Council adopts annual HUD community development plan; three councilors recused from vote

The Malden City Council voted May 1 to adopt the city’s consolidated plan and authorize submission of Fiscal Year 2026 applications for HUD-funded programs under the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 and the Cranston-Gonzalez Act.

The adopted order directs Mayor Gary Christiansen to act as the city’s authorized representative to sign and file the plan and associated assurances and to provide additional information as required. Councilor Lauren McDonald said the city expects flat funding for the coming year and that staff had prepared contingency plans if federal funding changes materially; the administration asked staff to return to council if funding changed by more than 10 percent.

Before the vote, three councilors — Councilor Crow, Councilor Spadafore and Councilor Sica — recused themselves because of ties to local organizations that receive or coordinate HUD-funded services. The clerk noted the recusals; the remaining eight councilors voted to adopt the plan.

Council committee and staff said the budget continues priorities including housing rehabilitation, pedestrian improvements and park projects, and noted placeholders in the budget for phase two of Deborah Park and potential work at Roosevelt Park. Strategic Planning and Community Development staff were present to answer questions.

Councilors asked staff to plan for contingencies and to return to the council if grant totals changed substantially. The order passed on an 8–0 roll-call vote with the three recused councilors recorded as absent for that item.