City of Rochester invites public to help shape the 2025 to 2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025 to 2026 Annual Action Plan

Rochester, New York – The City of Rochester is calling on residents to help shape how millions of dollars in federal housing and community development funds will be spent over the next five years. As part of its planning process for the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan and the 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan, the City is inviting community members to participate in a series of public meetings and comment opportunities aimed at guiding future investments.

This planning effort is a necessary step for the City to receive and manage direct financial assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Each year, HUD provides cities like Rochester with critical grant funding to address local housing needs, reduce homelessness, and support services for vulnerable populations.

To access these funds, the City must submit a Consolidated Plan that outlines its long-term goals and a strategy for using HUD money. It must also create an Annual Action Plan that breaks down how the funds will be allocated on a yearly basis. These documents are more than just administrative requirements—they are roadmaps for addressing urgent community issues such as affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, and emergency shelter services.

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According to the City, the 2025–2029 Consolidated Plan will guide how Rochester will use four key HUD programs: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME), the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA). Together, these programs are expected to bring in a significant amount of funding. For the upcoming program year beginning July 1, 2025, Rochester anticipates receiving:

• $8,201,087 through CDBG
• $2,340,323 via HOME
• $714,761 in ESG funds
• $1,132,150 from the HOPWA program

On top of that, the City also expects to program around $650,000 in CDBG Program Income and over $559,000 in HOME Program Income.

To ensure the plans reflect the real needs and priorities of the people who live and work in Rochester, the City is launching a public engagement campaign. Community members will be able to provide input through a three-phase outreach process that includes public meetings, online feedback options, and other participation methods.

“This planning process is an opportunity for everyone in our community to have a voice in how federal dollars are used to improve neighborhoods, support affordable housing, and expand services,” city officials said.

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The public outreach timeline has been revised from earlier announcements. A previously issued notice dated February 25, 2025, has now been updated to include new dates for public display and comment periods, as well as additional amendments to prior-year Annual Action Plans and a new notice concerning the 2025–2029 Amended Citizen Participation Plan.

Public participation is not just encouraged—it’s required by HUD. The City’s own Citizen Participation Plan also mandates active community involvement in these processes. That’s why officials are urging residents, nonprofits, neighborhood groups, and advocates to weigh in on how funds should be distributed.

“This is a rare chance for community voices to help direct tens of millions of dollars toward real, tangible change in Rochester neighborhoods,” said one local housing advocate.

For those interested in learning more or getting involved, the City has created a dedicated webpage for the Consolidated Plan. All updates, documents, and public meeting details can be found at www.cityofrochester.gov/ConsolidatedPlan2025.

From sidewalk improvements to emergency shelters, how Rochester uses its HUD funding has a direct impact on the everyday lives of its residents. By participating in the public input process, community members have the chance to shape how those resources are spent—and ultimately, how the city evolves over the next five years.