Residents of Bloomington are being summoned once again to weigh in on the city's performance in using federal housing funds. In an announcement made by the City of Bloomington, a second public hearing is on the docket to discuss the 2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), which is due for resubmission to the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
The City Council is set to conduct this second hearing on May 20, 2024, at 6:30 p.m. While the discussion will take place in the Council Chambers of Bloomington Civic Plaza, there is the option for participating electronically, in compliance with State law. According to the city's announcement, the CAPER details how the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program's funds were employed from July 1, 2022, to June 30, 2023, to aid low- and moderate-income individuals through housing, administration, and public service initiatives.
Public engagement is not only welcomed but also mandated by HUD's citizen participation plan requirements. The upcoming meeting is an opportunity for Bloomington locals to appraise the city's efforts in stewarding the resources allocated for community upliftment. The city has made a copy of the CAPER available for review at the Housing and Redevelopment Authority (HRA) offices, where interested community members can stop by on weekdays to peruse the details of the report.
Different avenues are open for public participation. Citizens can attend the meeting in person or watch it live through various mediums including BTV (Comcast channels 859 or 14), online streaming on the City's website, or on YouTube. Those who prefer to provide their comments prior to the meeting can do so by emailing the council secretary or leaving a voicemail, ensuring they reference the agenda's item number and title. The city's announcement specifies the necessary protocols for phone testimony during the public hearing, indicating the dial-in number, access code, and instructions for signaling a wish to partake orally.
For anyone requiring further information or seeking to give their feedback before the public assembles, the Housing and Redevelopment Authority stands ready to engage. Full details regarding viewing options, preemptive commentary submission, and required accommodations for those with special needs can be found on Bloomington's official website, with all pertinent links and contact numbers clearly listed for ease of access.
