Durham staff present draft Annual Action Plan, say about $4.175 million in federal funds available for 2026–27

City planning staff presented the draft Annual Action Plan (AAP) for FY2026–27 and opened a public hearing as the Durham City Council accepted resident comment on how to allocate federal community-development funds.

Broden Cit, identified in the record as an administrator for planning performance and neighborhood and housing services, told the council the AAP guides use of federal CDBG, HOME and ESG dollars and described the competitive application process. Staff noted application workshops (one in-person, one virtual) and said applications are due March 3 at noon. Staff said the city expects to receive approximately $4.175 million in federal funds across programs and described an ongoing effort to increase transparency and community participation in project selection.

Several public commenters, including Victoria Peterson, urged that funds be used to address homelessness in the community, expand provider capacity and ensure transparent, competitive distribution of grants. "Estos fondos pueden ser utilizados para trabajar con la gente que no tiene hogar y las organizaciones sin hogar en nuestra comunidad," a commenter said, urging targeted proposals.

Why it matters: The AAP determines how federal housing and community-development dollars will be spent locally; the plan also sets the schedule for the public comment period and the draft's publication for 30-day public review prior to formal submission.

What happens next: Staff will publish the draft AAP for public comment, accept applications through March 3 and incorporate resident feedback into the final plan to be considered by the council.

Quotation: "Todas las solicitudes deben ser enviadas el mediodía del 3 de marzo," a staff member said, summarizing the application timeline.