STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Economic and Neighborhood Vitality
AGENDA DATE: September 11, 2019
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Human Rights
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
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Authorize the (1) acceptance of the FY 2019-20 grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for the Fair Housing Assistance Program (Grant No. FF206K196005, CFDA No. 14.401) in the amount of $257,300.00, to process, investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints, administrative costs and HUD required staff training for the period October 1, 2019 through September 30, 2020; (2) receipt and deposit of grant funds in an amount not to exceed $257,300.00 in the HUD-FY19 Fair Housing Assistance Program FY20 Fund; (3) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $257,300.00 in the HUD-FY19 Fair Housing Assistance Program FY20 Fund; and (4) execution of the cooperative agreement and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the grant agreement - Not to exceed $257,300.00 - Financing: U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Grant Funds
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BACKGROUND
On November 7, 1990 and September 25, 1991, Chapter 20A of the Dallas City Code was amended to obtain certification from HUD that the City of Dallas is a fair housing agency operating substantially equivalent to HUD.
On November 15, 1991, HUD notified the Fair Housing Office that the City of Dallas Fair Housing Ordinance is substantially equivalent to the Federal Act. Certification of substantial equivalency qualifies the City for federal funding for fair housing enforcement, education and outreach.
On September 1, 1992, a Cooperative Agreement between the City and HUD was executed whereby the City became a Fair Housing agency and began participating in the HUD Fair Housing Assistance Program. This program provides funding for substantially equivalent fair housing agencies.
The funding allows HUD to refer housing discrimination complaints of Dallas origin to the City for processing, while HUD monitors the City’s performance. Thus far, the funds have been used to facilitate the investigations of 2,667 housing discrimination complaints, to attend HUD required training seminars, and to enhance Fair Housing education and outreach.
On July 26, 2019, the City was notified that it would receive $257,300.00 in Cooperative Agreement funds for Fiscal Year 2019-20. These funds are to be used for salaries, for 4 support staff, community outreach, and training and professional development.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
On October 14, 2015, City Council authorized the acceptance of a grant from HUD for the Fair Housing Assistance Program (FHAP) to process, investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints, administrative costs and HUD required staff training for the period October 1, 2015 through September 30, 2016; and the execution of the cooperative grant agreement and any other documents related to the grant by Resolution No. 15-1870.
On August 10, 2016, City Council authorized the acceptance of a grant from HUD for the FHAP to expand education and outreach for the period May 20, 2016 through September 30, 2017; and the execution of the cooperative grant agreement and any other documents related to the grant by Resolution No. 16-1178.
On October 11, 2016, City Council authorized acceptance of the FY 2016-17 grant from HUD for the FHAP to process, investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints, administrative costs and HUD required staff training for the period October 1, 2016 through September 30, 2017; and execution of the cooperative grant agreement and any other documents related to the grant by Resolution No. 16-1653.
On October 25, 2017, City Council authorized acceptance of the FY 2017-18 grant from HUD for the FHAP (Grant No. FF206K176005, CFDA No. 14.401) to process, investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints, administrative costs and HUD required staff training for the period October 1, 2017 through September 30, 2018; and execution of the cooperative grant agreement and any other documents related to the grant by Resolution No. 17-1651.
On October 24, 2018, City Council authorized acceptance of the FY 2018-19 grant from HUD for the FHAP (Grant No. FF206K186005, CFDA No. 14.401) to process, investigate and conciliate housing discrimination complaints, administrative costs and HUD required staff training for the period October 1, 2018 through September 30, 2019; and execution of the cooperative agreement and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the grant agreement by Resolution No. 18-1507.
FISCAL INFORMATION
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Grant Funds - $257,300.00