Commissioners take first reading on Cumberland County 2025 CDBG/HOME annual action plan

County staff presented the proposed 2025 Cumberland County annual action plan for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships funds and opened a public hearing.

Courtney, the county’s community development presenter, said the county is budgeting off an assumed level funding similar to last year (approximately $1.5 million CDBG and $325,000 HOME in the prior year) while the municipal oversight committee and community review teams evaluated applications. Recommended Cumberland County projects included two infrastructure projects (a childcare job‑creation project with 18 new jobs and a neighborhood pocket park in Windham), housing projects (Habitat for Humanity critical home repair and a ramp program) and public‑service awards (a teen center and domestic‑violence advocacy services).

Set‑aside communities—Bridgton and South Portland—recommended playground and public‑service projects and housing predevelopment funds for senior housing in South Portland. Staff said they will use contingency plans to reallocate funding if federal allocations differ from current estimates.

The board opened and closed the public hearing; no public speakers addressed the plan at the hearing. Commissioners scheduled the plan for further review at the next meeting and the presenter said she would return in April with final allocation amounts and details.

The item was introduced and advanced as the 2025 first reading; commissioners will consider the subsequent reading and final action after the second public hearing and any required adjustments to the funding estimates.