The City of Colorado Springs is calling upon its residents to chime in on how federal funds should be used to improve housing and community development in 2026. In an effort to craft an Annual Action Plan that reflects actual needs and priorities of those who walk its streets and call it home, the city is holding a public hearing to pore over the draft plan with those willing to lend their voices.
The public hearing, as announced by the City of Colorado Springs, will take place on Wednesday, Jan. 7, from 6 to 7 p.m., at the City Administration Building and will welcome participants online and by phone as well, which provides an accessible way for citizens to take part without necessarily being there in the physical room where it happens. It's a chance for residents, service providers, and advocates to engage with the proposed initiatives designed to enhance affordable housing, homelessness prevention, neighborhood improvements, and community organization support.
The Annual Action Plan, which is currently accessible in draft form via the city's website, is Colorado Springs' blueprint for putting federal funds to work through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) program; these pools of money are aimed at bolstering housing stability and energizing local communities.
Those keen on attending can pop into Room 102 of the City Administration Building, conveniently located at 30 S. Nevada Ave., or, for those unable to make it downtown or preferring the comfort of their own space, there are digital and telephonic means to dial in or log on; with a Microsoft Teams meeting set up and a dedicated phone line to hear the proceedings and weigh in on the conversation without the need to physically be present. The City assures that it upholds the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Title VI of the Civil Rights Act, ensuring that barriers are removed to participation, language services are accessible, and auxiliary aids are available upon request to those in need.
