Public hearing opens on Carlisle’s 2026 CDBG plan as staff seeks community input

Carlisle held a public hearing April 9 to gather community input on the borough’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan. Jessica Lures, the presenter, reviewed the borough’s five priority goals from its 2025–2029 consolidated plan and summarized CDBG-eligible activities.

Lures said the consolidated-plan priorities are increasing affordable-housing options; remediating and reducing blighted conditions; improving public facilities; supporting economic-development opportunities; and housing rehabilitation and homeownership assistance targeted to low- and moderate-income residents. She told the council the CDBG program is administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and stressed that projects must meet national objectives.

"At least 70% of the CDBG allocation must benefit low to moderate income people," Lures said, and noted the program limits use of funds for public services and caps slum-and-blight spending at 30%.

She said HUD announced FY2026 allocations on April 3 and that the borough’s allocation is roughly $370,000. Lures solicited community input on what housing types and populations should be prioritized, where infrastructure is insufficient, what public services are needed to prevent homelessness, and resources needed for jobseekers.

No one volunteered public comment during the hearing. Lures said staff will compile potential activities and return to council in May with a proposed 2026 annual action plan for the borough to consider.

The hearing was adjourned before the regular council meeting began.