Board approves 2025 CDBG, HOME and HOPWA allocations and sources; staff to prepare resolution

The Little Rock Board of Directors voted May 20 to approve the city's proposed sources and uses for 2025 federal housing and community development funds including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and HOPWA (Housing Opportunities for Persons With AIDS) allocations. The board motion carried on the record and staff said the formal resolution will be prepared.

City staff presented a fact sheet showing five-year historic uses and outcomes: CDBG activities included owner-occupied rehabilitation, economic development and public services such as senior activities, homeless services (until the city created a homeless services division), health clinics and meal programs. CARES Act CDBG funding received during the COVID period was used for economic-development and public-service activities, the presentation said. Over the past five years staff said CDBG-funded activities assisted more than 50,000 individuals in low- and moderate-income categories.

For HOME funds, staff reported an anticipated HUD allocation of about $700,000 and program income just under $500,000, for a total program pool of roughly $1.4 million. Staff said HOME funds support homeowner rehabilitation, down-payment assistance and new construction through community housing development organizations (CHDOs) such as University District Development Corporation and BCD.

HOPWA allocations were presented as more than $1 million in anticipated funding and described uses including permanent housing placement, short-term rental/mortgage/utility assistance (STRMU) and tenant-based rental assistance. Staff noted HOPWA grantee administrative fees are capped at about 3% by HUD and that future funding for these programs in 2026 is uncertain due to federal appropriations.

Director Miller asked for and received instructions for residents about applying for owner-occupied rehabilitation and World Changers exterior repair assistance: staff said residents can call Little Rock Housing and Neighborhood Programs at (501) 371-6825 or use the homeowner questionnaire on the city website to be placed on waiting lists. Staff said the owner-occupied rehabilitation wait list was fewer than 100 people and that the program typically assists 65–75 households per year; World Changers work (exterior painting and minor repairs) is typically completed within a year for eligible participants.

The board approved the allocations on a motion; staff will prepare the formal resolution and publish required public-hearing dates for related appeals and zoning matters as part of the consent agenda work.