About the consolidated Plan

Each year, Columbus receives two types of grant money from the federal government: the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the Home Investment Partnerships Grant (HOME).  These grants are intended to support affordable housing and community development initiatives that primarily benefit people with low- to moderate-incomes.

To continue receiving this funding, the federal government requires that Columbus produces a Consolidated Plan once every five years in order to assess community needs and outline a strategy for how to spend this grant money most effectively.  

Right now Columbus is in the process of developing its 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan, which will be submitted to the federal government in May 2026.  Additionally, every year Columbus produces an Annual Action Plan, which uses the strategies outlined in the Consolidated Plan to develop a targeted plan for how to spend CDBG and HOME grant money each year.  

The 2026-2027 Annual Action Plan will be developed alongside and included within the 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan.

Getting input from community members, business owners, and service providers is a critical part of this planning process in order to make sure that Columbus understands the needs and priorities of the community.  Keep reading to find out how YOU can participate!