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Politics Oct 04, 2024
Bloomington Grove was the first multi-use affordable housing project in San Bernardino County. | Photo courtesy of San Bernardino County
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The San Bernardino County Community Development and Housing Department has invited residents to participate in a survey that aims to help shape future housing and development policies.
Every five years, the department is required to draft a plan to determine the county’s affordable housing and community development needs. The strategic plan is a guide for how county officials will spend housing and community development grant funds from the federal government.
“Public participation is critical in establishing future priorities,” according to a county statement.
“Our goal is to connect with our residents to gather information that will help us identify community needs and ensure HUD funding is spent on priority projects that benefit low- to moderate-income residents,” CDH Director Carrie Harmon said in a statement. “Community members are encouraged to participate by sharing their feedback through the survey.”
The general purpose of the “Consolidated Plan” for housing policy is to increase affordable residential units, reduce homelessness and offer social services to underserved communities, according to the county. Funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development can be channeled to a range of projects and services that include infrastructure development, emergency shelter services, affordable housing and community services.
As an example, officials pointed to the county’s 2020-25 Consolidated Plan that established several goals for HUD funding. Those federal dollars financed new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation of housing for seniors, disabled county residents and homeless individuals, support for emergency housing and supportive services for the homeless and support to organizations that assist low-income residents and those with special needs.
To provide input that will help shape the 2025-30 Consolidated Plan, residents must complete the online survey by Oct. 31, officials said. The survey is at surveymonkey.com/r/B5QXFCP.
CDH will also host several community meetings to discuss the 2025-30 plan.
More information is online at tcdh.sbcounty.gov. For any questions about the survey, email cdbg.info@cdh.sbcounty.gov.
