## NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND 5-DAY PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE DRAFT AMENDED 2020-2024 CONSOLIDATED PLAN AND 2020 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN

The New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority (MFA) and the Department of Finance and Administration, Local Government Division (DFA) are seeking public comment on the DRAFT Amended State of New Mexico 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan. In a memo released on April 1, 2020, HUD waived 24 CFR 91.105(c)(2) and (k), 91.115(c)(2) and (i) in order to balance the need to respond quickly to the growing spread and effects of COVID-19 with the statutory requirement to provide reasonable notice and opportunity for citizens to comment on substantial amendments. This 30- day minimum for the required public comment period was waived for substantial amendments, provided that no less than 5 days are provided for public comments on each substantial amendment. For further reference refer to CDBG-CV notice of frequently asked questions released on August 27, 2020 (pages 2 and 5). Based on this waiver, the State of New Mexico will provide at least a 5-day public comment period in the event of a substantial amendment through August 21, 2021.

The public comment period will begin on August 17, 2021 and end on August 21, 2021, and a virtual public hearing on the draft will be held on August 20, 2021 at 9 a.m. The 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan are being amended to add Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) funds for the use of Community Development Block Grant funds from the CARES Act (CDBG-CV). The 2020 Annual Action Plan is the first annual implementation plan under the State of New Mexico 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development. The Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic plan that governs the administration of federal funding appropriated for housing and community development activities that benefit low- and moderate-income persons throughout the State of New Mexico. Such federal funding includes the following programs: HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grants (ESG), Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA) and the Housing Trust Fund (HTF). The CARES Act funds are available to CDBG, ESG and HOPWA. For this substantial amendment, the third allocation of CDBG CARES Act funds will be identified as CDBG-CV3.

The draft Amended 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Annual Action Plan will be available August 17, 2021 at MFA’s website at:

https://housingnm.org/resources/plans-and-reports/nm-consolidated-plan

and at DFA’s website at:

If you are unable to download the draft amended Action Plan, please contact MFA to request a copy (505-843-6880 or toll free 1-800-444-6880). Additionally, the documents can be provided in alternative formats (i.e., Braille/large print, audio tape) for the disabled and may also be translated into Spanish for Limited English Proficient (LEP) Spanish speaking persons, upon request.

Citizens, interested agencies, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations may attend a virtual public hearing on August 20, 2021 at 9 am via webcast at https://housingnm.org/meetings-events-notices to provide comments.

If you are an individual with a disability who is in need of a reader, amplifier, qualified sign language interpreter, or any other form of auxiliary aid or service, please contact Sherry Stephens by phone: (505) 767-2250 or toll free 1-800-444-6880; fax: (505) 243-3289; e-mail: sstephens@housingnm.org TTY: 1-800-659-8331 for English and 1-800-327-1857 for Spanish; or mail: New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, 344 Fourth St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102.

Accommodations can be made within 48 hours’ notice for non-English speaking participants and individuals with disabilities by calling 505-843-6880.

Citizens, interested agencies, and for-profit and nonprofit organizations may provide comments at any time during the public comment period, which will begin on August 17, 2021 and end at 11:59 p.m. MDT, August 21, 2021. Written comments and/or questions may be directed to Sherry Stephens by phone: (505) 767-2250 or toll free 1-800-444-6880; fax: (505) 243-3289; e-mail: sstephens@housingnm.org; or mail: New Mexico Mortgage Finance Authority, 344 Fourth St. SW, Albuquerque, NM 87102. After receipt of public comments, MFA staff will prepare a summary of all comments received in writing and, in cases where any citizens' views are not accepted, provide reasons for the decision. This documentation will be attached to the Amended 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan and 2020 Action Plan that will be submitted to HUD.