City Council approves citizen participation plan for 2025-2029 CDBG funding process

The Sheboygan City Finance and Personnel meeting held on January 1, 2025, focused on two key resolutions related to the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is overseen by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The first item on the agenda was the direct referral of Resolution number 143 of 2425, which aimed to adopt a citizen participation plan. This plan is a requirement for accessing CDBG funding and is part of a larger consolidated plan that the city must develop every five years. The current plan will cover the years 2025 through 2029. The council discussed the importance of engaging stakeholders and the public in the planning process. Elder Ayberellotte inquired whether the new plan would differ from the previous one, to which it was noted that feedback from stakeholders would determine any changes. The council confirmed that the finalized plan would return for further review and public hearings before approval. The motion to approve the citizen participation plan passed unanimously.

The second item addressed was Resolution number 144 of 2425, which authorized Kristen Fish Peterson of Redevelopment Resources LLC to act as a certifying officer for environmental reviews related to the CDBG program. This resolution was necessary due to the absence of a designated staff member with the required expertise to conduct these reviews. The council explained that environmental reviews are mandatory for each project application under the CDBG program. Peterson's involvement is intended to streamline the process and ensure compliance with HUD requirements while the city seeks to fill the vacant position with a qualified individual. The council is currently working with Bold Path Consulting to assess the structure and workload distribution within the planning department to improve the management of the CDBG program.

Overall, the meeting underscored the city's commitment to maintaining compliance with federal funding requirements while enhancing public participation in the planning process. The council's proactive approach in appointing an experienced certifying officer and developing a citizen participation plan reflects its dedication to effective governance and community engagement.