Waukegan opens public hearing on CDBG amendment, reallocates $7,262 to housing rehab

Waukegan officials opened a public hearing Nov. 17 on a proposed substantial amendment to the city’s 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan that would reallocate $7,262.04 in prior-year funds to the housing rehabilitation emergency program.

Larissa Garland, identified as CDBG director, told the Finance & Purchasing Committee that the city found a $2,262.04 leftover from program year 2024 and an unused $5,000 grant, and combined those amounts to increase the housing rehab emergency allocation to $157,262.04. Garland said the amendment follows HUD rules for substantial amendments and starts a 30‑day public review and comment period running Nov. 5 through Dec. 6, 2025.

Garland summarized the change as a reallocation of existing local grant funds rather than a new appropriation, saying, “So we took those 2 amounts, which adds up to the $7,262.04, and we added that to our housing rehab program, for our emergency funding.” She also explained that any change in allocation requires a formal amendment and public notice under HUD regulations.

After the presentation, the committee moved and seconded a motion to close the hearing; the motion carried by voice vote. Garland noted the item will return to the City Council for final approval and that the city will consider any public comments received during the 30‑day period in accordance with HUD requirements.

Next steps: the amendment is subject to City Council action and approval by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development before funds can be expended under the revised plan.