HAGERSTOWN – The City of Hagerstown is preparing to implement a five-year plan focused on housing, infrastructure, public services and economic opportunity with the help of more than $1.36 million in federal funding from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.
The City Council is expected to vote on the 2026–2030 Consolidated Plan and 2026 Annual Action Plan during a special session on Aug. 12. If adopted, the plans will unlock $791,400 in Community Development Block Grant funding and $361,181 from the HOME Investment Partnerships Program for the 2025–2026 program year. Another $75,000 in program income and a required $138,818 local match bring the total investment to approximately $1.37 million.
The council discussed these plans during the work session on Aug. 5.
A roadmap for progress
City officials said the five-year strategy is built around six priorities:
- Housing improvements and development
- Homelessness prevention and services
- Support for special needs populations
- Public facilities and infrastructure
- Economic development and job access
- Program administration and oversight
Community Development Manager Margie Joe and Planning and Outreach Coordinator Rachel Paul emphasized that the plan reflects public input gathered over months through surveys, community partner interviews and public hearings.
Councilmember Tiana Burnett acknowledged recent public concerns around homelessness and housing conditions, particularly following the city’s outdoor lodging ordinance.
“I encourage the community to read this plan,” Burnett said. “It shows the city is taking action within its authority to make positive change.”
A second public hearing on the draft plan was held on July 16. No comments were received during the formal public comment period.
Expanding Hagerstown’s housing tools
This year marks the city’s first time directly receiving HOME funding. Combined with the city’s match, Hagerstown will manage $500,000 to address housing challenges through:
- $275,000 for purchasing and rehabbing homes for resale to low-income buyers
- $100,000 for emergency repairs and code compliance for current homeowners
- $75,000 in support of nonprofit housing partners
Councilmembers noted the HOME program’s role in expanding long-term affordable housing, especially in underserved areas.
What’s in the 2026 plan?
The Annual Action Plan identifies 25 projects and programs to be funded in the upcoming year. These include infrastructure improvements, youth and senior services, housing stabilization and workforce support.
Infrastructure and public spaces
- $125,000 for ADA-compliant curb ramps
- $100,000 for alleyway rehabilitation
- $40,000 for sidewalks and steps at the Hagerstown Skate Park
- $30,000 to convert tennis courts to pickleball courts at City Park
Housing and emergency support
- $64,849 for emergency home repairs
- $20,000 for Habitat for Humanity’s Brush with Kindness initiative
- $20,000 for senior home repair grants through the Commission on Aging
Youth, seniors and health services
- $14,800 for weekend food for students
- $11,800 for after-school meals through Girls Inc.
- $9,800 to provide breakfast and outreach for homeless individuals at Horizon Goodwill
- $5,800 for adult literacy support
- $9,800 for free healthcare through Community Free Clinic
- $14,800 for United Way’s Ride United transportation services
Workforce and recovery
- $19,800 for job training
- $11,800 for food and financial literacy outreach
- $19,800 for transportation support for formerly incarcerated or unhoused individuals
In total, 21 local programs will receive federal funding and four housing initiatives will be funded through the HOME program.
Council plans additional action
Councilmembers also used the meeting to highlight future policy discussions in response to resident feedback. Councilmember Burnett said that upcoming meetings will cover youth curfews, sober living home regulations, vacant property tax policy, landlord certification, rental standards and enhanced outreach to unhoused residents.
“We’re listening, and we’re ready to take action,” Burnett said. “But we also need help from county, state and federal partners. People expect the city to solve everything, but we have limits.”
Mayor William McIntyre praised recent city initiatives, including a July effort by police that led to 226 arrests in high-crime zones and a record number of new homeowners helped through the Hagerstown Homeownership Initiative.
What’s next?
If approved Aug. 12, the plans will be submitted to HUD by the Aug. 16 deadline. City staff noted that HUD granted Hagerstown an extension to account for the late notice of funding amounts.
“This is how real progress happens—step by step, project by project,” Burnett said. “We are listening, and this plan is proof.”
