Montgomery is located in central Alabama and has been the site of the State capital since 1847. The City has a diverse economic base, representing government, manufacturing, agricultural services, retail and wholesale trade.
Montgomery's Consolidated Plan presents a strategic vision for housing and community development. It includes a One-Year Action Plan for spending approximately $4.314 million of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program, program income, and Emergency Shelter Grant funds in 1995. These funds will primarily be spent on housing and neighborhood livability activities.
The City held one public hearing during the development of the 1995
Consolidated Plan. Additionally, the Community Development Department held
consultations with a variety of groups and agencies including the Housing
Authority, Central Alabama OIC, Mental Health Authority, and homeless providers.
A 30 day comment period was provided after the draft plan was developed and
prior to submission of the final Plan.
Montgomery's 1990 population was 187,106 with 69,770 households. The
estimated median family income is $31,959, with 14.4 % of the population living
in poverty. there are approximately 31,396 low income households in the City.
The minority population comprises 42 % of the total population with African-
Americans being approximately 96 % of that figure. Both low income and minority
families tend to be located in a contiguous group of census tracts generally
west and north of the City's central business district.
The City's economy has been expanding steadily over the past quarter century . Government, manufacturing, trade and services all have expanded, creating a reasonably well-balanced economy. There is nonetheless a significant and growing proportion of the population burdened by low incomes and forced to live in substandard housing.
Montgomery's Consolidated Plan indicated two critical housing needs: increasing the affordability of housing and rehabilitating existing housing stock. To address affordable housing needs, rent controlled housing to reduce cost burdens. To address housing quality/condition problems, funds are needed to help low-income persons maintain and repair their homes. Another high priority was assistance to home buyers, especially first- time home buyers with the greatest difficulty in obtaining a mortgage.
Extremely- low and Low-income renter households are experiencing a significant problem with affordable rents. Over 68 % of extremely low and 42 % of low income renters are currently paying in excess of 30 % of their incomes in rental expenses.
According to the 1990 census, Montgomery has 76,636 housing units. Rental housing units account for 36 % of the units in stock and had a vacancy rate of 1 %. Owner occupied units account for 55 % of the units in stock with a vacancy rate of 2.35 %.
Approximately 5,000 rental and 6,000 owner units were identified as substandard in the 1990 Census. Of these units 90 5 were considered suitable for rehabilitation.
Much of the single-family housing built in the last few years is beyond the price range of lower-income households. Until the HOME Program was funded, little new affordable multi- family rental housing was constructed or rehabilitated. Although that trend has changed, more units are needed and the 1995 Action Plan addresses those needs.
Households with incomes at or below 50 % of MFI have the greatest housing cost burden. They need rental assistance and affordable housing options. Owners need rehabilitation assistance, and low-income homebuyers need downpayment assistance, credit counseling, and home maintenance training.
Overall, the number of homeless in Montgomery are nominal compared to the total number of households, families, and individuals needing assistance. Nonetheless, there is not enough bed space available, and the special needs of some sub-groups of the homeless cannot always be met. Although the actual number of homeless individuals and families is unknown, it is generally acknowledged that a disproportionate number of homeless individuals are non-elderly males, and a disproportionate number of homeless families are non-elderly families headed by a Black female.
Montgomery has six emergency shelters with a capacity of 136, the majority for men, There are insufficient facilities for children and victims of abuse. Currently, nine agencies in the metropolitan area offer either emergency or transitional housing for the homeless. Some transitional housing is geared specifically toward special needs populations such as persons with mental illness, or individuals with substance abuse problems. A need exists for permanent supportive housing for homeless and non-homeless with special needs, such as the frail elderly, persons with disabilities, and persons with HIV/AIDS.
Montgomery has 2802 public housing units, 507 Section 202 units, 1193 units of Section 8 housing, and 68 Section 811 units.
The latest data available indicates that there were 427 persons or families on the public housing authority waiting list. Additionally, the Section 8 waiting list contains several hundred applicants. No new certificate/voucher authority has been allocated for more than two years.
A review of State and local rules and policies did not indicate that there are any barriers to affordable housing, cause unnecessary concentrations, adversely affect costs, and/or reduce incentives to develop , maintain or improve affordable housing.
The city of Montgomery has completed its analysis of impediments to fair choice. as required by HUD, the analysis is kept in the office of Community Development.
There is no reliable data available on the extent of lead-based paint hazards among the housing stock of the City. It is estimated that approximately 300 dwellings occupied by low- income residents contain lead-based paint. This estimate is subject to extensive refinement when more reliable information is available. As of August ,1993, some 200 cases had been reported in Montgomery County.
Montgomery is fortunate to have a relatively low unemployment rate. Nevertheless, developing the skills of low-income persons to meet the requirements of a changing economy will remain an important long-term need. Community development needs include adult education and vocational training programs, self-sufficiency programs, affordable child care, and infrastructure improvements.
The Community Development Division works closely with other City
departments, Non-profit groups, Developers, Bankers, and others to develop and
implement the Consolidated Plan. Additionally, the City coordinates activities
with County and State agencies and departments.
Although specific subgroups (small families or elderly households) may have problems that are unique, housing problems in Montgomery are primarily related to low income and an aging housing stock. Housing strategies and priorities reflect those conditions. Housing objectives focus on the supply of affordable housing. Community development objectives are to revitalize residential and neighborhood commercial areas.
Priorities for affordable housing include increasing the supply of affordable housing and reducing the cost burdens for low-income households, improving the living environments of lower income residents, assisting public housing residents to become more self-sufficient, and addressing the needs of large families, the elderly, and persons with disabilities.
Priorities for homeless alleviation include providing adequate emergency shelters, transitional, and permanent housing for homeless persons, creating supportive services for homeless individuals and families, and providing support networks and services to persons at risk of becoming homeless.
The priority for non-homeless persons with special needs is supportive housing to support services for the frail elderly , persons with HIV/AIDS, and other persons with special needs.
The highest priority is for infrastructure improvements, especially to address issues of poor drainage. Public facilities to address child care, youth, and parks are also considered a high priority.
Priorities for economic development activities include commercial/industrial infrastructure. Job training is also a priority for the City.
Priorities for other community development activities include code enforcement, lead-based paint hazards, and accessibility needs.
The City's poverty rate has decline from 19.4 percent to 18.1 percent in 1989 (this is the latest figure available), the City attributes this success to the efficacy of its flexible approach to poverty reduction. The foundation of the City's anti-poverty strategy is economic growth, and to that end, they in conjunction with ADO, ADECA, SCAEDD, Montgomery Chamber of Commerce, and others, are constantly searching for viable economic development opportunities which will result in increased employment opportunities.
The primary Federal resources include CDBG, HOME, Section 8, public housing, ESG, and the Supportive Housing program, resources available from the State include the Alabama Housing Finance Authority's MRB, LIHTC, and Trust Indenture programs. Local resources include affordable housing programs conducted by private lending institutions, and a wide range of nonprofit initiatives.
The community Development Division is responsible for the Consolidated Plan activities, but a variety of public and private organizations are involved in administering the plan components. For example, several non-profit provide services to the homeless, and private lenders operate affordable housing loan programs.
Although Montgomery feels that it has a well developed network of government
agencies, non-profit, and private organizations to carry out its Consolidated
Plan, it is noted that some gaps in the delivery of services. Coordination of
services for the nonhomeless special needs population as well as the homeless
population needs strengthening. Further coordination between City, State, and
private lenders is needed to ensure that the maximum number of citizens who want
to own a home are able to do so.
The Montgomery One-Year Action Plan outlines the proposed use of approximately $4.622 million in CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds, in addition to program income and matching funds. These funds will be spent on an array of housing activities, including:
These funds will be used throughout the City, however, some are used in targeted neighborhoods to address slum and blight conditions that exist. In addition, significant amounts of these funds will be used for infrastructure and drainage improvements, community facilities, and to address needs of homeless individuals and families.
The Community Development Division coordinates all activities contained in the One-Year Action Plan.
Highlights of Montgomery's housing goals for the first year include increasing the supply of affordable housing for 126 households through rehabilitation, acquisition, and homebuyer assistance.
MAP 2 - A map of the entire community showing points of interest and an outline of low- mod areas.
MAP 3 - A map of the entire community showing the low-mod outline and ethnic breakdown or area of minority concentration.
MAP 4 - A map of the entire community showing the low-mod outline and unemployment.
MAP 5 - A map of the entire community showing the low-moderate income areas, unemployment, and proposed HUD funded projects.
Mr. Tyson Howard
Director,
Community Development Department
PH: (334) 241-2996
