Council adopts 2026 CDBG plan, local nonprofits underscore rising housing need

The Eden Prairie City Council on April 7 adopted a resolution approving the acceptance and distribution of the city’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, which the city uses to support low-to-moderate income residents and local social-service partners.

Staff described the recommended allocation, which includes pass-through funding for local agencies and in-house housing programs. Brenda Walkin, executive director of Homes Within Reach, told the council the organization has partnered with the city since 2005 to acquire and rehabilitate permanently affordable homes: "Since 2005, we've operated in your community... together we've jointly invested just a little over 4.1 million dollars to create permanently affordable homes in Eden Prairie," Walkin said.

Jennifer Loon, executive director of PROP, highlighted growing demand for rental and housing assistance and said CDBG-funded rental assistance typically runs out mid‑year: "The funding that we receive... historically, we have gone through all of that housing money by January," she said, noting demand is high.

John Berkow of Senior Community Services described home-repair, snow‑removal and in‑home tech services that help older residents remain independent and thanked the council for multi-year support.

After public comment, the council moved, seconded and adopted the recommended distribution as presented by the Eden Prairie Human Service Review Committee.

Next steps: Staff will implement the allocations and continue to coordinate with partner agencies on program delivery.