Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the use of up to $123,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support a South Madison Building Improvement Grant Program. The program would focus on façade improvements with a focus on ADA compliance. This program is consistent with the South Madison Plan adopted by the Common Council in January 2022, and is consistent with CDBG funding priorities. Funding for the program is included in the Community Development Division's (CDD) 2023 adopted budget. No additional appropriation is required.
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Authorizing the use of up to $123,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to implement a neighborhood improvement project identified in the South Madison Neighborhood Plan; and authorizing the Office of Business Resources and Community Development Division staff to administer the Building Improvement Grant Program within South Madison.
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Background
The Community Development Division (CDD) and CDBG Committee, in cooperation with the Planning Division, sponsored a neighborhood planning effort in South Madison. The Plan, adopted by the Common Council in January 2022, included implementation priorities designed to address specific objectives. The CDD’s Adopted 2023 Operating Budget authorized the use of up to $123,000 of CDBG funds for the implementation of eligible projects in the South Madison plan. Neighborhood residents selected twelve potential projects to utilize the CDBG funds. One of the priorities identified in the South Madison Plan priority is to implement a new initiative to support façade improvements undertaken by Park Street businesses, with a focus on improving ADA compliance. Program policies for a South Madison Plan- Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program have been created to utilize these funds.
To meet U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s national objectives, CDBG funds must be used to support businesses located in the South Madison planning area which are identified as micro-enterprises, having five or fewer employees, and owned by a low-to-moderate income business owner. Other federal regulations, e.g., Davis-Bacon prevailing wage and Environmental Review requirements will also apply.
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WHEREAS, the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 permits the City of Madison to assist agencies in the development and implementation of innovative projects which provide benefits to strategically identified low- and moderate-income areas; and,
WHEREAS, the South Madison Plan, adopted as a supplement to the City of Madison Comprehensive Plan, was enacted on January 4, 2022 (RES-22-00026), and prioritized façade improvements with a focus on ADA compliance (CDBG Priority Projects #5 p.74); and,
WHEREAS, up to $123,000 in federal CDBG funds are authorized in the Community Development Division’s Adopted 2023 Operating Budget to implement eligible projects in South Madison neighborhood; and,
WHEREAS, the CDBG Committee also reviewed the specific funding recommendations from the South Madison Neighborhood Plan and recommended adoption, in order to promote further progress with the adopted Plan; and,
WHEREAS, the Office of Business Resources’ Building Improvement Grant (BIG) Program has provided over 40 grants to businesses throughout Madison and by modifying it to adhere to the CDBG requirements, the City can provide grants to South Madison businesses that meet the requirements set forth in the Program Summary.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council approves the allocation of up to $123,000 of CDBG funds for use in supporting a South Madison Building Improvement Grant Program as described herein; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council authorizes staff from the Office of Business Resources and Community Development Division to manage and implement the program and provide grants to qualifying business for eligible uses.