Receive comments during a public hearing regarding community needs for the Travis County Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnerships (“HOME”) Program PY26 Action Plan. (Judge Brown & Commissioner Gómez)

Staff Report & Agenda Item Details

<p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:justify;' id="isPasted"><span style="font-size:15px;">Under the provisions of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974 (42 USC 5301) and the National Affordable Housing Act of 1990 (42 USC 12701), the Federal government, through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), sponsors the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Programs. CDBG provides funds from HUD to cities and counties to develop viable urban communities, which includes offering decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanding economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income individuals. The HOME Program, the largest federal block grant dedicated exclusively to affordable housing, provides formula grants from HUD to support the development, rehabilitation, and rental assistance for low-income households. Since 2006, Travis County has received CDBG funds from HUD on an annual basis, and since 2024, we have also been receiving HOME funds from HUD.</span></p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:justify;'><span style="font-size:15px;color:black;">Annually, HUD requires each grantee to develop an Action Plan specifying the activities to be undertaken with CDBG and HOME funds for the program year 2026 (October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027). The County’s current CDBG service area consists of the unincorporated areas of Travis County and anywhere in Bee Cave, Creedmoor, Lago Vista, Lakeway, Manor, San Leanna, Sunset Valley, Webberville, and West Lake Hills. </span><span style="font-size:15px;">For program year 2026, Travis County anticipates receiving an estimated $1,787,382 in CDBG funds and approximately $478,126.94 in HOME funds.</span></p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:justify;'><span style="font-size:15px;">To maintain compliance with 24 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91.105 and the approved Travis County Citizen Participation Plan (CPP), Travis County must hold a public hearing at the Travis County Commissioners Court. </span></p><p style='margin:0in;font-size:16px;font-family:"Arial",sans-serif;margin-bottom:6.0pt;text-align:justify;'><span style="font-size:15px;">During this hearing, the public will learn about CDBG and HOME objectives, eligible activities, available funds, and project history. This information will be available at the public hearing in English and in Spanish. Additionally, the public will have the opportunity to provide information and input on community needs. Although information and input will help inform the PY26 Action Plan funding allocation for CDBG and HOME projects (October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027), the proposal, eligibility, and feasibility of projects, as well as a proposed project being categorized as a high-priority in the