Community Development

The City of Hot Springs receives federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) as an entitlement grantee of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program. The CDBG Entitlement Program provides annual grants on a formula basis to entitled cities to develop viable urban communities by providing decent housing and a suitable living environment, and by expanding economic opportunities, principally for low- and moderate-income persons. As the responsible entity, the Planning & Development Department applies for, administers, monitors and reports according to federal regulations. 

Community Development Advisory Committee

Community Development Block Grant Forms and Resources

Consolidated Plan

The proposed Community Development Block Grant 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan including the 2019 Annual Action Plan are available for public comment and review through June 20, 2019.  The Consolidated Plan serves as a comprehensive planning document discussing Hot Springs community development and housing needs with particular emphasis on decent housing, a suitable living environment, assisting and preventing homelessness, addressing special needs of members of the community, and expanding economic opportunities particularly for low- to moderate-income persons.  The Annual Action Plan identifies how the City plans to allocate $450,000 in federal grant funds during the 2019 fiscal year to meet the goals and objectives of the Consolidated Plan.  The Community Development Advisory Committee will hold public hearings to review the Consolidated and Annual Action Plan proposals on Tuesday, May 21 at 1:00pm and Thursday June 6 at 1:00pm in the Board Chambers at City Hall, 133 Convention Boulevard, Hot Springs, AR.  Written comments can be directed to Michelle Sestili, CDBG Administrator, City of Hot Springs, 133 Convention Blvd, Hot Springs, AR 71901 or msconsulting@outlook.com. 

  1. 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan and 2019 Annual Action Plan for public review and comment
  2. Amended 2014 2018 Consolidated Plan Substantial Amendment with 2018 allocation
  3. 2014-2018 CDBG Consolidated Plan
  4. 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan

2019 Applications


  1. 2019 Application List
  2. 2019 CDBG Planning and Admininistration Application
  3. Alis Wonderland ADA Accessible Parking Application
  4. Bus Shelter at Hobson and Lacy Application
  5. Bus Shelter at Ouachita Behavioral Health and Wellness Application
  6. Cedar Street Sidewalks Phase II Application
  7. Crosswalk Malvern at Silver Street Application
  8. Habitat for Humanity 115 Watt St Lots 2 3 and 4 Water Line Application
  9. Habitat for Humanity Garland Avenue Application
  10. Habitat for Humanity Restore ADA Accessibility Application
  11. Habitat for Humanity Watt St Lots 6 and Pt 7 Lot Prep Application
  12. Hobson and Linwood Sidewalk and ADA Improvements Application
  13. Linden Park Bathroom Replacement Part II Application
  14. Malvern Avenue Improvement Project Grove to East Grand Design Plans Application
  15. Ouachita Children's Center Bathrooms Application
  16. Park Avenue Pedestrian and ADA Improvements Phase VI Application
  17. RA Psychle Community Call, Care and Compliance (4C) Public Service Program
  18. Reverend Rice Park Amenities Application
  19. 2019 Spot Blight Nuisance Abatement Application
  20. Third Street Pedestrian and ADA Accessibility Infrastructure Application

Community Development Block Grant Policies

  1. Affordable Housing Underwriting Policy 2018
  2. CDBG Unoccupied Property Boarding Improvement Policy
  3. CDBG Spot Blight Nuisance Abatement Forgivable Loan Policy and Application

Annual Action Plan


  1. 2018 Annual Action Plan
  2. 2017 Annual Action Plan
  3. 2016 Annual Action Plan
  4. 2015 Annual Action Plan
  5. 2014 Annual Action Plan
The Annual Action Plan is a one-year implementation strategy for each year of the Consolidated Plan, which describes how federal funds will be used to meet community development and housing needs in that year.

Amendment to Prior Plan Years to Reallocate Funds


  1. 2019 Amendment to Reallocate Unspent Funds to Fair Housing Activities
  2. 2018 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2014, 2017 & 2018
  3. 2017 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2014 2015 & 2016
  4. 2016 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2011 2013 2014 2015 & 2016
  5. 2015 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2011 2012 2013 and 2014

The City of Hot Springs receives funds Annually from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for Community Development Block Grant programs. Annual expenditures are described in an Annual Action Plan each year.  An amendment is necessary to allow the change in use of HUD funding (24 CFR Section 91.505).  The purpose ans amendment is to (1) delete activities which will not be completed; (2) delete activities that become ineligible; and/or (3) reallocate unspent funds from projects completed under budget.  

The Consolidated Plan is a strategic plan addressing low- and moderate-income housing, community and economic development needs. It is a planning document that identifies the affordable housing, community and economic development short- and long-term needs, goals, priorities and objectives. The city identified the following priorities for the 2014-2018 Consolidated Plan:

1. Create suitable living environments and promote decent, affordable housing initiatives

2. Encourage business and job growth through targeted infrastructure improvements

3. Provide assistance, support and resources to affirmatively further fair housing, expand neighborhood revitalization and strengthen Continuum of Care service efforts The Consolidated Plan summarizes citizen participation and comments, agency consultations, housing and market analyses, and other factors that contributed to the development of plan objectives.

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report


  1. 2018 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
  2. 2017 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report CAPER
  3. 2016 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report CAPER
  4. 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
  5. 2014 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report final
  6. 2013 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report final
  7. 2012 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
The Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER) is an annual report required by HUD detailing housing and community development activities undertaken by the city to meet priority needs as documented in the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan.  The report summarizes the available resources, results of activities, number and type of households assisted, and evaluates performance in accomplishing the overall Consolidated Plan objectives.