[{"_1":2,"_99":-5,"_100":-5},"loaderData",{"_3":4,"_26":27},"root",{"_5":6,"_17":10,"_18":19,"_20":21,"_22":10,"_23":-5,"_24":-5,"_25":10},"user",{"_7":8,"_9":10,"_11":10,"_12":-5,"_13":-5,"_14":15,"_16":-5},"roles",[],"isAuthenticated",false,"isPremium","planName","subscriptionStatus","featureFlags",{},"insightsBudget","isDevelopmentHost","userPreferences",{},"recaptchaSiteKey","6LcvOJcUAAAAAHsB-gPGfGktcRlKpH7OTIU_dMTD","isImpersonating","impersonation","affiliateStatus","isFreedomPortal","routes/v2/article/layout",{"_28":29,"_30":31},"notFound",true,"relatedArticles",[32,75,87],{"_33":34,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":40,"_41":42,"_43":44,"_45":46,"_47":48,"_49":50,"_51":52,"_53":54,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":60,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":66,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},"mediaId",6215269,"mediaKeyId","3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737","parentId",3662306,"title","Killeen staff propose updates to citizen participation plan to improve clarity and outreach","audioSeconds",250,"startMs",3511000,"endMs",3761000,"viewUrl","/Search/View?dp=1&key=3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737&start=3511&end=3761","thumbnailUrl","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737/thumbnail_3511000.jpg","articleUrl","/articles/6215269/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Killeen-staff-propose-updates-to-citizen-participation-plan-to-improve-clarity-and-outreach","mediaUrl","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215269-859efdcef45facdbc62cd81d4adda520/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167096&Signature=XKD276h1Hpg6qtUvqDzezbBrNtRfzboXUo4KHR-rCGOb34hgw78kJgjAkmxTbS4H2aVebF0ic0Zkq0HaySVGf7KQsYhvRdoVtRfJF-w~kqf7dJnR4OvfDkQOOIPem-Z2jNHsyqwVBlwT6hqiBcYNJofoLO9QFSblSmJqVFDAGBqZA6x~8pm3LTcbeOtYf438FjAHeNd6Kcxpn1Cy1u2W6VAMd4QKjtwZWU5Fmo8vIhwittuZooyLrDsKCge78ULlzS4jKjjrsTZ61ZRwbEPjU-Z6Q5sLmwadpMMG98wFjFOis7C-9xOlPpIDqfAEd7tDT48Ciz0KwillDUyX71YR7A__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","author","City Council of Killeen, TX","date","2025-06-04T02:46:07Z","article","KILLEEN, Texas — City staff on June 3 outlined proposed revisions to the City of Killeen's citizen participation plan intended to clarify roles, streamline substantial-amendment procedures and improve public outreach.

Ms. McNair, a Community Development staff member, said the city is required by HUD to maintain a citizen participation plan and that the proposed edits are intended to make the plan easier to use and reduce the need for frequent text edits tied to staff names. \"We're going to remove individual staff and replace with specific staff position,\" Ms. McNair said, noting the department is creating generic email addresses such as communitydevelopment@killeentexas.gov to preserve continuity as staff change.

Other proposed changes include clarifying responsibilities between CDAC and Community Development staff (for example, which party will administer community planning meetings and monitor programs), updating the substantial amendment criteria, and changing fixed-language requirements that currently read \"30 days\" to \"not less than 30 days\" so the city can meet HUD timing when calendar schedules vary. Ms. McNair said staff reviewed peer plans in other Texas jurisdictions, including Austin and Bexar County, and reorganized content for readability.

Residents urged more active outreach and clearer reporting back to the public. Michael Ferino suggested broader notice via the city website, water bill inserts and local media: \"Let's take advantage of everything and everything we've got,\" he said. Melissa Brown urged that the city use citizen participation to solicit input on priorities such as replacing private water laterals in low-income neighborhoods and to provide quarterly updates on major projects and local housing authorities.

Questions about fair-housing oversight were raised. Sean Price asked who analyzes implementation of fair-housing responsibilities. Ms. McNair said the federal government enforces fair-housing law; the city contracted a consultant to prepare an analysis of impediments to fair housing and will continue work with HUD field office guidance. She said the current federal guidance suspended some previous documentation requirements but that the city is continuing an analysis \"so that the city of Killeen will have one\" if HUD again requires it.

Staff said the proposed revisions are part of an open comment period from June 9 through July 15 and that council will be asked to consider adoption of the revised citizen participation plan on July 15. If adopted, staff will submit the plan with the consolidated plan on or before Aug. 15.","mediaType","Video","parentTitle","Special City Council Meeting - June 3, 2025","oneSentenceSummary","City staff proposed revisions to the citizen participation plan to clarify CDAC and staff roles, update substantial amendment rules, adopt \"not less than 30 days\" comment periods, and create generic contact emails; staff opened a public comment period and will return with final language July 15.","taxTitle","Killeen, Bell County, Texas","taxId",2769,"location","headline","","shortSummary",{"_33":76,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":77,"_41":78,"_43":79,"_45":80,"_47":81,"_49":82,"_51":83,"_53":84,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":85,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":86,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215274,"Community Development Advisory Committee recommends funding priorities; city outlines CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP uses",751,1857000,2608000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737&start=1857&end=2608","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737/thumbnail_1857000.jpg","/articles/6215274/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Community-Development-Advisory-Committee-recommends-funding-priorities-city-outlines-CDBG-HOME-and-HOME-ARP-uses","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215274-db657405969d4f2f23bc2d047a345885/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167096&Signature=bql1BF9GQXIOh7yMOWae3puC7cHqvy0ci~5nqP3XsilLVyfEEZ8eYQP3v96rIF4UMC-TH9Y9tViLYY5ma~7BXmGYKq~QEKPrGdbOCSFkQB2JOY6G64ZaFhDdpc91K0ufsUnK3hYH49MbkmpjK~VDHXBWr1naIZOcEpZYCSSB5imWzybsx5BVKV8Pjcbtt1zVXx1I1FBRQqxqpgohvNb1G2hw~FG4EQ1VnQ2SJHmuhbwJU~n698qk4RtAiaY4QUT~6msswF8cR7tFeU~tWpCuYliEhC2jlU0WLmVQUHRn76Elav9LSd5t5pN~BbeoWXQ3L9XIeNc05QODeDPGln1ptw__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KILLEEN, Texas — The Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC) presented its recommended funding slate June 3, and city staff described how the city proposes to use Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds in the coming program year.

Johnny Frederick, CDAC chair, told the council the committee reviewed competitive applications and recommended $202,510.50 for public services, the maximum 15% allowed under HUD rules. \"We had about $270,000 in requests and $202,510.50 to recommend funding on,\" Frederick said while outlining awards to local nonprofits.

City staff said the program-year 2025 entitlement is $1,350,070, with $40,375.09 identified for reprogramming. Staff explained spending limits and categories: approximately 65% of CDBG was proposed for housing, public facilities, improvements and code enforcement; 20% was set aside for program administration. For CDBG public services, staff recited recommended awards including partial salary support for several nonprofit positions and a recommendation to fund Meals on Wheels and other senior services.

In the HOME program, staff said $545,001.73 was available and recommended $408,751.29 for affordable housing activities, $81,750.26 for CHDO set-aside and $54,500.18 for administration. The CDAC recommended a $200,000 housing rehabilitation allocation for lead abatement and accessibility improvements, and recommended park improvements for Connor and Marlborough parks at a recommended $591,473.95 for park work drawn from CDBG-eligible activities.

On HOME-ARP, staff outlined the permitted uses and percentages: up to 40% for supportive services, 28% for acquisition and development of non-congregate shelter, 11% for development of affordable rental housing, 6% for tenant-based rental assistance and 15% for administration and planning. Staff and CDAC recommended not funding a Hilltop Recovery Ministries application for a proposed inpatient congregate program because HOME-ARP cannot support that activity and because the applicant would serve mostly residents of another city.

Public commenters praised the CDAC's vetting process and urged transparency. Michael Ferino commended the presentation: \"That is absolutely what right looks like,\" he said of the vetting process. Maureen Jewett of Bridal Everyone in the Zone thanked the council for the CDAC recommendation and described the nonprofit's track record serving veterans and providing housing and utility assistance. Melissa Brown urged prioritizing lead abatement and replacing private water lines in low-income areas and questioned CDBG spending on park amenities when other infrastructure needs exist.

Staff reiterated that the final decisions on funding rest with the council and that the public comment period runs June 9 through July 15; council will be asked to take action on July 15. Drafts of the consolidated plan and action plan are available at City Hall, community-development offices, both public libraries, the Lions Club Park Senior Center and online at KilleenTexas.gov/289/community-development. If adopted, staff plans to submit the consolidated plan and year-one action plan to HUD by Aug. 15 and to execute HUD agreements by Oct. 1.","The CDAC presented recommended awards for CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP funds and explained program limits, with staff noting public services are capped at 15% of entitlement. The city opened a comment period; council will consider final awards July 15.",{"_33":88,"_35":36,"_37":38,"_39":89,"_41":90,"_43":91,"_45":92,"_47":93,"_49":94,"_51":95,"_53":96,"_55":56,"_57":58,"_59":97,"_61":62,"_63":64,"_65":98,"_67":68,"_69":70,"_71":68,"_72":73,"_74":73},6215278,"Killeen staff propose reprogramming HOME funds, drop HUD-certified counseling requirement for TBRA",1507,176000,1683000,"/Search/View?dp=1&key=3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737&start=176&end=1683","https://assets.pipeline.soar.com/3662306-084deffc4bfcbc0dab8f5462a5840737/thumbnail_176000.jpg","/articles/6215278/Killeen/Bell-County/Texas/Killeen-staff-propose-reprogramming-HOME-funds-drop-HUD-certified-counseling-requirement-for-TBRA","https://secure.pipeline.soar.com/6215278-a74b4bf5f56995700bde3113da67882f/orig.mp4?Expires=1771167096&Signature=n1AnEWSm5vOqjZjBeqyqKrBpzX8n4-MxkMO9oxcm8SNX-C05Z7nCJS8-0JO2ldKjnUBFPYPs2PiiQv1mUEldL2ZqgEXYfG-lB0NtzsUf6CWa6eO-nW5RZcPZgM7jlRVVMoaZvsoiKOnI8E8GY6isMQnkjYQqRCsjlexsOjbxBc2eiSQdxaXIudYEA3OFlDXded5-pyzsHQ~SUWggJsl-gnGI7RFIZ0ghptPSFg2gLwahTQZXrx5kaZ8b3qUJhYz7GfnOONgt4ForkI~4I3V7dGdx~MzQ5Ibx0-MKvX4CiNWcE9jE8XUHZ~DtNkOHvGzdK1DCnW3BPBv5oomTPdVkhg__&Key-Pair-Id=KUT5TJCACFTXG","KILLEEN, Texas — City staff opened a public hearing June 3 to inform residents of a proposed substantial amendment to reprogram leftover HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funds toward tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) and to remove the city's local requirement that TBRA beneficiaries complete HUD-certified housing counseling.

The change would be part of the city's consolidated plan cycle and is intended to speed assistance to eligible households, city staff said. \"The substantial amendment occurs when there is a change in the purpose, scope, location, or beneficiaries of an activity or project,\" said Ms. McNair, a Community Development staff member leading the presentation. She said the amendments would open a 30-day public comment period from June 9 through July 15 and that council would be asked to take action at a July 15 meeting if the drafts are finalized.

The nut of the staff recommendation is to move previously allocated HOME funds into TBRA to meet HUD's timing and expenditure rules and to remove a local counseling prerequisite that staff said is not required by HUD. \"At the time this consolidated plan was put together, there was no HUD-certified housing counselor in the city of Killeen,\" Ms. McNair said. She told the council that because Killeen now has a HUD-certified counseling agency, the local requirement can be a barrier: \"The number of persons expected to experience an undue burden with the requirement of attending housing counseling prior to receiving rental assistance will increase the wait period and likelihood that the household will experience housing instability and or eviction.\"

Ms. McNair also listed the specific funds staff proposed to reprogram: entitlement funds from 2017 of $1,573.80; conversions for 2021 and 2022 (as stated in the presentation) of $703,680.33 and $88,376.25, respectively; and an award to Fort Hood Habitat for Humanity of $456,007.68 that was never executed. She said those figures \"bring us to a total of $619,641.03 for reprogramming.\" (The numbers were presented by staff as reported; the arithmetic was reported in the presentation as stated above.)

Public commenters urged careful oversight if the city expands TBRA. Michael Perino said HUD involvement does not make local oversight unnecessary and asked for stronger accountability: \"I would ask and appreciate some answers ... that this program be administered and overseen very, very carefully,\" Perino said. He added that the city should ensure the program demonstrates measurable progress.

Alyssa Brown questioned why the Fort Hood Habitat for Humanity award was not executed and asked whether the city could instead reallocate funds back to Habitat: \"How is it that there was never an agreement signed with Habitat for Humanity for half a million dollars for FY23?\" she asked. Brown also urged the council to consider keeping some form of counseling requirement, suggesting an alternative such as requiring counseling within 30 days of receiving funds to reduce repeat need for assistance.

Sean Price sought clarity on what types of rental units TBRA would cover and whether it would apply to single-family rentals under homeowners associations as well as apartments. Ms. McNair responded that TBRA is an eligible HOME activity for any rental unit chosen by the household and that the city, not the Killeen Housing Authority, would provide oversight of these HOME funds.

The public hearing was informational; no vote was taken. Staff said that if the council approves the substantial amendment at a future meeting, staff will submit the amendment to HUD on or before Aug. 15.

The city accepted comments in person at Killeen City Hall and at several public locations and online at KilleenTexas.gov/289/community-development during the June 9'July 15 comment period. The council will consider any recommended changes at its July 15 meeting before any submission to HUD.","City staff opened a public hearing and recommended reprogramming leftover HOME funds to a tenant-based rental assistance program and removing the city's requirement that TBRA recipients complete HUD-certified housing counseling. Council opened a 30-day comment period; no formal council action was taken at the hearing.","actionData","errors"]

Article not found

Killeen staff propose updates to citizen participation plan to improve clarity and outreach

Community Development Advisory Committee recommends funding priorities; city outlines CDBG, HOME and HOME-ARP uses

Killeen staff propose reprogramming HOME funds, drop HUD-certified counseling requirement for TBRA