The big picture
On Oct. 9, Pearland City Council hosted a public hearing on how U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development grant funds—awarded annually for communities to serve low- to moderate-income individuals—should be spent in fiscal year 2023-24.
The funds, which total $466,162, include a remaining balance of funds awarded in previous years for COVID-19 relief.
According to staff’s proposal, the largest portion of the funds, $233,006, will go to support the expansion of the Melvin Knapp Senior Center outdoor patio enclosure, Grants-Special Projects Administrator Joel Hardy said.
An invitation was extended to the public for comment, but no residents spoke about the proposal.
Quote of note
According to the city’s presentation, the city has not spent a large portion of the funds due to the ongoing nature and large scope of the projects. As a result, Hardy said the city will need to prioritize pursuing projects that can be completed within the next year.
“With all that said, we’ve got to pick up the pace,” Hardy said.
Next steps
Pearland will host a third and final public hearing to discuss the allocation of HUD funds Oct. 20 and submit its action plan to HUD for approval Oct. 21.
