The City of Gainesville, located in North-Central Florida, is widely acclaimed for its cultural amenities, its proximity to abundant natural attractions, and its overall high standard of living. Gainesville is home to the University of Florida, the largest university campus in the southeast United States. As the county seat for Alachua County, Gainesville is a major regional center for commerce, transportation, agriculture, education, medicine and government.
The City of Gainesville received approximately $2.4 million in federal funds through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs in 1995. This amount will be distributed throughout the City' s 1995-1996 fiscal year, which began October 1, 1995 and will and September 30, 1996. This funding will be used to support a wide range of activities which include housing, special needs housing, homeless assistance, public facilities improvements and economic development.
The first step in the Citizen Participation process was to publish a revised Citizen Participation Plan in November 1994. The Citizen Participation Plan spells out the specific duties of the Citizen's Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD) as well as establishes the City's official policy on participation and public comment, access to meetings, access to information, technical assistance, public hearings and grievances and complaints concerning the CDBG and HOME program.
On February 21, 1995, the Department of Block Grant Management and Review in conjunction with the CACCD conducted a public hearing for the Consolidated Plan at Lincoln Middle School, located in the Southeast Target Neighborhood in Gainesville. The input received was valuable in determining the community's perceived needs and prioritization for numerous housing and community development activities. On March 21,1995 , a second public meeting was held at the Greater Bethel Church in the Pleasant Street neighborhood.
The final public meeting on the Consolidated Plan was held on June 20, 1995. At this meeting a draft of the Consolidated Plan was presented to the CACCD and interested citizens by Block Grant staff. A 30 day comment period followed the presentation of the draft.
After a presentation to the City Commission on July 25, 1995, the plan was
approved. Final approval of all certifications related to the Consolidated Plan
was made by the City Manager on August 9, 1995.
With a 1995 estimated population of 94,000 (adjusted census figures), the City of Gainesville, Florida, is the largest city in Alachua County. Located on the busy Interstate 75 corridor, Gainesville has enjoyed steady growth and development over the past few decades, while maintaining its natural beauty and college town atmosphere.
Despite these assets, however, the City of Gainesville faces a number of challenges in ensuring that all of its residents enjoy this high quality of life. In a widely reported study, the Physician's Task Force of the Harvard University School of Public Health found Alachua County to be one of the nation's 150 "hungriest counties". In 1990, 15.7% of all families residing in the City of Gainesville were below the poverty level and forced to struggle for daily survival.
According to the 1990 Census, 2,744 persons in the City of Gainesville were unemployed, comprising 6.6% of the civilian labor force. While the prevalence of government jobs makes the unemployment rate lower than in other jurisdictions, the rate of underemployment is projected to be much higher. This is attributable to the large number of low paying service jobs, with a shortage of higher paying manufacturing employment opportunities. Exacerbating this problem, low income persons are often in competition with students for these jobs due to Gainesville's high student population. The City's median family income (MFI) in 1990 was $31,321, which was slightly below the State of Florida's MFI of $32,212.
Another significant problem within the city is that a majority of lower
income residents are concentrated in East Gainesville, while West Gainesville is
more affluent. Most of Gainesville's growth in recent years has been
concentrated on the West side, as has the creation of new jobs and economic
opportunities. These trends further isolate lower income residents who could
benefit most from these opportunities.
Both Gainesville and Alachua County have experienced moderate growth in recent years. Between the years 1980 and 1992, the City of Gainesville's population increased by 16.7%, while Alachua County's population increased by 25.1%. This growth is somewhat slower than the overall state average for the same period, which was 38.5%. A more recent change in conditions which will have a large impact on Gainesville in the near future is the growth of the University of Florida. While growth in the student population at the University of Florida actually declined in the 1980's, recent policy has led to an expansion of the student population from around 33,000 in 1989 to 38,399 in 1993. This trend is expected to increase the population to 40,000 in the near future. This growth will increase the demand and competition for rental housing in the community between student and non-student populations.
Nine critical issues related to housing needs were identified in the Consolidated Plan. These needs include: 1.) Increasing Homeownership 2.) Existing Homeowner Assistance 3.) Rental Housing 4.) Special Needs Housing 5.) Homelessness and Related Needs 6.) Public Housing 7.) Lead Based Paint Hazards 8.) Barriers to Affordable Housing 9.) Fair Housing.
The City of Gainesville had a total year round housing stock of 36,471 units in 1990. Of the total year-round housing stock, 31,924 units were occupied. Of these occupied units, 57% were renter occupied and 43% were owner-occupied. In 1990, the total number of vacant units within the city was 4,547, or almost 12.5% of all housing units.
The City of Gainesville had 8,759 0 and 1 bedroom, 10,682 2 bedroom, and 17,030 3+ bedrooms year round housing units in 1990. Of these, 86% of 0-1 bedroom, 64% of 2 bedrooms, and 23% of 3+ bedrooms were renter units. This preliminary analysis indicates that there is a relatively small number of large (3+ bedrooms) units available for rent
According the City of Gainesville's Housing Condition Survey, completed in 1992, 70.7% of the City's housing stock was in standard condition, 29% was in substandard condition, and .3% was dilapidated. It is estimated that 25% of the City's renter units are substandard, and 22% is substandard and suitable for rehabilitation. Among owner occupied units, it is estimated that 26% of the total stock is substandard, and 23% is substandard and suitable for rehabilitation.
Cost Burden (the percent of a household's monthly income committed to housing costs) is most severe among very low income (0 to 30% of the Median Family Income) renter families. Over half of this population spends more than 50% of their monthly income on housing expenses.
The following are estimates of total affordable units available for very low (0 to 30% of MFI), low (31% to 50% of MFI), and moderate (51% to 80% of MFI) income households in the City of Gainesville. These estimates include 259 rental units and 24 owner units for very low income households, 811 rental and 83 owner units for low income households, and 1,293 rental and 231 owner units for moderate income households. This preliminary analysis indicates there is a low number of affordable units available to low and moderate income residents, especially very low income households.
The State of Florida Department of Health and Rehabilitative Services estimates that in 1994, at any given time, 634 homeless individuals resided in Gainesville/Alachua County. Based on these estimates, 33% of this population in Gainesville/Alachua County are members of homeless families, and the remaining 67% of this population are homeless individuals. According to a homeless study conducted by the City of Gainesville in 1993, 48% of the homeless population are white and 84% are male.
Gainesville/Alachua County has 51 emergency shelter beds available for the general homeless population. There are an additional 99 shelter beds available for homeless and near homeless individuals with special needs (e.g. youth, maternity, substance abuse, domestic violence). Currently, there are no transitional housing facilities in Gainesville/Alachua County which serve the general homeless population. A critical need currently exists for transitional and permanent supportive housing for homeless individuals and families, as well as homeless and near homeless populations with special needs.
The City of Gainesville has approximately 2,420 subsidized housing units through public and assisted housing programs. Of this number, 643 units are owned and managed by the Gainesville Housing Authority, 469 units are unit-based Section 8 , 1,070 units are tenant- based Section 8, 141 units were built through the Section 8 "New Construction Program" and 97 units are subsidized through the Section 202 program. The Section 8 and Section 202 program is administered by the Gainesville Housing Authority. Among the Unit-Based Section 8, Section 202, and Public Housing units 35% are 0-1 bedroom, 26% are 2 bedroom, and 39% are 3+ bedroom units. Currently, the waiting list for Section 8 rental assistance includes 255 families. The average waiting period is five years.
There is a total of 1,048 supportive housing units for the frail and elderly with special needs. In addition to these units, there are several agencies providing housing and related services for the elderly and/or disabled in the City of Gainesville.
There are 65 units of supportive housing for the mentally ill and 27 units of supportive housing for the developmentally disabled. In addition to these units, the State of Florida operates a 631 unit facility, Tacachale, for the developmentally disabled within the City of Gainesville.
There is a total of 69 beds in Gainesville/Alachua County that provide supportive housing for children. This includes 12 shelter beds at a runaway youth shelter.
There are currently no transitional or supportive/assisted housing specifically for victims of domestic violence, people with AIDS, or female headed/pregnant teen population. While all special needs groups are in need of increased services, these are most critical because of the lack of sufficient assisted housing available to these populations.
The City of Gainesville has identified several policies and actions which could have a direct effect on reducing the cost of constructing and rehabilitating affordable housing. These policies and actions include: expedited permitting, revising the historic preservation review process, revising certain zoning regulations, revising infrastructure requirements, and encouraging Transfer of Development Rights.
The City of Gainesville's Department of Block and Grant Management and Review is currently developing a fair housing study for the Gainesville/Alachua County area. The study consists of an analysis of current demographic, economic, and housing data, fair housing complaints; an analysis of impediments to fair housing, as well as an action plan for overcoming identified impediments to fair housing choice. This study should be completed in the spring of 1996.
Of the 36,471 housing units in the City of Gainesville, 12,755 units (35%), are estimated to contain lead based paint and are occupied by low and moderate income residents. The City of Gainesville's Housing Division routinely inspects units which are undergoing rehabilitation through the division's many housing programs. In 1994, the Gainesville Housing Authority tested 160 units for lead-based paint hazards. The Alachua County Public Health Unit routinely screens children who have symptoms related to lead poisoning
Although the City of Gainesville has a low overall unemployment rate, underemployment remains a major challenge that the community must face. A lack of higher paying jobs, particularly in manufacturing and other skilled labor employment contributes to the City's high poverty rate (15.7% of all families). Community development activities are needed to reduce the poverty rate and improve low income neighborhoods. These activities include economic development and small business assistance; Human Services, such as services for the elderly, youth and family services, and self-sufficiency programs; and Public Facilities improvements, including recreation and park facilities and public infrastructure improvements.
The City of Gainesville coordinates with public and private organizations
who play an important role in enhancing community development and increasing
affordable housing opportunities. These organizations include the Alachua County government, local non-profit
service providers, local institutions of higher learning such as the University
of Florida, local lending institutions, agencies with the State of Florida and
housing professionals. These partnerships work to avoid duplication of services
in the community, thus increasing the efficiency of service delivery.
Coordination among these agencies also helps to increase the level of funding
available in the community through public-private partnerships and coordinated
approaches to acquire grant funding. Coordinated planning among these
agencies also helps the community identify its most critical needs and
prioritize funding for these activities appropriately.
Housing and community development objectives and priorities reflect the challenges unique to the City of Gainesville. Related to housing, these challenges include ensuring that low and moderate income homeowners are able to maintain adequate, safe and affordable housing; that low and moderate income renters have a wide range of safe, adequate and affordable housing available to them; increasing opportunities for low and moderate income renters to become homeowners; and increasing the number of beds and units for non-homeless and homeless populations with special needs. Community development objectives and priorities include removing slum and blight in low and moderate income neighborhoods through economic development programs and improved public infrastructure. Another community development priority, reducing poverty, is approached through human services which provide for basic needs which assist lower income families escape the cycle of poverty.
Increasing Homeownership - Support activities which will lead to an increase of decent affordable housing units available for purchase by low and moderate income households; and increase financial opportunities for homeownership among low and moderate income residents.
Existing Homeowner Assistance - Ensure a reduction in the number of substandard homeowner units in the city and assist low income residents by reducing the overall cost of maintaining their homes.
Rental Housing - Increase the supply of decent, safe and affordable rental housing units to all residents; an increase in the number of large (3+ bedrooms) rental units available in the city.
Special Needs Housing - Support service providers achieve an increase in the number of affordable special needs housing units and/or beds.
Homelessness and Related Needs - A high priority will be placed on assisting homeless persons and families, including homeless persons and families with special needs, and helping to prevent non-homeless persons and families from becoming homeless. The emphasis of this assistance will be placed on a "continuum of care" system of emergency, transitional, and permanent supportive housing along with related supportive services.
Public Housing - The City of Gainesville will assist and support its program goals through Resident Initiatives and Support Services, Rental Assistance, New Construction and Physical Improvements through the Gainesville Housing Authority.
Economic Development - The City of Gainesville will achieve more balanced, diversified growth throughout the community by promoting economic development and employment opportunities in low to moderate income areas, particularly in central and eastern Gainesville.
Human Services - The City will support the expansion of human services to all low and moderate income population groups in the City of Gainesville mentioned in the objectives and priorities. This expansion can be achieved through technical assistance to local service providers, coordination of existing resources and the funding of applications which address the most critical needs in the community.
Public Infrastructure - Achieve a visible improvement of public infrastructure, particularly stormwater facilities and road reconstruction, in low and moderate income neighborhoods through the City of Gainesville.
Recreation and Community Centers - Increase the number and quality of facilities in low and moderate income neighborhoods for recreational purposes as well as other uses important to respective neighborhoods.
The 1990 Census indicates that 23.6% of individuals and 15.7% of families residing in the City of Gainesville live below the poverty level. Several federal, state and local programs provide for basic needs and relief to help alleviate the burden of poverty. These programs include the Florida HRS Family Transition Program, the HUD funded Supportive Housing Program and the Family Self Sufficiency Program, administered by the Gainesville Housing Authority. The City of Gainesville will continue to support anti-poverty programs with the goal of reducing the number of Gainesville families living below the poverty level.
The City of Gainesville receives several million dollars annually for housing and community development activities through a variety of federal, state and local resources, both public and private. The primary federal resources include CDBG, HOME, Section 8, Section 811, Section 202 and the Supportive Housing Program. A primary resource available from the State of Florida includes The State Housing Initiatives Partnerships (SHIP) Program. Local resources include ad valorem property taxes, utility surcharges, and a stormwater fee, all of which go towards improving infrastructure in low and moderate income neighborhoods throughout the city. Special taxing districts provide for funding for infrastructure improvements in the central city area and nearby low income residential districts. Private resources include investments from local lending institutions into affordable housing development and a variety of non-profit services and programs.
The City of Gainesville's Department of Block Grant Management and Review acted as the lead agency responsible for the development of strategies outlined in the Consolidated Plan. However, a variety of public agencies and private non-profit organizations are responsible for implementing the activities outlined within the Consolidated Plan strategies. These agencies carry out their coordination through a network of partnerships and coalitions such as the Gainesville/Alachua County SHIP Partnership, the Alachua County Affordable Housing Coalition, and the "Continuum of Care" coalition of supportive housing providers. Continuous coordination between the Block Grant Department, implementing agencies, the general public and other public and private institutions is necessary for the implementation of the Consolidated Plan strategy.
Agencies receiving HUD funding through the City of Gainesville are
monitored annually by the Department of Block Grant Management and Review.
Agency performance is also reviewed annually by citizen groups and local elected
officials before funding decisions are made for each fiscal year.
The City of Gainesville One-Year Action Plan outlines the proposed use of approximately $2.4 million in CDBG and HOME funding. A summary of expenditures by activity includes:
A large majority of housing and community development activities are carried out within ten neighborhoods designated "target areas" by the City. Residents of these ten neighborhoods are predominately low and moderate income, and some neighborhoods have a high incidence of slum and blight. Many target area neighborhoods are also designated for assistance through programs such as the State of Florida Enterprise Zone, which provides tax breaks and other incentives to businesses locating in these areas.
The City of Gainesville's Department of Block Grant Management and Review is the lead agency for the planning, administration, and monitoring of all CDBG and HOME funding. The Citizens Advisory Committee for Community Development (CACCD), a group of interested residents, makes annual funding recommendations to the City Commission concerning the CDBG and HOME programs.
The City of Gainesville, through programs funded by the CDBG and HOME
programs, proposes to assist the following number of households and individuals
in 1995-1996:
assist 189 households achieve new homeownership, 95 existing homeowner
households, 52 renter households, 11 households and 525 individuals in with
special housing needs, 2000 homeless individuals, and 120 public and assisted
housing households.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest and low-moderate income areas.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.
MAP 4 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
MAP 5 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects.
MAP 6 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, unemployment levels, and proposed HUD funded projects; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s).
MAP 7 depicts Neighborhood Segments and streets with proposed HUD funded projects.
Mr. James A. Hencin
Block Grant Director
P.O. Box 490-22
Gainesville, FL 32602
PH: (334-2226)
