Council opens 30-day comment period on draft FY2027 CDBG/HOME action plan; affordable housing flagged as top need

Planning staff presented the draft 2026–27 annual action plan that will guide use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds for low- and moderate-income residents.

"This plan will describe how we will budget and use our annual grant allocations from the CDBG and HOME program to serve our residents that are at or below 80% of area median income," said Rainey Whitwell, Planning & Development Services.

Staff estimates roughly $1.2 million in CDBG funding and about $500,000 in HOME allocations for the year and presented a $3.5 million total program budget when carryover is included. Proposed uses included minor home repair grants (up to $20,000 per household), down-payment assistance (funded for an estimated six households), tenant-based rental assistance funds for security deposits, rental housing rehabilitation, and public facilities funding for bus shelters and sidewalk design tied to transportation needs.

Public input and concerns: During the public hearing Robert Rose urged stronger incentives or requirements for developer-set-asides for affordable rental and ownership housing, asked for more mental-health and cooling/warming center support, and suggested micromobility safety education and a help-ticket system to connect residents with services.

Nonprofits and service providers: Staff noted six nonprofit public-service proposals this year (Twin City Mission; Big Brothers Big Sisters; United Way; Unlimited Potential; Salvation Army; Catholic Charities) and a Police Department victim services allocation; staff said the application process is complex and that smaller agencies often cannot meet reimbursement-based rules.

Next steps: The draft plan is open for 30 days of public comment through July 13; staff will return to council July 23 for final approval and will submit the plan to HUD no later than August 16.