Community Development Block Grant Program

City Proposes to Use CDBG-CV Funding to Support Small Businesses and CAREavan Program

On March 27, 2020, the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was signed into law to respond to the growing effect of COVID-19. The CARES Act made available $5 billion in Community Development Block Grant Coronavirus (CDBG-CV) funds. Of this amount, HUD is allocating $2 billion to address COVID-19 response at the local level.

The City is proposing to utilize these monies to fund a Small Business Assistance Program and to support the City’s CAREavan Program, both of which will help residents of Union City who are being affected by the coronavirus. The Small Business Assistance Program will support small businesses through forgivable loans in an amount of up to $10,000 that can be used to cover rent
and mortgage costs for up to 3 months in arrears. The CAREavan Program provides support to families and/or individuals who have been displaced and are temporarily homeless/living in their vehicles with a safe place to park overnight.

The City is required to prepare a substantial amendment to its FY 19-20 Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan in order to receive the funds. See below for a link to the draft document.

Draft Amendment to FY 19-20 Annual Action Plan and Citizen Participation Plan – CDBG-CV

Comments must be received by the close of business on June 15, 2020 to be included in the public hearing packet. Comments
can be emailed to housing@unioncity.org.

A public meeting for the proposed amendment will be held on June 23, 2020, at 7:00 p.m. via a virtual City Council meeting. Instructions on how to virtually attend the meeting and provide your comments can be found at https://www.unioncity.org/199/City-Meetings-Video.

Additional information, including how to submit comments by mail or fax, can be obtained by contacting:

Ishmael Elias, Housing Division

(510) 675-5392 or IshmaelE@UnionCity.org

City Council approves FY 20-24 Con Plan and FY 20-21 Annual Action Plan

Each year the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding for housing and community development programs to the City of Union City, specifically Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. To receive these funds, the City must complete a report every five years called the Consolidated Plan (“Con Plan”). The City also creates an Annual Action Plan each year that specifies the activities that will take place.

The City Council approved the 20-24 Con Plan and FY 20-21 Annual Action Plan at their May 26, 2020 meeting. See below
for a link to the approved plans.

20-24 Con Plan and FY 20-21 Annual Action Plan

Public Services Needs Assessment Study and Funding Strategy

The Union City Public Services Needs Assessment and Funding Strategy is an evaluation of the current public services available to the Union City community and an analysis of the public service needs in the community. The report evaluates the existing service providers to determine how their services meet the needs of the community, the barriers that prevent residents from finding the services they need, and the gaps in services. This assessment report provides conclusions about the current and future needs of the community, recommendations on how to help streamline processes and help service providers maximize efficiency, and a funding strategy designed to help guide the City in the grant funding process.

Study & Funding Strategy - 2016

2019-2020 Public Service Grantees