City opens 30‑day public comment on 2026–2030 CDBG consolidated plan; affordability, homelessness and transit highlighted

The Idaho Falls City Council on May 21 opened a 30‑day public comment period for the draft 2026–2030 Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan and the annual action plan. The city’s consultant summarized the plan and an analysis of impediments to fair housing choice and described priorities to inform CDBG funding decisions.

The consultant told councilors the plan drew on a larger public engagement effort than previous cycles—two surveys (one in English and Spanish), 20 stakeholder interviews and three focus groups—and used HUD‑specific CHAS data along with American Community Survey figures. “The community wants this need to be more intentional and more aggressive in trying to figure out the affordability issue,” the consultant said, noting a higher response rate than prior cycles.

The presentation highlighted three cross‑cutting needs: affordability (including strategies to create and rehabilitate housing), growing homelessness tied to mental‑health and substance‑use challenges, and the critical role of reliable transportation in preventing housing instability. The consultant recommended exploring a Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area to increase flexibility in how CDBG funds are spent and noted the city’s annual CDBG allocation will be roughly $414,134 for 2026 if the plan and annual action plan are approved.

Council heard brief presentations from local organizations that applied for 2026 funds, including Idaho Legal Aid (legal services), the behavioral health crisis center, United Way (childcare scholarships), Salvation Army (rental/utility assistance), Idaho Falls Rescue Mission (security cameras and infrastructure), and others. The total requested across 15 applicants was approximately $627,854.

Council will review written public comments through June 22, consider applicant recommendations at a July 6 work session, and aim to submit the plan to HUD by mid‑August.