Subject:
Title
Joint proposal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for a Coordinated Framework to Resolve the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery allocation error.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Approval and execution by the County Administrator of the joint proposal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) between Pinellas County (County) and the City of St. Petersburg (City) to establish a coordinated framework to resolve the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) allocation error.
• The Joint Proposal establishes a framework to address the CDBG-DR allocation error through an interlocal funding agreement, allowing the County and City to efficiently coordinate housing recovery resources.
• The proposal requests HUD approval of administrative flexibilities necessary to streamline implementation, reduce duplication, and support continued disaster recovery efforts.
• Approval and execution of this joint proposal, by itself, has no fiscal impact on Pinellas County. Any future funding agreements, budget amendments, or program modifications resulting from HUD approval of the proposed framework will be brought forward in accordance with applicable County policies, federal requirements, and CDBG-DR grant requirements.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
Healthy and Safe Communities
2.2 Enhance community safety.
Prosperity and Opportunity
3.1 Increase the availability of attainable housing.
3.5 Foster business growth.
Smart Service Delivery
4.3 Improve efficiency of service delivery through technology.
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg have prepared a Joint Proposal to HUD establishing a coordinated approach to resolve the CDBG-DR allocation calculation error associated with the Disaster Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act 2025.
The Joint Proposal recommends resolving the approximately $126.0 million housing allocation correction through an interlocal funding agreement rather than a traditional subrecipient agreement. This approach is intended to streamline implementation, align program responsibilities, and ensure recovery resources remain focused on assisting disaster-impacted residents.
Under the proposed framework, the City would serve as the lead coordinator for applicable housing recovery programs benefiting St. Petersburg residents by utilizing its existing intake, case management, construction oversight, and program delivery infrastructure.
The County and City will also coordinate the transition of impacted applicants, including applicants who may have applied through the incorrect recovery program, to ensure residents continue receiving access to available recovery resources.
Additionally, the County and City propose identifying a mutually beneficial countywide infrastructure or mitigation project to address the approximately $47.7 million allocation correction associated with unmet business, infrastructure, and mitigation needs.
Background/Explanation:
Pinellas County received a CDBG-DR allocation of $813,783,000 to support long-term recovery activities following qualifying disaster events. After HUD identified an allocation calculation error impacting funding distribution between Pinellas County and the City of St. Petersburg, both jurisdictions worked together to develop a coordinated solution focused on assisting impacted residents.
The proposed interlocal framework maximizes recovery resources, reduces administrative delays, limits duplication of efforts, and establishes clear roles and responsibilities between both jurisdictions.
Through the Joint Proposal, the County and City are requesting HUD approval of administrative flexibilities to support efficient implementation, including streamlined Action Plan amendments, direct reporting by the City for programs it administers, and recognition of Hurricane Milton as a qualifying disaster event for St. Petersburg.
The County and City will also coordinate data sharing of applicable applicant information and disaster assistance records, including FEMA, SBA, and NFIP data, to support federal compliance and Duplication of Benefits (DOB) requirements.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval and execution of the Joint Proposal has no immediate fiscal impact on Pinellas County.
Any future funding agreements, budget amendments, or program modifications resulting from HUD approval of the proposed framework will be brought forward in accordance with applicable County policies, federal requirements, and CDBG-DR grant requirements.
Delegated Authority:
Authority for the County Administrator to sign this Joint Proposal is granted under Code Section 2-62 (a)(1).
Staff Member Responsible:
Matthew L. Spoor, Assistant County Administrator, County Administration
Erica R. Henry, Disaster Recovery Program Manager, Pinellas Recovers
Partners:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
City of St. Petersburg
Attachments:
Joint Proposal to HUD for a Coordinated Framework to Resolve the
Housing Allocation Error