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Billings hears public concerns over HUD CDBG/HOME allocations, asks staff for follow‑ups on stalled projects
Summary
City staff presented the annual CDBG/HOME action plan and recommended funding including $750,000 for Sage Tower; public commenters and several council members raised concerns about delayed Homefront/LB Lofts work, potential reallocation of funds, code‑enforcement complaints and a staff administration‑cost line item that some councillors called high.
City staff outlined the proposed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funding priorities and timelines and answered extensive public comment during a required public hearing on the annual action plan.
Brenda Beckett, Community Development staff, said HUD timeliness requirements mean the city must show a plan to expend current funds and that the department expects to submit the consolidated annual action plan to HUD around mid‑May. Staff recommended allocations that include $750,000 for a Sage Tower rehabilitation project and changes to the first‑time homebuyer program to index assistance to a percentage of purchase price so grant amounts rise and fall with the market.
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