NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOME, AND OHTF PROGRAM FUNDING (FY 2026)

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING – COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT, HOME, AND OHTF PROGRAM FUNDING (FY 2026) NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING The Portage County Board of Commissioners intends to apply to the Ohio Development Services Agency for funding under the Community Development Program, HOME and Ohio Housing Trust Fund (OHTF) programs. These are State and federally funded programs administered by the state. The County is eligible for Fiscal Year 2026 Community Development Program, HOME and OHTF funding, providing the County meets applicable program requirements: Housing, Shelter and Support Services Programs Community Housing Impact and Preservation (CHIP) Program – up to a maximum of $1,600,000Homeless Crisis Response Program – based on programSupportive Housing Program – based on program Community and Economic Development Community Development Programs: Allocation Grant – Amount to be determined- Anticipated $606,000Neighborhood Revitalization Grant - Up to $750,000Critical Infrastructure Grant – Up to $500,000 for direct loans Economic Development Loan and Public Infrastructure Grants: Economic Development Loans – Up to $500,000Economic Development Public Infrastructure Grant Program – Up to $500,000Residential Public Infrastructure Grant Program – Up to $750,000 Flexible Grant Program: CDBG Flexible Grant Programs Economic and Community Development Grants – $250,000Downtown Buildings Flexible Grant Program - $250,000New Horizons Fair Housing Assistance Program – Set Aside - Up to $15,000 and up to $5,000 for each additional eligible jurisdiction in a consortium, for a maximum award not exceeding $30,000. The first of two public hearings will be held April 16, 2026, at 9:00 a.m. at 449 South Meridian Street, 7th Floor, Ravenna, Ohio to provide citizens with pertinent information about the Community Development Program including an explanation of eligible activities and program requirements. The Community Development Program can fund a broad range of activities including economic development projects, street, water supply, drainage and sanitary sewer improvements, park acquisition and improvements, demolition of unsafe structures, rehabilitation of neighborhood facilities. The activities must be designed to primarily benefit low-moderate income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slum and blight or meet an urgent need of the community. Local officials, non-profit and service agencies and citizens are encouraged to attend this public hearing to provide their input on the county's Community Development Program, HOME and OHTF Program. For more information, please contact Barbara Sferra, CDBG Specialist, P.C. Regional Planning Commission at (330) 297-3613. Todd Peetz, Director Portage County Regional Planning Commission 449 South Meridian Street, 6th Floor Ravenna, OH 44266 Date of Publication: April 3, 2026 Kent Record Courier April 3 2026 LWOO0491657