By allowing ads to appear on this site, you support the local businesses who, in turn, support great journalism.
Newman City Council approves long-term housing and community development plan
newman city logo

NEWMAN, Calif. — The Newman City Council has approved a resolution supporting a five-year plan to enhance housing, public services, and infrastructure for low-income households in partnership with the Stanislaus Urban County and the Stanislaus HOME Consortium. This move helps the city secure crucial federal funding to support local projects aimed at improving residents' quality of life.

The approved plan, known as the Consolidated Plan (CP) for 2025–2029, and its accompanying Annual Action Plan (AAP) for 2025–2026, detail how Newman will use federal dollars allocated through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and Home Investment Partnerships (HOME) programs. These funds will finance projects like park upgrades and affordable housing initiatives.

“Participating in the Stanislaus Urban County and HOME Consortium allows us to access federal resources directly, ensuring that critical improvements in housing and community spaces can move forward,” city officials said.

For the upcoming fiscal year, Newman is expected to receive approximately $149,702 through the CDBG program. These funds will go toward the Steffensen/Sunshine Park Area Improvements Project, enhancing outdoor spaces for local families. Additionally, the city anticipates $100,536 in HOME funding, which will be invested in affordable housing efforts to benefit low-income residents.

The resolution also supports Stanislaus County as the lead agency responsible for managing these federal programs across several cities in the region, including Ceres, Hughson, Oakdale, Patterson, Riverbank, and Waterford. Public participation played a key role in the plan's development, with a community meeting held earlier this month and drafts available for review throughout the county.

City officials emphasized that this plan underscores their commitment to housing, public services, and community improvements. The approved funds will be incorporated into the city’s upcoming budget for the fiscal year 2025–2026, with no additional cost to local taxpayers.

Newman residents can expect to see these funds put to work in the coming months, focusing on projects that enhance public spaces, infrastructure, and housing opportunities for those in need.