Northampton County Council this week approved its annual action plan for fiscal year 2026, allocating more than $2.2 million in Community Development Block Grant funds, $660,000 in HOME Investment Partnership grants, and $198,000 in Emergency Solutions grants to municipalities, service organizations and housing programs across the county.
How the CDBG Funds Are Divided
The largest portion of the CDBG allocation, roughly $765,000, will go to municipal construction projects including road improvements, restroom facilities and stormwater management work at sites throughout Northampton County. An additional $200,000 is directed to service agencies that provide direct community assistance to residents, with remaining dollars allocated to other community development priorities outlined in the approved plan.
The annual action plan is the county’s required document for drawing down federal housing funds administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Counties submit the plan to HUD each year to unlock their grant allocations for the fiscal cycle.
HOME and Emergency Solutions Funds
The $660,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Program funds is designated for affordable housing production and preservation, a program area drawing increasing attention across the Lehigh Valley. The region’s comprehensive two-year housing study is set to go public Aug. 26 and is expected to show a current shortfall of roughly 6,000 units that could reach 54,000 by 2050 without intervention.
The $198,000 Emergency Solutions Grant supports services for people experiencing homelessness, including emergency shelter operations and rapid rehousing programs intended to move individuals into stable housing as quickly as possible.
ArtsQuest Main Street Matters Application
In a separate action, County Council approved a resolution authorizing the county to seek funding on behalf of ArtsQuest. The nonprofit, which operates Musikfest and the SteelStacks campus in South Bethlehem, is pursuing a $350,000 grant from Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program. The resolution provides formal county backing, a step often required by state grant programs as a condition of eligibility.
At a Glance
- Northampton County Council approved its 2026 federal grants action plan this week.
- CDBG allocation: more than $2.2 million. HOME: $660,000. ESG: $198,000.
- About $765,000 targets municipal construction projects; $200,000 supports service agencies.
- A separate resolution backs ArtsQuest’s application for $350,000 from Pennsylvania’s Main Street Matters program.
