Largo presents draft 2025–29 consolidated CDBG plan and 2025–26 action plan; housing remains top priority

City of Largo staff presented the draft 2025–29 Consolidated Plan and the 2025–26 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and related housing funds, proposing that housing remain the primary focus of city investments.

“ The consolidated plan is a 5 year planning document that is required by the Department of Housing and Urban Development, known as HUD, in order for the city of Largo to continue to receive its annual retirement for the Community Development Block Grant Program,” said Shira Green, the housing grant specialist who led the presentation.

Key priorities and budget allocations Staff said the consolidated plan carries forward goals consistent with the city’s strategic plan, emphasizing safe and healthy neighborhoods and preserving or expanding affordable housing. For FY2025–26 staff proposed allocating roughly 74% of available funding to housing programs, 18% to neighborhood improvements, 2% to supportive services and 6% for program administration.

Programs, geography and partners The action plan bundles multiple federal and state funding sources — CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), State Housing Initiative Partnership (SHIP) and Pinellas County Housing Trust Fund — and relies on a portfolio of loans and program income. Staff said the city’s loan portfolio totals just over $12 million; loan repayments and program income are recycled into future projects but many loans are low‑interest or deferred and some are forgiven over time.

Staff discussed specific projects in the CDBG target area (which includes portions of the West Bay Drive/Clearwater–Largo Road redevelopment district) such as greenspace improvements at 800 NW 4th Avenue (sidewalk widening, ADA accessibility, lighting, dog park and exercise equipment). Proposed public services and partners listed in the action plan included, among others, Feeding Tampa Bay (funded for outreach at the Ridgecrest YMCA) and other nonprofit providers. Staff noted Gulfcoast Legal Services was recommended not to receive funding because of declining numbers of Largo residents served.

Funding outlook and process Staff told the commission that federal funding estimates are stable for the action plan year but that state housing allocations are uncertain: staff said the recommended state funding level for next year is about 9% below this year and that state receipts have fallen compared with two years earlier. The presentation noted the Area Agency on Aging informed the city it could not continue a senior services program because of high administrative costs; staff said senior services will be a priority in the next application cycle.

Public process and next steps The draft consolidated plan and annual action plan were reviewed and recommended by the Community Development Advisory Board on May 19. Staff said the plans entered a 30‑day public comment period from June 1–30 and that adoption by the commission is scheduled for July 15, after which the plans will be submitted to HUD. Staff said no written public comments had been received as of the meeting.

Ending: Commissioners asked questions about program income and whether small local organizations can compete for grants; staff described federal compliance requirements and said the city offers technical assistance to applicants. No formal action was taken at the work session; staff will return with the adopted plan for submission to HUD after the public comment period.