City seeking input on Public Service Community Needs for 2021 CDBG funds

Each year, the City of Lawrence receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low and moderate-income residents. The City has historically earmarked these funds for housing improvements, social service agency capital projects, public infrastructure and public services.

In preparation for the upcoming 2021 program year (August 2021 – July 2022), the City is asking for public input on public service community needs and activities for low and moderate-income residents. The City will be hosting a variety of public input opportunities to collect feedback. While CDBG funds can be used to assist neighborhoods in low-moderate income areas, the City appreciates input from all Lawrence residents as community-wide issues can be similar regardless of which neighborhood people live in.

The second survey, which focuses on public service community needs, is open today (Oct. 21) and closes on Friday, Oct. 30. You can take the survey online through the Lawrence Listens platform: lawrenceks.org/listens/surveys. Earlier in October, the City made available the first survey for public input on 2021 CDBG funds. That survey focused on neighborhood needs and closed on Friday, Oct. 16.

In addition to the surveys, City staff will host three virtual listening sessions for public input on public service and neighborhood needs. Meetings will be held at the following times, and residents can register at the below links:

The virtual listening sessions will be hosted via Zoom. Interested participants will be able to join via computer or phone. More details will be available once registered.

Finally, the CDBG/HOME Fall Public Hearing will be held at the Affordable Housing Advisory Board meeting on Monday, Nov. 9, 2020, which is another opportunity to share public feedback.

CONTACT: Dani Walters, Community Development Manager, dwalters@lawrenceks.org | 785-832-3108