EL PASO, Texas (KFOX14/CBS4) — El Paso officials are asking residents to weigh in as the city considers shifting about $2.5 million in federal housing money to help expand and preserve affordable housing in the Borderland.
The City said its Department of Community and Human Development is considering moving $2,555,041 in federal funds currently set aside to help first-time homebuyers with down payments or closing costs to instead support preserving and developing affordable housing.
The City said the proposal would not reduce El Paso’s overall HOME program funding, but would “reprogram” funds from Annual Action Plans from 2019 to 2023. The City provided this breakdown:
2019-2020 Annual Action Plan: $650,0002020-2021 Annual Action Plan: $445,0412021-2022 Annual Action Plan: $480,0002022-2023 Annual Action Plan: $480,0002023-2024 Annual Action Plan: $500,000
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“The proposed change would give the City greater flexibility to respond to current housing needs while ensuring federal housing funds are put to use within HUD-required timelines. It also supports priorities identified through the City’s Community Needs Assessment and Strategic Economic Mobility efforts, including the need to preserve and develop affordable rental housing,” the City wrote in a press release.
The proposal will be discussed during a City Council meeting Tuesday at City Hall. Residents can provide feedback during public comment or submit written responses by email to DCHDFacilities@elpasotexas.gov until 5 p.m. Oct. 1.
The city also said it will accept written comments emailed to DCHDFacilities@elpasotexas.gov.
For more information about the proposal or the City Council meeting, residents can email DCHD at DCHDFacilities@elpasotexas.gov or call 915-212-0138.
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