CDC approves 2027 CSBG budget and Community Action Plan following staff presentation

The Austin Community Development Commission on July 21 approved the 2027 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) budget and the city’s Community Action Plan after a public hearing and staff presentation.

Jill Smith (program manager, Neighborhood Services) presented the Community Action Plan required by the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs and the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, summarizing a 2024 community needs assessment that ranked top needs as housing and basic needs, employment, health and income/financial supports. Smith described the program portfolio (food distribution, case management, eviction prevention, job counseling, health screenings and education) and listed proposed performance targets for 2027, including helping roughly 400 individuals with housing-related rental assistance and a goal to distribute food to about 70,000 individuals via partner networks.

Commissioners asked clarifying questions about transportation passes (which staff said are low-barrier and available to the public, not only case-managed clients) and eviction services (staff said clients need to already owe rent but do not need a pending court eviction to qualify). Commissioner Longoria moved to approve the budget and action plan; Commissioner Menard seconded. The commission approved the motion with no recorded opposition.

Smith noted staff will continue measuring outcomes (including six‑month follow-ups for some programs) and that some CAP backup materials are posted in the meeting packet and on the department website.

Quoted: "These are the top five needs that were identified in the needs assessment: housing, basic needs, employment, health, and income," Jill Smith said, explaining how the plan ties services to performance outcomes.