Community Development Block Grant Program Funding
DESOTO – The DeSoto City Council unanimously voted to adopt the 2021-2022 Annual Action Plan for participation in the Housing and Urban Development Community Development Block Grant Program.
The city participates in the program annually and is required to submit an Annual Action Plan for use of the funds consistent with the City of DeSoto’s 2020-2024 Consolidated Plan.
The city is eligible for $320,799 in CDBG funding for the 2021-2022 Fiscal Year. The draft plan presented to council included the continuation of the previously funded programs in the form of Housing Rehabilitation, Housing Assistance, and Public Services to assist low- to moderate-income (LMI) households.
Staff held three CDBG Town Hall Meetings with low turnout at the virtual and in-person meetings and additionally had 117 people who responded to the priority needs survey.
Before the vote was taken, Place 5 councilperson Dinah Marks said she would like to see a different approach for public involvement used in the future.
“We need to meet people where they are and go to their community for feedback” she said.
Suggestions received in the on-line survey and comments generated from the town halls were priority funding for elderly, disabled and low-income residents with financial assistance and sidewalk repair.
Place 3 Nicole Raphiel asked how long the city had to spend the funds. The answer, three years.
By HUD regulations, the council can decide at any time to change a program or re-appropriate funds through a process, but there must be meetings held and adjustments made in order to do so.
No matching funds are required from the city. The allocations for this year’s monies include $64,160 for program administration and planning, printing and regulatory reports to HUD; $48,119 for Public Service programs; $42,000 for a voucher-based Transportation Assistance Program and $6,119 to assist with funding a Sidewalk Repair Program to benefit low- to moderate- income persons.
There is also $208,520 to continue two Housing Programs including $104,260 for Emergency Rehab and $104,260 in Down Payment Assistance for low- to moderate- income persons.
