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Tumwater council approves 2026 CDBG award recommendations totaling about $911,000
Summary
Tumwater approved its 2026 Community Development Block Grant funding recommendations, allocating roughly $911,000 with 20% retained by the county for administration; the package moves to the county for final action and included an abstention by one council member.
Tumwater’s City Council on May 5 approved the city’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations and forwarded the package to Thirstston County for final action.
Assistant City Administrator Kelly Adams said the city’s share for program year 2026 is "around $911,000," with Thirstston County retaining a standard 20% for administration. Adams told council the Budget & Finance Committee prioritized homelessness prevention, food and nutrition programs, and "shovel‑ready" capital projects when making award recommendations.
The council’s recommendation now becomes part of the county’s annual action plan, which Thirstston County Public Health and Social Services will post for a 30‑day public comment period before the county commissioners and HUD consider final approval. Alex Pierce, Thirstston County’s affordable‑housing program manager, told the council: "Historically, that hasn't occurred" that the county rejected a city's recommendation, while noting the county is the fiscal agent and has the authority to act.
Council members discussed priorities for awards and asked staff about administrative fees and recipient overhead. The council approved the package on a voice vote after Mayor Pro Tem Kelly von Holtz moved to adopt the committee recommendation and Council Member Angela Jefferson seconded; Council Member Megan Sullivan recused herself from the vote because of a work relationship with one applicant.
Why it matters: CDBG funds support affordable‑housing activities, public‑service programs and capital projects that serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents. Tumwater’s recommendation will determine which local nonprofits and projects receive federal funding for the coming program year.
What’s next: County staff will prepare the annual action plan, hold the public comment period, present the draft to the Thirstston County Board of Commissioners and submit the plan to HUD for final approval.
