Subject:
Title
Resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery Action Plan or Substantial Amendments and authorization for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
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Recommended Action:
Recommended Action
Adopt a resolution approving the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) Action Plan or Substantial Amendments and authorize submittal of the amended Action Plan to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
• Following June 16, 2026, BCC Work Session consensus recommendations, this amendment updates the previously approved CDBG-DR Action Plan to improve program implementation, strengthen HUD compliance, and increase administrative efficiency.
• The Substantial Action Plan Amendment:
o Clarifies condominiums as approved structure types for our Reimbursement (RMB) Program, potentially assisting 147 active applicants;
o Sets a maximum RMB for Mobile Homes at $15,000.00, proportionate to property value of structures;
o Establishes a minimum RMB award of $5,000.00 for all applicants;
o Creates a relocation pathway for eligible manufactured housing unit owners currently on leased land;
o Expands eligibility for RMB applicants to qualify for the Disaster Relief Payment Owners Program and;
o Authorizes the use of grant funds to aid microenterprises for our Small Business Program.
• Resolution 26-XX authorizes designated County officials to execute CDBG-DR documents; allows Board approval of Substantial Amendments by motion; and authorizes the County Administrator, or designee, to approve non-substantial and administrative revisions consistent with HUD requirements.
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Strategic Priorities:
Resilient Infrastructure and Environment
1.5 Strengthen resilience and adaptation.
Smart Service Delivery
4.4 Pursue continuous improvement.
Summary:
Summary
The proposed Substantial Action Plan Amendment updates the Board-approved CDBG-DR Action Plan to incorporate implementation improvements identified during administration of the County's disaster recovery programs. The amendment is intended to improve program delivery, strengthen compliance with HUD requirements, provide additional administrative flexibility, and clarify program requirements while remaining consistent with the County's approved recovery strategy and identified unmet needs.
Approval by the Board will allow staff to submit the amended Action Plan to HUD for review and approval.
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Background Information:
On May 6, 2025, the Board of County Commissioners approved the Pinellas County CDBG-DR Action Plan and authorized its submission to HUD, along with the administration of the County's CDBG-DR programs.
HUD subsequently approved the Action Plan, and the County has continued implementation of its disaster recovery programs funded through the County's CDBG-DR allocation. As implementation has progressed, staff identified opportunities to improve program administration, strengthen compliance with HUD requirements, provide additional implementation flexibility, and clarify program policies and procedures.
The proposed Substantial Amendment incorporates these improvements by updating housing program eligibility, award methodologies, administrative requirements, implementation procedures, and clarifying program narratives, tables, definitions, and references throughout the Action Plan.
Fiscal Impact:
Approval of the Substantial Amendment has no additional fiscal impact and does not increase the County’s $813.783 million CDBG-DR allocation, change established funding priorities, or modify HUD-approved funding levels. The grant is reimbursable, with funding included in the FY26 Budget and FY27 Proposed Budget; future-year funding remains subject to annual County budget approval.
Staff Member Responsible:
Matthew Spoor, Assistant County Administrator, County Administration
Erica Henry, Disaster Recovery Program Manager, Pinellas Recovers
Partners:
U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD)
Attachments:
Resolution 25-37
Resolution 26-
CDBG-DR Action Plan Substantial Amendment