Board adopts five‑year consolidated plan and budgets for CDBG and HOME programs

The Fort Smith Board of Directors approved the five‑year consolidated plan and associated program budgets for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME funds and authorized submission to HUD.

Candace Gubuchi, director of community development, told the board the department began the planning process in October 2025 to gather resident input and develop a funding blueprint for housing and public services. Public commenters asked the city to prioritize infrastructure projects in low‑income areas — particularly drainage and sewer work — rather than concentrating funds with a single provider. "I'd personally like to see these funds used for infrastructure and low income areas," Crystal Cadelli said.

Gubuchi said CDBG funds are eligible for infrastructure in low‑income areas and explained that the CAPER reporting process tracks how many clients agencies served; she acknowledged the city does not currently follow individual homeless clients longitudinally but is working with the continuum of care to improve outcome tracking. The resolution passed (5 in favor, 0 opposed, 1 abstention). Staff noted constrained federal funding could change future allocations and recommended citizen input be considered when prioritizing projects.