Planning board endorses draft consolidated plan and 2025–26 action plan for CDBG and HOME funds

The City of Tamarac’s Planning Board on Wednesday voted unanimously to forward the draft consolidated plan and the program year 2025–26 annual action plan to the City Commission and to encourage public participation through the July 9 public comment deadline.

Carolyn Francis Royer, Housing and Community Development manager, outlined the two federal funding streams covered by the plan: Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) activities—public improvements, public facilities, housing rehabilitation, economic development, acquisition and public services—and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) program activities—multifamily development, housing for people with special needs, first‑time homebuyer assistance and tenant‑based rental assistance. Royer said the city’s estimated 2025–26 CDBG allocation is $496,342; HOME funds flow through the county HOME consortium and were estimated at $152,000 for the current year.

The strategic goals in the draft consolidated plan focus on public services and quality‑of‑life improvements, affordable housing preservation and development, and effective program management. Staff described outreach efforts, including district meetings and a public survey; survey responses prioritized affordable housing and public services. The draft plan requires two public hearings and a public‑comment period that closes July 9, after which the plan will be submitted to the county consortium for transmittal to HUD by the August 15 deadline.

Board members asked clarifying questions about eligible activities and whether Tamarac residents and local organizations may apply; Royer said housing rehabilitation will be administered directly by the city and public‑service funds will be subgranted to nonprofit providers. The board voted 5‑0 to forward the draft consolidated plan and 2025–26 action plan to the City Commission for approval.