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Residents press for clearer outreach as PTRC outlines HOME and CDBG funding; city opens comment period
Summary
At a June 2 public hearing, PTRC planning director Jesse Day outlined provisional HOME ($1,655,000) and CDBG ($489,000) funding for FY2026–27, described eligible activities and a 30-plus day comment period, and scheduled two community meetings. Residents and nonprofit representatives urged clearer, equitable communication and assistance with applications.
The Burlington City Council on June 2 opened and then closed a public hearing on the draft FY 2026–27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships annual action plan, giving residents an early opportunity to comment while staff and the Piedmont Triad Regional Council described funding priorities and the public engagement schedule.
Jesse Day, planning director for the Piedmont Triad Regional Council, said the HOME consortium’s provisional allocation for the coming fiscal year is about $1,655,000 (a decrease of roughly $23,000 from the prior year) and the city’s CDBG entitlement is provisionally $489,000 (an increase of about $8,700). "Minimum of 70% of program funds must be used to benefit low to moderate income individuals," Day said, and he outlined eligible activities: homeowner rehabilitation, affordable rental and multifamily projects, homebuyer assistance, tenant-based rental assistance, public services for homeless support, and infrastructure.
Day said the HOME consortium covers five counties and that the HOME board — an approximately year-old group — will approve specific projects; the city, as a principal jurisdiction, approves funding categories. He also listed provisional budget allocations (for example, 10% administration and 10% project delivery) and noted that unspent HOME funds can be carried for multiple years pending project readiness.
To broaden outreach, the PTRC announced two nonformal public meetings — June 23 at Fairchild Community Center and June 25 at North Park Library, both 6–8 p.m. — and provided contact information for PTRC staff (Kimberly Kemp) to receive comments during the 30-plus day comment period ahead of the July public hearing.
Public commenters pressed for better, more equitable notification and application assistance. "It is not appropriate that an email blast be our only source of communication," resident Teresa Wiley said, urging standardized outreach including social media, direct mail and partnerships with nonprofits. Sharia Burnett of United Way of Alamance County offered the organization's marketing and event resources to help spread program information and co‑sponsor community sessions. Phil Bowers, the county's local reentry coordinator, urged that housing options for people leaving incarceration be included and cautioned about community fit and sustainability.
Pastor Larry Covington asked for follow-up on survey results related to a corridor project his church helped survey; the presiding officer asked staff to connect with him after the hearing. Council and staff emphasized that applications for the current cycle closed in April but that additional community sessions will explain timing and future application windows.
Why it matters HOME and CDBG funds support rehabilitation, rental housing, services for low- and moderate-income residents and community infrastructure. Council members and residents said greater outreach and technical assistance are needed so smaller nonprofits and residents understand when and how to apply.
What’s next The public comment period is open and will run through the July 7 public hearing, with additional community meetings on June 23 and June 25 to provide more accessible information and technical assistance.
