Commissioners hear proposed CDBG reallocations; public comment period set to close April 22

Hamilton County held a public hearing on April 9 over proposed substantial amendments to its 2025 Community Development Annual Action Plan, information the county said is required under U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) rules and the countycitizen participation plan.

Angela Rockman, community development manager in the county Planning and Development Department, told commissioners that "these are reallocations of existing funds" and clarified the amendments do not involve additional HUD funding. Rockman said substantial amendments are defined as changes exceeding 20% of an allocation or the creation of a new program and that the public comment period runs through April 22; formal adoption is planned for a future consent agenda item.

Vice President Alicia Reece praised Rockman and the community development team's outreach during Community Development Week, noting site visits to Springfield Township and partnerships with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity. Reece highlighted new Metro bus-stop signage designed by University of Cincinnati DAP students and promoted a youth employment kickoff on April 11 and a Small Business Day on May 18.

Rockman said the amendments are intended to keep the county in compliance with HUD expenditure requirements and to reallocate funds from continuing or rescaled projects so work can proceed efficiently. The board welcomed public feedback ahead of the April 22 comment deadline.