Council approves HUD action plan: city to receive roughly $105,000 in CDBG and $63,255 in HOME (estimated)

City staff presented the final public hearing on the city’s FY2025–26 action plan and citizen participation plan for submission to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Staff said the city anticipates a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) entitlement of approximately $105,000.87 and HOME Partnership Program funds of about $63,255 as part of the Brevard County HOME Consortium.

Staff explained statutory limits on CDBG programming (maximum 50% to public service agencies and up to 20% for administration) and described how a portion of CDBG funding will continue to repay a Section 108 loan used to build the Dr. Julie Smith Community Center. Due to a reduced allocation compared with the prior year, staff recommended minor reductions to partner agency awards and proposed sharing available CDBG‑CV (coronavirus) balances among public service agencies and administration.

Public testimony: David Brubaker, president/CEO of the Central Brevard Sharing Center, told council the recommended funds would pay for food purchases for the community kitchen and urged approval. Council members asked about tracking client origin and service demand; Brubaker said his organization tracks resident vs. nonresident service counts and will provide figures to council on request.

Council action: Council voted to approve the action plan and citizen participation plan and authorized the mayor to sign related HUD certifications and agreements. Staff will include the approved allocations in the HUD submission and proceed with required certifications.

Why it matters: CDBG and HOME allocations fund local nonprofit services, emergency assistance and housing activities that serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents. The plan also commits funds to loan repayment obligations, limiting discretionary allocation amounts.