FAQs

The Consolidated Plan is Orange County’s five-year plan for housing and community development. It helps the County identify community needs, set priorities, and plan how federal funds will be used.

The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) requires Orange County to prepare a Consolidated Plan. The plan helps guide federal investments in housing and community development over the next five years.

The plan guides the use of three federal programs:

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
• HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
• Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

These programs support three main goals: decent housing, suitable living environments, and expanded economic opportunities, mainly for low- and moderate-income residents.

The planning process looks at needs related to affordable housing, homelessness, public services, infrastructure, economic development, fair housing, and other community development needs.

Orange County reviews community information from several data and research sources and gathers input from residents and community partners. This information helps the County identify and prioritize needs for the next five years.

Everyone is encouraged to participate. The County also seeks input from nonprofit organizations, neighborhood groups, local governments, County departments, service providers, and other community partners.

You know your community. Your input can help the County better understand local needs, gaps in services, and issues that may need more attention.

Survey responses and other public comments will be considered as the County identifies priority needs and develops goals for the five-year Consolidated Plan.

The final Consolidated Plan will guide Orange County’s use of CDBG, HOME, and ESG funds during the five-year planning period and will be submitted to HUD for review.