Plan commission approves 2026 CDBG/HOME consolidated plan amid federal funding uncertainty

The Kenosha City Plan Commission on Dec. 4 approved the city 2026 consolidated plan laying out Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME allocations for housing, public services, neighborhood improvement, economic development and administration.

Taylor Jones of the Department of City Development told commissioners the CDBG Committee interviewed applicants and assembled a funding recommendation. Jones said the package in the meeting packet shows allocations across public service, housing, neighborhood improvement and planning and administration, and said staff would answer questions.

Jones cautioned that federal funding for 2026 remains uncertain because Congress must still finalize appropriations. "For 2026, we don't know yet if we will be allocated funding for CDBG," Jones said. She said the House and Senate have proposed bills but the final funding level depends on a full congressional vote.

A commissioner asked how long an existing payment stream would continue; Jones replied the payments extend through 2037 and said current payments average about $300,000 and later decline to roughly $250,000.

With no public speakers at the hearing, the commission moved, seconded and approved the committee recommendation by voice vote.

Why it matters: The consolidated plan sets local priorities for federally funded housing and community programs and determines how the city will allocate any grant dollars received. With federal appropriations still pending, staff said allocations in the plan may depend on final federal action.

The commission honored the staff recommendation and adopted the plan; staff will manage next steps for grant administration contingent on federal funding decisions.