Understanding the millions in federal money for community, housing needs in Dallas

Based on notes by Dallas Documenter Bridget Willis Smith 

The City of Dallas is in the process of determining what to do with millions of federal dollars for housing and neighborhood needs, and residents have the opportunity to give their input.

Since 1994, the city has used an action plan to direct annual federal funding toward improving affordable housing, preventing homelessness and building sustainable communities for families with low to moderate incomes.

There are four programs that this money supports:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)– the most flexible grant with multiple eligible categories, such as childcare, housing and public/capital improvements, including public facilities and infrastructure projects.
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)– expanding access to safe and affordable housing for low-income people through homebuyer assistance, single and multifamily development, homeowner rehabilitation and more.
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)– support services to address homelessness or those at risk.
• Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)– supports people with HIV/AIDS to meet housing needs.

For the current 2025-2026 plan, the city received nearly $30 million in funding and is expected to receive a similar amount for 2026-2027.

CDBG and HOPWA received the majority of the money in the 2025-2026 plan. CDBG received nearly $13 million, mainly used for home improvement programs and development acquisition loans, and HOPWA received about $20 million, mainly used for rental assistance and housing for persons with HIV/AIDS.

The city hosted a series of community engagement meetings this month, with the last one scheduled on Thursday.

Dallas Documenters attended one of these meetings and summarized the presentation.

The city is encouraging residents to participate in the development process by: 

• Filling out their community survey (open until Feb. 28)
• Speaking at public comment at Community Development Commission or City Council meetings
• Calling Budget & Management Services at 214-670-4557
• Emailing comments to ofscommunitydevelopment@dallas.gov
• Or mailing comments to 1500 Marilla Street, Room 4FS

A 30-day public review and comment period is expected for May, and final adoption by city council is expected by June.

Read the full notes here.

Dallas Documenters Bridget Willis Smith attended the Jan. 13 a community meeting for the HUD Annual Action Plan, and this brief emerged from his notes. Click here to learn how you can become a paid Documenter at public meetings.