As the new Federal administration budget negotiations continue, localities need continued support to prepare their Consolidated Plans, comprehensive planning documents required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). LeSar Development Consultants (LDC) was engaged by three Central Valley jurisdictions – the City of Modesto, Stanislaus County, and the City of Madera – to support the development of their five-year 2025–2030 Consolidated Plans.
Consolidated Plans guide the local investment of federal housing and community development funds, ensuring jurisdictions make data-driven, equity-focused decisions aligned with community priorities. Public input and interagency coordination are essential components of the planning and update process. The Consolidated Plan is implemented through Annual Action Plans, which provide a concise summary of the actions, activities, and specific federal and non-federal resources to be used each year to address the priority needs and goals identified in the Consolidated Plan.
Across all three Central Valley jurisdictions, a consistent theme emerged: a pressing need for more affordable housing and practical solutions to prevent and address homelessness. LeSar worked closely with each jurisdiction to identify and prioritize goals that addressed these and other critical needs, helping direct much-needed resources to vulnerable populations.
The Consolidated Plan for the Stanislaus Urban County and HOME Consortium, adopted in May 2025, was developed in close partnership with Stanislaus County and eight participating cities. This multi-jurisdictional effort required substantial coordination to align data, community priorities, goals, and project funding strategies. LeSar facilitated this complex process, which involved preparing a Consortium Consolidated Plan and two Annual Action Plans: one for the Consortium and one for the City of Turlock.
Adopted in June 2025, the City of Modesto’s Consolidated Plan and 2025–2026 Annual Action Plan were shaped by a robust public engagement process. LDC supported the city in preparing the Consolidated Plan and Annual Action Plan and led a comprehensive outreach strategy that included seven community workshops, four focus group meetings, a Citywide survey with over 460 responses, and updates to the City’s Citizen Participation Plan.
To reduce preparation costs, the City of Madera took the lead role in drafting its Consolidated Plan, with LDC providing review, strategic input, and supplemental content. Adopted in August 2025, the Consolidated Plan was informed by extensive community engagement to ensure it reflected the needs and priorities of Madera residents.
As HUD priorities evolve and planning requirements become increasingly complex, LeSar continues to support jurisdictions in navigating federal expectations while centering community needs. Through strategic planning, technical assistance, and deep community engagement, LDC ensures that cities and counties are equipped to effectively and equitably deploy federal resources.
For more information on LDC’s Consolidated Plan work, please contact Danny Serrano, Senior Associate, at [email protected].
© LeSar Holdings/LeSar Development Consultants. All Rights Reserved. Please be advised that any republishing of copyrighted material provided by our organization, in whole or in part, requires prior written authorization. For permission, please reach out to [email protected]. We appreciate your understanding and compliance in upholding copyright laws.
Related Articles
About the Author