Frie Planning & Development Concepts, LLC.

The City of San Marcos became an entitlement city in 1994  for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding through the Department of Housing and Urban Development, better known as HUD.  During his tenure at the City of San Marcos,  Mr. Frie oversaw the CDBG program and was instrumental in the development of HUD Consolidation Plan including goals and priorities for efficient use of CBDG funds.

Mr. Frie ‘s responsibilities included the following:

• Annual review of applications for CDBG funds for specific projects received  from social service agencies and city departments for completeness and eligibility.

• Conduct and attend public hearings to gather public comments on  priorities for funding  for annual “Action Plan”.

• Preparation of  Annual “Action Plan”  detailing what programs and projects will be funded and how these projects meet National Objectives and satisfy local priority needs.

• Preparation of “Consolidated Action Plan” for future project for 1995-1999. Duties included drafting the Consolidated Action Plan, conducting stakeholder meetings and “City’s Priority Needs Surveys”;  and preparation of a “Housing Market Analysis”.

Some of the specific projects implemented in the “Action Plan” and “Consolidated Action Plan” include the following:

• First Time Homebuyers Program — loan funds were used to pay for 1/2 of required down payment, all of the closing costs and/or to buy down the mortgage amount. Must be less than 80% AMI to qualify.

• Neighborhood Sidewalk Program — improvements, construction and repair of sidewalks in various neighborhoods throughout the city to connect schools, churches, parks, employment areas, etc.
  Housing Rehabilitation Program — up to $3,000 was granted to qualified homeowners to conduct minor rehabilitation of their homes.

• Substandard Structure Removal — the demolition and lot clearance of vacant substandard structures to remove slum and blight.

• Women’s Shelter Improvements — the renovation of the women’s shelter and construction of a playground facility.