City seeks Community input to Prioritize Federal Funds

Long Beach residents are invited to share their input on the five-year Consolidated Plan (Plan) in a virtual meeting Thursday, June 9 at 5:30 p.m., to determine how federal funding should be prioritized towards economic relief and affordable housing programs.

The Consolidated Plan is in the process of development by the city of Long Beach, where federal funding will be implemented for certain housing, community, and economic projects and activities. The community is invited to help determine which projects should be prioritized.

Residents are encouraged to attend a virtual meeting on Thursday, June 9, and add their input on the allocation of federal funding. Long Beach community members may also review a draft of the plan and have until June 22 to provide feedback to Alem Hagos, Housing & Neighborhood Services Operation Officer, at (562) 570-7403 or Alem.Hagos@longbeach.gov.

As an entitlement jurisdiction for three U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant programs, the city of Long Beach is eligible for federal funding on a non-competitive basis, according to Chelsea Magallon with the Long Beach Development Services. 

The Consolidated Plan is a statutory requirement under the HUD to allocate federal funding toward low-income neighborhoods or low-income individuals in the city of Long Beach, according to Magallon. 

As an eligible jurisdiction, Long Beach is responsible for submitting a detailed plan on the allocation of HUD funds, including how the city plans to meet the HUD’s national objectives in addressing the issues of affordable housing and community development.

“The Consolidated Plan process relies heavily on community input to determine which housing and community development needs should be prioritized,” Magallon said. “Given that resources are limited, resident feedback is crucial to ensuring that the Plan accurately reflects what the community feels is most important.”

Examples of eligible activities include affordable housing, assisting those who are experiencing homelessness, public facility improvements and small business assistance. 

Individuals interested in learning or contributing more to this Plan are also invited to attend Long Beach Community Investment Company Public Hearings, or attend a City council meeting to voice their questions and support.

The link for the virtual meeting is available here. 

By Hannah Shields