DeSoto formalizes CDBG priorities for 2025–2029 draft: senior center, home‑repair and transportation assistance
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Summary
Consultant Patricia Santa Cruz presented the consolidated plan and action‑plan timeline; staff recommended allocating $271,460 for FY26 with $90,000 toward senior‑center improvements, $10,000 home‑repair units (approx. $10,000 per project), $21,460 for transportation assistance and $50,000 for administration.
Grow America consultant Patricia Santa Cruz presented an update on the City of DeSoto’s 2025–2029 consolidated plan and the FY26 annual action plan. The plan will guide use of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and must be submitted to HUD by Aug. 15.
Santa Cruz said DeSoto’s typical annual CDBG allocation is about $271,460 for the program year starting Oct. 1, 2025. The consolidated‑plan community needs assessment combined stakeholder engagement and 191 resident survey responses and identified priority needs for infrastructure and facility improvements (streets, sidewalks, lighting), affordable housing and public services for low‑ and moderate‑income households.
Based on the needs analysis, staff recommended the following FY26 CDBG budget: continuation of the home‑repair program (up to $10,000 per home repair project, with delivery and inspection costs reducing the number of houses served), $90,000 to complete senior‑center facility improvements (the total estimated project cost is $345,000), $21,460 for the transportation assistance program (previously migrated to STAR Transit) and $50,000 for planning and administration (within the 20% allowed). Santa Cruz said the senior center allocation would complete required funding for construction based on current design and cost estimates.
Santa Cruz said staff conducted 10 stakeholder meetings and an online and paper survey (March 6–July 7) with 191 respondents. Major resident priorities were infrastructure and facilities, housing rehab and services such as transportation assistance. Councilmembers expressed interest in wider outreach and suggested adding metrics showing how award funds will be expended and timelines. Santa Cruz said staff will hold a required public hearing and return to council on Aug. 5 for plan adoption before HUD’s Aug. 15 deadline.
