Fill - Free fillable City of Bremerton Community Development Block Grant Consolidated (City of Bremerton) PDF form

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton Community

Development Block Grant Consolidated

Plan and One-Year Action Plan

The City of Bremerton’s Component of the Kitsap County/City of Bremerton Consortium

Consolidated Plan

Exhibit A

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Executive Summary

ES-05 Executive Summary - 91.200(c), 91.220(b)

1. Introduction

The City of Bremerton, Washington is an entitlement community participating in the Kitsap County

HOME Consortium. Because of this, the City of Bremerton has participated in the preparation of the

Regional Consolidated Plan in order to implement our community's federal program funds from the U.S.

Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). These funds are Community Development Block

Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME). This plan is for the period of January

1, 2016 to December 31, 2020. The City of Bremerton receives a direct CDBG allocation, and works in

partnership with the Kitsap County Consortium to administer HOME funds. The City of Bremerton

receives its share of HOME funds based on a percentage allocation determined by HUD.

The Consolidated Plan follows requirements of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development

(HUD), and uses HUD's format and data tables required for plans adopted after November 15, 2012. The

purpose of this plan is to evaluate community needs and set goals for the five year plan period. Through

a Community Needs Assessment, Housing Market Analysis and with community input, the City of

Bremerton has developed a Strategic Plan. The Strategic Plan outlines the priorities and goals which

guide the allocation of funds over the five year period. The City will develop an Action Plan annual which

will include projects awarded funds through an annual application process. These projects will address

the priorities and goals over the 5-year period.

2. Summary of the objectives and outcomes identified in the Plan

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME)

funds will be used over the next five years to address the needs outlined in the Strategic Plan. HUD's

objectives guiding the proposed activities are:

• Provide decent affordable housing;

• Create suitable living environments; and

• Create economic opportunities

The following are the priorities and goals outlined in the Strategic Plan portion of this document. These

will guide the investment of CDBG and HOME funds in the City of Bremerton.

While ending homelessness is still a priority in the City, projects that address homelessness will be

funded from Homeless Housing Grant funds and will not be a high priority for CDBG and HOME funds.

Objectives and strategies to reduce and eliminate homelessness are included in the Kitsap County

Homeless Housing Plan and referenced in the Consolidated Plan. Homeless sections of this plan were

completed with information from the Homeless Housing Plan update in 2015.

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3. Evaluation of past performance

The City of Bremerton has continued to work collaboratively with Kitsap County to use CDBG and HOME

funds in the most efficient way possible. Funds declined significantly over the past five year period,

which resulted in fewer people being served in the community. Production of new housing units has

slowed and the allocation of funds has resulted in some difficult choices. Although the previous 5-year

Strategic Plan anticipated a small decrease in funding levels, the unforeseen federal entitlement

program funding cuts resulted in a challenging five year period. However, the City of Bremerton has

implemented the strategies of the 2011-2015 Consolidated Plan. Past accomplishments include:

• Provided funding for construction of 45 new units of rental housing and 14 new units of

homeownership housing;

• Funded the rehabilitation of 447 units of rental housing;

• Provided 45 homebuyers with assistance to purchase homes;

• Weatherized and provided minor home repair to 90 households;

• Provided funds for rehabilitation of 41 single-family homes;

• Provided food and services to over 8,000 individuals annually;

• Provided microenterprise and small business development assistance to 491 individuals; and

• Funded four public facilities.

4. Summary of citizen participation process and consultation process

Development of this plan is the result of evaluation of information and data from a variety of sources,

including the preparation of a Community Needs Assessment and Housing Market Analysis,

consultations with local municipalities and agencies, an online survey, community meetings and public

hearings. Homeless sections of the Consolidated Plan were completed with information developed

during the update of the Homeless Housing Plan undertaken in 2015. All of the input received from the

outreach conducted in 2015 has been considered and incorporated into the priorities and goals for the

plan. All public comments received during public comment periods will be addressed and included in the

final Consolidated Plan before submission to HUD.

5. Summary of public comments

One citizen comment was received during the 15-day open public comment period in August. The

comment is that "we need to encourage more business and industry and reduce the requirements on

buildings and development. We should work with the state to create tax free zones for light industry.

This will create the jobs we need and lift people out of poverty. If we stimulate our economy there will

be more tax dollars to take care of the elderly and disabled."

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6. Summary of comments or views not accepted and the reasons for not accepting them

All comments and views were accepted

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The Process

PR-05 Lead & Responsible Agencies - 91.200(b)

1. Describe agency/entity responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and those

responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source

The following are the agencies/entities responsible for preparing the Consolidated Plan and

those responsible for administration of each grant program and funding source.

Agency Role

Name

Department/Agency

Lead Agency

BREMERTON

CDBG Administrator

BREMERTON

HOME Administrator

BREMERTON

Table 1– Responsible Agencies

Narrative

Kitsap County is the lead entity for the Consolidated Plan. The City of Bremerton administers their own

CDBG funds and prepares their own Action Plan. The Kitsap County Block Grant Program, as part of the

Department of Human Services, is responsible for the administration of County CDBG and HOME funds.

The City of Bremerton administers their CDBG funds and share of HOME funds through the City's

Department of Community Development. The Bremerton City Council holds public hearings and

provides policy direction for CDBG funds and the City's portion of HOME funds.

Consolidated Plan Public Contact Information

Sarah Achaoui, CDBG Administrator

345 6th Street, Suite 600

Bremerton, WA 98337-1873

Phone: 360-473-5375

Email: sarah.achaoui@ci.bremerton.wa.us

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PR-10 Consultation - 91.100, 91.200(b), 91.215(l)

1. Introduction

Information about CDBG and HOME funds, including information about the annual RFP cycle, CAPER,

Action Plan and Consolidated Plan, is posted to the City of Bremerton CDBG program site. All subscribers

of the City of Bremerton Electronic Notification System receive notice whenever new information is

posted to the City of Bremerton website, including notification of public meetings and hearings. Notices

of public hearings are also published in the local paper of record. The City encourages involvement by

low and moderate income households, minorities and non-English speaking persons, as well as persons

with disabilities.

Provide a concise summary of the jurisdiction’s activities to enhance coordination between

public and assisted housing providers and private and governmental health, mental health

and service agencies (91.215(I)).

The City of Bremerton has sought to enhance coordination through participation in the Coordinated

Grant Application for use of HOME funds and a portion of the Affordable Housing Grant Funds and

Homeless Housing Grant funds are given to agencies operating within the Bremerton City limits. In

addition, information and goals from the Homeless Housing Plan have been incorporated into the

Consolidated Plan. Input from all area housing providers, health, mental health, and service agencies

was sought and included in the formation of goals and priorities for this plan. Because the City is

changing the direction of the use of CDBG funds to a more targeted approach there was great effort

placed in outreach and transparency to encourage public involvement in every step of the way. The City

held public hearings where public testimonial was taken.

The City of Bremerton continues to work with the Bremerton Housing Authority to prioritize housing

needs and services, and maximize the use of federal, state and local funds.

Describe coordination with the Continuum of Care and efforts to address the needs of

homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and families, families with

children, veterans, and unaccompanied youth) and persons at risk of homelessness

Kitsap County Continuum of Care Coalition (CoCC) is an active and engaged coalition of member

agencies serving the needs of the homeless in Kitsap County. The mission of the CoCC is to work

together to help homeless individuals and families achieve self-sufficiency. The CoCC meets monthly to

discuss and share information on housing, prevention of homelessness, restoration of homeless

individuals and families to stable living environments, and to promote community awareness of

homelessness through education, legislative advocacy, mutual support and the sharing of resources. The

CoCC members work closely with staff from Kitsap County Dept. of Human Services to address issues

such as unsheltered homeless and veterans homeless. Staff from the Homeless Housing Grant Program

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is actively engaged with the CoCC and member agencies are participating in the Homeless Housing Plan

update and priorities for these funds.

Describe consultation with the Continuum(s) of Care that serves the jurisdiction's area in

determining how to allocate ESG funds, develop performance standards and evaluate

outcomes, and develop funding, policies and procedures for the administration of HMIS

Kitsap County does not receive a direct allocation of ESG funds. Kitsap County is part of the Balance of

State and receives ESG through the Balance of State process each year. Kitsap County has fully

implemented the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) including full data sharing.

Agencies that receive funding through the Coordinated Grant Application process for homeless projects

are required to report in HMIS.

2. Describe Agencies, groups, organizations and others who participated in the process

and describe the jurisdictions consultations with housing, social service agencies and other

entities

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Table 2– Agencies, groups, organizations who participated

1 Agency/Group/Organization KITSAP COUNTY CONSOLIDATED HOUSING

AUTHORITY

Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing

PHA

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Lead-based Paint Strategy

Public Housing Needs

Market Analysis

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Agency provided narrative and data for the

plan.

2 Agency/Group/Organization Kitsap County Department of Community

Development

Agency/Group/Organization Type Other government - Local

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Market Analysis

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Data and information from the Buildable Lands

Analysts and planning staff were used in

development of the Consolidated Plan

3 Agency/Group/Organization Bremerton Housing Authority

Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing

PHA

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Market Analysis

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Agency provided narrative and data for the

plan.

4 Agency/Group/Organization City of Bremerton Department of Community

Development

Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Market Analysis

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How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Data and information from the Comprehensive

plan were used in development of the

Consolidated Plan.

5 Agency/Group/Organization Kitsap County Department of Human Services

Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-Elderly Persons

Services-Persons with Disabilities

Services-homeless

Other government - Local

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Non-Homeless Special Needs

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Data from existing plans and information from

program staff was used in the Needs

Assessment.

6 Agency/Group/Organization Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition

Agency/Group/Organization Type Services-homeless

Planning organization

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy

Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless

Homeless Needs - Families with children

Homelessness Needs - Veterans

Homelessness Needs - Unaccompanied youth

Anti-poverty Strategy

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Continuum of Care members participated in

the update of the Homeless Housing Plan.

Information from the plan was included in the

Needs Assessment, Market Analysis, and

Strategic Plan.

7 Agency/Group/Organization Kitsap Economic Development Alliance (KEDA)

Agency/Group/Organization Type Regional organization

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Economic Development

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How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Agency provided narrative and data for the

plan.

8 Agency/Group/Organization KMHS

Agency/Group/Organization Type Health Agency

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Homelessness Strategy

Homeless Needs - Chronically homeless

Non-Homeless Special Needs

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Agency provided narrative and data on the

housing and service needs of persons with

mental illness and also participated in the

update of the Homeless Housing Plan.

9 Agency/Group/Organization YWCA

Agency/Group/Organization Type Housing

Services-Victims of Domestic Violence

What section of the Plan was addressed by

Consultation?

Housing Need Assessment

Market Analysis

How was the Agency/Group/Organization

consulted and what are the anticipated outcomes

of the consultation or areas for improved

coordination?

Agency provided data and narrative on the

housing and service needs of victims of

domestic violence.

Identify any Agency Types not consulted and provide rationale for not consulting

Not Applicable

Other local/regional/state/federal planning efforts considered when preparing the Plan

Name of Plan

Lead Organization

How do the goals of your Strategic Plan

overlap with the goals of each plan?

Continuum of Care

Balance of Washington State

Continuum of Care

Goals are consistent with Balance of State

Continuum of Care goals

Kitsap County

Comprehensive Plan

Kitsap County Dept. of

Community Development

Goals are consistent with Housing Element

of County Comprehensive Plan.

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Name of Plan

Lead Organization

How do the goals of your Strategic Plan

overlap with the goals of each plan?

City of Bremerton

Comprehensive Plan

City of Bremerton Dept. of

Community Development

Goals are consistent with elements of the

City Comprehensive Plan.

Kitsap Homeless Housing

Plan

Kitsap County, Dept. of

Human Services

Goals are consistent with goals and

strategies of the Homeless Housing Plan.

Kitsap Community Health

Priorities-2014

Kitsap Public Health District

Data used in development of the Needs

Assessment/Housing Market Analysis.

State of WA Housing Needs

Assessment

WA State Affordable

Housing Advisory Board

Data used in development of the Needs

Assessment/Housing Market Analysis.

Table 3– Other local / regional / federal planning efforts

Describe cooperation and coordination with other public entities, including the State and any

adjacent units of general local government, in the implementation of the Consolidated Plan

(91.215(l))

Early in the process staff from the County Block Grant program met with the mayors of Port Orchard,

Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island, as well as individually with each commissioner to discuss the

Consolidated Planning process, and the needs and priorities in their jurisdictions. Staff also made

presentations at regularly scheduled city council meetings for each of the cities. A range of issues were

discussed, including the many positive aspects of living in Kitsap County. Some of the common issues

and concerns discussed included:

• The homeless population in Kitsap County, particularly street homeless and chronically

homeless individuals who are more difficult to serve. The need for emergency overnight shelter

and 24-hour access to services and shelter for people in crisis. There was also significant concern

expressed over Veterans homelessness.

• The aging population and increasing needs of seniors. The need for a wider range of options to

house seniors.

• Funding and/or regulatory incentives for affordable housing as government funding declines.

We need to find ways to promote and support construction of affordable housing that meets

the needs even at the lowest income levels.

• Economic and community development to improve our existing urban areas.

• Work force development and the need for training targeted at younger workers. The next

generation needs more apprenticeship type opportunities.

• Supportive housing for people overcoming substance abuse.

• More affordable housing, particularly rental housing in the north end of the County.

• We need better transportation – improved transit and connections to services.

Informational presentations on the Consolidated Plan and Homeless Housing Plan were made by county

staff to the city councils of Port Orchard, Poulsbo and Bainbridge Island. Staff from the City of Bremerton

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has made several presentations to Bremerton City Council regarding the goals and priorities in the

Consolidated Plan and a more targeted use of city funds.

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PR-15 Citizen Participation - 91.401, 91.105, 91.200(c)

1. Summary of citizen participation process/Efforts made to broaden citizen participation

Summarize citizen participation process and how it impacted goal-setting

Information from outreach to the community was used to establish the goals and priorities of the Consolidated Plan. As funding has declined it

has become even more important to target funds towards the highest priorities in the community. There are many needs, and often competing

priorities for funding, so the input of the community was essential in determining the strategic plan priorities.

Survey Results Summary: A community survey was launched on February 20th, 2015 and was open until March 10th, 2015. There were 242

respondents. The survey was announced on the County web site which triggered electronic notification of the survey availability to all

subscribers which includes citizens and agencies. The survey was designed to solicit input on challenges and priorities related to affordable

housing, economic development and community services and facilities. Survey participants were provided a number of options and asked to

rate, high/med./low, their priorities among the choices and explain why they selected their top priorities. When asked what are the top

challenges the top 3 responses were: not enough jobs; existing houses are in poor condition; and not enough affordable rental housing. When

survey participants were asked to allocate funds between four categories they allocated 32% of the funding towards economic development,

30% towards affordable housing, 22% towards services and 16% towards public facilities.

Community Meeting Summary: A community meeting was held on April 16th. Twenty-three people attended and participated in several

activities designed to solicit input. A group discussion was held and participants discussed what makes our community a great place to live; what

are the greatest challenges facing our community; and if you could make one change capable of transforming our community what would it

be? When asked about challenges our community is facing transportation connectivity, lack of economic diversity/job opportunities, aging

infrastructure and housing were mentioned by more than one person. The one change question elicited many different responses with most

focused on things to improve and diversify the economy and improve our community like transit oriented development, improved commercial

spaces, urban design standards for downtowns, and creative housing options.

When meeting participants were presented with a choice of several strategies and asked to prioritize one in each category for investment of

public funds, the following strategies received the most votes:

Economic Development

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• Modernization of older commercial buildings

• Classes and training for existing and prospective business owners

Homelessness

• Permanent Supportive Housing

• Rapid Re-housing

Affordable Housing

• Affordable Rental Housing

• More affordable homeowner housing

Public Facilities

• Repairs/upgrades to existing community social service buildings

• Infrastructure improvement/repair in low income areas

Human Services

• Health & Substance Abuse Services

• Self-sufficiency programs (i.e. literacy & financial education)

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Citizen Participation Outreach

Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

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Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Public Hearing

Non-

targeted/broad

community

City of Bremerton

public hearing

was well attended

with

approximately 15

public

testimonials

received. The

meeting was

advertised

through an article

in the newspaper,

an email to the

City's electronic

mailing list, and a

posting on the

City's website.

Support of the

City's initiative

to focus CDBG

funding in a

targeted area to

improve

affordable

housing and

economic

opportunities.

Also supportive

of having

economic

development

opportunities

available City-

wide. Other

comments

focused on the

hesitation of

having a target

area fearing that

other parts of

the City would

not benefit. It

was explained

however, that

economic

dddevelopment

will be available

City-Wide.

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Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Newspaper Ad

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Newspaper article

on City's use of

CDBG funds to

address empty

buildings and

blighted

conditions in the

city.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news

/local-news/council-to-vote-on-

fixing-bremertons-empty-

building-problem_70174437

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Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Internet

Outreach

Non-

targeted/broad

community

A community

survey was

launched on

February 20th,

2015 and was

open until March

10th, 2015. There

were 242

respondents. The

survey was

announced on the

County and City of

Bremerton web

sites which

triggered

electronic

notification of the

survey availability

to all subscribers

which includes

citizens and

agencies. The

survey was

designed to solicit

input on

challenges and

priorities related

to affordable

housing,

economic

development, and

abatement of

bli ht diti

See Survey

Results

Summary in

narrative above

under 1.

Summary of

citizen

participation

process/Efforts

made to

broaden citizen

participation.

All comments were

accepted.

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Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Public Meeting

Non-

targeted/broad

community

A community

meeting was held

on April 16th at

the Norm Dicks

Government

Center in

Bremerton.

Twenty-three

people attended

and participated

in several

activities and

discussion

designed to solicit

input on

community

priorities.

See summary of

Community

Meeting in

narrative above

under 1.

Summary of

citizen

participation

process/Efforts

made to

broaden citizen

participation.

All comments were

accepted.

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Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Public

Comment

Period

Non-

targeted/broad

community

A draft of the

Strategic Plan,

Needs

Assessment and

Housing Market

Analysis portions

of the

Consolidated Plan

was released on

August 4th, 2015

for a 15-day

written comment

period. The draft

plan was posted

to the County and

City of Bremerton

web sites which

triggered

electronic

notification of

availability. Notice

was also

published on the

County home

page.

One citizen

comment was

received which

stated we need

to encourage

more business

and industry,

reduce the

requirements on

buildings and

development

and create tax

free zones for

light industry in

order to create

jobs and lift

people out of

poverty.

All comments were

accepted.

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Sort Ord

Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Public Hearing

Non-

targeted/broad

community

2016 Notice of

Funding

Availability and

Policy Plan was

published for a

30-day public

comment period.

A public hearing

was held on May

11, 2015 with the

Kitsap County

Board of

Commissioners.

This opened the

grant application

cycle for 2016

funds.

No comments

were received.

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Mode of Outre

ach

Target of Outre

ach

Summary of

response/attenda

nce

Summary of

comments recei

ved

Summary of comm

ents not accepted

and reasons

URL (If applicable)

Public Hearing

Non-

targeted/broad

community

2016 City of

Bremerton Action

Plan was

published for a

30-day comment

period. A public

hearing was held

on November

18th, 2015 with

the Bremerton

City Council.

Public testimony

was taken on the

2016 use of funds

and the action

plan was adopted

by council.

Public Hearing

Non-

targeted/broad

community

Public Hearing

was held to adopt

the 2016

CDBG/HOME

Policy Plan.

Table 4– Citizen Participation Outreach

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Needs Assessment

NA-05 Overview

Needs Assessment Overview

The overall purpose of the Needs Assessment and Housing Market Analysis is to evaluate the range of

needs in the community and identify high priority needs that will be addressed by the Strategic Plan. The

Needs Assessment is comprised of data provided by HUD, primarily 2007-2011 CHAS, Census and

American Community Survey data as well as data from a number of Kitsap County agencies and

Washington State. This section follows HUD’s template and does not attempt to evaluate all data

available, but is instead focused on the areas of housing, homelessness, economic development,

facilities and services, as they relate to low-income and special needs populations.

Census Data

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NA-50 Non-Housing Community Development Needs - 91.415, 91.215 (f)

Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Facilities:

In the City of Bremerton the non-housing community development need is centered on the

communities need for jobs. The City has an unemployment rate of 6.5% compared to 5.5% in

Washington State, and 5.3% in Kitsap County. The City has chosen to focus its efforts on economic

development with the goal of creating and sustaining jobs for its residents. The low/mod percentage is

comparatively high with 61% city-wide and 69% within the Downtown Regional Center. The City Council

determined that targeting funds in this center which includes a designated blighted area will provide a

strategy to come up with a strong economic development and housing focus which will abate these

blighted conditions, as well as utilizing limited funds in a way that can provide the best opportunity for

leverage. Public facilities will be eligible for funding as long as they are within the target area known as

the “Downtown Regional Center.” The intention is to focus on capital projects that curb slum and blight,

improve public facilities, and invest in economic development.

How were these needs determined?

Needs were evaluated and determined during the outreach and planning process for the Consolidated

Plan.

Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Improvements:

In the City of Bremerton there is an emphasis in utilizing funds in a Downtown Regional Center. Within

this center there is a need for public improvement, especially improved streetscapes along 4th avenue

between Pacific and Washington. This area is a low-mod area and could greatly benefit from Public

Improvements.

How were these needs determined?

Needs were evaluated during the outreach and planning process for this Consolidated Plan. The City of

Bremerton held a series of "Community Conversation" events where staff could hear input from the

public on the need of the city and direction of the CDBG/HOME programs.

Describe the jurisdiction’s need for Public Services:

For this consolidated plan time period the City of Bremerton has decided to not fund public services.

While they are still a priority we believe the gap can be filled by the Homeless Housing Grant funds. The

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton has a high priority of focusing on economic development and affordable housing. The

City anticipated resuming the 15% allocation for public services in the next consolidated plan time

period.

How were these needs determined?

Needs were evaluated and determined using data, consultations with service providers and public

outreach.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Housing Market Analysis

MA-05 Overview

Housing Market Analysis Overview:

Nationally, homeownership rates have fallen back to 1993 levels. The decline can be attributed to

several factors including the effects of the recession on household formation and first time homebuyers,

decline in household incomes since the start of the recession, and restricted access to financing. At the

same time there has been a strong increase in demand for rental units. As the vacancy rate for rentals

has declined, rent increases continue to outpace inflation. To meet the surge in demand for rental units,

the number of single-family detached homes in the rental market increased and developers also

responded to soaring demand by steadily expanding the multifamily housing supply. Despite this

expansion of the stock, rental markets nationally continued to tighten in 2014. The national vacancy rate

dipped to 7.6 percent, its lowest point in nearly 20 years. As a result rents rose at a 3.2% rate last year –

twice the pace of overall inflation. (Source: The State of the Nation’s Housing 2015, Joint Center for

Housing Studies of Harvard University).

Home sales have increased overall in Washington State but are still recovering from the recession. A

typical first-time buyer can’t afford most homes for sale. The median renter household income in 2012

across the Washington State was $36,778. This means that a typical first-time homebuyer, paying no

more than 30% of that income on housing, could afford to purchase a $145,201 home. The median

priced home in Kitsap County in 2012 was $233,000. (Source: Washington State Housing Needs

Assessment 2015)

Affordability is an issue for many households across Washington State, particularly those whose incomes

are below 50% of the area median income. In Kitsap County a family of 4, would need an annual income

of $53,560 to afford a 3 bedroom rental unit with rent of $1,339. A single person household would need

an annual income of $30,400 to afford a rental unit with rent of $760. (Source: WA State Housing Needs

Assessment). Nationally rents for apartments have risen for 23 straight quarters. As of the third quarter

of 2014, rents were 15.2% higher than at the tail end of the Recession in 2009. The tightening rental

market has the most significant impact on low income renters. Many higher and middle income renters

occupy units that are affordable to lower income groups, reducing the supply of affordable and available

decent apartments for the lowest income renters. (Source: National Low Income Housing

Coalition(NLIHC), Out of Reach 2015.)

The City of Bremerton has a very old housing stock which puts children at risk for many indoor

environmental concerns such as asbestos, radon, and lead based paint poisoning. Often time’s families

do not have enough money to rehab and mitigate these potential hazards.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

The numbers from Kitsap Public Health regarding the reported lead poisoning cases from 2008-2015 are

listed below:

2009=1 (probable)

2010=2 (probable, confirmed)

2011=0

2012=0

2013=2 (2 confirmed)

2014=3 (2 confirmed, 1 probable)

2015=8 (4 confirmed, 4 probable)

Source: WA Dept. of Health, Public Health Information Management System (PHIMS), extracted

10/22/15.

City of Bremerton

Housing Occupancy

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2000 Census; 2010 Census; 2013 Population Estimates.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton

Year Structure Built

Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton

Gross Rent as a % of Household Income

Source: US Census, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

% of Income

Number

Percentage

Less than 15%

701

8.7%

15% to 19.9%

1,104

13.7%

20% to 24.9%

945

11.7%

25% to 29.9%

763

9.5%

30% to 34.9%

827

10.3%

35% or more

3,711

46.1%

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton

Monthly Owner Costs as a Percentage of Household Income

(Housing units with a mortgage only)

Source: US Census, 2009-2013 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates

% of Income

Number

Percentage

Less than 20%

1,372

31.4%

20% to 24.9%

623

14.3%

25% to 29.9%

620

14.2%

30% to 34.9%

393

9.0%

35% or more

1,358

31.1%

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

MA-45 Non-Housing Community Development Assets - 91.410, 91.210(f)

Introduction

As of June 2014, the civilian labor force in Kitsap County stood at 115,050 and the county unemployment rate was 5 percent compared to 7.1

percent in June 2013. Unemployment continues a steady decline in the county. Since 2004, Kitsap County typically experienced average annual

unemployment rates under 7 percent. Job numbers are starting to rebound, but have yet to make up for losses occurring from 2007 to 2014.

There were 84,800 nonfarm jobs in the county in June 2014, this figure reflects a net loss of approximately 3,200 jobs since June 2007. The main

component of Kitsap County’s employment is government. This sector typically accounts for a third of the nonfarm total with a total of 28,600

jobs.

Economic Development Market Analysis

Business Activity

Business by Sector

Number of

Workers

Number of Jobs

Share of Workers

Share of Jobs

Jobs less workers

Agriculture, Mining, Oil & Gas Extraction

Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations

1,367

1,428

-3

Construction

437

342

-2

Education and Health Care Services

2,257

5,470

Finance, Insurance, and Real Estate

541

595

-1

Information

229

319

Manufacturing

482

163

-4

Other Services

726

728

-2

Professional, Scientific, Management Services

748

814

-1

Public Administration

Retail Trade

1,377

1,655

-3

Transportation and Warehousing

294

329

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Business by Sector

Number of

Workers

Number of Jobs

Share of Workers

Share of Jobs

Jobs less workers

Wholesale Trade

370

407

-1

Total

8,853

12,274

Table 5 - Business Activity

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS (Workers), 2011 Longitudinal Employer-Household Dynamics (Jobs)

Labor Force

Total Population in the Civilian Labor Force

16,942

Civilian Employed Population 16 years and over

14,624

Unemployment Rate

13.68

Unemployment Rate for Ages 16-24

38.29

Unemployment Rate for Ages 25-65

7.25

Table 6 - Labor Force

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Occupations by Sector

Number of People

Management, business and financial

2,987

Farming, fisheries and forestry occupations

802

Service

1,837

Sales and office

3,295

Construction, extraction, maintenance and

repair 1,580

Production, transportation and material moving

899

Table 7 – Occupations by Sector

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Travel Time

Number

Percentage

< 30 Minutes

10,776

69%

30-59 Minutes

3,237

21%

60 or More Minutes

1,647

11%

Total

15,660

100%

Table 8 - Travel Time

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Education:

Educational Attainment by Employment Status (Population 16 and Older)

Educational Attainment

In Labor Force

Civilian Employed

Unemployed

Not in Labor Force

Less than high school graduate

845

143

702

High school graduate (includes equivalency)

3,073

295

1,533

Some college or Associate's degree

5,340

829

2,262

Bachelor's degree or higher

2,566

155

623

Table 9 - Educational Attainment by Employment Status

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Educational Attainment by Age

Age

18–24 yrs

25–34 yrs

35–44 yrs

45–65 yrs

65+ yrs

Less than 9th grade

249

334

236

127

9th to 12th grade, no diploma

825

541

161

356

485

High school graduate, GED, or alternative

2,306

1,552

1,081

2,408

1,274

Some college, no degree

2,661

2,239

1,568

2,851

1,041

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Age

18–24 yrs

25–34 yrs

35–44 yrs

45–65 yrs

65+ yrs

Associate's degree

215

754

581

1,209

303

Bachelor's degree

145

904

452

1,150

481

Graduate or professional degree

296

278

602

503

Table 10 - Educational Attainment by Age

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Educational Attainment – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months

Educational Attainment

Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months

Less than high school graduate

14,859

High school graduate (includes equivalency)

22,532

Some college or Associate's degree

31,223

Bachelor's degree

43,077

Graduate or professional degree

55,497

Table 11 – Median Earnings in the Past 12 Months

Data Source:

2007-2011 ACS

Based on the Business Activity table above, what are the major employment sectors within your jurisdiction?

• Education and Health Care Services

• Retail Trade

• Arts, Entertainment, Accommodations

• Professional, Scientific and Management services

What is not included in Table 45 – Business Activity, is the large number of defense related jobs in Kitsap County. Information from Naval Base

Kitsap, 2014 numbers for employment were:

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

• 8,700 military (active duty)

• 16,000 civilian

These numbers do not include government contractors. The civilian work force includes many professional and management workers employed

at Puget Sound Naval Shipyard, Naval Submarine Base Bangor and Naval Undersea Warfare Center.

Describe the workforce and infrastructure needs of the business community:

Workforce Needs:

As with most areas with technology related jobs, tech workers are needed. Healthcare managers cite the need for technology skills paired with

medical skills to meet many of the digital healthcare requirements. The skilled trades shortage impacts all communities with a manufacturing

presence. The addition of two large (and well paying) magnets for that workforce – Puget Sound Naval Shipyard and Boeing – in our region

make that shortage even more pronounced at times for manufacturers and defense contractors. The growth of the healthcare industry will

continue to bring healthcare workforce needs. The numbers and types of workers will evolve as the industry evolves across the board, all

managers and business owners cite a need for a workforce with strong community skills, strong work ethics and ability to work as a team

member.

Infrastructure Needs:

Business Parks currently do not have natural gas or sewer connections. The largest Greenfield site in the region (Puget Sound Industrial Center –

Bremerton) is 3,400 acres zoned for manufacturing under a master plan. Currently, access to infrastructure is more available on the Port of

Bremerton (publicly owned) leasable parcels. The privately owned parcels have some of the infrastructure, but not all. Broadband and fiber optic

connections are still a challenge for more rural parts of the county.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Describe any major changes that may have an economic impact, such as planned local or regional public or private sector

investments or initiatives that have affected or may affect job and business growth opportunities during the planning period.

Describe any needs for workforce development, business support or infrastructure these changes may create.

• CHI Harrison Medical Center has announced relocation of their Bremerton campus to their Silverdale Campus. It is anticipated that

Silverdale will be the healthcare hub for the county, with other healthcare providers moving closer to the new and expanded hospital.

• The Trails at Silverdale is a 30 acre retail project at the entrance to Silverdale. This project will contain 200,000 SF of retail space.

• Two major contracts at Naval Base Kitsap have changed. Multiple Ship Maintenance and Operations changed from Vigor to General

Dynamics in 2014. This will require establishing new relationships for small businesses as subcontractors. Chugach took over the West

Sound (Kitsap) Base Operating and Service Contract in 2014 from EJB. Again, this will require small business to establish new

subcontracting relationships.

• Anticipated transportation funding would bring new ferries to the system (for commuters) and some minor road changes in the county.

• The Port of Bremerton continues to seek funding to finish the connector road between Hwy 3 and Lake Flora Road, making the privately

owned parcels of the Puget Sound Industrial Center – Bremerton more accessible to workers in South Kitsap. It also creates an access

point for other infrastructure needs.

• Several housing projects in Poulsbo are in permit status to create an additional 700 units.

Needs:

• The healthcare industry will continue to grow, requiring additional healthcare workers.

• A new retail center will create many new retail and service positions in a community already saturated with retail workers.

• Housing projects will create the need for construction worker in all trades; it is possible that during the recession some of those workers

may have retrained for other skilled trades positions in manufacturing.

• There will be increased traffic in Silverdale with additional healthcare offerings.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

How do the skills and education of the current workforce correspond to employment opportunities in the jurisdiction?

In reviewing the top “hard skills” needed by employers, two are based on both experience and training – quality assurance and quality

control. These are often required for large federal defense contracts and are proving difficult to fill. The majority on the list are tech related,

services related and healthcare related. Related to skills are the ability to obtain access and clearance on Naval Base Kitsap, which requires US

Citizenship and no criminal history. More healthcare and technology training is needed to meet the future needs.

Describe any current workforce training initiatives, including those supported by Workforce Investment Boards, community

colleges and other organizations. Describe how these efforts will support the jurisdiction's Consolidated Plan.

• Olympic College is part of Air Washington, a consortium of community and technical colleges providing aerospace workforce

skills. Many of those skills cross over into other manufacturing scenarios.

• Olympic College offers BAS (Bachelor of Applied Science) of Nursing Degree. Additionally, they offer certificates in Medical Assisting,

Medical Billing, Medical Receptionist, Nursing Assistant, Pharmacy Technician, Polysomnography Technology, Chemical Dependency and

Practical Nursing.

• Olympic College has several certificate programs supporting technology: Applications Server; CIS Basic and CIS Core; Electronics; IT

Project Management Essentials; Information Systems Security; Open Source Systems; Software Application Development; Technical

Design – GIS and Web Client Side Development.

• Certificate offerings from Olympic College in skilled trades: Advanced Manufacturing Composites, Composites Manufacturing

Technology; Manufacturing Technology; Welding Technology Proficiency and Welding Technology Specialization.

• Olympic also has certificate programs supporting professional services, business and retail.

• Olympic College recently added a BAS in Information Systems

• In collaboration with Western Washington University at Olympic College, the following degrees are available in Kitsap County: Business

Administration, BA; Environmental Policy, BA; Environmental Science, BS; Human Services, BA; Elementary Teacher Education, BAE and

Certification.

• In partnership with Washington State University, Kitsap students can obtain a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from WSU

• Everest College in Bremerton provides healthcare training with diplomas in dental assistant, massage therapy, medical administrative

assistant, medical assistant and pharmacy technician.

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

• Many of the retired and separated military workforce remain in the area with a diverse and skilled training background.

• The Olympic Workforce Development Council is working to provide timely training with input from the WIOA guidelines.

Does your jurisdiction participate in a Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS)?

Yes

If so, what economic development initiatives are you undertaking that may be coordinated with the Consolidated Plan? If not,

describe other local/regional plans or initiatives that impact economic growth.

Kitsap is part of the Puget Sound Economic Development District administered by the Puget Sound Regional Council.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

MA-50 Needs and Market Analysis Discussion

Are there areas where households with multiple housing problems are concentrated?

(include a definition of "concentration")

The primary housing problem in Bremerton is housing cost burden. The problems of overcrowding and

lack of kitchen or plumbing facilities are small.

Geographic analysis shows that the concentration of older housing stock overlaps with a concentration

of low to moderate income families. Areas which have a greater than 51% concentration of low and

moderate income persons are located in a higher percentage primarily in West Bremerton, and a slightly

lower percentage in East Bremerton. Housing units built before 1978, also concentrated primarily in

West Bremerton are more likely to contain lead-based paint and are more likely in need of major repair.

Yet, these houses are occupied by families least likely to have the financial means to correct either

potential lead hazards or make all other needed repairs. The City’s low/mod Census Tracts are all in

need of reinvestment through owner and rental housing rehabilitation.

The City of Bremerton has a high rental to owner occupant rate (60% renters to 40% buyers). Single-

family owner units are available at relatively low prices, but the demand isn’t there because of this need

for extensive and expensive renovation in many of the structures, as well as stricter loan standards and

higher down payment requirements which limit the number of potential buyers. More affluent buyers

will tend to favor newer construction, in other more attractive parts of the City or even the County. The

rental market is stronger because of the transient nature of the community which creates an increased

demand, especially for more modern or better kept buildings. Rents tend to increase, even for poorer

buildings, exacerbating the cost burden issue for low-income households. Landlords are often unable to

make costly repairs to their rental units thereby creating unsafe and a lower quality of housing for some

low-income households as well.

Are there any areas in the jurisdiction where racial or ethnic minorities or low-income

families are concentrated? (include a definition of "concentration")

HUD has generated a series of standards that can be used to determine if a Census Block Group has a

minority concentration or a concentration of low-income households. To determine if a low-income

concentration exists, the Area Median Income of a Block Group must be below 50% of the Area Median

Income for the Metropolitan Statistical Area (MSA). In 2015 the median income for the Bremerton-

Silverdale MSA is $74,600. Therefore, a Block Group with a median income of less than $37,300 would

be considered to have a concentration of low-income households. In Kitsap County the majority of

census block groups that meet this criteria are located in Bremerton. While the City of Bremerton has

block groups with a high concentration of poverty, the City does not have particular block groups with

high minority populations.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Under the HUD definition, an area is considered to have a high concentration of minority persons if the

percentage of households in a particular racial or ethnic minority group in a Block Group or Groups is at

least 20 percentage points higher than the percentage of that minority group for the MSA. Race and

ethnicity data was reviewed for each of the census block groups in Bremerton and Kitsap County and no

census block group had a minority concentration.

What are the characteristics of the market in these areas/neighborhoods?

The City of Bremerton has 10 Census Tracts with over 50% of the population low/moderate income.

These neighborhoods are centered around the downtown core extending out to West Bremerton, as

well as across the water in East Bremerton. The highest percentage of low/moderate income population

is census tract 812 which is near the downtown core with 95% LMI. The housing stock in these

neighborhoods is older and the rental rates are high. The percentage of cost-burdened households in

these areas is also high.

Are there any community assets in these areas/neighborhoods?

There are many community assets in the downtown/residential core NRSA including well established,

older neighborhoods, attractive City Parks, access to the waterfront, investment in revitalization of the

downtown core, capable and willing community partners, and a targeted City investment of its CDBG

resources.

Are there other strategic opportunities in any of these areas?

Over the past few years, downtown Bremerton redevelopment has been encouraged and is on the rise

due to the creation of new housing units downtown. The City’s focus on directing CDBG funds towards

this target area, and with the establishment of an NRSA the City hopes to create mixed income

developments by leveraging demand for market rate housing in the area with the demand for affordable

housing representing a strategic opportunity for Bremerton.

The downtown/residential core NRSA encompasses census tract 805 which has 72% LMI. This area is

also where the city plans on investing a large percentage of its CDBG allocation for the next 5 years.

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Strategic Plan

SP-05 Overview

Strategic Plan Overview

The City of Bremerton’s Strategic Plan for the Consolidated Plan period from January 1, 2016 through

December 31, 2020 sets forth the City’s priorities for expenditure of available Community Development

Block Grant Funds (CDBG and HOME) Priorities are based on the needs assessment, and address

geographic priorities and priority needs. The strategic plan addresses HUD’s goal to provide decent

housing, a suitable living environment, and expand economic opportunity.

Bremerton’s Strategic Plan is centered on its most pressing need: providing economic development and

opportunity. By addressing concentrated areas of urban blight and deteriorating housing stock,

Bremerton will be able to provide a sustainably healthy economic environment where a suitable living

environment and decent, affordable housing opportunities are the norm.

The City will target its funds in a specific target area which includes its downtown. The City has also

renewed its designation of a portion of the downtown core as a slum and blight zone. The City intends

to utilize its funding to abate slum and blight conditions, provide economic development and affordable,

suitable housing in the target area.

The City’s priorities for use of CDBG funds will remain the same throughout the 5 year consolidated plan

time period. The City has designated two target areas for prioritization of use of funds. One area is

targeted for capital projects, while the other is designated as Slum and Blight. 55% of funds will go

towards housing and economic development projects in the City designated target area. Within this

target area there are 72% low and moderate income families. 10% of funds will go towards the slum and

blight zone, and 15% will be available for Economic Development City-wide. The percentages for

dedication of use of funds will be reassessed per year and may change however the target areas and

priorities will stay the same.

The City of Bremerton will utilize HOME funds for improving and preserving affordable housing. 15% will

continue to be set aside for CHDO projects and $75,000 will be set aside for the City of Bremerton Down

Payment Assistance Program.

City of Bremerton will award its funding through a Request for Proposal process. Through this process

the City is able to ensure that the specific needs and objectives detailed in the Consolidated Plan.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

City of Bremerton Strategic Plan Priorities

• Revitalize targeted neighborhoods;

• Improve and preserve affordable homeownership housing;

• Expand economic opportunities for very-low and low-income Bremerton residents;

• Abate Slum and Blight conditions downtown;

• Increase homeownership opportunities for low to moderate income Bremerton residents.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

SP-10 Geographic Priorities - 91.415, 91.215(a)(1)

Geographic Area

Table 12 - Geographic Priority Areas

General Allocation Priorities

Describe the basis for allocating investments geographically within the state

The City of Bremerton realizes the needs and the impact of a targeted use of funds and because the

downtown core is a designated regional growth center with a low/mod population.

CDBG target area

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Downtown Blight Zone

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Downtown/Residential Core Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

SP-25 Priority Needs - 91.415, 91.215(a)(2)

Priority Needs

Table 13 – Priority Needs Summary

Priority Need

Name

Economic Development

Priority Level High

Population Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Non-housing Community Development

Geographic

Areas

Affected

Associated

Goals

Increase economic opportunities

Economic Development-City Wide

Description Bremerton is a low-income City with few living-wage jobs outside the Navy and

military associated industries. Bremerton is also home to a blighted, historic

downtown core. CDBG funds will be prioritized to addressing blight in this target

area, and furthering economic opportunity through innovative programs aimed at

job creation and small business entrepreneur support.

Basis for

Relative

Priority

Unemployment rate from the City of Bremerton as of April 2015 is 6.5%, higher

than Kitsap County as a whole (5.3%) and the State of Washington (5.5%). The City

also has a commercial vacancy rate of 15% in the downtown area. By increasing

economic opportunities for low-income residents of the City, through increasing

business opportunies, the City hopes to abate slum and blight conditions as well as

decrease the commercial vacancy rate. In the 2015 Point in Time count 35% of the

respondents listed employment as the cause of homelessness

Priority Need

Name

Abatement of Blight Conditions Downtown

Priority Level High

Population Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Non-housing Community Development

Consolidated Plan

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OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Geographic

Areas

Affected

Associated

Goals

Abate Blight Conditions

Description The downtown core has been designated as slum and blight since the 1970’s. 89%

of buildings are either vacant, deteriorating, or have depreciated in value. It is

critical to target funds and efforts to abating these conditions and creating

economic opportunities as well as affordable housing available to benefit all City of

Bremerton residents.

Basis for

Relative

Priority

For four decades the City of Bremerton's historic downtown core has been

designated as a blight zone. Many of these buildings are vacant, in deteriorating

condition or have depreciated in value. By focusing its efforts in this target zone,

the City hopes to increase economic opportunities and create affordable housing

benefitting all Bremerton residents.

Priority Need

Name

Affordable Housing

Priority Level High

Population Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families

Families with Children

Elderly

Frail Elderly

Persons with Mental Disabilities

Persons with Physical Disabilities

Persons with Developmental Disabilities

Persons with Alcohol or Other Addictions

Persons with HIV/AIDS and their Families

Victims of Domestic Violence

Geographic

Areas

Affected

Associated

Goals

Preserve and Increase Affordable Housing

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Description Bremerton is an old city, and most of its housing stock is aging and deteriorating.

However, these solid, pre-WWII homes are diamonds in the rough, located in

walkable neighborhoods, close to schools and amenities, and with careful rehab,

very suitable starter homes for lower income residents. However resources for

rehab are limited and many homeowners cannot afford these costly repairs. It is

becoming too costly for homeowners to purchase and rehab these homes.

Basis for

Relative

Priority

60% of Bremerton residents rent. With the Navy presence, Bremerton will always

have a higher-than-average rental rate, but with efforts to improve the housing

stock, we can attract new homeownership to our city. The City will primarily use

HOME funds for homeownership initiatives. Over three-quarters of the housing

units were built before 1980, nearly one-quarter before WWII. These aging

unites typically have more issues related to upkeep than buildings built more

recently. As home maintenance and improvement projects are necessary with older

housing, more residents will be faced with increasing housing costs, which hinder

the overall ability of residents to afford housing in these jurisdictions over time.

Also, many of these older homes lack energy efficiency. This poses two problems:

environmental concerns and higher utility costs for occupants. Older homes may

also present health hazards due to their potential to contain lead-based

paint and/or asbestos. Many of these holder housing units require some degree to

bring them to current, acceptable building standards. Aging housing is also

important in regards to renter-occupied units. When renters occupy older housing,

housing quality and occupant safety concerns become more of an issue because

many of the owners may not have much of an incentive to invest time and money

into maintenance and improvements. Thus, over time rental units begin to

deteriorate and suffer from deferred maintenance.

Priority Need

Name

Public Facilities

Priority Level Low

Population Extremely Low

Low

Moderate

Large Families

Families with Children

Elderly

Public Housing Residents

Non-housing Community Development

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Geographic

Areas

Affected

Associated

Goals

Public Facilities-City

Description The City of Bremerton will look for public facility projects which serve the target

area and surrounding residential areas to better the streetscapes, improve public

parks, or establish community facilities.

Basis for

Relative

Priority

City of Bremerton's street and park maintenance budgets are shrinking while

infrastructure maintenance needs are increasing. The City hopes to implement the

redevelopment of streetscapes with street furnishing, improved lighting, and

increased accessibility as well as improve the city's public parks in the target area.

Narrative (Optional)

City of Bremerton will utilize funds to address "high" priorities.

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

SP-35 Anticipated Resources - 91.420(b), 91.215(a)(4), 91.220(c)(1,2)

Introduction

Kitsap County the City of Bremerton together formed a consortium for Home Investment Partnership (HOME) funds from HUD. The County is

the lead agency responsible for administration of HOME funds. The City of Bremerton receives a direct allocation of CDBG funds from HUD and is

responsible for administration of their funds.

Anticipated Resources

Program

Source

Funds

Uses of Funds

Expected Amount Available Year 1

Expected

Amount

Available

Reminder

of ConPlan

Narrative Description

Annual

Allocation:

Program

Income:

Prior Year

Resources:

Total:

CDBG

public -

federal

Acquisition

Admin and

Planning

Economic

Development

Housing

Public

Improvements

Public Services 390,000 0 0 390,000 1,560,000

The City of Bremerton will release Request for

Funding Proposals based on the City's

geographic priorities of the Downtown

Residential Target area, the Slum and Blight

target area, or for Economic Development in

the City as a whole. RFP's will also focus on

the City's priorities of use of funds which

include: economic development, housing,

public facilities, and abatement of slum and

blight. The City strongly encourages

applicants to leverage funds from other

resources including State resources, private

resources, or other public resources.

Table 14 - Anticipated Resources

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

Explain how federal funds will leverage those additional resources (private, state and local funds), including a description of how

matching requirements will be satisfied

At the time of application, all applicants for CDBG or HOME funds must submit a Sources of Funding form to indicate what other funding is

expected to be used for the project. All HOME projects must indicate what they will use as match for their project. When a written agreement is

executed for projects awarded CDBG or HOME funds, agencies must update the sources of funding and provide a detailed budget to show how

expected funds will be used. For HOME funded projects, documentation of commitment for all other funding in the project is required before

funds are committed and a written agreement is executed.

If appropriate, describe publically owned land or property located within the state that may be used to address the needs

identified in the plan

Discussion

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

SP-40 Institutional Delivery Structure - 91.415, 91.215(k)

Explain the institutional structure through which the jurisdiction will carry out its consolidated plan

including private industry, non-profit organizations, and public institutions.

Responsible Entity

Type

Role

Geographic Area Served

BREMERTON

Government

Non-homeless special

needs

Ownership

Planning

Jurisdiction

KITSAP COUNTY

Government

Homelessness

Non-homeless special

needs

Ownership

Planning

Other

Bremerton Housing

Authority

PHA

Ownership

Public Housing

Jurisdiction

KITSAP COUNTY

CONSOLIDATED

HOUSING AUTHORITY

PHA

Ownership

Planning

Public Housing

Rental

Jurisdiction

Table 15 - Institutional Delivery Structure

Assess of Strengths and Gaps in the Institutional Delivery System

The City of Bremerton has a wide variety of non-profit and government agencies working together to

address our community’s most pressing needs. Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition is actively meeting,

planning and working to address homeless. Our county has fully implemented HMIS and conducts an

annual Point in Time Count. The Homeless Housing Plan is being updated in 2015 and there are groups

working on veterans homelessness and chronic homeless on the streets.

Through a coordinated application process each year HOME funds along with Homeless Housing Grant

funds and Affordable Housing Grant funds are awarded. This process has improved coordination of

funding and allows better targeting of funds. These funding sources are administrated by the County

and staff is housed in the Dept. of Human Services. The City of Bremerton’s HOME funds are also

allocated through the Coordinated Grant Application process. Beginning in 2015 the City of Bremerton

will utilize an RFP process to allocate CDBG funds which will be targeted towards economic

development.

There is a significant and growing need for affordable housing, and agencies including CHDOs with the

ability to successfully develop new units in Kitsap County. However, the lack of funding available to

develop new units, and rehabilitate existing aging housing, has resulted in a growing gap. Cuts to federal

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

and state funds for affordable housing have resulted in almost no new development of subsidized

housing units over the last few years. If funds continue to decline, this trend will continue.

Availability of services targeted to homeless persons and persons with HIV and mainstream

services

Homelessness Prevention

Services

Available in the

Community

Targeted to

Homeless

Targeted to People

with HIV

Homelessness Prevention Services

Counseling/Advocacy

Legal Assistance

Mortgage Assistance

Rental Assistance

Utilities Assistance

Street Outreach Services

Law Enforcement

Mobile Clinics

Other Street Outreach Services

Supportive Services

Alcohol & Drug Abuse

Child Care

Education

Employment and Employment

Training X

Healthcare

HIV/AIDS

Life Skills

Mental Health Counseling

Transportation

Other

Table 16 - Homeless Prevention Services Summary

Describe how the service delivery system including, but not limited to, the services listed

above meet the needs of homeless persons (particularly chronically homeless individuals and

families, families with children, veterans and their families, and unaccompanied youth)

The City of Bremerton homeless response system is coordinated through the Kitsap Continuum of Care

Coalition, comprised of 40+ organizations providing prevention rental assistance, emergency shelter

beds, transitional housing units, rapid rehousing subsidies, and permanent supportive housing units in

tandem with a wide range of progressive engagement case management and tailored supports. Kitsap’s

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

coordinated entry program, the Housing Solutions Center, provides intake, assessment, and referrals for

all households experiencing housing instability and homelessness. The Housing Solutions Center refers

households to appropriate emergency housing resources and maintains a community-wide waiting list

for emergency housing. Chronically homeless individuals are currently under-served in Kitsap, with few

programs targeting their needs. Kitsap Community Resources provides a wide range of social services,

including housing and supports, for homeless families. Veterans receive prevention funding through the

Kitsap Veterans Assistance Fund, and rental assistance and case management through the Veterans

Assistance and Supportive Housing (VASH) voucher and the Supportive Services for Veteran Families

(SSVF) program. The Coffee Oasis provides a wide array of services for unaccompanied homeless and

street-oriented youth, drop-in centers, case management, job training, and a youth shelter.

Describe the strengths and gaps of the service delivery system for special needs population

and persons experiencing homelessness, including, but not limited to, the services listed

above

The strength of the Kitsap homeless response system is in the leadership from elected officials and

social service providers through the Kitsap Continuum of Care Coalition. Kitsap’s coordinated entry

system, the Housing Solutions Center, is recognized as one of the best programs of its kind in the

state. Other strengths include accurate data collection through the Kitsap Homeless Management

Information System and data sharing between organizations, with periodic analysis and reports being

generated. The Kitsap Coordinated Grant Application Process ensures effective investment of public

funds and efficient grant administration.

Despite great improvements in provision of housing and services to people experiencing homelessness,

and a vastly improved capacity over the last 10 years, specific barriers and gaps to our community’s

capacity to assist all people who are homelessness have been identified. These barriers and gaps are the

underlying causes of Kitsap’s inability to meet the needs of all homeless residents at this time. They

include:

• Insufficient funding

• Increased demand

• Limited capacity – both in housing stock and services, and in providers’ ability to expand service

provision

The following needs and gaps in homeless housing and resources have been identified:

• Emergency shelter for single men, men with children, couples, and large families

• Housing and services for homeless individuals entering the community from jails, correctional

facilities, foster care, hospitals, and mental institutions, and who are chronically unsheltered.

• Overnight Shelter

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

• Harm Reduction housing (for chronically unsheltered individuals)

• Additional units of Permanent Supportive Housing

• Coordination of case management both between homeless providers and among other systems

of care

• Cross-sector leadership

• Citizen outreach and communication

Integration of planning efforts

The 2015 Kitsap Homeless Housing plan includes additional detail about the needs and gaps in the

current homeless response system.

Provide a summary of the strategy for overcoming gaps in the institutional structure and

service delivery system for carrying out a strategy to address priority needs

The 2015 Kitsap Homeless Housing Plan includes a strategic plan, comprising five goals with supporting

strategies and action steps. Indicators of success are included for each goal. The overall goal of the Plan

is to work together as a community to make homelessness a rare, brief, and one time occurrence in

Kitsap County through an efficient and effective homeless response system.

1) Make homelessness rare (prevention strategies).

2) Make homelessness brief (crisis response strategies).

3) Make homelessness one-time (ensure long-term housing stability strategies).

4) Continuously improve the homeless response system (increase capacity and efficiency strategies).

5) Expand community engagement (leadership, planning, and communication strategies).

Consolidated Plan

BREMERTON

OMB Control No: 2506-0117 (exp. 07/31/2015)

SP-45 Goals - 91.415, 91.215(a)(4)

Goals Summary Information

Sort

Order

Goal Name

Start

Year

End

Year

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