Number
151054
Version
ORIGINAL
Reference
Sponsor
ALD. BOHL AND DAVIS
Title
Resolution requesting the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee to provide bi-annual updates to the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee relating to the status of HACM’s responsibilities as part of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant.
Analysis
This resolution requests the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee to provide bi-annual updates to the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee relating to the status of HACM’s responsibilities as part of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, including information on the implementation of HACM’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and other statutory and regulatory requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (Section 3).
This resolution further requests that HACM provide updates in January and July of each year until all of its requirements relating to the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant have been fulfilled
Body
Whereas, In 2012, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) investigated the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee’s (HACM) efforts to comply with the statutory and regulatory requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968 (Section 3) relating to the Westlawn Redevelopment Project; and
Whereas, Section 3 requires that recipients of certain HUD financial assistance provide job training, employment and contracting opportunities for low-income residents in connection with projects and activities in funded areas; and
Whereas, HUD’s investigation found that HACM was not in full compliance with Section 3, including the following findings:
1. HACM policies and procedures incorrectly exempted smaller contracts from the Section 3 contracting preferences.
2. HACM did not require contractors and subcontractors to post information about how to seek employment at the Westlawn Project site.
3. HACM failed to notify HACM residents of training and employment opportunities related to the Westlawn Project.
Whereas, In 2014, HACM entered into a 4-year Voluntary Compliance Agreement (VCA) with HUD in order to fully comply with the requirements of Section 3; and
Whereas, As part of the VCA, HACM agreed to change its hiring and contracting practices and to seek public comment before submitting a revised Section 3 plan to HUD for approval; and
Whereas, HACM also agreed to expand its training and outreach activities, including the creation of a $50,000 Section 3 Fund to be used for training, outreach and other purposes related to Section 3; and
Whereas, HUD has awarded Milwaukee a $30-million Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant to support the redevelopment of the Westlawn housing development on the city’s Northwest Side; and
Whereas, The HUD grant will help fund the construction of 708 housing units, at least 394 of which will be set aside for low-income residents; and
Whereas, According to a September 28, 2015, article in the Daily Reporter, part of the $30-million grant will be used to achieve various goals, including:
1. Reducing the harm caused by foreclosures.
2. Providing additional public transportation.
3. Improving nearby parks.
4. Reducing infant mortality.
5. Helping residents connect with job training opportunities, financial literacy classes and early childhood education programs.
; and
Whereas, The Common Council is in support of efficient and transparent practices in local government, and annual reporting by HACM will maintain public confidence in the government; now, therefore, be it
Resolved, By the Common Council of the City of Milwaukee, that the Housing Authority of the City of Milwaukee is requested to provide bi-annual updates to the Zoning, Neighborhoods and Development Committee relating to the status of HACM’s responsibilities as part of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant, including information on the implementation HACM’s Voluntary Compliance Agreement with the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and other statutory and regulatory requirements of Section 3 of the Housing and Urban Development Act of 1968; and, be it
Further Resolved, That HACM is requested to provide updates in January and July of each year until all HACM requirements of the Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grant have been fulfilled.
Requester
Drafter
LRB161445-1
Andrew R. VanNatta
11/02/2015