In a recent city commission meeting, the Housing and Community Development (HCD) department presented a comprehensive plan for the adoption of the 2023-2028 Consolidated Plan, a substantial amendment to the 2024-2025 Annual Action Plan, and updates to the Citizens Participation Plan. The proposals aim to enhance community development efforts and allocate federal funding effectively.

Leanne Cockrum Ginyard, the HCD supervisor, outlined the necessity of these plans, which are mandated by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) every five years. The plans are designed to address community needs, particularly in affordable housing, public services, and neighborhood revitalization. The proposed substantial amendment will introduce neighborhood revitalization as a priority, allowing for broader use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds.

The city anticipates receiving approximately $1.39 million in CDBG funds and $548,431 in Home Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds for the upcoming fiscal year. The plans stipulate that at least 70% of CDBG funding must benefit low to moderate-income individuals, with the city further narrowing this to those earning no more than 80% of the area median income.

Key funding recommendations include $205,000 for public services and $210,000 for housing projects under CDBG, alongside $125,000 for affordable housing projects through HOME. The HCD emphasized the importance of community engagement, noting that four public meetings were held to gather input on the proposed plans.

The commission is expected to approve the plans, which will enable the city manager to submit the necessary documents to HUD and execute agreements with outside agencies designated to receive funding. The meeting concluded with an invitation for questions and further discussion on the implications of the proposed changes, particularly regarding the adjustments in funding allocations and expected outcomes for housing rehabilitation projects.