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NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION

In 1996, the City's population exceeded 50,000 and “entitlement status” from the federal government was achieved. Consequently, Pocatello became entitled to just over $600,000 per year in federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. The administration of these funds has become the division's primary focus. Currently, the Neighborhood and Community Services staff consists of a Division Manager, Grants Administrator, Rehabilitation Specialist, and a half-time Program Assistant. Additionally, part-time interns often complete special research assignments.

CDBG funds are utilized for a variety of housing and community development programs as well as several special projects. The City's Consolidated Plan for CDBG funding guides the spending of the funds and enables officials and citizens to collectively solve neighborhood and community problems that meet the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) national objectives which are:

1. Benefit to low-to-moderate income persons.

2. Removal or elimination of slums and blight.

3. Meeting other community development needs having a particular urgency because conditions may pose a serious and immediate treat to the health and welfare of the community.

The City's own goals and objectives primarily relate to revitalizing deteriorating neighborhoods, providing decent housing and suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities-principally for low and moderate income persons. In addition to working with and providing funding to various non-profits in the community (Pocatello Neighborhood Housing Services, Habitat for Humanity, Southeast Idaho Community Action Agency, Southeast Idaho Council of Governments, Pocatello Housing Authority, Greater Pocatello Senior Citizen Center, Bannock Youth Foundation, and In-Home Services), the Neighborhood and Community Services Division manages the City's own RENEWAL Program.

This acronym stands for “Revitalizing Existing Neighborhoods through Enhancement, Work, and Livability”. Program offerings include: sidewalk repairs, home emergency repairs, demolition assistance for deteriorated structures, code enforcement activities (including neighborhood clean-up), and rehabilitation and/or acquisition of problem property for redevelopment purposes. These federally-funded programs benefit lower-income households--typically on a sliding scale loan program geared to their individual income levels. Additionally, the division facilitates a facade improvement loan program for the benefit of the Downtown Business Improvement District (i.e. Old Town Pocatello). Close collaborative efforts between loan program administrators and code enforcement personnel are a key to the success of these and other revitalization efforts.

In fulfilling its duties, the Neighborhood and Community Services Division acts as staff support to the CDBG Advisory Committee, and the Fair Housing Committee.

The CDBG-Advisory Committee is charged with the development, oversight, and implementation including funding recommendations for the City's Consolidated Plan.

The Fair Housing Committee works with housing consumers and providers to “affirmatively further fair housing” and help ensure that residents of Pocatello are free from discrimination due to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability or familial status in connection with real property transactions.

Applications for future openings on these and other citizen advisory groups are always welcome and may be submitted to the Mayor's Office. Citizen participation is a key component of the City's CDBG programs, and several opportunities for public input on various aspects of these programs occur throughout the year and are publicly noticed in the Idaho State Journal.

NEIGHBORHOOD & COMMUNITY SERVICES DOCUMENTS