Goodyear staff recommend prioritizing housing in CDBG plan and propose $62,200 for local eviction‑prevention nonprofit

City staff presented a draft FY27 consolidated plan framework that would guide how the City of Goodyear uses federal HUD funds — the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and, in future years, HOME consortium dollars — and recommended shifting attainable and sustainable housing to a high priority for the coming plan.

Staff used a planning estimate of about $415,000 for Goodyear’s CDBG allocation (HUD finalized federal budget on Feb. 4 and the final local allocation remains pending). Staff noted HUD rules that allow a maximum of 20% of the allocation for program administration (roughly $83,000 on a $415,000 allocation), leaving an estimated $330,000 for other activities, and said public services are capped at 15% of the total allocation.

Among recommended activities for FY27, staff highlighted two feasible, eligible investments: tenant–landlord public services (eviction prevention) and reviving an owner‑occupied home‑rehab program. Staff recommended using the subrecipient model for eviction‑prevention services and a competitive procurement process for rehab contractors.

Staff introduced Jovanni Cares as a local nonprofit that provides eviction‑prevention legal advocacy, mediation and court support. Jovanni Sherat Leggett, founder and executive director of Jovanni Cares, told the council that the organization has served residents countywide and that nearly 600 of those served last year were Goodyear residents. ‘‘It’s not that people don’t have the money, it’s that they don’t have the time,’’ Leggett said, explaining that tenants often lack the time and the knowledge to navigate court proceedings after receiving improper or incorrectly completed five‑day notices.

Staff said Jovanni Cares is registered in SAM.gov and is eligible to receive federal funding; the organization requested $62,200 to cover staffing and direct program costs to expand eviction‑prevention services in Goodyear as a CDBG subrecipient. Staff emphasized that, under the proposed use, CDBG funds would be used strictly for eviction‑prevention public services (not for direct rental assistance or child care), and that subrecipient agreements are reimbursable and require federal reporting and documentation (proof of hours, time‑and‑effort records, invoices and proof of payment).

Council members asked whether Jovanni Cares has capacity to administer federal funds and how the city would ensure funds benefit Goodyear residents. Staff said subrecipients must maintain address‑based records to document service to Goodyear residents and that the proposed agreement would be for one year with an option to extend only if funds remain and reporting requirements are met. Staff also said they will pursue other funding sources so the owner‑occupied rehab program need not rely solely on CDBG long term.

The draft consolidated plan (including the two proposed investments) will be available for public comment April 1–30. A public hearing in council chambers is scheduled for April 27; staff will incorporate comments and return a final plan to council for authorization on May 11, contingent on HUD’s final allocation.