Committee authorizes Community Development Grants Administration to prepare and execute 2025 contracts while HUD award is pending

The Community and Economic Development Committee on April 14 adopted a substitute resolution authorizing the Community Development Grants Administration (CDGA) to review and approve modifications to the contract used for 2025 community development activity and to execute related contracts and subcontracts.

Mario Higgins, representing CDGA, told the committee that the city has been working through contract reviews with the city attorney’s office and that federal award paperwork from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) had not yet arrived. Higgins said officials expect the HUD award letter by May 15 but requested authority to proceed so partner organizations can begin work once formal notice arrives.

Higgins said the contract authority covers approximately $15,000,000 in community development activity contracts for 2025 and described recent uncertainty rooted in federal continuing resolutions and administrative changes. Aldermen asked about reprogramming if federal funds were cut; Higgins said reprogramming would be considered only if there were significant reductions and that staff expects minimal change.

Alderman Deandre Jackson moved for adoption; the committee recorded no objections and the substitute resolution was ordered adopted. Committee members asked staff to report back after the HUD notice is received.

The adopted authority allows CDGA and other city departments to execute contracts and subcontracts necessary for community development activities in 2025 once federal award documentation is in place.