Eugene City Council reviews 2025 HUD consolidated plan for affordable housing funding

The Eugene City Council convened on April 28, 2025, to discuss critical housing initiatives, including the approval of the Eugene-Springfield 2025 Consolidated Plan and the annual action plan for affordable housing and community development. The meeting, led by City Manager Genevieve Middleton, highlighted the strategic goals for the next five years, which aim to address urgent community needs through federal funding.

Middleton outlined that the consolidated plan is essential for guiding the allocation of approximately $13 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds over the next five years. This funding is crucial for creating affordable housing and supporting low-income households. The plan is designed to adapt to changing conditions and includes extensive community engagement, ensuring that the needs of various stakeholders are considered.

The council was presented with six priority community needs, which include increasing the supply of affordable housing, rehabilitating existing housing stock, and improving low-income neighborhoods. These needs will inform the strategic goals of the consolidated plan, which aims to enhance economic development and support the human services system.

Additionally, the council reviewed the annual action plan for 2025, which aligns with the new consolidated plan and proposes an allocation of $3.3 million for the upcoming fiscal year. This plan will be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) by June, with implementation set to begin on July 1, 2025.

The meeting underscored the ongoing challenges in securing adequate funding for housing initiatives, as historical data shows a significant decline in entitlement funds from HUD over the past two decades. Despite these challenges, the council remains committed to addressing the pressing needs of the community through strategic planning and collaboration with local stakeholders.

In conclusion, the Eugene City Council's work session emphasized the importance of the consolidated plan and annual action plan in shaping the future of affordable housing and community development in Eugene and Springfield. The council's next steps will involve finalizing these plans for submission to HUD, ensuring that the community's needs are met effectively.