11-14-11 Regular Meeting of La Porte City Council

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City of La Porte, Texas 2. Consistent with the Fair Housing Act, the State of Texas and funded sub - recipients have historically conducted fair housing activities at various times of the year and should continue to fund, depending on sufficient appropriations, or collaborate with public and private agencies, organizations and groups to plan and conduct fair housing activities. ® We will conduct/sponsor/fund in fair housing activities at various times of the year other than "April as Fair Housing Month ". Attach a description of these activities and identify the organizations and agencies you have worked with. When will you do this? ❑ 2011 ® 2012 ❑ 2013 City shall place ads, update posters, distribute Fair Housing literature at city hall, library, and distribute at festivalstevents in English and Spanish. Organizations shall be identified as part of the reporting of efforts to implement the FHAST. ❑ Not Applicable. (Explain) Impediment #4 "Not in my Backyard" (NIMBY) may be an impediment to fair housing in Texas communities. 1. NIMBY opposition needs to be anticipated and planning and outreach should occur on the front end of projects. To mitigate defensive and reactive responses, planning should include strategies for education, outreach and marketing that provide accurate information and promote the positive aspects and benefits of affordable housing to build support among community residents.E 2. The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides extensive information about Fair Housing and examples at www.hud.goy Generally communities should consider: • Working with local officials, editorial boards, religious and civic organizations and other community leaders to initiate education programs. • Seeking opportunities to present information to community organizations by requesting to be placed on their meeting agendas. • Including a visit to the Group Home residence as part of an education program. • Answering all questions. • Talking with local neighborhood leaders, including elected representatives, and setting up a neighborhood meeting. • Setting up a liaison committee consisting of advocates, group residents, and neighborhood residents to discuss issues. • Identifying areas that meet AFFH targets where the community supports development, has worked with community groups and potentially uses funds to assist the development of multi - family affordable housing. ❑ We have developed an anti - NIMBYism action plan. [Attach a copy or description] ® We will develop an anti - NIMBYism action plan: Director of Planning is designatedto complete this task. When will you do this? ❑ 2011 ❑ 2012 ® 2013 Page 2 of 16