First Public Hearing for 2026-2027 One-Year Action Plan - March 26, 2026

The Toledo Department of Housing and Community Development held the first of two public hearings on March 26, 2026, for the 2026-2027 one-year action plan, a HUD-required document describing activities funded with annual block grants (CDBG, HOME, ESG). The hearing included presentations from city staff, the Homelessness Board, the Fair Housing Center, and Lucas Metropolitan Housing. A 30-day public comment period runs from March 25 to April 24, 2026; written comments may be sent to the Department. A second public hearing is scheduled for Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM.

Public Comments & Testimony

• Laurie Hammond (Old West End resident) questioned how new developments like "The Glen" or "The Grand" are considered affordable when two-bedroom rents start at $1,300 and are not income-based, despite being referenced as income-driven. She also asked about coaching and wraparound services for individuals transitioning from homelessness to permanent housing to ensure properties are maintained, citing an example where an out-of-state landlord was collecting vouchers but not maintaining the property. Finally, she expressed concern about the number of demolitions leaving vacant parcels in the Old West End and asked how to preserve housing stock.
• A resident from Old South End asked whether a demographic profile (income, age, etc.) was developed for the NURSA designation and how to access the information. Monica Brown confirmed the profile is in the NURSA plan on the city’s website and offered to email it.

Discussion Items

• Overview of the Action Plan (Monica Brown, CPD Grants Manager):
  • The action plan is a HUD requirement submitted each year of the five-year consolidated plan. It identifies strategic projects and performance measures funded by annual HUD allocations plus carryover funds.
  • Timeline: Applications were due February 6, 2026; first public hearing March 26; second hearing April 2; legislation to city council proposed by April 14, with possible committee meetings April 14–21 and council vote April 21. Final HUD submission deadline May 18, 2026. HUD has 45 days to review.
  • Funding requested: 34 non-homeless CDBG applications totaling $4.5M; 1 HOME application for $400K; 9 ESG applications totaling $1.3M.
  • Anticipated level funding: CDBG $7,046,960 + $1.8M carryover = $8.9M total; HOME $1,965,724 + $5M carryover = $6.9M total; ESG $627,000.
  • Allocations (CDBG): Planning/administration $1.4M (16%); housing program delivery $900K; public services $1,057,000 (15% cap); affordable housing $1.8M plus $1.1M carryover; neighborhood parks/community centers $1M; economic development $747K; capacity building institute $150K; NERSA public services $220K; NERSA housing $825K; NERSA code-compliance demolition $250K; strategic economic development in NERSA $500K.
  • HOME: Administration $196,572 (10%); total set-aside $844,859 (including $550K carryover for homeowner rehab); rental housing development $1.4M; down payment assistance using $1M carryover; home buyer development using $1M carryover.
  • ESG: Essential services $376,225 (shelters); stabilization $48,539; administration $47,000; HMIS $155,251.
  • NERSA (Neighborhood Revitalization Strategy Areas): Three designated NERSAs (O South End, Inglewood, Junction). A possible fourth in Vistula as a Choice Neighborhood.
• Homeless Initiatives (Lisa Pangove, Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board):
  • The Continuum of Care created a strategic plan in 2024 to reduce barriers and improve data sharing.
  • Moving to an open HMIS system so providers can share client history, avoid duplication, and reduce trauma.
  • 2026–2027 focus: Coordinated entry improvements (with United Way 211), key performance indicators (track housing speed and stability), and data quality.
  • Hive program (Housing Integration Visibility and Engagement): 113 properties listed, 987 units, 148 currently open and ready to rent.
  • Expanding youth advisory board (ages 18–24 who experienced homelessness) to inform policy at local and state levels.
  • Fundraising for Point-in-Time counts, Code Blue events, and targeted outreach.
• Fair Housing (George Thomas, Fair Housing Center CEO):
  • Fair housing ensures access regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, familial status, disability, etc.
  • The Analysis of Impediments (AI) identifies barriers to fair housing choice, including access to homeownership, source of income discrimination, land use/zoning issues, and substandard housing conditions.
  • Recommendations: Better enforcement of local law prohibiting source-of-income discrimination (including housing choice vouchers); homeownership education (city planning a fair later in 2026); removing barriers for people with disabilities; addressing NIMBYism for affordable housing.
  • Emphasized that substandard housing conditions are a major barrier due to aging housing stock and historic disinvestment.
• Public Housing (Singor Mans, Lucas Metropolitan Housing CEO):
  • LMH manages about 2,400 public housing apartments (2,600 total including market-rate and tax-credit units), making it the largest regional landlord.
  • Public housing waitlist has over 4,000 families; the waitlist opened in fall/winter and received 3,500 applications within three days; list is now closed.
  • Five-year strategic plan (2024–2028) goals: invest in employee growth, diversify revenue (currently 95% HUD-funded), create accessible housing opportunities, streamline processes, improve communication, and promote homeownership (voucher homeownership component available).
  • Planned projects: renovations at multiple properties (McClinton Roman, Viste owner, Port Lawrence, etc.); Speiker Terrace demolition and rebuilding (deconcentration of poverty with replacement units); new construction (e.g., Collingwood Green). Grand opening in May 2026 for a new building.
  • Financial Opportunity Center (first in Ohio housed at a housing authority) to help residents achieve homeownership.

Key Outcomes

• No votes or decisions were taken; this was a public hearing to gather input.
• The 30-day comment period continues through April 24, 2026.
• The second public hearing will be held on Thursday, April 2, 2026, at 5:30 PM.
• Legislation proposing funding allocations will be submitted to city council on or around April 14, 2026, pending receipt of HUD allocations (expected by March 28 or early April).
• Final approval by council anticipated April 21, 2026.