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Chester County outlines 2026 CDBG plan, awards $450,000 to housing partnership and launches write-down aid for first-time buyers
Summary
The Board of Commissioners opened a public comment period on the 2026 CDBG Action Plan (April 28–May 27) and approved a $450,000 award to the Housing Partnership of Chester County for strategic acquisition and rehabilitation; a new write-down fund will offer up to $50,000 in additional assistance for eligible first-time buyers.
The Chester County Board of Commissioners proclaimed April Community Development Month and heard details of the county’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation and Action Plan.
Dolores Colligan, director of the county Department of Community Development, told the board the county’s 2026 CDBG allocation is $2,481,848 and that the draft 2026 Action Plan is available for public review from April 28 through May 27. A public hearing on the plan will be held in person at 3:30 p.m. on May 7 in Room 250 of the Government Services Center.
Jeff Spencer, executive director of the Housing Partnership of Chester County, described a $450,000 2026 award the partnership will use for strategic acquisition and rehabilitation of underutilized or distressed properties. Spencer said the partnership has acquired five properties since a February 2025 amendment expanded funding for strategic acquisition and for write-down support to first-time buyers; two units are ready for sale.
Spencer also described a newly available write-down fund that provides up to $50,000 in additional assistance layered on top of existing first-time homebuyer resources. "These funds help level the playing field for our clients against all-cash offers and waived inspections," Spencer said.
Colligan and Spencer urged residents and stakeholders to review the Action Plan and attend the May 7 hearing to comment on proposed activities and allocations.
Next steps: the board will accept written comments through May 27 and consider public input following the May 7 hearing before finalizing the Action Plan.
