PORT ARTHUR, Texas — The City of Port Arthur is asking for citizens' input on what projects they should prioritize over the next five years.
Whether it's affordable housing, child care, addressing homelessness or more sports facilities the city says feedback will help them develop a strategic plan for investing almost $1 million in federal money.
On Monday nonprofits and city leaders gathered at Port Arthur City Hall to learn how they can get a piece of the expected federal funds.
"We haven't received the allocation for this year. Last year in 2023 we received just a little over a million dollars," said City of Port Arthur Grants Manager Mary Essex.
Before the city applies for community development block grant (CDBG) money, their consulting firm J-Quad Planning Group needs residents' input.
"We try to create a list of strategies and documentation that supports those strategies. That will deliver to Housing and Urban Development our bases for requesting funding," said J-Quad President James Gilleylen.
The survey's results will help the city prioritize funding requests for the next five years. Money will be divided among local nonprofits and city entities that focus on citizens' priorities.
For example, creating jobs, funding more single family homes and more.
"We have to have infrastructure to build housing, we have to have streets, drainage," Gilleylen said.
Places like The Hospitality Center could benefit from the money. The Hospitality Center has been serving food to those experiencing homeless for over 36 years.
"We are open every day of the year to serve a meal. A hot meal that includes weekends, holidays, everything. So CDBG funding in the City of Port Arthur has been a wonderful source, and partner for us to maintain the service to the community," said Catholic Charities Southeast Texas CEO and President Carol Fernandez.
The city will also use the federal funds to help first time home buyers.
"We are able to assist home buyers purchase their first home. It could be new construction. We build the houses," said Port Arthur Housing and Neighborhood Revitalization Manager Beverly Freeman.
First time home buyers could receive up to $40,000 for down payment assistance when buying a new build.
Buyers could also receive nearly $15,000 towards purchasing a used home in decent shape. But the city stresses, public input is crucial.
"Among those activities what should the priorities be. Cause obviously we can't fund everything," said Gilleylen.