The City of Knoxville is in the process of developing the 2013-2014 Annual Action Plan for the proposed use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Act, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funds during the fiscal year that begins July 1, 2013.

The final version is due to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development on or before May 15, 2013.

At this time, the Department of Housing and Urban Development, HUD, has not notified the City of the amount of funds it will receive for the 2013-2014 program year beginning July 1, 2013. It is estimated that the City will receive $1,483,872 in CDBG, $853,787 in HOME, and $139,332 in ESG funds. ESG funds to be reprogrammed are $20,000. The City also anticipates receiving approximately $150,000 in CDBG program income and $450,000 in HOME program income. HOME funds to be reprogrammed are $655,675.

The draft plan proposes the following allocation of funds based on estimated amounts: CDBG: $326,774 - general program administration; $1,060,000 - housing programs; $200,000 - land acquisition and commercial façade improvements; $47,098 - public services, and technical assistance through subrecipients. HOME: $130,379 - administration; $780,948 - owner-occupied rehab; $378,135 - rental housing; $250,000 - home buyer down payment assistance; $120,000 - CHDO projects; and $300,000 - development of new homeownership housing. ESG: $65,000 - emergency shelter services; $42,438 - homelessness prevention; $26,444 - rapid re-housing; $15,000 - homeless management information system; and $10,450 - administration. The City is also considering making an application for Section 108 Loan Guarantee Program funds for a special economic development activity or other eligible activity. More detailed budget estimates are included in the draft annual plan.

The City of Knoxville encourages citizen comment on the draft plan. In addition to the draft copy being available online, copies of the plan will be located at the following locations: Community Development Department, 5th floor, City-County Bldg., 400 Main Ave.; Lawson-McGhee branch of the Knox County Public Library; the main office of the Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee, 2247 Western Ave; East Neighborhood Center, 4200 Asheville Hwy and the South Neighborhood Center, 522 Maryville Pk. Citizens may also obtain a copy of the draft plan by calling the Community Development Department at 215-2120.

A public hearing on the Annual Action Plan will be held at 5:30 pm on Tuesday, April 9, 2013, at the Cansler YMCA, 616 Jessamine St. Citizens may also submit their comments via e-mail to Linda Rust at lrust@knoxvilletn.gov or in writing by mail or fax to Linda Rust, City of Knoxville, Community Development Department, P.O. Box 1631, Knoxville, TN 37901, fax 865-215-2962 or call 865-215-2120 for additional information.

City Council will hold a workshop on the annual plan at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, April 25th, in the main assembly room of the City County Building.

All comments must be received no later than Monday, April 15, 2013.