The Flagstaff City Council approved the city’s 2026 Annual Action Plan for the Community Development Block Grant program on May 28, authorizing approximately $881,000 in federal funding for projects and programs supporting homelessness response, neighborhood improvements, and community resilience. The funds will be allocated to shelter operations, domestic violence services, park reconstruction, resilience hub improvements, and accessibility upgrades benefiting low- and moderate-income residents throughout Flagstaff.
Projects receiving funding include $500,000 for reconstruction of Ponderosa Park in the Sunnyside neighborhood following post-wildfire flooding damage. Planned improvements at the park involve new playground equipment, gathering spaces, pedestrian lighting, accessibility upgrades, and other amenities. The Murdoch Center Resilience Hub in Southside will receive $77,000 for emergency response upgrades and enhancements to indoor air quality during wildfire smoke events. Additionally, $49,196 is designated for ADA accessibility improvements at the city’s Sustainability Office.
Other allocations include $54,500 each to Flagstaff Shelter Services operations at The Lantern—a hotel-to-housing project serving individuals experiencing homelessness—and Northland Family Help Center domestic violence shelter case management services.
The Community Development Block Grant program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to support affordable housing initiatives as well as public infrastructure and economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. The approved Annual Action Plan aligns with priorities identified through Flagstaff’s newly adopted 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan developed via community surveys and stakeholder engagement.
Recent investments from this grant program have supported construction work at Flagstaff Shelter Services’ The Crown supportive housing project; improvements at Cleo Murdoch Park; and acquisition of six condominium units preserved as permanently affordable rental housing. “These projects represent targeted investments in neighborhood infrastructure, housing stability, accessibility, and services for vulnerable residents,” said Kristine Pavlik, City of Flagstaff Housing and Grants Administrator. “The City’s CDBG program allows federal resources to be directed toward projects that respond directly to community-identified needs.”
City of Flagstaff delivers community services via its departments while promoting public involvement through boards and commissions; it operates with an elected mayor and council members who establish policy, according to the official website.
