What is the HUD Consolidated Plan?

The HUD Consolidated Plan is a critical planning document mandated for jurisdictions that receive Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. It serves multiple purposes, including outlining a community's housing and community development needs, establishing priorities for addressing those needs, and articulating strategies for the use of housing and urban development funds. Through this plan, local governments are required to engage with their communities, gather input, and set specific goals, which contributes to more effectively addressing the needs of their residents, especially low-to-moderate-income households.

The necessity of the Consolidated Plan lies in its role in ensuring that federal funds are allocated in a way that supports a community's vision and goals. By requiring this plan, HUD ensures that there is a structured approach toward the use of funds to promote sustainable living environments, enhance quality of life, and foster economic opportunities within communities.

This distinguishes the HUD Consolidated Plan from other options. For instance, it is not merely a marketing tool for private developers, nor is it a financial report detailing expenditures or a guide to zoning regulations. Instead, it is fundamentally a strategic document that involves comprehensive planning to gather community input, set priorities, and effectively manage resources for community development initiatives.