Council opens CAPER public hearing; staff reports CDBG and HOME activities and outcomes

City staff presented the draft Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) for program year 2024–25 on Aug. 26 and opened a public comment period through Sept. 1. The review covered activities funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships programs. Anthony (city staff) summarized accomplishments: CDBG funds supported three new roofs at Charlottesville Redevelopment and Housing Authority (CRHA) Dogwood properties (benefiting 11 households); adult literacy and workforce services for more than 20 residents; eviction‑prevention housing stability services for 13 households; entrepreneurship training and grants for five small entrepreneurs; financial counseling for 10 CRHA residents and 17 newly arrived households; and trail/access improvements and youth counseling spaces in Jordan Park. Staff said 100% of direct beneficiaries qualified under HUD’s low‑ and moderate‑income requirements, with a majority under 50% of area median income. For HOME program activities, staff described ongoing consortium work with neighboring counties and the Thomas Jefferson Planning District Commission on affordable housing initiatives. The CAPER draft is posted online and staff invited written comments; staff recommended placing the CAPER on the consent agenda for the second reading. Why it matters: CDBG and HOME are key federal sources for local affordable housing, infrastructure that benefits low‑income residents and supportive services. The CAPER documents performance required for continued funding eligibility and informs council priorities for the next program year. Next steps: The CAPER comment period remains open through Sept. 1; staff will return with the second reading and final CAPER after the public‑comment period concludes.