Commission adopts 2025–2029 CDBG and HOME consolidated plan, advocates urge focus on affordable housing

The City Commission adopted the final draft of the 2025–2029 consolidated plan and citizen participation plan for CDBG and HOME programs after a staff presentation and public testimony.

Sylvia Tarman, the city’s CDBG administrator, described the federal programs and summarized outreach including more than 500 survey responses and two public work groups. She said the five-year allocations are estimates: annual CDBG at about $761,417 and HOME at about $226,142, for a combined five-year total of approximately $4,900,000; the plan proposes allocating the largest percentage of funds to affordable housing over the next five years but noted those funds will likely be used as blended funding with other sources because rising construction costs limit the reach of CDBG/HOME alone.

Proponents from Family Promise, NeighborWorks Great Falls and the Great Falls Development Alliance urged prioritizing housing and using CDBG/HOME strategically for rehabilitation and blight removal. NeighborWorks’ Sherry Airy and others noted that slum-and-blight funding in the plan totals $200,000 over five years, which they described as limited compared with needs. Carrie Yerturi of Family Promise urged that the majority of funds be spent on affordable housing for families.

Commissioners debated funding constraints and HUD restrictions that affect how CDBG funds can be paired with private development. Commissioner Tryon asked about eligibility and partnerships; staff explained that CDBG typically requires affordability periods and that partnering with nonprofit housing providers is a common strategy to use CDBG funds effectively.

Commissioner Wolfe moved to adopt the consolidated plan and citizen participation plan; the commission voted and carried the motion.