Lakewood holds public hearing on 2025‑29 consolidated plan; staff outlines CDBG, HOME and NSP allocations

City planning staff presented the proposed 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the fiscal 2025 annual action plan at a public hearing April 21, outlining how federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME and Neighborhood Stabilization Program (NSP) funds would be allocated in the coming year.

Planning Manager Mike Gump (listed in the meeting as "Mister Gump") summarized the fiscal‑year 2025 proposals, saying the plan would allocate $325,000 in HOME funds to an affordable housing fund and $104,995 in HOME funds for tenant‑based rental assistance; $25,000 was proposed for HOME administration. Proposed CDBG allocations included $496,093.45 for a major housing repair program, $35,000 for housing emergency assistance for displaced residents, $45,000 for emergency payments, $15,000 for administration of home housing services and $105,000 for broader CDBG administration. Separately, $292,000 in available NSP1 funds were proposed for an NSP1 abatement program.

Gump told the council the public hearing is a formal step required before council action and that staff planned to return with the consolidated plan for approval at a future meeting and to submit the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development by May 15.

Two members of the public offered testimony on the consolidated plan. Christina Manetti expressed concern about approaches to homelessness and cautioned against prioritizing tiny‑home villages as a solution, especially in natural areas. Another commenter who identified himself remotely, Dennis Haugen, spoke at length about immigration enforcement; meeting staff noted those remarks were not on theme for the consolidated plan hearing.

No decisions were made at the April 21 hearing. Staff described the hearing as part of the statutory process to gather public comment and finalize funding recommendations before returning to the council for adoption.