Lakewood outlines proposed $480,000 in CDBG and $250,503 in HOME funding for 2026 programs

Jeff Gumb, the city's housing programs manager, presented Lakewood's 2026 annual action plan for federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds at the Planning Commission meeting on March 18. Gumb outlined HUD requirements, recent projects, proposed allocations and the public review schedule required before council action.

Gumb said the city expects roughly $480,000 in CDBG funds (similar to last year's $482,320) and about $250,503 in HOME funds. The draft allocations he described include approximately $412,719.83 for major home repair (intended to rehabilitate seven low-income owner households), $25,000 for emergency assistance intended to serve about 30 individuals, $10,000 in CDBG emergency payments (supplemented by existing carryover), and $96,000 for CDBG administration (about 20%). Gumb also noted program income historically generates roughly $75,000'$120,000 annually and that the city pools HOME funds for larger affordable-housing projects.

Gumb described a recent project that combined city, county, state and federal funding and a city contribution of $1 million toward a 26-unit affordable project. He explained that when the city partners with organizations such as Habitat for Humanity it provides grants that reduce development costs; the city also provides deferred loans or 0% deferred loans to homebuyers depending on income levels.

Gumb said the city started the public-comment period and that the 30-day comment window is April 1'30; Council will hold a public hearing April 20 and is scheduled to consider approval May 4, with final submission targeted for May 15. Commissioners asked about outreach and application pathways; Gumb said outreach has used the Lakewood Connections letter, utility-bill flyers and word-of-mouth and noted wait lists exist for some programs.