Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council hears presentation on Bloomington's 2026 CDBG annual action plan; public comment period open
Summary
At a public hearing, staff previewed the Program Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan, outlining goals (housing preservation, slum and blight elimination, public services), revenue assumptions (staff estimated about $610,000 including program income) and project priorities; public comment stays open through Feb. 23.
Bloomington staff on Feb. 2026 presented the city’s Program Year 2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan during a public hearing and opened the record to public comments through Feb. 23.
Grants manager William Bessler summarized the consolidated-plan goals that shape the annual action plan: preserve affordable housing, eliminate slum and blight, support public services and improve public facilities and infrastructure. Staff noted the city is an entitlement grantee under HUD; the city estimates Program Year 2026 revenue — combining an allocation estimate, program income from prior rehabilitation loans and carryover resources — at about $610,000, a working assumption until HUD issues a final allocation.
Staff described program priorities and partners: targeted housing rehabilitation (owner-occupants at or below 80% of area median income, with up to $30,000 in hard costs allowed), emergency rehabilitation and water/sewer installations (with Habitat for Humanity of McLean County), demolition of vacant properties (staff budgeted one demolition with the possibility of two), and funding for nonprofit subrecipients including Home Sweet Home Ministries, KTB Financial Services and Prairie State Legal Services. The presentation also added a South Central Bloomington geographic priority area aligned with the city’s comprehensive plan.
Council asked about program scope and numbers: staff said they anticipate approximately seven housing-rehab units in the program year (an estimate), explained the income eligibility threshold and confirmed HUD directed Prairie State Legal Services to be budgeted under public service rather than administration for this year. Bessler said the city will adjust projects after HUD issues the official allocation and that HUD also must approve the annual action plan before funds are released.
What’s next: Public comment will be accepted through Feb. 23, 2026; final council consideration and any action will follow receipt of the HUD allocation.
