Public Comment Period for Community Block Grant

In accordance with guidelines established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the New River Valley HOME Consortium and the Town of Blacksburg seek public comment on the proposed draft of the 2024 Annual Action Plan for the New River Valley’s HOME Program and the Town of Blacksburg’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program.      

The Annual Action Plan provides a yearly accounting of HOME, CDBG, and other funds allocated towards the implementation of objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan.  The Consolidated Plan, completed every 5 years, identifies community needs and proposed solutions in the areas of Housing, Special Needs, Economic Development and Non-Housing Community Development.  HOME and CDBG activities benefit low and moderate-income persons by making improvements throughout the New River Valley, taking into consideration the public input received. Funding for the 2024 fiscal year, based on last year’s allocation, is expected to be $554,576 for the CDBG program and $634,440 for the HOME program.

The proposed Housing and Community Development goals for 2024 are:

1. Support affordable housing.
2.  Prevent and end homelessness.
3. Support non-homeless special needs.

All proposed activities’ budgets will be proportionally increased or decreased from estimated funding levels to match actual annual allocation amounts.

Proposed use of 2024 CDBG funds (contingent on funding):

• Housing Resiliency Grant Program – $50,000
• New River Community Action – $11,268
• Women’s Resource Center of the NRV – $6,417
• Live, Work, Eat, Grow – Blacksburg Community Gardens – $14,421
• Valley Interfaith Childcare Center -$45,315
• Affordable Housing Initiatives – $316,240
• Program Administration – $110,915

CDBG TOTAL – $554,576

Proposed use of 2024 HOME funds (contingent on funding):

• HOME Administration -$63,440
• Community Housing Development Organization Operational Support – $30,000
• Community Housing Development Organization Projects – $95,166
• Affordable Homeownership Projects – $423, 084
• Affordable Rental Projects – $ 22,750

HOME Total – $634,440

The 2024 Annual Action Plan draft can be reviewed online. Hard copies are available at the Blacksburg Public Library lobby, or by contacting the Housing and Community Connections Office at 540-443-1615.

Public comments and questions regarding the Annual Plan may be received in one of the following ways. Please call (540) 443-1615 to request accommodations for disabilities and translation assistance.

1. In-person, at the Housing and Community Connections office, located at 303 Wilson Avenue. This in-person public comment period will occur on Monday, April 22 from 4-5pm.
2. Virtually via Zoom, on Monday, April 22 from 5-6pm. Those interested in this virtual option should contact 540-443-1615 for access to the Zoom link.
3. Via email: housing@blacksburg.gov, by phone: 540-443-1615, or by mail: Housing and Community Connections, P.O. Box 90003, Blacksburg, VA 24062.

Comments must be received by 5pm on Monday, May 6.