Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing And Community Development topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Council reviews proposed $316,079 CDBG action plan; Salvation Army rental assistance and alley reconstruction highlighted
Summary
Staff outlined the Department of Housing and Urban Development formula grant for Rowlett ($316,079) and a draft budget that includes administrative costs, a police crime‑prevention line, rental assistance via the Salvation Army, and a proposed alley/public‑facility reconstruction project; council asked for broader nonprofit outreach and coordination with local foundation funds.
Rowlett staff and the city’s CDBG consultant presented the proposed FY2026 Community Development Block Grant action plan at the June 1 work session, describing HUD eligibility rules and a recommended spending breakdown for the $316,079 entitlement allocation.
Assistant City Manager Noah Moadat introduced the consultant, who explained that HUD requires funding meet one of three national objectives (benefit low‑to‑moderate income persons, address slum/blight, or urgent community needs) and that Rowlett’s eligible low‑to‑moderate income block groups were identified using a 38.2% threshold. The draft allocation staff shared includes up to $63,000 for administration (20% cap), up to 15% for public services (a recommended $32,004 to the Salvation Army for rent and mortgage assistance), $15,000 for a police department crime prevention program, and roughly $205,000 proposed for an alley or public facilities reconstruction project (Lake Crest block work was identified as an example).
Councilmembers asked whether nonprofits had been directly notified; staff said two open meetings had been held but that targeted outreach to 501(c)(3) organizations had not occurred and pledged to expand communication. Members also raised the existence of roughly $80,000 in HFC foundation funds and discussed whether those dollars could supplement CDBG rent assistance or be repurposed to avoid duplication; staff said coordination is possible but a substantial amendment or different timeline may be required to make changes for FY2026. Council asked staff to verify program eligibility for the downtown recreation center and to proceed with required public notice and HUD submission deadlines if council changes are requested soon.
Staff said HUD has 45 days to review submissions once they are filed and that the draft plan will come back for final approval after required public notices and hearings in July and August.
