Burlington council approves $198,000 CDBG roofing grant application to help six low‑income homeowners

The Burlington City Council on May 4 approved an application to the Iowa Economic Development Authority seeking $198,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to replace failing roofs for six owner‑occupied, low‑to‑moderate‑income households.

Sarah Hinkhouse of the Southeast Iowa Regional Planning Commission told council the city would request the program’s maximum award: "The City of Burlington will request 198,000 in federal funds," with $30,000 allocated per homeowner (six projects, $180,000) and a 10 percent administrative allowance ($18,000). She said the program targets households at or below 80 percent of the Des Moines County median income and that a one‑person household would qualify at incomes below $51,550, rising with household size.

Hinkhouse said the activity is citywide and limited to roof systems; eligible work can include shingles, underlayment, soffit, fascia, guttering and chimney removal when necessary. She said staff will adopt required residential anti‑displacement and relocation forms if the grant is funded and that the city has other housing tools—demolition assistance, a housing trust fund and tax‑increment financing—to address broader housing needs.

During the public hearing, council members asked about the project’s priority list and whether cost savings on individual projects could roll into additional projects; Hinkhouse said the program is limited to six projects under the application but that staff keeps a waiting list and could steer other candidates to alternate programs.

Council voted unanimously to approve the application. If funded, the grant would allow the city to proceed with income verification and move quickly to construction for the six prioritized homeowners.

The council set the application deadline as May 22, 2026; next steps include the city’s application submission and, if awarded, formal adoption of program forms and participant selection.