Lewiston council approves 2026 CDBG action plan, sends draft to HUD

Lewiston City Council on June 8 voted to approve the draft 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan and authorized the mayor to sign it, sending the plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for final approval.

Dawn Ortiz, the city’s community development office supervisor, told the council the plan covers the program year from Aug. 1, 2026, to July 31, 2027, and that the city’s annual allocation is $258,000. "We estimate program income to be around $40,000," Ortiz said, and she listed a prior‑year resource balance of $12,253.26, yielding an estimated total of $310,551.26 for the 2026 program year.

The draft divides that total with $40,000 for administration and planning (including fair‑housing training and environmental compliance), $15,000 earmarked for public services (the program’s 15% cap), $195,551.26 for capital improvements and $60,000 for the home repair program. Ortiz said the home‑repair grants are available up to $20,000 per household and that applications are processed on a first‑come, first‑served basis against HUD eligibility standards.

Ortiz said the city received four applications requesting a combined $529,500 — more than the available funding — from LC Valley Habitat for Humanity, Maven Rentals LLC, Lisonbee School District and the city’s parks and recreation department. "The selection and award amount is based on available funding, evaluation criteria, program priorities and allowable HUD activities," Ortiz said. She told the council the draft was posted for public comment on May 9 and that no written comments had been received as of the hearing.

Deborah Snyder, executive director of LC Valley Habitat for Humanity, testified in support of infrastructure funding, saying the organization hopes to use the slot to support site work for up to four affordable homes. Cynthia Nunez, a school community social worker for the Lewiston School District, thanked the council for past grants that helped families experiencing homelessness.

Council President Kleberg moved to approve the plan and authorize the mayor to sign; the motion was seconded by Councilor Forsman and carried on a recorded voice vote. Clerk Brockie recorded affirmative responses from Kleberg, Forsman, Morey and Spickelmeyer. Ortiz said that if the council approves the plan, it will be submitted to HUD and must obtain HUD approval before any agreements can be signed; she noted a HUD submission deadline of June 15.

What’s next: With council approval, the city will submit the action plan to HUD for review and award. If HUD requires changes, the council may need to amend the plan and resubmit it.