plan may do so by submitting written comments to; Mayor Jacques M. Roy, Attention: Brenda Ray, Community Development Administrator, P. O. Box 71, Alexandria, LA 71309. All comments will be given careful consideration prior to any further action on the part of the City towards project implementation. No comments received after 4:00 p.m. on May 28, 2009 will be considered.

1) Activity Name: Weatherization Program
2) Activity Narrative: The City of Alexandria Department of Community Development will assist an additional 35 low-income homeowners within the city limits of Alexandria with the high energy cost through the installation of storm windows, storm doors, attic insulation and Energy Star rated light bulbs. A deferred payment loan of up to $5,000 will be provided to eligible applicants. Eligible applicants are homeowners with annual incomes of less than 60% of the area median income. A 5-year mortgage is placed on the property with 20% depreciation each year. If the property is sold or title transferred during the 5-year period, the balance of the funds will be due and payable to the City of Alexandria. CDBG-R funds in the amount of $177,284 are proposed for this activity. The activity is eligible under 24 CFR 570.202(b) and meets the national objective under 570.208(a)(3). The additional CDBG-R funds will allow the continuation of this program and serve additional residents.

This activity meets the requirements of Title XII of Division A and Section 1602 of ARRA. Applications for assistance have been received, determined eligible, and ready to advertise for bids. All CDBG-R funds will be awarded based on bids within 120 calendar days from the date the funds are made available to the City of Alexandria.

The proposed activity will create approximately 2-4 temporary construction jobs which will assist in promoting economic recovery and it will foster energy independence by reducing the fuel consumption of households.

3) Jobs Created: This activity is estimated to create approximately 2-4 temporary construction jobs.

4) Additional Activity Information: The City of Alexandria recently evaluated this program to determine its effectiveness. Fifty (50) units were selected for review. The city researched the amount of energy consumption for three years prior to receiving weatherization and one full year after the weatherization. The findings show an average 35% decrease in the amount of energy consumption which means a cost savings to the each household.

5) Responsible Organization: City of Alexandria, Mayor Jacques M. Roy, P. O. Box 71, Alexandria, LA 71309. For additional information contact: Brenda Ray, Community Development Administrator, (318) 449-5072 or Brenda.Ray@cityofalex.com. 

Community Development Block Grant-Recovery Amendment