The City of Grants Pass has launched its annual public engagement process to help determine how federal Community Development Block Grant funds will be spent in the upcoming fiscal year, inviting residents to weigh in on local priorities before a March 16 deadline.
Every five years, the City adopts a comprehensive planning document known as a Five-Year Consolidated Plan. That document serves as the blueprint for how Community Development Block Grant funds, commonly referred to as CDBG funds, will be used to address housing, infrastructure, and community development needs. The current plan, covering the years 2025 through 2029, outlines long-term priorities identified through community input and data analysis.
In accordance with that framework, the City prepares a One-Year Action Plan annually to determine how that year’s allocation of federal funds will be distributed among specific projects and programs. City officials are now beginning the formal process of developing the 2026–2027 Year 2 Annual Action Plan, which will fund activities aligned with the priorities outlined in the broader five-year strategy.
According to the City, “Every fifth year the City adopts a 5-Year Consolidated Plan which guides use of the CDBG funds over the next five years. Each year the City prepares a 1-Year Action Plan to allocate annual grant funds for specific activities to address identified needs.” The upcoming action plan represents the second year of implementation under the 2025–2029 plan.
The development process is governed by the City’s Citizen Participation Plan as well as federal regulations tied to the administration of Community Development Block Grant funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Those rules require public notice, opportunities for comment, and transparency in how funding decisions are made.
As part of that effort, the City has prepared a community survey designed to gather feedback on pressing local needs and potential project ideas. Officials say the survey responses will help shape funding recommendations and ensure that local priorities are reflected in the final plan submitted for approval.
“As in past years, the City has prepared a Survey to complete to ascertain the community needs and priorities,” the press release states. “These ideas and suggestions will help develop the 2026-2027 Year 2 Annual Action Plan.”
Community Development Block Grant funds are typically used to support programs and projects that benefit low- to moderate-income residents. Eligible uses often include housing rehabilitation, public facility improvements, accessibility upgrades, infrastructure repairs, public services, and neighborhood revitalization efforts. Final funding decisions are subject to eligibility requirements and available grant amounts.
City officials are encouraging residents, nonprofit organizations, service providers, and other stakeholders to participate in the survey process. “Please take some time to fill out the Survey. We will consider all ideas, suggestions for the 2026-2027 Year 2 Annual Action Plan. The City appreciates your time and input,” the announcement states.
The survey will remain open through March 16, 2026. Responses collected during this period will be reviewed as staff prepare a draft Annual Action Plan, which will later be presented for additional public comment and formal adoption.
Residents interested in participating may access the survey online, click here.
By initiating the public comment phase early in the planning cycle, the City aims to ensure that the 2026–2027 funding allocations reflect current community needs while remaining consistent with the long-term goals established in the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan.