Enid commission adopts FY2025 CDBG action plan, approves project allocations pending HUD award

The Enid City Commission on May 5 approved a resolution adopting the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan for federal fiscal year 2025 and authorized staff to submit the finalized plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development after the 30-day public-comment period.

The action matters because the plan directs how the city would spend CDBG funds if its anticipated allocation arrives. Kristen (CDBG coordinator) told the commission that the city has not yet received HUD p n official allocation and that the funding commission based recommendations on an estimated $450,000 for FY2025; she noted the city received about $491,000 the prior year. "The city of Enid has not yet been notified of its official allocation from HUD," Kristen said, adding the timeline aligns with previous years.

Commissioners approved a set of project recommendations prepared by the CDBG Funding Commission at a special meeting April 14. The recommended budget conforms with HUD rules, including a 15% cap on public-service spending; Kristen described public-service recommendations for Booker T. Washington, Enid SOS and Enid Salvation Army that together equal the 15% cap. She also said that if the final HUD award is higher than the estimate, additional funding would be split evenly among For Our Kids, Westside Ministries and CDSA, and that if the award is lower, allocations would be reduced proportionally.

The plan includes capital and facility-improvement projects proposed by local nonprofits: Youth and Family Services requested funds to install an emergency generator; the YWCA proposed floor repairs and kitchen renovation with a new gas line and range to support its shelter and client services; Westside Ministries was recommended for a homeowner-occupied housing rehabilitation program; CDSA was proposed to receive funds for emergency repairs. Kristen noted the one-year federal grant period begins July 1, 2025, and ends June 30, 2026, and that recipients must spend funds within that period or the city reclaims and reallocates the money.

During the public hearing required under the city's citizen participation plan, no members of the public signed up to speak. Commissioner Whitney Roberts, who led the CDBG funding committee, received praise from other commissioners for the committee's work. The commission voted to adopt the action plan and authorized the mayor and CDBG coordinator to complete required documents pending HUD allocation.

The action sets preliminary allocations only; final spending will be adjusted if HUD's official award differs from the committee's estimate.