Avondale Staff Outline Draft HUD Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan; Proposes Home Rehab and Youth Programs

Neighborhood and Family Services Director Chris Lopez presented a draft five-year HUD consolidated plan and a draft annual action plan to the Avondale City Council on March 3, outlining recommended goals and estimated federal funding allocations for the coming program year.

Lopez said the consolidated plan is a HUD-required five-year document that "serves as a tool for addressing and assessing our housing and community development needs in Avondale." He said the plan combines data analysis and community engagement to set priorities.

The presentation listed four recommended consolidated goals: preserve affordable housing through home rehabilitation; fund public infrastructure and facility improvements; offer services for low- and moderate-income and special-needs residents including a summer youth employment program (Abby Temp); and ensure effective program administration to meet HUD regulatory requirements. Lopez said staff expect to complete approximately 12 home rehabs in the coming year.

Estimated funding levels presented to council were roughly $700,000 for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and close to $200,000 for HOME funds; Lopez described those figures as estimates pending HUD’s award letter. He also referenced Home Investment Partnerships funding, which the presentation showed at approximately $249,000, and noted that HOME requires a 25% local match.

Lopez credited a consultant, Eric Chatham of Civitas, and city staff — including Housing and Community Development Manager Regina Marrette, Management Analyst Alexia Grady and Housing Rehab Coordinator Jamie Moen — for completing the outreach and data work. He said the planning process began in June 2024, produced more than 1,137 survey responses, included public hearings and meetings with nonprofit partners, and would remain open for public comment through March 6.

Council members praised the community-engagement approach. Councilman Solorio said the city was "10 times ahead of the game" on programs such as the youth employment effort, and Councilmember Weiss asked for an example of a home repair; Lopez described ADA modifications such as ramps and lowered countertops and offered to share before-and-after photos. Councilmember White asked how the city would ensure broad outreach for the youth positions and Lopez described existing school partnerships, social-media promotion and in-person tabling at events.

Lopez said staff plan to return to council for approval on March 24 and to submit the plan to county and federal partners in May; he said the city anticipates receiving final funding agreements in August 2025.

No vote was taken on March 3; the public comment period remains open through March 6.