OFFICE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT 

The Office for Community Development (OCD) administers the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships Program Grant (HOME) received by the City from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The CDBG funds may be used for a wide range of activities that improve housing, the living environment and economic opportunities, primarily for persons of low to moderate income. The HOME funds can be used for housing only.

Every five years, the OCD prepares a 5-year Consolidated Plan with specific annual updates detailing the projects to be undertaken in that program year. The allocation of CDBG funds to specific projects begins in December when proposals are solicited by the OCD. Proposals must meet HUD regulatory eligibility criteria and be able to demonstrate performance objectives and outcomes.

The OCD, followed by the Citizens Advisory Council, the Mayor and the City Council, reviews the proposals and

makes funding recommendations. It remains the Mayor's responsibility to make final award decisions and to submit the allocation plan to HUD. CDBG activities begin July 1^st. HOME funds are allocated following a separate Request for Proposals procurement process. Both the CDBG allocation and the HOME funding categories are submitted to HUD by May 15^th for the year beginning July 1^st. By September 30^th, the OCD must prepare and submit to HUD a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) to report on the progress of funded projects.

For the year beginning July 1, 2010 through June 30, 2011, the City will receive  $1,454,677 in CDBG and $635,804 as its share of the Holyoke-Chicopee-Westfield Consortium HOME funds.

The Spreadsheet.xls  lists the yearly CDBG proposals and HOME categories that are being considered and reports on the recommendations as made by the OCD, Citizens Advisory Council, Mayor and City Council during the review process. Proposed HOME categories are also listed. 

The 2010-2014 Strategic Consolidated Plan presents an overview of the City's priorities for the next five years.  The Annual Plan details the activities to be funded by CDBG and HOME for that year.

These Plans are presented here in DRAFT for public review and comment.  Comments will be accepted through April 23, 2010, after which time, the Plans will be finalized and submitted to HUD.  A public hearing to formally present the draft documents will be conducted at 5:00pm, March 23, 2010, 4th Floor Conference Room, City Hall Annex.

Consolidated_Plan_Strategic_2010-2014.pdf   five year appendices.pdf     

 Annual_Plan_2010.pdf  

CHDO Certification  

As a result of an Office of Inspector General Audit 2009-BO-1008, the City of Holyoke, on behalf of the Holyoke-Chicopee-Westfiled Consortium is conducting a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) certification for its HOME program. At least 15% of the Consortium's HOME allocation must be awarded to qualified CHDOs.CHDO Certification

All new ANDexisting CHDOs MUST first become familiar with CHDO Policies and Procedures. All new ANDexisting CHDOs MUSTcomplete the CHDO application in this 2009 Program Year. A Recertification Application will NOTbe accepted for 2009. Deadline for submittal is November 30, 2009 for CHDO status eligibility December. 1, 2009 to December 1, 2010. Recertifications for existing CHDOs will be due on November 1st in subsequent years, beginning November 1, 2010.

CHDO_Policies.doc

CHDO_Application.doc

CHDO_Recertification_Application.doc

Questions or comments on the CDBG and HOME programs or on the use of program funds may be directed to the OCD, Room 400, City Hall Annex, Holyoke, MA 01040, tel: (413) 322-5610. The OCD is open 8:30AM-4:30PM.

William H. Murphy, Administrator   This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Linda B. McQuade, Deputy Administrator  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

COMPLIANCE OFFICE

The Compliance Office monitors employment, advertising and hiring for the City of Holyoke and the Community Development Block Grant recipients. This office also produces quarterly and annual reports submitted to the state and federal government. The Compliance Office works with the Holyoke Fair Housing Commission to eliminate discrimination and increase access to housing in Holyoke.

Compliance Office works to ensure full and equal access to public services and accommodations in partnership with state and federal agencies. The Compliance Office coordinates and monitors the City's compliance with federal and state laws for persons with disabilities.

Contact: Dan Burns, Compliance Director, Room 7, City Hall, Holyoke, MA 01040. Tel: (413) 322-5558  email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.