No formal action is expected at this Work Session. This is a follow up from the extensive discussion we had  at the Council Work Session August 19 when we reviewed the current Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs and processes and introduced the overall frame work for the new 5-Year Consolidated Plan.  At that meeting we elicited input and comments from the Council regarding draft priorities to help inform the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan that will guide HUD programs in Billings for the next 5 years.

At this Work Session we have two goals. We want to review the goals and priorities the Council identified in August, ensure we heard what Council said, and clarify the topics. And we want to review the draft 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan schedule staff has developed from now until it must be delivered to HUD in May 2025.

Tonight's Work Session focus is as follows:

• Brief Review of August Work Session topics and some recent challenges Community Development is navigating to move the Consolidated Plan forward
• Check back and clarity on Council Goals/Priorities for the new Consolidated Plan
• Preparation of program applications for first year of new Consolidated Plan 
• Review of Consolidated Plan schedule moving into 2025 - Council action points, public outreach and engagement, plan draft and review period, submittal to HUD
• Next Steps

The City serves low-income households through a variety of affordable housing programs such as housing development, first-time home buyer, and foreclosure acquisition / rehabilitation programs. These populations are all potential stakeholders in these programs and new programs or projects as changes are made or programs modified.

Since there is no formal action tonight, there are not clear alternatives for sharing information from staff and having Council discussion.

There is no fiscal effect to providing input on current HUD programs and processes or discussion of the upcoming 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan to implement HUD funding the City receives. Fiscal and program constraints for the HUD funds may need to be discussed depending on the program changes the City seeks in achieving its Strategic Priorities. These are being, and will continue to be, vetted by staff during the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan process.