Council accepts draft CDBG/HOME/ESG applications; final allocations to return May 6

City staff presented the draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) application materials at a public hearing April 15 and the council accepted the draft for public review ahead of a May 6 vote on allocations.

City Manager Brian Mohan summarized the entitlement program and estimated funding levels: “HUD entitlement funds that we do receive on an annual basis is Community Development Block Grant, roughly $1,900,000; Home Investment, which is roughly $700,000 annually and ESG, which is roughly a little less than $200,000 annually,” he said. Because the funds are federally restricted, the city must follow HUD noticing and public-engagement rules, including the public review period and multiple hearings.

Staff described the draft application packet and explained that the document lists submitted project requests and the estimated HUD allocations; the draft itself does not make funding recommendations. The public hearing was the second required hearing in the entitlement process. One public speaker, Roy Blickard, spoke in general terms about the broader effects of housing funding and urged the city to consider outcomes and accountability in how funds are used.

Council voted to accept the draft application packet for public review and carry the matter to the May 6 meeting, when staff and the city’s third-party administrator will present recommended allocations.

Next steps: draft applications will remain open for public review; staff and the consultant will evaluate proposals and recommend final allocations at the May 6 council meeting as required by HUD.