Radford council adopts 2026 CDBG action plan allocating $168,922 plus rollover for home repairs and infrastructure

The Radford City Council voted to approve the city’s 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan, which staff said is based on a $168,922 allocation and an estimated $25,250 in rollover funds. The plan funds emergency home repairs, a water extension on Rock Road, fence replacement in an East Main Street parking area, program administration and agency support for the women’s resource center, New River Community Action, August Kids and the Bobcat Backpacks program.

Melissa (staff member) told the council the required 30‑day public comment period opened on 04/13/2026 and “ends tomorrow at 5,” and urged residents to submit comments while the record is open. Chair (speaker S1) emphasized that the CDBG program brings federal funds to Radford and described it as “a wonderful program” that supports infrastructure and direct assistance residents would otherwise not have.

The council discussed program constraints: the homeowner requirement for some repairs (an owner must apply to benefit from certain funds) and federal income eligibility rules administered under HUD. Staff noted the five‑year consolidated plan will be revisited this fall as the city prepares for the next federal planning cycle.

Council moved, seconded and approved the action plan by voice vote. Chair asked staff to start outreach and report back on community input collected during the comment period.

Why it matters: CDBG money is federal funding that cities use to combine infrastructure work with direct household assistance. For Radford, the plan channels a modest block grant toward a mix of repairs, small infrastructure work and nonprofit partners that serve low‑income residents.