Board adopts amended CDBG/HOME citizen participation plan to raise thresholds for 'substantial' amendments
Summary
Marion County adopted an amended citizen participation plan for CDBG and HOME programs that raises the threshold for what qualifies as a "substantial amendment" (e.g., additions/deletions of entire projects or funding changes greater than 25% of annual allocation) and streamlines language to reduce unnecessary hearings while preserving HUD-required public participation.
Kelly Weese, Community and Economic Development director, presented a proposed amendment to Marion County’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships citizen participation plan at the Jan. 28 board meeting, explaining that HUD requires jurisdictions that receive CDBG/HOME funding to maintain a participation plan governing public input.
Weese said the current plan’s threshold for what triggers a "substantial amendment" is low and leads to unnecessary public hearings for routine administrative changes. Under the proposed amendment, a change would be considered substantial only when it meets higher-impact tests such as addition or deletion of an entire project or a funding change greater than 25% of the total annual allocation. Weese said the revised plan also streamlines and clarifies language so it is more accessible to the public and remains HUD-compliant.
The board held the required public hearing, received no public comments, and then a commissioner moved to close the hearing and adopt a resolution to approve the amended citizen participation plan. The motion was seconded and approved by the board.
Weese said staff will incorporate the amended plan into Marion County’s 2026–2031 consolidated plan and use the revised criteria to focus public hearings on higher-impact decisions while handling routine administrative adjustments through more efficient management updates.
The board recorded the motion as approved by voice vote.
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