Elgin council approves 2025 CDBG action plan; $990,000 estimated for program year

City staff presented the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan to the Elgin City Council on June 25 and the council voted to approve the plan.

"This year, the City expects to have about $990,000 in CDBG funds available for program year 2025," a staff presenter said while outlining the review panel's recommendations. The panel recommended funding the Community Crisis Center, Senior Services, Fellowship Housing Corporation, the Affordable Housing Fund and the owner-occupied housing rehabilitation program; the presenter said the memo attached to the agenda contains the specific award figures.

Council members asked how applicants are solicited and whether awards must be spent in the fiscal year. Council member Oparo asked whether there had been an open call in addition to emails to nonprofit partners; staff replied an open call was issued and that staff would provide a specific answer on spending timelines on request. Council member Ortiz said that in prior rounds some organizations had to return funds if they did not submit a spending plan; "we approved it but then they have to give us a plan of how they're gonna spend it and how it's gonna benefit the residents," Ortiz said, describing past practice.

The council moved and seconded the item; the clerk called the roll and the motion passed 7-0.

Ending: Staff told the council that award amounts were in the agenda memo and that the city historically has used CDBG funds for neighborhood park improvements, nonprofit facility upgrades, affordable housing redevelopment and homelessness services. Council members asked staff to provide a follow-up on award timelines and rollover policies for projects that do not spend funds within a single fiscal year.