Division of Community Development

Citizen Participation Plan

The Citizens Advisory Committee (CAC) is 17-member committee responsible for making recommendations on the allocation of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG), HOME, and American Dream Downpayment Initiative (ADDI) funds that are granted on an annual basis to the City of Lakewood by the Federal Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). Applications for funding from these programs are submitted to the CAC by the City’s departmental divisions and non-profit organizations. The Committee reviews all proposals in order to form recommendations on allocation of funds among the various applicants. The Committee’s recommendations are guided by Lakewood’s Consolidated Plan. The Consolidated Plan is a separate document prepared and submitted to HUD every five years that outlines the City’s needs and priorities with regard to provision of housing and economic opportunities for low- to moderate-income people.

The CAC is comprised of nine members who are appointed by the Mayor, and eight members who are appointed by City Council. Mayoral appointments can serve up to two two-year terms, while City Council appointments can serve up to three one-year terms. The Committee meets weekly during the months of August and September. These weekly meetings include: an initial training session and organizational meeting, two public hearings, and 3 to 4 presentation meetings. At the presentation meetings, each applicant conducts a 15-minute presentation describing the proposal. Following each presentation, Committee members are provided with an opportunity to ask questions or request additional information pertaining to the proposed activity.

The public hearing meetings provide an opportunity for the public to comment on Lakewood’s community development needs and the allocation of HUD funds. The first public meeting, held during the second meeting of the CAC, allows for public comment early in the process on the City’s Consolidated Plan and its community development needs. The second public hearing, held during the final meeting of the CAC, is largely an opportunity for citizens to comment on specific programs proposed to receive HUD funding in the upcoming fiscal year.

If necessary, the Committee will convene for additional meetings outside of the August/September timeframe to address special issues. Special meetings of the CAC are typically convened to review a proposed substantial change to an activity approved during the previous fiscal year. However, special meetings can be convened on any topic that is considered outside the scope of the issues normally covered during the regular meeting schedule.

Once the CAC has concluded its meetings and incorporated its final recommendations on funding into the City’s One-Year Action Plan, the document is submitted as a resolution to Lakewood City Council for approval. Once approved, the Action Plan is submitted to HUD in December as the City’s official request for CDBG, ESG and HOME funding for the upcoming fiscal year.