SUBJECT
title
Providing community residents an opportunity to comment on the 2025-2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan, and its 2025-2026 One Year Action Plan which identifies the projects proposed to be funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The City anticipates receiving $2,859,543.00 in the 51st Action Year Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, $946,902.88 through the HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and $266,495.00 through the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG). An additional $80,000.00 is anticipated to be received in Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Funds, and $125,000.00 in HOME program income. The follow projects are proposed:
51st AY Community Development Block Grant
1) Community Development Administration $571,908.00
2) Housing Rehabilitation Administration $387,635.00
3) Housing Rehabilitation Loan Program $800,000.00
4) Homeless Services- Bethany House Expansion Project $400,000.00
5) Section 108 Loan Repayment $400,000.00
6) Rental Rehabilitation Program $300,000.00
TOTAL: $2,859,543.00
Revolving Loan
7) Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Administration $10,000.00
8) Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan Program $70,000.00
TOTAL: $80,000.00
HOME Investment Partnership Grant
9) HOME Program Administration $94,500.00
10) Down Payment Assistance Program $180,000.00
11) Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (PI&EN) $365,000.00
12) Community Housing Development Organization (CHDO) $150,000.00
13) Homeowner Reconstruction Program $132,402.88
14) HOME Affordable Rental Housing Program $150,000.00
TOTAL: $1,071,902.88
Emergency Solutions Grant
15) ESG Program Administration $20,000.00
16) Emergency Shelter-Shelter Operations $85,000.00
17) Emergency Shelter- Essential Services $30,000.00
18) Street Outreach $35,000.00
19) Rapid Re-Housing $40,045.00
20) Homelessness Prevention $50,000.00
21) Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) $6,450.00
TOTAL: $266,495.00
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VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: Strong
Supporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
Goal 5.1 - Housing Access for All
• "Ensure access to safe, affordable, and quality housing for all residents through targeted investment and support for housing programs."
• Source: Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.12.
Policy 5.1.3 - Affordable Housing Investment:
• "Support the development and preservation of affordable housing through public and private investment, rehabilitation programs, and partnerships."
• Source: Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.14.
Policy 5.1.6 - Homeless Services Support:
• "Develop and expand services to address homelessness, including shelter provision, transitional housing, and support services."
• Source: Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 5.15.
Goal 7.8 - Health and Housing Stability:
• "Promote stable housing as a key determinant of health, reducing homelessness and ensuring adequate housing options for vulnerable populations."
• Source: Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.27.
Summary of alignment:
The proposed 2025-2029 Five-Year Consolidated Plan and the 2025-2026 One-Year Action Plan strongly align with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan. These plans utilize federal funding, including the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnership Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), to enhance affordable housing, homelessness prevention, and community development.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On February 18, 2025, public hearing was held at the City Council meeting to provide the community an opportunity to comment on their housing and community needs and the projects they wish to see funded. No comments were received.
BACKGROUND
The City of Laredo is recognized as an entitlement City by HUD and is eligible in the next fiscal year to receive 51st Action Year CDBG, HOME, and ESG program funds. The award of funds is contingent on the submission and approval of the Action Plan, which specifically details the activities/projects to be funded with HUD Program funds. The Consolidated Planning Process requires that citizens be provided an opportunity to comment on the proposed use for funds and that a public hearing be held to receive comments. As such, the citizen participation process included a series of public notices, a virtual meeting and public hearings. City staff also met at several publicized locations to collect surveys regarding the need for programs and services in the community prior to the preparation of the draft plan.
As a point of reference, CDBG funds are intended to assist in the development of viable urban communities, by providing decent housing, creating a suitable living environment and expanding economic opportunities, principally for persons of low and moderate income. All CDBG assisted activities must either benefit low and moderate-income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight; and/or address other community development needs that present a serious and immediate threat to the health or welfare of the community.
HOME funds are intended to expand the supply of affordable housing for very low income and low-income persons.
ESG funds are intended to provide shelter, supportive services and other assistance to homeless persons and persons on the verge of becoming homeless.
The plans are currently available for public review and comment for a period of 30 days beginning May 23rd and ending June 23rd, 2025. Copies of the draft Plans can be viewed in person at the offices of the City Secretary located in City Hall at 1110 Houston, 3rd Floor, and at the Laredo Public Library located at 1120 E. Calton Road during the hours of operation.
A copy of the plans will also be available at the Department of Community Development located at 1301 Farragut, Transit Center, 3rd Floor, East Wing, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. The plan can also be viewed in the Community Development Department website at: https://www.cityoflaredo.com/departments/community-development
Comments received will be incorporated into the final document, which will be presented for City Council approval on July 21, 2025.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
That interested persons be provided an opportunity to comment on the draft plans.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: CDBG
Account #: 211-9710
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
CDBG Funds: $2,859,543.00
Housing Rehabilitation Revolving Loan: $80,000.00
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: HOME
Account #: 217-6970
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Home Investment Partnership Program: $946,902.88
HOME Program Income: $125,000.00
Fiscal Year: 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: Y
Source of Funds: ESG
Account #: 219-9752
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Emergency Solutions Grant (SEG): $266,495.00