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Topeka approves $2.4M HUD consolidated action plan for housing and homelessness
Summary
Council unanimously approved the City of Topeka's 2026 consolidated action plan and the 2026–2030 consolidated plan, authorizing submission to HUD for an estimated $2.4 million in entitlement funding that funds rehab/repair, HOME and emergency solutions programs.
The Topeka City Council voted unanimously on July 14 to approve the city's 2026 consolidated action plan and the five‑year consolidated plan (2026–2030), which outline how the city will use HUD entitlement grants including Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding.
Carrie Higgins, director of Housing and Homeless Services, told the council the plan focuses the largest share of entitlement dollars on rehabilitation and repair programs, with service activities capped and ESG funding allocated competitively through an RFP process to local social‑service agencies. Higgins said the package will allow the city to secure “over $2,400,000 in federal funding for housing and neighborhood improvements” and that staff will submit the final documents to HUD after council approval.
Why it matters: The consolidated action plan lays out how Topeka will distribute HUD entitlement funds to address housing rehabilitation, homelessness prevention and shelter services; approval is a required step to receive federal entitlement funding for the coming program year.
Council discussion and vote: Council members asked about outreach and whether this year's allocations differed from prior years; Higgins said outreach included the Citizen Advisory Council, homeless task force, public meetings, a housing study and a 30‑day comment period and that allocation distributions were largely consistent with previous years. Mayor and council voted to approve the plan and the associated budget; staff noted the city must submit final packets to HUD by mid‑August.
Next steps: Staff will finalize and submit the annual plan and budget to HUD and will return to the governing body with any additional details related to the final housing study and contract agreements tied to program delivery.
Vote: Motion carried unanimously (10 yes).
