Santa Rosa council approves FY 2026–27 HUD action plan framework prioritizing affordable housing

The City Council voted to authorize the City’s FY 2026–27 U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) action plan framework, setting priorities and a spending split for the coming year.

Staff described the proposed allocation strategy: roughly 85% of HUD funds would be directed to affordable housing production and administration, with about 15% reserved for public services. City staff said anticipated program totals include CDBG and HOME resources that will be used for rental assistance, development and supportive services; staff noted final awards depend on federal appropriations and the plan must be submitted to HUD by May 15.

During the public hearing, a representative of Homeless Action, Victoria Yanes, asked whether funds would serve very low- or no-income households; staff replied the programs target households at 0–60% of area median income. Council moved and approved the action-plan authorization and directed staff to return with recommendations and allocations on June 2.

Next steps: staff will finalize public-input summaries and return with recommended award amounts and programs for council approval before final submission to HUD.