Edinburg is situated in the mid-southern portion of Hidalgo County. It is 226 miles south of San Antonio and 144 miles southwest of Corpus Christi. To the east of Edinburg, lies South Padre Island, some 70 miles. Mexico is only 20 miles south and offers a different perspective of the region. Edinburg is also chair to Hidalgo County, which is the seventh largest county in the State. In the area of higher education, the City is home to the University of Texas-Pan American, an accredited four year and graduate state university with approximately 13,900 enrollment.
The City of Edinburg has set forth a specific plan for activities that it expects to pursue using Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Each of these activities correlates directly with priorities stated in the Five-Year Strategy. The total amount available for 1995 through the CDBG Program including program income is $1,004,803. These funds will be primarily spent on public facilities and improvements, affordable housing initiatives and housing rehabilitation and public services.
The Consolidated Plan and Strategy (CPS) was developed through joint efforts of local, state, federal and residents from throughout the City.
The City of Edinburg, Community Development Department and the Community Development Council conducted four (4) public hearings throughout the City to gather input from residents regarding the needs of the community. All comments received during the these public hearings through use of a citizen questionnaire, in addition to, the application for funding, the Housing Needs Questionnaire and the CPS Survey, were used in the preparation of this document and specifically in the One-Year Action Plan.
The City of Edinburg announced the availability of the daft document at the
City Commission meeting on May 16, 1995. On May 21, 1995, a notice was
published advising the public that the draft document was available for review
and comment for a period of 30 days, beginning on May 21, 1995 and ending on
June 20, 1995. The plan was approved by City Commission on July 18, 1995.
The City of Edinburg enjoys attractive neighborhoods, a rejuvenate business district and numerous facilities for recreation and shopping. It is located 10 miles northeast of McAllen and lies on the South Texas border, 20 miles north of Reynosa, Mexico.
The population of the City of Edinburg has grown over the past ten years.
In 1980, there were 24,075 residents in the City. By 1990, the population had
increased to 29,885, an approximate 24% increase. Edinburg's Hispanic
population represents 86% of the City's total population and the remaining
minorities (White, African-American, Asian, etc.) represent 14% of the
population. In 1990, the median family income in Edinburg is $20,300.00.
Seeking to repeat its 1968 victory, the City of Edinburg was fortunate to have been selected "All America City" in 1995. The City of Edinburg was one of ten cities selected from throughout the nation to receive this recognition. The City continues to develop and create new innovative ways to meet the community's needs including affordable housing, emergency shelter for the homeless, accessible transportation and services for frail elderly, youth centers, etc.
Edinburg has prospered in fields such as agriculture, industry, and retail. Tourist attractions include the Hidalgo County Historical Museum, U.S. wildlife refugees and the Annual Fiesta Hidalgo. Presently, there are 32 firms which include manufacturing, clothing, electronic computer boards, ethanol, food products, cabinetry, oil-field products, concrete products, agricultural chemicals as well as fruit and vegetable packing and shipping companies.
There are two critical housing needs identified in the Consolidated Plan: increasing the affordability of housing and rehabilitating the existing housing stock. To address housing quality/condition problems, funds are needed to help low-income persons maintain and repair their homes. Of low-income owner households, large families have the greatest housing need, followed by minority households, small families and the elderly. Among renter households, large families have the greatest need followed by minority households.
Edinburg has a total of 9,206 dwelling units. Out of 9,206 units, 4,858 (53%) are owner- occupied households, 3,616 (39%) are rental units and 732 (8%) are unoccupied or vacant.
The price of new housing has a strong bearing on the demand for existing housing and subsequent vacancy levels. When the demand for housing exceeds the available supply, the vacancy rate will be low. A low vacancy rate ultimately will drive the cost of housing upward to the disadvantage of prospective low-income buyers and renters. The average vacancy rate falls between 4 - 7%.
The extremely low income minority household are households earning 30% or less of the McAllen-Edinburg-Mission MSA area median family income less than $14,350 per year. In 1990, there were 1,820 households in Edinburg that could be defined as extremely low income households. Of the 1,820 extremely low-income households, 766 (42%) were paying more that 30% of their income for housing and 554 (30%) were paying more than 50% of their income for housing.
Very low-income Edinburg households are households between 31-50% of the median family income which is $10,150 per year. In 1990, there were 1,084 households in Edinburg that could be defined as very low-income, representing 12% of households in the City. Of these very low-income households, 554 (51%) were renters and 530 (49%) were owners. The majority of Edinburg's very low income households (90%) are Hispanics while ten percent of very low income households white households.
Low-income households are households that have incomes between 51-80% of the median family income which is $16,240. In 1990, there were 1,227 low-income households of which 644 (52%) were renters and 583 (48%) were owners. Hispanic households fall into this income category, 87% compared to 13% of all low income white households.
Moderate-income households are households that have income of between 80-95% of the median family income which is $19,285 per year. In 1990, there were 4,170 moderate-income households of which 1,237 were renters and 2,933 were owners. The City of Edinburg has available sufficient rental units which are affordable to moderate-income households but not for very low- and low-income households.
There is no accurate local counts regarding the extent of homelessness, however, it is believed that the percentage of the homeless that are families is increasing. The Edinburg Housing Authority's record of applications showed that 2,778 applications were made in these programs during a twelve month period. The waiting list no doubt shows that there are many in need of assistance than assistance is available.
Families or individuals may be threatened with homelessness if they are persons that might lose permanent housing due to mental illness, alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, overcrowded living conditions or because the families have incomes below 30% of median income and they pay more than 50% of their income on housing. Each of these individuals would be considered in jeopardy of homelessness.
According to the 1990 Census data, there are 1,042 rental units in the City that carry a rent affordable to households earning less than 30% of median income. The City will continue to provide support to the appropriate agencies to help minimize the number of Edinburg residents who might become homeless due to housing cost, income or special needs.
The most recent data available on this special need population is from the 1990 Census. The data indicates that there are 3,862 large family households among the City's total households (42% of all households).
Edinburg is increasingly concerned with extended families living in overcrowded conditions and will continue to pursue methods of increasing available affordable housing for large families.
The City of Edinburg currently serves 1,286 households through public and assisted housing programs. Nonetheless, both programs presently have waiting lists. The public housing organization for the City of Edinburg is the Edinburg Housing Authority (EHA). EHA owns 465 public housing units with one (1) high-rise elderly/disabled development and other developments for larger families. EHA provides 547 certificates and 150 vouchers. The EHA continues to witness a large need for tenant-based rental assistance primarily for large families.
The Edinburg Housing Authority's, between May of 1994 and May of 1995, applications showed a total of 2,778 applicants for housing assistance. Of this total number of applications, 1,286 applicants were granted for housing assistance units within the City and 376 went to units out of the City. The remaining applications, a total of 1,116 are pending on a "stand-by" status.
The Edinburg Housing Authority will also continue to promote and support upward mobility opportunities for its current and future tenants so that they may become self-sufficient. The Edinburg Housing Authority has also expanded by providing supportive services to assist their residents in areas such as drug elimination programs, counseling, recreational and educational programs.
The City of Edinburg is aware of the important impact various government policies can have upon the availability of affordable housing within our community. We endorse the Federal Government's initiative in promoting the elimination of any public policies that might limit affordable housing.
The housing constraints that affect affordable housing in Edinburg are primarily economic. Rising costs within the construction industry, the cost and availability of financing and the high demand for a limited amount of land have combined to constrain housing production, particularly for low-and-moderate income persons.
Following is a listing of policies and regulations which may affect housing development in Edinburg:
Edinburg's policies and fees are reasonable. However, if fees such as impact fees and water connection fees were relaxed, affordable housing may become more obtainable. For the most part, the high cost of housing has stemmed from the high costs of land, construction and building materials. The City acknowledges that much must still be done to increase affordable housing opportunities. As a result, the City will continue to re-evaluate all development fees, regulation and program policies and procedures to determine whether any further revisions may be appropriate to enhance affordable housing for low-income minority residents of the City. However, the City believes that these do not constitute barriers to affordable housing.
The City, in conjunction with the Housing Authority, nonprofit and for-profit developers, social service providers, lenders, and the Board of Realtors will make every effort to insure that no individual or family is in any way discriminated against on the grounds of race, color, religion, sex, handicap, familial status or national origin. This program is city-wide and benefits those in all income categories, including extremely low-, very low-, low- and moderate-income renters. The City will conduct an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice during the next fiscal year.
Though no accurate information about the incidence of lead-paint exists in the City of Edinburg, the City realizes that lead-based paint poses a serious threat and must be addressed. Edinburg has 4,691 owner units and 4,242 rental units built before 1980 and not all housing built before 1979 contains lead paint. Although no accurate analysis as the extent of lead paint is available, the Federal government requires that the City estimate the prevalence of lead-based paint in the community.
The City of Edinburg has consulted with officials regarding the dangers of lead-based paint poisoning. The City has implemented a plan of action in which applicants, who live in homes constructed prior to 1978 with a resident child under the age of seven, will be advised of testing if the structure is using CDBG funds for rehabilitation. Aside from the City, the Edinburg Housing Authority also constructed lead based paint testing to which none was found. The Housing Authority has also done a five year plan and is currently following regulations required by law.
The City has identified the need to provide infrastructure improvements in low-income areas such as streets, street lights, drainage, sewer, water and sidewalks.
Although the Boy's and Girls Club provides constructive activities and well rounded social programs, the need for youth centers and recreational activities was evident. Due to a rise in juvenile crime, the community emphasized the need for more youth centers and recreational activities, especially during the summer months when there is no school. It was expressed by members of the community that it is crucial to the future of our community that youths be provided with challenging activities and programs. The development of family oriented neighborhood facilities, particularly in the lower income areas, in the form of activity centers or parks.
Other needs identified by the community included the provision of affordable
child care services for low-income residents while pursuing employment training
or gainful employment; accessibility to elderly and handicapped individuals for
affordable health services and transportation.
The overall goal of the community planning and development programs covered by this requirement is to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing, a suitable living environment and expand economic opportunities principally for low and moderate income persons. The primary means toward this end is to extend and strengthen partnerships among all levels of government and the private sector, including for profit and nonprofit organizations, in the production and operation of affordable housing and other needs.
The City of Edinburg, through consultations, observations, and analysis within the community, has identified five (5) key priorities to pursue on a policy and program basis over the next five years. These priorities reflect the policies and programs which will best meet the needs within the City and these priorities are:
The City of Edinburg has a long history of receiving housing and community development funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and the State (TDHCA and TWDB). The City continues to look forward to using CDBG funds to improve our community.
In order to make homeownership an option for more of its lower income residents, an increase in the supply of available affordable housing is necessary. The City also believes that housing rehabilitation and re-construction is essential to maintaining (or increasing) a viable supply of decent, safe and sanitary affordable housing and should be a City-wide priority. Highest priority in rehabilitation will be given to neighborhoods occupied by very low- and low-income residents.
Priorities for Housing Rehabilitation include placing high emphasis on rehabilitation of existing housing stock.
Priorities Homeownership include increasing the level of homeownership within the community by increasing the supply of affordable housing and reducing housing cost burden which will help promote neighborhood stability, improve community pride and property attractiveness.
Priorities for Housing Assistance to Prevent Homelessness include assisting those very low- income individuals and families that currently have rental housing but could fall into temporary homelessness unless certain public actions are undertaken; assisting those threatened with homelessness who are very low income families and individuals with incomes below 50% of median income who are paying more than 50% of their income in rent; assisting the special needs population ("at risk" residents) to assure that a serious homeless problem does not develop.
Priorities for Permanent Supportive Housing include assisting the frail elderly and physical disabled who require housing that is adapted for their particular needs.
Priorities for community development activities include public facilities improvements (parks, recreation, and youth centers), infrastructure improvements (street, sidewalk and sewer) and provision of public services.
Edinburg's Anti-Poverty Plan focuses on the most vulnerable groups in the City, primarily the very-low-income households with incomes between 0-30% of the median family income, those individuals in public or assisted housing and the uncounted homeless individuals and families.
It is important to recognize that the Anti-Poverty Strategy is not a housing plan; it is an economic development plan that attempts to increase incomes and job opportunities for low- income households. The economic changes in Edinburg have lead to growth in the number of low as well as high paying jobs. The core of the plan to combat poverty must be the creation of secure, well paying jobs.
The City will refer all low and very low income minority households that require assistance to the job training programs, with the intentions of reducing the number of households with incomes below the poverty level.
The City of Edinburg is in the 20th Year of administering the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG). To date, the City of Edinburg has received a total of $31,259,023 for activities which benefit low and moderate income persons, eliminate slum and blight in the community or address and urgent community development need. The City of Edinburg has utilized CDBG funds for a wide range of community activities, including water and sewer construction, streets and sidewalks, housing rehabilitation and re-construction, public facilities, park improvements and social services.
The Edinburg Housing Authority annually receives Section 8 rental assistance, which can be used by eligible low-income tenant households to obtain affordable rental housing. These certificates and housing vouchers are provided directly to the tenant households, who then may seek rental housing anywhere in the City.
The City has received $1,162,000 through the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs Programs (TDHCA). Home Program funds may be used to support a variety of housing programs such as rehabilitation assistance, new construction and first time homebuyer assistance for low and very low income families, The City has also received funds from Texas Water Development Board (TWDB) through the Colonia Plumbing Loan Program. To date, the City has received $978,000 to provide plumbing improvements for Edinburg residents.
Local revenue in Edinburg is used to cover basic community services, but the City will continue to pursue locally-based housing initiative, such as a Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) to develop affordable housing and assist with rehabilitation programs. In addition, the City actively pursues the expansion of economic opportunities for its residents. The Edinburg Chamber of Commerce along with Edinburg Public Works and the Economic Development Corporation, expend considerable efforts to create an environment attractive to new businesses and supportive to the growth of existing ones.
The City utilizes CDBG and HOME funds to leverage resources provided by the private sector. Local lending institutions will continue to be asked to actively participate in the implementation of this housing strategy. Local lenders -- NationsBank, First National Bank, San Benito Bank & Trust and International Bank of Commerce, have already demonstrated a commitment to forming solutions to the affordable housing dilemma in the City.
The City of Edinburg Community Development Department is responsible for the
Consolidated Plan activities and, will strive to increase the strength, scope
and effectiveness of the new network of community partnerships developed as a
result of this process. Working closely with the County, the Housing Authority,
service providers, employers, lenders, and the respected leaders of our lower
income population, the City will serve as a resource for community-based
initiatives.
The City of Edinburg One-Year Action Plan outlines the proposed use of approximately one million in CDBG and program income. These funds will be spent in the following manner:
The City of Edinburg is addressing the low/moderate residential areas within the community. Funds allocated to these areas are spent mostly on public improvement and housing rehabilitation.
The City of Edinburg's Housing Assistance Department estimates providing housing assistance in the form of rehabilitation or reconstruction assistance to twenty five low/moderate income families residing within the community through the Community Development Block Grant. In addition, the City will be providing assistance through the Texas Department of Community Affairs, HOME Program to thirty-five low and moderate income families with re-construction assistance and an additional fifteen low and moderate income families will be assisted with new construction assistance through the Single Family Border Housing Initiative Program.
MAP 2 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and minority concentration levels.
MAP 3 depicts points of interest, low-moderate income areas, and unemployment levels.
MAP 4 depicts a Neighborhood Segment and streets with proposed HUD funded projects; in addition, a table provides information about the project(s)..
MAP 5 depicts a Neighborhood Segment and streets with proposed HUD funded projects. The table associated with Map 4 also contains information about the projects identified on this map.
Ms. Joanne Saldana
CDBG Coordinator
(210) 383-0104
