Cape Girardeau council adopts HUD-required citizen participation plan to pursue CDBG funding

The City Council on Tuesday voted to adopt a citizen participation plan that begins the process for Cape Girardeau to participate in the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program.

Alex McElroy, who presented the plan, said the draft was released for public comment and staff incorporated feedback from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. McElroy described the measure as the first step toward a five-year consolidated plan and yearly action plans that will determine eligible investments and budgets.

"Approving this plan is required by HUD," McElroy said, and staff advised council the item allows the city to move forward to solicit public input and develop the detailed program documents. McElroy said no public comments had been received on the draft but HUD provided multiple technical comments that the city addressed.

Councilmembers noted CDBG funds can be used for housing investments in low- and moderate-income neighborhoods and discussed the need to identify strategic partners to manage the program effectively. City Manager Dr. Haskin was cited as having prior experience with CDBG programs that staff will draw on during implementation.

A motion to adopt the citizen participation plan carried by voice vote; an abstention was recorded later in the vote tally process.