Consolidated Plan

A Plan to Help Meet the Needs of Montana's Communities and Residents

The Consolidated Plan guides policy and investment for housing, economic, and other community development in Montana. It is designed to meet requirements set forth by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and various housing and community development acts passed by the U.S. Congress. Consolidated Plan documents are used by federal agencies to make decisions regarding resources made available to Montana for addressing such community development needs as affordable housing, homelessness, infrastructure, community facilities, and economic development.

The plan consolidates the planning, application, reporting, and citizen participation components of the formula programs that receive funding from HUD, with specific emphasis on the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), Housing Trust Fund (HTF), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs.

The Consolidated Plan includes a five-year comprehensive, strategic plan, known as the “Consolidated Plan for Housing and Community Development.” This strategic plan assesses needs and current conditions as well as determines priorities and allocates HUD funding.

Under the five-year strategic plan, Annual Action Plans (AAP) further detail how the State will use HUD funds to carry out the programs through the expected resources available, types of activities offered, distribution of funds, and other actions. The annual plan year begins April 1 and ends March 31, culminating in a Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER), which documents accomplishments and progress towards meeting goals and objectives outlined in the Consolidated Plan and corresponding AAP. Each CAPER is submitted to HUD within 90 days after the close of the annual plan year.

The Departments of Commerce and Public Health and Human Services facilitate Consolidated Plan activities, but they do not determine the needs of Montana communities; rather, they provide statewide statistics and information that communities may consider when determining and prioritizing needs. Furthermore, the Departments rely on community and citizen involvement in Consolidated Plan activities to ensure that all aspects of planning and reporting are informed and represent the unique and diverse needs and views of communities and citizens throughout the state.