The city's Office of Planning & Economic Development (OPED) presented its FY2027 budget strategy and community funding priorities. Director Amy and staff described a fiscal approach that uses available TIF fund balances to reduce the need for supplemental appropriations and to have funds ready for timely project delivery. OPED said 96.6% of its annual budget—about $29.2 million, as presented—would be directed to community programs and grants.

Julia Cave, community development coordinator, explained that OPED administers HUD entitlement funds (including community development block grants and HOME funds) and that HOME funding is uncertain; staff said HOME funds are forecast to be down by about $500,000 and that final federal allocations were still under negotiation with more clarity expected in March. OPED staff stressed the need to plan for both scenarios as the budget process continues.

OPED highlighted several active programs: an emergency home repair program (staff cited completed or scheduled work including 43 roofs, 23 lead paint abatements, 16 HVAC systems and 14 hot-water heaters), a Sangamon Valley Collection internship, a CoLab makerspace internship, neighborhood improvement grants and a cannabis grant assistance program for businesses and homeowners. Jared McCormick noted a recent Department of Natural Resources grant award for Center Park improvements.

Councilmembers asked for clarification on TIF figures and allocations. Staff said the TIF amounts shown in the slides represent funds budgeted for new projects in FY2027 and promised to provide a breakdown of allocations and spending versus remaining balances. OPED also emphasized outreach work—neighborhood meetings, QR-code incentive maps and handouts—to increase awareness of grant opportunities and application steps.

Council discussion touched on using TIF for land acquisition and early-stage affordable housing projects, communicating program requirements to constituents, and safeguards to ensure council oversight of individual TIF projects; staff confirmed all TIF projects will come to council for approval.