The Fall River City Council convened on April 24, 2025, to discuss the annual action plan for community development, focusing on funding allocations and housing needs in the city. The meeting highlighted the city's commitment to addressing housing, economic opportunities, and community services through various federal grants.

The annual action plan, which includes the Community Development Block Grant, Home Investment Partnership Grant, and Emergency Solutions Grant, aims to meet the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) objectives. The Fall River Community Development Agency (FRCDA) is set to receive approximately $2.58 million in funding for the programming year beginning July 1, 2025. This funding will support infrastructure projects, public service programs, and housing initiatives, including first-time homebuyer loans and rehabilitation grants.

During the meeting, concerns were raised about public participation in the planning process. Council members noted that a survey sent to various community stakeholders received a low response rate, with only 722 out of a potential thousand replies. This lack of engagement was deemed troubling, as it hampers efforts to address pressing issues such as homelessness and housing shortages.

Council members discussed the need for a comprehensive housing study to better understand the current housing landscape and future needs. They emphasized the importance of knowing how many market-rate units are available and what the city requires moving forward. The conversation also touched on the balance between subsidized and market-rate housing, with current estimates indicating that about 11% of units are on the subsidized housing inventory list.

The council expressed concerns about the potential impact of federal budget cuts on housing programs, particularly as the number of entitlement communities increases, leading to reduced funding for Fall River. The discussion also included the need for job creation to support the growing population and the importance of recreational opportunities to retain residents.

In addressing homelessness, the FRCDA reported significant expenditures on various programs, including emergency solutions grants and partnerships with local organizations to provide services. The agency has committed to ensuring that no veteran is homeless in the city and has implemented measures to assist individuals in need.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued collaboration and proactive measures to address housing and homelessness in Fall River. The council plans to follow up on the proposed comprehensive housing study and explore additional funding opportunities to enhance community services and infrastructure.