Layton opens public hearing on HUD/CDBG action plan; local nonprofits urge continued support

Layton City opened a public hearing Feb. 5 on its HUD Community Development Block Grant annual action plan for program year July 1, 2026–June 30, 2027. Morgan Cloward introduced the plan and emphasized HUD objectives for housing affordability and self-sufficiency, along with the city’s current partner slate (Open Doors, Safe Harbor, Lantern House, Youth Court, Habitat for Humanity).

Representatives of several partner organizations spoke during the hearing and outlined services they say are supported by CDBG or related funding. A Habitat for Humanity representative described critical home repair work for low- and moderate-income homeowners; Youth Court Director Carlyn Kidman said Layton’s youth court handles a high caseload and reported high completion rates (staff and youth panelists cited a 96–100% completion statistic for recent reporting periods).

Open Doors Executive Director Jason Wilde described use of prior CDBG funds for crisis respite nursery services, a food bank and a homelessness prevention voucher program; he said about 25%–30% of program beneficiaries are Layton residents. Safe Harbor representatives described services for domestic violence survivors and the shelter’s use of grant funds to support advocates and client services. Davis County Health explained a request for $10,000 to sustain the Davis Links online resource directory, which catalogs local services in multiple languages.

Council members and staff discussed CDBG program constraints — notably the 15% cap on public service partners — and emphasized the review process: staff and the CDBG committee will score and prioritize applications and return recommendations to council in May. The council kept the public hearing open and took no funding action tonight.

Morgan Cloward said the primary focus of the HUD-funded plan must remain housing-related activities but that public service partners are an important part of the city’s overall approach. The CDBG committee will consider the applications and make funding recommendations consistent with HUD rules and local priorities before council takes final action.