Welfare Reform Hits the Bay Area


The President signed HR 3734, the federal welfare reform legislation, on August 22, 1996.

This law, which makes fundamental changes to our national system of support for the needy, is officially known as the Personal Responsibility and Work Opportunity Reconciliation Act of 1996.
The new law covers nine areas of welfare assistance:
· Temporary Assistance for Needy
Families (TANF)
· Supplemental Security Income-SSI
· Child Support
· Restricting Welfare and Public
Benefits for Aliens
· Child Protection
· Child Care
· Child Nutrition Programs
· Food Stamps and Commodity
Distribution
· Miscellaneous
The Legislative Analyst estimates that welfare reform will result in a net reduction of $6.8 billion in federal funds to California over the first six years of implementation.

AFDC Eliminated; Meet TANF
The Department of Social Services recently unveiled an initial state plan for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF).
This program will replace AFDC, which was eliminated under the federal law.
The Department of Social Services has emphasized that the TANF plan is not the new welfare redesign plan for California; the real overhaul will take place over the coming year through state legislation and administrative actions.
By submitting the TANF plan to Washington, California will draw down approximately $195 million in federal monies. The State has committed $60 million of these funds to the GAIN program- designed to improve the job readiness of those on aid.

State Block Grants Replace Individual Entitlements
The concept of individuals being "entitled" to cash assistance simply by meeting basic eligibility standards is history, as of October 1. Instead, under the TANF program, states will receive block grants of federal funds. Each state is authorized to establish its own benefit levels and eligibility standards.
In California, the block grant program will replace AFDC, JOBS (which is the federal funding portion of GAIN), and Emergency Assistance Programs.
Funding of the block grants can be based on average federal funding in FYs 1992-94 or on average spending in FY 1994-95. The block grants are fixed allocations- regardless of caseload growth or economic changes.

Time Limits on Assistance
One dramatic aspect of welfare reform is a five year (60 month) time limit on TANF assistance.
Any month during which a family receives any type of assistance with TANF funds will count toward the time limit; emergency assistance, job training, child care, as well as cash payments all count toward the 60 month total.
However, states are authorized to exempt twenty percent of their caseloads from this requirement, and child-only cases are all exempt.
Beyond five years, families may still receive non-cash assistance provided with state funds or federal social service funds.

Restricting Benefits for Non-Citizens
Under welfare reform, current immigrants are ineligible for SSI and Food Stamps (except refugees, veterans, asylees, and those who have worked 40 quarters). States are also authorized to deny TANF benefits, the Social Services Block Grant (Title 20) and Medicaid services to current immigrants.
Immigrants arriving in the United States after the law was enacted are ineligible for all means-tested federal benefits for five years, except for emergency medical services and certain child nutrition and educational programs.

Food Stamps Slashed
Half of the federal dollars saved under welfare reform ($23.3 billion) will be derived from major cuts to the food stamp program.
Able-bodied persons age 18 to 50 without dependents will be limited to food stamps for a maximum of three months out of any three year period- unless they are working a minimum of 20 hours per week. Recipients who lose their jobs may be eligible for one additional three month period.

Cutting Programs for Children
Significant protests have been raised over the cuts to support services for children under welfare reform.
While the Legislative Analyst estimates that California will receive an additional $525 million for child care, $28 million for child support enforcement and $21 million for child protection over the next six years, $340 million is being slashed from funding for child nutrition programs in the State and $524 million will be cut from SSI for disabled children.

For more information, you may review a report from the Legislative Analyst's office at http://www.lao.ca.gov or from the California Budget Project at http://www.cbp.org.


Fiscal Impact of Welfare Reform
Federal Savings
Under welfare reform, federal spending will be reduced by $55 billion in fiscal years 1997 through 2002.
The bulk of the savings will come from food stamps ($23.3 billion) and benefit limits for legal immigrants ($22 billion).

State Losses
California will lose $6.78 billion (net) over the next 6 years: $5.86 billion in restricted benefits to immigrants, $1.68 billion from reductions in food stamps, $430 million in cuts to child nutrition programs, and $524 million to SSI. However, California will gain $1.35 billion under TANF.


Timeline for Implementation of Welfare Reform
Aug. 22, 1996
· HR 3734 signed into law.
· Legal immigrants arriving after this date denied Medicaid, TANF, and any means-tested federal benefits.
· States may deny assistance to immigrants in the U.S. prior to the law who are new applicants; assistance continues to current recipients.

Oct. 1, 1996
· States may file state plan for TANF (California did this).
· New federal fiscal year begins; federal entitlements to AFDC, related child care and JOBS (GAIN) end.

Nov. 22, 1996
· States must notify food stamp recipients of new rules.
· Three month time clock on food stamp benefits begins.

Jan. 1, 1997
· States may deny Medicaid and TANF to legal immigrants who are current recipients of aid; denial requires state legislation.

July 1, 1997
· 60 month time clock for receipt of TANF benefits begins (unless state legislation triggers earlier date).

ABAG RELEASES NEW DATA ON EXISTING
LAND USE AND CHANGES IN THE PAST TEN YEARS


According to a new ABAG report, 50,000 acres of open land in the Bay Area were developed for commercial or residential purposes between 1985 and 1995.
The report includes new data and maps showing existing land use for the nine-county Bay Area, as well as descriptions of land use change from 1985 to 1995.
The type of land use change and the scale of that change varies depending on the geographical location within the urban Bay Area region. In overall terms, the type and the extent of land use change is strongly related to whether it is in the urban core (Oakland and San Francisco), inner suburbs (such as Albany), suburbs (such as Walnut Creek) or outer suburb (such as Antioch). However, there may be particular conditions which might induce a land use change at the local scale, such as the existence of a freeway interchange or the redevelopment of an urban area due to a natural disaster.
The report describes how development trends that are typical of a suburb are occurring in the inner city, while those that are typical of the inner city seem to be occurring in the suburbs. At the same time that land uses in the suburbs are diversifying into a greater mix of uses, portions of the inner city seem to be following a suburban land use pattern through the redevelopment of industrial zones into large single-use commercial developments. Also, the increase in the mix of uses that are taking place within suburban areas is perhaps an indication of a land use pattern which might take place in the future in the outer suburbs.
Changes in land use over the last 10 years have not radically changed the overall urban form of the Bay Area. There is a pattern of reuse and redevelopment within the inner cities and a pattern of outward residential expansion in the peripheral areas of the region.
Knowledge about existing land use and land cover is important for a number of different planning functions, including estimating potential for future urban development and redevelopment, environmental quality analysis (such as surface runoff, wetlands inventories and air quality analyses), and hazard impact work (such as the impact of wildland fires, various toxic gas releases or a major earthquake). Similarly, knowledge of land use change is important because it can aid in visualizing urban development patterns and their implications.
To order the report, Existing Land Use in 1995: Data for Bay Area Counties and Cities, (#P96007EQK) send a check for $65 (plus local sales tax) to ABAG, P.O. Box 2050, Oakland, CA 94604-2050.



ABAG GENERAL ASSEMBLY
Friday, November 22, 1996 - 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.
St. Francis Hotel · 335 Powell St. · Union Square San Francisco

WELFARE REFORM
· Eloise Anderson - Director, CA Dept. of Social Services
· Sara McCarthy - Senate Health & Human Services Committee

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS
· Don Benninghoven - Executive Director, League of CA Cities
· Craig Labadie - President, Bay Area City Attorneys Association

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
· Richard A. Clarke - Chairman and CEO, PG&E (retired)
· Michelle Perrault - International Vice President, Sierra Club

WELFARE REFORM
· Eloise Anderson - Director, CA Dept. of Social Services
· Sara McCarthy - Senate Health & Human Services Committee

FINANCIAL CONSTRAINTS
· Don Benninghoven - Executive Director, League of CA Cities
· Craig Labadie - President, Bay Area City Attorneys Association

SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES
· Richard A. Clarke - Chairman and CEO, PG&E (retired)
· Michelle Perrault - International Vice President, Sierra Club

Keynote Address: Angelo Siracusa, President and CEO, Bay Area Council (retired)
Members $60; non-members $85. For registration information, call 510/464-7960 or go online at http://www.abag.ca.gov/abag/events/ga.

Regional Economic Outlook Conference for 1997 and 1998

Wednesday January 28, 1997
MetroCenter Auditorium
On Wednesday, January 28, ABAG will be holding a conference to describe its short term economic forecast. The eighth annual Economic Outlook Conference will cover 1997 and 1998, providing regional and county level information on employment, household incomes, and taxable sales.
The conference is important for city and county staff responsible for budgeting and planning, as well as members of the private sector.
Ted Gibson, the Chief Economist at the State Department of Finance, will provide a forecast for California. His detailed knowledge of statewide statistics and trends has made his presentation an important feature of previous Outlook conferences.
For more information, call Paul Fassinger at 510/464-7928 or e-mail PaulF@abag.ca.gov.



Power Pool Issue RFP for Electricity
On October 9, ABAG's Power Purchasing Pool Program Committee elected Mike Garvey, City Manager of San Carlos, and David Finigan, Assistant City Manager, City of Vallejo as Chair and Vice-Chair, respectively, of the Committee, which is an advisory body to the Executive Board on ABAG's energy purchasing activities.
In addition to electing officers, the Committee heard some good news: estimated savings for the natural gas purchasing program are expected to grow substantially due to PG&E's forthcoming settlement of outstanding natural gas issues. Savings may increase by as much as 50 percent as early as January 1997. There are currently 30 jurisdictions buying natural gas through the Pool and new members are always welcome.
The Pool plans to issue a request for proposals for electric services this fall. Approximately 100 local governments will be represented in this solicitation for pricing on over 200 megawatts of power. ABAG plans to complete its evaluation of supplier proposals in January 1997 and present preliminary pricing information to interested local governments in February 1997.
For more information, please contact Patty Spangler, Power Pool Program Manager, at 510/464-7933 or e-mail PattyS@abag.ca.gov.






Focus On: Marin County
Marin County, largely known for its majestic sea coast and woodland areas, has one of the most stable populations in the greater Bay Area. Although growth is gradual, 32,550 new residents are anticipated by the year 2015.
The county's two largest and fastest growing cities, San Rafael and Novato, are predi cted to gain the highest percentage in population growth over the next 20 years. Between 1995-2015, Novato should grow by 11,500, and San Rafael is expecting 9,800 new residents. This growth should stimulate employment roughly 46% by year 2005. San Rafael will acquire the majority of manufacturing and wholesale employment growth, and Novato will garner the most retail job growth.
Novato will have the greatest percentage of household growth at 26%, unincorporated areas of the county will grow 23%, San Rafael 18%, Corte Madera 14%, Tiburon 13%, and Fairfax 11%.


Hamilton Army Air Base
The multi-owned Hamilton Air Force Base (HAAF), located near Highway 101 in Novato, is under going negotiations for its Reuse Plan. The plan calls for mixed use redevelopment on the prior airfield base site. In support of the Reuse Plan, the City of Novato is working with the Navy to negotiate the transferring of property to the City.
The HAAF's land is shared by the following owners:
1) the Navy - housing
2) the Army - runway
3) New Hamilton Partnership (NHP) - about 415 acres of open space;
4) Golden Gate Bridge Highway and
Transit District - railroad tracks; and
5) the Coast Guard - six acres of land.
If reuse progresses as planned, most of the Navy's military housing will be rehabilitated and affordable housing for the community will be considered. There is a strong possibility the Army- owned runway area will be converted back to wetlands. The plan for the NHP portion of land is to develop housing and commercial industrial office space.


Marin Homeless Programs
On October 14, Marin County's Homeless Program opened its doors to the "Hamilton Service Center" which will be operating through April 15, 1997. The shelter, an old renovated warehouse, is located on the sparsely occupied Hamilton Air Force Base.
The 80-plus bed shelter will provide the essentials such as shelter from the cold, food, and showers. The shelter will also host a variety of support services including: high school equivalency education (GED) classes; English as a second language classes; a job hotline; legal aid; money management; medical care; and drug and alcohol recovery.
The County intends to open a permanent shelter by 1997 or 1998. Fundraising is in progress to provide the $2 million required.
The shelter is one of six interrelated homeless programs administered by Homeward Bound of Marin.


Golden Gate Transit District's Toll Plaza Improvements
The Golden Gate Bridge is the vital link between Marin County and San Francisco. Since its six lanes cannot be easily expanded, the District has studied a variety of toll plaza modifications to improve traffic flow.
One modification underway is roadway surface improvements in the Toll Plaza area. Drainage and pavement rehabilitation of the 1,600 foot section of roadway, north of the Toll Plaza south to the 19th Avenue on/off ramps, began in September.
Work will be conducted between 8:00 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. in order to maintain the flow of commute traffic.
For more information on county transit, see http://www.goldengate.org.


Heads Up


NLC BOOK RELEASE ON REGIONALISM
The National League of Cities (NLC) has published a new book entitled, Regional Excellence: Governing Together to Compete Globally and Flourish Locally, by William R. Dodge.
The book gives incisive analysis and a practical course of action relating to regions learning to work and govern together, striving to become the most competitive leaders in the global economy of the 21st century. It is designed to lay out a decisionmaking process that complements local, state, and national institutions of government.
Dodge discusses the key components for excellence in regional governance: making it prominent, strategic, equitable, empowering, and institutionalized. He also includes global historical background, guidelines to strengthen growth and development, and processes to advance regionalism as a state and national priority.
To order a copy of this book, contact the NLC Publications Center at 310/725-4299.


RESOLVING MUNICIPAL DISPUTES- ON TAPE
The audio version of the popular ABAG book, Resolving Municipal Disputes, is currently available on loan to ABAG members. The book explains how to creatively approach a deadlock situation and then provides a role playing example to reinforce this new way of thinking. The material was developed and recorded by Dr. David Stiebel, a local expert in municipal dispute resolution.
ABAG members may borrow this tape for free. To request a copy, call 510/464-7900.


URBAN EXCELLENCE COMPETITION - $50,000
The Bruner Foundation has opened the 1997 competition for its bi-annual Rudy Bruner Award for Excellence in the Urban Environment. The $50,000 will be awarded to the applicant displaying successful reconciliation of social, economic, and aesthetic values throughout the development process.
Applicants may include people involved in the planning, development, or operation of a project. Common entries have been submitted from mixed-use public or private developments, renewal projects, preservation projects, and other community initiatives.
The deadline is December 13, 1996. Call Cott & Associates at 617/492-8400 to receive an application form.


HUD TO FOCUS ON REGIONAL COMPETITIVENESS
Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Secretary Henry Cisneros has announced a new initiative to promote regional competitiveness. HUD research shows that cities and suburbs need to collaborate in order to succeed in the world economy. HUD will be surveying councils of governments around the U.S. to find exemplary programs and policies to help each region succeed within its own unique business clusters and economic strategies.
The HUD initiative complements recent ABAG research on the interdependency of cities and suburbs in the San Francisco Bay Area; a formal report will be presented at the Nov. 22 General Assembly in San Francisco. See also The Bay Area: Leading the Transition to a Knowledge-Based Economy from the Bay Area Council.


TENTH ANNUAL SAN FRANCISCO
BAY DECISIONMAKERS CONFERENCE
Thursday, November 14, 1996, from 8:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m., the Bay Planning Coalition (BPC) will be hosting its tenth annual San Francisco Bay Decisionmakers Conference at the Fleet Admiral Nimitz Conference Center on Treasure Island.
Government, business, industry, and environmental groups will be brought together to examine pertinent issues currently impacting the San Francisco Bay Area.
Conference highlights will include sessions on The State of the Estuary; The Politics of Endangered Species; The Clean Water Act; and Wildlife Habitat and Public Access.
To receive a brochure, please call 415/397-2293.


CALMAX WASTE-MATCHING SERVICE
NOW ON INTERNET
The Integrated Waste Management Board's CalMAX service is now conveniently available on the Internet via the World Wide Web. This new interactive electronic service offers 24-hour access to a program that matches waste generators with businesses that reuse and recycle waste.
Users can obtain updated listings daily, instead of waiting for the bi-monthly printed CalMAX catalogs. Most importantly (and appropriately for the Waste Management Board), this service saves paper! Through CalMAX Online, users can search the database, submit new listings, connect with other material exchange links throughout the U.S., and read articles on creative reuse ideas.
To access the CalMAX web site, point your browser to http://www.ciwmb.ca.gov/mrt/calmax/calmax.htm.


Calendar
November
11/4 8 a.m. OSHA Competent Person class. ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter.
11/4 8:30 a.m. Managing Capital Projects - Project Management class Auditorium, MetroCenter.
11/5 Election Day.
11/5 8:30 a.m. Managing Capital Projects - Program Management class. Auditorium, MetroCenter.
11/6 1:30 p.m. Regional Planning Committee. Auditorium, MetroCenter.
11/7 8:30 a.m. CUPA - Inspecting to Ensure UST Regulations Compliance. San Mateo County Board of Education,Laurel Room, Redwood City.
11/11 Veterans Day. ABAG offices closed.
11/13 8:30 a.m. CUPA - Inspecting Ensure UST Regulations Compliance. Alameda County HazMat, Alameda.
11/15 8 a.m. HazMat Sampling. ABAG Training Center, MetroCenter.
11/15 10 a.m. Regional Steering Committee for Homelessness and Housing. Room 171, MetroCenter.
11/18-20 8 a.m. Emergency 24-Hour Response Training. Room 171, MetroCenter.
11/20 10 a.m. ABAG PLAN Corporation Executive Committee. ABAG Room 106B, MetroCenter.
11/22 8:30 a.m. ABAG GENERAL ASSEMBLY. St. Francis Hotel, San Francisco.
11/22 8:30 a.m. Managing Capital Projects - Cost Estimation and Tracking. Room 171, MetroCenter.
11/28-29 Thanksgiving. ABAG offices closed.
December
12/3 10 a.m. ABAG PLAN Actuarial/Underwriting Committee. Office of the City Manager, City Hall, Saratoga.
12/4 1:30 p.m. Regional Planning Committee. Auditorium, MetroCenter.
12/12 10 a.m. Earthquake Hazards Mapping Review Committee.ABAG Room 106B, MetroCenter.
12/25 Christmas. ABAG offices closed

Correction: Please note that in the September/October issue, the Bay Trail Criterium article should have listed the Central Contra Costa Sanitary District as the third place team in the annual Bureaucrats Cup.




Service Matters is a publication of the Association of Bay Area Governments, the planning and services agency for the San Francisco Bay Area's 9 counties and 100 cities.
Councilwoman Charlotte Powers, President; Supervisor Mary King, Vice President; Supervisor Tom Torlakson, Immediate Past President; Eugene Y. Leong, Secretary/Treasurer and Executive Director.
Michelle Fadelli, Editor. Jeannie Yee Balido, Associate Editor. Margo Yetemwork, Contributing Writer. Giovanni Luis, Graphics.
P.O. Box 2050, Oakland, CA 94604-2050 · Phone: 510/464-7900 · Fax: 510/464-7970 · E-mail: info@abag.ca.gov · abagOnline: http://www.abag.ca.gov