Longview council approves 2025–29 consolidated plan, cites ongoing homelessness work
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Summary
The Longview City Council voted to submit the 2025–2029 Longview–Kelso consolidated plan and the city's 2025 annual action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, keeping five‑year goals unchanged and noting progress on affordable housing and services.
The Longview City Council approved Resolution 25‑69 on July 22 authorizing submission of the 2025–2029 Longview–Kelso consolidated plan and the city's 2025 annual action plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
City staff framed the consolidated plan as a five‑year framework that sets HUD program goals for Longview and neighboring Kelso. "So what is the consolidated plan? It's submitted once every 5 years," said Kenny Robinson, city staff, during the public hearing. Robinson summarized progress on goals that include increasing affordable housing supply, preserving existing housing, improving housing‑related services and economic outcomes, and funding public facilities and improvements.
Robinson told the council the jurisdictions have aided development of 72 affordable housing units and committed funding to a 40‑unit project at Catlin and Main. He said Foundation for the Challenge has three group‑home units under construction and five additional units planned between Longview and Kelso. Staff also identified homeowner rehabilitation work by Lower Columbia CAP, exterior repairs at Soundview Apartments, tenant‑education classes, and tenant‑based rental assistance (TBRA) that served 32 households as examples of activity toward plan goals.
During public comment a resident asked whether Hope Village was included; Robinson said a revised draft uploaded earlier the same day adds Hope Village and that the change is reflected in the version presented to council.
After discussion councilmember motioned and seconded adoption of Resolution 25‑69. The motion carried on a council voice vote; the transcript records a voice vote but does not list individual roll‑call tallies.
Why it matters: The consolidated plan is the primary vehicle for HUD formula and competitive programs; approval authorizes the city to submit its priorities and the annual list of projects that will receive HUD‑related funding for the coming year. Staff told council the plan keeps the city's goals consistent to show continuity to HUD while acknowledging additional work remains to address homelessness, cost‑burdened households and the housing supply.
What council members asked: Members questioned how the consolidated plan interacts with other local homelessness efforts and budget priorities. One resident asked whether funding for Hope Village had been included; staff confirmed it was added to the revised draft. Council did not alter funding commitments at the meeting.
Next steps: Resolution 25‑69 will be submitted to HUD along with the city's annual action plan for 2025. Individual projects listed in the annual action plan were previously approved by council in April, according to staff.
