Budget Question # 33: Can you please provide a list of the proposals for the use of ARPA funds for housing related efforts that were considered during the budget development process, but ultimately not recommended? (Councilwoman Gaskins)
Response:
There were no affordable housing projects proposed but not recommended. Two projects related to affordable housing were considered for the use of ARPA funds in the budget development process. Both are included in the FY 2023 Proposed Budget. The first utilizes $2.5 million in ARPA funding to provide City loan/grant assistance to help the Arlandria Chirilagua Housing Cooperative undertake necessary capital improvements to improve sustainability and living conditions in housing that serves 286 very low-income households. An additional $10 million of ARPA funding is committed in FY 2024 for Phase I of the AHDC Arlandria Project, addressing infrastructure needs and underground parking. This Housing project is anticipated to create 475 affordable housing units.
Additional proposals submitted by Housing were funded in the first tranche of ARPA funding, approved July 6, 2021. In coordination with DCHS, $312,000 is committed to support a rental resiliency staffing and services to prevent evictions, mediate repayment plans, and navigate other emergency response and recovery resources. Another $2 million is committed to fund the City Flex Space in the AHDC Arlandria project, including design, construction, parking, and an operating reserve. The City committed $50,000 in loan/grant assistance to help Arlandria Chirilagua Housing Cooperative undertake necessary capital improvements to improve sustainability and living conditions in housing that serves 286 very low income households. Finally, DCHS managed $1.45 million that was committed to food and rental bridge funding, addressing food and housing insecurity faced by residents as a result of the pandemic.