GRESHAM RESIDENTS INVITED TO HELP SHAPE LOCAL FUNDING PRIORITIES
Oct. 28 public hearing in Gresham invites residents to help identify priorities for federal funding supporting housing, infrastructure and community services.
By Morgan McCarraher
The Advocate
Gresham and Multnomah County officials are inviting residents to participate in an upcoming public hearing to help determine how federal funding will be prioritized for housing, infrastructure, economic development and community services throughout the region. The Community Needs Hearing is scheduled for Wednesday, Oct. 28, from 5:45 to 7:45 p.m. at the East County Library in Gresham. The hearing will provide residents with an opportunity to identify community needs and offer input on how federal resources should be directed during the 2027–28 fiscal year.
The hearing is part of the Portland Consortium’s Annual Action Plan process. The consortium, which includes Multnomah County and the cities of Gresham and Portland, works to identify community development priorities and coordinate funding provided through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. The upcoming 2027-28 Annual Action Plan will be the second of five plans developed under the consortium’s 2026-30 Consolidated Plan, which establishes broader housing and community development goals for the region.
“Public feedback will help inform the development of the consortium’s annual plans, which establish priorities for the use of federal resources.”
Federal funding is distributed through several programs, including the Community Development Block Grant program (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships, Emergency Solutions Grants and Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS. These programs support a variety of community needs, ranging from affordable housing development and housing assistance to homelessness prevention, public services and infrastructure improvements.
The CDBG program, established through the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974, provides federal funding to local governments for projects primarily benefiting low- and moderate-income residents. Multnomah County has administered nearly $20 million in CDBG funding since 1984 for Fairview, Troutdale, Wood Village, Maywood Park and unincorporated areas of the county. Although funding originates at the federal level, local governments are responsible for identifying priorities and developing plans for how the resources will be used. Previous community hearings have identified a range of concerns among east Multnomah County residents. According to Gresham’s 2025-26 Annual Action Plan, participants at a November 2024 community needs hearing identified job training opportunities, resources for people living in vehicles and improved coordination among service providers as important community needs. The upcoming hearing provides another opportunity for residents to identify concerns that may influence future funding priorities.
For students attending Mt. Hood Community College, decisions involving housing affordability, employment opportunities and community services could have implications beyond the college campus. Students living in Gresham and surrounding communities may depend on local housing assistance, transportation infrastructure and other public services while balancing educational expenses, employment and personal responsibilities. Housing instability and access to essential services are also issues that can influence a student’s ability to remain enrolled and complete their education.
While the hearing is not specifically focused on higher education, MHCC students and employees who live in the region have an opportunity to participate in discussions about the resources available in their communities. The hearing itself will not determine final funding allocations. Instead, public feedback will help inform the development of the consortium’s annual plans, which establish priorities for the use of federal resources.
Residents interested in participating can attend the hearing at the East County Library, located at 475 NW Division St. in Gresham.
The meeting will take place in Large Community Rooms 2H and 2J on the second floor. Dinner will be provided, and children may accompany adult attendees.
Registration is available by emailing cdbghome@greshamoregon.gov.
Individuals requiring interpretation, translation or accessibility accommodations are encouraged to contact organizers at least three days before the hearing.
Additional information about the hearing and the Annual Action Plan process is available through the Multnomah County website.
COMMUNITY NEEDS HEARING
WHEN: Wednesday, Oct. 28 | 5:45 - 7:45 p.m.
WHERE: East County Library, 475 NW Division St., Gresham
REGISTER: cdbghome@greshamoregon.gov
Dinner provided; children welcome.
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