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DHCD presents FY26 budget highlights to PHED committee; staff cite market delays and new homeownership supports
Summary
At an April 17 work session the Department of Housing and Community Development outlined its FY2026 requests, noting declines in projected trust-fund draws due to slower project closings, new grant programs, staffing totals and anticipated program adjustments.
The Planning, Housing & Economic Development Committee on April 17 heard a fiscal year 2026 budget overview from the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), which described program funding, staffing and several new or expanded initiatives.
Shailen Miller Y, DHCD staff presenting the department review, said the department’s proposed FY2026 general fund was approximately $3.6 million and noted a projected decline in the Housing Investment Trust Fund from the prior year. She told the committee the Trust Fund projection was lower because "projects are staying in the pipeline longer than anticipated" amid a high interest-rate market.
DHCD’s budget book in the session showed staff proposals for 108 full-time equivalents across DHCD-related agencies, with DHCD proper consisting of a 32-person team; staff described eight positions as grant-funded. Miller reported recent program activity including $5.5 million distributed through Emergency Rental Assistance Program (ERAP) payments to 681 families and Emergency Solutions Grants engagement with 14 individuals and 517 shelter residents.
The department outlined two new grant programs: a Pathways to Removing Obstacles to Housing program and a Housing Affordability Planning program. Miller also said the Pathways to Purchase (down-payment assistance) program will increase maximum loan amounts to $50,000 and extend term/forgivable options up to 20 years.
Council members asked about the durability of federal grant funding. Miller noted the department’s HOME and CDBG allocations were not expected to change imminently and said DHCD expects the Department of Housing and Community Development staffing to reach full fill within months. She also said DHCD is collaborating with the Redevelopment Authority on new homeownership initiatives.
No formal committee vote was taken; members requested follow-up details and noted the department must supply maps and program-level data as the ordinance and budget cycle move forward.
