SE Valley Times

Mesa residents are being invited to share their thoughts on the allocation of federal funds to local community programs. The City of Mesa is currently accepting public comments on its proposed Fiscal Year 2025/2026 Annual Action Plan and its 2025-2029 Five Year Consolidated Plan until April 30, 2025.

These plans encompass activities recommended for funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development's (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. These funds support public services, community programs, as well as housing and community development projects for low and moderate-income residents. The plans also detail the City's Human Services programs funded by the General Fund and contributions from the ABC: A Better Community Program.

The 2025/2026 Annual Action Plan details the proposed use of approximately $3,890,685 in CDBG funds, $6,812,619 in HOME funds, and $355,987 in ESG funds. These allocations are in line with the City's Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Online access to an electronic copy of the Five Year Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan is available.

For public review, additional copies of these documents can be found at the Community Services Office in Mesa. Residents are invited to submit their written comments by mailing Michelle Albanese at the City of Mesa, or via email at COMCDPublicComment@mesaaz.gov. Comments must be received before 6 p.m. on April 30, 2025, to be considered.

A City Council vote on these plans is set for May 12, 2025. The City will then submit the plans to HUD by the designated deadlines, with the fiscal year commencing July 1, 2025.

The City of Mesa has a long history of participating in federal programs: 47 years with the CDBG Program, 35 years with the ESG Program, and 31 years with the HOME Program. During this time, Mesa has secured over $100 million in federal aid to assist those with incomes below 80% of the area median income.