Palm Bay, FL - According to a June 5, 2025 press release, Brevard County's Housing and Human Services Department is seeking public input on its draft 2025-2026 Annual Action Plan. This crucial document will guide how significant federal funds are used across the county, directly impacting communities like Palm Bay.
This Action Plan outlines spending priorities for the County’s Fiscal Year 2025-2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and the Brevard HOME Consortium’s HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) funds, covering October 1, 2025, to September 30, 2026.
Understanding the Funds 💰
The CDBG Program is designed to foster viable communities by supporting decent housing, creating suitable living environments, and expanding economic opportunities, primarily for low to moderate-income individuals and families. Brevard County anticipates receiving approximately $1,386,307.00 annually for the next five years for CDBG initiatives.
The HOME Program specifically targets the creation and sustainability of affordable housing. These funds are allocated to the Brevard HOME Consortium, which includes (unincorporated) Brevard County and the cities of Palm Bay, Melbourne, Titusville, and Cocoa.
Palm Bay's Projected Share
For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, the Brevard HOME Consortium anticipates receiving a total of $1,082,067.44, plus any available program income. Palm Bay's direct portion of this HOME funding is projected to be $221,394.24, which will be dedicated to local affordable housing initiatives within the city.
These funds are vital for addressing affordable housing challenges within our city. Your input can help ensure these resources are directed effectively to meet the unique needs of Palm Bay residents.
Why Your Input Matters to Palm Bay
This public comment period is a critical opportunity for Palm Bay citizens to advocate for their community's quality of life. The decisions made in the Annual Action Plan will directly impact:
The availability of affordable housing in Palm Bay.
Funding for local infrastructure and public service projects.
Overall community development and economic opportunities.
By participating, you help ensure that Palm Bay’s voice is heard.
What Could Palm Bay Advocate For? 🤔
When reviewing the draft Action Plan, Palm Bay residents should consider what our community needs most. Your comments can provide specific direction. Here are some areas to think about:
Regarding the HOME Funds (approx. $221,394 for Palm Bay):
Affordable Housing Types: Should the focus be on new affordable rental units? Rehabilitating existing homes? Or providing down payment assistance?
Specific Needs: Is there a particular need for more senior housing, family housing, or accessible housing for those with disabilities?
Project Locations: Are there specific neighborhoods that would benefit most from affordable housing investment?
Regarding CDBG Funds (broader county use, but can fund Palm Bay projects):
Public Facilities: Do parks or community centers in low-to-moderate-income areas need upgrades?
Infrastructure: Are there needs for better sidewalks or drainage in certain neighborhoods?
Public Services: What services (e.g., for seniors, youth, job training) are most crucial?
Economic Opportunities: What local initiatives could create jobs or support small businesses?
A Key Point for Advocacy: Fair Funding for Palm Bay's Size 📈
Palm Bay is the largest city in the Brevard HOME Consortium, with an estimated 2025 population of 148,985. For decades, federally-linked space industry development, largely centered around NASA at the Cape Canaveral Space Force Station and Kennedy Space Center, was concentrated in Brevard's northern region. Now, the expansion of the private commercial space sector means company facilities, their employees, and the associated workforce are becoming more geographically diverse. This shift is a significant factor in the substantial population growth and increased housing demand experienced in southern Brevard, particularly in Palm Bay.
As these demographic and economic landscapes evolve, it's critical that funding allocations adapt. Despite this trend and its large population, the city's projected HOME fund allocation of $221,394.24 is less than what a strictly population-based distribution (comparing unincorporated Brevard County and the four member cities) might provide. Updated analysis indicates that such an allocation could bring Palm Bay approximately $240,422 — an increase of about $19,028.
The table below illustrates how the 2025-2026 HOME funds ($1,082,067.44 total) would be distributed differently if allocated proportionally by population among the Consortium members (using unincorporated Brevard County population and city populations):
While official HUD formulas consider multiple factors beyond population (such as poverty rates and housing conditions), residents have a strong, data-driven case to advocate for a funding distribution that more equitably reflects Palm Bay's significant population and associated needs. This is a specific point to consider raising in your comments.
Other General Advocacy Points:
Requesting clear goals and measurable outcomes for how all funds will specifically benefit Palm Bay residents.
The key is to connect the allowable uses of these funds with the real-life needs you see in our community.
How to Make Your Voice Heard 📣
Residents are encouraged to review the draft Annual Action Plan and submit their feedback. The 30-day public comment period is open now and runs until July 3, 2025, at 5:00 PM.
Here’s how you can participate:
Review the Draft Plan Online: A copy of the draft Action Plan is available on the Housing and Human Services page of the Brevard County website: Brevard County Housing and Human Services Plans and Reports
View the Draft Plan Document: [Placeholder for Draft Action Plan PDF - You can embed or link to the document here]
Submit Comments Online: An online comment form is also available on the website linked above.
Submit Written Comments: Address comments to:
Brevard County Housing & Human Services Department
Attention: Cindy Short, Special Projects Coordinator
2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Building B, Suite B-106
Viera, FL 32940
Attend the Final Public Hearing 🗓️
A final public hearing on the proposed Plan and Action Plan is scheduled for July 22, 2025, at 9:00 AM. This hearing will be part of the Brevard County Board of County Commissioners meeting.
Location: 1st floor Commission Chambers, Building C, 2725 Judge Fran Jamieson Way, Viera, FL 32940.
The County will provide written responses to any public comments received within 15 days and will include them in the final Action Plan.
Make Your Voice Count for Palm Bay
This is a key moment for Palm Bay residents to influence how substantial federal funding is used for local housing and community development. By reviewing the draft plan and submitting comments based on our community's specific needs—including advocating for a funding share that reflects our city's size and evolving economic landscape—you can help shape a better future for Palm Bay.
Curated by AI and fact-checked by The Palm Bayer.
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