NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING AND PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD FOR THE CITY OF BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT PROGRAM YEAR 2026 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN (AAP) 

This is notice for the Program Year 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) presented by the City of Bloomington. The AAP describes CDBG funded projects and activities proposed for the period between May 1, 2026, and April 30, 2027. The AAP was prepared in accordance with regulations established by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) for CDBG Entitlement Communities.  

 The Program Year 2026 AAP outlines projects that will meet the goals listed in the 2025-2029 Consolidated Plan. These goals include: the preservation of existing affordable housing stock, elimination of slum and blight conditions, support for the provision of public service activities, public facility and infrastructure improvements, and administering CDBG effectively and proficiently. Please note that the Program Year 2026 AAP are subject to change depending on CDBG appropriations for the plan periods and the final allocation to the City from HUD. Additionally, the Program Year 2026 AAP must be approved by HUD and changes may occur during that process.    

An electronic copy of the 2026 AAP will be available for public review and comment on the City’s website (https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/departments/community-impact-enhancement/grants-management-division/community-development-block-grant-cdbg/cdbg-public-notices) beginning on January 22, 2026, for a period of 32 days. A physical copy will be available at the HUB (115 E. Washington St.), the Community Impact and Enhancement Department office, and at the Bloomington Public Library beginning on January 22, 2026. A public hearing will be held to solicit comments on the Program Year 2026 AAP on February 9, 2026, during the City’s regularly scheduled City Council meeting. To testify live in the public hearing or provide live public comment you must register at https://www.bloomingtonil.gov/government/boards-commissions/register-for-public-comment. Email public comment to publiccomment@cityblm.org. Emails and registrations required at least 15 min prior to the start of the meeting. For questions, contact the City Clerk at cityclerk@cityblm.org or by calling 309-434-2509. 

 Participation of all residents, including but not limited to non-English speaking and physically-, visually-, and hearing-impaired individuals, is strongly encouraged. Individuals with impairments are asked to provide a minimum of 5-days’ notice prior to the public hearing date so that appropriate accommodations can be made. For such accommodations, please notify the Community Impact and Enhancement Department.  

Written public comments on the 2026 AAP will be accepted through February 23, 2026. Written comments should be submitted to the following contact: William Bessler, Grants Manager, Community Impact and Enhancement Department, 115 E. Washington St., Suite 201, Bloomington, IL 61701. Mr. Bessler can also be reached at 309-434-2343 or wbessler@cityblm.org.    

PY2026 Annual Action Plan - Draft