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Dothan commission approves 2026 CDBG plan after questions about lower Habitat funding
Summary
The Dothan City Commission approved Resolution 2026‑141 adopting the 2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan. A commissioner raised concern that the plan allocates $20,000 to Habitat for Humanity—far less than prior years—while Director McDonald said the allocation depends on grant timing and staff will check for carryover funds.
The Dothan City Commission approved Resolution 2026‑141 on June 2, 2026, adopting the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan projects.
During discussion a commissioner raised concern that the funding recommended for Habitat for Humanity in the plan was significantly reduced. “I noticed our funding for Habitat for Humanity was way down,” the commissioner said, noting the plan shows $20,000 versus prior years when the organization typically received more support.
Director McDonald responded that the $20,000 allocation in the current plan “really won't be available until we get [the] grant, hopefully in October,” and said staff would check whether any back funds could be brought forward to increase the program’s capacity. McDonald described past annual allocations as higher in some years and said the timing of federal grant receipts affects when funds are released.
Commissioners praised the Community Development Advisory Board for its review of applications and noted the difficulty of matching limited CDBG resources to many deserving requests. One commissioner urged aligning awards with the city's consolidated strategic priorities so scarce funds target agreed objectives.
The commission ultimately approved the resolution by voice vote; one commissioner indicated they would abstain from the vote. The commission asked staff to investigate whether additional carryover or other resources could expand Habitat for Humanity’s emergency repair and weatherization work in Dothan.
What happens next: staff said they will review fund carryovers and report back to the commission; the CDBG grant schedule discussed by staff anticipates the next award and disbursement in October.
