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Owensboro highlights housing programs, Habitat partnership and NRSA investments in budget briefing
Summary
Community Development Director Abby Shelton told commissioners the department manages federal housing funds and local rehab programs, highlighted the Monarch NRSA’s $1.2 million leveraged investment since 2020, and described partnerships with Habitat for Humanity and Owensboro Health to expand affordable single‑family builds.
Abby Shelton, director of the Community Development Department, presented the department’s FY 2026–27 request and said the office supports two staff members and program administration. Shelton cited federal allocations used locally: Community Development Block Grant funds as well as HOME funds to support homeowner exterior rehabilitation, commercial façade improvements, first‑time homebuyer assistance and rental rehabilitation programs.
She highlighted the Monarch NRSA (Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Area), saying since summer 2020 there have been 72 project applications that together generated $1.2 million in combined private and public investment. Shelton described Habitat for Humanity of Owensboro, Owensboro Health and the city partnership that has produced donated parcels and partial city funding to support new affordable single‑family construction.
Commissioners asked for program mix and scale. Shelton said single‑family exterior rehabilitation represents the largest share by federal program and that the department has paired rehabs with down‑payment assistance for first‑time buyers. She noted the department is exploring expansion beyond the Monarch area, accessory dwelling units, infill duplexes and had discussed tiny‑home concepts but sees ADUs as the most ready option for near‑term gains.
Shelton framed the department’s budget ($361,875) as largely personnel and program administration; federal administrative fees offset a portion of the request. She urged the Commission to consider local investments that leverage federal funds to accelerate housing returns and neighborhood stabilizing effects.
A follow‑up was requested for more precise program-level breakdowns and the percent of single‑family rehabs in Monarch, which Shelton said she would provide to commissioners.
