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Approval of Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Programs FY 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan for Submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
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BRIEF OVERVIEW
Hernando County is a recipient of federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The County’s 2024-2026 Consolidated Plan provides the strategic framework for the use of these funds over a three-year period and identifies priority needs in affordable housing, homelessness prevention, community development, public facilities, infrastructure improvements, and economic opportunity.
The PY 2026 Annual Action Plan represents the third and final year of the 2024-2026 Consolidated Plan and outlines the activities to be undertaken from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
The Annual Action Plan and associated HUD Certifications are not the grant application itself. These documents are required annually by HUD as part of the Consolidated Plan cycle and must be submitted each year for the County to receive its CDBG and HOME entitlement allocations. The Certifications and SF-424s are compliance documents confirming that the County will adhere to all applicable federal requirements for the use of these funds.
HUD requires a 30-day public comment period and a public hearing prior to submittal of the Annual Action Plan. The Notice of 30-Day Comment Period and Public Hearing was published on May 15, 2026. The public hearing will take place during the Board’s review of the Annual Action Plan and Certifications. The Affidavit of Publication documenting this requirement is included. After HUD reviews the submitted documents, they will issue formal funding agreements to the County.
For PY 2026, Hernando County will continue focusing on its three primary priorities:
1. Providing decent and affordable housing
2. Creating a suitable living environment
3. Expanding economic opportunities
A Notice of 30-Day Comment Period and Public Hearing was published on May 15, 2026, for the public to review and provide written comment during the 30-Day Comment Period and for the public to provide input and comment for the proposed activities in the Draft PY 2026 Annual Action Plan at this Public Hearing.
STRATEGIC PLAN INITIATIVES
Strategic Theme: A - Economic & Workforce Opportunity
Goal A.3: “Learn here, work here” training and professional development incubator
Objective A.3.1: Collaborate with partners to plan, and if feasible, launch an incubator designed to support working professional and foster local business growth.
Strategic Theme: A - Economic & Workforce Opportunity
Goal A.4: Strategic partnerships and responsive workforce development initiative for emerging and targeted industries.
Objective A.4.1: Partner with industry stakeholders to support efforts that build workforce skills and improve training opportunities aligned with the needs of targeted sectors.
Strategic Theme: B - Commitment to Public Safety
Goal B.1: Public Safety Readiness
Objective B1.2: Seek opportunities to expand recruitment and training capabilities for public safety personnel, aiming to improve retention and readiness.
Strategic Theme: D - Quality of Life
Goal D.1: Well-maintained existing community assets
Objective D1.1: Pursue diverse funding opportunities to support the maintence and improvement of community assets (Parks and roadway maintenance), with a goal of identifying and applying for key sources.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
Allocations will be budgeted upon approval of the PY 2026 Annual Action Plan by HUD. A budget resolution will be presented with the grant agreements.
LEGAL NOTE
The Board has authority to act on this item pursuant to Chapter 125, Florida Statutes.
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RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the Board approve the PY 2026 Annual Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and authorize the Chairman to execute the Grant Agreements, HUD required Certifications, and any related documents upon receipt as required by HUD prior to final acceptance.