Community Feedback Results

Each year the City completes an Action Plan to identify the projects that will be funded in the upcoming year to help meet the goals set in the Five-Year Consolidated Plan. Part of this process is to request input from the community on the type of services they see as most necessary. Staff uses this information to reach out to providers that may be able to offer these services and ask them to submit an application for funding.

The public comment period was open March 15, 2024 to April 7, 2024 and was shared a variety of ways:

• Email
• Social Media
• Media Release
• City eNewsletter
• Website
• Partner Sharing
• Legal Notice

There were multiple ways the community could provide feedback, including email, phone calls, an online survey, or in person. In addition to regular office hours, staff was available in-person at the following events:

• March 26 - Public Hearing (link to presentation)
• April 2 - Open House at City Hall
• April 4 - Do the Right Event
• April 9 - Public Hearing (link to presentation)

During the Open House and at the Do the Right event, people were given four (4) coins and asked to vote for the services they believed were the most important. The service options were: intimate partner violence assistance, childcare, emergency rent, utilities, legal assistance, or other.

The results of the community feedback from all sources can be found here: Community Feedback on Services.

Application Availability

Meridian’s CDBG Program receives funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to promote decent housing, a suitable living environment, and expanded economic opportunities principally for persons with low to moderate incomes. 

The City opens a competitive application each Spring to solicit community partners that will advance the goals of the CDBG Program.  The goals are determined during the consolidated planning process every five (5) years using a collaborative approach between City staff and community members.   The Consolidated Plan and a summary of the goals and priorities that were identified are available on the Meridian CDBG Program website under Planning & Reporting.

The City opens two applications each year, one for Permanent Housing projects and another for Public Services.  This is a competitive application process; however, staff is available for consultation.  Staff consultation does not guarantee projects will be selected for funding, it is only meant to assist applicants in strengthening applications.  A letter of intent is encouraged for new projects and may be submitted for review during the first three weeks of the application period.  Although not required, the letter allows City staff and the applicant to determine early on if a project meets the eligibility criteria.

Typical Public Service projects include (but are not limited to): emergency housing assistance (mortgage, rent, or utilities), childcare scholarships, legal assistance, or services for survivors.

Typical Permanent Housing projects include (but are not limited to): homeowner repairs or homebuyer assistance.

Timeline (subject to revision):

• April 1: Application period opens at 8:00 a.m.
• April 30: Application period closes at midnight.
• By May 20: Review of applications by Scoring Committee.
• By May 25: Applicants informed of Scoring Committee recommendations.
• June 11 to July 14: Action Plan with recommended projects open for public comment.
• July 9: Public Hearing for Action Plan.
• July 23: Action Plan provided to Council for approval of submission to HUD.
• July 31: Action Plan submitted to HUD for final approval.

Important Links

• The application is available at https://portal.neighborlysoftware.com/meridianid/Participant from April1 to April 30.
• The Housing and Public Service Application Guidelines contain additional information on eligibility, required documentation, evaluation criteria, etc.
• Presentation from Application Workshop

For more information, please contact Crystal Campbell at ccampbell@meridiancity.org. 

This Notice can be provided in a format accessible to persons with disabilities and/or persons with limited English proficiency upon request.

Se le puede proveer esta notificación en un formato accesible para las personas discapacidades y/o personas con conocimientos limitados del inglés a pedido.