Oregon Seeks Public Input on $422 Million Disaster Recovery Plan

Phoenix, Oregon- Oregon Housing and Community Services (OHCS) has announced a draft Action Plan Amendment for its $422 million Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant. Funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), the grant is part of the state’s ongoing efforts to assist residents and communities affected by the 2020 Labor Day wildfires and straight-line winds. The agency is now seeking public feedback on proposed changes to the disaster recovery program.

The draft Action Plan Amendment reallocates resources to increase support for renters and offers expanded recovery options for applicants to the Homeowner Assistance and Reconstruction Program. OHCS Deputy Director Caleb Yant emphasized the importance of the proposed adjustments. “We know those who are of low incomes were disproportionately impacted by the 2020 Labor Day Disasters,” Yant said. “These changes will create new programs to provide more resources for renters and homeowners, including rental assistance, down payment assistance, and counseling services.”

Public comment on the draft is open for 30 days, during which OHCS will host public hearings, accept comments online, via email, mail, or by telephone. The hearings will feature presentations by OHCS officials, followed by opportunities for public feedback. Additionally, a virtual hearing will be held via Zoom on Wednesday, Oct. 30, from 6 to 8 p.m. Registration is required for participation.

Neil Barrett, external affairs officer for OHCS’ Disaster Recovery and Resilience division, urged survivors of the 2020 wildfires to share their input. “The most effective policies are the ones informed by those with lived experience,” Barrett said.

In-person hearings in the Medford area will take place at 6 p.m. inside of the Phoenix Plaza Civic Center, with English sessions on Tuesday, Oct. 22, and a Spanish session on Wednesday, Oct. 23. Printed copies of the Action Plan Amendment are available by request, and Spanish translation services will be provided at all public hearings.

The deadline for submitting public comments is 11:59 p.m. on Nov. 8, 2024. After the comment period, OHCS will review the feedback, incorporate necessary revisions, and submit the plan to HUD for approval. HUD’s review process may take up to 45 days, and OHCS will address all comments received as required by federal regulations.

Further details on the draft Action Plan Amendment and related programs are available on the ReOregon website at re.oregon.gov.