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City manager warns federal executive orders and budget could cut HUD funding that supports Cambridge housing programs
Summary
Cambridge officials told the City Council that a recent White House executive order and changes to federal grant terms threaten millions in HUD funding supporting local permanent supportive housing and homeless services; city staff say they are preparing contingency plans and recommend a federal funding stabilization fund.
City Manager provided the Cambridge City Council with a detailed federal update on Friday, saying recent executive actions and the president’s fiscal proposal pose material risks to federal grants the city relies on to keep people housed and run homeless services.
The city manager told councilors the April 28 executive order titled “Protecting Communities from Criminal Aliens” directs federal agencies to publish a list of jurisdictions it deems “sanctuary” jurisdictions and to apply conditions that could lead to suspension or termination of federal funds. “The order makes unfounded accusations that state and local officials are violating, obstructing, and defying enforcement of federal immigration laws,” the city manager said, adding the city and partners expect legal challenges but that courts move more slowly than executive actions.
The administration flagged particular concern about terms HUD has attached to renewal of Continuum of Care grants, which Cambridge uses to support permanent supportive housing. “After review of these conditions, and the legal promises that are entailed, we have significant concerns,” the city manager said, citing clauses the city views as overly broad and punitive. Cambridge receives roughly $6.3 million a year in CoC funding that supports housing for more than 200 people and related services, the manager said.
City staff told the council they are exploring stopgap options—such as short interim contracts with nonprofit subrecipients—to avoid an immediate disruption to services if a federal funding stream is paused. The city manager said other formula grants (Community Development Block Grant, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grant) could also be affected, together representing roughly $3.5 million in annual funding.
To preserve local flexibility while the federal picture evolves, the city manager urged the council to back a federal funding stabilization fund. “The need to prioritize local funds and adjust usual procedures in response to what we are seeing from the federal government is clear,” the manager said.
Councilors asked timing questions about the federal appropriations process; the manager said the current continuing resolution funds the federal government through Sept. 30, and major appropriations decisions will be resolved in the months ahead. Legal staff will continue to analyze contract language and coordinate with other cities and the state attorney general’s office, the manager said.
Mayor and councilors thanked staff for the briefing and directed the manager and solicitor to continue contingency planning. The council voted 9–0 to place the city manager’s federal update on file.
Ending: Councilors said they expect further briefings as federal actions and court responses develop and urged staff to prioritize continuity of services for people in housing and shelter programs.
