Commissioners adopt revised citizen participation plan for CDBG and HOME; HUD FY2026 allocations not yet released

The Lake County Board of Commissioners voted to adopt a revised citizen participation plan for the county's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. The plan will govern public engagement and program participation for county-administered federal housing and community development funds.

During discussion, a participant identified by the meeting as Ria Benton said, "I'm sorry. I don't have any information at this time. HUD hasn't released any information on the FY 26 funding yet." Commissioners acknowledged that the availability of federal funding from HUD will determine whether the county can make future grants to local subrecipients.

A commissioner noted it is important for grantees to understand that program awards depend on HUD allocations and that the county could not commit to making grants if HUD funding is not provided. The revised citizen participation plan was approved by recorded vote (Commissioner Beveridge — yes; Commissioner Plutchnick — yes; Commissioner Regovich — yes).

The meeting record does not specify the precise procedural changes in the revised plan nor the names of any affected subrecipients; county staff will implement the plan and notify stakeholders. HUD's FY2026 funding decision remained outstanding at the time of the meeting, and county officials asked attendees to await further notice from HUD or county community development staff.