Travis County Invites Residents to March 24 Public Hearing to Help Shape 2026 Community Development Funding
Residents across Travis County will soon have an opportunity to help shape how federal community development funding is used in their neighborhoods. On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, at 9:00 a.m., Travis County will host a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Community Needs Public Hearing in the Travis County Commissioners Courtroom, 700 Lavaca St., Austin, Texas, inviting residents to share concerns, ideas, and project recommendations that could impact local infrastructure, housing, and community services.
The hearing is part of the county’s annual planning process to determine how federal funding will be invested to improve neighborhoods, expand affordable housing opportunities, and support community facilities. Feedback gathered during the session will help guide CDBG-funded projects for Program Year 2026, covering October 2026 through September 2027.
Federal Grants Help Fund Local Housing, Neighborhood Improvements, and Community Services
The Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) are funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and are designed to support projects that benefit low- to moderate-income residents in eligible communities.
For the upcoming funding cycle, Travis County anticipates receiving approximately $1,787,382 in CDBG funding and about $567,775.74 through the HOME program. These funds typically support initiatives such as neighborhood revitalization projects, improvements to community facilities, expanded housing options, and services aimed at strengthening local communities.
Projects funded through these programs can have long-term effects on community stability, housing accessibility, and neighborhood quality of life — which is why county officials encourage residents to participate in the planning process.
Communities Eligible for CDBG and HOME Funding in Travis County
Input gathered during the public hearing will help identify community needs in unincorporated areas of Travis County, as well as within several municipalities that participate in the program.
Eligible areas include:
- Bee Cave
- Creedmoor
- Lago Vista
- Lakeway
- Manor
- San Leanna
- Sunset Valley
- Webberville
- West Lake Hills
Residents living in these areas are encouraged to share their perspectives on local needs, whether those involve housing challenges, infrastructure improvements, accessibility issues, or community services.
How Residents Can Participate in the Public Hearing
Community members may participate in the March 24 Travis County Commissioners Court public hearing either in person or remotely.
Those who wish to speak remotely must register online. The registration portal opens at 8:00 p.m. two nights before the meeting and closes at 8:00 a.m. on the day of the hearing. Registration details and instructions are available on the Travis County Commissioners Court webpage.
Residents who prefer to observe the hearing can also watch the meeting online through the Commissioners Court Voting Session livestream, which will be available by 9:00 a.m. on the day of the meeting.
Alternative Ways to Share Community Input
For residents unable to attend the public hearing, Travis County also offers additional ways to provide feedback.
Community members can submit written input through a Community Needs Participation Form (Needs Survey) available online through the Travis County CDBG website. Paper copies of the survey can also be requested by calling the Travis County Health and Human Services office.
Neighborhood groups interested in discussing local priorities in more detail may request a meeting with the Travis County CDBG Office to share community concerns and potential project ideas.
Why Community Input Matters in the CDBG Planning Process
Public participation plays a central role in determining how federal community development funding is distributed each year. Input gathered from residents helps county leaders identify the most pressing needs across participating communities — from affordable housing shortages to infrastructure improvements and neighborhood revitalization.
By sharing their perspectives, residents help ensure that funding decisions reflect the priorities of the communities they are intended to serve.
Additional details about participating in the hearing, submitting feedback, or requesting accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) are available through Travis County Health and Human Services.
Residents are encouraged to stay engaged in the process as Travis County begins planning projects that could shape neighborhoods across the region in the coming year.
For updates on community initiatives, local government decisions, and development across the Austin area, stay connected with 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.