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Hoover staff recommends affiliating with Shelby County to access CDBG entitlement funds
Summary
City staff told the council affiliating Hoover with Shelby County's HUD entitlement could make up to the city's entire population count for CDBG allocations, and staff estimated Hoover historically received about $300,000 annually when it directly administered CDBG funds.
City staff recommended the council approve a cooperation agreement to affiliate Hoover with Shelby County for the Community Development Block Grant entitlement program, saying the move would let the county count Hoover's entire population under HUD's split‑place rule and make the city eligible to compete for related infrastructure and public‑service awards.
"So that's about what our individualized value was," said the city staff member leading the briefing, adding that when Hoover previously administered CDBG funds directly the average award was "right around $300,000 a year." Staff also said Shelby County would provide administrative services at no cost so 100% of HUD funds could go into competitive distribution.
The staff presentation included maps showing qualifying census tracts and past award history. Councilors asked whether Jefferson County portions of the city would continue to qualify; staff explained affiliation with Shelby County would count the entire municipal population toward Shelby's funding matrix and that areas outside Jefferson County would still be eligible through the consortium.
Staff said the practical benefits could include funding for items such as fire equipment, playgrounds and other public infrastructure and that the city would hold a seat and vote on the county board that makes award decisions. The briefing noted competitive application processes remain in place and that any specific projects would be subject to future approvals.
The council did not take a final vote in the work session; the item was previewed for Monday's regular meeting.
