Council holds first reading on how to use CDBG funds in 2026

There are multiple sources of funding available to local governments for programs intended to boost the fortunes of households with low incomes. Two of them from the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development are the Community Development Block Grant and HOME programs.

On May 4, Charlottesville City Council held the first of two readings on how to spend $371,939.20 in CDBG funds and $92,568.21 in HOME funds.

City grants analyst Anthony Warn said there were thirteen applications this cycle.

“I can say from the start that the members of the review team are volunteers from across the city,” Warn said. “It is always a very difficult challenge for them to try to review all the applications and come up with the best slate of recommendations that they can.”

The recommendations are:

• The Charlottesville Investment Collaborative will receive $23,994,75 for entrepreneur programs and supports.
• The Building Goodness Foundation will receive $35,486.24 for their Cville Builds project for “Construction & Renovation for Nonprofits & Small Businesses.”
• The Arc of the Piedmont will receive $20,408.76 for a group home on Shamrock Road.
• The Haven will receive $34,442.53 for infrastructure to run their day shelter on West Market Street.
• The Haven will also receive $26,092.82 for their coordinated entry program.
• Literacy Volunteers of Charlottesville will get $14,421.82 for their beginner’s workforce literacy program.
• The Piedmont Housing Alliance would get $29,223.96 for their eviction diversion and housing stabilization programs
• The Albemarle Housing Improvement Program would get $93,934.16 for their Critical Home Rehab project.
• The Local Energy Alliance Program would get $93,934.16 for a program to make energy efficiency improvements.
• Through the HOME program, the Building Goodness Foundation would get $37,727.45 for a program called “Local Repair and Renovation for Homeowners.”
• Another $54,840.76 in HOME funds would be unallocated. Warn said that money can be allocated in the future.

Councilor Michael Payne said he appreciated the programs put forth by AHIP and LEAP.

“I think the affordable housing investments in both AHIP and LEAP are important because they’re about keeping people in their homes, which is, you know, one of the challenging activities that we historically haven’t invested as much in as new construction,” Payne said.

No one spoke during the public hearing. Second reading will be on the consent agenda at Council’s meeting on May 18.

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