During a recent government meeting, Director Brian Pine presented a resolution for the approval of the 2024-2028 Burlington Consolidated Plan and the 2024 Burlington Action Plan. This proposal, which received unanimous support from the Board of Finance, outlines how the city intends to allocate federal funds aimed at addressing pressing community development challenges.

Director Pine, who leads the city's Community and Economic Development Office, highlighted the historical context of Burlington's funding. Since becoming a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) community in 1982, Burlington has seen a significant decline in federal resources. Initially receiving over $1 million, adjusted for inflation, the city would now expect around $3 million, yet it currently receives only $730,000. Similarly, the Home Investment Partnership Funds have dropped from an expected $2.5 million to just $350,000 over the past two decades.

Pine emphasized the growing needs for affordable housing, economic development, and services addressing homelessness and hunger, which continue to outpace the available resources. He acknowledged the efforts of his team, particularly Housing Programs Manager Rebecca Lawrence Gomez, who contributed significantly to the community outreach and engagement process that informed the plan's priorities.

The meeting underscored the challenges Burlington faces in securing adequate federal funding to meet its community needs, as well as the importance of strategic planning to address these issues effectively. The presentation included a detailed overview of the community's needs and priorities, with an invitation for questions from the board members.