Grand Prairie council approves $2.1 million CDBG and HOME budget, funds five nonprofits

The Grand Prairie City Council voted unanimously Monday to adopt the city's fiscal year 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME program budgets, approving a package staff said totals about $2,097,454 for both programs.

The budget was presented at a public hearing by Esther Coleman, the city's housing director, who said the combined CDBG and HOME allocation represents an increase from last year. Coleman said the city's HOME allocation is approximately $553,446 and that total funding for both programs is $2,097,454. She described how the CDBG portion would be split among administration, housing rehabilitation, emergency repairs and a down-payment assistance account.

Coleman told council that under the CDBG administration category the department is requesting about $305,000 to cover staffing, fair-housing work and program administration. She said housing rehab funding recommended by staff was $314,003; emergency repairs were budgeted at $80,000; and the down-payment assistance (``buying power'') account at $22,500. The presentation also identified a $150,000 sidewalk/public facilities allocation for low-to-moderate-income areas.

For HOME program activity, Coleman said the city is requesting $353,406 for reconstruction and related activities.

Coleman said the Housing and Community Investment Committee (HCIC) reviewed nonprofit applications in April and recommended funding for five public-service agencies. The council packet and staff slide show listed recommended awards and service descriptions: Children's First (counseling and abuse-prevention services), Grand Prairie Parks & Recreation summer programs, Grand Prairie United Charities (emergency rent and utility assistance), Lifeline Families (housing support for qualifying homeless students and families) and Visiting Nurse Association of Texas Meals on Wheels (meal delivery for homebound residents). Coleman said applications were due in March and that all applicants that applied were funded in this funding cycle.

Following the staff presentation and public comments from agency representatives and residents, Mayor Pro Tem Clemson moved to close the public hearing and approve the ordinance adopting the program year 2025 CDBG and HOME budgets; Council Member Adams seconded. The motion passed 8-0.

The ordinance adoption authorizes the city to send required public notices and to accept the federal allocations once they are finalized. Coleman told the council the city must publish a second public notice in August before the city receives the funds and that citizens can apply for specific programs through the Housing and Neighborhood Services office.

Community advocates who addressed the council urged continued support for the funded programs. Grand Prairie United Charities executive director Patty Brock said the city's CDBG support was essential to the agency's ability to avoid staff cuts and continue emergency assistance; she told the council her organization served almost 24,000 people last year.

The council's approval will allow staff to implement the programs and begin intake and award processes in accordance with federal program rules and the city's administrative plan.