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Commissioners were invited to attend CRIL's Annual Public Board Meeting on Thursday, March 24, 2011, from 3:30 -6:00 p.m. Abode Services, Penny Andersen - Tri- Valley Housing Scholarship Program Case Management and Rent Subsidies Ms. Andersen informed the Commission that funds were being requested for continuation of the rental assistance and case management components of the Tri- Valley Housing Scholarship Program. She provided information about the success of the program which helps individuals finish their education and enter or return to the work force. The Commission was advised that most participants in the program are able to secure employment positions that enable them to stay in the area. Tri - Valley Housing Opportunity Center, Milly Seibel - Community Stabilization Program Ms. Seibel advised that the Tri - Valley Housing Opportunity Center has been in existence since 2005. The Community Stabilization program is a new service that provides counseling, assistance and resources to households detailing with pre- and post - foreclosure issues. These services will be offered through the agency's Livermore office and at satellite locations being provided by participating cities. The new program is in addition to the existing first -time home buyer education program. Neighborhood Solutions - Housing Rehabilitation Program Scott Erickson provided information about the grant request from Neighborhood Solutions. He advised that the Housing Rehabilitation Program is a popular City - sponsored program that has several components. Services include loans and grants to extremely low - income homeowners for minor home repairs and grants, and mobile home repair loans and grants. Mr. Erickson noted that the demand for major rehabilitation loans has declined in the past several years due to the soft housing market and people's reluctance to take on new debt even if payments are deferred. He indicated that staff is working with Neighborhood Solutions to market the program which can help people remain in their homes while maintaining their most important resource. Commissioner Stark discussed: 1) the Low Income Housing Fund (LIHF) and the amount of funds that had been deposited to it; 2) whether the new Safeway development would be obligated to put funds into this account; and 3) what would happen if Congress decided to do away with CDBG funds. Mr. Erickson advised that staff would not be entering into contracts with funded agencies until the amount of the City's CDBG allocation is known. He also discussed the contingency plan for prorating funds in the event of a funding deficit or surplus. Chairperson Lopez closed the Public Hearing. Page -4-