Clearwater council advances $7.28 million HUD consolidated plan and 2025–26 action plan

City of Clearwater staff on Aug. 4 presented the five‑year consolidated plan (2025–2029) and the 2025–26 annual action plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), reporting an estimated $7.28 million in federal funding available in year one, including HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) sources. Bill Amayo, acting housing manager, summarized the plan and public outreach steps, saying the plan “is required by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development or HUD” and that it “incorporates extensive public input gathered through community meetings.”

The annual action plan (year one) anticipates managing approximately $7,280,000, including an estimated $1,880,000 in CDBG resources and $5,390,000 in HOME funding. Staff outlined allocations and carryover amounts, including HOME carryover of $2,591,861 and program income of $2,308,313; CDBG carryover and program income figures were also presented. Planned uses include public facility improvements for local service providers, housing production and preservation, tenant‑based rental assistance, down payment assistance and economic development technical assistance, with specific public facility projects cited for providers such as Hope Villages of America, Saint Vincent de Paul, Directions for Living and Maddie Williams.

Amayo said the plans were published for a 30‑day public comment period and that no comments were received during that time; he reported that the plans would be submitted to HUD by Aug. 15. Council members thanked staff for preparing the plan and noted the scale and regulatory requirements of the work.