City staff seek public feedback on HUD annual action plan and funds allocation

City staff presented an overview of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) 2026–2027 annual action plan at the Dec. 2 council meeting and invited public input during a comment window running through Dec. 31.

Ashley Tucker of Housing and Community Development told council the annual action plan is the yearly implementation subset of Raleigh’s five‑year consolidated plan and described three headline goals: increase affordable housing options, increase housing stabilization and supportive services, and prevent and reduce homelessness. Staff cited accomplishments reported to HUD for the federal reporting period, including support for more than 2,000 affordable rental units, roughly 200 down‑payment assistance loans and over 5,300 individuals provided shelter.

Tucker also outlined anticipated resources for the draft plan: city staff estimated approximately $16.6 million in combined federal and local resources for the period, including CDBG (approximately $2.85 million), HOME (approximately $1.35 million), an estimated $250,000 in Emergency Solutions Grant funds, and local general funds and bonds. Staff emphasized that November–December is the current public‑input window; a draft will be released in early 2026 and a second public hearing is planned in April before adoption in May.

During the public hearing on the plan, Octavia Rainey urged the council to hold a separate public hearing focused on the citizen participation plan, pressed for stronger outreach to internet‑unconnected and underserved communities, and requested that the city publish race‑specific outcomes and enforce fair housing rules for community development projects.

City staff said they welcome additional feedback and will use the input to refine goals and the draft action plan.