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215 Strategy as it is implemented through the Consolidated Plan and CDBG process is in accord with the Fair Housing Act; 8) Provide a reader-friendly condensation of the final CDBG Action Plan and Grant Performance Report to be available to the public; and 9) We have identified a number of specific proposals which could be funded, including conflict mediationtrainip4g for public housing and other subsidized housing. We will pursue these through the grant process itself. Mr. Ben Thacker-Gwaltney, 308 Monte Vista Avenue, asked Council to keep in mind that the Consolidated Plan plays an important par2 in the analysis of housing needs. Mr. Thacker-Gwaltney said that the bSgh priority areas are not adequately addressed in the Plan and that the same amount of money is spent on public works as is spend on housing needs. Mr. Thacker-Gwaltney said that very little is spent on helping renters even though that is a high priority, and asked that Council ensure that the real needs of low and moderate income people are met. Ms. Sandy Snook, Co--President of the League of Women Voters, said that the League has long had a position on improving housing. As there were no further speakers, the public hearing was closed. Ms. Daugherty said it is hard to set priorities since we are in the process of a needs assessment, adding that the Planning District Commission and the Cityare working out how to do that now. Ms. Dwagherty said Council could do a two-year Consolidated Plan and then update it when new census data is available. Ms. Richards asked if there are federal guidelines that prevent raising the HOP cap, and Ms. Grant replied no. Ms. l~dchards said that historically significant money has been stx~nt on infrastructure, but this year a lot of money has been set aside for homeowners and it appears that the City is getting away somewhat from that policy. Ms. Grant said that several infi'astructure improvements were recommended by the CDBG Task Force. Ms. Daugherty said a lot has to do with what the neighborhood wants to do. Ms. Daugherty said her priorities are housing and welfare reform. Mr. Toscano said he wants to make sure that we do not get so far down the road in the process that the Consolidated Plan cannot be changed. Ms. Claudette said that a meeting has been proposed for all Planning District Commission member jurisdictions in November. Mr. Toscano said he feels it would be useful for the Planning District Commission to have a discussion of the Plan. Ms. Richards said Council might also prepare a statement for Ms. Grant to carry to meetings. Responding to a question from Mr. Caravati, Ms. Grant said that all localities receive the same amount of HOME funds. Mr. Caravati said he would hope a statement from Council would emphasize the desire for outlying counties to increase low-income housing. Mr. Caravati said that perhaps a fund increase, especially for rental housing, could be considered in outlying counties. Mr. Caravati said that infrastructure is generally the biggest need identified, but he thir&s that is ~ty a City responsibility and those needs should be identified and funded in the City's regular budget, and would support requiring that no more than 35% of CDBG funds may go to infrastructure improvements. Mr. Caravati said he feels that housing is the most critical need.