The City of Rochester receives federal grant funding through the Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) program, which is administered through the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development (HUD).

As part of this funding process, the City must submit an Annual Action Plan to HUD that outlines its proposed uses of the grants received. The Annual Action Plan outlines the City of Rochester’s identified priorities and areas of need for community development, housing, and assistance to low and moderate-income residents of the City. It is developed with input from members of the public, relevant city departments, and community stakeholders such as non-profits providing services to City residents and local businesses.

The City’s Community Development Division is looking for input on the FY 2027 Annual Action Plan to be submitted in Summer of 2026. Once the draft Annual Action Plan has been drafted and made available, there will be a public comments period and a second public hearing held in spring 2026.

Projects funded during the current grant period, FY 2026, include:

• Housing weatherization program for low and moderate-income residents
• Assistance to regional homeless shelters
• High school equivalency test preparation services
• Rental assistance to low-income residents and residents

Full details about all current funding allocations are available in the FY 2026 Annual Action Plan, which is available on the city’s website at rochesternh.gov.

Comments and concerns can be submitted to Community Development Coordinator Kiersten “Kay” Wright via email kay.wright@rochesternh.gov,  via telephone at 603-335-7519, or via postal mail at 31 Wakefield Street, Office of Economic & Community Development, Rochester, NH 03867. Drafts of the FY 2027 Annual Action Plan and other official postings will be posted to the Community Development webpage.