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HomeMy WebLinkAboutResolutions - 2021-16 - Adopting the City of East Wenatchee 2020-2024 Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan, the 2020 Annual Action Plan and the Regional Assessment of Fair Housing, Urban Dev Regulations at 24 CFR Part 91 - 8/3/2021City of East Wenatchee Resolution 2021-17 with Exhibit A Page 1 of 2 Retain Resolution until no longer needed for City-business, then transfer to Washington State Archives (GS50-05A-16 Rev. 1) City of East Wenatchee, Washington Resolution No. 2021-16 A Resolution of the City of East Wenatchee, Washington, adopting the City of East Wenatchee 2020-2024 Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan, the 2020 Annual Action Plan and the Regional Assessment of Fair Housing in accordance with the requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development Regulations at 24 CFR Part 91, containing a severability clause, and establishing an effective date. 1. Alternate format. 1.1. Para leer este documento en otro formato (español, Braille, leer en voz alta, etc.), póngase en contacto con el vendedor de la ciudad al alternateformat@east-wenatchee.com, al (509) 884-9515 o al 711 (TTY). 1.2. To read this document in an alternate format (Spanish, Braille, read aloud, etc.), please contact the City Clerk at alternateformat@east- wenatchee.com, at (509) 884-9515, or at 711 (TTY). 2. Recitals. 2.1. In 2009, the City of East Wenatchee (“City”) was notified by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) that it qualified as a federally designated “principal city” within the Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area and was eligible for entitlement status to receive annual grants from the Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG). 2.2. The City Council of East Wenatchee (“City Council”) acted at their August 25, 2009, meeting to accept entitlement status to become a direct recipient of CDBG funds. 2.3. Adoption of a Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and an Assessment of Fair Housing is required as a condition of receiving CDBG funds. 3. Authority. 3.1. The City of East Wenatchee is a non-charter code City duly incorporated and operating under the laws of the State of Washington. City of East Wenatchee Resolution 2021-17 with Exhibit A Page 1 of 2 Retain Resolution until no longer needed for City-business, then transfer to Washington State Archives (GS50-05A-16 Rev. 1) 3.2. RCW 35A.74 authorizes the City to administer programs to assist low-income individuals. 3.3. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations at 24 CFR Part 91 require entitlement communities to adopt a consolidated plan and an annual action plan. 4. Background. 4.1. On July 2, 2020, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan and Draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. The notice and draft documents were also posted on the City’s webpage. 4.2. The City Council held public hearings on July 21, 2020, and August 4, 2020. No public comments were received prior to or at the public hearing. 4.3. On June 24, 2021, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan including the 2020 Annual Action Plan and the Draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. 4.4. 4.2. The City Council held public hearings on July 6, 2021 and August 3, 2021. THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE DO RESOLVE AS FOLLOWS: 5. Action. The City of East Wenatchee 2020-2024 Housing and Community Development Consolidated Plan is hereby adopted as set forth in Attachment “A” attached hereto and incorporated herein as though fully set forth. The Consolidated Plan includes the following appendices: 2020 Annual Action Plan and Draft Regional Assessment of Fair Housing, which is attached to this Resolution as Exhibit “A”. 6. Severability. If a court of competent jurisdiction declares any provision in this resolution to be contrary to law, such declaration shall not affect the validity of the other provisions of this Resolution. 7. Effective Date. This resolution becomes effective on the date that it is passed by the City Council City of East Wenatchee 2020-2024 Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan And 2020 Annual Action Plan Community Development Department 271 9th Street NE East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Phone 509.884-5396 Fax 509.886-6113 E-mail: LBarnett@east-wenatchee.com Adopted by Resolution XXXX on August 3, 2021 Resolution 2021-16 - Exhibit A Acknowledgements The following are thanked and acknowledged for their contributions in the development of the City of East Wenatchee 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2021 Annual Action Plan: MAYOR Jerrilea Crawford EAST WENATCHEE CITY COUNCIL Harry Raab Robert Tidd Christine Johnson Shayne Magdoff Sasha Sleiman John Sterk Mathew Hepner STAFF Lori Barnett, Director, Department of Community Development CONSULTANTS CC Consulting Roxi Nanto Harvey Nanto Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 1 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Executive Summary ES-05 Executive Summary - 24 CFR 91.200(c), 91.220(b) 1. Introduction The City of East Wenatchee receives an annual Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) formula allocation from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for community development and affordable housing needs. The City has received CDBG funds since 2009. Periodically, as a condition of receiving this federal financial assistance, the City is required to prepare a Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan "Consolidated Plan." The Consolidated Plan consists of a Strategic Plan covering a five-year period and an Annual Action Plan for the first year. In 2021, the City is proposing the adoption of a five-year Plan, for the program years 2020 through 2024. The Strategic Plan brings needs and resources together in a coordinated strategy to meet housing, community development, and non-urgent needs. Developed at the commencement of each Consolidated Plan term, the Strategic Plan serves as a guide for developing the Annual Action Plans. The Consolidated Plan includes four basic parts: A. Needs Assessment – this part provides a clear picture of a jurisdiction’s needs related to affordable housing, special needs housing, community development, and homelessness. B. Market Analysis – this part describes the significant characteristics of the housing market, including the supply, demand, condition and cost of housing. Included will be: C. Strategic Plan – this part identifies the priority needs for the city and describes strategies that the City will undertake to serve the priority needs. D. Action Plan – the city must complete an Annual Action Plan (AAP) that summarizes the activities and projects that will take place during the year to address the priority needs and goals identified in the Strategic Plan. The Consolidated Plan includes the Year 1 AAP (2020). The city will subsequently adopt separate AAPs for Years 2-5. 2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan Needs Assessment Overview The Strategic Plan is designed to address the following CDBG Objectives: • Provide decent housing • Create suitable living environments • Expand economic opportunities After exploring challenges and opportunities in depth, the following goals were identified for the Consolidated Plan: A. Expand development of affordable housing options Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 2 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) B. Reduce homelessness C. Maintain existing affordable housing stock D. Increase access to owner-occupied housing through direct financial assistance to homebuyers E. Enhance economic development F. Support and improve public facilities for neighborhood revitalization G. Support public services H. General planning and administration of the City's CDBG program Funding from the CDBG program is able to be utilized within the geographic boundaries of the City of East Wenatchee. No specific or separate geographic areas are created. The Consolidated Plan outlines measures and identifies appropriate partners for carrying out activities that produce progress towards strategic goals. Collaborative efforts between government, businesses, nonprofits, and the faith-based community are all vital to successfully serving our community. It is this type of coordination that the City hopes to achieve the ultimate goal of improving the overall quality of life for our most vulnerable residents and creating a vibrant, connected community as a whole. 3. Evaluation of past performance CDBG revenue for the past 5 years totals $594,383. Additionally, the City was awarded Coronavirus recovery funds in 2019 of $83,927 in CV funds and $114,862 in CV3 funding. Over the past 5 years, the City has used the funds for the following projects and programs. • Curb, gutter, and sidewalks on 5th St. NE between N. Baker Ave. and Eastmont Ave. (used 3- years of funding) • Down payment assistance to one first-time home buyer • Rehabilitation of 18 units seasonal farmworker housing to convert them to year-round housing • Grants to 8 microenterprise businesses to prepare, prevent, and respond to impacts associated with the coronavirus • Public service support for the Chelan & Douglas County COVID-19 Food Assistance Program benefitting 9 households with 27 occupants The projects and programs funded during that period had a total cost of $1,450,143. The other funds were provided by the City, the Stormwater Utility, the water and sewer districts, and the home buyer. For every $1 of CDBG funding used, $4 of other funding was leveraged (private and public funds). During that period, the City spent $49,264 for administration and planning of the CDBG Program which represents only 8% of the total grant amount. 4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process On July 2, 2020, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. Public hearings were held on July 21, 2020, and Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 3 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) August 4, 2020. The notice and draft documents were also posted on the City’s webpage. No public comments were received prior to or at the public hearing. On June 24, 2021, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, the Regional Assessment of Fair Housing, and 2020 Annual Action Plan. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. Public hearings were held on July 6, 2021 and August 3, 2021. The notice and draft documents were posted on the City’s webpage. No public comments were received prior to or at the public hearing. 5. Summary of public comments No public comments were submitted. 6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them There were no comments that were not accepted. 7. Summary This CDBG Strategic Plan outlines the housing and community development goals and strategies to meet the priority needs with available resources. This Strategic Plan covers the period from October 1, 2020 through September 30, 2024. The level of need in the community is always greater than the limited resources available to help meet those needs. The City uses these priorities and goals to form the basis for determining what types of housing and community development programs the City will fund over the next five years with CDBG funding. The City has identified the following general priorities for the use of CDBG funding. Priority 1. Public facilities to support revitalization: The opportunities for neighborhood revitalization have been a priority since the city became a CDBG Entitlement Jurisdiction. Improvements and upgrades to street and utility infrastructure benefits neighborhoods by providing improved pedestrian mobility, better lighting, removal of graffiti, and improvements to utility infrastructure. Priority 2. Increase affordable housing supply: The cost of rental and homeowner housing is beyond the reach of many East Wenatchee households. The City will explore programs that improve access to affordable housing, reduction in homelessness, and increase homeownership. Priority 3. Assist special needs populations: Public services are needed to help individuals and families with special needs obtain help with basic needs, food, housing, health, and other important services. Priority 4. Enhance economic development: Public services are needed to help with job training, direct assistance is needed to support local businesses to preserve and increase job opportunities. Priority 5. Administration and planning: Implementation of this consolidated plan requires certain administrative and planning activities including the development of the plan, environmental review of Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 4 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) projects, subrecipient monitoring, development of fair housing information, and other activities required by law. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 5 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The Process PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies 24 CFR 91.200(b) 1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source. Agency Role Name Department/Agency Lead Agency EAST WENATCHEE CDBG Administrator Community Development Department Table 1 – Responsible Agencies Narrative The Planning Division of the Community Development Department for the City of East Wenatchee administers the CDBG program. The Planning Division works closely with other City Departments including Engineering, Public Works, Finance Department, and Building and Code Compliance in planning for and implementation of the CDBG activities. The City Council is actively engaged in the CDBG planning process. Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information Lori Barnett, Director Community Development Department City of East Wenatchee 271 9th St. NE East Wenatchee, WA 98802 Phone 509.884.5396 Fax 509.884.6233 E-mail: lbarnett@eastwenatcheewa.gov Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 6 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) PR-10 Consultation – 91.100, 91.110, 91.200(b), 91.300(b), 91.215(I) and 91.315(I) 1. Introduction As part of this Consolidated Plan development, the City undertook an extensive outreach program to consult and coordinate with nonprofit agencies, affordable housing providers, government agencies, and other entities. Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health and service agencies (91.215(I)). The City of East Wenatchee works very closely with the City of Wenatchee. The majority of housing facilities and service providers are located in Wenatchee. East Wenatchee does not have public housing but does work with the Housing Authority of the City of Wenatchee and Chelan County (CCWHA), which operates three multifamily housing complexes for farm workers and a facility for migrant farm workers within the City. The Housing Authority also administers the Section 8 rental assistance program providing tenant vouchers and veteran (VASH) vouchers. An East Wenatchee City Councilmember is on the Board of the Housing Authority. The City works with local nonprofit agencies that manage homeless shelters and transitional housing, and/or provide rental assistance, mental health, social services and charitable care. City staff regularly participates in meetings of Chelan Douglas Homeless Housing Task Force. The Homeless Housing Task Force is comprised of representatives from the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee, local providers who serve the homeless, including chronically homeless individuals and families, veterans, and unaccompanied youth. Task Force members also include service providers whose clients are at risk of homelessness, and members who have been homeless themselves. The Task Force meets regularly. Additionally, the City’s CDBG administrator participates as a member of the Homeless Advisory Committee and the Local Homeless Task Force, both comprised of local elected officials and community leaders. Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness The City of East Wenatchee does not receive ESG funds. This region is part of the “Balance of State Continuum of Care”. As the lead agency, the City of Wenatchee administers its programs and manages its sub grantee agreements, including HMIS administration, in compliance with the requirements, standards, and policies/procedures established by the Washington State Department of Commerce. The City of East Wenatchee works closely with Wenatchee and other key partners, providers, and stakeholders to identify priority strategies that guide funding allocations. Wenatchee is the lead for the HMIS reporting system. Emergency Solutions Grants are allocated using the same formula as the state’s own Consolidated Homeless Grant program which is based on population and poverty levels in each Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 7 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) county. Those counties with allocation amounts less than $600,000 per biennium will not receive ESG funding from the state, but instead will receive an increase in state funding in an amount equal to their ESG share. The City of East Wenatchee has an inter-local agreement with the City of Wenatchee which is the lead agency for the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan. Funds generated by state Homeless Housing and Assistance program recording fees collected in Chelan and Douglas County are remitted to the City of Wenatchee for the Chelan Douglas Consolidated Homeless Grant. Wenatchee is also the lead agency for Continuum of Care funding provided by the state of Washington Department of Commerce for both counties. The City of East Wenatchee is an active participant in the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan. Washington State House Bill 2163 directed local governments to prepare and enact a 10-year Homeless Housing Strategic Plan with a minimum goal of reducing homelessness by 50 percent. The Bill authorized the County Auditor's Office to collect a $40 recording fee and allows a percentage of the funds to be applied locally to complete tasks and contribute toward meeting goals and objectives identified in the plan. After developing the local plan, participating jurisdictions signed an inter-local agreement, naming the City of Wenatchee as the implementing agency for the Chelan-Douglas County Program. Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS A Homeless Housing Task Force, made up of local agency representatives, meets periodically to update priorities for homeless services and programs and reviews progress made on achieving objectives and activities identified in the plan. The goals, objectives, and activities identified in the plan guide the annual funding allocation through the recommendations of the Homeless Advisory Committee. In 2019, grants were awarded to: • Catholic Charities Serving Central Washington • Chelan County Regional Justice Center • Chelan Valley Hope • Chelan Douglas Counties Community Action Council • SAGE (Domestic Violence) • Upper Valley MEND • Volunteer Attorney Services • Women's Resource Center • YWCA • Catholic Charities Housing Services Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 8 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) • The People's Foundation Other organizations that contributed to the Plan include Lighthouse Christian Ministries, Vets Helping Vets, Salvation Army, Educational Service District 101, Wenatchee Valley College, Chelan Douglas Health District and Serve Wenatchee Valley (Faith-based). All Organization listed were consulted through email, phone calls, and meetings with the Homeless Task Force. 2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other entities Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 9 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Table 2 – Agencies, groups, organizations who participated 1 Agency/Group/Organization CHELAN-DOUGLAS COMMUNITY ACTION COUNCIL Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing Services - Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Housing Need Assessment Homelessness Strategy How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Input helped develop the Consolidated Plan: identifying concerns and needs unique to a specific subpopulation; identifying common concerns as patterns emerged across all sectors; identifying resources that can be accessed in implementing strategies. 2 Agency/Group/Organization WOMEN'S RESOURCE CENTER/BRUCE HOUSING Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless Homeless Needs - Families with children How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 3 Agency/Group/Organization Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Public Housing Needs Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 4 Agency/Group/Organization Columbia Valley Housing Association Agency/Group/Organization Type Services - Housing What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Public Housing Needs Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 10 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 5 Agency/Group/Organization SAGE Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Victims of Domestic Violence What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 6 Agency/Group/Organization Catholic Family & Child Services Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Health Mental Health What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 7 Agency/Group/Organization Aging & Adult Care of Central Washington Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Economic Development How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 8 Agency/Group/Organization United Way of Chelan & Douglas Counties Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Health What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Health Services Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 11 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 9 Agency/Group/Organization YWCA of Wenatchee Valley Agency/Group/Organization Type Faith Based What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Faith Based How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 10 Agency/Group/Organization Northwest Justice Project Agency/Group/Organization Type Legal Services What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Legal Services How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 11 Agency/Group/Organization Chelan Douglas Regional Support Network Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Health What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Mental Health How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 12 Agency/Group/Organization Veterans Administration Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Federal What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Support for Veterans Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 12 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email 13 Agency/Group/Organization Department of Social & Health Services Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - State What section of the Plan was addressed by Consultation? Non-Homeless Special Needs How was the Agency/Group/Organization consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes of the consultation or areas for improved coordination? Email Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting No agencies were not consulted in the development of the Consolidated Plan. Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Continuum of Care City of Wenatchee Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan City of East Wenatchee Goals in the Comprehensive Plan stress the need for sidewalks, and affordable housing. Recommendations from this plan are being implemented with the 5th St. project. 2020-2025 Six-Year Transportation Improvement Prog City of East Wenatchee The TIP includes priorities for street and non- motorized public transportation improvements. Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan (2014) Eastmont Metropolitan Park District Need for public facilities and improvements identified. Plan to End Homelessness in Chelan & Douglas Count City of Wenatchee CDBG goals were based upon several goals in the plan to reduce the number of homeless persons, reduce their stay in shelters and transitional units by increasing permanent housing. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 13 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Name of Plan Lead Organization How do the goals of your Strategic Plan overlap with the goals of each plan? Transportation 2040 The Regional Transportation Pl Chelan Douglas Transportation Council Need for public transportation improvements and specifically multi-model options were identified. Recommendations from this plan are being implemented with the 5th St. project. Our Valley, Our Future / Nuestro Valle, Nuestro Futuro Action Plan and Where Will We Live? (housing plan) Our Valley, Our Future / Nuestro Valle, Nuestro Futuro The Action Plan provides an overall vision and strategic action plan for the region to improve residents’ quality of life, by creating a vibrant community. Focus areas in the plan include economic development, community growth, environment, healthcare, education, and civic engagement. The housing plan is focused on housing issues. Narratives and information in the plans address all of the goals in the Consolidated Plan. Table 3 – Other local / regional / federal planning efforts Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan (91.215(l)) The City of East Wenatchee is the second principal city in the Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) which includes all of Chelan and Douglas Counties. Most of the housing and service providers are based in the City of Wenatchee and provide services to East Wenatchee residents. The City of East Wenatchee partners locally with the City of Wenatchee, an important partnership since the two cities are just across the river from each other and together comprise the core of what is often referred to as “the Greater Wenatchee Area”. This area is the residential, commercial, educational, and medical hub for North Central Washington. Even before the MSA designation, Chelan and Douglas counties worked together and have been considered one bi county entity in terms of services, as for instance with Chelan/Douglas Health District, Chelan/Douglas Community Action, Chelan/Douglas Land Trust, and numerous agencies and nonprofits that serve the area. Leaders in the public and private sector collaborate to share information, and whenever possible integrate action strategies as well as leveraging resources to address local needs. Key state partners include the Washington State Department of Transportation and the Washington State Department of Commerce, for implementing built environment strategies and addressing homelessness, respectively. Other organizations that contributed to the Consolidated Plan include Lighthouse Christian Ministries, Vets Helping Vets, Salvation Army, Educational Service District 101, Wenatchee Valley College, Chelan Douglas Health District and Serve Wenatchee. Narrative (optional): Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 14 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) PR-15 Citizen Participation – 91.105, 91.115, 91.200(c) and 91.300(c) 1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting On July 2, 2020, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. Public hearings were held on July 21, 2020, and August 4, 2020. The notice and draft documents were also posted on the City’s webpage. No public comments were received prior to or at the public hearing. On June 24, 2021, a notice of availability and notice of public hearing was published in The Wenatchee World initiating a 30-day comment period for the 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan, the Regional Assessment of Fair Housing, and 2020 Annual Action Plan. The notice was published in English and in Spanish. Public hearings were held on July 6, 2021 and August 3, 2021. The notice and draft documents were posted on the City’s webpage. No public comments were received prior to or at the public hearing. Citizen Participation Outreach Sort Order Mode of Outreach Target of Outreach Summary of response/attendance Summary of comments received Summary of comments not accepted and reasons URL (If applicable) 1 Newspaper Ad General Public and Agencies No Attendance No Comments Received N/A 2 Public Hearing Committee Meeting None None Received N/A 3 Public Hearing Committee Meeting None None Received N/A Table 4 – Citizen Participation Outreach Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 15 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 16 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Needs Assessment NA-05 Overview Needs Assessment Overview The housing needs assessment is based on data from HUD, American Community Survey (ACS) the US Census Bureau, and the annual Point-in-Time Homeless Count. Each year, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) receives custom tabulations of American Community Survey (ACS) data from the U.S. Census Bureau. These data, known as the "CHAS" data (Comprehensive Housing Affordability Strategy), demonstrate the extent of housing problems and housing needs, particularly for low income households. The CHAS data are used by local governments to plan how to spend HUD funds, and may also be used by HUD to distribute grant funds. The following terms are used throughout the needs assessment section. • HAMFI – HUD Area Median Family Income. This is the median family income calculated by HUD for each jurisdiction, in order to determine Fair Market Rents (FMRs) and income limits for HUD programs. If you see the terms "area median income" (AMI) or "median family income" (MFI), assume it refers to HAMFI. • Household – All people living in a housing unit. Members of a household can be related (see family) or unrelated. • Household Income – Adjusted household income, which includes the income of all members of the household at the time of the survey, adjusted for inflation to reflect the most recent year of the data release. • Family – Related individuals living in the same household. • Housing Problems – There are four housing problems in the CHAS data: 1) housing unit lacks complete kitchen facilities; 2) housing unit lacks complete plumbing facilities; 3) household is overcrowded; and 4) household is cost burdened. A household is said to have a housing problem if they have any 1 or more of these 4 problems. • Extremely low-income household - at or below 30% of the AMI • Very low-income household - at or below 50% of the AMI. • Low-income household - at or below 80% percent of the AMI. • Overcrowding – More than 1 person per room. • Severe overcrowding – More than 1.5 persons per room. • Cost burden – Monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 30% of monthly income. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 17 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) • Severe cost burden – Monthly housing costs (including utilities) exceeding 50% of monthly income. • Elderly – People aged 62 and up. Individuals age 75 and up are generally recognized as a population with different needs than those 62-74, so the CHAS data separates these groups. "Elderly" refers to individuals 62-74, while those 75 and up may be referred to as "extra elderly" or "frail elderly". • Disabled – In 2008, Census modified the ACS questions related to disability. Beginning with the 2008-2010 and 2008-2012 CHAS data, HUD has separately identified four different physical or cognitive limitations: hearing or vision impairment, ambulatory limitation, cognitive limitation, and independent living limitation. Housing availability and affordability are major issues in East Wenatchee. One of the primary risk factors of homelessness and housing instability is severe housing cost burden, which is defined as a household having to pay 50% or more of total household income for housing costs. Over 36% of households in East Wenatchee have incomes below 80% of the area median. Nearly 9% are considered extremely low income. More than half (52.5%) of renter households that earn less than the 30% AMI (199 of 379) are paying more than 50% of their income for housing. More than a third or 37% (59 of 158) of the owner households that earn less than 30% of the AMI are paying more than 50% of their income for housing. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 18 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-10 Housing Needs Assessment - 24 CFR 91.205 (a,b,c) Summary of Housing Needs Demographics Base Year: 2009 Most Recent Year: 2015 % Change Population 13,190 13,475 2% Households 4,771 4,910 3% Median Income $45,211.00 $53,206.00 18% Table 5 - Housing Needs Assessment Demographics Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Base Year), 2011-2015 ACS (Most Recent Year) Summary of Housing Needs In East Wenatchee, population and housing increase has been minimal during the 2009 to 2015 timeline. Population increase in the time frame depicted above has shown a 2% increase, while housing increased by 3%. Median household income has increased by $7,995 or 18%. The most pressing need is availability of affordable housing for all income levels. Vacancy rates for rentals is extremely low making it very difficult to find adequate, affordable rental housing. Number of Households Table 0-30% HAMFI >30-50% HAMFI >50-80% HAMFI >80-100% HAMFI >100% HAMFI Total Households 435 645 675 480 2,675 Small Family Households 75 260 195 200 1,265 Large Family Households 55 140 40 60 270 Household contains at least one person 62-74 years of age 140 65 185 75 570 Household contains at least one person age 75 or older 64 110 170 120 275 Households with one or more children 6 years old or younger 64 254 109 110 345 Table 6 - Total Households Table Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS According to Table 6, of the total households in East Wenatchee, nearly one in ten households or 8.9%, have a median family income (MFI) of less than 30% of area median income (AMI). (435 of 4,910 Total Households) Almost one in ten or 9.8% of the large family households have a median income of less than 30% of AMI. (55 of 565) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 19 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The small family households indicate that 3.9% have a median income of less than 30% of MFI. (75 of 1,995) Elderly households with at least one-person age 62-74 with a median income of less than 30% are at 13.5%. (140 of 1,035) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 20 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Housing Needs Summary Tables 1. Housing Problems (Households with one of the listed needs) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Substandard Housing - Lacking complete plumbing or kitchen facilities 10 0 15 0 25 0 0 0 0 0 Severely Overcrowded - With >1.51 people per room (and complete kitchen and plumbing) 0 105 0 0 105 0 0 0 0 0 Overcrowded - With 1.01-1.5 people per room (and none of the above problems) 0 4 0 20 24 30 55 30 0 115 Housing cost burden greater than 50% of income (and none of the above problems) 195 115 55 0 365 60 70 20 20 170 Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 21 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total Housing cost burden greater than 30% of income (and none of the above problems) 10 135 105 35 285 20 30 95 35 180 Zero/negative Income (and none of the above problems) 30 0 0 0 30 25 0 0 0 25 Table 7 – Housing Problems Table Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Overcrowded households are an issue with both renter and homeowner households. There are 105 renter households that are severely overcrowded with more than 1.5 people per room. In addition, there are 115 overcrowded homeowner households with 1.01 to 1.5 people per room. Affordability is the most common housing problem in East Wenatchee, impacting a range of incomes. More than a third (185 HH or 34.6%) of the low income households earning 30% to 50% of area median income, spend more than half their income on housing. More than one in four (115 HH or 31.5%) of low income renter households earning 30%-50% of median income, and 70 households or 41.2% of homeowners that earn 30%-50% of median income of AMI spend more than half their income on housing. 2. Housing Problems 2 (Households with one or more Severe Housing Problems: Lacks kitchen or complete plumbing, severe overcrowding, severe cost burden) Renter Owner 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Having 1 or more of four housing problems 205 225 70 20 520 90 125 50 20 285 Having none of four housing problems 10 180 190 215 595 80 115 365 225 785 Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 22 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Renter Owner 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total Household has negative income, but none of the other housing problems 30 0 0 0 30 25 0 0 0 25 Table 8 – Housing Problems 2 Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Of the renter households that have an AMI of less than 30%, 39% (205 of 520) has one or more of four housing problems. Of the renter households that have an AMI of less than 50%, 83% (430 of 520) has 1 or more of four housing problems. In the owner households that earn less than 30% of the AMI, 32%, (90 of 285) have 1 or more of four housing problems. In the owner households that earn less than 50% of the AMI, 75%, (215 of 285) has 1 or more of four housing problems. 3. Cost Burden > 30% Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Small Related 45 120 25 190 10 45 65 120 Large Related 20 55 0 75 0 0 10 10 Elderly 59 60 55 174 54 50 50 154 Other 85 65 85 235 15 4 0 19 Total need by income 209 300 165 674 79 99 125 303 Table 9 – Cost Burden > 30% Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS There are 674 renters and 303 homeowners in East Wenatchee that pay more than 30 percent of their income for housing. Housing affordability impacts a range of East Wenatchee household types. Almost a third (209 of 674 HH or 31%) of the severely low income households earning 30% or less of AMI are paying more than 30% of their income on housing. Of the homeowners that earn less than 30% of the AMI, 79 of 303 households or 26% pay more than 30% for their housing. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 23 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 4. Cost Burden > 50% Renter Owner 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total 0-30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Small Related 45 45 0 90 10 25 20 55 Large Related 20 15 0 35 0 0 10 10 Elderly 59 20 25 104 34 40 0 74 Other 75 40 35 150 15 4 0 19 Total need by income 199 120 60 379 59 69 30 158 Table 10 – Cost Burden > 50% Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS More than half (52.5%) of renter households that earn less than the 30% AMI (199 of 379) are paying more than 50% of their income for housing. More than a third or 37% (59 of 158) of the owner households that earn less than 30% of the AMI are paying more than 50% of their income for housing. 5. Crowding (More than one person per room) Renter Owner 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI >80- 100% AMI Total NUMBER OF HOUSEHOLDS Single family households 0 109 0 20 129 30 0 30 0 60 Multiple, unrelated family households 0 0 0 0 0 0 55 0 0 55 Other, non-family households 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Total need by income 0 109 0 20 129 30 55 30 0 115 Table 11 – Crowding Information – 1/2 Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Eighty-four percent (109 of 129) of the renters in East Wenatchee that earn less than 50% of the AMI have more than one person per room. Homeowners are not far behind with 74% of the homeowners (85 of 115) that earn less than 50% of the AMI have more than one person per room. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 24 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Renter Owner 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total 0- 30% AMI >30- 50% AMI >50- 80% AMI Total Households with Children Present 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 12 – Crowding Information – 2/2 Data Source Comments: Describe the number and type of single person households in need of housing assistance. All single-person households that earn less than 50% of AMI are paying more than half of their income for housing and are in need of housing assistance. (Table 10 – Cost Burden > 50%) Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance who are disabled or victims of domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault and stalking. Nationally, 30% of the homeless report having experienced domestic violence; and 50% of homeless women with children identified domestic violence as a factor in their homelessness. In the Wenatchee MSA, almost 1,200 unduplicated clients are victims of domestic violence (587 victims), sexual assault (300 victims), and dating violence or stalking (306 victims). (https://www.guidestar.org/profile/91- 1018890) The Chelan Douglas HMIS records indicate that 1,387 households were served between 2017 and 2019. Of those households 20% or 277 households were fleeing domestic violence. Additionally, 60% of those 1,387 households indicate female head-of-households. There are 972 households (19.4%) in East Wenatchee that receive food stamps/SNAP and have one or more persons in the home with a disability. Compare to Washington State that has 12.5% that receive food stamps/SNAP and have one or more persons in the home with a disability. In 2015, 17% of East Wenatchee’s population (2,324/13,448) reported living with a disability. (Source: Census 2014-2018 ACS) What are the most common housing problems? Area incomes have not been able to keep up with the rising cost of housing in both counties over the past decade. From 2009 to 2019, area median incomes have grown 17%, going from $58,600 to $68,400 for the Wenatchee MSA (Chelan and Douglas Counties). Meanwhile, the Fair Market Rent (“FMR”) for a two-bedroom rose 41% from $696 to $981 in the same period. With rising housing costs, households must pay a higher portion of their income to retain their housing, creating a housing “cost-burden”. Data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University for 2017 estimates that 34% of the Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 25 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Wenatchee MSA’s renter households are cost-burdened, paying 30% or more of their income towards housing. Those households deemed “severely cost-burdened”, around 14% of renters, spend over 50% of their income on housing. Households seeking to avoid this cost-burden will seek out more affordable rentals, creating scarcity within the regional housing supply. The scarcity of rentals, especially affordable units, hampers the ability of people experiencing homelessness to return to permanent housing. In Chelan and Douglas counties, a report issued by the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington estimated a rental vacancy rate of 1.73% in the fall of 2019, with an average rent of $1,197 per month. A household trying to resolve a housing crisis has few affordable options to rent. Are any populations/household types more affected than others by these problems? In 2015, the median household income (MHI) in East Wenatchee was $53,206. Hispanic Origin household’s MHI was $19,595 or 36.8 percent of the overall MHI. Renter occupied housing as a whole had a MHI of $39,131 versus owner occupied households MHI of $64,857. In addition, there were 1725 households (16.2 %) that had a MHI of less than $25,000. Thirty-three percent (33%) of the Hispanic households have family incomes below the federal poverty level. Describe the characteristics and needs of Low-income individuals and families with children (especially extremely low-income) who are currently housed but are at imminent risk of either residing in shelters or becoming unsheltered 91.205(c)/91.305(c)). Also discuss the needs of formerly homeless families and individuals who are receiving rapid re-housing assistance and are nearing the termination of that assistance Based on self-reporting in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), which experts believe undercounts the true magnitude of the problem, 22% of the homeless in 2016 reported disabilities. Twenty-five percent (25%) were found to have serious mental illness, many of whom are extremely vulnerable. The closing of mental health hospitals across the nation, which began in earnest in the 1990s, continues to place mentally ill persons in jeopardy as community supports have proven inadequate to assure their stability. Sadly, rents that are affordable to persons on SSI are only $243 per month, well below the FMR for a two-bedroom apartment at $981 in the Wenatchee MSA. Nationally, the rate of people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI) benefits rose 9% between 2008 and 2017. In Chelan and Douglas counties, the same population grew 15% during that time. Substance abuse causes and exacerbates the dysfunction of many homeless persons. Often alcohol or drugs are a self-administered medication used to cope with pain and other issues they face. Substance abuse also becomes a major obstacle to recovery and return to self-sufficiency. Persons with criminal records have a much more difficult time in obtaining living wage jobs and obtaining rental housing, let alone obtaining a mortgage. In addition, persons leaving correctional institutions without strong community/family supports are highly susceptible to becoming homeless upon their release. (Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan 2019-2024) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 26 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) There are a number of programs that address those in rapid re-housing that are nearing the termination of that assistance. • Homeless Prevention Rent Assistance seeks to avert a household’s eviction by assisting with overdue rent or utilities expenses. • Homeless Outreach engages with households residing outside to better connect them to services, employment, shelter, and permanent housing. • Transitional Housing are programs designed to provide housing and appropriate supportive services to people who are literally homeless to facilitate movement to permanent housing. • Rapid-Rehousing Vouchers secure permanent housing quickly through housing identification, move-in and rent assistance, and case management based on progressive engagement. • Permanent Supportive Housing performs a key role as a resource for chronically homeless households with high needs. Provides a permanent, affordable, and safe place for the household to thrive with supportive services and case management. • Permanent Housing for Formerly Homeless Persons furthers the stability of formerly homeless households by providing targeted, affordable rental opportunities. • Supportive Services wrap-around households as they transition into permanent housing. If a jurisdiction provides estimates of the at-risk population(s), it should also include a description of the operational definition of the at-risk group and the methodology used to generate the estimates: Specify particular housing characteristics that have been linked with instability and an increased risk of homelessness Homelessness has many causes, and often these factors to combine to bring about a household’s housing crisis. Among these are Housing Costs & Scarcity; Poverty, Employment & Wages; Disabling Conditions; Substance Use Disorders; Criminal History; and Domestic Violence. The 2019 Point-In-Time Count of Homelessness reported that 127 people lacked shelter in Chelan and Douglas counties and 412 people lacked a permanent residence. There were 197 sheltered homeless and 135 unsheltered homeless. The report identified 36 people as chronically homeless, with a combined period of homelessness totaling one year or more and a disabling condition. Currently, no shelters in Chelan and Douglas counties are ADA-accessible, and all shelters require clean alcohol and drug tests. All transitional housing programs and some shelters in both counties require some form of rent or work-trade. Finally, many shelters cannot accommodate pets or service animals. Taken together 44% of households screened through the coordinated entry process face two or more of these barriers, and subsequently cannot access temporary housing and services. Many resources in the two counties Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 27 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) still follow a “Housing Ready” model, and serve households with fewer obstacles to securing permanent housing. Almost half (44%) of the 1,387 households seeking emergency services (2017 – 2019) reported barriers that could limit access to those key supportive services including: • Physical disability • Substance use disorder • Criminal history • Lack of income (Source: Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan 2019-2024) Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 28 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-15 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. Introduction Under HUD definitions, a disproportionately greater need exists when the members of racial or ethnic group at a given income level experience housing problems at a greater rate (10% or more) than the income level as a whole. The data on the following tables indicate that the white and Hispanic households in East Wenatchee report higher rates of housing problems, although specifics vary at different income levels. 0%-30% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 325 60 55 White 295 25 45 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 30 0 0 Table 13 - Disproportionally Greater Need 0 - 30% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 0%-30% of Area Median Income Almost all (90.7%) of White households earning 30 percent or less of AMI had one or more of the four housing problems. Of the white households that had an income of 30 to 50% of AMI, there were 55.6% with one or more of the housing problems. Of the Hispanic households that had an income of 30 to 50% of AMI, there were 42.2% with one or more of the housing problems. There are 525 households that earn 50 to 80 percent of AMI and have one or more of the housing problems. Of those 525 households, 78% are white households and 20% are Hispanic households. In East Wenatchee, there are 155 households that earn 80 to 100 percent of AMI and have one or more of the housing problems. Of those 155 households, 115 are white households and 40 are Hispanic households. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 29 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 30%-50% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 515 130 0 White 340 115 0 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 175 10 0 Table 14 - Disproportionally Greater Need 30 - 50% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 30%-50% of Area Median Income Of the 515 households that had an income of 30 to 50% of AMI, there were 66% or 340 White households with one or more of the housing problems. Of the Hispanic households that had an income of 30 to 50% of AMI, there were 175 or 34% with one or more of the housing problems. 50%-80% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 310 360 0 White 290 265 0 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 19 85 0 Table 15 - Disproportionally Greater Need 50 - 80% AMI Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 30 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 50%-80% of Area Median Income Of the 310 households that had an income of 50% to 80% of AMI, there were 94% or 290 White households with one or more of the housing problems. Of the Hispanic households that had an income of 50% to 80% of AMI, there were 19 or 6% with one or more of the housing problems. 80%-100% of Area Median Income Housing Problems Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 110 370 0 White 105 300 0 Black / African American 0 15 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 4 40 0 Table 16 - Disproportionally Greater Need 80 - 100% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than one person per room, 4.Cost Burden greater than 30% 80%-100% of Area Median Income Of the 110 households that had an income of 80% to 100% of AMI, there were 95% or 105 White households with one or more of the housing problems. Of the Hispanic households that had an income of 80% to 100% of AMI, there were 4 households or 5% with one or more of the housing problems. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 31 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-20 Disproportionately Greater Need: Severe Housing Problems – 91.205 (b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. Introduction Based on HUD’s definition of “disparate impact” (percent of households with housing problems or $0 or negative income ≥ 10% than the jurisdiction as a whole for the income category). The City of East Wenatchee demographics are provided in the NA 15. An analysis of the data in the charts below compared to the population outlined in NA 15 does not reveal disparate impacts on any particular racial or ethnic group with severe housing problems. 0%-30% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 295 90 55 White 265 55 45 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 30 0 0 Table 17 – Severe Housing Problems 0 - 30% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 0%-30% of Area Median Income Almost all (90% or 265 of 295) of White households earning 30 percent or less of AMI had one or more of the four severe housing problems. Only 10% or 30 of Hispanic households earning 30 percent or less of AMI had one or more of the four severe housing problems. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 32 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 30%-50% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 350 295 0 White 195 265 0 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 155 30 0 Table 18 – Severe Housing Problems 30 - 50% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% 50%-80% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 120 555 0 White 105 455 0 Black / African American 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 14 90 0 Table 19 – Severe Housing Problems 50 - 80% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 33 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 80%-100% of Area Median Income Severe Housing Problems* Has one or more of four housing problems Has none of the four housing problems Household has no/negative income, but none of the other housing problems Jurisdiction as a whole 40 440 0 White 40 370 0 Black / African American 0 15 0 Asian 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 Hispanic 0 45 0 Table 20 – Severe Housing Problems 80 - 100% AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS *The four severe housing problems are: 1. Lacks complete kitchen facilities, 2. Lacks complete plumbing facilities, 3. More than 1.5 persons per room, 4.Cost Burden over 50% Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 34 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-25 Disproportionately Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens – 91.205 (b)(2) Assess the need of any racial or ethnic group that has disproportionately greater need in comparison to the needs of that category of need as a whole. Introduction: The table clearly shows the housing cost burden of the Hispanic and white households. Of the households paying more than 30% of income for housing, Hispanic households represents 18 percent (665 of 3605). In the category of households paying 30 to 50% of income for housing, Hispanic households represent 12 percent (85 of 685) that are paying 30% to 50% of their income for housing. In the category of households paying more than 50% of income for housing, 7 percent (40 of 570) of Hispanic households are paying more than 50% of their income for housing. Less than one in five of all cost burden households (16% or 790) are Hispanic. While 79 percent (3875 of 4860) are white cost burden households. It does not appear that Hispanic households are more cost burdened than white households. In fact, it is quite the opposite. Housing Cost Burden Housing Cost Burden <=30% 30-50% >50% No / negative income (not computed) Jurisdiction as a whole 3,605 685 570 55 White 2,755 590 530 45 Black / African American 15 0 0 0 Asian 15 0 0 0 American Indian, Alaska Native 45 10 0 0 Pacific Islander 10 0 0 0 Hispanic 665 85 40 0 Table 21 – Greater Need: Housing Cost Burdens AMI Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Discussion: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 35 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-30 Disproportionately Greater Need: Discussion – 91.205(b)(2) Are there any Income categories in which a racial or ethnic group has disproportionately greater need than the needs of that income category as a whole? Almost all (90% or 265 of 295) of White households earning 30 percent or less of AMI had one or more of the four severe housing problems. Only 10% or 30 of Hispanic households earning 30 percent or less of AMI had one or more of the four severe housing problems. Of the total households that have an income of less than 80 percent of the AMI that have one or more of the four housing problems 74% (565 of 765) are White households and 26% (199 of 765) are Hispanic households. It does not appear that Hispanic households are more cost burdened than white households. If they have needs not identified above, what are those needs? Needs of racial or ethnic groups are identified above. Are any of those racial or ethnic groups located in specific areas or neighborhoods in your community? According to Census 2015, East Wenatchee is 79 percent white, 25.8 percent Hispanic and the next highest minority is American Indian and Alaskan Native at 2.4 percent. It should be noted that the category of some other race is at 19.6 percent. According to more recent Data (Census 2014-18) the white population is at 74.6 percent, the Hispanic population is at 29.7 percent and some other race category is at 24.7 percent. The American Indian and Alaskan Native category is at 2.3 percent and the Asian category is at 1.5 percent. All racial or ethnic groups are spread out equally with no sizable concentration in one neighborhood over another. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 36 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-35 Public Housing – 91.205(b) Introduction Totals in Use Program Type Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project - based Tenant - based Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * # of units vouchers in use 0 0 0 439 0 438 0 0 0 Table 22 - Public Housing by Program Type *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Public Housing by Program Type East Wenatchee does not have traditional public housing. The Chelan County and City of Wenatchee Housing Authority provides farm worker, multifamily low income housing through funding from USDA. They also administer Section 8 tenant based housing vouchers for qualifying clients. Housing Authority owned, low income housing is available to agricultural workers. Housing Authority administration reports that the greatest need is for low income clients who are not working in the agricultural industry; when there is no wait list for agricultural worker housing, some of these individuals/families may be issued a waiver so that they might utilize the farmworker housing in the off-season. It appears as though all of the housing programs in East Wenatchee are tenant based voucher programs (438 of 439). Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 37 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Characteristics of Residents Program Type Certificate Mod- Rehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project - based Tenant - based Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Average Annual Income 0 0 0 11,559 0 11,554 0 0 Average length of stay 0 0 0 5 0 5 0 0 Average Household size 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 # Homeless at admission 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 # of Elderly Program Participants (>62) 0 0 0 102 0 102 0 0 # of Disabled Families 0 0 0 185 0 185 0 0 # of Families requesting accessibility features 0 0 0 439 0 438 0 0 # of HIV/AIDS program participants 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 # of DV victims 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 Table 23 – Characteristics of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 38 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Race of Residents Program Type Race Certificate Mod- Rehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project - based Tenant - based Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * White 0 0 0 415 0 414 0 0 0 Black/African American 0 0 0 8 0 8 0 0 0 Asian 0 0 0 3 0 3 0 0 0 American Indian/Alaska Native 0 0 0 11 0 11 0 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 0 2 0 2 0 0 0 Other 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 24 – Race of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Race of Residents Tenant-based housing vouchers are the only housing programs located in East Wenatchee. Almost all of the residents that are using tenant based vouchers are white. Almost 2% (1.8% or 8 residents) of the tenants using vouchers are Black/African American. Three of the tenants using vouchers are Asian or .7%, eleven residents are American Indian/Alaskan Native or 2.5%, and only two residents are Pacific Islanders .5%. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 39 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Ethnicity of Residents Program Type Ethnicity Certificate Mod- Rehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project - based Tenant - based Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * Hispanic 0 0 0 51 0 51 0 0 0 Not Hispanic 0 0 0 388 0 387 0 0 0 *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 25 – Ethnicity of Public Housing Residents by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 40 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Section 504 Needs Assessment: Describe the needs of public housing tenants and applicants on the waiting list for accessible units: The Chelan County & City of Wenatchee Housing Authority (CCWHA) does not own/operate any public housing units. The Housing Authority owns/operates 35 units of housing for low-income farmworkers which was funded by USDA Rural Development within the City of East Wenatchee. There are currently 27 individuals/families on the waiting list for the year-round units. Three of the individuals/families on the waiting list have identified themselves as disabled. It is not known, however, if their disabilities would require an accessible unit. In addition to the housing within the city, the Housing Authority owns and operates 26 units of housing for year-round agricultural workers located just north of the City Limits. The project was developed with Housing Tax Credits through the Housing Finance Commission, funding from the Housing Trust Fund and Douglas Co. 2060 funds. The project serves families making 30%, 40% and 50% of median income. Adjacent to that project is 24 units of housing for seasonal farmworkers (120 beds). The project was developed and subsidized through USDA RD and Housing Trust Fund and serves very low income individuals. CCWHA reports 406 individuals/families on their Agricultural Housing waitlist, 456 individuals/families on their elderly waitlist, and 1,181 individuals/families on their Multi-Family waitlist. Most immediate needs of residents of Public Housing and Housing Choice voucher holders The Chelan County Wenatchee Housing Authority currently serves 498 individuals families on the Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, 132 of whom reside in East Wenatchee. Amongst these 132 program participants, 11 are elderly, 36 are elderly/disabled and 55 are disabled. Most are very low income, earning 30% or less of the area median income, as established by HUD. Approximately 55 or 42% of these families require a one-bedroom unit, 41 or 31% a two-bedroom unit and 36 or 27%, 3 bedroom or larger. Due to rapidly increasing rents, it is becoming more and more difficult for voucher holders to find units that are within the fair market rents, established by HUD. For example, the maximum amount a voucher would pay on behalf of a low-income tenant in Chelan and Douglas Counties for a two-bedroom apartment is between $949 and $1,159. According to the University of Washington Center for Real Estate Research, a survey of apartments in Chelan/Douglas Counties indicate an average rent of $1,197 and a vacancy rate of 1.73% in the Fall of 2019. How do these needs compare to the housing needs of the population at large According to HUD, federal housing authorities use the guideline that 30% of a family’s household income is the threshold under which housing is considered affordable. The Census (2015) shows that approximately 41.5% of all renters in Douglas County and 44.8% of East Wenatchee renters (not just those who are low income) are paying more than 30% of their income toward rent and utilities, indicating that the population at large faces the same struggle to afford housing as Section 8 program participants. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 41 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Discussion Housing Authority participants need housing assistance and services that will allow them to maintain their housing stability and increase their income and assets. Since the majority of housing projects in this jurisdiction are limited to farmworkers, it is important to provide additional options for housing in this income bracket. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 42 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-40 Homeless Needs Assessment – 91.205(c) Introduction: The homeless needs assessment includes Chelan and Douglas County since individual city data is not collected. On any given day, more than 400 people in Chelan and Douglas counties are experiencing homelessness. Students who are homeless are counted separately, because while many might have a roof over their heads, they may be doubled-up living at another person’s home or spending the night at a motel. To address the homeless issue local jurisdictions have combined their efforts and recently adopted the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan 2019 – 2024. This is the latest update to our local plan to reduce homelessness. If data is not available for the categories "number of persons becoming and exiting homelessness each year," and "number of days that persons experience homelessness," describe these categories for each homeless population type (including chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth): The 2019 Point-In-Time count showed 412 homeless individuals lacked a permanent residence and met the state definition of “homeless”. 69% were unsheltered 20% were fleeing domestic violence 60% were female head-of-household 21% were Hispanic 4% of homeless households included a veteran 24% of households had children The median age was 39 years old Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 43 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Nature and Extent of Homelessness: (Optional) Race: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional) White 0 0 Black or African American 0 0 Asian 0 0 American Indian or Alaska Native 0 0 Pacific Islander 0 0 Ethnicity: Sheltered: Unsheltered (optional) Hispanic 0 0 Not Hispanic 0 0 Data Source Comments: Estimate the number and type of families in need of housing assistance for families with children and the families of veterans. 4% of homeless households included a veteran 24% of households had children Describe the Nature and Extent of Homelessness by Racial and Ethnic Group. 21% were Hispanic Describe the Nature and Extent of Unsheltered and Sheltered Homelessness. 69% were unsheltered Discussion: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 44 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-45 Non-Homeless Special Needs Assessment - 91.205 (b,d) Introduction: Many non-homeless households have particular needs for housing and other support services. The elderly, persons with mental, physical, or development disabilities, and people with substance abuse problems, people with HIV AIDs, Opioid dependence, and other groups often have specific needs because of their circumstances. Many individuals and households facing these issues also have low or very low incomes. Describe the characteristics of special needs populations in your community: Elderly Persons - There were 2,039 seniors aged 65 years or older in East Wenatchee, of which, 37.6% had disabilities (ACS 2015, 5 year estimates). This is comparable to Douglas County where 40.5% of seniors reported disabilities. Mental, Physical, or Developmental Disabilities - An estimated 17.3% of non-institutionalized East Wenatchee residents of all ages has one or more disabilities (ACS 2015, 5 year estimates). Specific difficulties included hearing (5.3% of total population), vision (6%), cognitive difficulties (7.1%), ambulatory difficulties (6.3%), self-care difficulties (1.9%) and independent living difficulties (4.9%). More than a quarter (21.8%) of all households with one more persons with a disability were of Hispanic or Latino origin and 69.6% were White, non-Hispanic or Latino. Domestic Violence - Victims of domestic violence have significant immediate needs for shelter and crisis services and ongoing needs for support to overcome the trauma they have experienced. If children are involved in a domestic violence situation, additional support is necessary to ensure both the child’s safety and his or her physical and emotional well-being. Child Protective Services investigated 399 referrals of child abuse in 2018 (aged 17 or less) in Douglas County. SAGE, (formerly Domestic and Sexual Violence Crisis Center of Chelan and Douglas Counties) had 235 domestic violence-related offenses in 2017 for Douglas County. SAGE offers a temporary emergency shelter for women and their children. Also SAGE runs a 24-hour crisis line, community education services, support groups, counseling services, an address confidentiality program, and safety classes. Substance Abuse - Substance abuse, is an issue in its own right, but also complicates a wide range of possible service needs. Abuse often contributes to family conflict and dysfunction. It complicates treatment of mental health problems in persons who self-medicate with drugs and or alcohol, and it is frequently a factor in homelessness both in single transients and families in crisis. Past state reports on drug and alcohol use have estimated that substance abuse in Douglas Co. is somewhat lower than it is statewide. The Washington State Dept. of Social and Health Services served 277 alcohol and substance abuse clients from Douglas Co. in FY 2017. However, in 2018 that number went way down to 33 of adults aged 18+ in Douglas County. The Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment offers inpatient and outpatient services, as well as detoxification. The Center also offers intensive inpatient service with 30 beds and sub-acute detoxification service with eight beds for adults. (Source: WA State Dept. of Social and Health Services Research and Data Analysis, Community Outcome and Risk Evaluation Geographic Information System (CORE-GIS). County Reports, Jan 2020) Persons with HIV AIDS - According to the Washington State HIV Surveillance Report dated November Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 45 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 2019, there were 4 persons in Douglas Co. living with HIV Disease. Chelan Douglas Health District reports there were 73 Chelan-Douglas Counties residents living with HIV. Veterans with Disabilities - Veterans, particularly those returning from combat, typically have multiple disabilities that are both physical and cognitive in nature. There is a misperception on the part of many in the general community that these needs are met by government veteran services. While those services exist, demand exceeds the availability, and support from the general community is required in order for disabled veterans to be adequately served. Because many veterans struggle with post- traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as well as physical disabilities such as hearing loss and or ambulatory difficulty, they are at higher risk for substance abuse disorders. They are also at higher risk of being unemployed and homeless. Partnerships between government services and the private sector will be essential to meet this challenge. What are the housing and supportive service needs of these populations and how are these needs determined? Elderly Persons - Elderly housing options in East Wenatchee include adult family homes, assisted living facilities, continuing care retirement facilities, independent living, memory or dementia care, nursing homes, residential care facilities, and supportive housing, accessory dwelling units, and congregate care. To support aging in place in existing communities, the City allows for expanded use of accessory dwelling units, duplexes, co-housing and assisted living in single family zones. Elderly supportive service needs include medical care, living assistance and transportation. Mental, Physical, or Developmental Disabilities - Housing needs for disabled persons vary depending on the disability, but include adult family homes, and other supervised or group living for persons unable to live independently. Because disabilities are more common among lower income households and individuals, affordable rental or owner housing is a basic need. Support service needs for persons with disabilities include medical assistance, living assistances, employment training and referral, and other services. Veterans with Disabilities - A Veterans Health Clinic is now located in Wenatchee which eliminated the need for Veterans to travel to Spokane for services. Substance Abuse - Housing needs for persons with alcohol or substance abuse problems are primarily for recovery or transitional facilities. Service needs include medical, counseling, and employment assistance. Discuss the size and characteristics of the population with HIV/AIDS and their families within the Eligible Metropolitan Statistical Area: According to the Washington State HIV Surveillance Report dated November 2019, there were 73 persons in Chelan-Douglas Counties living with HIV Disease. Chelan Douglas Health District reports a decline in the number of new HIV cases since 2014, going from a high of 8 cases in 2015 to 4 cases in 2018. According to Chelan Douglas Health District, due to the small numbers and the apparent lack of prejudice in housing, the needs of this segment appear to be adequately met. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 46 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Discussion: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 47 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs – 91.215 (f) Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities: Expansion of City Hall facilities including the public works area, police station, municipal court and library. How were these needs determined? The City of East Wenatchee is regulated under the state Growth Management Act (GMA), which requires growth to occur first in developed areas already served by public services and utilities, and second in undeveloped areas needing new services and infrastructure. The GMA also requires a Comprehensive Plan; the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan (Updated 2021) is the current plan for the City and urban growth area. Comprehensive Plans must be reviewed and updated according to the schedule in the GMA. The Comprehensive Plan includes growth projections and level of service sections for various public facilities, utilities, public services, and other infrastructure. City of East Wenatchee Space Needs Assessment and City Hall Expansion Study (2008) by Forte Architects. Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements: Identified needs for public improvements include: • New sidewalks in a number of the city’s low income neighborhoods. • Funding for upgrades and repairs to existing streets and sidewalk systems. • Street improvement projects that increase the functionality, life of the facility, and capacity serving the residential areas and providing a better linkage to the commercial, educational, and recreational areas. • Improvements to Grant Road as the major connection to Pangborn Memorial Airport. How were these needs determined? The Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan (Updated 2021) The visioning process in the Comprehensive Plan was developed using a series of neighborhood meetings demonstrating three top priorities identified by participants: recreational facilities, sidewalks, and street-side illumination. Annually, the City updates the Transportation Improvement Program. That process requires public outreach and a public hearing before the Planning Commission. Those document were used to assist in determining public facility needs. All of the documents were subject to the public hearings and lengthy public involvements processes. The 2020 Chelan-Douglas Regional Transportation Plan Update (September 2020) prepared by the Chelan Douglas Transportation Council. The plan focuses on the region’s transportation goals, policies, programs, and recommends investments on regionally significant transportation infrastructure, which Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 48 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) includes state highways, primary county roads and city streets, and multi-use paths and other transportation infrastructure associated with regional mobility The Greater Wenatchee Bicycle Master Plan (October 2018) prepared by the Chelan Douglas Transportation Council. Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services: Goals of the Consolidated Plan funds support some sort of public services. One of the goals is to provide support for people who are homeless or those at risk of homelessness. City staff participates in the “Ten Year Plan to End Homelessness” efforts. Majority of funding for public services is provided through Douglas and Chelan Counties from state, local and federal sources. City of Wenatchee administers these funds. City of East Wenatchee is involved in the planning and use of these funds for services that serve the homeless or those at risk of homelessness. There is a greater need for funding of public services than City of East Wenatchee CDBG dollars allow. In accordance with HUD regulations, funds for public services are limited to no more than 15% of the total annual allocation and must be used for services that specifically benefit programs and services within the City Limits. Senior services. East Wenatchee has a high percentage of seniors in the population. There is only one senior center, located in the northwest portion of the Wenatchee which is not easily accessible for East Wenatchee’s senior population. The Aging and Adult Care agency is located in East Wenatchee. Youth services Focus groups, particularly in South Wenatchee, repeatedly cited the need for youth services and youth activities. A large number of low income families, including single parent families, expressed the need for support services and a concern about the lack of recreational opportunities or lack of access to them due to cost and transportation barriers. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services. All reports indicate a high need for substance abuse and mental health services. Most of the agencies providing those services are located in Wenatchee making it more of a challenge for East Wenatchee residents. In addition, low income clients often lack access because they do not qualify for publicly funded service and or they face a waiting period of many weeks unless they are in severe crisis. Local alcohol/drug treatment center offers in patient service to adults, but out patient only service for adolescents. Education and Employment Training. To increase availability of living wage jobs the community needs to increase the education and skill level of the available workforce. Literacy Classes. There is a high demand for literacy classes, and for adult basic education, in preparation for higher levels of education and job training. Multiple entities provide these services; The support they need is in facilitating access to the services and facilitating a stronger network of communication to match services to needs. Child Care. East Wenatchee has a large number of low income families with children, including single parents and parents who are twenty years old or younger. City will continue to support services and Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 49 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) resolve community issues related to people who are homeless which may include health services and counseling along with rapid rehousing and permanent supported housing. These activities will provide people a better opportunity to move out of homelessness. Graffiti Removal Program. Several jurisdictions have set up graffiti removal as a public service program. The funds could be used to pay for city resources to remove graffiti or for the city to contract with a private company to remove the graffiti. The service can be used on public and private property. Graffiti is not only a blighting influence on the physical environment, but if it is not promptly abated, it tends to lead to more serious crimes. Graffiti removal is an important part of fostering community pride. Tenant/Landlord Counseling and Related Legal Services. The Women’s Resource Center (WRC) manages the Landlord/Tenant Liaison program. When the counties assumed administration of the local homeless funds, the program was mostly defunded. This program works with private landlords to encourage them to rent to tenants that may not have the best record for renting (homeless, previously evicted, etc.) The program is an intermediary between the landlord and the tenant. If the landlord has a problem with the tenant, they contact WRC staff to work out the problem with the tenant. There is also access to funds for repairs or other mitigation if there is a problem. The program includes classes for tenants to help them be better tenants. Volunteer Attorney Services is a non-profit organization that provides legal services to low-income people. One of their programs is the eviction prevention and tenant education program. How were these needs determined? The City of East Wenatchee works with partners through the Continuum of Care, Douglas County, the City of Wenatchee, Housing Authority, the Community Action Council, various faith based community organizations, food banks and many other social service providers to develop multiple funding resources and partnerships. The meetings of the Homeless Advisory Committee provide opportunities to network and identify needs in the community. Information was obtained from many of those providers. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 50 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Housing Market Analysis MA-05 Overview Housing Market Analysis Overview: The housing market analysis contained in sections MA 10 to MA 50 in this report was developed by City staff, primarily using data from the American Community Survey 2014 - 2018, the City’s Consolidated Plan, the Housing Authority and other sources noted in the tables. East Wenatchee households have become more financially stable over the last five years. In 2010, 37% of households earned less than $25,000 per year. By 2015, only 23.8% or 1,168 households had earnings under $25,000. More recent 2018 data indicates only 15.9% households had earnings under $25,000. Similarly, the percent of households earning $75,000 or more per year went from 29% to 30.2% in the last five years. More recent 2018 data indicates only 31.9% households had earnings over $75,000. The major impediment in market conditions continues to be lack of affordable properties and an extremely low vacancy rate. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 51 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-10 Number of Housing Units – 91.210(a)&(b)(2) Introduction Single family homes make up the largest percentage of homes available in East Wenatchee at 62% including detached and attached units. Additionally, owner-occupied housing accounts for nearly 62% of the dwelling units. All residential properties by number of units Property Type Number % 1-unit detached structure 2,940 57% 1-unit, attached structure 260 5% 2-4 units 855 17% 5-19 units 475 9% 20 or more units 150 3% Mobile Home, boat, RV, van, etc 485 9% Total 5,165 100% Table 26 – Residential Properties by Unit Number Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Unit Size by Tenure Owners Renters Number % Number % No bedroom 8 0% 50 3% 1 bedroom 20 1% 255 15% 2 bedrooms 755 24% 970 57% 3 or more bedrooms 2,410 75% 435 25% Total 3,193 100% 1,710 100% Table 27 – Unit Size by Tenure Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Describe the number and targeting (income level/type of family served) of units assisted with federal, state, and local programs. The Chelan County & City of Wenatchee Housing Authority (CCWHA) does not own/operate any public housing units. The Housing Authority owns/operates 35 units of housing for low-income farmworkers which was funded by USDA Rural Development within the City of East Wenatchee. The project, Heritage Glen, serves families making 30%, 40% and 50% of median income. This property was built in 2001 and is in need of significant renovations to remain a viable low-income housing project. In addition to the housing within the city, the Housing Authority owns and operates 26 units of housing for year-round agricultural workers located just north of the City Limits. The project was developed with Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 52 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Housing Tax Credits through the Housing Finance Commission, funding from the Washington State Housing Trust Fund and Douglas County 2060 funds. The project serves families making 30%, 40% and 50% of median income. Adjacent to that project is 24 units of housing for seasonal farmworkers (120 beds). The project was developed and subsidized through USDA RD and Washington State Housing Trust Fund and serves very low income individuals. Provide an assessment of units expected to be lost from the affordable housing inventory for any reason, such as expiration of Section 8 contracts. The Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee currently serves 498 individuals or families on the Section 8 Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program, 132 of whom reside in East Wenatchee. Amongst these 132 program participants, 11 are elderly, 36 are elderly/disabled and 55 are disabled. The other 30 households are very low income. No loss is anticipated due to expiring Section 8 contracts for the Housing Authority. Does the availability of housing units meet the needs of the population? Area incomes have not been able to keep up with the rising cost of housing in both counties over the past decade. From 2009 to 2019, area median incomes have grown 17%, going from $58,600 to $68,400 for the Wenatchee MSA (Chelan and Douglas Counties). Meanwhile, the Fair Market Rent (“FMR”) for a two-bedroom rose 41% from $696 to $981 in the same period. With rising housing costs, households must pay a higher portion of their income to retain their housing, creating a housing “cost-burden”. Data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University for 2017 estimates that 34% of the Wenatchee MSA’s renter households are cost-burdened, paying 30% or more of their income towards housing. Those households deemed “severely cost-burdened”, around 14% of renters, spend over 50% of their income on housing. Households seeking to avoid this cost-burden will seek out more affordable rentals, creating scarcity within the regional housing supply. The scarcity of rentals, especially affordable units, hampers the ability of people experiencing homelessness to return to permanent housing in Chelan and Douglas counties. A report issued by the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington estimated a rental vacancy rate of 1.73% in the fall of 2019, with an average rent of $1,197 per month. A household trying to resolve a housing crisis has few affordable options to rent. This is making it very difficult for renters of all income levels to find suitable housing. Trying to gain access to affordable housing in the City of East Wenatchee is a challenge for all, especially those with limited incomes due to the small geographic area within the City Limits. Describe the need for specific types of housing: Based on the number of applicants on Housing Authority waiting lists, it our sense that the greatest need is for housing that serves low income families, without restriction to age, disability or type of income. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 53 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Rental Housing • Almost half (45%) of renter households are paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing costs; • An overall shortage of renter housing, which has driven up the cost of housing to a median rent of $827; • Addressing the affordability needs of renter households earning less than 50 percent of Median Household Income of $69,400 (MHI), or less than $34,700 for a family of four in 2020; • Overcrowded households are an issue with both renter and homeowner households. There are 105 renter households that are severely overcrowded with more than 1.5 people per room. Homeowner Occupied Housing • One fourth (21.9%) of homeowner households are paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing costs; • Filling the gap between the median home price in the City and the affordable purchase price that income limited first time homebuyers can afford; • Assisting income limited homeowners, who may be at risk of losing their homes due to paying a high proportion of their income on housing. • There are 115 overcrowded homeowner households with 1.01 to 1.5 people per room. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 54 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-15 Housing Market Analysis: Cost of Housing - 91.210(a) Introduction Median home values have been soaring in recent years. The ACS values below are somewhat misleading. The Pacific Appraisal’s Snapshot Yearend Report indicated that the average sale price for homes in the Wenatchee Valley Market Area for November of 2017 was $290,000. In November of 2019 the price increased to $349,000. That is an increase of 20%. The Wenatchee Valley Market includes properties in Chelan County and Douglas County in the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee vicinity. Cost of Housing Base Year: 2009 Most Recent Year: 2015 % Change Median Home Value 199,600 219,100 10% Median Contract Rent 644 741 15% Table 28 – Cost of Housing Data Source: 2005-2009 ACS (Base Year), 2011-2015 ACS (Most Recent Year) Rent Paid Number % Less than $500 244 14.2% $500-999 1,220 71.1% $1,000-1,499 240 14.0% $1,500-1,999 4 0.2% $2,000 or more 0 0.0% Total 1,708 99.6% Table 29 - Rent Paid Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Housing Affordability % Units affordable to Households earning Renter Owner 30% HAMFI 35 No Data 50% HAMFI 175 255 80% HAMFI 845 464 100% HAMFI No Data 762 Total 1,055 1,481 Table 30 – Housing Affordability Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Housing Affordability With rising housing costs, households must pay a higher portion of their income to retain their housing, creating a housing “cost-burden”. Data from the Joint Center for Housing Studies at Harvard University for 2017 estimates that 34% of the Wenatchee MSA’s renter households are “cost-burdened”, paying Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 55 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 30% or more of their income towards housing. Those households deemed “severely cost-burdened”, around 14% of renters, spend over 50% of their income on housing. Monthly Rent Monthly Rent ($) Efficiency (no bedroom) 1 Bedroom 2 Bedroom 3 Bedroom 4 Bedroom Fair Market Rent 730 820 1,080 1,470 1,590 High HOME Rent 971 1,040 1,248 1,443 1,610 Low HOME Rent 365 390 468 541 603 Table 31 – Monthly Rent Data Source Comments: From 2009 to 2020, the Wenatchee MSA (Chelan and Douglas Counties) the Fair Market Rent (“FMR”) for a two-bedroom rose 54% from $696 to $1,080 in the same period. Households seeking to avoid this cost-burden will seek out more affordable rentals, creating scarcity within the regional housing supply. The scarcity of rentals, especially affordable units, hampers the ability of people experiencing homelessness to return to permanent housing. In Chelan and Douglas counties. A report issued by the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington estimated a rental vacancy rate of 1.73% in the fall of 2019, with an average rent of $1,197 per month. A household trying to resolve a housing crisis has few affordable options to rent. Is there sufficient housing for households at all income levels? Area incomes have not been able to keep up with the rising cost of housing in both Chelan & Douglas Counties over the past decade. From 2009 to 2019, area median incomes have grown 17%, going from $58,600 to $68,400 for the Wenatchee MSA (Chelan and Douglas Counties). Meanwhile, the Fair Market Rent (“FMR”) for a two-bedroom rose 41% from $696 to $981 in the same period. East Wenatchee households have become more financially stable over the last decade. In 2010, 37% of households earned less than $25,000 per year. By 2015, only 23.8% or 1,168 households had earnings under $25,000. More recent 2018 data indicates only 15.9% households had earnings under $25,000. There appears to be adequate housing for most income levels except the very lowest income households. Part of this population can be served by the subsidized housing units provided by the Housing Authority through their Section 8 and the VASH voucher programs as well as the Community Action Council’s 32-unit income restricted housing project in East Wenatchee. Waiting lists tend to be long which demonstrates that there is still a need for more units affordable to every income level. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 56 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) How is affordability of housing likely to change considering changes to home values and/or rents? Affordability in East Wenatchee is likely to decrease if local housing market recovery continues to outpace the broader economic and employment recovery. The median list price for owner-occupied homes in East Wenatchee in March of 2020 was $329,950. Median Sales price went from $316,700 in 2018 to $352,600 in 2019, up 11% over the previous year. (Runstad Center for Real Estate Research, 2020) The median list monthly rent a rental vacancy rate of 1.73% in the fall of 2019, with an average rent of $1,197 per month. (Runstad Center for Real Estate Research, Spring 2020) In summary, home values and rents have consistently shown year to year increases that have not kept up with increases in income during the same periods. How do HOME rents / Fair Market Rent compare to Area Median Rent? How might this impact your strategy to produce or preserve affordable housing? According to Table 31, almost half (45%) of renter households are paying more than 30 percent of their income for housing costs. An overall shortage of renter housing, which has driven up the cost of housing to a median rent of $827. From 2009 to 2020, in Douglas County the Fair Market Rent (“FMR”) for a two-bedroom rose 54% from $696 to $1,080 in the same period. A report issued by the Runstad Center for Real Estate Studies at the University of Washington estimated an average rent of $1,197 per month in the fall of 2019. A household trying to resolve a housing crisis has few affordable options to rent. The majority of East Wenatchee rental rates seem in line with the HUD fair market rents. Only 14% of renters are paying more than $1,000 a month for rent. Of East Wenatchee renters, 86% pay less than $999 a month for rent. The median rent for East Wenatchee is $827 per month, which is lower than the median Fair Market Rent list monthly rent of $1,080 for a 2-bedroom unit. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 57 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-20 Housing Market Analysis: Condition of Housing – 91.210(a) Introduction The majority of the housing in East Wenatchee was constructed after 1950 and remains in good condition. Definitions Substandard Condition - A building that violates any provision of the East Wenatchee Municipal Building Codes to the extent that the building constitutes an imminent threat to the health, safety or welfare of the building's occupants or the neighboring community. A substandard building is unfit for human habitation. Substandard condition but suitable for rehabilitation - A building with a sound basic structure for which the cost of rehabilitation, plus any outstanding mortgage, does not exceed 100 percent of the market value after rehabilitation and the cost is reasonable as determined by rehabilitation specialists. There may be an exception in the case of a homeowner who has urgent needs or is working with another agency such as the Community Action Council or the Douglas County Public Utility District. Condition of Units Condition of Units Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Number % Number % With one selected Condition 670 21% 840 49% With two selected Conditions 10 0% 70 4% With three selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0% With four selected Conditions 0 0% 0 0% No selected Conditions 2,515 79% 805 47% Total 3,195 100% 1,715 100% Table 32 - Condition of Units Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Year Unit Built Year Unit Built Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Number % Number % 2000 or later 520 16% 270 16% 1980-1999 865 27% 775 45% 1950-1979 1,675 52% 595 35% Before 1950 135 4% 75 4% Total 3,195 99% 1,715 100% Table 33 – Year Unit Built Data Source: 2011-2015 CHAS Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 58 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Risk of Lead-Based Paint Hazard Owner-Occupied Renter-Occupied Number % Number % Total Number of Units Built Before 1980 1,810 57% 670 39% Housing Units build before 1980 with children present 500 16% 220 13% Table 34 – Risk of Lead-Based Paint Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS (Total Units) 2011-2015 CHAS (Units with Children present) Vacant Units Suitable for Rehabilitation Not Suitable for Rehabilitation Total Vacant Units 0 0 0 Abandoned Vacant Units 0 0 0 REO Properties 0 0 0 Abandoned REO Properties 0 0 0 Table 35 - Vacant Units Data Source: 2005-2009 CHAS Need for Owner and Rental Rehabilitation The need appears to be very insignificant since there are less than 1% of total housing units in East Wenatchee that lack plumbing or kitchen facilities. Estimated Number of Housing Units Occupied by Low or Moderate Income Families with LBP Hazards Based on age of housing estimates and using nationally-accepted methodology, nearly 210 homes built before 1950 could pose potential lead-based paint hazards in East Wenatchee. The majority of those homes are believed to be low to moderate income households. Discussion The Community Development Department/Building-Code Compliance section on the City web site includes a “Lead Based Paint Alert” page with links to various publications relating to identifying and abating lead based paint hazards. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 59 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-25 Public and Assisted Housing – 91.210(b) Introduction There are no typical “public housing” facilities in the City of East Wenatchee. The Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee operates only farmworker housing projects in the City. They do administer the Section 8 program for the two-county area. Totals Number of Units Program Type Certificate Mod-Rehab Public Housing Vouchers Total Project -based Tenant -based Special Purpose Voucher Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing Family Unification Program Disabled * # of units vouchers available 453 0 0 0 # of accessible units *includes Non-Elderly Disabled, Mainstream One-Year, Mainstream Five-year, and Nursing Home Transition Table 36 – Total Number of Units by Program Type Data Source: PIC (PIH Information Center) Totals Number of Units Of the 453 Section 8 vouchers available through the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee, 132 Section 8 participants reside in East Wenatchee. Of those 132 participants, 55 are disabled, 11 are elderly and 36 are elderly/disabled. The most popular among participants are the one-bedroom unit vouchers with 55 or 42%. There are 41 two- bedroom unit vouchers or 31% and there are 36 (27%) three- bedroom unit vouchers. Describe the supply of public housing developments: Describe the number and physical condition of public housing units in the jurisdiction, including those that are participating in an approved Public Housing Agency Plan: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 60 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) There are no “public housing” facilities in the City of East Wenatchee. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 61 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Public Housing Condition Public Housing Development Average Inspection Score Table 37 - Public Housing Condition Describe the restoration and revitalization needs of public housing units in the jurisdiction: There are no “public housing” facilities in the City of East Wenatchee. Describe the public housing agency's strategy for improving the living environment of low- and moderate-income families residing in public housing: Although the Housing Authority owns no public housing, we continually strive to improve the living environment of low and moderate-income families in East Wenatchee by ensuring that Section 8 participants reside in homes that have passed Housing Quality Standards and that landlords practice fair housing. Additionally, the Housing Authority provides on-going and preventative maintenance to its own property, Heritage Glen and employs excellent management staff to ensure fair housing practices, and the health and safety of all tenants. Discussion: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 62 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-30 Homeless Facilities and Services – 91.210(c) Introduction The majority of homeless housing and services are provided by agencies located in the City of Wenatchee. East Wenatchee works with other local governments and those agencies on a regular basis. There are no emergency shelters in East Wenatchee. Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households Emergency Shelter Beds Transitional Housing Beds Permanent Supportive Housing Beds Year Round Beds (Current & New) Voucher / Seasonal / Overflow Beds Current & New Current & New Under Development Households with Adult(s) and Child(ren) 0 0 40 0 0 Households with Only Adults 0 0 0 0 0 Chronically Homeless Households 0 0 0 0 0 Veterans 0 0 0 0 0 Unaccompanied Youth 0 0 0 0 0 Table 38 - Facilities and Housing Targeted to Homeless Households Data Source Comments: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 63 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Describe mainstream services, such as health, mental health, and employment services to the extent those services are use to complement services targeted to homeless persons State financing and administrative approaches promote integrated and coordinated service delivery in physical and behavioral health settings. This integration was mandated by Washington State to be integrated by 2020. Chelan, Douglas, and Grant counties opted to implement integrated care at the beginning of 2018. Behavioral health services are now coordinated through Apple Health Plans. Beacon Health Options is the Administrative Services Organization in North Central Washington. Beacon has annual reports for their Mental Health Block Grant (2018) and Substance Abuse Block Grant (2018). Community-based crisis response services are provided by Catholic Charities. Other services supported or coordinated by Beacon include: • Family Youth System Partner Round Table (FYSPRT) • Children’s Long-Term Inpatient Program Committee (CLIP) • Criminal Justice Programs – services to individuals involved with local criminal justice system or incarcerated in local jails • Behavioral Health Advisory Board North Central Accountable Community of Health has a mission to improve the health of the North Central region’s community by integrating behavioral and physical care, as well as supporting capacity-building initiatives and collaborative approaches. The six projects they are implementing include: • Bi-directional integration of primary and behavioral care • Community-based care coordination • Diversion interventions • Transitional care • Opioid project • Chronic disease prevention American Behavioral Health Systems (ABHS) opened the 24-bed Crisis Stabilization Unit at Parkside in Wenatchee on October 2018. This facility serves adults struggling with mental health issues. The facility is located on the site of the former Parkside Nursing Home. List and describe services and facilities that meet the needs of homeless persons, particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth. If the services and facilities are listed on screen SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure or screen MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services, describe how these facilities and services specifically address the needs of these populations. The following agencies provide social services and housing in the community: • Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council - Assists individuals and families to move out of poverty into a lifestyle that promotes a safer and healthier living environment, leading to self-sufficiency. • Lighthouse Christian Ministries - A faith-based organization that provides services and support to people in our community who are dealing with problems like alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, poverty, gangs, and homelessness. They operate a transitional housing project for women and children in East Wenatchee. • PowerHouse Ministry Center – A faith-based organization that provides services and support to people in our community who are dealing with problems like alcoholism, drug addiction, mental illness, poverty, gangs, and homelessness. They operate a drop-in day shelter in East Wenatchee. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 64 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) • SAGE: Safe Advocacy Growth Empowerment - Provides resources to individuals in need including: Emergency shelter services for women and children, medical advocacy, rape crisis services, protection orders, therapeutic and individual counseling with specialized counselors, support groups, community education and outreach and crime victim's compensation. • Serve Wenatchee Valley - Dedicated to helping people in need through a compassionate, prayerful non-judgmental atmosphere by addressing needs for food, clothing, furniture, rent, utilities and more through our community referral model with churches and other social service providers in the Wenatchee Valley • Women's Resource Center - Our mission at WRC is to end homelessness in our area by providing housing and supportive services to those individuals and families experiencing extreme poverty and homelessness allowing all to live a healthy diverse life in our beautiful community. • YWCA North Central Washington - We concentrate on the most relevant issues in our community. Currently we strive to focus on eliminating homelessness, providing rental education and job training for low-income or rehabilitating community members. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 65 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-35 Special Needs Facilities and Services – 91.210(d) Introduction The City of East Wenatchee continues to work with partners through with the Continuum of Care, City of Wenatchee, Chelan Douglas Community Action Council, Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee, the faith-based community, food banks and many other social service providers to develop multiple funding resources and partnerships. Those services benefit many different people with special needs. Including the elderly, frail elderly, persons with disabilities (mental, physical, developmental), persons with alcohol or other drug addictions, persons with HIV/AIDS and their families, public housing residents and any other categories the jurisdiction may specify, and describe their supportive housing needs Many of East Wenatchee’s non homeless households have particular needs for housing and other supportive services. The elderly, persons with mental, physical, or development disabilities, and people with substance abuse problems, people with HIV/AIDs and other groups often have specific needs because of their circumstances. Many individuals and households facing these issues also have low or very low incomes. • Elderly Persons - There were 2,051 seniors aged 65 years or older in East Wenatchee, of which, 766 (38%) had disabilities (ACS 2011 to 2015). This is comparable to Douglas County where 41% of seniors reported disabilities. • Mental, Physical, or Developmental Disabilities - An estimated 3,898 persons or 29% of non- institutionalized East Wenatchee residents of all ages has one or more disabilities (ACS 2011 to 2015). Specific difficulties included hearing (5% of total population), vision (6%), cognitive difficulties (7%), ambulatory difficulties (6%), self-care difficulties (2%) and independent living difficulties (5%). Almost a quarter (22%) of all households with one or more persons with a disability was of Hispanic or Latino origin and 16% were White, non-Hispanic or Latino. • Domestic Violence - Victims of domestic violence have significant immediate needs for shelter and crisis services and ongoing needs for support to overcome the trauma they have experienced. If children are involved in a domestic violence situation, additional support is necessary to ensure both the child’s safety and his or her physical and emotional well-being. SAGE, (formerly Domestic and Sexual Violence Crisis Center of Chelan and Douglas Counties) offers a temporary emergency shelter for women and their children. SAGE also runs a 24-hour crisis line, community education services, support groups, counseling services, an address confidentiality program, and safety classes. (See Added Text Box for Continuation) Special Needs Supportive Housing Needs (Continued) Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 66 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) • Substance Abuse - Substance abuse, is an issue in its own right, but also complicates a wide range of possible service needs. Abuse often contributes to family conflict and dysfunction. It complicates treatment of mental health problems in persons who self-medicate with drugs and/or alcohol, and it is frequently a factor in homelessness both in single transients and families in crisis. Past state reports on drug and alcohol use have estimated that substance abuse in Douglas & Chelan Counties is somewhat lower than it is statewide. The Washington State Department of Social and Health Services served 576 alcohol and substance abuse clients from Douglas & Chelan Counties in FY 2009. (https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/reports/research-4.52-chelan.pdf and https://www.dshs.wa.gov/sites/default/files/rda/reports/research-4.52-douglas.pdf) • Opioids - In 2017, 739 people, an average of two a day, died from opioid overdose in Washington state. These deaths are not localized to one or two areas but happened in all areas of the state. Between the 3rd quarter of 2017 and the 3rd quarter of 2018, Douglas County had eight overdose deaths and Chelan County had 25 overdose deaths. (https://www.doh.wa.gov/DataandStatisticalReports/HealthDataVisualization/OpioidCountyOverdoseD ashboard and https://results.wa.gov/measuring-progress/special-projects/taking-action-end-opioid- crisis/prevent-overdose-deaths) The Center for Alcohol and Drug Treatment offers inpatient and outpatient services, as well as detoxification. The Center also offers intensive inpatient service with 30 beds and sub-acute detoxification service with eight beds for adults. The wait period for an open spot is generally less than three weeks. Critically ill patients needing detox are generally able to be taken in immediately or are treated at Central Washington Hospital. • Persons with HIV/AIDS - According to the Washington State HIV Surveillance Report dated November 2019 there were four new cases of HIV in Chelan and Douglas Counties living with HIV Disease. As of November 2019, Chelan Douglas Health District reports a decline in the number of new HIV cases since 2010, going from a high of 7 cases in 2010 to 4 cases in 2018. Describe programs for ensuring that persons returning from mental and physical health institutions receive appropriate supportive housing Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the agency that administers Medicaid mental health funding, must work with the mental health facilities to develop an individualized discharge plan for each person leaving a mental health facility. The DOH must then arrange for a transition to the community for that individual in accordance with the discharge plan. The DOH works with providers such as Catholic Family and Child Services, Parkside and Women’s Resource Center to provide housing and supportive services to people exiting mental health facilities. The housing and services are paid for by the mental health system and not by McKinney Vento funds. The Confluence Hospital works closely with service providers to make sure that hospital’s social workers have appropriate discharge protocols and are not routinely discharging patients to the streets or emergency shelters. Catholic Family and the Women’s Resource Center have created respite housing for people who otherwise would be homeless and need additional medical care or counseling. The housing and care is paid for by the DOH. This prevents these homeless patients from being discharged onto the streets. There are a number of supportive housing options in and around the greater Wenatchee area. These facilities are administered by many of the agencies shown on our resource list. There are very few group homes located in East Wenatchee. There Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 67 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) are a few scattered sites for mental health tenants and a few group type single family homes that house people recovering from substance abuse issues or developmental disabilities. Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. 91.315(e) The closing of mental health hospitals across the nation, which began in earnest in the 1990s, continues to place mentally ill persons in jeopardy as community supports have proven inadequate to assure their stability. Sadly, rents that are affordable to persons on SSI are only $243 per month, well below the FMR for a two-bedroom apartment at $1,080 in the Wenatchee MSA. Nationally, the rate of people receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSI) benefits rose 9% between 2008 and 2017. In Chelan and Douglas counties, the same population grew 15% during that time. (http://chelandouglastrends.com) Washington State Department of Health (DOH), the agency that administers Medicaid mental health funding, must work with the mental health facilities to develop an individualized discharge plan for each person leaving a mental health facility. The DOH must then arrange for a transition to the community for that individual in accordance with the discharge plan. The DOH works with providers such as Catholic Family and Child Services, Parkside and Women’s Resource Center to provide housing and supportive services to people exiting mental health facilities. The housing and services are paid for by the mental health system and not by McKinney Vento funds. The Confluence Hospital works closely with service providers to make sure that hospital’s social workers have appropriate discharge protocols and are not routinely discharging patients to the streets or emergency shelters. Catholic Family and the Women’s Resource Center have created respite housing for people who otherwise would be homeless and need additional medical care or counseling. The housing and care is paid for by the DOH. This prevents these homeless patients from being discharged onto the streets. There are a number of supportive housing options in and around the greater Wenatchee area. These facilities are administered by many of the agencies shown on our resource list. There are very few group homes located in East Wenatchee. There are a few scattered sites for mental health tenants and a few group type single family homes that house people recovering from substance abuse issues or developmental disabilities. For entitlement/consortia grantees: Specify the activities that the jurisdiction plans to undertake during the next year to address the housing and supportive services needs identified in accordance with 91.215(e) with respect to persons who are not homeless but have other special needs. Link to one-year goals. (91.220(2)) The City will continue to work with other local jurisdictions and community groups with established housing support programs to increase housing affordability in this community. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 68 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-40 Barriers to Affordable Housing – 91.210(e) Negative Effects of Public Policies on Affordable Housing and Residential Investment Lack of affordable housing is influenced by a range of public and private sector factors. Over the past five years, East Wenatchee has been working with Douglas County to address public policies potentially contributing to housing affordability problems in East Wenatchee including expanding the availability of lands zoned for small-lot single family housing and multifamily housing; increasing opportunities for infill development; and expanding the urban growth area to provide more residentially zoned property. The City already has an approval process to allow accessory dwelling units as attached or detached structures in all single-family zoning districts. Among the policies in the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan aimed at reducing barriers to affordable housing and increasing the supply are: H-2 Provide flexibility in the development regulations to encourage infill development that is compatible with the character of the existing neighborhood and is adequately served by public facilities and services. H-6 Require the construction of sound, safe, and sanitary dwelling units. H-7 Use the following criteria for the establishment of residential densities: • Adjacent to commercial development, residential development should range from 8 to 24 dwelling units per acre and may include mixed-use type projects. • Adjacent to the existing single-family districts, densities should range from 8 to 15 dwelling units per acre. H-8 Provide for multi-family densities near major activity centers, parks, commercial, and business centers, adequately serviced by transportation systems and utilities. H-10 Provide standards for cluster style development that ensures adequate provisions are made for open space and traffic circulation. H-11 Provide incentives and opportunities for choices of housing types, styles, quantities and innovative design including accessory dwellings and cottage style housing in residential neighborhoods. H-14 Promote the construction of affordable housing to meet the needs of all economic segments of the population by establishing incentives in development standards that will increase the production of low and moderate priced housing by private and public sector housing providers. H-15 Encourage and support programs that provide low cost housing for permanent, seasonal, and retirement residents of the area. H-16 Provide flexibility in development regulations to encourage the provision of housing for low- and very – low income households and for special needs populations, such as senior citizens, physically challenged, assisted living facilities, nursing home care, congregate care, emergency shelters, or supervised environments. H-18 Encourage the rehabilitation of aging housing stock. H-19 Work with other local jurisdictions and housing providers to identify housing needs in the planning area; and develop strategies to provide for those needs. H-20 Provide opportunities and incentives for individual property owners to meet the housing needs of migrant agricultural workers. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 69 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) H-25 Adopt zoning, subdivision and design regulations to guide and facilitate development of mixed-use projects adjacent to and within commercial designations. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 70 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets – 91.215 (f) Introduction A region’s economy is recognized as the primary driver for social health. The availability of data and the accuracy of the data is highly dependent on the type of information available and the geographical area being analyzed. Analyzing the Wenatchee Valley and surrounding area is a little more complicated than many cities due to the presence of two cities and two counties within a federally designated urban area. The Wenatchee and East Wenatchee Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA) is entirely comprised of Chelan and Douglas Counties. A MSA is a federally designated geographical region with a relatively high population density at its core and close economic ties throughout the area. The official name for the region is often replaced with the Chelan/Douglas MSA. The remainder of the MSA is comprised of largely rural settlement patterns with several small cities and towns. This report tends to focus on the larger metropolitan statistical area since the MSA has the greatest level of information available. Due to the size of East Wenatchee, most data is not available for the city exclusively. Within the Wenatchee Valley are the cities of East Wenatchee and Wenatchee, divided by the Columbia River, which serve as an urban service hub for the region in terms of retail trade, governmental, education, and professional services. The 2020 population of East Wenatchee was 14,500 and Wenatchee was 34,447 based on the Washington State Office of Financial Management figures. Further complicating an analysis of the East Wenatchee area is that the city itself makes up a smaller portion of the overall urban growth area population that is estimated to be 28,000. The East Wenatchee-Wenatchee urban growth area population is estimated at 67,000. This urban area is compact in nature with a drive time of no more than 15 minutes to its commercial center. Economic Development Market Analysis Business Activity Business by Sector Number of Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers % Share of Jobs % Jobs less workers % Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction 1,061 215 18 6 -12 Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations 742 925 12 25 13 Construction 407 111 7 3 -4 Education and Health Care Services 1,137 588 19 16 -3 Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate 214 162 4 4 0 Information 123 121 2 3 1 Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 71 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Business by Sector Number of Workers Number of Jobs Share of Workers % Share of Jobs % Jobs less workers % Manufacturing 437 31 7 1 -6 Other Services 160 144 3 4 1 Professional, Scientific, Management Services 262 153 4 4 0 Public Administration 1 0 0 0 0 Retail Trade 916 946 15 25 10 Transportation and Warehousing 168 130 3 3 0 Wholesale Trade 400 213 7 6 -1 Total 6,028 3,739 -- -- -- Table 39 - Business Activity Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS (Workers), 2015 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs) Business Activity There are 1,061 workers (17%) in East Wenatchee that work in the Agricultural category. There are no mines in the area nor oil and gas extraction businesses. The largest category is the Education and Health Care Services category with 1,137 workers (18%). The third largest activity is in the Retail Trade category with 916 workers (15%). This implies that that there are 1,977 (retail and agriculture combined) workers that work in what tend to be lower wage jobs. Traditionally, Retail and Agriculture generally have a lot of minimum wage jobs. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 72 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Labor Force Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force 6,695 Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over 6,215 Unemployment Rate 7.27 Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24 24.15 Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65 4.83 Table 40 - Labor Force Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Occupations by Sector Number of People Management, business and financial 810 Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations 295 Service 780 Sales and office 1,515 Construction, extraction, maintenance and repair 1,085 Production, transportation and material moving 415 Table 41 – Occupations by Sector Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Travel Time Travel Time Number Percentage < 30 Minutes 5,115 86% 30-59 Minutes 730 12% 60 or More Minutes 135 2% Total 5,980 100% Table 42 - Travel Time Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Education: Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older) Educational Attainment In Labor Force Civilian Employed Unemployed Not in Labor Force Less than high school graduate 870 100 310 High school graduate (includes equivalency) 1,145 80 365 Some college or Associate's degree 1,740 120 585 Bachelor's degree or higher 985 10 150 Table 43 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 73 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Educational Attainment by Age Age 18–24 yrs 25–34 yrs 35–44 yrs 45–65 yrs 65+ yrs Less than 9th grade 55 290 90 260 90 9th to 12th grade, no diploma 185 175 195 270 220 High school graduate, GED, or alternative 530 345 370 875 690 Some college, no degree 620 535 340 775 570 Associate's degree 75 130 180 490 55 Bachelor's degree 25 220 230 430 285 Graduate or professional degree 0 55 40 180 140 Table 44 - Educational Attainment by Age Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months Educational Attainment Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months Less than high school graduate 21,188 High school graduate (includes equivalency) 27,573 Some college or Associate's degree 35,750 Bachelor's degree 31,982 Graduate or professional degree 61,384 Table 45 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months Data Source: 2011-2015 ACS Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within your jurisdiction? According to the Business Activity Table there are four categories that have the largest number of workers: • Education and Health Care Services with 1,137 (18% of total); • Agriculture, Mining and Gas Extraction with 1,061 (17%); • Retail Trade with 916 (15%); • Arts, Entertainment and Accommodations with 742 (12%). The next largest number of workers is in the Manufacturing category with 437 (7%) workers. The number of jobs is a little bit different as the two categories “Retail Trade” and “Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations” have 925 jobs and 946 jobs respectively. These two categories also represent 47 percent of the jobs listed. Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 74 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Economic development policies encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the long-term economic health of the community. A healthy economy provides jobs for local residents and a stable income base to help pay for education, parks, transportation, law and justice facilities, and other services necessary to foster and sustain a good quality of life for local residents. The Rediscover Historic Downtown East Wenatchee plan identifies infrastructure needs. Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or regional public or private sector investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect job and business growth opportunities during the planning period. Describe any needs for workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create. The Rediscover Historic Downtown East Wenatchee plan will promote growth and business opportunity. This plan will implement economic development policies which will encourage collaboration between the public and private sectors to ensure the long-term economic health of the community. Planned street improvement projects that increase the functionality, life of the facility, and capacity serving the commercial areas will provide a link between the commercial and residential areas. How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment opportunities in the jurisdiction? According to Table 43 Educational Attainment by Employment Status, East Wenatchee has 18% (870) of their population over the age of 16 without a high school diploma. This compares with the US at 13% without a high school diploma. Their population that are a High School graduate represent 24% (1,145) of their population over age 16. This compares with the US at 27%. The disparity changes in the higher education categories. Over 37% (1,740) of East Wenatchee population over age 16 have Some College or an Associate’s Degree. This compares with the US at 29%. Those with a Bachelor’s Degree or higher in East Wenatchee represent 21% of their population over age 16. This compares with the US at 30%. With strong economic growth in the area, come additional job opportunities. With the close proximity of the Pangborn Memorial Airport and new sewer service to the industrial center surrounding the airport, there have been tremendous growth in companies that represent fruit storage and distribution, technology, Diamond Foundry, Blockchain, bit coin mining and there is room for additional opportunities for growth in those areas. The new East Wenatchee Events Management Board has provided an opportunity for more direct efforts to stimulate tourism and visitors to the area. In concert with the Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce, the Convention and Visitor’s Bureau, and the Town Toyota Center these entities are working to capitalize on the recreational and cultural activities that this region has to offer. Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce Investment Boards, community colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 75 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Skill Source Workforce Development Council (WDC) secures and manages training grants and opportunities for local employers of all sizes, and facilitates customized onsite training, certification training, online training, and consortium style classroom training. The Wenatchee Valley College’s Small Business Development Center’s Certified Business Advisors and SCORE program utilize both coaching and training for small business owners in topics such as Business Plans, SBA Financing, Starting/Acquiring a Small Business, and Financing Planning. Wenatchee Valley College provides free tuition programs to TANF recipients, job skills training for low income parents, and an integrated basic education and skills training (I BEST) program. Work Source also provides training and services to help address Washington State's employment needs including computer/internet access, workshops, translation services, and job referral and placement. Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)? If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated with the Consolidated Plan? If not, describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that impact economic growth. Yes. The Wenatchee Valley College Center for Entrepreneurship, the Small Business Development Centers in Wenatchee and Omak, continue to be anchors for entrepreneurial development across the North Central Washington Economic Development District. The fourth strategy of the Our Valley, Our Future initiative continues to focus on targeted industry development and recruitment. This translates into six of the thirteen subtasks that are devoted to supporting a regional economic ecosystem: Create an Economic Gardening Program; Develop a MakerSpace where innovators and entrepreneurs can work on projects; Develop venture capital funds to support the development of emerging businesses; Grow, market and recruit value-added products and businesses; Target and attract broadband-based companies; Target in recruitment “remote first” businesses and business owners and telecommuters themselves; and Target and attract “spillover” high technology businesses and start-ups from larger, more crowded metropolitan areas. (2019 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy) The recruitment of “remote first” businesses, telecommuters, entrepreneurs and innovators, many of which are going into industrial areas of East Wenatchee. These people are working in construction, retail trade, real estate, health care and other service industries. These are growing industries in North Central Washington. The East Wenatchee Area is the major retail center in Douglas County. There has been significant growth in the retail industry since 1995. Retail sales increases are reflected in the amount of retail sales and use taxes that are distributed to each jurisdiction. Since 2015 the retail sales and use taxes distributed to Douglas County and the City of East Wenatchee has increased. By 3rd quarter of 2019, Douglas County retail sales tax has increased by 50% and the use tax increased by 23%. The City of East Wenatchee retail sales tax has increased by 24% and the use tax Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 76 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) increased by 1% during that same period. Douglas County has attracted four large automobile dealerships the area and the City has seen considerable development of retail centers including the development of more than 260,000 square feet of additional retail sales area with the expansion of the Wenatchee Valley Mall, new Fred Meyer, Hobby Lobby, and Costco stores, new restaurant developments, block-chain supercomputing and smaller mini-mall developments. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 77 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration") The primary housing problems in East Wenatchee are excessive housing cost burden and lack of rental housing with an extremely low vacancy rate. The problems of overcrowding and lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities played a limited role. Data for individual areas and all income categories within East Wenatchee was not available through the CHAS. The percentage of households in selected areas that have more than one problem could not be determined. The City uses HUD's unofficial guideline of concentration as area where the relative prevalence of an impact, is more than 20 percentage points higher than the citywide prevalence of that impact. Applying this definition to individual housing problems such as housing costs burden there the statistics show that 28% of owner households and 59% of renter households are paying more than 30% of their income for housing (Table 9 Cost Burden). These figures have gone up since 2015, when that 26% of owner households and 46% of renter households were paying more than 30% of their income for housing. The City has identified several areas where there are high concentrations of very low income households and high concentrations of older housing stock. Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration") Census tract 950500 and Census tract 950700 have the highest concentrations of low income households. For this determination, the definition of concentration of more than 51% of the tract meeting the low-income threshold was used. The percent receiving public assistance in these two tracts are 11.35% and 24.11% respectively. Compare that to Washington state at 4.09% and the US at 2.82%. East Wenatchee’s population is relatively broadly distributed in terms of race and ethnicity. What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods? The census tracts noted above are located between of 8th St. NE and Grant Road from Iowa to Valley Mall Parkway. Both census tracts include some of the City’s oldest housing stock with small homes on small lots. Additionally, these areas have the largest number of multi-family housing complexes containing 20 or more apartments. Market Characteristics > 950500 > 950700 • Per Capita Income (PCI) - $23,762 - $17,343 • Median Year Housing Built - 1980 - 1977 • Median Home Values - $189,700 - $186,800 • Paying more than 30% for Housing - 24% - 32% • Public Assistance - 11% - 24% Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 78 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The education level in both of these census tracts is lower than state or national averages. (usa.com/wa017) Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods? Most of the schools and parks are located within these two census tracts. Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas? Public transportation provides easy access to downtown, shopping, banking, medical, dental, and other vital services. Infrastructure that is lacking is sidewalks and street illumination. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 79 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-60 Broadband Needs of Housing occupied by Low- and Moderate-Income Households - 91.210(a)(4), 91.310(a)(2) Describe the need for broadband wiring and connections for households, including low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods. Broadband is widely available and accessible to all households in all neighborhoods, including low- and moderate-income households. It is available through satellite, cable, and fiber. The fiber optic service network provided by the Douglas County PUD does have some gaps in service. Describe the need for increased competition by having more than one broadband Internet service provider serve the jurisdiction. There are at least ten providers of broadband, WI-Fi, and internet services that serve the City of East Wenatchee. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 80 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) MA-65 Hazard Mitigation - 91.210(a)(5), 91.310(a)(3) Describe the jurisdiction’s increased natural hazard risks associated with climate change. From droughts to super storms, from epic floods to relentless forest fires, Washington has a front-row seat for the adverse effects of a world being transformed by climate change. Tackling greenhouse gas emissions has become a signature initiative for Gov. Jay Inslee, who wants Washington lawmakers to approve what could be some of the nation’s most far-reaching government initiatives. According to The Economic Impacts of Climate Change in Washington State, the major impacts of climate change in Washington State (2007) include: • Increase in carbon dioxide (CO 2) levels. • Increase in temperatures: An estimated 2 °F (1.1 °C) by 2020 and up to 3 °F (1.7 °C) by 2040. • Earlier annual snow melt. • Sea level rise of about 3 inches to 3 feet (0.91 m) by 2100. • No change in volume of precipitation. Describe the vulnerability to these risks of housing occupied by low- and moderate-income households based on an analysis of data, findings, and methods. Climate change in Washington state impacts health through air quality, drinking water, extreme heat events, shellfish safety, ocean acidification and agriculture. Healthy Community Design practices outlined in the East Wenatchee Comprehensive Plan include the following principles and community efforts affecting climate change. The environment in which we live, work, and play is closely associated with our health and our carbon footprint. Green space access is one example of a community design element that benefits both climate and health. It improves health by offering opportunities for physical activity and improving air quality and it mitigates climate change by reducing trips to parks and making the neighborhood more resilient to extreme weather events. Other design elements that also have climate and health co-benefits are bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure, street connectivity and density, mixed use zoning and buildings, and green building and housing design, construction, and remodeling. Communities that have these design elements are healthier, contribute less to climate change and are more resilient to changes in the local climate. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 81 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Strategic Plan SP-05 Overview Strategic Plan Overview The Consolidated Plan outlines the ways in which community development block grant funds will be used to respond to community needs. The plan is based on an assessment of the community needs as identified in this plan as well as related plan and policy documents. The Strategic Plan is designed to address CDBG Objectives: The following are specific objectives of HUD for the respective Programs: 1. Provide Suitable Living Environment – improving safety and livability of neighborhoods; eliminating blighting influences & the deterioration of property and facilities; increasing access to quality public and private facilities and services; reducing the isolation of income groups within areas through spatial de-concentration of housing opportunities for lower income persons and the revitalization of deteriorating neighborhoods; restoring and preserving properties of special historic, architectural, or aesthetic value; and conserving energy resources and use of renewable energy resources 2. Provide Decent Housing – assisting homeless persons obtain affordable housing; assisting persons at risk of becoming homeless; retaining the affordable housing stock; increasing the availability of affordable permanent housing, particularly to members of disadvantaged minorities; increasing the supply of supportive housing; and providing affordable housing that is accessible to job opportunities. 3. Expand Economic Opportunities – job creation & retention; establishment, stabilization and expansion of small businesses (including microbusinesses); the provision of public services concerned with employment; the provision of jobs to low-income persons living in areas affected by those programs and activities, or jobs resulting from carrying out activities under programs covered by the plan; availability of mortgage financing for low-income persons at reasonable rates using non-discriminatory lending practices; access to capital and credit for development activities that promote the long-term economic and social viability of the community; and empowerment and self-sufficiency for low-income persons to reduce generational poverty in federally assisted housing and public housing. The following goals were identified for the Consolidated Plan: A. Expand development of affordable housing options B. Reduce homelessness C. Maintain existing affordable housing stock D. Increasing access to owner-occupied housing through direct financial assistance to homebuyers E. Enhance economic development F. Support and improve public facilities for neighborhood revitalization G. Support public services H. General planning and administration of the City's CDBG program Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 82 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-10 Geographic Priorities – 91.215 (a)(1) Geographic Area Table 46 - Geographic Priority Areas No specific geographic priorities have been established. General Allocation Priorities Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the jurisdiction (or within the EMSA for HOPWA) No geographic priorities have been established. Table of General Allocation Priorities Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 83 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.215(a)(2) Priority Needs Table 47 – Priority Needs Summary 1 Priority Need Name Public facilities to support revitalization Priority Level High Population Extremely Low Low Moderate Families with Children Elderly Individuals Persons with Physical Disabilities Non-housing Community Development Geographic Areas Affected City of East Wenatchee Associated Goals Support and improve public facilities for neighborhood revitalization Description The opportunities for neighborhood revitalization have been a priority since the city became a CDBG Entitlement Jurisdiction. Improvements and upgrades to street and utility infrastructure benefits neighborhoods by providing improved pedestrian mobility, better lighting, removal of graffiti, and improvements to utility infrastructure Basis for Relative Priority The City will utilize the funds in overwhelmingly low moderate income areas with the goal of redeveloping streets through improved lighting, increased pedestrian accessibility, and surface upgrades. This will also provide an opportunity for utility purveyors to upgrade their systems in conjunction with the street improvements. 2 Priority Need Name Increase affordable housing supply Priority Level High Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 84 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Population Extremely Low Low Moderate Chronic Homelessness Individuals Families with Children Elderly Frail Elderly Victims of Domestic Violence Other Geographic Areas Affected City of East Wenatchee Associated Goals Expand development of affordable housing options Reduce homelessness Maintain existing affordable housing stock Increasing access to owner-occupied housing through direct financial assistance to homebuyers Description Assisting homeless persons obtain affordable housing; assisting persons at risk of becoming homeless; retaining the affordable housing stock; increasing the availability of affordable permanent housing, particularly to members of disadvantaged minorities; increasing the supply of supportive housing; and providing affordable housing that is accessible to job opportunities. Basis for Relative Priority The 2019 Point-In-Time Count of Homelessness reported that 127 people lacked shelter in Chelan and Douglas counties and 412 people lacked a permanent residence. The cost of rental and homeowner housing is beyond the reach of many East Wenatchee households who are homeless or who are struggling with a severe housing cost burden, putting their future tenancy at risk. 3 Priority Need Name Assist special needs populations Priority Level High Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 85 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Population Extremely Low Low Moderate Large Families Families with Children Elderly Chronic Homelessness Mentally Ill veterans Persons with HIV/AIDS Victims of Domestic Violence Frail Elderly Persons with Mental Disabilities Persons with Physical Disabilities Other Geographic Areas Affected City of East Wenatchee Associated Goals Expand development of affordable housing options Reduce homelessness Maintain existing affordable housing stock Increasing access to owner-occupied housing through direct financial assistance to homebuyers Support public services Description Public services are needed to help individuals and families with special needs obtain help with basic needs, food, housing, employment, health, and other important services. Basis for Relative Priority Many individuals and families in Mount Vernon need help accessing basic needs, which are often emergency needs when people are seeking assistance 4 Priority Need Name Administration and planning Priority Level High Population Extremely Low Low Moderate Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 86 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Geographic Areas Affected City of East Wenatchee Associated Goals General planning and administration of the City’s CDBG program Description Administration and planning: Implementation of this consolidated plan requires certain administrative and planning activities including the development of the plan, environmental review of projects, subrecipient monitoring, development of fair housing information, and other activities required by law Basis for Relative Priority CDBG is an administratively intense grant program. The City considers it a high priority to ensure regulatory compliance and to deliver CDBG-funded projects in a cost-effective and timely manner. Narrative (Optional) The level of need in East Wenatchee is always greater than the limited resources available to help meet those needs. Earlier sections of this Consolidated Plan outline information that helps compare the types and levels of need within our community to support setting priorities, goals and strategies. The City uses these priorities and goals to form the basis for determining what types of housing and community development programs will be funded over the next five years. The City has identified the above general priorities amongst different activities and needs. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 87 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-30 Influence of Market Conditions – 91.215 (b) Influence of Market Conditions Affordable Housing Type Market Characteristics that will influence the use of funds available for housing type Tenant Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) Long wait lists for low-income subsidized housing High number of low-wage workers with excessive housing cost burden Older projects are losing their rental assistance TBRA for Non- Homeless Special Needs Lack of permanent supportive housing for disabled persons Lack of safe/sober housing for residents exiting treatment Large senior population; long wait lists for affordable assisted living New Unit Production Rising rental costs Lack of land availability and increasing cost of construction materials and labor shortages has drastically increased the cost of new housing. Mismatch of housing units to demographics. Rehabilitation Older housing stock Code enforcement as preventative measure against substandard housing Aging public housing low-income units in need of rehabilitation warrants monitoring; this would be a priority in seeking opportunities to leverage funds for agencies Acquisition, including preservation No incentives for private construction of affordable housing Rising rental costs Lack of major re-development. Table 48 – Influence of Market Conditions Summary of Housing Needs In East Wenatchee, population and housing increase has been minimal during the 2009 to 2015 timeline. Population increase in the time frame depicted above has shown a 2% increase, while housing increased by 3%. Median household income has increased by $7,995 or 18%. The most pressing need is availability of affordable housing for all income levels. Vacancy rates for rentals is extremely low making it very difficult to find adequate, affordable rental housing. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 88 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2) Introduction The City anticipates annual CDBG grant funds of approximately $120,000 per year. Prior Year funds include unspent CDBG funds, CDBG-CV funds, and CDBG-CV3 funds totaling $310,106. The 2021 formula allocation will be $147,220. Anticipated Resources Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $ Narrative Description Annual Allocation: $ Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ CDBG public - federal Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services $142,647 0 $310,571 $453,218 $507,220 Funds used for acquisition, admin/planning, economic development, housing, public facilities, public services Table 49 - Anticipated Resources Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied Federal funds the City receives through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are used to leverage other federal, state, local and private resources to meet housing and community development needs. While matching funds are not required for the City’s CDBG program, the Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 89 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) City anticipates that most major projects will be funded primarily through non-CDBG resources. Over the past five years for every $1 of CDBG funds, $4 of other funds were leveraged. If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that may be used to address the needs identified in the plan There is no publicly owned land or property that will be used to address the needs identified in the plan. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 90 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure – 91.215(k) Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions. Responsible Entity Responsible Entity Type Role Geographic Area Served Volunteer Attorney Services Organization Legal services Regional Wenatchee Valley Chamber of Commerce Organization Community & Economic Development Greater Wenatchee Area Skill Source Organization Employment, Education and Job Skills Regional Work Source Organization Employment and Job Skills Regional Housing Authority of Chelan Co. & City of Wenatchee Government agency Housing Chelan and Douglas Counties Community Action Council Organization Housing/homelessness support/food bank /literacy Chelan and Douglas Counties Women’s Resource Center Organization Housing/homelessness Regional SAGE Organization Housing/homelessness Counseling support Regional Serve Wenatchee Valley Faith-based Organization Housing/homelessness basic needs Regional Department of Social & Health Services Government Housing/homelessness Employment & Basic needs Regional Center for Alcohol & Drug Treatment Organization Homelessness, Non- housing Special Needs Regional Catholic Charities Organization Housing, homelessness, Non-Housing Special Needs Regional Salvation Army Organization homelessness, Non- Housing Special Needs Regional Columbia Valley Housing Association Organization Housing Regional Columbia Valley Community Health Organization Physical and behavioral health Regional Confluence Health Organization Physical and behavioral health Regional Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 91 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Table 50 - Institutional Delivery Structure Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System As mentioned previously, many of the services are located in Wenatchee and available to residents of East Wenatchee. Community and economic development projects and programs are carried out by a vast network of agencies ranging from government, public, private, faith-based and community organized. This network provides comprehensive coverage for residents of both Wenatchee and the region while still having gaps that benefit from the ability of CDBG funding to be leveraged Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream services Many of the services are located in Wenatchee and available to residents of East Wenatchee. Homelessness Prevention Services Available in the Community Targeted to Homeless Targeted to People with HIV Homelessness Prevention Services Counseling/Advocacy X X Legal Assistance X X Mortgage Assistance Rental Assistance X Utilities Assistance Street Outreach Services Law Enforcement X Mobile Clinics Other Street Outreach Services X X Supportive Services Alcohol & Drug Abuse X X Child Care X X Education X X Employment and Employment Training X X Healthcare X HIV/AIDS X X Life Skills X X Mental Health Counseling X X Transportation X X Other Table 51 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 92 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) Catholic Charities operates the Community Housing Network, a centralized and coordinated entry program for housing and support services that serves the homeless population in the City of Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. This program serves as a hub for all homeless housing related activity in the community, including intake and assessment of all homeless households, the coordination of homeless housing service providers. Counseling and advocacy—People who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless enter the housing system and are assigned case management from an array of partnering, non-profit housing and shelter agencies. Housing counseling and advocacy become a significant part of the case management support provided. Legal Assistance—Volunteer Attorney services, which is staffed by a panel of local attorneys who volunteer their time to provide free or low-cost civil legal help Rental assistance— Community Action Council provides rental assistance vouchers. Homeless outreach services are provided by Catholic Charities and the Women’s Resource Center. The Housing Authority subsidizes low-income households through the Housing Choice Voucher programs. The Housing Authority also administers HUD-VASH vouchers for eligible, chronically homeless veterans. Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed above The services provided are extensive and varied. The service providers meet on a regular basis to discuss programs and needs to ensure that services are provided at a level equivalent to the need. Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs The service providers meet on a regular basis to discuss programs and needs to ensure that services are provided at a level equivalent to the need. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 93 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-45 Goals Summary – 91.215(a)(4) Goals Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Public facilities to support revitalization 2020 2024 Non-housing Community Development City of East Wenatchee Public facilities to support neighborhood revitalization CDBG $400,000 Public facility or infrastructure activities benefitting 33 people 2 Increase affordable housing supply 2020 2024 Affordable Housing City of East Wenatchee Homelessness Increase affordable housing supply CDBG $350,000 Direct assistance to homebuyers and other housing projects and program support 10 dwelling units 3 Assist special needs populations 2020 2024 Non-Housing Special Needs City of East Wenatchee Assist special needs populations CDBG $76,000 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit 4 Administration and planning 2020 2024 Administration & Planning City of East Wenatchee Administration & Planning CDBG $40,973 Other – general administration 5 Economic Development 2020 2024 Microenterprise Grants City of East Wenatchee Economic recovery COVID 19 funds CDBG CV $93,000 Economic support 18 business assisted Table 52 – Goals Summary Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Public facilities to support revitalization Goal Description The opportunities for neighborhood revitalization have been a priority since the city became a CDBG Entitlement Jurisdiction. Improvements and upgrades to street and utility infrastructure benefits neighborhoods by providing improved pedestrian mobility, better lighting, removal of graffiti, and improvements to utility infrastructure. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 94 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) 2 Goal Name Increase affordable housing supply: Goal Description The cost of rental and homeowner housing is beyond the reach of many East Wenatchee households. The City will explore programs that improve access to affordable housing, reduction in homelessness, and increased homeownership. 3 Goal Name Assist special needs populations: Goal Description Public services are needed to help individuals and families with special needs obtain help with basic needs, food, housing, employment, health, and other important services 4 Goal Name Administration and planning Goal Description Implementation of this consolidated plan requires certain administrative and planning activities including the development of the plan, environmental review of projects, subrecipient monitoring, development of fair housing information, and other activities required by law Estimate the number of extremely low-income, low-income, and moderate-income families to whom the jurisdiction will provide affordable housing as defined by HOME 91.315(b)(2) The City of East Wenatchee does not receive HOME funds. However, the City estimates that through the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee development of housing for low income individuals and families and the rehabilitation to preserve existing housing stock, such as Heritage Glen, approximately 150 low, low mod and moderate income households within the City will be provided with, or be able to remain in, affordable housing during the 5 years of this plan. The City expects to work with other entities in an effort to create more affordable housing through zoning changes to increase single family zones to multi-family zones and make available incentives such as density bonuses to builders/developers. According to the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan the following Goals and Policies promote affordable housing: H-14 Promote the construction of affordable housing to meet the needs of all economic segments of the population by establishing incentives in development standards that will increase the production of low and moderate priced housing by private and public sector housing providers. H-15 Encourage and support programs that provide low cost housing for permanent, seasonal, and retirement residents of the area. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 95 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) H-16 Provide flexibility in development regulations to encourage the provision of housing for low- and very – low income households and for special needs populations, such as senior citizens, physically challenged, assisted living facilities, nursing home care, congregate care, emergency shelters, or supervised environments. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 96 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-50 Public Housing Accessibility and Involvement – 91.215(c) Need to Increase the Number of Accessible Units (if Required by a Section 504 Voluntary Compliance Agreement) The Housing Authority of Chelan County & the City of Wenatchee does not have public housing. The subsidized projects that they own and manage meet all ADA accessibility requirements and provide adequate number of accessible units for market demand. Activities to Increase Resident Involvements The Housing Authority holds monthly or bi-monthly resident meetings at all of their projects. Is the public housing agency designated as troubled under 24 CFR part 902? No Plan to remove the ‘troubled’ designation Not Applicable Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 97 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-55 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.215(h) Barriers to Affordable Housing Lack of affordable housing is influenced by a range of public and private sector factors. Over the past five years, East Wenatchee has been working with Douglas County to address public policies potentially contributing to housing affordability problems in East Wenatchee including expanding the availability of lands zoned for small-lot single family housing and multifamily housing; increasing opportunities for infill development; and expanding the urban growth area to provide more residentially zoned property. The City already has an approval process to allow accessory dwelling units as attached or detached structures in all single-family zoning districts. Among the policies in the Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan aimed at reducing barriers to affordable housing and increasing the supply are: H-2 Provide flexibility in the development regulations to encourage infill development that is compatible with the character of the existing neighborhood and is adequately served by public facilities and services. H-6 Require the construction of sound, safe, and sanitary dwelling units. H-7 Use the following criteria for the establishment of residential densities: • Adjacent to commercial development, residential development should range from 8 to 24 dwelling units per acre and may include mixed-use type projects. • Adjacent to the existing single-family districts, densities should range from 8 to 15 dwelling units per acre. H-8 Provide for multi-family densities near major activity centers, parks, commercial, and business centers, adequately serviced by transportation systems and utilities. H-10 Provide standards for cluster style development that ensures adequate provisions are made for open space and traffic circulation. H-11 Provide incentives and opportunities for choices of housing types, styles, quantities and innovative design including accessory dwellings and cottage style housing in residential neighborhoods. H-14 Promote the construction of affordable housing to meet the needs of all economic segments of the population by establishing incentives in development standards that will increase the production of low and moderate priced housing by private and public sector housing providers. H-15 Encourage and support programs that provide low cost housing for permanent, seasonal, and retirement residents of the area. H-16 Provide flexibility in development regulations to encourage the provision of housing for low- and very – low income households and for special needs populations, such as senior citizens, physically challenged, assisted living facilities, nursing home care, congregate care, emergency shelters, or supervised environments. H-18 Encourage the rehabilitation of aging housing stock. H-19 Work with other local jurisdictions and housing providers to identify housing needs in the planning area; and develop strategies to provide for those needs. H-20 Provide opportunities and incentives for individual property owners to meet the housing needs of migrant agricultural workers. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 98 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) H-25 Adopt zoning, subdivision and design regulations to guide and facilitate development of mixed-use projects adjacent to and within commercial designations. Strategy to Remove or Ameliorate the Barriers to Affordable Housing Douglas County Regional Affordable Housing Program Fund Douglas County and the city of East Wenatchee, along with other cities in the county, collect housing assistance funds annually from the recording of documents. This program was established by the state legislature in 2002 with the passage of the Low-Income Housing Projects Program (SHB 2060). That program authorizes a surcharge on documents recorded through the County Auditor’s Office for the purpose of providing funds for housing programs for extremely low and very low income persons. Douglas County and the cities of Bridgeport, Rock Island, Mansfield, Waterville, and East Wenatchee pooled these funds and created the “Douglas County Regional Affordable Housing Program Fund”. The funds are awarded on an annual basis or semi-annual basis depending upon the level of funding available. The Douglas County Regional Council is the entity that awards the funds. This committee is made up of the mayors of each city and the three county commissioners. Community Development Block Grant Program The city of East Wenatchee is an entitlement community under Title 1 of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and is eligible to receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program funds annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This eligibility is due to the designation of the Wenatchee area as an urbanized area as a result of the 2000 Census. HUD provides guidance for the use of these funds by establishing three broad goals that entitlement communities must pursue with their allocations: �� Ensuring that the community’s low- and moderate-income residents have access to decent and affordable housing �� Ensuring that the community offers suitable living environments �� Expanding economic opportunities for the community’s low- and moderate income residents The City completed a Community Development & Housing Consolidated Plan in 2020 that provides the guidance for the use of the funds. Each year an Annual Action Plan is completed allocating the funds for specific projects based upon the goals and objectives contained in the Consolidated Plan. The City annually receives approximately $100,000. A portion of the funds have been allocated for housing assistance programs. However, the majority of the funds have been designated for improved accessibility, safety and sidewalk projects in low and moderate income neighborhoods. The City determined that the best use of the funds was to improve the accessibility and living environment in the community’s low and moderate income neighborhoods. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 99 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-60 Homelessness Strategy – 91.215(d) Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs The City supports broad implementation of the Homeless Housing Strategic Plan developed by the City of Wenatchee for Chelan and Douglas counties. The goals and strategies of the plan align with those of this Consolidated Plan and as such are indirectly supported through coordination of collaborative efforts with local, regional, state and federal partners. The Homeless Housing Strategic Plan was updated in 2019 and will be applicable through 2024 Addressing the emergency and transitional housing needs of homeless persons The City works closely with the Homeless Advisory Group comprised of service providers, including members who self-identify as formerly homeless, as well as individually with a majority of the agencies the Advisory Group represents. The state legislature recently enacted requirements that the City will be exploring regarding emergency and transitional housing facilities to ensure that we are able to serve the homeless population in our community. The City recently enacted a special sales tax to provide funding to address emergency shelters, transitional housing and permanent supportive housing. East Wenatchee is working with Wenatchee to establish a homeless Sleep Camp to provide emergency shelters in individual units and on-site support services to help homeless individuals access services and housing. Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again. East Wenatchee works with Douglas County and Chelan County to award local homeless funds and other state and federal grants to service agencies to address homelessness and awards are granted to providers along a continuum of care that range from emergency shelter to transitional and supportive housing, tenant based rental assistance, the landlord liaison program and for the Community Housing Network our local coordinated entry system. The Homeless Plan outlines the strategies specific to transitioning to permanent options. Help low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families who are likely to become homeless after being discharged from a publicly funded institution or system of care, or who are receiving assistance from public and private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education or youth needs. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 100 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) The award program referenced above supports transitional housing programs for individuals exiting public institutions and provides funding for the Volunteer Attorney Services program to help tenants avoid eviction. The emphasis for the housing funds is Rapid Rehousing as well as prevention. While all programs have the goal of permanent, stable housing, the Landlord Liaison Program was developed to specifically facilitate increased access to permanent, stable and independent housing. The Landlord Liaison program works with local landlords to alleviate their hesitancy to rent to folks who may not have a good rental history. The program offers mitigation funds in the event there are damages. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 101 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-65 Lead based paint Hazards – 91.215(i) Actions to address LBP hazards and increase access to housing without LBP hazards The age of our housing stock warrants attention to Lead-based paint hazards, however East Wenatchee has been designated a low-risk jurisdiction by Public Health, limiting available resources. The City provides informational materials on our Building Department webpage to educate property owners of suspected lead-based paint hazards. Housing Inspections which include an assessment of potential lead-based paint hazards are performed by agency staff on housing units for households being assisted through the Housing Authority's Section 8 tenant-based voucher program as well as through other non-profit housing assistance programs, including Chelan-Douglas Community Action Council and Women's Resource Center of NCW. How are the actions listed above related to the extent of lead poisoning and hazards? Approximately 30% of dwelling units were built before 1980 and could potentially have lead based paint issues. The older units are also typically more affordable to low-income residents. The availability of on- site inspections and information materials are an effective if limited approach to this issue. How are the actions listed above integrated into housing policies and procedures? Strategies need to be developed to address lead-based paint hazards in a cost-effective manner, given limited community resources. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 102 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-70 Anti-Poverty Strategy – 91.215(j) Jurisdiction Goals, Programs and Policies for reducing the number of Poverty-Level Families Poverty is a function of income, which is related to education, job training and employment. The City may provide CDBG funds to public service agencies to assist households below the poverty level with job training and education services. There are 690 households (14% of all households) and 1,745 people living below the poverty threshold. Thirty-three percent of the Hispanic households have family incomes below the federal poverty level. The City major priorities for expanding the range of economic development opportunities available to low- and moderate-income residents could include: • Support the development of new businesses and create new jobs, • Improve access to employment opportunities, and • Help residents acquire the skills required for success in today’s job market. How are the Jurisdiction poverty reducing goals, programs, and policies coordinated with this affordable housing plan As with all of the listed goals, programs and policies in this Plan, the City continues to coordinate with all jurisdictional, regional and statewide organizations and agencies through a regular communication process. Expanding and preserving affordable housing opportunities will reduce the housing cost burden of households living in poverty. Therefore, a portion of the disposable income may be used to pursue other educational or career goals, as well as for other daily necessities. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 103 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) SP-80 Monitoring – 91.230 Describe the standards and procedures that the jurisdiction will use to monitor activities carried out in furtherance of the plan and will use to ensure long-term compliance with requirements of the programs involved, including minority business outreach and the comprehensive planning requirements The City’s CDBG program is audited by HUD and the State under the Single Audit Act on an as need basis based on risk assessments. This audit verifies that the City meets all statutory requirements and that information reported is correct and complete. The City will monitor the successful implementation of its CDBG projects through administrative oversight. The Community Development director will be responsible for overall administration of the CDBG program and sub-recipients. The City utilizes sub-recipient monitoring standards and procedures as described in Managing CDBG: A Guidebook for Grantees on Sub-Recipient Oversight. When the City executes a contract for CDBG, the contracts must meet the applicable program and federal requirements. The City monitors contracts for compliance with these program requirements, including general management, performance goals, financial management, data collection, reporting, eligibility determinations, nondiscrimination, fair housing, affirmative marketing, labor compliance, etc. Program staff is responsible for monitoring program activities to assure timely use of the funds and compliance with HUD regulations and guidelines in implementing program activities under the programs. Basic tools used to accomplish this include: • Contractual obligations of grant recipients • Onsite monitoring • Reports • Audits The City conducts monitoring of its CDBG activities. CDBG monitoring depends on the activity. Construction projects will be monitored as they progress in order to ensure compliance with specific federal requirements, including Davis Bacon, Section 3, Section 504, NEPA and the Uniform Relocation and Acquisition requirements. The Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) is a tool for monitoring the City’s performance against Consolidated Plan goals. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 104 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Expected Resources AP-15 Expected Resources – 91.220(c)(1,2) Introduction The City anticipates annual CDBG grant funds of approximately $120,000 per year. Prior Year funds include unspent CDBG funds, CDBG-CV funds, and CDBG-CV3 funds totaling $310,106. The 2021 formula allocation will be $147,220 Anticipated Resources Program Source of Funds Uses of Funds Expected Amount Available Year 1 Expected Amount Available Remainder of ConPlan $ Narrative Description Annual Allocation: $ Program Income: $ Prior Year Resources: $ Total: $ CDBG public - federal Acquisition Admin and Planning Economic Development Housing Public Improvements Public Services 142,647 0 310,106 452,753 507,220 Funds will be used for admin/planning, economic development, housing, public facilities, and public services Table 53 - Expected Resources – Priority Table Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how matching requirements will be satisfied Federal funds the City receives through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) are used to leverage other federal, state, local and private resources to meet housing and community development needs. While matching funds are not required for the City’s CDBG program, the City anticipates that most major projects will be funded primarily through non- CDBG resources. Over the past five years for every $1 of CDBG funds, $4 of other funds were leveraged. If appropriate, describe publicly owned land or property located within the jurisdiction that Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 105 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) may be used to address the needs identified in the plan There is no publicly owned land or property that will be used to address the needs identified in the plan. Discussion If the total grant received by the City is less than the funds allocated to activities, then each activity’s budget will be reduced in the same proportion as the percentage difference between the estimated total grant and the actual total grant. If the total grant received by the City is more than the funds allocated to activities, then the budget of any activity that received an allocation less than the amount requested by the applicant, due to the estimated lack of funds, will be increased in the same proportion as the percentage difference between the estimated total grant and the actual total grant, up to the amount of the applicant’s original request. Another option will be to evaluate and reprogram funds to ensure efficient and timely use of the CDBG funds. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 106 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Annual Goals and Objectives AP-20 Annual Goals and Objectives Goals Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Public facilities to support revitalization 2021 2022 Non-housing Community Development City of East Wenatchee Public facilities to support neighborhood revitalization CDBG $135,000 Public facility or infrastructure activities benefitting 33 people 2 Increase affordable housing supply 2020 2022 Affordable Housing City of East Wenatchee Homelessness Increase affordable housing supply CDBG $77,164 Direct assistance to homebuyers and other housing projects and program support 10 dwelling units 3 Assist special needs populations 2020 2022 Non-Housing Special Needs City of East Wenatchee Assist special needs populations CDBG $76,000 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit 4 Increase affordable housing supply 2020 2022 housing Community Development City of East Wenatchee Increase affordable housing supply CDBG CV3 94,862 Assist renters 15 households 5 Administration and planning 2020 2022 Administration & Planning City of East Wenatchee Administration & Planning CDBG and CDBG CV3 $12,647 Other – general administration 6 Economic Development 2020 2022 Microenterprise Grants City of East Wenatchee Economic recovery COVID 19 funds CDBG CV $93,927 Economic support 18 business assisted Table 54 – Goals Summary Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 107 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Goal Descriptions 1 Goal Name Public facilities to support revitalization Goal Description The opportunities for neighborhood revitalization have been a priority since the city became a CDBG Entitlement Jurisdiction. Improvements and upgrades to street and utility infrastructure benefits neighborhoods by providing improved pedestrian mobility, better lighting, removal of graffiti, and improvements to utility infrastructure. 2 Goal Name Increase affordable housing supply: Goal Description The cost of rental and homeowner housing is beyond the reach of many East Wenatchee households. The City will explore programs that improve access to affordable housing, reduction in homelessness, and increased homeownership. 3 Goal Name Assist special needs populations: Goal Description Public services are needed to help individuals and families with special needs obtain help with basic needs, food, housing, employment, health, and other important services 4 Goal Name Administration and planning Goal Description Implementation of this consolidated plan requires certain administrative and planning activities including the development of the plan, environmental review of projects, subrecipient monitoring, development of fair housing information, and other activities required by law Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 108 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Projects AP-35 Projects – 91.220(d) Introduction The 2021 Annual Action Plan includes the projects listed below that align with the strategic goals of the City's Consolidated Plan Table 55 – Project Information Describe the reasons for allocation priorities and any obstacles to addressing underserved needs Project summary information is based on an estimated amount of funds the City of East Wenatchee will be awarded for the Community Development Block Grant. If availability of funds differs from the estimate, changes will be made proportionally Projects 2020 Hamilton Street 135,000.00$ Microenterprise Grants 93,927.00$ Emergency Income Payments 94,862.00$ Homeowner Downpayment Assistance (2018)18,469.00$ Homeowner Downpayment Assistance (2019)58,695.00$ Administration ($5,000 from 2019)12,647.00$ Left to reprogram 35,524.24$ Total 449,124.24$ Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 109 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-38 Project Summary Project Summary Information Sort Order Goal Name Start Year End Year Category Geographic Area Needs Addressed Funding Goal Outcome Indicator 1 Public facilities to support revitalization 2021 2022 Non-housing Community Development City of East Wenatchee Public facilities to support neighborhood revitalization CDBG $135,000 Public facility or infrastructure activities benefitting 33 people 2 Increase affordable housing supply 2020 2022 Affordable Housing City of East Wenatchee Homelessness Increase affordable housing supply CDBG $77,164 Direct assistance to homebuyers and other housing projects and program support 10 dwelling units 3 Assist special needs populations 2020 2022 Non-Housing Special Needs City of East Wenatchee Assist special needs populations CDBG $76,000 Public service activities other than Low/Moderate Income Housing Benefit 4 Increase affordable housing supply 2020 2022 housing Community Development City of East Wenatchee Increase affordable housing supply CDBG CV3 94,862 Assist renters 15 households 5 Administration and planning 2020 2022 Administration & Planning City of East Wenatchee Administration & Planning CDBG and CDBG CV3 $12,647 Other – general administration 6 Economic Development 2020 2022 Microenterprise Grants City of East Wenatchee Economic recovery COVID 19 funds CDBG CV $93,927 Economic support 18 business assisted Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 110 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-50 Geographic Distribution – 91.220(f) Description of the geographic areas of the entitlement (including areas of low-income and minority concentration) where assistance will be directed The geographic area of projects is a city-wide approach with an emphasis on low- and moderate income households. Geographic Distribution Target Area Percentage of Funds Table 56 - Geographic Distribution Rationale for the priorities for allocating investments geographically The City of East Wenatchee is a small area. The priorities and needs are based upon the needs of the City residents and businesses. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 111 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Affordable Housing AP-55 Affordable Housing – 91.220(g) Introduction One Year Goals for the Number of Households to be Supported Homeless 0 Non-Homeless 17 Special-Needs 0 Total 0 Table 57 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Requirement One Year Goals for the Number of Households Supported Through Rental Assistance 0 The Production of New Units 0 Rehab of Existing Units 0 Acquisition of Existing Units 0 Total 0 Table 58 - One Year Goals for Affordable Housing by Support Type Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 112 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-60 Public Housing – 91.220(h) Introduction East Wenatchee does not have a traditional public housing project. However, the Housing Authority of Chelan County & the City of Wenatchee provides a range of housing services for City residents including: • Section 8 tenant-based housing vouchers • Section 8 Family Self-Sufficiency program • Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (HUD-VASH) program rental assistance vouchers for homeless Veterans • Agricultural & migrant housing The Housing Authority owns and manages one multi-family property in East Wenatchee. The development was built 20 years ago. The Housing Authority maintains their properties in good condition. A rehabilitation project was funded by the City’s CDBG Program in 2018 to renovate and convert 18 units from seasonal occupancy to year-round. Actions planned during the next year to address the needs to public housing None are planned. Actions to encourage public housing residents to become more involved in management and participate in homeownership The Housing Authority holds monthly or bi-monthly resident meetings at all of their projects. In addition, they offer their tenants a self-sufficiency educational program which includes information on money management, home care, and life skills. If the PHA is designated as troubled, describe the manner in which financial assistance will be provided or other assistance The Housing Authority is not designated as troubled. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 113 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-65 Homeless and Other Special Needs Activities – 91.220(i) Introduction The City will not designate specific CDBG funds to homeless or housing projects in 2019. However, the funds allocated for public services could be used for services that help people avoid becoming homeless and help the homeless overcome barriers to finding housing. Describe the jurisdictions one-year goals and actions for reducing and ending homelessness including To develop a Low-Barrier Sleep Center style emergency shelter to increase the number of beds available and improve access to support services. Work with service agencies to support programs that prevent homelessness by helping people stay in their home. Reaching out to homeless persons (especially unsheltered persons) and assessing their individual needs The City works with the City of Wenatchee and local housing and service providers as a member of the Homeless Task Force. The new Coordinated Entry System was developed with the assistance of a sub- committee of that group. The Coordinated Entry System is one stop access point for people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to connect them with emergency shelter and transitional housing agencies as well as service providers Addressing the emergency shelter and transitional housing needs of homeless persons Although East Wenatchee has only one transitional shelter that is available to women and families, there are year-round emergency shelters for individuals and families in Wenatchee through a partnership with faith-based and other community organizations. The City of East Wenatchee has an interlocal agreement for the use of the deed recording fees administered through the City of Wenatchee to support homeless housing and support services. As mentioned above, Wenatchee and East Wenatchee are working to create more bed capacity. Helping homeless persons (especially chronically homeless individuals and families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth) make the transition to permanent housing and independent living, including shortening the period of time that individuals and families experience homelessness, facilitating access for homeless individuals and families to affordable housing units, and preventing individuals and families who were recently homeless from becoming homeless again The City works with the City of Wenatchee and local housing and service providers as a member of the Homeless Task Force. An effort is underway to establish a “housing first” model of low-barrier shelter to facilitate housing of the homeless. This model is focused on helping people quickly gain stable housing Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 114 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) and then offer them the supportive services that they need to thrive. For chronically homeless individuals this means permanent supportive housing which uses the housing first model and for families with children it means rapid rehousing with a progressive engagement model. Currently there are no homeless facilities specifically for unaccompanied youth. One of the services offered locally is eviction intervention. Helping low-income individuals and families avoid becoming homeless, especially extremely low-income individuals and families and those who are: being discharged from publicly funded institutions and systems of care (such as health care facilities, mental health facilities, foster care and other youth facilities, and corrections programs and institutions); or, receiving assistance from public or private agencies that address housing, health, social services, employment, education, or youth needs East Wenatchee participates with the Homeless Task Force and area service providers to enhance the community’s comprehensive Continuum of Care (CoC) system to end as well as prevent homelessness. Several agencies have programs devoted to homelessness prevention such as assisting people who are in jeopardy of being evicted. The Chelan County Regional Justice Center operates a facility for individuals being released from detention to ensure that people are not discharged into homelessness. Discussion Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 115 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-75 Barriers to affordable housing – 91.220(j) Introduction: The City works with other jurisdictions to award funds to housing providers and service providers. The funds from various sources are awarded every two years. Another ongoing process is the Affordable Housing Solutions Group effort sponsored by the Our Valley Our Future group. Our Valley’s Regional Housing Approach Game-Changer called for a coalition of key stakeholders to address the region’s critical housing market issues, including housing availability and affordability, and to advance local coordination and collaboration on a long- term regional approach to housing, involving a broad cross-section of organizations and interests. The task of this coalition was to research, recommend and support implementation of new housing market policies and tools. The City is a member of the Core Team for that group and has been participating in efforts with local citizens, business owners, realtors, and developers. Actions it planned to remove or ameliorate the negative effects of public policies that serve as barriers to affordable housing such as land use controls, tax policies affecting land, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limitations, and policies affecting the return on residential investment The Greater East Wenatchee Area Comprehensive Plan has specific goals and policies as a guide to increase the amount of affordable housing. The City has infill and accessory dwelling ordinances that allow for relaxed lot coverage and setbacks requirements to encourage development on underutilized lands. The City recently updated the development regulations in an effort to encourage higher density residential development by reducing lot size requirements and setbacks and increasing lot coverage thereby providing incentives for affordable housing. Additionally, City Code now allows duplexes and triplexes on some lots within the single-family zoning district. The City will be evaluating options to increase affordable housing with additional changes to development regulations and will explore options for tax incentives Discussion: Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 116 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) AP-85 Other Actions – 91.220(k) Introduction: The City of East Wenatchee has multiple strategies to meet the needs of the community. Due to the small annual allocation of CDBG funds, the City does not generally use those funds for projects other than street improvements. Actions planned to address obstacles to meeting underserved needs While the City has pursued a variety of strategies to impact the identified needs of the community, the primary obstacle to meeting the underserved needs is the lack of sufficient financial resources Actions planned to foster and maintain affordable housing The City fosters and maintains affordable housing by: • Providing street improvements that benefit low-moderate income neighborhoods; • Work with agencies and organization that provide Rental Assistance and housing services; • Evaluate options supporting projects using the low-income tax credit program and/or instituting a multi-family tax abatement program; • Preserve the housing stock in the City of East Wenatchee through support of other publicly and privately funded housing agencies; • Providing down payment assistance for low income homebuyers Actions planned to reduce lead-based paint hazards The Community Development Department/Building-Code Compliance section on the City web site includes a “Lead Based Paint Alert” page with links to various publications relating to identifying and abating lead-based paint hazards. Actions planned to reduce the number of poverty-level families The City’s overall goal is to reduce the number and percentage of persons living in poverty. The City works with the community’s businesses and the workforce development programs, to promote job training opportunities for low income persons. The City will work with and support agencies and public services programs aimed at increasing self-sufficiency for low-income families and individuals. • The following strategies, consistent with City’s overall Consolidated Plan strategies, will play a major role in combating poverty: • Support community vitality through activities that promote a diverse economic base and family wage jobs, while providing opportunities for low and moderate income people to become financially independent; • Support housing and services to assist homeless people to reach self-sufficiency. • Support activities which bring additional businesses, new industries, and jobs into the community. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 117 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Actions planned to develop institutional structure The City does not have the resources to develop a separate institutional structure. The City works with local providers who already have the expertise and institutional structure to meet the needs of the community. Actions planned to enhance coordination between public and private housing and social service agencies The City of East Wenatchee staff serves on the Homeless Housing Task Force and the Homeless Steering Committee. The City will continue to coordinate with local housing and service providers to meet the needs for the regions’ low-income populations. Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 118 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Program Specific Requirements AP-90 Program Specific Requirements – 91.220(l)(1,2,4) Introduction: Community Development Block Grant Program (CDBG) Reference 24 CFR 91.220(l)(1) Projects planned with all CDBG funds expected to be available during the year are identified in the Projects Table. The following identifies program income that is available for use that is included in projects to be carried out. 1. The total amount of program income that will have been received before the start of the next program year and that has not yet been reprogrammed 0 2. The amount of proceeds from section 108 loan guarantees that will be used during the year to address the priority needs and specific objectives identified in the grantee's strategic plan. 0 3. The amount of surplus funds from urban renewal settlements 0 4. The amount of any grant funds returned to the line of credit for which the planned use has not been included in a prior statement or plan 0 5. The amount of income from float-funded activities 0 Total Program Income: 0 Other CDBG Requirements 1. The amount of urgent need activities 0 2. The estimated percentage of CDBG funds that will be used for activities that benefit persons of low and moderate income. Overall Benefit - A consecutive period of one, two or three years may be used to determine that a minimum overall benefit of 70% of CDBG funds is used to benefit persons of low and moderate income. Specify the years covered that include this Annual Action Plan. 0.00% Consolidated Plan EAST WENATCHEE – Draft Date 7-29-2021 (April 15 Download) 119 OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 09/30/2021) Appendix - Regional Assessment of Fair Housing a REGIONAL ASSESSMENT OF FAIR HOUSING (AFH) In partnership, the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee developed a regional AFH to analyze the local fair housing landscape and set fair housing priorities and goals by assessing (1) patterns of integration and segregation, (2) racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty, (3) disparities in access to opportunity, and (4) disproportionate housing needs. DRAFT TABLE OF CONTENTS Cover Sheet............................................................................................................................ 2 Executive Summary............................................................................................................... 2 Community Participation Process ......................................................................................... 5 Assessment of Past Goals and Actions ................................................................................... 7 Fair Housing Analysis ..........................................................................................................17 Demographic Summary..........................................................................................................17 General Issues ......................................................................................................................21 Segregation/Integration.......................................................................................................21 Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) .............................................25 Disparities in Access to Opportunity .....................................................................................27 Disproportionate Housing Needs ..........................................................................................39 Publicly Supported Housing Analysis .......................................................................................43 Disability and Access Analysis ................................................................................................46 Fair Housing Enforcement, Outreach Capacity, and Resources Analysis ........................................51 Fair Housing Goals and Priorities ........................................................................................54 Cover Sheet 1. Submission Date: 2. Submitter Name: Brooklyn Holton, City of Wenatchee 3. This is a joint submission 4. Included in this joint submission are the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee; two CDBG consolidated plan participants and one PHS; respectively. 5. For PHAs, Jurisdiction in which the program participant is located: Wenatchee, WA 6. Submitter members (if applicable): Lori Barnett and Alicia McCrae 7. Sole or lead submitter contact information: a. Brooklyn Holton b. Neighborhood and Community Services Coordinator c. Community Development d. 1350 McKittrick Street e. Wenatchee f. WA g. 98801 8. Period covered by this assessment: 2020 – 2024 9. This is an initial AFH 10. To the best of its knowledge and belief, the statements and information contained herein are true, accurate: Confirmed. Executive Summary 1. Summarize the fair housing issues, significant contributing factors, and goals. Also include an overview of the process and analysis used to reach the goals. The Assessment of Fair Housing (AFH) is used to analyze the local fair housing landscape and set fair housing goals and strategies. This process looks at (1) patterns of integration and segregations; (2) racially or ethnically concentrated areas of poverty; (3) disparities in access to opportunity; and (4) disproportionate housing needs. Included in this plan are four sections: • Community Participation • Assessment of Past Goals/Actions • Fair Housing Analysis • Goals and Strategies Beginning in 2017, the process to develop the AFH required a Consolidated Plan extension and program year adjustment by the City of Wenatchee in order to align with East Wenatchee and allow for the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee to collaborate on a regional AFH. The request for extension was approved and upon completion of Wenatchee’s Consolidated Plan update, contracting to develop a regional AFH began the formal process. At the same time in 2018, the Chelan Douglas Homeless Housing Strategy Plan update was taking place and provided an opportunity for coordinated engagement. Utilizing the feedback provided by the Homeless Task Force, Homeless Task Force Advisory Committee and additional community stakeholders provided significant insight into the challenges facing individuals experiencing, or at risk of experiencing, homelessness; including our must vulnerable populations. The comprehensive assessment for the Homeless Plan guided priority, goal and strategy selection in the AFH process especially adoption of Goal #2 below. In addition to the Homeless Plan outreach, in-person interviews, a bilingual (English and Spanish) community survey, incorporation of regional plans/policies and the Consolidated Plan Advisory Group provided feedback related to the most significant impediments and access issues found in Chelan and Douglas counties. In addition, the AFH partners provided access to the community for commenting during adopting in the following ways: • City of Wenatchee held a public hearing on April 22, 2021 at a regularly scheduled City Council meeting as part of the Consolidated Plan adoption. Notice was provided via the Wenatchee World, City of Wenatchee website and distributed electronically through the Consolidated Plan Advisory Group, Homeless Task Force Advisory Committee, Mental Health Stakeholders, Chelan Douglas Coalition for Health Improvement and a general stakeholder group that has supported previous plan development efforts. • City of East Wenatchee… • The Housing Authority… The top concerns from the combined outreach efforts included concern for housing availability and options for low- and moderate-income households as a result of increased cost of housing due to many social and environmental factors. Awareness and resources about fair housing and local barriers to fair housing was also a concern which guided adopted of Goal #3 below. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provided data for seven opportunity indicators (low poverty, school proficiency, labor market, transit, low transportation costs, job proximity and environmental health) that were used to analyze the two-county region; Chelan and Douglas counties. Found in the “Disparities in Access to Opportunity” section, data demonstrated that access to opportunity becomes increasingly limited as residents disperse from the Wenatchee Valley area that is home to the urban centers Wenatchee and East Wenatchee. By HUD data standards, the two-county area does not have identified Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) or high levels of segregation. Although geographic areas are not identified, much of the data demonstrates groups above and below the federal poverty line experiences significant levels of disparities such as: • Hispanic households above and below the federal poverty line have a lower index rating related to exposure to poverty, access to quality school and labor force participation. • Native Americans (Non-Hispanic) above and below the federal poverty line have the lowest score in utilization access to public transit. • White (Non-Hispanic) households above the federal poverty line and Black (Non-Hispanic) households below the poverty line have a smaller index rating for experiencing low transportation costs. • Black (Non-Hispanic) above the federal poverty line and Native American (Non-Hispanic) below the federal poverty line, both have the lowest scores related to access to employment and exposure to environmental toxins. HUD directs grantees to consult a list of pre-identified contributing factors in order to create fair housing goals and associate strategies for addressing prioritized indicators. Data and feedback led to the prioritization of eleven contributing factors (scoring a rating of 65 or above). • Location and type of affordable housing • Availability of affordable housing units in a range of sizes • Quality of affordable housing information programs • Lack of resources for fair housing agencies and organizations • Source of income discrimination • Lack of affordable, integrated housing for individuals who need supportive services • Lack of public fair housing agencies and organizations • Lack of regional cooperation • Lack of assistance for housing accessibility modifications • Lack of affordable, in-home, or community-based supportive services • Lack of community revitalization strategies A full list of contributing factors and their associated ranking is available under “Fair Housing Goals and Priorities” at the end of this plan. While there are no HUD-identifies R/ECAPs or areas of segregation, these contributing factors are experienced by many community members and most likely by households with limited income, renters or those identifying with a minority race/ethnicity. In order to address these issues in collaboration, the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority have identified the following goals: 1. Support the implementation of housing policies and programs that increase available housing units and housing options. 2. Increase access to housing services and supportive housing options for vulnerable populations. 3. Provide education and support community efforts to enforce Fair Housing rights and responsibilities with renters, property managers, homeowners and real estate professionals. Goal #1 recognizes significant movement in the region around housing-focused policy updates while acknowledging there is much opportunity to be had in the jurisdictions and communities throughout the two-county area. Efforts that can support movement on this goal include the City of Wenatchee housing code update and the “Housing in Our Valley” reporting completed by Our Valley, Our Future; Nuestro Valle, Nuestro Futuro. Goal #2 builds on the regional collaboration surrounding housing services focused on supporting access to permanent, stable housing for low- and moderate-income households. The goals and strategies identified in the Chelan Douglas Homeless Housing Plan align with the priority populations of the AFH. Supporting broad implementation of that plan is an effective way to address the contributing factors as the plans cover the same geographic service area. Goal #3 responds to the need for both housing providers and occupiers have a right to be informed of Fair Housing law and policies. A bilingual education campaign that is focused regionally will support expanding education and workshop opportunities for all. Community Participation Process 1. Describe outreach activities undertaken to encourage and broaden meaningful community participation in the AFH process, including the types of outreach activities and dates of public hearings or meetings. Identify media outlets used and include a description of efforts made to reach the public, including those representing populations that are typically underrepresented in the planning process such as persons who reside in areas identified as R/ECAPs, persons who are limited English proficient (LEP), and person with disabilities. Briefly explain how these communications were designed to reach the broadest audience possible. For PHAs, identify your meetings with the Resident Advisory Board. 2. Provide a list of organizations consulted during the community participation process 3. How successful were the efforts at eliciting meaningful community participation? If there was low participation, provide the reasons. 4. Summarize all comments obtained in the community participation process. Include a summary of any comments or views not accepted and the reasons why. The community engagement process began late summer of 2019 in step with the Chelan Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan update. Staff worked to collect local and regional data from multisector sources and conducted in-person interviews with stakeholders representing regional service agencies, local governments, housing trust, real estate and residents. Information gathered during 2019 and the early months of 2020 contributed to the foundation for clearly communicating to stakeholders the progress since the previous Analysis of Impediments and where the region stands currently. Due to COVID-19, the vast majority of community engagement planned for the spring and summer of 2020 was not permitted. Thus, a shift in engagement approach was required and, unfortunately, efforts for eliciting meaningful community participation were not as successful as originally intended. Limited to virtual engagement, much of the feedback was synthesized from pre-2020 data gathering sessions, online bilingual survey, review by the Consolidated Plan Advisory Group, workshops with the Planning Commission and City Council of Wenatchee and email responses from notification for adoption by each jurisdiction. Available methods of outreach include: • Public meeting with members of the Homeless Task Force, Homeless Task Force Advisory Committee and of the public. Prior to this meeting, a survey was to identify the top ranked strategies for each plan priority listed below that led to Goal #2 of the AFH: o Increase capacity and strengthen practices to prevent housing crises/homelessness o Identify and engage all people experiencing homelessness as quickly as possible o Provide access to temporary accommodations to all unsheltered homeless who need it o Streamline and improve the Coordinated Entry process and its connections to housing and services o Assist people to move swiftly into permanent housing with appropriate and person-centered services o Prevent returns to homeless through connections to adequate services and opportunities • In-person interviews were conducted with the following stakeholders to review contributing factors and priority elements which supported all three AFH goals: o Women’s Resource Center of North Central Washington o Upper Valley MEND o Chelan Valley Housing Trust o Local Real Estate Professional o Catholic Charities Board Representative o City of Cashmere o City of Leavenworth o City of Chelan • Bilingual (English and Spanish) community survey ranked contributing factors. Respondents represented the following: o Housing: renter, homeowner, landlord/property manager and housing services. o Employment: government, education, retail/service industry, clinical, agriculture, faith-based, self-employed and other. • The Consolidated Plan Advisory Group had multiple meetings with one specific to reviewing data summaries and diving into discussion and identification of appropriate goals and associated strategies to be adopted by both City of Wenatchee and City of East Wenatchee and also specific strategies for the Housing Authority. This group included: o City of Wenatchee o City of East Wenatchee o Housing Authority o Wenatchee City Council member o Wenatchee Planning Commission member o Serve Wenatchee Valley o Wenatchee Church of the Nazarene o Pinnacles Prep Board members o Women’s Resource Center of North Central Washington o La Pera – Spanish Media o Wenatchee Valley College • The Wenatchee Planning Commission and Councils of both Wenatchee and East Wenatchee were able to workshop and provide feedback regarding the AFH plan. • A public hearing was held on April 22, 2021. When the public notice went out informing the community of the opportunity to review and comment on the AFH plan via the local official newspaper, Wenatchee World, it was also circulated through local email lists and community groups to over 500 recipients including: o The Homeless Task Force o The Homeless Task Force Advisory Committee o The Chelan-Douglas Coalition for Health Improvement o Mental Health Stakeholders Public Comments received during the public comment period included: Assessment of Past Goals and Actions 1. Indicate what fair housing goals were selected by program participant(s) in recent Analysis of Impediments, Assessments of Fair Housing, or other relevant planning documents: a. Discuss what progress has been made toward their achievement The City of Wenatchee City Council approved Resolution No. 2010-52 adopting the Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF) recommendations as a guide for future City policies for the development and preservation of affordable housing. In addition, the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, which references the AHTF recommendations, was adopted as part of Wenatchee’s 2013-2017, now updated to 2013-2019, CDBG Consolidated Plan. The City of East Wenatchee City Council approved Resolution No. 2014-17, adopting the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice as part of the East Wenatchee 2015-2019 CDBG Consolidated Plan. The Housing Authority submits the Housing Authority Agency Plan for review by the City of Wenatchee on an annual basis. As recipients of funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), each partner has a responsibility to assess impediments to fair housing and provide recommendations for action to remedy discriminatory conditions as a part of the 5-year plans. Following are the identified impediments, associated recommended actions and the progress which has been made towards their achievement since being identified for the Consolidated Planning period that began in 2013. CITY OF WENATCHEE PROGRESS • IMPEDIMENT #1: Rising housing costs and low housing vacancy rates are reducing the number of households that can afford to rent or own in Wenatchee, effectively limited housing choices. o Recommendation #1: Study examples of other communities who have developed aggressive affordable housing strategies that provided opportunities for low- and moderate-income and members of disadvantaged groups to have improved housing choices. Utilize the Comprehensive Plan to establish policies and development standards to expand the supply of multifamily housing. Work with property owners, developers, and housing agencies to study the possible conversion of underutilized buildings suitable for rehabilitation/conversion in mixed use housing developments and encourage new multifamily developments. Further study and address single-family housing conversions to multiple dwelling unit structures, considering the demand for increased affordable housing and building life-safety requirements. Support additional efforts to increase the affordable housing supply, including strategies identified by the Affordable Housing Task Force (AHTF). ▪ AHTF Strategy #1: EDUCATION – Strategies include (1.1) First-time homebuyer classes; (1.2) Model City Affordable Housing Project; (1.3) Homeownership Maintenance Classes; (1.4) Renter Education Classes; (1.5) One-Stop Housing Resource; (1.6) Affordable Housing Media Campaign; (1.7) Address NIMBY-ism; (1.8) Proactive Marketing; and (1.9) New Lead-Based Paint Regulations • Progress: First-time homebuyer classes are available in Chelan and Douglas counties via group classes and one-on-one appointments offered by our real estate partners. Renter education classes have been available through the YWCA of North Central Washington and will continue through the Women’s Resource Center of North Central Washington. ▪ AHTF Strategy #2: INFILL DEVELOPMENT – Strategies include (2.1) Multifamily Tax Exemption Program; (2.2) Housing in Commercial Zoning Districts; (2.3) Cottage Housing; (2.4) Accessory Dwelling Units; (2.5) Upzoning; (2.6) Infill Development; (2.7) Zero Lot Line Development; (2.8) CBD Upper-Story Re-Use; (2.9) WMU Affordable Housing; (2.10) Increase Incentives for Affordable Housing; (2.11) Single-Family Conversion; and (2.12) Permit Ready Building Plans • Progress: The City of Wenatchee led the region with an overhaul of the housing code. The updates included amendments to the zoning and subdivision codes and adopting Residential Design Guidelines. Together, these updates will help the community develop more affordable housing options by providing a variety of housing types for all shapes and sizes of lots; encourage infill development or redevelopment on lots that may already have a residential housing unit; reductions to the minimum lot size in residential districts to provide additional options for infill and redevelopment; removal of the planned development process reducing the overall amount of time a project is in development review and minimizing procedural barriers while also providing compatibility to neighboring properties and predictability to the developer; and an increase in the allowable density to meet the comprehensive plan goals which provides options for smaller housing units on smaller lots. ▪ AHTF Strategy #3: FINANCING – Strategies Include (3.1) Fund and Support Public & Nonprofit Agencies; (3.2) Rental Assistance Vouchers; (3.3) First-Time Homebuyer Down-Payment Assistance; (3.4) Utilize Surplus City Property (3.5) Waive/Reduce Permit Fees; (3.6) Expedited Permit Process; (3.7) Additional Revenue Strategies; (3.8) Bridge Financing; (3.9) Mobile Home Purchase Financing; (3.10) Employer Assisted Housing; and (3.11) CATCH Program • Progress: The City of Wenatchee manages the funding to support agencies that provide services such as rental assistance vouchers. Since 2013, almost $5.5million has been allocated to communities in Chelan and Douglas counties. In addition, if a customer is completing multiple permit for a single project, a reduction in fees is able to be granted. In 2017, Wenatchee expanded the service area for the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program allowing additional opportunities for development projects to receive an 8- or 12-year tax exemption. There have been approximately three program partners since this expansion resulting almost 300 units. ▪ AHTF Strategy #4: NEW CONSTRUCTION – Strategies include (4.1) Planned Development; (4.2) Building Height Increase; (4.3) Expand Urban Growth Area; (4.4) Variable Lot Sizes & Housing Types; (4.5) Alternative Living Arrangements; (4.6) Model Public-Private Development Project; (4.7) Economic Analysis of Development Costs & Incentives; (4.8) Manufactured Home Parks; (4.9) Inclusionary Housing Program; and (4.10) Annexations • Progress: The City of Wenatchee housing code update is the most effective progress for meeting strategies around new construction. In addition, through 2019, Wenatchee has had incentives tied to the planned development code that allowed bonus density for providing affordable housing, a lack of density limits in cottage housing developments and additional story to a structure in providing affordable units. In addition, the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program expanded the eligibility area to include almost the entire city. This supported new construction by providing an 8-year tax exemption on 4+ new units and a 12-year tax exemption on 4+ new units where at least 20% are affordable. Over the last seven years, the City has process around 25 annexations. In 2013, the urban growth area included 5,136 acres compared to the 9,204 acres identified in the 2019 Comprehensive Plan Update. ▪ AHTF Strategy #5: PRESEVATION – Strategies include (5.1) Code Enforcement; (5.2) Housing Rehabilitation Program; (5.3) Rental Licensing Program; (5.4) Tenant Voluntary Reporting and Relocation Assistance; (5.5) Building Code Provisions for Rehabilitation; (5.6) Rental Housing Rehabilitation Program; (5.7) Regulate Condominium Conversions; (5.8) Preserve Manufactured Home Parks; (5.9) Rental Acquisition/Rehabilitation Program; (5.10) Crime Free Multi-Housing Program; and (5.11) Bank-Owned Property Rehabilitation Loan Fund • Progress: The City’s Code Enforcement program has increased capacity since 2013 allowing resources to be more available for supporting volunteer compliance options. Voluntary compliance allows the resident to address the deficiency in a collaborative way including the incorporation of the CDBG program that assists low- or moderate-income residents with financial resources. In addition to the updated housing code, rehabilitation programs available through public and private partnerships have supported the availability of units to low- and moderate-income residents. Program partners such as Columbia Valley Affordable Homeownership and the USDA grant and loan programs. • IMPEDIMENT #2: There is a lack of access to permanent housing with supportive services for persons with disabilities, including persons with developmental disabilities, mental illness, and chronic substance abuse. o Recommendation #1: Support permanent supportive housing and associated services for the disabled and special needs populations. Seek cooperative efforts of city government, local lenders, landlords, realtors, legal assistance, counseling programs and the state to expand the set of educational and support tools for targeted populations. Actively support corresponding strategies of the Plan to End Homelessness in Chelan and Douglas Counties. ▪ Progress: The Landlord Tenant Liaison Program that serves all of Chelan and Douglas Counties provides access to permanent supportive housing for individuals who are experiencing homelessness, going through a transitional housing program or who experience barriers to housing due to the need for housing support services. The goal of the LTLP is to increase availability of rental housing for persons who face barriers to moving from homelessness to permanent housing. • IMPEDIMENT #3: Disadvantaged populations often lack the necessary skills and knowledge to obtain and remain in affordable housing. o Recommendation #1: Support community organization efforts to provide low- and moderate-income persons with tools and understanding to prevent poor credit and rent histories. Focus on improving skills and knowledge of budgeting, home maintenance, credit management, loan terminology and financing, real estate transactions, tenant/landlord relations, and the dangers of predatory lending. Encourage bilingual instruction and support local banking and real estate efforts or provide culturally sensitive, bilingual assistance to homebuyers, renters and borrowers. Continuing to support English as a second language classes is also encouraged. ▪ Progress: Two community programs are available for supporting residents with financial management and budget creation including Numerica Credit Union and the Chelan Douglas Community Action Council. A tenant education course has been provided to the two-county area and housing support is available to residents that are in a permanent supportive housing program or those eligible for services from Volunteer Attorney Services. Both provide guidance on tenant/landlord relations, allowances and how to handle conflict. In addition to supporting programs and assistance that is available in both English and Spanish, the CDBG program has continued to supporting operational costs of the Literacy Council that provides English as a Second Language instruction. • IMPEDIMENT #4: There is a lack of understanding of fair housing rights and responsibilities, particularly on the part of consumers. o Recommendation #1: Maintain and expand as feasible the dissemination of information and education on Fair Housing rights and obligations of tenants, homebuyers, lenders, and landlords. Maintain and update fair housing information on the City’s website; encourage key community agencies to include similar information on their websites. Support efforts for conducting bilingual workshops and informational meetings targeting low- and moderate-income persons, the disabled, landlords, Hispanics and other linguistic minorities, as well as other protected groups. ▪ Progress: The City of Wenatchee manages the Provider Training Academy which secures experts for training housing providers on recognized social service best practices. Annual Fair Housing trainings are provided including in 2020 a 2-Part option for Fair Housing in Emergency Shelters and Transitional Housing. Community members are invited to request attendance at any trainings the City organizes. CITY OF EAST WENATCHEE PROGRESS • IMPEDIMENT #5: Protected populations seeking rental or homeownership opportunities often lack the skill and knowledge to obtain and remain in affordable housing; immigrant and migrant populations are particularly impacted by a lack of financial literacy, fair housing knowledge, and by the lack of bilingual housing resources. o Recommendation #1: Support the provision of workshops and education on unfair lending practices, including predatory lending. Take full advantage of agencies or institutions, such as the Housing Authority and People’s Bank, both which provide no-cost education and/or financial counseling, fair housing training and encourage consumers to take advantage of those resources in advance of purchasing housing, vehicles and/or other goods. These workshops are offered in Spanish and English ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Support programs and activities which provide consumers with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to their rights under fair housing laws and to understand both rental agreements and purchase agreements. The Greater East Wenatchee regions is served by the Yakima Consumer Credit office, which offers Spanish-language classes at no-cost for fair housing laws, financial counseling and first-time homebuyer classes. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Post information about fair housing and resources on public websites and at City Hall. Post information in English and Spanish ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #4: Support the efforts of Northwest Justice and Columbia Legal to provide legal aide, fair housing training and housing counseling and advocacy to immigrants and protected classes ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #5: Support the provision of English language classes for persons with limited English language skills ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #6: Encourage the availability and use of reliable translation services to benefit persons with limited English language skills ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #6: There is a lack of awareness of the issues related to fair housing and the impediments to fair housing, especially on the part of real estate professional and housing providers. o Recommendation #1: Explore possible partnerships in the community (e.g., agencies, realtors, lenders, advocates) to provide a venue and materials for fair housing training and public forums and/or discussion sessions with public officials on fair housing issues facing the Greater East Wenatchee area. ▪ Progress: o Recommendations #2: Support activities to educate the community, including real estate professionals, housing providers, landlords and tenants on all protected class fair housing rights. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Support efforts to educate the community on the need for reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities, including keeping service/companion animals ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #7: This region has a shortage of supportive housing options for vulnerable special needs populations including those with disabilities and the elderly. o Recommendation #1: Encourage the development of new housing to meet the projected need for elderly housing and the inclusion of an adequate supply of units accessible for the disabled ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Advocate for the retention of critical State social services programs operated by public and private sources that provide services and support for person with severe disabilities. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Support Housing Authority testing and enforcement action against housing that is not compliant with Fair Housing Act accessibility standards. ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #8: This region has a shortage of affordable housing options that is sized for families with children. o Recommendation #1: Encourage the development of new housing with more bedrooms and amenities for families with children. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Continue City Planning Commission’s work to support land use, zoning and other policies that provide adequate housing choice to fit the needs of the population, including those in protected classes such as large family households with children. ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #9: Lack of housing and supportive resources contributes to homelessness for survivors of domestic violence. o Recommendation #1: Support SAGE programs and funding for domestic violence shelters and/or supportive services for domestic violence survivors, as well as promote education and outreach on domestic violence. ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #10: This region’s immigrant populations face many hosing challenges, which has an impact to fair housing choice on the basis of national origin. o Recommendation #1: Support the provision of workshops and educational programs of agencies or institutions, such as the Housing Authority, which provides no-cost education and/or counseling on fair housing training. Ensure that these workshops are offered in Spanish and English. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Support programs and activities which provide consumers with the knowledge and skills to identify and respond to their rights under fair housing laws and to understand rental agreements and tenant rights. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Post information about fair housing and resources on public websites and at City Hall. Post information in English and Spanish. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #4: Support the efforts of non-profit and volunteer attorney services to provide legal aide, fair housing training, housing counseling and advocacy to immigrants, migrant seasonal and permanent seasonal farmworkers, and other protected classes. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #5: Ensure fair housing strategies, such as addressing language barriers and ensuring access to services, are inclusive of the broader immigrant population whether documented or undocumented. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #6: Support fair housing advocates efforts to education immigrants on their right to report unsafe conditions without fear of eviction. Outreach to immigrant families, with culturally sensitive approach, is recommended to help further fair housing for this protected class of the population. ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #11: Lack of affordable rental and homeownership opportunities and community resistance to affordable housing options has disparate impact on Latinos, people with disabilities an families with children, protected class groups that are disproportionately represented in the low-income population. o Recommendation #1: Continue to support land use, zoning and other policies that provide adequate housing choice to fit the needs of the population, including those in protected classes with special needs and limited incomes. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Advocate for additional housing funding resources at the state level such as the State Housing Trust Fund. Prepare letters of support to organizations that are aggressively pursuing funding to create new housing in East Wenatchee. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Encourage the Planning Commission to make code changes to make it easier and more affordable to develop on underutilized parcels of land; increase the density in the residential low density zoning district; increase the choice of housing by allowing duplexes in the residential low-density zoning district and providing standards for zero-lot line developments, small lot subdivisions, townhomes, cottage housing, and other housing styles; and allow more residential uses in commercial areas to provide more mixed-use options. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #4: Supporting housing construction and seek to encourage the provision of affordable housing by removing regulatory barriers that impact the cost to provide housing, promoting integrated neighborhoods, and providing an adequate mix of housing types. Ensure that the Zoning Code permits bonus densities for incorporating affordable housing in planned development projects, and includes other development incentives to increase the supply of available housing. ▪ Progress: • IMPEDIMENT #12: Community resistance to housing for persons with disabilities, including landlord resistance to housing veterans with disabilities through the VASH program. o Recommendation #1: Adopt a local zoning code to include group homes within the definition of single family homes. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #2: Adopt a local ordinance prohibiting “source of income” discrimination to address the VASH voucher discrimination. ▪ Progress: o Recommendation #3: Supporting Housing Authority testing and enforcement action for housing discrimination on the basis of disability or source of income. ▪ Progress: HOUSING AUTHORITY PROGRESS • IMPEDIMENT #13: The need for full compliance with applicable Civil Rights laws and overcoming impediments related to race, color, sex, religion, national/ethnic origin, familial status, or disability. o Recommendation #1: Undertake measures to ensure access to affordable housing among families assisted by the PHA, regardless of unit size required. ▪ Progress: In 2021, The Housing Authority updated Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plans (AFHMP) for several properties. All Housing Authority staff participated in on-line fair housing training. The HA Executive Director is facilitating diversity training for all HA employees in early 2021. o Recommendation #2: Maintain or increase Section 8 lease-up rates by marketing the program to owners, particularly those outside of areas of minority and poverty concentration. ▪ Progress: Lease up rates have remained status-quo and this continued through 2020 due to COVID-19. o Recommendation #3: Apply for additional Section 8 units should they become available. ▪ Progress: In 2020, the Housing Authority received awards for 35 additional VASH vouches (assistance for Veterans) and 84 Special Vouchers for use by Canadian residents. o Recommendation #4: Leverage affordable housing resources in the community through the creation of mixed-finance housing. ▪ Progress: Proposed mixed-finance housing development in 2021 includes Entiat and Leavenworth o Recommendation #5: Pursue housing resources other than public housing or Section 8 tenant-based assistance. ▪ Progress: Working with small communities to expand projects with mixed- financing development plans. • IMPEDIMENT #14: There is a need to remedy discrimination in housing. o Recommendation #1: Applying for special-purpose vouchers targeted to families with disabilities, should they become available. ▪ Progress: Catholic Charities Housing Services received Section 811 vouchers for St. Jude’s Landing. o Recommendation #2: Apply for special-purpose vouchers targeted to the elderly, should they become available. ▪ Progress: Section 811 vouchers received serve elderly/disabled o Recommendation #3: Affirmatively market to local nonprofit agencies that assist families with disabilities. ▪ Progress: This continues to be on-going as part of the Housing Authority’s Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan o Recommendation #4: Affirmatively market to races/ethnicities shown to have disproportionate housing needs. ▪ Progress: The Affirmative Fair Housing Marketing Plan continues to provide guidance on outreach options and best practices. • IMPEDIMENT #15: The need to promote fair housing rights and fair housing choices. o Recommendation #1: Counsel Section 8 tenants as to location of units outside of areas of poverty or minority concentration and assist them to locate these units. o Recommendation #2: Market the Section 8 program to owners outside of areas of poverty/minority concentrations. o Recommendation #3: Provide Federal/State/Local information to applicants for and participants in the Section 8 Housing Choice Voucher Program regarding discrimination. o Recommendation #4: Include the appropriate equal opportunity language and logo on all written information and advertisements o Recommendation #5: Act in accordance with the Housing Authority’s Equal Housing Opportunity Policy. b. Discuss how you have been successful in achieving past goals, and/or how you have fallen short of achieving those goals (including potentially harmful unintended consequences). An advantage for achieving the past goals that were previously identified for specific agencies is the coordination among regional partners to improve coordination and increase efficiencies of implementing programs, projects and funding allocation. By coming together as a two-county service area, agencies have been able to better serve clients and communicate needs with colleagues. A few significant improvements include the implementation of the Community Housing Network, development of the Landlord/Tenant Liaison Program and a fully update to the City of Wenatchee Housing Code. Designed to help individuals and families experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness, the Community Housing Network identifies stable housing by assessing needs and connecting clients with housing and housing support services best suited to their situation including rental assistance, transitional housing, permanent supportive housing, short-term emergency shelter or diversion referrals. Part of the Plan to End Homelessness, the Landlord Tenant Liaison Program partners private landlords in Chelan and Douglas counties with our most housing-vulnerable clients facing barriers such as past evictions, criminal background, bad credit and other often a result of circumstances not within their control. The Housing Code update is a piece of the puzzle in addressing the need for housing by improving diversity of housing types through adjustments to use and site planning for different zones. c. Discuss any additional policies, action, or steps that you could take to achieve past goals, or mitigate the problems you have experienced. Previous Analysis was conducted independently and this created an overwhelming amount of recommendations for our region to address with resources that are predominantly shared among the Regional Partners. Looking at how to better identify a comprehensive approach to selecting recommendations for prioritized impediments would both provide greater capacity for addressing past goals and ensuring that obtainment going forward is realistic. d. Discuss how the experience of program participant(s) with past goals has influenced the selection of current goals. Previous Analysis of Impediments were completed by each Regional Partner individually and not on coordinated years. Much has changed since each was adopted including cost of living, access to transportation and demographics while income attainment has remained a barrier. The housing demand has surpassed our supply of both owner- and renter-occupied units resulting in exaggerated housing costs and long wait lists for housing service options. Addressing access to affordable housing at all income levels is a region-wide priority. In addition, the fair housing workshops are well received and expanding education about rights and responsibilities for tenants and landlords in multilingual options. Fair Housing Analysis Demographic Summary 1. Describe demographic patterns in the jurisdiction and region, and describe trends over time (since 1990). In addition to the Assessment Tool, data and maps provided by HUD, the AFFH rule encourages the use of local data and local knowledge. The area covered by the partners includes Chelan County and the Greater East Wenatchee area. The following information includes this geographic designation and data from the entire Chelan-Douglas region as it appropriately relates to trends and projections. PEOPLE Since 1990, the population growth rate for Chelan and Douglas counties went from 2.3% to a peak of 5.3% in 1994 followed by a decrease and leveling out with an average growth rate of 9.3% between 2010 and 2019. The growth rate pattern for the combined two counties mirrors that of Douglas County though sees an obviously different pattern for that of Chelan County from 1993 until its realignment 2005 (Figure 1)1. Figure 1. Population growth in Chelan and Douglas counties from 1990 to 2019 In the area regional AFH geographic area (regional geography) there are an estimated 106, 443 individuals with an almost even split between male and female with 49.7% and 50.3%, respective. The largest age group represented in the both the regional geography and East Wenatchee area is that of residents aged 45 to 54 years with 12.3% and 12.6% respectively; Wenatchee area’s largest population, at 13.8%, are those aged 25 to 34 years. The smallest population groups for all three are residents 85 years or older; though Wenatchee does have a larger percentage than both the regional geography and the East Wenatchee area (3.4%, 2.7% and 2.1%, respectively).1 1. Chelan Douglas Trends: Graph 0.1.1 Total Population & Annual Growth Rate: 1983-2019 Chelan & Douglas counties Chelan County Douglas County The regional geography has the largest population of White at 87.7% followed by the Wenatchee area with 84.6% and then East Wenatchee are with 75.4%. Compared to those that identify as White, no other race has statistically significant representation (Figure 2).1 Of all identified races in the regional geography, approximately 30% are Hispanic/Latino; this is an increase from 20% in 2000 and 10% in 1990.2,7 Figure 2. Population percentage of each race represented in the three geographic areas. The individuals that have a disability in the regional geography has decreased since 2000 from 19% to 13% by 2017.3 In 2000, there was just over 6% of those with a disability employed between the ages of 21 to 64. Even through there has been a decrease in individuals with a disability, the employment percentage, while now between 18 and 64 years, is slightly higher at 7% in the regional geography.4,5 This pattern aligns with the total labor force participation rate seen in Washington State between 1995 and 2018; 65.9% and 64.8% respectively.6 In 1990, there were 54,951 residents in the Chelan County, East Wenatchee area* As of 2017, there is an estimated 106,443 residents in the regional geography. The median household income has increased by 236% since 1990; $23,457 to $55,418. Similar to 1990, over 50% of households are making below the median household income; with a larger percentage now making up the top three income categories (22% for $100,000+) in 2017 compared to 1990 (5.3% for $75,000+).7,8 HOUSING Compared to the 21,815 households in 1990, there was an estimated 38,732 in 2017 within the regional geography. In 2018, almost 65% of units were owner-occupied in the two-county area; this is on par with percentages in Washington State and across the U.S. After a peak in 2016 of 10.6%, the regional vacancy rate has reduced to 2.3% in 2018. Additionally, the households paying 30% to 50% of their income on housing costs have reached almost 34% and 19%; respectively. Households having to spend over half of their income on housing costs almost surpassed the 2013 high of ~21% indicating a lack of affordable housing. 84.6%87.7% 75.4% 1.3%1.6%1.2%2.1%2.6%1.6%1.6%1.3%1.6%0.4%0.4%0.4% 10.1%6.4% 19.9% 0% 25% 50% 75% 100% Regional Geography Wenatchee Area East Wenatchee Area Race Alone or in Combination with One Other Race White Black/African American American Indian / Alaska Native Asian Native Hawariian / Pacific Islander Other 1. ACS DEMOGRAPHIC AND HOUSING ESTIMATES: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: DP05 2. Profile of General Demographic Characteristics: 2000, Census 2000 Summary File 1 (SF 1) 100-Percent Data: DP-1 3. AGE BY NUMBER OF DISABILITIES: Universe: Civilian noninstitutionalized populations: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: C18108 4. EMPLOYMENT STATUS BY DISABILITY STATUS: Universe: Civilian noninstitutionalized population 18 to 64 yeas: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: C18120 5. Profile of Selected Characteristics: 2000: Census 2000 Summary File 4(SF-4) – Sample Data: DP-2 6. Chelan Douglas Trends: Graph 2.3.6 Total Civilian Labor Force & Labor Force Participation Rate of Population Ages 16+: 1995-2018 7. Washington State Office of Financial Management: 1990 Census Demographic Profiles: County and City/Town 8. SELECTED ECONIMIC CHARACTERISTICS: 2013-2017 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates: DP03 9. Our Valley Our Future “Where Will We Live” report: 2017 *This may be a slightly smaller geographic area than the current “regional geography” due to changes in municipal boundaries since 1990. Over the last 10 years, the median home resale value has risen over 50% with median home prices in the regional area changing from $224.568 in 2010, hitting a low of $196,475 in 2013 and peaking at the end of 2019 at $360,368. Since 2004, mortgage denials to high-income households have decrease significantly. Even still, there is a disproportionate level of denial for those that are Caucasian compared to those that are non-Caucasian and include a Hispanic ethnicity; 8% to ~15% respectively. In 2017, the Our Valley, Our Future Housing Solutions Group surveyed the regional community to identify a resident point of view to connect with the hard data demonstrating a huge need for the missing middle housing; housing options for households earning between 80-175% AMI. As mentioned above, over 1/3 of residents spend more than 30% of their income on housing and affordable is defined as spending no more than that amount. Below are key findings9: • Housing Availability and Affordability was identified as an “extremely important” or “important” issue to address by 71% and 23% respectively. • The greatest challenges to buying a home in the region were identified as an inadequate supply of reasonably priced homes and an inadequate supply of homes at all levels. • Renters facing challenges identified an inadequate supply of rental units and poor quality of available rental units as the significant factors. • Results demonstrated that 11% of respondents renting could afford a more expensive home if available. This would allow some of the 46% paying more than they can afford to have more affordable housing options to rent • Diversity of housing was called for by 9/10 respondents including options such as town houses, row houses, cluster housing, fourplexes, tiny homes and high-rise buildings. Additional factors that contribute to the housing scarcity and higher than affordable costs of living include cost of materials for building, land cost and availability of land and a shortage of adequate workforce to respond to needs. Compared to Washington State, the Chelan Douglas area has a higher rate of homeownership at any income (Figure 3). An important factor in this data is the inconsistency by which households with income below $35,000 are homeowners; compared to the State. While the opportunity around 2010 was greater, the market is unreliable for lower income households in our region. Figure 3. Homeownership rate by household income for the region compared to the State. ECONOMY Over the last three decades, the regional area has seen more growth in nonfarm employment (average 2% annually) than either Washington State or the U.S. with a spike of almost six percent (6%) in 2015 (Figure 4). According to the Washington State Employment Security Department (ESD), the Washington labor force participation rate has remained above that of the nation for the last 35 years; while above, it has also demonstrated higher rates of variability. Compared to Washington, the region has seen a decline in the last 10+ years of our labor force participation rate; the population 16 years of age or older that are employed or actively looking for work. Figure 4. Annual growth in nonfarm employment The region has a strong agricultural economy and the annual employment data (not seasonally adjusted) demonstrates the increase in opportunities for our local workforce during harvest season. Unemployment rates are around 7% coming out of December and through January with a drastic annual decrease from May to mid-October towards 3% when the produce is in season. In 2018, the top five employment sectors for Chelan County were (1) Agriculture, forestry and fishing, (2) Health services, (3) Local government, (4) Accommodation and food services and (5) Retail trade. The top five for Douglas County were (1) Agriculture, forestry and fishing, (2) Local government, (3) Retail trade, (4) Accommodation and food services and (5) Health services. These top sectors account for approximately 70% of all jobs in the region demonstrating an economy that is not exceptionally diverse. In addition, the largest job holder group (Local Employment Dynamics, 2018) was over the age of 55, accounting for over 25% of the workforce. 2. Describe the location of homeowners and renters in the jurisdiction and region, and describe trends over time. Most recent 2020 data indicates just over 28,000 homeowner households and just under 13,500 rental households in the region. Of the owner- and renter-occupied households, almost 25% and over 37% are located within the Wenatchee jurisdiction; respectively. While households identifying as Hispanic make up 14% of the homeownership in the region, they make up 28% in the Wenatchee jurisdiction. Even with being the urban center of the region, only 4% of Hispanic owner-occupied households are in the Wenatchee CDBG area whereas 10% of the Hispanic renter-occupied are located there. Households identifying as Hispanic make up almost 14% of homeowners in the region but representant 28% in Wenatchee. White, Non-Hispanic households make up the majority of both owner- (84%) and renter- (68%) occupied households in the region. Of these households, nearly one-fifth of owners and one-fourth of renters are found in Wenatchee. Trends over the decade have seen more evenly distributed growth in Douglas County compared to Chelan County in both owner- and renter-occupied units. Since 2010, Chelan County has increased occupied units by 2,300 with almost 100% of these being renter-occupied. Compared to Douglas County’s unit increase of almost 1,300 with an almost even split of 46% owner-occupied and 54% renter-occupied. Within the Wenatchee and East Wenatchee CDBG jurisdictions, a different trend has developed since 2010. With no significant change in renter- occupied units, East Wenatchee has seen an increase in approximately 115 owner-occupied units. Wenatchee on the other hand, has seen close to 650 additional units with 83% renter-occupied. General Issues Segregation/Integration 1. Analysis a. Describe and compare segregation levels in the jurisdiction and region. Identify the racial/ethnic groups that experience the highest levels of segregation b. Explain how these segregation levels have changed over time (since 1990) c. Identify areas with relatively high segregation and integration by race/ethnicity, national origin, or LEP group, and indicate the predominant groups living in each area. d. Consider and describe the location of owner and renter occupied housing in determining whether such housing is located in segregated or integrated areas. e. Discuss how patterns of segregation have changed over time (since 1990) f. Discuss whether there are any demographic trends, policies, or practices, that could lead to higher segregation in the jurisdiction in the future. Within the Regional area, the total population is estimated to have increased by approximately 10% with the largest increases being seen in populations that identify with two or more races. While the population identifying as white only is the majority in the region, since 2010 it has seen the smallest amount of growth next to those identifying as American Indian/Alaska Native. The most prominent population in the region other than white alone is that of those identifying as Hispanic/Latino. With no other race/ethnicity making up more than 1.5% of the regional population, those identifying as Hispanic/Latino of any race is the group that would experience the highest levels of segregation. A common approach to measuring segregation is the dissimilarity and isolation index; comparing a group’s share of the overall population in a jurisdiction to that of a neighborhood. Applying the index to our region, CDBG jurisdictions (Wenatchee and East Wenatchee) and neighborhoods includes looking at the distribution of the Hispanic/Latino populations. The higher the value, the more segregated the community of the smaller geography is. The index value indicates the percent of white residents that would need to move in order to distribute the compared minority population evenly across all neighborhoods as demonstrated in Figure 5 for Wenatchee. Figure 5. Dissimilarity Indices for Race, Ethnic and Selected Multiracial Groups in Wenatchee Since 1980, major Washington metropolitans have seen a decrease in the dissimilarity index (27.2%) and the isolation index (37.1%) demonstrating an increase in segregation. When considering large metropolitan areas (used due to increased rates of population diversity), the Racial and Ethnic Residential Segregation in the United States: 1980-2000 identified that “the highest level of segregation among Hispanics was in areas with the highest percentage of Hispanics… [and] In 2000, the dissimilarity index was ten percent (10%) higher in areas where the population was 17.5% Hispanic/Latino or more. Wenatchee and other neighborhoods in throughout Chelan and Doulas counties have populations near thirty-two percent (32%) and as such have a greater need for addressing segregation/integration in those areas. HUD has not identified any HUD-defined Racially/Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) in the service areas of Wenatchee, East Wenatchee or the Housing Authority. While there are neighborhoods such as the South Wenatchee neighborhood with a Hispanic/Latino population approximately fifty percent (50%), as sourced in the South Wenatchee Action Plan, the overall Wenatchee jurisdiction and surrounding region have low levels of overall segregation because the majority population is almost eighty percent (80%) white. HUD’s guidance documents indicate that for less than 1,000 in absolute population numbers, as would be the case for non-white, non-Hispanic/Latino populations in each of the jurisdictions, the Dissimilarity Index should be interpreted with caution. The Literacy Council of Chelan and Douglas Counties actively promotes literacy awareness in the community and provides direct tutoring to adult learned in the two-county area. The Literacy Council is the organization supporting individuals with English as a Second Language (ESL). While the Literacy Council is available to all residents in the two-county area, almost forty-three percent (43%) comes from the Wenatchee community with twenty percent (20%) residing in the South Wenatchee neighborhood; where Hispanic/Latino populations are around fifty percent (50%). Other areas such as East Wenatchee and the surrounding more rural communities account for around twenty-two (22%) and sixteen (16%); respectively. In the region, just over fourteen percent (14.6%) of the population is foreign born and of these residents, over ninety percent (90%) speak a language other than, or in addition to, English. Of those foreign born, eighty-six percent (86%) of them identify as Hispanic/Latino and just over eighty-eight percent (88.2%) speak a language other than English in the home. The most common country of origin for foreign-born, Hispanic/Latino residents is Mexico (90%). HUD data reveals that segregation is low throughout our region. Local data identifies South Wenatchee as a more segregated neighborhood and identified in the South Wenatchee Actin Plan, the neighborhood is around fifty percent or more of rental units. Throughout the two- county area, owner-occupied units account for sixty-six percent (66%) of all occupied housing. In 1990, the total population for the two-county area was 78,455 with just under ten percent (10%) being Hispanic/Latino residents. In 2019, of the now 188,252 residents, around thirty percent (30%) identify as Hispanic Latino. Since 1990, the total population has grown at a rate of 2.4 whereas the Hispanic/Latino population has grown at a rate three times that with 7.2. As the percentage of Hispanic/Latino residents have increased at a more rapid pace than non-Hispanic Latino, mainly White, residents, the potential for segregation increases. While HUD data does not indicate a segregation challenge, neighborhoods like South Wenatchee mentioned earlier with rations of around fifty percent (50%) are likely to experience similar effects. The potential for segregation or increased experiences related to similar effects may be heightened as the cost of living continues to increase. Seeing as Wenatchee has contributed around seventy percent (70%) of the population increase in Chelan County (which has experienced the most growth in the region), demographic trends show that the potential for segregation to be measures in the City of Wenatchee is higher than the rest of the region. Accounting for over ninety percent (90%) of Wenatchee’s population increase and being disproportionately affected by poverty, the Hispanic/Latino residents have a higher potential of facing barriers to housing access and owner-occupant opportunities in the region limiting options to rental housing which is historically lower quality. Since 2010 the mean household income has increased from $57,111 to $64,262 (+$7,151) through the number of households earning an income at or near this amount has decreased from 25 percent to 20 percent. This indicates that more households are finding themselves in the lower-income brackets despite greater average earnings for Wenatchee households. Continuously since 2010, one-quarter of all households earn less than $25,000 annually and over one-half of the households earn less than $50,000. Over the last decade average incomes have failed to keep up with inflation, suggesting a considerable share of Wenatchee households have less buying power than they did in 2010. 2. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, if any, about segregation in the jurisdiction and region affecting groups with other protected characteristics. b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of segregation, including activities such as place-based investments and mobility options for protected class groups. As additional measures of segregation or integration of racial/ethnic groups, school enrollment by student demographics, available online through “Washington Report Card” demonstrated in Figure 6 that concentrated areas of Hispanic/Latinos exist within the school districts. Figure 6. Students enrolled at year beginning by percent of race/ethnicity demographics. In addition to the higher populations of Hispanic/Latino students the school districts in the norther area of the two-county region, there are also higher percentages of Asian and Alaskan Natives in the Stehekin 12%) and Grand Coulee Dam (36.4%) districts, respectively. All school districts have an enrollment percentage of at least twenty-five percent (25%) indicating communities of diversity. Being such a rural region, the distance between residences may play a significant factor in the low rates of segregation. The North Central Washington (NCW) Mobility Council is focused on improving the wellness of the NCW community and vulnerable populations in the region be increasing access to mobility services. This council stemmed from a summit that recognized the rural aspect of the NCW region is a significant barrier to accessing opportunities for individuals of all ages, demographic backgrounds, income levels and abilities. The concentration of services that are used by the local paratransit program and using the resources available through the Mobility Council would contribute considerations when analyzing segregation in the future. 3. Contributing Factors of Segregation Consider the listed factors and any other factors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of segregation: • Community Opposition; Displacement of residents due to economic pressures; Lack of community revitalization strategies; Lack of private investments in specific neighborhoods; Lack of public investments in specific neighborhoods, including services or amenities; Lack of regional cooperation; Land use and zoning laws; Lending Discrimination; Location and type of affordable housing; Occupancy codes and restrictions; Private discrimination; Other. Since there were no levels of segregation that meet the HUD criteria, there were not identifiable contributing factors that lead to segregation. Bridgeport Cascade Cashmere Eastmont Entiat Grand Coulee Dam Lake Chelan Mansfield Manson Orondo Stehekin Waterville Wenatchee White 4.80% 63.50%55.58%46.20% 56.10% 29.50% 40.90% 64.30%34%19.40% 87.50% 69.40% 43.20% Hispanic/Latino 94.40% 31.20% 39.90% 49.70% 43.30% 11.50% 57.50% 31.60% 64.20%80%- 25.70%53% Racially or Ethnically Concentrated Areas of Poverty (R/ECAPs) 1. Analysis a. Identify an R/ECAPs or grouping of R/ECAP tracts within the jurisdiction b. Which protected classes disproportionately reside in R/ECAPs compared to the jurisdiction and region? c. Describe how R/ECAPs have changed over time (since 1990). Demonstrated in Figure 7, HUD data and analysis has not identified any HUD-defined R/ECAPs in the two-county region. Figure 7. Race/ethnicity density showing no R/ECAP areas for Chelan and Douglas counties. 2. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, if any, about R/ECAP in the jurisdiction and region affecting groups with other protected characteristics b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of R/ECAPs, including activities such as place-based investments and mobility options for protected class groups. One area in the region that may have more of a local story related to the potential to see similar effects as R/ECAPs would be in Wenatchee. Demonstrated in Figures 8, the Low Poverty Index of the region has the most significant area in and around the City of Wenatchee. Out of the almost 13,500 students in the Child Nutrition Program in Chelan County, Wenatchee account for almost sixty percent (60%) with the next area being Cashmere at twelve percent (12%). With Wenatchee having almost thirty percent (30%) of the population identifying at non-white and around fifty percent (50%) in the South Wenatchee community identifying as Hispanic/Latino and the higher rates of free and reduced lunches and registering on the Low Poverty Index, Wenatchee is one of the places with the potential to see an R/ECAP, if any, in the future. Figure 8. Low Poverty Index for the Wenatchee Area Including Race and Ethnicity 3. Contributing Factors of R/ECAPs Consider the listed factors and any other actors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of R/ECAPs. • Community Opposition; Deteriorated and Abandoned Properties; Displacement of Residents due to Economic Pressures; Lack of Community Revitalization Strategies; Lack of Private Investments in Specific Neighborhoods; Lack of Public Investments in Specific Neighborhoods, Including Services or Amenities; Lack of Regional Cooperation; Lack Use and Zoning Laws; Location and Type of Affordable Housing; Occupancy Codes and Restrictions; Private Discrimination; Other Demonstrated in Figure 7, HUD data and analysis has not identified any HUD-defined R/ECAPs in the two-county region. Disparities in Access to Opportunity 1. Analysis a. Educational Opportunities i. Describe any disparities in access to proficient schools based on race/ethnicity, national origin, and family status. ii. Describe the relationship between the residency patterns of racial/ethnic, national origin, and family status groups and their proximity to proficient schools iii. Describe how school-related policies, such as school enrollment policies, affect a student’s ability to attend a proficient school. Which protected class groups are least successful in accessing proficient schools? The School Proficiency Index (SPI) uses school-level data to demonstrate which neighborhoods have high-performing elementary schools nearby and which are near lower performing elementary schools. In a scoring range of 0 to 100, the higher the score, the higher the school system quality is in the neighborhood. As seen in Figure 9, the access to proficient schools is significantly reduced as residency moves away from the Wenatchee Valley area in the southern part of Chelan County. This is a challenge especially when it was previously identified that each school district in the region has significant diversity in their schools. Outside of Stehekin having a rate of twelve percent (12%) minority attendance in a school of less than 50 students, all other districts have at least twenty-five percent (25%) minority enrollment. The schools with some of the highest enrollment of students identified in a minority population (Bridgeport, Lake Chelan, Manson and Orondo) are also located in an area with an SPI of less than twenty (20). Figure 9. School Proficiency Index and Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties. Figure 10 and 11 demonstrate that outside of the Wenatchee Valley and beyond consideration of race and ethnicity, there are few correlations with SPI ratings. Figure 10. School Proficiency Index and National Origin in Chelan and Douglas Counties Figure 11. School Proficiency Index and Family Status in Chelan and Douglas Counties As the SPI can be seen in Figures 9-11, the proficiency ratings in the region as a whole are at concerning levels (below 20 as aforementioned). As shows in Figure 12, when the areas of low proficiency are compared to the school districts with “High Poverty School” ratings and significantly rural areas, the considerations of what lead to low proficiencies are vital to consider. The areas north of the Wenatchee Valley in Douglas County including Bridgeport, Grand Coulee Dam, Orondo have a “High Poverty School” at each of their locations. Only the Cascade and Cashmere districts have every school considered above the poverty threshold. Figure 12. A Map of School District Locations in the Chelan and Douglas Counties In addition to not having any schools reaching the poverty threshold, the Cascade and Cashmere school districts also have some of the lowest minority enrollment percentages in the region. This demonstrates a limitation on access to proficient schools as the Cascade and Cashmere districts also had some of the highest SPI rating. Policies around school attendance and proximity to a school’s physical location are difficult in rural areas due to inconsistent district service sizes or areas and access barriers to an alternative school if a student is accepted due to distance. While an analysis of “school choice/transfer” polices for each district was not completed, Washington state supports school districts to establish their own policy. While the state encourages the honoring of requests for a student to switch districts, the geographic spread is a barrier in the region to do so easily. During personal interviews, some of the statements from community members around the region speak strongly to the need for improved transportation and school quality: • Most people have to drive to their place of education • The school district serves a large area and transportation to school is an issue • There isn’t a “more desirable” neighborhood (Lake Chelan) because there is only one public elementary school b. Employment Opportunities i. Describe any disparities in access to jobs and labor markets be protected class groups ii. How does a person’s place of residence affect their ability to obtain a job? iii. Which racial/ethnic, national origin, or family status groups are least successful in accessing employment? The Labor Market Engagement Index (LMEI) summarizes relative intensity of labor market engagement and human capital in a neighborhood based on employment, labor force participation and educational attainment. Shown in Figure 13, the participation of work-age residents in the labor force has opportunities to improve. On average, Chelan (52) and Douglas (45) have lower ratings indicating a low labor force participation and human capital in the neighborhoods around the region. Home to the principle cities in the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA), Wenatchee and East Wenatchee see the highest ratings of engagement seeing ratings of 86 and 73 respectively. Figure 13. Labor Market Engagement Index for Chelan and Doulas Counties Distance in a rural region presents a significant barrier with increased costs for transportation and limited resources related to public transit. The geographic space from a potential employer limits options for persons applying for jobs. Reliable transportation in the form of a personal vehicle or public transit where accessible often is a determining factor in choosing to even apply. Some of the statements from community interviews related to employment include: • People that want to live/work here can’t find housing • Large employers (agriculture) of lower-income households see them using Link as they commute to and from work • Changes in public transit routes has a grave affect on rural, non-driving households • The areas that used to be satellite towns are not more of a suburb and as such are no longer bringing more affordable, accessible options. The Jobs Proximity Index (JPI) quantifies the accessibility of a given neighborhood as a function of its distance to all job locations; large employment centers are weighted more heavily. The higher the rating, the better access to employment opportunities for residents in a neighborhood. Shown in Figure 14, and seemingly in contrast with Figure 13 that displays engagement of labor force, the two-county region provides much for access to employment that is engaged in. Figure 14. Job Proximity and Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties The job proximity in relation to factors such as national origin and family status (Figures 15 and 16, respectively) demonstrate the more concentrated area of job proximity are available to households that may be Spanish speaking or have children in the Wenatchee Valley. Figure 15. Job Proximity and National Origin in Chelan and Douglas Counties Figure 16. Job Proximity and Family Status in Chelan and Douglas Counties c. Transportation Opportunities i. Describe any disparities in access to transportation based on place of residence, cost, or other transportation related factors. ii. Which racial/ethnic, national origin or family status groups are most affected by the lack of a reliable, affordable transportation connection between their place of residence and opportunities? iii. Describe how the jurisdiction’s and region’s policies, such as public transportation routes or transportation systems designed for use personal vehicles, affect the ability of protected class groups to access transportation. The Low Transportation Cost Index includes expenses for a 3-person, single-parent household with income at fifty percent (50%) of the median income for renters in the region. Rating from 0-100 indicates the cost of transportation in a neighborhood. A higher score indicates a lower cost of transportation. Considerations for low-cost transportation include access to public transit and the density of homes, services and jobs in the neighborhood and its surrounding community. Demonstrated in Figure 17, the region as a whole does not exceed a score of 40 with most of the populated communities and communities with a higher percentage of minorities score even lower; indicating high transportation costs and low access to public transit throughout the region. Figure 17. Low Transportation Cost Index and Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties Link Transit oversees public transportation in Chelan and Douglas counties including public bus services, fixed routes and paratransit services for people whose disability prevents them from riding fixed route busses. Similar to how the Low Transportation Cost Index shows disparities in transportation around the region, the Transit Trips Index (Figure 18) measures how often low- income families in a neighborhood use transportation. The higher the index, the more likely residents of a neighborhood will access public transportation. Overlaying the Link Transit regional routes with the Transit Trip map demonstrates two things: (1) residents throughout the region are highly likely to need access to transit with scores above 50 and (2) the current public transportation system is inadequate for comprehensively serving the needs throughout the region. When considering who is most affected by the limited transportation access, individuals who are located in the most outer lining area of the county are presented with barriers due to geographical expansion of the rural region. The highest concentration of populations of measures family status and national origin are located in the Wenatchee Valley with the highest access and lowest cost for accessing the region’s public transit system. Figure 18. Transit Trips and Race/Ethnicity Compared to Public Transit Routes in the Region In addition to the many Link Transit programs offered, they made a significant investment decision to the organization through the “Vision 2020” plan. After a 4-year effort to understand the needs of the community, Link Transit focused priority improvements to: • Connect People to Services by providing more trips and improved connections throughout the region with expanded service to: o Medical centers; Major employers; Education centers; Shopping and other destinations; Commuter express long distance routes to decrease time spent traveling; and Local routing improvements to minimize transfers • Improve Services for Seniors and Disabled Persons with improvements to enhance mobility options for disabled persons and the growing population of senior citizens: o Easier access low-floor buses and vans; Expanded same-day service; Easier to handle electronic fares; Sidewalk and pathway improvements to improve access to transit service; and Improved safety/security features at bus stops • Connect Workers to Jobs and Customers to Cash Registers: o Extended hours to provide access to second and third shift jobs; Seven day a week and holiday service to support employment in healthcare agriculture, tourism and recreation industries; and Improved services to retail centers, dining and entertainment venues d. Low Poverty Exposure Opportunities i. Describe any disparities in exposure to poverty be protected class groups. ii. What role does a person’s place of residence play in their exposure to poverty? iii. Which racial/ethnic, national origin or family status groups are most affected by these poverty indicators? iv. Describe how the jurisdiction’s and region’s policies affect the ability of protected class groups to access low poverty areas. The Low Poverty Index captures poverty in a given neighborhood with ratings between 0-100 with the higher score being ideal as it indicates less exposure to poverty in a community. As seen in Figure 19, individuals that identify as Hispanic score in the lowest indicating they are the most exposed to poverty whether they are living above or below the poverty line; 39.03 and 42.59, respectively. The group with the most exposure comparable to the Hispanic community include Native American, Non-Hispanic households living below the federal poverty line with a rating of 40.11 and White, Non-Hispanic household living below the federal poverty line at 43.57. When it comes to considering how living above or below the federal poverty line contributes to a Low Poverty Index score, it is not a significant factor. The higher scoring Black, Non-Hispanic and Asian/Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic groups represent a statistically insignificant percentage of the region’s population that utilization of associated scores should be used with discretion. In “Making the Case for Linking Community Development and Health,” researches identified that “Residents of high-poverty neighborhoods are more likely to live in substandard housing that can expose children to multiple health hazards including lead poisoning and asthma. Perhaps less obvious but equally important is the fact that children living in poor neighborhoods are more likely to attend underperforming schools and have fewer job opportunities, which can limit social mobility, and therefore health across generations.” In addition, The Robert Wood Johnson Foundation produced a statement as part of their “Life Expectancy: Could Where You Live Influence How Long You Live?” that “people living just a few blocks apart may have vastly different opportunities to live a long life in part because of their neighborhood.” Considering these significant statements, Hispanic-identifying households have a greater risk of health in our region due to exposure to poverty than any other group above and below the federal poverty line. Figure 19. Low Poverty Index for Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties Development allowances, patterns and available incentives contribute towards limited access for individuals living in areas that increase household exposure to poverty. Based on personal interviews, a few factors that contribute to market issues include: • Lower cost housing tends to be concentrated in older parts of town which can often include substandard utility condition or options • Areas that have older homes also share a zoning of commercial allowing for more transient use which removes the emphasis on single- or multi-family, permanent housing options and supports the inclusion of hotels, motels and vacation rentals. • Concentrated areas of large lots and large home sizes reduces unit variability • Land availability is limited for offering diversity in housing units and affordability • Need for exploring multi-family options in proximity to downtown cores • The region is missing the middle-housing and additional dwelling unit options • Community engagement is limited by what the community understand about why or why not things are built in certain areas. e. Environmentally Healthy Neighborhood Opportunities i. Describe any disparities in access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods by protected class groups ii. Which racial/ethnic, national origin of family status groups have the last access to environmentally healthy neighborhoods? The Environmental Health Index summarizes potential exposure to harmful toxins for neighborhoods by combining standardized EPA estimates of air quality carcinogenic, respiratory and neurological hazards. With values ranging from 0-100, a higher score indicates less exposure to toxins that are harmful to human health. Neighborhoods with a high score have better environmental quality. Figures 20, 21 and 22 demonstrate residency patterns of racial/ethnic, national origin and families with children in relation to levels of potential exposure in the region. Total Population White, Non-Hispanic 48.68 Black, Non-Hispanic 47.25 Hispanic 42.59 Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 50.06 Native American, Non-Hispanic 44.81 Population below federal poverty line White, Non-Hispanic 43.57 Black, Non-Hispanic 65.92 Hispanic 39.03 Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 54.50 Native American, Non-Hispanic 40.11 Figure 20. Environmental Health and Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties Figure 21. Environmental Health and National Origin in Chelan and Douglas Counties Figure 22. Environmental Health and Families with Children in Chelan and Douglas Counties When looking at map data, for race and ethnicity in relation to being above or below the federal poverty line, income makes a substantial difference in the potential for environmental exposures. For every measured demographic group, all scores when living below the poverty line are under those living above the poverty line. A significant consideration is found in among identifying as Native American, Non-Hispanic living below the poverty line has the lowest score (35.66) whereas the same group living above the poverty line has the highest score (42.44). All races above and below the poverty line still score a low rating between 30.1 – 40. f. Patterns in Disparities in Access to Opportunity i. Identify and discuss any overarching patterns of access to opportunity and exposure to adverse community factors based on race/ethnicity, national origin or familial status. Identify areas that experience an aggregate of poor access to opportunity and high exposure to adverse factors. Include how these patterns compare to patterns of segregation and R/ECAPs. The two-county region have no HUD identified R/ECAPs or protected classes highly segregated. While the data does not demonstrate identified areas, during the community interviews, local- level statements around access to opportunity included: • Tourism is a strong economic driver from Leavenworth to Chelan • It is important for community members to understand that when neighbors receive the help they need, it benefits everyone even when provided for free or a reduced cost • Everyone wants convenience to downtown while also having property/land • Community has a NIMBY (not in my back yard) which is hard to see change in • The market is driving up costs of substandard housing with no improvements 2. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, if any, about disparities in access to opportunity in the jurisdiction and region affecting groups with other protected characteristics b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of disparities in access to opportunity, including any activities aimed at improving access to opportunities for areas that may lack such access, or in promoting access to opportunity (e.g., proficient schools, employment opportunities, and transportation). In the Our Valley Our Future housing survey from 2017, over 1,500 residents across the two counties shared that the most important services/amenities to have access to are grocery stores, employment/jobs, schools, medical facilities, parks and recreation and public transportation; in that order. With almost eighty-two percent (82%) of respondents selecting grocery stores and the next highest around seventy-seven (77%) for employment, this demonstrates that access to nutrition and employment are top priorities for the community. Within in this information, there was no detectable difference between respondents by protected class. 3. Contributing Factors of Disparities in Access to Opportunity Consider the listed factors and any other factors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of disparities in access to opportunity: In the community survey and interviews, the contributing factors that were identified include: • Location and Type of Affordable Housing • Lack of Regional Cooperation • Lending Discrimination • Private Discrimination. In addition, access to financial resources is a very real need with one household sharing that their access to support during financial hardship was unavailable because they did not meet qualifications. It is disheartening for households to seek assistance for the first time and find themselves at a dead end for qualifying or finding resources. Disproportionate Housing Needs 1. Analysis a. Which groups (by race/ethnicity and family status) experience higher rates of housing cost burden, overcrowding, or substandard housing when compared to other groups? Which groups also experience higher rates of severe housing burdens when compared to other groups? b. Which areas in the jurisdiction and region experience the greatest housing burdens? Which of these area align with segregated areas, integrated areas, or R/ECAPs and what are the predominant race/ethnicity or national origin groups in such areas? c. Compare the needs of families with children for housing units with two, and three or more bedrooms with the available existing housing stock in each category of publicly supported housing. d. Describe the differences in rates of renter- and owner-occupied housing by race/ethnicity in the jurisdiction and region. The Affirmatively Further Fair Housing (AFFH) Rule defines disproportionate housing needs as “a condition in which there are significant disparities in the proportion of members of a protected class experiencing a category of housing needs when compared to the proportion of a member of any other relevant groups or the total population experiencing the category of housing need in the applicable geographic area.” Per 24 CFR 5.152 The AFFH Rule Guidebook identifies the categories of housing needs as: • Cost burden and severe cost burden: The cost burden is the fraction of a household’s total gross income that is spent on housing costs. There are two levels of cost burden. The first is “cost burden,” in which a household uses more than 30% of their income to pay for housing. The second is “severe cost burden,” in which a household uses more than 50% of their income to pay for housing. For renters, housing costs include rent paid by the tenant plus the cost of utilities. For owners, housing costs include mortgage payments, taxes, insurance, and utilities. • Overcrowding: Household averaging more than 1.01-1.5 persons per room are considered overcrowded. Homes with more than 1.5 persons per room are considered severely overcrowded. The calculation of “persons per room” excludes bathrooms, porches, foyers, halls, or half-rooms. • Substandard Housing: HUD defines two types of substandard housing: (1) a household without hot and cold piped water, a flush toilet, and a bathtub or shower and (2) a household with kitchen facilities that lack a sink with piped water, a range or stove, or a refrigerator. As demonstrated in Figure 23, the households identifying as Hispanic and White, Non-Hispanic have the greatest proportion experiencing housing problems and for Black, Non-Hispanic and Hispanic households, they have the greatest proportion experiencing severe housing problems. In contrast with households experiencing housing and severe housing problems, Figure 24 demonstrates that Other, Non-Hispanic households experience the greatest proportion of sever housing cost burden (11.31%) followed by Native American, Non-Hispanic (13.51%). The Hispanic households have the lower rating for severe housing cost burden and when compared to household type and size with the great majority being non-family households (18.82%), there is a correlation as the majority of Hispanic households in the region are family households. Figure 25 shows the regional percentages of households with a housing cost burden relative to demographic populations. The region as a whole is predominantly white with no HUD-defined areas of segregation or R/ECAPs. Whereas areas like the South Wenatchee neighborhood in Wenatchee may experience similar effects to designated areas, there is also a higher percent of households experiencing (32.45-37.77%) a cost burden than the region. With the central and north Wenatchee areas and East Wenatchee having almost thirty-eight percent (38%) of households experiencing a housing cost burden. Also demonstrated in Figure 23 is that family households with more than five people experience housing problems at almost twice the rate as family households with fewer than five people at almost half of the households (47.34%). The non-family households also experience a greater potential to have housing problems at just over forty percent (40.35%). The publicly supported housing stock in the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee jurisdictions is in contrast with the need identified in Figure 23. There are 406 households in a 0-1 bedroom unit, 136 in a 2-bedroom unit and 76 in a 3+ bedroom unit. With almost 13,200 households experiencing housing problems, the separation between supply and demand is significant. Of the households in publicly supported housing, around 110 of them are a household with children. HUD data shows no households with children in Project-Based Section 8 housing which means that in the two-county region, households with children may be excluded from accessing Section 8 housing and only able to access Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) options. Figure 26 identifies the renter- and owner-occupancy demographics for the region demonstrating that almost eighty-four percent (83.54%) of the homeowners in the region are White, Non-Hispanic and also represent almost sixty-nine percent (68.26%) of renters. Considering the Hispanic/Latino population in the region is around thirty percent (30%), there is a disproportionate amount of owner-occupied households at around fourteen percent (13.59%). Figure 23. Demographics of Households with Disproportionate Housing Needs in the Region Disproportionate Housing Needs Households experiencing any of 4 housing problems # with problems # households % with problems Race/Ethnicity White, Non-Hispanic 9,625 32,645 29.48% Black, Non-Hispanic 15 55 27.27% Hispanic 3,245 7,759 41.82% Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 83 287 28.92% Native American, Non-Hispanic 70 259 27.03% Other, Non-Hispanic 143 547 26.14% Total 13,180 41,545 31.72% Household Type and Size Family households, <5 people 5,760 24,019 23.98% Family households, 5+ people 2,310 4,880 47.34% Non-family households 5,110 12,665 40.35% Households experiencing any of 4 Severe Housing Problems # with severe problems # households % with severe problems Race/Ethnicity White, Non-Hispanic 4,814 32,645 14.75% Black, Non-Hispanic 15 55 27.27% Hispanic 1,940 7,759 25.00% Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 35 287 12.20% Native American, Non-Hispanic 45 259 17.37% Other, Non-Hispanic 93 547 17.00% Total 6,950 41,545 16.73% Note 4: Refer to the Data Documentation for details (www.hudexchange.info/resource/4848/affh-data-documentation). (Wenatchee, WA) Region Note 1: The four housing problems are: incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, more than 1 person per room, and cost burden greater than 30%. The four severe housing problems are: incomplete kitchen facilities, incomplete plumbing facilities, more than 1 person per room, and cost burden greater than 50%. Note 3: Data Sources: CHAS Note 2: All % represent a share of the total population within the jurisdiction or region, except household type and size, which is out of total households. Figure 24. Demographics of Households with Severe Housing Cost Burden in the Region Figure 25. Housing Cost Burden and Race/Ethnicity for Chelan and Douglas Counties Figure 26. Homeownership and Rental Rates by Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties Households with Severe Housing Cost Burden Race/Ethnicity # with severe cost burden # households % with severe cost burden White, Non-Hispanic 3,775 32,645 11.56% Black, Non-Hispanic 0 55 0.00% Hispanic 770 7,759 9.92% Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 35 287 12.20% Native American, Non-Hispanic 35 259 13.51% Other, Non-Hispanic 83 547 15.17% Total 4,698 41,545 11.31% Household Type and Size Family households, <5 people 1,958 24,019 8.15% Family households, 5+ people 360 4,880 7.38% Non-family households 2,384 12,665 18.82% Note 3: The # households is the denominator for the % with problems, and may differ from the # households for the table on severe housing problems. Note 4: Data Sources: CHAS Note 1: Severe housing cost burden is defined as greater than 50% of income. (Wenatchee, WA) Region Note 2: All % represent a share of the total population within the jurisdiction or region, except household type and size, which is out of total households. Race/Ethnicity #%#% White, Non-Hispanic 23,455 83.54%9,195 68.26% Black, Non-Hispanic 35 0.12%20 0.15% Hispanic 3,815 13.59%3,945 29.29% Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 244 0.87%35 0.26% Native American, Non-Hispanic 210 0.75%50 0.37% Other, Non-Hispanic 310 1.10%235 1.74% Total Household Units 28,075 - 13,470 - Note 1: Data presented are numbers of households, not individuals. Note 2: Data Sources: CHAS Homeowners Renters 2. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, if any, about disproportionate housing needs in the jurisdiction and regional affecting groups with other protected characteristics. b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of disproportionate housing needs. For PHAs, such information may include a PHA’s overriding housing needs analysis. Renters are often more cost burdened than homeowners and considering the Hispanic population has a higher rate of renter-occupied households, they are likely to be more susceptible to cost burdens and experiencing housing problems and severe housing problems. Also, Hispanic households account for one in four households with a housing problem and almost twenty-eight percent (27.91%) of households experiencing severe housing problems. Even without segregation and R/ECAPs designated areas, it is important to be mindful of the areas rental housing may be concentrated that could overlap with higher residencies of Hispanic households. 3. Contributing Factors of Disproportionate Housing Needs Consider the listed factors and any other factors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of disproportionate housing needs. In the community survey and interviews, the contributing factors that were identified include: • Availability of Affordable Units in a range of Sizes • Lending Discrimination • Land Use and Zoning Laws In addition, some narrative responses included the need for building codes to be easier to understand, waiting lists for supportive housing are too long and being a single parent makes extremely hard circumstances financially. Publicly Supported Housing Analysis 1. Analysis a. Publicly Supported Housing Demographics i. Are certain racial/ethnic groups more likely to be residing in one category of publicly supported housing that other categories (public housing, project-based Section 8, Other HUD Multifamily Assisted developments, and Housing Choice Voucher [HCV])? ii. Compare the demographics, in terms of protected class, of residents of each category of publicly supported housing (public housing, project-based Section 8, Other HUD Multifamily Assisted developments, and HCV) to the population in general, and persons who meet the income eligibility requirements for the relevant category of publicly supported housing. Include in the comparison, a description of whether there is a higher or lower proportion of groups based on protected class. The two options for publicly supported housing include Project-Based Section 8 and the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. For both of these, residents are majority white representing over ninety percent (90%) in Section 8 and over eighty percent (80%) in HCV. The next largest group is of Hispanic identity at just over four percent and almost twelve percent; respectively. Of the 40,746 households eligible for publicly supported housing, eighty percent (80.11%) are white with two thirds (64.74%) being below 80% of the Area Median Income (AMI). White households account for the majority of eligible residents in all three income categories as demonstrated in Figure 27. Figure 27. Publicly Supported Households by Race/Ethnicity in Chelan and Douglas Counties b. Publicly Supported Housing Location and Occupancy i. Describe patterns in the geographic location of publicly supported housing by program category (Public housing, project-based Section 8, other HUD Multifamily Assisted development, HCV, and LIHTC) in relation to previously discussed segregated areas and R/ECAPs. ii. Describe patterns in the geographic location for publicly supported housing that primarily serves families with children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities in relation to previously discussed segregated areas or R/ECAPs? iii. How does the demographic composition of occupants of publicly supported housing in R/ECAPs compare to the demographic composition of occupants of publicly supported housing outside of R/ECAPs? iv. (A) Do any developments of public housing, properties converted under the RAD, and LIHTC developments have a significantly different demographic composition, in terms of protected class, than other developments of the same category? Describe how these developments (Wenatchee, WA) Region Housing Type #% # % # % # % Public Housing N/a N/a 0 0.00% N/a N/a N/a N/a Project-Based Section 8 229 90.16% 3 1.18%11 4.33% 3 1.18% Other Multifamily N/a N/a 0 0.00% N/a N/a N/a N/a HCV Program 372 81.40%11 2.41%54 11.82% 8 1.75% Total Households 32,645 78.58%55 0.13%7,759 18.68%287 0.69% 0-30% of AMI 3,110 80.26%10 0.26%529 13.65%29 0.75% 0-50% of AMI 6,615 73.54%10 0.11% 2,089 23.22%29 0.32% 0-80% of AMI 11,410 71.45%30 0.19% 4,099 25.67%74 0.46% Note 2: Numbers presented are numbers of households not individuals. Race/Ethnicity Note 1: Data Sources: Decennial Census; APSH; CHAS White Black Hispanic Asian or Pacific Islander differ. (B) Provide additional relevant information, if any, about occupancy, by protected class, in other types of publicly supported housing v. Compare the demographics of occupants of developments, for each category of publicly supported housing (public housing, project-based Section 8, other HUD Multifamily Assisted developments, properties converted under RAD, LIHTC) to the demographic composition of the areas in which they are located. Describe whether developments that that are primarily occupied by one race/ethnicity are located in areas occupied largely by the same race/ethnicity. Describe any differences for housing that primarily serves families with children, elderly persons, or persons with disabilities. There are no HUD-identified segregation/integration or R/ECAP areas in the region. Figure 28 does show how the public housing is distributed throughout the region with the greatest concentration being in the Wenatchee Valley which includes the offices for the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority. Additional housing options are along the intersecting highways that run east/west and north/south in the region. The Low-Income Housing Tax Credit developments see the majority located in the Wenatchee valley and have a demographic reflective of the region’s population without significant compositions of protected class. This is including no area in the region that primarily serves only families with children, elderly or persons with disabilities although designated housing units are interspersed throughout the region for these households. c. Disparities in Access to Opportunity i. Describe any disparities in access to opportunity for residents of publicly supported housing, including within different program categories (public housing, project-based Section 8, Other HUD Multifamily Assisted Developments, HCV, and LIHTC) and between types (housing primarily serving families with children, elderly persons, and persons with disabilities) of publicly supported housing. While located near highly utilized routes of transportation, publicly supported housing is available throughout the region. In addition to no readily identifiable areas that experience poor access to opportunity and high adverse factors or designated R/ECAPs and concentrated areas of protected classes that are segregated, Figure 28 demonstrates a consistency among population groups to overall access. Needing to consider that the percentages of minority, non-Hispanic households may present an insignificant measure. Figure 28. Opportunity Indicators and Race/Ethnicity for Chelan and Douglas Counties 2. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, in any, about publicly supported housing in the jurisdiction and region, particularly information about groups with other protected characteristics and about hosing not captured in the HUD-provided data. b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of publicly supported housing. Information may include relevant programs, actions or activates, such as tenant self-sufficiency, place-based investments, or mobility programs. No additional relevant data is available. 3. Contributing Factors-of Publicly Supported Housing Location and Occupancy Consider the listed factors and any other factors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of fair housing issues related to publicly supported housing, including Segregation, RECAPs, Disparities in Access to Opportunity, and Disproportionate Housing Needs. For each contributing factor that is significant, note which fair housing issue(s) the selected contributing factor relates to: In the community survey and interviews, the contributing factors that were identified include: • Quality of Affordable Housing Information Programs • Source of Income Discrimination • Siting Selection policies, practices and decisions for publicly supported housing, including discretionary aspects of Qualified Allocation Plans and other programs • Lack of Public Investment in Specific Neighborhoods Disability and Access Analysis 1. Population Profile (Wenatchee, WA) Region Low Poverty Index School Proficiency Index Labor Market Index Transit Index Low Transportation Cost Index Jobs Proximity Index Environmental Health Index Total Population White, Non-Hispanic 48.68 36.74 50.36 69.45 31.83 47.74 41.75 Black, Non-Hispanic 47.25 34.13 45.87 69.49 34.07 47.12 41.69 Hispanic 42.59 27.71 44.90 69.67 33.42 48.60 42.33 Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 50.06 37.65 50.84 71.01 34.25 50.70 41.69 Native American, Non-Hispanic 44.81 32.15 46.40 69.10 34.23 47.62 42.44 Population below federal poverty line White, Non-Hispanic 43.57 32.65 47.37 69.37 33.93 49.94 41.66 Black, Non-Hispanic 65.92 53.57 55.42 69.08 22.85 78.32 36.54 Hispanic 39.03 27.50 45.42 70.29 33.67 44.57 41.31 Asian or Pacific Islander, Non-Hispanic 54.50 49.27 51.11 66.19 32.59 61.40 37.74 Native American, Non-Hispanic 40.11 49.20 49.22 56.46 25.63 40.46 35.66 Note 1: Data Sources: Decennial Census; ACS; Great Schools; Common Core of Data; SABINS; LAI; LEHD; NATA a. How are persons with disabilities geographically dispersed or concentrated in the jurisdiction and region, including R/ECAPs and other segregated areas identified in previous sections? b. Describe whether these geographic patterns vary for persons with each type of disability or for persons with disabilities in different age ranges. Demonstrated in the two maps included in Figure 29 is the even distribution of individuals living with a disability with no concentrated areas throughout the region. Disabilities measured include: • Hearing • Vision • Cognitive • Ambulatory • Self-Care • Independent Living Figure 29. Disability Type in Chelan and Douglas Counties Of the individuals living with a disability, over forty-one percent (41.12%) are living within the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee jurisdictions. Shown in Figure 30, a significant percentage of individuals are located in the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee jurisdictions. Similar rates are seen among all ages of individuals living with a disability with the highest being those between 18-64 years of age which is also the most populated age group. Figure 30. Comparing Disability by Type and Age Between the Jurisdictions and Region Disability Type Wenatchee/East Wenatchee Region Proportion in the Wenatchee Valley Hearing difficulty 1,715 5,209 32.92% Vision difficulty 1,408 3,721 37.84% Cognitive difficulty 2,405 5,452 44.11% Ambulatory difficulty 2,633 6,537 40.28% Self-care difficulty 1,138 2,485 45.79% Independent living difficulty 2,178 4,509 48.30% 11,477 27,913 41.12% Age of People with Disabilities Wenatchee/East Wenatchee Region Proportion in the Wenatchee Valley age 5-17 with Disabilities 560 1,377 40.67% age 18-64 with Disabilities 3,350 7,567 44.27% age 65+ with Disabilities 2,395 6,108 39.21% 6,305 15,052 41.89% 2. Housing Accessibility a. Describe whether the jurisdiction and region have sufficient affordable, accessible housing in a range of unit sizes. b. Describe the areas where affordable accessible housing units are loc ated. Do they align with R/ECAPs or other areas that are segregated? c. To what extent are persons with different disabilities able to access and live in the different categories of publicly supported housing? Although HUD’s analysis data is incomplete, local data indicates there is not sufficient access to affordable housing for low- to moderate-income households in a range of unit sizes. The “Housing Needs Assessment & Market Demand Study completed in 2016 address the vacancy rate around 1.4% which is drastically below a healthy rate of 5% which, according to Chelan Doulas Trends is where the rental vacancy rate has averaged the last few years (2016-2019). Publicly supported housing is available throughout the region though availability of the units is not as accessible. Section 8 (103) and HCV (234) provides housing to almost 360 residents that are living with a disability amounting to approximately forty-five percent of individuals with a disability living in publicly supported housing. 3. Integration of Persons with Disabilities Living in Institutions and Other Segregated Settings a. To what extend to persons with disabilities in or from the jurisdiction or region reside in segregated or integrated settings? b. Describe the range of options for persons with disabilities to access affordable housing and supportive services The majority of publicly supported housing is located in the Wenatchee/East Wenatchee area of the region and is not identified as a HUD-defined segregated area. While housing units are distributed though the county, most of the residents are in the Wenatchee Valley. The waitlists for different housing options vary on being accessible (open) or not (closed). Section 8 waitlists are closed on a multi-year cycle (opened for two weeks in 2016 and three in 2017) though openings for agriculture housing through the USDA and elderly/disabled housing provide more open opportunities and shorter waitlist times. Most individuals on the waitlist or hoping to access it when it opens again are left to identifying housing on their own or looking to qualify under additional housing support programs such as the landlord liaison program. 4. Disparities in Access to Opportunity a. To what extent are persons with disabilities able to access the following? Identify major barrier faced concerning: i. Government services and facilities ii. Public Infrastructure (e.g., sidewalks, pedestrian crossings, pedestrian signals) iii. Transportation iv. Proficient schools and educational programs v. Jobs b. Describe the processes that exist in the jurisdiction and region for persons with disabilities to request and obtain reasonable accommodations and accessibility modifications to address the barriers discussed above. c. Describe any difficulties in achieving homeownership experienced by persons with disabilities and by persons with different types of disabilities. It is the intent of the City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority to ensure that all programs, services, activities and facilities offered to the public are accessible as required by the American’s with Disabilities Act of 1990 and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, Section 504. Each jurisdiction is working towards the completion of an ADA Transition Plan and current progress has seen completion of the self-assessment. Wenatchee is planning to connect the ADA Transition Plan with the Pedestrian Master Plan. NOTICE OF NON-DISCRIMINATION UNDER TITLE II OF THE AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT AND SECTION 504 OF THE REHABILITATION ACT General Remarks: In accordance with the requirements of Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, The City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority will not discriminate against qualified individuals with disabilities on the basis of disability in its services, programs, activities and facilities. Employment: The City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority does not discriminate on the basis of disability in its hiring or employment practices and complies with all regulations promulgated by the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission under Title I of the ADA. Effective Communication: The Cities and Housing Authority will generally, upon request, provide appropriate aids and services leading to effective communication for qualified persons with disabilities, so they can participate equally in the programs, services, and activities, including translation or interpretation and other ways of making information and communications accessible to people who have a speech, hearing, or vision impairment. Modifications to Policies and Programs: The Cities and Housing Authority will make all reasonable modifications to policies and programs to ensure that people with disabilities have an equal opportunity to enjoy all of its programs, services, activities and facilities. The ADA does not require the Cities or Housing Authority to take any action that would fundamentally alter the nature of its programs or services, or impose an undue financial or administrative burden. The Cities and Housing Authority will not place a surcharge on a particular individual with a disability or any group of individuals with disabilities to cover the cost of providing auxiliary aids/services or reasonable modifications of policy. Contact Information: A person may contact the Cities or Housing Authority if: • There are questions, concerns or requests for additional information regarding the Americans with Disabilities Act or Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. • Someone requires an auxiliary aid or service for effective communication or a modification of policies or procedures to participate in a program, service or activity. Please make requests as soon as possible, but no later than 48 hours before the scheduled event. • There is a complaint that a program, service, activity or facility is not accessible to persons with disabilities. The City of Wenatchee and City of East Wenatchee have both adopted Complete Streets polices which prioritize multimodal infrastructure that is accessible for all users of all ages and abilities. The ADA states that the public entity must reasonably modify its policies, practices or procedures to avoid discrimination against people with disabilities and the direction provided by the Complete Streets policy supports this. Link Transit provides paratransit services that are curb-to-curb transportation to riders whose disability prevents them from riding the fixed route bus system. In addition, Link Transit has prioritized bus updates to increase access with lower step options to reduce the demand on paratransit. The NCW Mobility Council prioritizes increasing access for vulnerable populations to transportation options and infrastructure that supports mobility of all users. As indicated in Figure 28, the region’s residents have access to proficient schools; including those living below the federal poverty line. Reliable transportation is a precursor to accessing employment in such a rural region. While the indicators of Figure 28 do not demonstrate the demand for public transit access to employment as clearly as anecdotal data does, it is a piece of the summary that travel time to work is increased in a rural region and therefore transportation costs (time and money) are often higher. Paired with accessible housing being outside of the downtown areas, lower income households are often faced with higher transportation costs as a percent of their income. Individuals in the region who face an access barrier can contact the relative public entity by phone or email to request accommodations to access the government services, facilities and infrastructure. Common requests for the region are local government partners, housing support services through the Community Housing Network and Link Transit for paratransit. Due to lack of comprehensive data at this time, understanding the difficulties faced by individuals living with a disability face towards homeownership needs additional attention. 5. Disproportionate Housing Needs a. Describe any disproportionate housing needs experienced by persons with disabilities and by persons with certain types of disabilities While Figures 23 and 24 identify the factors of disproportionate housing needs, there is not an available breakdown related to those living with a disability. Nationwide, the average median earnings of an individual with a disability is just under $24,000 which would be within the low- or moderate-income bracket indicating a higher potential for facing housing problems. 6. Additional Information a. Beyond the HUD-provided data, provide additional relevant information, if any, about disability and access issues in the jurisdiction and region affecting groups with other protected characteristics. b. The program participant may also describe other information relevant to its assessment of disability and access issues. There is the Chelan Douglas Developmental Disabilities Program focused on assuring children and adults with developmental disabilities receive individualized services and supports which assist them in: • Maintaining or increasing their level of independence; • Achieve their personal goals; and • Create and support opportunities for people with disabilities and other community citizens to come together and share common experiences. Also, Lilac Services for the blind is an organization that believes those who are living with blindness or low vision have the right to live as independently as they choose. They provide in-home trainings for alternative communication methods, home management, activities of daily living and provide access to an adaptive computer lab. As aforementioned, the Mobility Council focuses on increasing mobility in the region. 7. Disability and Access Issues Contributing Factors Consider the listed factors and any other actors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of disability and access issues and the fair housing issues, which are Segregation, R/ECAPs, Disparities in Access to Opportunity, and Disproportionate Housing Needs. For each contributing f actor, note which fair housing issue(s) the selected contributing factor related to: In the community survey and interviews, the contributing factors that were identified include: • Lack of affordable, integrated housing for individuals who need supportive services • Inaccessible government facilities or services • Lack of assistance for housing accessibility modifications • Lack of affordable, in-home or community-based supportive services • Regulatory barriers to providing housing and supportive services for persons with disabilities Fair Housing Enforcement, Outreach Capacity, and Resources Analysis 1. List and summarize any of the following that have not been resolved: • A charge or letter from HUD concerning a violation of a civil rights-related law; • A cause determination from a substantially equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning a violation of a state or local fair housing law; • A letter of findings issued by or lawsuit filed or joined by the Department of Justice alleging a pattern or practice or systemic violation of a fair housing or civil rights law; or • A claim under the False Claims Act related to fair housing, nondiscrimination, or civil rights generally, including an alleged failure to affirmatively further fair housing. The City of Wenatchee, City of East Wenatchee and Housing Authority have no, unresolved HUD civil rights violations, no cause determination from an equivalent state or local fair housing agency concerning violation of a state or local fair housing law. There are no letter of findings issued by lawsuit filed or joined by the Department of Justice nor False Claims Act allegations. 2. Describe any state or local fair housing laws. What characteristics are protected under each law? The City of Wenatchee and City of East Wenatchee both work to support fair housing in the community through the distribution of housing dollars directly to service agencies. In these partnerships, funding that supports housing access must align with state and federal fair housing laws. Specifically, the general purpose of land use laws is to promote the public health, safety and general welfare of the community. All entities have policy for fully complying with all Federal, State and local nondiscrimination laws; the Americans With Disabilities Act; and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development regulations governing Fair Housing and Equal opportunity. Specifically, the Housing Authority does directly manage housing support programs and as such, to further its commitment to full compliance with applicable Civil Rights laws, the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee will provide Federal/State/local information to applicants for and participants in the Section 8 Housing Choice Housing Program regarding discrimination and any recourse available to them if they believe they may be victims of discrimination. Such information will be made available with the application and all applicable Fair Housing Information and Discrimination Complaint Forms will be made available at the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee's office. In addition, all written information and advertisements will contain the appropriate Equal Opportunity language and logo. The Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee will assist any family that believes they have suffered illegal discrimination by providing them copies of the housing discrimination form. The Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee will also assist them in completing the form, if requested, and will provide them with the address of the nearest HUD Office of Fair Housing and Equal Opportunity. In addition, under the need for reasonable accommodation, sometimes people with disabilities may need a reasonable accommodation in order to take full advantage of the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee's housing programs and related services. When such accommodations are granted, they do not confer special treatment or advantage for the person with a disability; rather, they make the program fully accessible to them in a way that would otherwise not be possible due to their disability. The Section 8 Administrative Plan clarifies how people can request accommodations and the guidelines the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee will follow in determining whether it is reasonable to provide a requested accommodation. Because disabilities are not always apparent, the Housing Authority of Chelan County and the City of Wenatchee will ensure that all applicants/participants are aware of the opportunity to request reasonable accommodations. 3. Identify any local and regional agencies and organizations that provide fair housing information, outreach, and enforcement, including their capacity and the resources available to them. Through the Consolidated Homeless Grants and the CDBG program, the Cities provide fair housing information, outreach and supports with workshops for housing providers. The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development: Also known as HUD, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development was established in 1965 to develop national policies and programs to address housing needs in the U.S. One of HUD’S primary missions is to create a suitable living environment for all Americans by developing and improving the country’s communities and enforcing fair housing laws. The Washington State Human Rights Commission: The Washington State Legislature established the Washington State Human Rights Commission in 1949; the Washington State Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) is a state agency responsible for administering and enforcing the Washington Law against discrimination. Fair Housing Center of Washington: The Fair Housing Center of Washington is a 501(d) nonprofit organization that has been in existence since 1981 and in 1995, they became a fully operational, Qualified Fair Housing Organization. The Fair Housing center services western and central Washington by accepting and investigating complaints of housing discrimination, and education housing providers and housing consumers to help prevent and address housing discrimination. There are four jurisdictions in the State of Washington certified as substantially equivalent known as Fair Housing Assistant Programs (FHAP agencies). The laws of all four jurisdictions include prohibitions against discrimination in addition to those in federal law, such as marital status, sexual orientation, or income source: • State of Washington – Human Rights Commission (WSHRC) • King County – Office of Civil Rights (COCR) • Seattle Office for Civil Rights (SOCR) • Tacoma Human Rights and Human Services Department (THRHS) 4. Additional Information a. Provide additional relevant information, if any, about fair housing enforcement, outreach capacity, and resources in the jurisdiction and region. b. The program participant may also include information relevant to programs, actions, or activities to promote fair housing outcomes and capacity. The Northwest Justice Project is a local organization that works towards justice for all low- income people as Washington’s largest publicly funded legal aid program. Some of their many priority cases include supporting low-income households facing subsidized or public housing evictions and fair housing or discrimination, home mortgage foreclosure or lending abuses and access to courts and general civil rights, race equity or other systemic discrimination that impairs access to needed benefits and services. In addition, Chelan Douglas Volunteer Attorney Services supports low-income households with free legal services for needs such as maintaining their housing. 5. Fair Housing Enforcement, Outreach Capacity, and Resources Contributing Factors Consider the listed factors and any other factors affecting the jurisdiction and region. Identify factors that significantly create, contribute to, perpetuate, or increase the severity of fair housing enforcement, outreach capacity, and resources and the fair housing issues, which are Segregation, R/ECAPs, Disparities in Access to Opportunity, and Disproportionate Housing Needs. For each significant contributing factor, note which fair housing issue(s) the selected contributing factor impacts: In the community survey and interviews, the contributing factors that were identified include: • Lack of resources for fair housing agencies and organizations • Lack of public fair housing agencies and organizations • Unresolved violations of fair housing or civil rights law Fair Housing Goals and Priorities 1. For each fair housing issue, prioritize the identified contributing factors. Justify the prioritization of the contributing factors that will be addressed by the goals set below in Question 2. Give the highest priority to those factors that limit or deny fair housing choice or access to opportunity, or negatively impact fair housing or civil rights compliance. The following contributing factors were identified as the most limiting to fair housing choice and access to opportunity in the Chelan-Douglas region. The ratings in Figure 31 stem from the community survey prioritizing an overall fair housing view of contributing factors out of 100. These prioritized contributing factors informed the goals and strategies of this plan. Figure 31. Contributing Factors Identified by HUD Prioritized by the Region HUD Identified Contributing Factors to Fair Housing Score Out of 100 Location and type of affordable housing 91.92 Availability of affordable housing units in a range of sizes 90.38 Quality of affordable housing information programs 77.31 Lack of resources for fair housing agencies and organizations 74.23 Source of income discrimination 72.69 Lack of affordable, integrated housing for individuals who need supportive services 71.92 Lack of public fair housing agencies and organizations 70.00 Lack of regional cooperation 68.46 Lack of assistance for housing accessibility modifications 66.92 Lack of affordable, in-home, or community-based supportive services 66.54 Lack of community revitalization strategies 66.15 Access to financial services 64.23 Lack of assistance for transitioning from institutional settings to integrated housing 64.23 Private discrimination 64.23 Land use and zoning laws 63.08 Siting selection policies, practices and decisions for publicly supported housing; including discretionary aspects of Qualified Application Plans and other programs 63.08 Unresolved violations of fair housing or civil rights laws 62.69 Lack of public investments in specific neighborhoods, including services or amenities 62.31 OTHER - please list in the box below 62.31 Regulatory barriers to providing housing and supportive services for persons with disabilities 62.31 Inaccessible government facilities or services 60.77 Admissions and occupancy policies and procedures, including preferences, in publicly supported housing 60.38 Impediments to mobility 59.62 Community Opposition 59.23 Occupancy codes and restrictions 59.23 Deteriorated and abandoned properties 58.85 State or local laws, policies or practices that discourage individuals with disabilities from being placed, or living, in apartments, family homes and other integrated settings 58.08 Lack of private investments in specific neighborhoods 57.69 Access to proficient schools; supported housing; and transportation for persons with disabilities 57.31 Location of employers 51.92 Availability, type, frequency and reliability of public transportation 49.62 Location of proficient schools and school assignment policies 47.31 Location of environmental health hazards 45.77 2. For each fair housing issue with significant contributing factors identified in Question 1, set one or more goals. Explain how each goal is designed to overcome the identified contributing factor and related fair housing issue(s). For goals designed to overcome more than one fair housing issue, explain how the goal will overcome each issue and the related contributing factors. For each goal, identify metrics and milestones for determining what fair housing results will be achieved, and indicate the timeframe for achievement. The contributing factors most relevant to the Chelan Douglas region are related to disparities in access to opportunity and disproportionate housing needs for the region as a whole and not specific to a specific race/ethnicity, disability, family type or other protect groups at the Census tract level. Based on local knowledge, it is important to the success of this Assessment of Fair Housing to include support for both English and Spanish access to opportunity and housing solutions. The region does not have identified R/ECAPs or Integration/Segregation areas. GOAL #1: Support the implementation of housing policies and programs that increase available housing units and housing options. - STRATEGY 1: The City of Wenatchee and the City of East Wenatchee will seek to utilize existing partnerships and identified strategies to encourage the development of more diverse housing types including multiunit and family-oriented options affordable to low- and moderate-income households. o Metric 1: Adopt zoning/land use legislation that encourages the production of more diverse housing types including multiunit and family-oriented options affordable to low- and moderate-income households by 2023. - STRATEGY 2: The City of Wenatchee and the City of East Wenatchee will seek work to promote development options that leverage available and potential resources geared towards increasing access to permanent stable housing affordable to low- and moderate-income households beginning in the 2021 CDBG program year. o Metric 1: Promote the use of existing and adopt additional development incentive programs such as the Multi-Family Tax Exemption program and eligible projects utilizing Community Development Block Grant dollars by 2022. o Metric 2: Explore options for development of surplus public property for units affordable to low- and moderate-income households by 2023. - STRATEGY 3: The Housing Authority will seek to maintain and expand where possible the affordable units in neighborhoods that are otherwise very difficult to access or in the beginning stages of organized development by 2023. In the recent years of community outreach around housing, the feedback has been overwhelming about the lack of available units and the cost of accessing is available; especially for those who are low- to moderate-income households. With an average of $1,200 for a one-bedroom and a market vacancy rate consistently below the five percent (5%) rate of a healthy market, it is likely the housing accessibility will remain a challenge. A lack of affordable housing for low- and moderate-income households has many consequences related to the quality of life of our residents. Lack of housing choice affects a household’s ability to choose how they also access nutrition, transportation, education, employment, recreation and more. Related to the availability of housing choice has been the message that the missing middle housing is a great need in the region. This sort of infill development would support the need for both renter- and owner-occupied households to see additional housing size, type and location. The environment of competition negatively affects those that are on limited or fixed income and those households are often characterized by minority, senior and disabled populations. The work from Our Valley Our Future and the template the City of Wenatchee has set with a full housing code update provides a guide to the region on how to improve policies and codes and begin supporting a variety of housing options via comprehensive and subarea plans. These allow the jurisdictions to work creatively with developers to identify building and funding options that help address the needs of the communities. Contributing Factors: • Location and type of affordable housing • Availability of affordable housing units in a range of sizes • Quality of affordable housing information programs • Lack of regional cooperation • Lack of community revitalization strategies • Land use and zoning laws • Lack of public investments in specific neighborhoods, including services or amenities GOAL #2: Increase access to housing services and supportive housing options for vulnerable populations. - STRATEGY 1: The City of Wenatchee and the City of East Wenatchee facilitates broad implementation of the Chelan-Douglas Homeless Housing Strategic Plan o Metric 1: With the plan covering the two-county region, broader adoption and implantation in municipal planning efforts and development activities are able to be improved within the first year of this plan (2022). o Metric 2: Pursue opportunities for leveraging resources among sectors by 2022. - STRATEGY 2: The Housing Authority works to increase the quantity and quality of one-on-one assistance to voucher holders by 2022. - STRATEGY 3: The Housing Authority will continue resident engagement with advisory committees, support resident leadership training and provide staffing to facilitate community-driven initiatives and activities through the duration of this plan (2021-2024). Local efforts to address housing services and supportive housing services need to exist in regional collaboration for effective utilization of limited resources and efficient implementation for meeting the needs in a timely way. Coming together as a region to comprehensively coordinate efforts towards the goals of the Homeless Housing Strategic Plan will produce results in reducing and ultimately eliminating homelessness. In prioritizing the plan, Goal #2 also supports and strengthens certain governmental activities and efforts while inviting both public and private agencies to consult, plan and collaborate in the reduction of housing problems. While the plan focuses on the most vulnerable populations in the region, it is a roadmap to identifying the greatest opportunity partners have with significantly limited resources. CONTRIBUTING FATORS: • Source of income discrimination • Lack of affordable, integrated housing for individuals who need supportive services • Lack of regional cooperation • Lack of assistance for housing accessibility modifications • Lack of affordable, in-home, or community-based supportive services • Access to financial services • Lack of assistance for transitioning from institutional settings to integrated housing • Unresolved violations of fair housing or civil rights laws • Regulatory barriers to providing housing and supportive services for persons with disabilities GOAL #3: Provide education and support community efforts to enforce Fair Housing rights and responsibilities with renters, property managers, homeowners and real estate professionals. - STRATEGY 1: The City of Wenatchee, the City of East Wenatchee and the Housing Authority supports creating an education campaign providing a coordinated bilingual message among all stakeholders o Metric 1: Working with media outlets to provide fliers, commercials, interviews, workshops, presentations, etc. to expand access to information by 2023. - STRATEGY 2: The Housing Authority will provide awareness and resources to tenants such as “Ready to Rent” courses. - STRATEGY 3: The Housing Authority will include instruction about Fair Housing Act protection during all voucher orientations. With limited resources and common knowledge around fair housing, there is often confusion among renters, property owners, service providers and management entities related to what Washington State law says for fair housing. Fair Housing workshops have been regularly provided to housing providers and are always well attended and valuable to the participants. They are limited in space due to cost and language barriers which supports the need for a comprehensive, bilingual (English and Spanish) campaign. A campaign that supports educating all parties connected to housing. It will be beneficial to coordinate the campaign around the availability of fair housing experts to be in the local area providing in depth knowledge to the community as they begin to learn from the partners and local media outlets. The awareness and associated trainings should focus on discrimination of a protected class – disability, age, family status and race/ethnicity. The Landlord Liaison Program is a great example of how barriers can be broken down by increasing awareness and education of a topic. Fair housing awareness is important to make people understand what it is and then education to support additional understanding of how to appropriately respond to violations or issues that may be related; whether in housing services or landlord-tenant environments. Great partners will include the housing service organizations, supportive legal service agencies, the Rental Association of Wenatchee Valley and the education system. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS • Lack of resources for fair housing agencies and organizations • Lack of public fair housing agencies and organizations • Lack of regional cooperation • Private and lending discrimination • Siting selection policies, practices and decisions for publicly supported housing; including discretionary aspects of Qualified Application Plans and other programs • Inaccessible government facilities or services • Admissions and occupancy policies and procedures, including preferences, in publicly supported housing