Killeen council adopts 2025–29 consolidated plan and FY2026 action plan; excludes HOME-ARP funding for police engagement unit

The City of Killeen on Monday approved submission of a consolidated plan for 2025–29 and an annual action plan for FY2026 describing use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and HOME-American Rescue Plan (HOME-ARP) funds, and authorized application for allocation and expenditure of specified entitlements.

Miss McNair, Community Development staff, told the council that as an entitlement community the city receives annual CDBG and HOME allocations from HUD, and that the city also received one-time HOME-ARP funds in 2021 to address homelessness and supportive services. She summarized national objectives for CDBG and HOME and outlined HOME-ARP qualified populations, which include persons who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, victims of domestic violence or trafficking, other populations at greatest risk of housing instability, and veterans meeting the criteria.

Johnny Frederick, chair of the Community Development Advisory Committee (CDAC), presented CDAC's recommended allocations. CDAC recommended funding multiple local providers and projects, including partial funding of Communities in Schools, Families in Crisis, Greater Killeen Community Clinic, Hill Country Community Action (senior meals program), and funding to support the KPD homeless outreach team, code enforcement multi-year commitments, community housing rehabilitation, and park improvements (Connor Park and Marlboro Park). Frederick noted the panel received more requests than available funds and trimmed recommended amounts accordingly.

CDAC's breakdown presented by Frederick and staff showed the CDBG entitlement for the program year (FY2026) as $1,350,070 plus $40,375.90 in reprogrammed CDBG for a total of $1,390,445.09. For HOME, staff presented a total HOME allocation of $545,001.73, with roughly 75% eligible for housing activities, a 15% CHDO set-aside (required even if no CHDO currently exists), and 10% for administration. CDAC recommended funding housing development, tenant-based rental assistance and a first-time homebuyer program out of the HOME allocation. Frederick also reported specific recommended amounts for program staff, social workers and administrative caps; he noted one applicant for an inpatient chemical dependency program (Hilltop Recovery Ministries) was ineligible because HOME/CDBG funds must support outpatient services.

Public comments at the hearing addressed use of funds and sustaining existing city services. Melissa Brown, during public comment, urged the council to ensure the Community Engagement Unit (CEU) retained capacity to assist unhoused individuals even if the physical reunification center is not built and to consider funding Hilltop Recovery Ministries for beds and services. Brown also expressed concern that portions of the plan's language closely mirror federal regulations (citing Title 24) and urged robust outreach to non-English speakers and better adherence to the citizen participation plan.

Council action: Councilmember Segar moved to approve the staff recommendation adopting the consolidated plan and FY2026 action plan and to exclude the HOME-ARP recommendation for the Killeen Police Department Community Engagement Unit; Councilmember Alvarez seconded. The motion passed 6–0. Staff said they will submit the consolidated plan and annual action plan to HUD, with a staff-stated target to submit by Aug. 15 and anticipated HUD execution of HUD agreements during the approval period reported by staff.

The council and staff highlighted that CDAC evaluated applications using scores for significance, impact, delivery feasibility, compliance and leveraging. Staff also noted the public comment period for the consolidated plan was open from July 9 through July 15, and that the city received two outside comments: one from the Texas Homeless Network and one from an urban planner/environmental policy advocate.

Ending: With council approval, staff will transmit the consolidated plan and FY2026 annual action plan to HUD and proceed with award notifications and grant administration consistent with the approved funding breaks; exclusion of the HOME-ARP recommendation for KPD CEU was part of the approved motion.