Your feedback helps inform recommendations that will be presented to the Board of County Commissioners for final approval. Comments received during the open comment period will be included in the final 2026 AAP submitted to the U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development.
NOTICE OF 2026 AAP COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING
We welcome your comments!
The draft 2026 Annual Action Plan (AAP) is available for public comment from May 20 through June 19. This plan outlines proposed projects and funding recommendations for the 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program, which supports housing, public facilities, and services for low- and moderate-income residents in El Paso County. We invite you to attend a public hearing to learn more, and share your perspective during the open comment period.
El Paso County Community Development Block Grant History
On April 1, 2009, El Paso County became an “entitlement community” and was awarded a Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to carry out a wide range of community development activities directed toward revitalizing neighborhoods, economic development, and providing improved community facilities and services.
Before expending funds, projects must first be recommended by the El Paso County Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) and then approved by the El Paso County Board of County Commissioners. Final approval comes from HUD. Projects are selected and submitted for approval on an annual basis, with the final approval from HUD usually occurring in July or August each year.
The Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB)
The Community Development Advisory Board (CDAB) reviews matters of importance regarding the CDBG program and makes recommendations to the El Paso County Board of Commissioners concerning community development issues and use of CDBG funds.
The CDAB is comprised of twelve volunteer voting members, including a representative from each of the municipalities participating in the El Paso County Community Development Block Grant Program and a representative from each of the commissioner districts. Commissioner district representatives are appointed by the Board of County Commissioners. Members are appointed for five-year terms, with terms initially staggered, and are limited to serving two consecutive five-year terms.
Meetings:
CDAB meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month at 12:30 pm at 9 E. Vermijo Avenue in Colorado Springs. Meetings are held as needed.
The next CDAB meeting is October 21, 2026 at 12:30 pm.
Town of Green Mountain Falls: Joel McMillan
Term Start 05/18/2026
Term End 05/18/2031
Term Start 05/18/2026
Term End 05/18/2031
District 1: Leslie Ornstein
Term Start 04/29/25
Term End 04/29/30
District 2: Matt Buffington
Term Start 10/18/2022
Term End 10/18/2027
District 3: Vacant
Term Start (Vacant)
Term End (Vacant)
District 4: Tamara Estes
Term Start 03/12/2019
Term End 03/12/2029
District 5: Isaiah Blais
Term Start 03/30/2026
Term End 03/30/2031
City of Fountain: Ben Sheets
Term Start 05/01/2025
Term End 05/01/2030
Term Start 05/01/2025
Term End 05/01/2030
City of Manitou Springs: Denise Howell
Term Start 05/01/2025
Term End 05/01/2030
Town of Calhan: Megan McReynolds
Term Start 05/01/2025
Term End 05/01/2030
Town of Ramah: James Osborne
Term Start 07/08/2025
Term End 07/08/2030
Town of Monument: Madeline VanDenHoek
Term Start 08/01/2019
Term End 05/01/2029
Town of Palmer Lake: Samantha Padgett
Term Start 10/17/2023
Term End 10/17/2028
Meeting Minutes
Meeting Minutes are available online after approval by the
Community Development Advisory Board. Additional Meeting Minutes are available upon request.
Community Development Advisory Board. Additional Meeting Minutes are available upon request.
Completed CDBG Projects
2022-2024
Luke Houser
Community Development Analyst
9 E. Vermijo Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-520-6249
lukehouser@elpasoco.com
Crystal LaTier
Executive Director
9 E. Vermijo Ave.
Colorado Springs, CO 80903
719-520-6484
crystallatier@elpasoco.com