[commdev-l] PRESS RELEASE: Public Input Sought on Community Development Needs

[Community Development]

CITY OF COLUMBIA, MISSOURI P.O. BOX 6015 COLUMBIA, MO 65205

For Immediate Release

CONTACT: Randy Cole

573.874.6321

rlcole at gocolumbiamo.com

Public Input Sought on Community Development Needs

(Columbia, MO) - Each year the City of Columbia receives federal funds from
the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) due to its
population, demographics and available funding. The City estimates it will
receive approximately $800,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
and $400,000 in HOME funds each of the next 5 years. These funds primarily
benefit low to moderate income households, and can be used for these
five program
areas: economic development, fair housing, community facilities,
neighborhood needs, and affordable housing. Public input is vital in
prioritizing the community development needs these funds are intended to
finance. Citizens are encouraged to complete the following surveys:


   -

   Community Development General Needs
Survey:<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/86H9ZP8>This survey is designed
to collect public opinion regarding how the City
   should use funding among the five different program areas.
   -

   Affordable Housing Needs Assessment
Survey:<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/833M85D>Priorities to be ranked
in this survey include rehabilitation of
   owner-occupied and rental residences, homeownership assistance, rental
   housing for seniors, accessibility improvements for persons with
   disabilities, and multiple other housing priority issues.
   -

   Community Facilities Needs Assessment
Survey:<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/MSDK2XC>Priorities to be ranked
in this survey include youth services, homeless
   shelters, transitional housing, senior services, services for persons with
   disabilities, employment services, and health services.
   -

   Neighborhood Needs Assessment
Survey:<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GQXD7BR>Priorities to be ranked
in this survey include trash and debris removal,
   tree scaping, community gardens, exterior code enforcement of buildings,
   demoltion of dilapidated buildings, water and sewer improvements, street
   and sidewalk improvements, railroad crossings, parks and trails
   improvements, and bus shelters.
   -

   Economic Development Needs Assessment
Survey:<https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/GCLZ2CN>Priorities to be ranked
in this survey include micro-lending, vocational
   training, commercial and industrial development or rehabilitation, and
   business mentoring.


Links to the surveys can be found on the City's website at
http://tinyurl.com/ConsolidatedPlan. For more information, please contact
Randy Cole at 573.874.6321 or rlcole at gocolumbiamo.com.

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