SE Valley Times

The City of Mesa has initiated a public comment period for its proposed Fiscal Year 2024/2025 Annual Action Plan, inviting feedback from residents and stakeholders on the allocation of federal funds for various programs. The plan encompasses activities recommended for funding under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships programs.

According to the announcement, "The funds awarded by HUD are used for public services, community programs and housing and community development activities that benefit low and moderate-income residents."

The City's Human Services programs, which also receive contributions from the General Fund and the ABC: A Better Community Program, are outlined in the Annual Action Plan for FY 2024/2025. The document details the allocation of approximately $4,050,391 in federal CDBG funds, $3,569,163 in HOME funds, and $361,881 in ESG funds. In case of any variations in HUD allocations, funding for each activity will be adjusted accordingly.

As stated, "Human Services funding available to non-profit agencies is $632,583."

Interested parties are encouraged to review the Annual Action Plan, which lists all proposed projects for funding. Written comments can be submitted to Michelle Albanese at the City of Mesa or via email at COMCDPublicComment@mesaaz.gov. The deadline for submitting comments is Saturday, April 6, 2024, at 6 p.m. All feedback received by the specified date will be taken into consideration.

The City Council is set to deliberate on the funding recommendations during its meeting on April 15, 2024. Following this, Mesa plans to submit the finalized Annual Action Plan to HUD by May 15, 2024, in preparation for the commencement of the 2024/2025 fiscal year on July 1, 2024.

Over the years, the City of Mesa has been actively involved in the federal CDBG Program for 47 years, the ESG Program for 35 years, and the HOME Program for 31 years, having received over $100 million to provide essential services to low- to moderate-income individuals.

The public comment period presents an opportunity for community members to engage in the decision-making process and contribute feedback on how federal funds should be utilized to address the needs of low-income residents in Mesa.