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Hagerstown staff outline FY26 CDBG and HOME funding; $791,400 CDBG entitlement and $361,181.17 HOME estimate cited
Summary
City staff reviewed the FY26–30 consolidated plan framework required by HUD, including estimated FY26 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships amounts, public engagement steps taken and a council timeline to adopt the plan and annual action plan for HUD submission.
City staff presented the draft five‑year consolidated plan and the FY26 annual action plan to the Hagerstown Mayor and City Council on Aug. 5, outlining estimated federal entitlements and the public outreach process required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Margie Jo, the staff presenter, told the council the city has been designated an entitlement community for HUD’s Community Development Block Grant program and that FY26 will begin a new five‑year consolidated plan. The city was notified that its FY26 CDBG entitlement will be $791,400 and staff estimates program income of about $75,000. The city also anticipates HOME Investment Partnerships funding of $361,181.17 in FY26, and staff said the city must provide a local match of $138,818.83 to participate as a jurisdiction in the HOME program. Margie Jo warned that HOME funding is contingent on the adopted federal budget.
Staff summarized the consolidated plan’s three parts: a needs assessment (housing, homeless, community and economic development), a housing market analysis and long‑term strategies to meet priority needs. The draft plan mapped priority goals including homeowner repair grants and loans, down‑payment assistance, neighborhood public‑works projects such as sidewalk and park improvements, and HOME‑funded home rehabilitation and homeownership programs administered by the Department of Housing and Community Development.
Public engagement steps recorded in the presentation include a first public hearing on Dec. 5, 2024, interviews with community partners and staff, a resident survey, a second public hearing on July 16, 2025 and a public comment display period from June 18 to July 18, 2025. Staff reported that no public comments were received during the posted display period.
Margie Jo recommended council approval of the consolidated plan and annual action plan so the department can submit the formal application to HUD. Staff said the approved consolidated plan and annual action plan must be submitted no later than Aug. 16 and that a formal vote on the plan is expected at a special session scheduled for Aug. 12. No final adoption vote occurred at the Aug. 5 work session; staff presented the draft and answered council questions.
A council member noted the plan’s housing and homeless priorities in the context of recent public comment on housing-related ordinances, and thanked staff for public outreach. Staff also acknowledged recent state funding that supports programs cited in the plan.
