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Richland approves 2026 CDBG and HOME allocations after resident raises transparency concerns
Summary
Council approved the 2026 Community Development Block Grant and Tri-Cities HOME funding recommendations, including allocations for homeownership assistance, rental aid and rehabilitation; a resident urged more transparency over Habitat-for-Humanity ties to city advisory roles.
The Richland City Council on Nov. 18 approved Resolution 2025-145, adopting the 2026 annual action plan and authorizing submission of grant applications for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnership Program. The vote followed a public hearing and staff presentation of recommended funding levels.
Tony Lehman, presenting staff recommendations, said the city expects to receive about $2,291,000 in CDBG funding for fiscal year 2026 and roughly $645,000 in HOME funds plus about $400,000 from prior-year program income. Lehman said recommended allocations include a $50,000 homeownership assistance cap per household, approximately $334,000 for tenant-based rental assistance, $500,000 for rehabilitation or acquisition, a CDBO set-aside of about $97,000, and amounts for administration and planning shared among Kennewick, Richland and Pasco.
The plan reflects federal limits on public-service spending; Lehman noted communities may allocate only 15% of CDBG funds to public services. He said the Planning Commission reviewed applications, held a public hearing and produced the funding recommendations the council considered.
During the public hearing, Richland resident Randy Slovic raised concerns about transparency and potential perceived conflicts of interest. Slovic said it was not clear on the agenda that a local Habitat for Humanity affiliate — described in his remarks alternately as Tri-City or Tri-County Habitat for Humanity — was listed as a Community Development Block Grant applicant and that the chair of the Planning Commission and the arts commission also serves as Habitat director. Slovic said, “nowhere is it ever mentioned that Tri County Habitat for Humanity is working on a grama... I think some effort should be made to make this more transparent when these fundings go to people that are connected with the city.” No council response disputing the claim is recorded in the hearing.
Council members praised the Planning Commission’s work on the competitive review process. The council approved Resolution 2025-145 by unanimous consent.
What happens next: Staff will submit the grant forms to the federal agencies as authorized and, if funding shortfalls occur, Lehman said deficits would be split proportionally between rental assistance and rehabilitation programs or redistributed as described in the action plan.
