The Auburn City Council on July 22 adopted the 2025–29 Community Development Block Grant consolidated plan and the city's 2025 annual action plan, authorizing an FY2025 allocation of $702,799 to programs serving low- and moderate-income residents.

The consolidated plan sets five-year priorities and the annual action plan specifies how HUD's FY2025 allocation will be spent. Community development staff said the city received the grant as an HUD entitlement and must submit a consolidated plan every five years and an annual action plan each year to receive the funds.

Community development staffer Mr. Davis told the council the CDBG dollars will be spread across affordable housing initiatives, housing rehabilitation delivered through nonprofit partners, public services and limited public infrastructure projects. "We have funding set aside for affordable housing, housing rehabilitation, public service activities and a resurfacing project on Pleasant Avenue," Mr. Davis said, noting partners such as Presbyterian Community Ministry and Alabama Rural Ministry handle most housing-rehab work.

The adopted FY2025 action plan lists rehabilitation support delivered by outside nonprofit partners (PCM and Alabama Rural Ministry), allocations for utility and rental assistance to prevent homelessness, economic development assistance, and up to 20 percent of the allocation for program administration as allowed by HUD. Council members asked how HUD allocations vary; staff said the annual entitlement amount fluctuates and that Auburn's current allocation is $702,799.

Mayor Pro Tem and several council members praised the program's ability to fund projects that cannot be paid from the city general fund, and emphasized its role in preventing homelessness by prioritizing rental and utility assistance. The council voted to approve Item 10B without a public hearing following staff's presentation.

The consolidated plan and action plan adoption allows staff to begin issuing grants and contracts under the FY2025 plan, and staff said they will return with scheduling for the Pleasant Avenue resurfacing and further implementation details.

For residents seeking more information on programs funded by CDBG, staff requested they contact the Community Development office or consult the city website.