DEPARTMENT MAKING REQUEST
Human Services
Title
title
Urban Qualification for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) - Updated Timeline
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REQUESTED MOTION/ACTION
recommendation
Recommended Action:
a) Approve the letter to the U.S. Department Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and authorize the Chairman to sign; and
b) Approve the letter to the City of Punta Gorda and authorize the Chairman to sign; and
c) Approve the Interlocal Agreement between Charlotte County and the City of Punta Gorda and authorize the Chairman to sign.
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budget
Budgeted Action:
No action needed.
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BACKGROUND (Why is this Action Necessary, and What Action will be accomplished)
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Background:
In January 2024, Charlotte County initiated the process for Urban Qualification for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding for FY2025-2027. The City of Punta Gorda opted to participate at their February 2024 meeting. A consultant was hired in July 2024 (Civitas) and efforts began to prepare an Interlocal Agreement (aka Cooperation Agreement) with the City and determine data sources for the Consolidated Plan and first year Action Plan. A July-June program year was selected, with funding anticipated July 1, 2026.
In discussions between staff, the Consultant, and HUD Miami Field Office Director, it was determined that FY2025 eligibility is not feasible. A revised timeline has been established for qualification for FY2026-2028. An October-September program year is proposed, with funding anticipated October 1, 2026. As the funding cycle has changed, updated letters to HUD, with the City of Punta Gorda’s acknowledgement of the change, are required.
Provided for consideration are the following: letter to HUD declaring intent to seek Urban Qualification for FY2026-2028, letter to City of Punta Gorda requesting their confirmation of amended timeline and funding cycle, and Interlocal Agreement between Charlotte County and the City of Punta Gorda. The Department is requesting the approval of both letters, the ILA, and authorization for the Chairman to sign all documents.
The following estimated timeline is provided for BCC awareness:
• January 2025:
o Letter to HUD declaring intent to qualify for CDBG FY2026-2028.
o Letter to City of Punta Gorda seeking confirmation of their intent to participate.
o CDBG Coordinator hired.
• Spring/Summer 2025:
o Staff training.
o Community Health and Needs Assessment (CHNA) completed.
o Interlocal Agreement with City of Punta Gorda executed and submitted to HUD.
o Confirmation from HUD of Urban Qualification for Federal Fiscal Year 2026.
• Winter 2025/2026:
o Data collection, review, and analysis for 5-Year Consolidated Plan and Program Year 2026 Action Plan.
• October 1, 2025 - Start of federal fiscal year 2026; first round of funding available to the County.
• Spring 2026:
o ConPlan/Action Plan Community meetings/Public hearing.
o BCC and City Council meetings.
o Policy/Procedure development.
o Project(s)/Program(s) identification.
• June/July 2026:
o Public hearing and 30-day public comment period.
o Presentation of 5-Year Consolidated Plan and 2026 Action Plan to BCC for approval.
• August 2026:
o Consolidated Plan due to HUD no later than 08.16.2026.
• October 1, 2026 - Start of County’s CDBG program 2026 Program Year.
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