In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the proposed 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), which includes a one-year action plan and community participation strategy. This plan is essential for securing federal funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership, and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.

Director Alan Dennasio highlighted the extensive outreach conducted to gather community input, emphasizing the pressing need for affordable housing, improved community spaces, and enhanced public services such as nutrition and childcare. The proposed budget allocates nearly $2.5 million from CDBG, over $500,000 from HOME, and approximately $200,000 from ESG for the upcoming fiscal year.

The plan outlines three priority needs: bridging the equity gap through affordable housing, modernizing infrastructure, and supporting at-risk populations. Notably, the plan introduces a new goal focused on improving community facilities, reflecting feedback from community engagement efforts.

The meeting also addressed the allocation of funds for specific projects, including $400,000 for affordable housing initiatives, $300,000 for parks and open space, and $275,000 for improving community facilities. Additionally, the city plans to utilize a Section 108 loan to finance the Clarendon Hill redevelopment project, allowing for borrowing against future entitlement funds.

Overall, the proposed plan aims to address critical housing and community development needs while ensuring compliance with federal requirements, setting the stage for a more inclusive and sustainable urban environment in the coming years.