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Council reviews draft CDBG consolidated-plan needs assessment; seniors, supportive housing emerge as local priorities
Summary
City staff presented results of a countywide HUD-required needs assessment for the 2025–2030 consolidated plan; Walnut Creek’s responses emphasized services and housing for seniors, people with disabilities and homelessness prevention.
City staff presented a draft community needs assessment Jan. 21 that will inform the 2025–2030 consolidated plan the city submits as a member of the Contra Costa County CDBG consortium.
Allison (staff), who led the presentation, said the effort combined countywide community meetings, an online questionnaire, stakeholder focus groups and three Walnut Creek‑specific focus groups (Trinity Center staff, seniors and formerly homeless residents at St. Paul’s Commons).
“The community needs assessment is required by HUD to incorporate feedback from the public on housing, services, infrastructure and public facility needs,” Allison said. “Participants recognized that all types of affordable units are needed, particularly for seniors and people with disabilities.”
The draft priorities proposed by the countywide consortium mirror the current consolidated plan and emphasize affordable housing creation and preservation, homeless prevention and non‑housing community development. Walnut Creek’s local results placed additional emphasis on supportive housing with integrated services, emergency shelter and services targeted to seniors and people with disabilities.
Allison told council the city’s demography helps explain those differences: Walnut Creek’s population skews older and has smaller households with fewer children than the county as a whole, which is reflected in stronger local demand for senior services.
Council members asked questions about the CDBG allocation and how Walnut Creek’s entitlement formula compares with nearby cities. Staff said HUD issues the annual allocation in April and that entitlement amounts are formula‑driven and influenced by factors such as poverty and other need indicators.
No formal council action was required; staff requested direction on any additional feedback to relay to the Contra Costa consortium as it drafts the consolidated plan. Council members on the Housing and Community Development Committee expressed support for the assessment and asked staff to continue alignment of grant priorities with local senior and supportive‑housing needs.
