St. Cloud Planning Commission Weighs Recommendations for $670,000 in Community Development Block Grant Funding

(KNSI) — The St. Cloud Planning Commission heard presentations at a meeting Tuesday night from organizations competing for approximately $670,000 in federal Community Development Block Grant funds for 2026.

The commission will meet again at 11:30 a.m. Wednesday, at City Hall, to make its recommendations on how to distribute the funds.

Eleven organizations initially requested $1.6 million in CDBG funding. One applicant, Homeless Helping Homeless, withdrew its request for a wall around Lincoln Center.

City staff has recommended funding five projects that align with the city’s 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan priorities. The St. Cloud Housing and Redevelopment Authority would receive the largest allocation at $245,000 for single-family homeowner rehabilitation, with an additional $75,000 in program income funds.

Central Minnesota Habitat for Humanity is recommended for $200,000 for Westwood infrastructure development, and Place of Hope Ministries would get $74,000 for its overflow compassion shelter.

Smaller recommended allocations include $11,000 for Tri-County Action Program’s Project Homeless Connect and $10,000 for Lutheran Social Services’ St. Cloud Area Crisis Nursery program. Another $130,000 would go toward program administration.

The staff recommendation would leave six applicants unfunded, including 180 Degrees Inc., the Center for African Immigrants and Refugees Organization, Central Minnesota Housing Partnership, Stepping Stone Emergency Housing, and YouthSet Inc.

After the Planning Commission makes its recommendation, the proposal will advance to the City Council for a second public hearing and final decision in March. The 2026 Annual Action Plan must be submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development in May.

The CDBG program provides annual federal funding to St. Cloud to address housing and community development needs, with a focus on benefiting low and moderate-income residents.

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