Castle Rock seeks public input on spending $294,709 in federal housing funds

Castle Rock’s next slice of federal housing money, $294,709, is up for debate as the town weighs whether those dollars should lean toward ADA access, public infrastructure improvements that improve accessibility, or supportive services for seniors, low- to moderate-income residents and people with special needs.

The town posted the notice on May 13 and scheduled a public hearing for Tuesday, May 26, from 4:30 to 5:30 p.m. in Town Hall Council Chambers, 100 N. Wilcox St. That hearing will give residents one of their clearest chances to influence how the Town of Castle Rock spends its 2026 Community Development Block Grant allocation before the plan moves to Town Council on July 7.

The money comes through the federal Community Development Block Grant program from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. Castle Rock says it receives the funds each year to address needs within town limits, with a program purpose that includes decent housing, a suitable living environment and expanded economic opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents. Town materials also say the grants may be used to prevent or eliminate slums or blight and to address urgent community development needs when necessary.

Castle Rock’s 2025 annual action plan says the town became a CDBG entitlement community in 2021. Since then, the town has used the money to administer the grant, support public services for senior citizens, low- to moderate-income individuals and other special-needs populations, and improve ADA accessibility in public spaces. Its 2024 performance report says the grant has already supported seniors living in Castle Rock and accessibility improvements at town facilities.

The stakes are not large in relation to the town’s overall budget, which is $349.6 million for 2026, but the federal grant is flexible money that can still have a visible effect. Castle Rock’s population was estimated at 83,815 as of July 1, 2025, and the Census Bureau estimates that 11.4% of residents are 65 or older. The town also carries a median gross rent of $2,000, underscoring the pressure on households already stretching to stay in place.

The town says the draft 2026-2030 Consolidated Plan and the 2026 Annual Action Plan will be open for public review from May 27 through June 25. Written comments will be accepted by mail or email, and copies will be available at Town Hall and the Philip & Jerry Miller Library. Along with the spending plan, Castle Rock is proposing changes to its Citizen Participation Plan, including updates to its Limited English Proficiency and Language Access Plan and revisions to public notice and advertising timelines.