Whether it's improving neighborhood drainage, expanding affordable housing opportunities, upgrading community infrastructure, or supporting programs that help families thrive, millions of federal dollars flow into Travis County each year through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. Before the next round of funding decisions is made, county leaders are asking the people who know their communities best—the residents themselves—to help determine where those investments should go.

Travis County has opened public comment on its proposed Program Year 2026 (PY26) Action Plan as well as proposed amendments to its existing Consolidated Plan and prior Action Plans. Residents and nonprofit organizations are encouraged to share ideas, identify community needs, and help establish funding priorities that will shape future projects throughout the county's eligible service area. The public comment period remains open through 5 p.m. on July 20, 2026, with additional opportunities to participate during a public hearing on July 14.

Building Stronger Communities Through Federal Investment

The Community Development Block Grant program is funded annually by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and provides grants to counties and cities across the country to help develop stronger, more sustainable communities.

Its mission extends beyond simply funding construction projects. CDBG investments are intended to create viable communities by providing decent housing, creating suitable living environments, improving public infrastructure, and expanding economic opportunities—particularly for residents with low and moderate incomes.

Projects funded through the program can include housing rehabilitation, street and drainage improvements, sidewalks, water and wastewater infrastructure, accessibility enhancements, community facilities, public services, and other projects that improve residents' quality of life.

Your Ideas Can Help Set Travis County's Priorities

Unlike many government funding programs, the Community Development Block Grant process is intentionally driven by community input.

Travis County is asking residents and nonprofit organizations to identify the needs they see every day and suggest projects that could make a meaningful difference. Those ideas help county leaders determine which projects should receive priority for future federal funding.

For residents, this is an opportunity to influence investments that could affect neighborhood safety, mobility, accessibility, housing opportunities, and community services for years to come.

Who Is Included?

For the current Program Year 2025 (PY25), the Travis County CDBG service area includes:

• All unincorporated areas of Travis County
• Bee Cave
• Creedmoor
• Lago Vista
• Lakeway
• Manor
• San Leanna
• Sunset Valley
• Webberville
• West Lake Hills

Because participating jurisdictions have expanded over successive program years—and because unincorporated areas can change through annexation or de-annexation—the service area may vary depending on the year a project receives funding.

To help residents determine eligibility, Travis County provides an interactive online map that is searchable by address or ZIP code. The map also includes information about low-to-moderate-income population concentrations, race and ethnicity data, and Commissioner Precinct boundaries.

Community Input Is Already Making a Difference

Residents don't have to imagine what Community Development Block Grant funding looks like—it is already visible throughout Travis County.

Over the past year, CDBG investments have helped complete several projects designed to improve safety, accessibility, and community spaces. Among them are the Crystal Bend Drainage Improvement Project, which improved drainage and roadway safety; the Forest Bluff and Austin Colony Right-of-Way Improvements, which enhanced accessibility and transportation efficiency; and the award-winning Southeast Metro Playground, an all-inclusive park that gives children and families of all abilities a place to gather and play.

As HUD marks the 50th anniversary of the Community Development Block Grant program, these projects demonstrate how federal funding, paired with local input, can create lasting improvements that benefit neighborhoods across Travis County.

Why Are Existing Plans Being Updated

In addition to developing next year's spending plan, Travis County is proposing updates to previously approved plans so funding can better reflect current community needs and project timelines.

The proposed amendments would incorporate Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) funding into the county's planning process, expand eligible program priorities to support a broader range of community needs, reallocate funding from a project that is no longer feasible to other eligible uses, and shift funding for one infrastructure project from design and engineering into construction as that project moves forward.

Federal regulations require substantial changes like these to go through a public review process before they can be approved.

How to Participate

Residents can review the proposed PY26 Action Plan and the proposed amendments online or at any of six Travis County Community Centers located in Del Valle, Pflugerville, Oak Hill, Jonestown, Manor, and Central Austin.

Comments may be submitted by mail or email through 5 p.m. on July 20, 2026, or residents may participate in a public hearing scheduled for:

Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at 9:00 a.m.

Travis County Commissioners Courtroom
700 Lavaca Street, First Floor
Austin, Texas 78701

Those who cannot attend in person may register in advance to speak remotely, and the hearing will also be available for public viewing online.

What Happens Next?

Once the public comment period closes, Travis County staff will review community feedback before presenting the final Action Plan and amendments to the Travis County Commissioners Court for consideration and eventual submission to HUD.

For residents, the process represents more than a routine public notice. It is an opportunity to help shape future investments that can strengthen neighborhoods, improve public infrastructure, expand housing opportunities, and enhance community services throughout Travis County.

As the county continues to evolve, community voices remain one of the most important tools for ensuring future investments reflect the needs of the people who call Travis County home.

Stay tuned to My Neighborhood News for continuing coverage of Travis County government, community development, housing initiatives, infrastructure projects, and opportunities for residents to get involved.

By Tiffany Krenek, My Neighborhood News 

Tiffany Krenek has been on the My Neighborhood News team since August 2021. She is passionate about curating and sharing content that enriches the lives of our readers in a personal, meaningful way. A loving mother and wife, Tiffany and her family live in the West Houston/Cypress region.