SUBJECT
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Public hearing and Introductory Ordinance Authorizing the City Manager to amend the Community Development Department Housing Rehabilitation Fund FY25-26 annual budget by appropriating revenues and expenditures in the amount of $3,150,000.00 from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program. Grant match in the amount not to exceed $250,000.00 is available through Community Development Fund - 2025 CDBG Grant.
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PREVIOUS COUNCIL ACTION
On September 15, 2025, Council approved Resolution 2025-R-216 authorizing the submittal of the grant application.
On March 16, 2026, Council approved Resolution 2026-R-216 ratifying the acceptance of a grant in the amount of $2,900,000.00 from U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, with a $250,000.00 match, available through Community Development Fund - CDBG Grant.
BACKGROUND
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) made the Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program available to states and local governments to conduct comprehensive programs to control lead-based paint hazards.
VIVA LAREDO PLAN ALIGNMENT
Alignment Rating: StrongSupporting goal(s)/policy(ies):
• Goal 7.2 - Reduce exposure to environmental risk factors
"Reduce exposure to air pollution, water contamination, and other environmental risk factors through mitigation efforts and coordinated health strategies."
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.22)
Relevance: The resolution directly supports this goal by mitigating lead-based paint exposure, which is a critical environmental health risk for children.
• Policy 7.2.4 - Eliminate exposure to harmful substances in homes
"Work with the County and other partners to eliminate exposure to mold, radon, lead-based paint, and other harmful substances in homes."
(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.22)
Relevance: The action explicitly fulfills this policy through a HUD-funded initiative to address lead hazards in residential environments.
• Goal 7.1 - Reduce public health disparities among vulnerable populations
"Reduce disparities in access to healthy environments for children, the elderly, and low-income populations."(Viva Laredo City of Laredo Comprehensive Plan, p. 7.21)
Relevance: The project prioritizes young children, a vulnerable group, particularly in low income housing thereby reducing health disparities linked to environmental conditions. This agenda item demonstrates strong alignment with the Viva Laredo Comprehensive Plan by directly advancing environmental health and equity goals. The grant specifically addresses Policy 7.2.4, which calls for eliminating exposure to lead-based paint in homes, and aligns with Goal 7.2 and Goal 7.1, which promote reducing environmental risks and health disparities, especially for vulnerable populations like young children. The action represents a clear intersection of public health, housing quality, and social equity-key themes throughout the Plan. By leveraging federal funding and matching it with CDBG dollars, the City is actively implementing the Plan's recommendations to create safer living conditions and healthier outcomes for residents.
COMMITTEE RECOMMENDATION
N/A
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
recommendation
Staff recommends the approval of this public hearing and introductory ordinance.
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Fiscal Impact
Fiscal Year: FY 2025-2026
Budgeted Y/N?: N
Source of Funds: HUD
Account #: Fund 211/ 212
Change Order: Exceeds 25% Y/N: N/A
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
The Community Development Department plans to use CDBG funds for the local match. Grant will be accounted in the Housing Rehab Fund. 212-5025