A.G. Gancarski
Jacksonville is in line to receive just over $11M in money from Housing and Urban Development for FY 2017, per a letter from HUD dated Jun. 15.
Over half of that sum — $5.661M — will come in through Community Development Block Grants, a category that the Donald Trump Administration has questioned.
This is down significantly from the $17M figure stated by a city employee at a press event promoting CDBGs.
All told, the city has secured almost $400M in CDBGs since 1975.
HOME Investment Partnerships offer another $2.258M.
HOPWA — Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS — deliver another $2.644M.
And Emergency Solutions Grant money comes out to $506,000.
For locals who made a call for CDBGs, such as Jacksonville City Councilman Garrett Dennis, this award letter means that — at least for another year — federal money will boost Jacksonville’s budget to deal with populations that need the help.
Given President Trump’s position on these grants, the Curry Administration was agnostic on the future of these programs when asked earlier this year.
“As long as the program exists and funds are available, we will utilize them,” spokeswoman Marsha Oliver said.
Oliver stressed that the mayor was not taking a position on whether the program should or shouldn’t be in existence; however, as budget discussions loom, Curry’s financial team likely will have to factor in the current uncertainty from the White House.
