During a recent city council meeting in Centennial, Colorado, officials approved a consent agenda that included amendments to the municipal land development code and the minutes from previous meetings. The primary focus of the meeting was the allocation of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which are designated to benefit low- to moderate-income households.

Jonah Schneider, the Chief of Teaching Initiatives, presented the proposed allocations, highlighting that the city receives these federal funds annually from the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The funds are divided into three categories: administration, public services, and public infrastructure. This year, the council is recommending funding for two public service projects: Project Angel Heart, which provides meals for individuals with life-threatening illnesses, and Nourish Meals on Wheels, which delivers meals to seniors. Each organization is set to receive $40,000.

In terms of public infrastructure, the council is recommending a significant allocation of $325,000 for the Mount View Flats project, an affordable housing development in Littleton aimed at low-income families. This project will utilize both this year's grant funding and previously unspent funds, totaling approximately $427,000. Although the project is outside city boundaries, it is expected to serve residents who work in Centennial.

Additionally, the council discussed the reallocation of over $71,000 in unspent CDBG-CV funds, which were initially designated for rental assistance during the COVID-19 pandemic. These funds will now support All Health Network in establishing a housing voucher program to assist homeless individuals.

The council's approval of Resolution 2024-R-41 will allow these allocations to proceed, with further agreements to be drafted in collaboration with the county and other partners. The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing affordable housing and supporting community services for its residents.