Natalie M. Crowley

This document is a Resolution approving the City of Palm Beach Gardens Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Five-Year Consolidated Plan for Program Years 2020-2024. The plan incorporates a Year-One Action Plan and an Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing. Its primary purpose is to ensure eligibility for annual CDBG formula grants from U.S. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), ultimately benefiting the health, safety, and welfare of the city's residents.

This Five-Year Consolidated Plan for the City of Palm Beach Gardens outlines the strategic use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from 2020 to 2024. Developed through stakeholder consultation and data analysis, the plan prioritizes addressing needs in affordable housing, homelessness, non-housing community development, and non-homeless special needs. Key objectives include improving access to public infrastructure, rehabilitating existing housing units, enhancing public services, and overcoming barriers to affordable housing, all aimed at benefiting low- and moderate-income persons within the community.

The strategic plan for the City of Palm Beach Gardens serves as a comprehensive blueprint for addressing housing and community development needs. It outlines priorities, goals, and funding strategies, primarily utilizing federal resources through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The plan focuses on three main priority areas: Affordable Housing, Neighborhood Revitalization, and Planning and Administration. Its overarching aim is to promote decent housing, expand economic opportunities, support vibrant and inclusive neighborhoods, and enhance the overall quality of life for all residents, with a particular emphasis on benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals.

The City Council discussed the Economic Recovery Act (ERA) Grant Fund, which was created to assist businesses and residents affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. The Small Business Relief Fund provided grants to local small businesses, and the Unemployed Resident Relief Fund provided Publix gift cards to unemployed residents. The council also reviewed outdoor seating/use approvals for restaurants and other businesses, as well as updates on COVID-19 cases in hospitals, assisted living facilities, and nursing homes. Additionally, the council received an update on Capital Improvement Projects (CIP), including the Tennis Center Clubhouse, Tennis Center Court Renovation/Expansion, Fire Apparatus & Central Supply- Logistics Center, City Hall Renovations/Expansion, Police Department Renovations, Employee Wellness Center, Riverside Youth Enrichment Center, Demo of Golf Turf Care Facility, New Golf Course Maintenance Building, Public Safety Training Complex, and Gardens Park Baseball Complex Expansion.

The Palm Beach Gardens Fire Rescue (PBGFR) Strategic Plan focuses on improving internal communication, training programs, community engagement, succession planning, and logistics. The plan prioritizes enhancing services based on community needs and expectations, identified through a community-driven strategic planning process. Key areas of focus include improving response times, enhancing training programs to meet industry standards, developing effective public education and community outreach initiatives, creating a seamless personnel transition plan, and optimizing logistics to meet future needs. The plan aims to achieve these goals through specific objectives, timelines, and performance measures, ultimately striving to maintain PBGFR's status as an internationally accredited agency that delivers exceptional services with pride.