CDBG 2005 Action Plan and 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan Update

The City of Ashland is currently undertaking an update of the five year  “strategic plan” for spending Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Funds. The development of this plan, otherwise known as the Consolidated Plan, takes place every five years to establish the goals and spending priorities based upon the needs of Ashland's low-moderate income residents.  Additionally the City is seeking input on the development on the one-year Action Plan for use of CDBG funds.

The City of Ashland receives more than $200,000 annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development as CDBG funds.  These funds can be used for a variety of housing and community development projects that benefit low- and moderate-income persons in Ashland.  Use of the funds in the past has included the remodel of the new Community Health Center, accessibility improvements to public buildings, the purchase of various properties to accommodate affordable rental and ownership housing developed by the Ashland Community Land Trust and the Rogue Valley Community Development Corporation, the purchase of the site for the Interfaith Care Community of Ashland to operate a homeless resource center, and for emergency repairs to homes owned by low-income families through the Housing Authority of Jackson County.

As part of the CDBG Consolidated Plan update process, and the development of the one-year Action Plan for 2005, the Housing Commission will hold a public hearing on April 27^th to receive comments on the 2005 Action Plan and Consolidate Plan.  Housing Commission meetings begin at 4:00pm in the Community Development Building at 51 Winburn Way.

The City Council will hold a public hearing to review the final drafts of the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan and the 2005 Action Plan at 7:00pm, May 3rd, 2005 in the City Council Chambers at 1175 East Main Street.

The purpose of these upcoming public hearings is to provide the public, social service agencies, affordable housing providers, appointed and elected officials an opportunity to comment on both the 2005 Action Plan and the 2005-2009 Consolidated Plan for use of CDBG funds. The draft documents are available electronically below (PDF) , or hard caopies can be obtained free of charge in the Community Developement Building at 51 Winburn Way between 8:30 and 4:30 weekdays.

Questions or comments relating the the 2005 CDBG Consolidated Plan should be directed to Brandon Goldman, Housing Program Specialist, via email goldmanb@ashland.or.us or by phone 552-2076.