High Point officials brace for cut in federal funding for housing initiatives

High Point officials are scaling back some affordable housing development plans as the city is expected to receive a cut in federal funding this year.

The city's annual action plan aims to address community needs for low to moderate-income residents. It also allows the city to apply for federal funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.

According to a presentation, High Point is expected to receive around $112,000 less in funding through the Home Investment Partnerships Program, and nearly $19,000 less through the Community Development Block Grant Program. In addition, the number of planned units for housing would be reduced from 14 to 10.

Community Development and Housing Director Thanena Wilson said in a May committee meeting that the reduction is due in part to a declining poverty rate.

"We certainly want to see our economy grow and move in a positive direction," Wilson said. "However, it does have consequences on the backside, when poverty rate and things like that are considered in these formula allocations."

The action plan is available for public review and comment until June 17.