6. • Health & Human ServicesTravis County (Travis County)

Consider and take appropriate action to approve the final version of the substantial amendments to the PY24-28 Consolidated Plan, the PY24 Action Plan and the PY25 Action Plan, and authorize staff’s submission of the final substantial amendments to HUD. (Judge Brown)

Presented in: Travis County Commissioners Court Voting Session on 2026-08-04

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

Under the provisions of Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 USC 5301), the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides funding through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs to support the development of viable urban communities. These programs aim to provide decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities—primarily for low- and moderate-income individuals. Since 2006, Travis County has received CDBG funds annually and, in 2024, began receiving HOME funds. Community engagement and public participation remain essential goals of both programs. The CDBG/HOME Office is proposing substantial amendments to the PY24–28 Consolidated Plan, the PY24 Action Plan, and the PY25 Action Plan. The amendments include incorporating Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding as required by 24 CFR 91.200(b); expanding program priorities to allow for a broader range of eligible activities that address current community needs; retaining the Northridge Acres Wastewater System Improvements Design and Engineering project as an alternate project while making the associated $150,000 available for reallocation in accordance with HUD regulations and program requirements; and revising a PY25 infrastructure project to shift funding from design and engineering to construction based on the updated project scope. To comply with the County’s Citizen Participation Plan (CPP) and 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, Travis County must provide a 30-day public comment period and hold at least one public hearing to receive comments on the proposed substantial amendments to the PY24–28 Consolidated Plan, the PY24 Action Plan, and the PY25 Action Plan. On May 12, 2026, the Court approved a public comment period to be held from June 17, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. to July 20, 2026, at 5:00 p.m., and a public hearing to be held on July 14, 2026. During this time, residents, community organizations, agencies, and any other stakeholders had an opportunity to submit their comments to CDBG/HOME staff in writing, via postal mail or e-mail, or at the public hearing. With the inclusion of all public comments, the final substantial amendments will be submitted to the Court on August 4 for final approval and subsequently submitted to HUD via IDIS. Notice of the public hearing and public comment period (in English and Spanish) was provided in newspapers of general circulation (The Villager, Austin American Statesman, and El Mundo), through postal and electronic mailings, social media, and County websites, and to the six Travis County Community Centers beginning the week of May 25, 2026. During the public comment period (June 17–July 20, 2026), staff received one public comment. No comments were received during the public hearing. One individual addressed the Commissioners Court on July 14, 2026, following the close of the public hearin