Homelessness in the Cites*

R1

The City should consider establishing CORE teams either by partnering with one or more cities in the region or by funding its own team. The recommendation will not be implemented. With a homeless count of just one or two in our city limits, it is not currently cost effective to establish a CORE team, but could be in the future if the homeless population increases. However, the City has trained all of its police officers on homeless issues and programs. The City has also sent all of its officers to crisis intervention training. Because of our size, our officers do the core mission and have added several homeless individuals into shelters and assistance programs. Our officers know our homeless by name and are developing rapport to help them.

R2

The City should consider providing incentives for developers to construct housing for the extremely low income, very low income, and homeless populations. The recommendation has been implemented. The City offers the following incentives: Streamlined permitting process, including scheduling joint meetings with City Boards before an application is filed to save time and money. Priority processing of applications with affordable housing. 3. Technical assistance to property owners and developers including providing assessor parcel data, posting the inventory on the City's web site, offering tours of the Downtown to prospective developers and scheduling pre-application meetings free of charge to explain the City's development standards and review process. Fee deferrals to the Certificate of Occupancy phase of the project.

R3

The City should consider using Successor Agency funds, CDBG, and other federal housing funds, impact fees, and city general funds to assist in funding housing for the extremely low income, very low income, and homeless populations. The recommendation has been implemented. The City will continue to assist in funding affordable housing when funds become available.

R4

The City should consider adopting a five-year comprehensive homeless plan, as soon as possible with a target date of January 1, 2019, to reduce the homeless population in the City. The recommendation will not be implemented. With a homeless count of just one or two in our city limits, it is not currently cost effective to prepare a comprehensive homeless plan, but it could be in the future if the homeless population increases. Correction We call your attention to a typographical error on of the report regarding the Belle Terre senior apartments. Please note that Lafayette invested $3.8 million and not $38 million to build these apartments. The City truly appreciates the time and effort spent by the Grand Jury in consideration of these matters. Sincerely Michael Anderson Mayor