Focus Area: Quality of Life
Staff Contact: Mike Sirna/Emily Diehl
Subject: Report on 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations.
________________________________________________________________________________
title:
title
Report on 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations.
Body
________________________________________________________________________________
Summary:
The City of Olathe maintains a long-standing cooperative agreement with Johnson County for CDBG funds, securing 41% of the County’s overall allocation. Olathe’s projected CDBG funding for 2026 is estimated to be $451,000.00.
Both the City of Olathe and Johnson County follow the same CDBG application, guidelines, and procedures. Olathe is responsible for advertising CDBG grant funding availability, conducting a public hearing, overseeing the Olathe application and review process, and ultimately making funding recommendations. For 2026, Olathe received 11 grant applications, totaling $520,594.00 in requests. Following an initial eligibility desk review, qualified applicants presented their proposals to a rating team on June 16th, 2025.
The rating team has submitted its recommendations for funding, including provisions for potential changes in the federal allocation:
Recommended CDBG Allocations
Public Service (not to exceed 15% of the total allocation)
• Johnson County Parks and Recreation District: Childcare Assistance - $9,175.00
• Kansas City Metro Lutheran Ministry: Rent and Utility Assistance - $10,000.00
• Olathe Parks and Recreation: Childcare Scholarships - $14,237.50
• El Centro: Rent and Utility Assistance - $14,237.50
• Catholic Charities: Rent and Utility Assistance - $20,000.00
Housing
• Friends of JCDS: Roof Replacement for Olathe Home on Edgemere - $16,496.00
• Oikos: Pitt Street Duplexes Rehabilitation - $30,000.00
• Olathe Community Enhancement: Full-time Community Enhancement Officer - $78,000.00
• Olathe Housing Rehab: Project Funding - $83,106.00
• Olathe Housing Rehab: Administration - $85,000.00
• Olathe Housing Authority: Scattered Sites Mechanical Systems Upgrades - $90,748.00
Contingency Funding Recommendations
If Additional Funds Are Allocated
• Public Service: Funds will be equally distributed among Metro Lutheran Ministries, El Centro, and Catholic Charities, up to the 15% Public Service limit.
• Housing: Once the Public Service cap is met, Oikos will receive up to an additional $5,000, with any further remaining funds directed to the Olathe Housing Rehab Project.
If Funds Are Reduced:
• Public Service: All public service projects will experience an equal reduction in funding, maintaining the 15% Public Service cap.
• Housing: Following public service adjustments, only the Olathe Housing Rehab Project funding will be reduced.
________________________________________________________________________________
Financial Impact:
Approximately $451,000.00 in federal funds are being made available to Olathe to address public improvements, housing services, community development, and public services that benefit low- to moderate-income persons living in Olathe.
________________________________________________________________________________
Action Needed:
Accept Report
________________________________________________________________________________
Attachment(s):
None