Bismarck, North Dakota, Burleigh County, 1995 Consolidated Plan constitutes a strategic vision for housing and community development in the city. This document summarizes that plan so that citizens in the community can have a quick overview of Bismarck's housing and community development problems; the 5-year broad goals, strategies and actions proposed to deal with those problems; and the specific projects proposed for 1995 to carry out this strategy.
The consolidated plan includes an action plan constituting an application for funds under one HUD formula programs (including reallocations from prior years) for a total of $ 486,000 million. The funding breakdown is as follows:
| $486,000 | Community Development Block Grant |
The consultant, hired by the City, conferred with various social service
agencies within Bismarck regarding the housing needs of children, elderly
persons, the frail elderly, persons with disabilities, homeless persons, and
other categories of residents with special needs. The consultant also discussed
the services provided by these entities and attempted to identify gaps in the
housing/social services continuum. The City Administrator and Consultant
contacted the director of each city department asking for their input into the
plan. The consultant also worked very closely with the local public housing
authority to further the efforts of true consolidated planning. The Plan was
published March 1, 1995 with all comments due March 31, 1995.
Bismarck, Burleigh County, North Dakota is the primary regional trade and service center for central North Dakota. Bismarck and its sister city across the Missouri River, Mandan, comprise 75 percent of the total Metro population. Although farm production still generates much of the local income, the economy is more diversified than it was 20 years ago. The retail trade area extends out for a radius of 50 to 100 miles and encompasses the communities of Minot, Dickinson, and Mobridge, South Dakota. Two large regional shopping centers in Bismarck account for much of this trade. The area serviced by the two large hospitals in Bismarck extends even further and includes parts of surrounding states. Bismarck is also a popular Midwestern convention center and has numerous lodging facilities.
North Dakota energy development has indirectly affected both Bismarck and Mandan. In fact, much of the local economy is influenced by fluctuations in both energy and farm prices. One of the largest energy impacts was caused by the development of the huge Dakota Gasification plant northwest of Bismarck.
Between 1980 and 1990 the population of Bismarck increased by 4,771 persons,
an average annual growth rate of about 1.07 percent. The city has no areas of
significant low income concentrations. Bismarck has a very small minority
population (3.3%) which is spread out over the entire community. The 1990
Census showed no census tract with a minority concentration over 5% except in
tracts with low population counts.
Bismarck has shown a slow but steady decline in the unemployment rate since 1985 and an increase of about 1,000 new non-agricultural wage and salary jobs per year since 1987. Most of this growth occurred in wholesale and retail trade, services, and government. The service sector has also been bolstered by recent expansions in local medical facilities. Medical services remains the strongest component of the services sector. Business services is second in job- generating importance in the service sector.
Bismarck attracts young people from rural parts of the state, but labor shortages appear to be developing in some employment areas such as highly skilled medical and related health fields and technical positions. Three of the five largest employers in Bismarck are local hospitals and clinics with a combined labor force of nearly 3,000 people. State government employment is another large source of stable jobs.
Significant housing needs for renters in the very low income elderly and small family categories as well as for low income small family units. This is consistent with past studies which show the elderly on fixed incomes and young households with marginal or no employment to be significant groups at risk. The percentage of household income dedicated to providing shelter is considerable in numerous cases. Those who are cost burdened (30% to 50% of income devoted to housing costs and utilities) and severely cost burdened ((50% or more of income spent on housing and utility costs) are potential liabilities for public housing. These households are currently providing for themselves but any slight setback will place them in a position which will require subsidization.
A high priority has been assigned to the extremely low income cost burdened and extremely cost burdened in this category because these households are at the greatest risk of becoming homeless. The greatest obstacle to overcome in addressing these household's needs is the tight housing market which is expected to make housing affordability a concern for the entire period of the Plan.
The City of Bismarck plans to assist 240 housing units for small related household renters who are cost burdened and the same number of units for the same category of renters who are extremely cost burdened. 40 cost burdened small related family renters are expected to be assisted in the first year of the plan and an additional 50 in each of the remaining four years of the plan. The same figures apply for severely cost burdened small related household renters.
Bismarck is experiencing an increase in the number of households its hosts as well as the number of dwelling units. Analysis of the existing housing stock is relatively current since it is taken from 1990 census data (see the attached Market and Inventory Conditions table). Casual analysis of the Bismarck housing stock shows a vacancy factor of about 4%. The current vacancy factor, and the effects of vacancy factor in recent years (less than 2%), is reflected in the housing market in the very small number of substandard units both needing rehabilitation and not rehabable. One area of concern in the housing market is integrated accessible housing for persons with disabilities. Several sponsor groups are working in this areas and the impact of the Americans with Disabilities Act is beginning to be felt
owners
Severe burdens on owners
burdens on renters
Severe burdens on renters
Homeownership is a very big need in the lower income portion of the housing market. There are a number of tenants who, with very limited assistance, could occupy and gain equity in an owned unit with a very limited subsidization of one time owner costs.
The picture of the homeless is sketchy, there is an acknowledged need for homeless accommodations and services in the city. The homeless have several needs, which when met, will help them to return to the standard housing market. These include employment counseling and placement, interim health care, financial assistance and educational or training assistance. Those suffering from spousal abuse also need emotional counseling to deal with their abusive situation. Runaway and other unsupported youth need counseling to deal with their domestic problems that can either help them return home or start to make a life for themselves. This may include the need for career or teen pregnancy counseling. There may also be a need for some family based counseling for this population.
The City has 785 tenant based subsidized units and 838 project based units. The various waiting lists have been open, almost continuously, since 1972. In November of 1994 the Section 8 Housing List was closed due to the amount of administrative time being spent processing new applications for individuals who will not be served by this program for a projected two to three years because of the size of the waiting list. It is anticipated this housing list will be reopened sometime during the current year. None of the Burleigh County Housing Authority pubic housing stock is seriously dilapidated.
The City has a joint task force with the Homebuilders to review barriers to affordable housing in the city and present suggestions for public policy changes to keep new housing costs affordable. The cost of housing and incentives to develop, maintain or improve affordable housing as impacted by public policies including land use controls, zoning ordinances, building codes, fees and charges, growth limits, tax policies affecting land and other property, and other policies that affect the return on residential investment are undergoing review. No further changes in public policy are anticipated at this time.
This study of impediments to fair housing choices in Bismarck, North Dakota was conducted pursuant to 24CFR 570.904 (c)(1).
Fair Housing Profile - The city has no existing fair housing complaints or negative compliance reviews alleging discrimination filed against it either by the Secretary of HUD or the Department of Justice.
Public Policies and Actions - The building requirements are identical for all publicly assisted housing. The city and state have both adopted model building codes. All applications for federal housing project assistance have been endorsed by the city when asked.
The City of Bismarck is involved in the following activities to affirmatively further fair housing:
Bismarck has 17,119 units built prior to 1980 which are presumably affected by lead-based paints. It is estimated that 6,850 units are occupied by low income person. Lead-based paint poisoning has not yet been identified as a problem in Bismarck according to the North Dakota Department of Health and Consolidated Laboratories. Although there are no documented lead poisoning cases on record for Bismarck, city officials are well aware of the problems caused by lead based-paint and are vigilant in looking for this hazard. The Burleigh County Housing Authority has a particular exposure to this risk so it has abated lead-based paint in all its family units and has a policy for abatement for any older facilities it would obtain. The City of Bismarck also looks for this health hazard in units it rehabilitates with Community Development Block Grant and HOME resources.
Needs of persons with special needs. Plans are underway to transfer ownership of 3 two bedroom handicap accessible condominiums from H.I.T., Inc. to the Burleigh County Housing Authority (BCHA) within the next five years. There are also plans to transfer ownership of 1 three bedroom home from Pride, Inc. to the Housing Authority during this same time period.
Energy Bills - Burleigh County Social Services provides the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) to low income households in the city who are struggling with their energy bills.
Planning - The Burleigh County Housing Authority (BCHA) would like to build another 40-80 bed basic care facility for the elderly if the needs projected for these type of facilities continue. Additionally, BCHA would like to purchase an existing one and two bedroom apartment complex which meets housing quality standards to address the needs of families receiving housing assistance.
BCHA would also like to amend the North Dakota HOME plan to allow entitlement communities to award HOME funds for project and/or tenant based rental assistance to meet underfunded housing needs and provide a funding bridge for possible fund reductions in the current Section 8 and Voucher Housing Assistance Program.
Public Facility Needs - Senior Centers are given a high priority as a non-housing need of the community.
Infrastructure Improvement - Flood Drain, Water and Sewer Improvements have all been given high priorities as non-housing needs in the community as a number of areas in the city, particularly lower income neighborhoods
Sidewalk Improvements have also been given a high priority
The short-term community development objectives are to improve the infrastructure of the city and eliminate architectural barriers to
Public Service Needs - Transportation Services are given a high priority as this is the single most underserved non-housing need identified by housing and homeless providers
Tenant/Landlord Counseling is also given a high priority as a non-housing public service need
Economic Development Needs - Technical Assistance has been given a high priority as a non-housing need
Code Enforcement for Housing Rehabilitation.
The City will take part in the cooperative efforts to implement the Consolidated Plan. However, the City does not intend, or want, to take over well run programs which other public agencies and private operators are administering or dictate how they should operate.
Consolidated efforts can be found in the extremely close working relationship between Enable, Inc., Pride, Inc., and Housing Industry and Training (H.I.T.), Inc., three of the four major entities in Bismarck which are responsible for housing and services for persons who are physically disabled, developmentally disabled, suffering from a traumatic brain injury or chronically mentally ill. The directors of these three nonprofit organizations meet once a week to discuss how to address the needs of their clientele and develop non-duplicative services which are utilized by all three entities. Additionally, these three entities work with the fourth major entity that serves chronically mentally ill people (Dacotah Foundation) and the Burleigh County Housing Authority.
Another example of the informal institutional structure and dedication to
consolidated efforts is found in the multitude of cooperative agreements signed
between the various agencies in the city. There are agreements in place between
homeless shelter providers, between the public housing authority and numerous
agencies, and between social services providers.
The City of Bismarck sees the need to approach its housing and community development needs from a unified perspective. The city will strive to provide decent, safe and sanitary housing to all members of the community utilizing all available funding sources to do so.
In the area of housing the city will attempt to follow a tow part strategy which will concentrate on maintaining existing units in serviceable condition while also trying to augment the supply of available housing, particularly to persons o flow and moderate income and to the homeless. The new housing will be targeted to fill in the voids in the existing housing supply. The city will work with all existing advocacy groups and low/moderate income housing providers to meet these needs.
In addition to the provision of the housing the city will work to provide the necessary community infrastructure to support and validate its housing activities. It will support he efforts of the Burleigh County Housing Authority and others to foster self-sufficiency in the public housing tenants and to provide optimum opportunities for those moving into the housing market.
The City of Bismarck believes programs which promote self-sufficiency and family empowerment provide the best opportunity for residents seeking to move from poverty to self-reliance. These programs, coupled with increased economic opportunities, serve as the basis for the anti-poverty strategy which consists of finding needs and gaps in the community which existing social service agencies have failed to adequately meet.
The hallmark of the city's strategy will be to combine community resources to achieve maximum efficiency and cost effectiveness in the delivery of services. Agency and program coordination of resources and programs and, whenever possible, the extent to which this strategy will help reduce the number of households with incomes below the poverty line will be described.
The Community Development Block Grant will be the most widely used source of Federal funds available to address non-housing community development needs.
City of Bismarck will provide the match for Federal funding as needed.
No non-Federal housing resources are expected to be available during the next 5 years with the exception of funding received by various entities and organizations in the city through their various grants, contracts and regular funding sources. The amount and nature of these resources are unknown.
The City of Bismarck identified no institutional gaps in the service
delivery vehicle. The Burleigh County Housing Authority (BCHA) will lead the
non-homeless housing programs with homeless agencies heading up programs
specific to their purposes. Public and private agencies and city government
will continue to work closely together to carry out the Consolidated Plan,
address new concerns or problems that arise and continue planning for the future
without developing a new, formalized institutional structure. The City of
Bismarck will also continue to undertake efforts to pull together more entities
and individuals in order to make planning and implementation a truly
cooperative, coordinated and comprehensive effort.
The one year action plan describes the activities that will be carried out in 1995 under the housing, homeless and community development programs described in the Housing And Community Development Strategic Plan. The action plan is divided into six parts: Actions To Address Housing, Actions To Address Homelessness, Actions To Address Community Development Needs, Actions to Address Other Strategic Objectives, Monitoring and Community Development Block Grant Application.
| Project ID | Project Title | Prog. | Budget | Location | City |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | SF Housing Rehabilitation | CDBG | $43,000.00 | Citywide | |
| 2 | Handicapped Barrier Removal | CDBG | $160,000.00 | Citywide | |
| 3 | BMDA Planning - Support of New Commerce | CDBG | $17,000.00 | Citywide | |
| 4 | Pride Group Home Rehabilitaion | CDBG | $10,000.00 | 419 East Sweet Avenue | Bismarck |
| 4 | Pride Group Home Rehabilitaion | CDBG | 1406 East Bowen Avenue | Bismarck | |
| 5 | AARC Adult Center | CDBG | $20,000.00 | ||
| 6 | Senior Care Facility | CDBG | $140,000.00 | 9th Street and Bowen Avenu | Bismarck |
| 7 | 18 th Street Homleless Shelter | CDBG | $19,500.00 | 18th Street and Broadway Avenue | Bismarck |
| 8 | House Demolition | CDBG | $25,000.00 | 701 North 9th Street | Bismarck |
| 9 | Senior Citizen Center Rehabilitation | CDBG | $12,500.00 | 20th Street and Rosser Avenue | Bismarck |
| 10 | Fair Housing Information | CDBG | $9,000.00 | Citywide | |
| 11 | CDBG General Program Administration | CDBG | $30,000.00 | ||
| Total: | $486,000.00 |
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; in addition, a table describes information about the project(s).
