The Lebanon City Council held a public hearing on July 24, 2025, to discuss the 2025 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which is crucial for addressing local housing and community development needs. Janelle, a city representative, outlined three key components of the program: the 2025-2029 consolidated plan, the 2025 annual action plan, and an amendment to the 2023 annual action plan.

The consolidated plan, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, serves as a five-year strategy to identify and address the community's development and housing needs. It was developed through extensive community engagement, including demographic reviews, consultations with various stakeholders, and public surveys. The plan prioritizes improving the quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents, focusing on affordable housing, public infrastructure improvements, and neighborhood stabilization.

For the first year of this strategy, the 2025 annual action plan allocates a total of $715,929 in CDBG funding. This includes a $695,929 entitlement grant and an estimated $20,000 in program income. The proposed allocations are as follows: $104,000 for crime prevention services to enhance police presence in low-income neighborhoods, $200,000 for milling and resurfacing city streets, $130,000 for code enforcement to address property maintenance issues, and $151,929 for acquiring and rehabilitating or demolishing hazardous properties. Additionally, $130,000 is designated for the planning and administration of the CDBG program, ensuring compliance with HUD requirements and supporting broader housing initiatives.

The meeting underscored the city's commitment to addressing local housing needs and enhancing community engagement, with plans to implement these priorities effectively over the next five years.