Chattahoochee Eyes Federal Millions for City Overhaul | The Locally Times
Residents can shape how federal Small Cities CDBG funds could transform infrastructure, housing, and economic growth at public meetings scheduled for April 7.
Chattahoochee stands on the cusp of a major transformation, with city officials eyeing federal Small Cities Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to fuel a comprehensive revitalization. This initiative promises to reshape neighborhoods, boost commercial areas, improve housing, and spur economic growth. Residents have a direct opportunity to influence these changes at public meetings scheduled for April 7, shaping how these federal resources could benefit their community. ## Federal Grants Could Spark Major Overhaul Chattahoochee is preparing an application to Florida Commerce for FFY 2025 Small Cities CDBG funds, a federal program designed to provide assistance for local community development. The city qualifies to seek funding across four key areas: neighborhood revitalization, commercial revitalization, housing rehabilitation, and economic development. To secure CDBG funding, proposed construction activities must align with one of three National Objectives: benefiting low- and moderate-income individuals, preventing or eliminating slum or blight, or addressing an urgent, recently identified need. Public records released by the City of Chattahoochee on April 1, 2026, do not specify the exact amount of federal funds the city plans to request for these initiatives. ## From Potholes to Parks: What Funds Could Build If secured, CDBG funds could directly improve residents' daily lives through a variety of projects. Eligible activities span public infrastructure, such as constructing stormwater ponds, paving roads and sidewalks, and installing new sewer and water lines. Funds could also enhance public spaces, potentially leading to new community centers or parks, and upgrade essential services, including improvements to the sewage treatment plant. A core focus of the program is housing rehabilitation, specifically targeting low-income homes. While the full scope of potential activities will be presented at the upcoming public hearing, the City of Chattahoochee's April 1, 2026, public notice does not yet detail the specific revitalization projects the city would prioritize if federal funds are secured. ## Your Voice: Shaping Chattahoochee's Future Residents hold a critical role in shaping the CDBG application process. Two public events are scheduled for April 7 at 22 Jefferson Street, Chattahoochee, Florida. First, a Citizen Advisory Task Force (CATF) meeting will convene at 5:30 p.m. EST. This task force will discuss community needs and formulate project recommendations to guide the city's application. Immediately following, at 6:30 p.m. EST, a Public Hearing and Fair Housing Workshop will be held during the City of Chattahoochee Council Meeting. This workshop specifically seeks citizen input on the city’s economic and community development needs. The city must also develop a plan to minimize displacement from funded activities and assist any displaced individuals. Both meetings are in handicapped accessible locations. ## Get Involved: Your Questions Answered **How can residents learn more about the CDBG application?** For more information on the task force meeting, public hearing, or fair housing workshop, residents can contact Amanda Applewhite, City Clerk, at 850-663-4046 or via email. **When and where are the public meetings?** Both the Citizen Advisory Task Force meeting and the Public Hearing and Fair Housing Workshop are scheduled for April 7 at 22 Jefferson Street, Chattahoochee, Florida, at 5:30 p.m. EST and 6:30 p.m. EST respectively. **What types of projects could federal funds support?** Potential projects include public infrastructure improvements (stormwater, roads, utilities), new community facilities (parks, centers), upgrades to essential services (sewage treatment), and rehabilitation of low-income homes.