CDBG staff report shows HOME closings and HUD spending-ratio status; staff seek process improvements

Lincoln Park — City staff presented a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) update noting partner feedback, HUD compliance metrics and HOME-funded homeownership activity.

Monique, a member of the CDBG team, told council members the team distributed a voluntary, anonymous partner survey to assess program performance and reported uniformly high marks for responsiveness. She said the city's HUD CDBG spending-ratio for program year 2024 is 1.43, which the presentation described as compliant with HUD's 1.5 limit. For program year 2025 the ratio is currently 1.97, which Monique said is expected at this point in the cycle and will be actively managed as the HUD reporting deadline approaches in May.

Monique also said the city's HOME partnership with Wayne County and a nonprofit resulted in 24 homeownership files that have closed or are expected to close in the coming weeks, representing approximately $415,000 directed to homebuyers.

Monique offered copies of the survey questions and responses to council for review and emphasized the team's intention to improve communication and outreach while maintaining compliance.

Next steps: CDBG staff will continue to manage spending to meet HUD thresholds ahead of the May reporting deadline and will provide survey materials to council upon request.