U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development
Office of Community Planning and Development
Consolidated Plan Contact
CITIZEN'S SUMMARY
The City of Texas City is located on the Texas coast south of Houston.
Action Plan
The City of Texas City's Consolidated Plan presents a strategic plan to improve the delivery
of affordable housing in our city. The Consolidated Plan includes a one-year action plan for
spending $683,000 of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 1995. These
funds will primarily be spent on housing and neighborhood livability activities.
Citizen Participation
The City of Texas City has a 12-member Community Development Board that is made up of
a diverse group of citizens. This group helps to identify the needs of the community and
helps to make decisions on the budget for CDBG funds each year. This committee also
reviewed the Consolidated Plan and made recommendations for revisions. There were two
public hearings held after they were publicized in the local newspaper. No written
comments were received; however, three phone calls were received regarding the Plan.
COMMUNITY PROFILE
Texas City currently has a population of 40,822 according to the 1990 census. The
population actually decreased one percent between 1980 and 1990. The most notable
ethnic change during this period was that the Native American population almost doubled.
According to the 1990 census information, 37 percent of all households in Texas
City have incomes below 80 percent of the median income (MFI). Although 1990 census
data showed a one percent decrease in population, Texas City has experienced some
economic growth with the addition of a regional mall, major capital expansion of
petrochemical refineries, and the construction of a state prison hospital. These are just a
few examples of economic growth experienced over the last five years in Texas City. Along
with this growth, housing needs have increased due to the growth of the city's employment
base.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT NEEDS
Housing Needs
The City of Texas City's housing needs for the next five years are increasing. The first two
areas of priority needs are to:
- Rehabilitate owner-occupied units and provide homeownership opportunities
for low- and moderate-income families. In the owner-occupied rehabilitation
program, it has been noted that an increasing number of housing stock was
deteriorating due to the increasing size of the elderly population on a fixed
income. These persons are unable to maintain their existing houses. The city
currently has a waiting list of 300 families for this program.
- Maintain existing units and increase the supply of decent, safe, and affordable
housing for low- and moderate-income families. There are currently 130 units
of public housing and 204 Section 8 certificates. However, there are 684
families on a combined waiting list for the Section 8 program and public
housing.
Housing Market Conditions
The inventory of owner-occupied housing units is 9,351 and the inventory of renter-
occupied units is 5,759. There are 2,518 vacant units, which is 14 percent of the total
housing unit market of 17,628.
Between 1985 and 1992, Texas City experienced a drastic decline in the construction of
single-family residential structures; however, starting in 1993 the city has enjoyed a steady
increase in the number of single-family units.
There are approximately 468 substandard owner-occupied units and 328 which are suitable
for rehabilitation. There are approximately 195 substandard renter-occupied units and 152
are suitable for rehabilitation.
Affordable Housing Needs
Much of the single-family housing built in the last few years is beyond the price range of
lower-income households. Increasing numbers of families are on the waiting list for assisted
housing and the resources for these programs are not meeting the increasing demands.
Rents are increasing faster than the incomes of most families.
Households with incomes at or below 50 percent of MFI have the greatest cost burden.
These households need rental assistance and affordable housing options and homeowners
need rehabilitation assistance. Low-income first-time homebuyers need downpayment
assistance, credit counseling, and home maintenance training.
Homeless Needs
The 1990 census data shows there were 13 homeless people visible in street locations and
10 women counted in shelters for abused women. There is no reliable data concerning
homeless families with children. It should be noted that homeless people who are sheltered
have a primary nighttime residence that is supervised by a publicly or privately operated
shelter.
There were 10 sheltered homeless persons identified in the CHAS Data Book. These
persons were counted in a drug and alcohol abuse center. The ADA Women's Center serves
indigent women with drug and alcohol abuse. This center opened in 1987 and has served
over 600 women. The Texas City Men's Center is a drug and alcohol abuse center for men
that has served over 325 clients in the last two years.
Public and Assisted Housing
The Housing Authority of Texas City (HATC) currently has a total of 130 public housing
units and 204 Section 8 certificates. There are a total of 100 Section 8 elderly housing
units. These are located in two separate apartment complexes.
There are 24 public housing units in need of complete modernization, including new roofs,
exterior painting, and landscaping. Interior repairs should include plumbing, electrical,
kitchen cabinets, doors, windows, and central heating systems. There are currently no
vacancies. The public housing units by bedroom size are as follows:
12 one-bedrooms
48 two-bedrooms
60 three-bedrooms
10 four-bedrooms
The Section 8 program currently serves 204 families. There are over 300 families on the
waiting list. The Section 8 program by bedroom size is as follows:
18 zero-bedrooms
36 one-bedrooms
112 two-bedrooms
30 three-bedrooms
8 four-bedrooms
Barriers to Affordable Housing
The City of Texas City does not have any negative barriers that would limit the
development, maintenance, or improvement of affordable housing as far as city ordinances
and building codes are concerned. The city's tax policies affecting land use, land controls,
building codes, code enforcement, growth limits, and return on residential investments
should have a positive impact on affordable housing.
Fair Housing
The City of Texas City adopted a Fair Housing Ordinance in June 1979. Fair housing
leaflets are distributed to tenants, landlords, and other citizens throughout the community.
The Board of Commissioners at the housing authority meet once a month and allow
residents to discuss any concerns or problems should any type of fair housing or
discriminatory practices occur.
Lead-Based Paint
The city consulted with the University of Texas Medical Branch Clinic, located in Texas City,
and found that they average 150 cases per year of lead-based paint poisoning, with 30
active cases at the present time. We are unable to isolate these cases to Texas City
because this particular clinic serves most of Galveston County. The city has not adopted a
formal plan to solve the problems of lead-based paint poisoning, but is providing proper
warnings to residents that are assisted with homeowner-occupied housing rehabilitation.
The city will continue to work with the University of Texas Medical Branch Clinic to study
the problem of lead poisoning.
Other Issues
The special needs population is diverse in Texas City. Additional elderly and frail elderly
facilities that are affordable to low-income families are needed. Also, the city has a need for
additional affordable housing for persons with disabilities. The need for housing for those
with drug and alcohol addictions has increased. There are currently 32 persons that are
confirmed to have HIV/AIDS within the city, but we are unaware of any housing needs that
are not being met.
The priority for persons with special needs is as follows:
Provision of assisted housing services for those persons with special needs
including the elderly, frail elderly, mentally and physically disabled, and
persons with AIDS.
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT STRATEGIC PLAN
The City of Texas City has been working to increase the amount of affordable housing
stock. The city is working with local banks to increase the number of families that are able
to become first-time homebuyers.
Housing Priorities
Affordable housing priorities are as follows:
- Rehabilitate owner-occupied units and provide homeownership opportunities
for low- and moderate-income families. The city will spend $120,000 to
rehabilitate approximately 12-15 owner-occupied single-family residential
units. The city will also continue to work with Southeast Texas Housing
Finance Corporation to assist first-time homebuyers. In addition, Community
Development Department staff will be looking for additional sources for
funding that may be available to assist with homeowner rehabilitation and
programs that will help with homeownership opportunities.
- Maintain existing units and increase the supply of decent, safe, and affordable
housing for low- and moderate-income families. The Housing Authority of
Texas City will continue to manage 130 public housing units and has applied
for CIAP funds to renovate 74 of these units.
Nonhousing Community Development Needs
The City of Texas City has diverse needs with respect to the nonhousing Community
Development Plan. The city has addressed its greatest needs in the 1995 Consolidated Plan
budget.
The nonhousing community development priorities are as follows:
- Public facility needs will be addressed by doing rehabilitation of the Heights
Gym and the Washington Campus to help improve youth activities in these
low-income neighborhoods.
- Infrastructure needs will be addressed by making street and drainage repairs
in low-income neighborhoods that are in need of these repairs.
- Public service needs will be assisted by removing architectural barriers in city
facilities to better serve the citizens with disabilities and those that are
handicapped.
- The city will also do code enforcement and demolition in low-income areas of
the city that are in great need of a good general clean-up.
- The city will continue to provide services to at risk homeless and homeless
persons to assist them in obtaining financial assistance, maintain existing
shelter, creating adequate shelter, and promoting self-sufficiency.
Anti-Poverty Strategy
The city has made great progress in its anti-poverty strategy. The Community Family
Center has helped to reach many families that are at the poverty level and provide them
with social services as well as GED and other educational programs. This has been an
extremely effective way to help low- and moderate-income citizens. These programs will
help to reduce the number of families that are at the poverty level.
Housing and Community Development Resources
The City of Texas City will receive a HUD grant of $683,000 CDBG funds to accomplish the
goals of the Community Development program.
ONE-YEAR ACTION PLAN
The Consolidated Plan includes a one-year action plan for spending $ 683,000 of
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds in 1995. These funds will primarily be
spent on housing and neighborhood livability activities.
- Single-family housing rehabilitation - $120,000
- Demolition/Clearance of Properties - $100,000
- Housing Authority Roofing Replacement - $75,000
- Street Repaving/Drainage Project - $65,000
- Public Services - $60,000
Location
Activities will take place in low- and moderate-income areas of the city or will benefit low-
and moderate-income persons.
Maps
MAP 1 shows points of interest in the City of Texas City.
MAP 2 shows points of interest in the City of Texas City with low- and moderate-income areas shaded.
MAP 3 shows areas of minority concentration with low- and moderate-income areas
outlined.
MAP 4 shows unemployment data (1990) by block group, with low- and moderate-income areas outlined.
MAP 5 and MAP 6 show selected CDBG projects to be funded by the City of Texas
City during its 1995 program year, with unemployment data shaded by block group
and low- and moderate-income areas outlined.
For additional information contact George Fuller, Community Development Director, at (409)
643-7530.
Return to Texas' Consolidated Plans.
