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Public hearing on CDBG needs assessment draws nonprofits urging continued funding for workforce, foster youth and housing services
Summary
Council opened a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan; nonprofits and residents testified about local needs including workforce reentry, foster-care advocacy and beds-for-kids distribution. City staff said current year CDBG funding is about $642,000 and allocations will be announced May 15.
The Round Rock City Council opened a public hearing on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Annual Action Plan and invited public testimony on the needs of low-income residents. City staff said current-year CDBG funding is approximately $642,000 and that allocations for the upcoming fiscal year would be announced on May 15.
Public commenters representing local nonprofits and community groups described service needs and asked the council to continue supporting programs that serve veterans, foster youth, returning citizens and families in need. Testimony included: - Robertina Whittlesey, East-side resident, said wildlife (coyotes) are attacking pets near her property and asked the city to investigate and clarify which agency has jurisdiction; staff said they would follow up but could not debate the matter because it was not posted on the agenda. - Eric Mejia, workforce development director with JL2Jobs, described services for people exiting incarceration (ages 17–24), including trades training, wraparound services and one-on-one mentoring. He asked that the city continue funding workforce programs that help reentry populations. - Cara Powell (equine-assisted learning program) thanked the council for continued grant support, said grant funding and participation are increasing and highlighted work with veterans and volunteer opportunities. - Wendy Prindle, with CASA Williamson County, described Court Appointed Special Advocates who provide stable support for children in foster care; she said CASA volunteers are often the most consistent presence in a child's life amid turnover in child protective services and cited an example of a child who moved four times in six months. She said 19 percent of CASA cases originated from Round Rock, and that 56 percent of those children do not remain in Round Rock or Williamson County. - Greg Bridal (children’s bed charity) described a bed-delivery program and local need; he said the group has delivered 50 beds in Round Rock and plans to expand deliveries.
City staff noted a second CDBG public hearing is normally held in June once the annual action plan is drafted and that the city had notified nonprofit agencies and posted the public-hearing notice in the Round Rock Leader and on the city website.
No CDBG allocations or binding decisions were adopted at the hearing; staff requested public comments to inform the draft annual action plan and signaled a return presentation when allocations are known.
