The City of Fort Wayne’s Housing and Neighborhood Services Department wants to know how citizens think Federal Housing and Urban Development (HUD) dollars should be invested in our community over the next five years. Residents are invited to express their opinions in writing or at a public meeting on Wednesday, November 4, at 6 p.m. at the Psi Ote Barn in Northside Park at the corner of East State Boulevard and Parnell Avenue.

Input received from the public will be included in the 2016-2020 Consolidated Plan and 2016 Annual Action Plan that the City submits to HUD. All HUD dollars must be used to improve the quality of life for low- to moderate-income residents.

Both the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan identify needs that are not currently being met and possible ways to meet those needs. Goals in the plans touch on issues related to: access to rental housing, housing development, purchase and/or rehabilitation of houses, homelessness, self-sufficiency, services for low-income families, public services, and public facilities and improvements.

Citizens are welcome to comment on existing programs or provide new ideas for the use of HUD dollars. Individuals with disabilities may request reasonable accommodations 24 hours prior to the meeting on November 4 by calling 311.

Draft copies of the plans for are available for review online at ohns or mail their comments to Attn: Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan, Citizens Square, 200 E. Berry St., Suite 320, Fort Wayne, IN 46802.