Herriman staff recommends studying in‑house CDBG administration; estimated local allocation under $200,000

Herriman staff recommended the city explore administering its own Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program instead of applying through Salt Lake County.

At the June 25 work meeting, Unidentified Speaker 2, the presenter on CDBG, said Herriman currently participates in the county urban‑county program but has grown to the point where local administration could be feasible. "We have an estimated allocation of just under $200,000," the speaker said, adding that Salt Lake County currently reserves about 35% of similar allocations for administrative fees.

Staff said bringing CDBG administration in‑house would allow the city to use some of the program’s administrative dollars to hire a part‑time or grant‑funded program administrator and would give the city more direct control over how entitlement funds are used. Unidentified Speaker 2 said the process to stand up local administration would likely take about a year to a year and a half and would require coordination with the county, HUD and other partners.

Councilmembers asked whether the city would hire a dedicated administrator or combine the role with a grant writer. Unidentified Speaker 5 asked if the city would have capacity in‑house; staff replied they anticipate hiring at least a part‑time position and would work through staffing options as the planning process progresses.

The council did not take formal action at the meeting but directed staff to continue exploring the option, gather the training and program information needed, and report back with more detailed cost and timeline estimates. Staff said they and consulting colleagues would return with next steps to include budget timing and potential drafting work if the council wants to proceed.