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. 

COVID-19 Response Document Amendments

The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act (CARES Act) was enacted in response to the growing effects of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) public health crisis.  The act included two phases of additional Community Development Block Grant funds (CDBG-CV) totaling $572,399 for the City of Hot Springs to carry out response and relief activities.  Amendments to the 2020 Annual Action Plan are required in order to expedite the use of these funds in the prevention of, response to and relief of COVID-19.  For more information, to attend a public teleconference meeting on December 10th at 1:00pm, or to submit a comment please contact CDBG Administrator Michelle Sestili at msconsulting@outlook.com or (501) 276-7934.

  1. 3rd CARES Act CDBG CV-3 Amendment for a Quarantine Shelter Facility For Public Review 12.4.2020

Consolidated Plan

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.   

  1. 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan Proposed Amendment April 2020 in response to COVID-19
  2. 2019-2023 Consolidated Plan
  3. Amended 2014 2018 Consolidated Plan Substantial Amendment with 2018 allocation
  4. 2014-2018 CDBG Consolidated Plan
  5. 2010-2014 Consolidated Plan

Community Development Block Grant Policies

  1. CDBG Citizen Participation Plan Proposed Amendment April 2020 in response to COVID-19
  2. Affordable Housing Underwriting Policy v2019
  3. CDBG Unoccupied Property Boarding Improvement Policy
  4. CDBG Spot Blight Nuisance Abatement Forgivable Loan Policy and Application

Annual Action Plan


  1. 2020 CDBG Annual Action Plan
  2. 2019 Annual Action Plan
  3. 2018 Annual Action Plan
  4. 2017 Annual Action Plan
  5. 2016 Annual Action Plan
  6. 2015 Annual Action Plan
  7. 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. 2020 Substantial Amendment to 2017, 2018 and 2019 CDBG Annual Action Plans for COVID-19 Public Services for public review
  2. 2019 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2016, 2017, 2018 and 2019
  3. 2019 Amendment to Reallocate Unspent Funds to Fair Housing Activities
  4. 2018 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2014, 2017 & 2018
  5. 2017 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2014 2015 & 2016
  6. 2016 Substantial Amendment to Prior Plan Years 2011 2013 2014 2015 & 2016
  7. 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 program. 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 of an 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 that were cancelled or completed under budget.  

Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report


  1. 2019 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report CAPER
  2. 2018 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER)
  3. 2017 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report CAPER
  4. 2016 CDBG Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report CAPER
  5. 2015 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report
  6. 2014 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report final
  7. 2013 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report final
  8. 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.