Planning & Reporting

• Provide decent housing
• Create safe and accessible neighborhoods
• Expand opportunities for low- and moderate-income residents

The community was invited to share feedback on local needs through the methods outlined below.

Community Survey (Jan 2 to Apr 15, 2022)

• Target: General community, Spanish-speaking residents
• 281 respondents; City staff hosted survey tables at the Meridian Senior Center and Boys & Girls Club
• Highest needs identified: mental health services, childcare, support for neglected/abused children
• Key facility needs: youth centers, recreational facilities, community centers

Stakeholder Listening Session (Mar 7, 2022)

• Target: Non-profits, stakeholders, city staff involved in housing/public facilities
• Discussed housing cost burdens, need for improved transportation, sidewalks, sewer/water infrastructure

Public Hearings & Meetings

• April 5, 2022: City Council presentation on Five-Year Consolidated Plan and related reports
• June 28, 2022: Presentation on 2022–2026 Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Fair Housing Choice analysis
• July 26, 2022: Public comments on funding and program benefits; comment period extended to Aug 9

Public Service Application Workshop (Apr 13, 2022)

• Target: Potential subrecipients
• Participants asked about project eligibility and subrecipient requirements

Feedback from Seniors & Persons with Disabilities

• Tabling at Senior Center and free lunch programs (Jun 28 & Jul 15, 2022)
• Residents supported the 5-year goals and projects

Notices & Media Outreach

• Legal notices in Idaho Statesman and Meridian Press Tribune
• Social media announcements (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Nextdoor)
• Email outreach to multiple distribution lists including public/assisted housing residents and community groups
• News article in Boise Dev on Jul 7, 2022

Public Comment Periods

• Jun 24 to Aug 9, 2022: 2022–2026 Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, Fair Housing analysis
• Jul 15 to Aug 15, 2022: Changes to Citizen Participation Plan
• Received supportive feedback from Idaho Nonprofit Center and other residents

City of Meridian Departments

Provided input on planning, zoning, building codes, disaster recovery, housing affordability, population growth, and needs of low- and moderate-income residents.

Behavioral Health Services

Access Behavioral Health, Recovery United, PEER Wellness Center, Project ECHO, Terry Reilly Health Services, and Idaho Youth Ranch highlighted mental health, substance use, and behavioral health support as critical needs; workforce shortages and stigma limit access.

Housing & Homelessness

Boise Rescue Mission, Supportive Housing and Innovative Partnerships (SHIP), NeighborWorks, The Housing Company, Good Samaritan Home, CATCH, Inc., United Way, and Women’s and Children’s Alliance emphasized affordable and accessible housing as the top community need, especially for low- to moderate-income residents, seniors, veterans, and those experiencing domestic violence. Transitional and permanent housing gaps persist due to rising costs.

Youth & Childcare

Boys & Girls Club, Treasure Valley YMCA, FOCAF Head Start, and GiraffeLaugh Early Learning Centers stressed affordable childcare, before/after-school programs, and early childhood education as key community needs.

Transportation & Infrastructure

Ada County Highway District and Valley Regional Transit highlighted the need for safe, accessible roads, multi-use pathways, ADA accommodations, and expanded public transit. Infrastructure must keep up with population growth.

Public Safety & Justice

Ada County Sheriff, Meridian Police Department, Idaho Department of Corrections, and Trivium Life Services noted challenges with population growth, staffing, and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals; safe housing is critical for crime victims and justice-involved residents.

Health & Senior Services

Central District Health, Area 3 Senior Services, Boise VA Medical Center, Metro Meals on Wheels, and Project ECHO emphasized healthcare access, nutrition, in-home support, and senior services, with transportation and housing as major barriers.

Community Support & Advocacy

Advocates Against Family Violence, El Ada CAP, Idaho Nonprofit Center, Idaho State Independent Living Council, and Meridian Mayor’s Senior Advisory Board identified systemic barriers, policy needs, and the importance of education, advocacy, and supportive services.

Economic & Workforce Needs

Meridian Chamber of Commerce, Idaho Department of Labor, Life’s Kitchen, and Meridian Development Corporation highlighted workforce housing, labor shortages, and training/education opportunities as critical community needs.

State Agencies & Collaboration

Idaho Department of Health and Welfare, Idaho Housing and Finance Association, Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, and Idaho Head Start Association noted affordable housing, transportation, and workforce development as essential to supporting low- to moderate-income residents.

General Observations

Agencies consistently noted a shortage of affordable housing, transportation challenges, workforce gaps, and a high need for behavioral health services. Collaborative partnerships are critical to addressing these issues effectively.

Purpose

The Needs Assessment identifies housing and community development needs for low‑ and moderate‑income households and special needs populations to help guide CDBG funding priorities. It is based on data analysis, community outreach, and stakeholder consultation.

Housing Needs

• There is a shortage of affordable housing for low‑ and moderate‑income residents.
• Affordable homeownership and rental options are limited, with many households experiencing cost burdens (paying a high share of income toward housing).
• Supportive housing for individuals with special needs and options for transitioning people experiencing homelessness into stable housing are identified needs.

Living Environment Needs

• Some neighborhoods require reinvestment and improvements to ensure safer, more livable conditions for residents.
• There is a need for improved community facilities and infrastructure that support quality of life in low‑ and moderate‑income areas.

Homelessness & Special Needs

• Homelessness remains a concern, with the plan noting the importance of supportive services and housing solutions for vulnerable populations.
• Special needs populations, including seniors, people with disabilities, and those with behavioral health challenges, require targeted services and supports.

Economic Opportunities

• Expanding opportunities for low‑ and moderate‑income residents through job support, economic development, and homeownership assistance is a priority, reinforcing long‑term community viability and self‑sufficiency.

Purpose & Scope

The analysis provides a snapshot of Meridian’s housing market to inform strategies for housing programs over the next five years. It examines housing supply and demand, costs, condition of housing, special needs housing, and regulatory barriers. 

Housing Supply & Demand

• Meridian’s housing market reflects broader national trends of underproduction relative to household growth; new housing supply has not kept pace with demand.
• Limited housing supply contributes to higher housing costs for both renters and homeowners.

Cost of Housing

• Due to constrained supply, housing costs remain high, leading many households to spend a large share of their income on housing (cost burden).
• Rising costs affect both renters and buyers, with affordability challenges especially severe for low‑ and moderate‑income households.

Housing Types & Conditions

• The market includes a range of housing types, but there is a shortage of units affordable to lower‑income households and those with special needs.
• The condition of the housing stock and availability of accessible units for people with disabilities are considerations in planning.

Public & Assisted Housing

• Meridian has limited public housing options locally, and most subsidized housing usage comes through regional programs (e.g., vouchers).
• Partnerships with regional housing authorities are important to meet affordable housing needs. 

Barriers to Affordable Housing

• Regulatory and market factors are barriers to expanding affordable housing, including limited development capacity, higher construction costs, and land costs.
• Addressing these barriers is part of the City’s strategic planning.

Purpose

The Strategic Plan outlines how the City of Meridian will use federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and other resources to address local community needs over the next five years, focusing on affordable housing, public services, and infrastructure improvements.

Key Goals

1. Affordable Housing
   • Increase housing opportunities for low- and moderate-income households.
   • Support programs that preserve existing housing and assist first-time homebuyers.
   • Address gaps in housing for seniors, veterans, and individuals with disabilities.
2. Homelessness & Supportive Services:
   • Expand services and transitional housing for homeless individuals and families.
   • Strengthen partnerships with local nonprofits to provide behavioral health, workforce, and life-skills support.
3. Community Development & Infrastructure:
   • Invest in public facilities and infrastructure that benefit low- and moderate-income neighborhoods.
   • Improve streets, sidewalks, ADA accessibility, and multi-use paths to promote safe and connected neighborhoods.
4. Public Engagement & Collaboration:
   • Maintain robust community input in planning and project selection.
   • Collaborate with regional and state agencies to coordinate housing, health, and transportation initiatives.

Implementation Approach

• The plan prioritizes projects that serve the greatest needs and demonstrate measurable impact.
• Funding allocations will balance immediate needs with long-term investments in community sustainability and resilience.
• Regular performance measurement ensures accountability and alignment with federal and local goals.

Outcome

Meridian aims to create a more affordable, accessible, and inclusive community, where residents have safe housing, supportive services, and infrastructure that fosters quality of life.

Purpose

The Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice (AI) identifies barriers to fair housing choice in Meridian and outlines actions the City will take to affirmatively further fair housing, as required for HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) recipients. It serves as a roadmap to address discrimination and promote equal housing opportunity across the community.

Scope

The report reviews local laws, policies, housing conditions, demographics, community perceptions, and fair housing practices to assess how public and private sector factors affect housing accessibility and choice.

Key Findings

Fair Housing Obligations

Meridian must conduct analysis, take action to address identified impediments, and maintain records of progress.

Impediments Identified

• Lack of fair housing data: The City lacks comprehensive quantitative data on housing discrimination complaints and patterns, making it difficult to understand the full scope of issues.
• Community feedback vs. complaint reporting: Residents report concerns about housing discrimination—especially in rental markets—at higher levels than formal complaints reflect, indicating underreporting and awareness gaps.
• Rental market concerns: Feedback highlights rental housing challenges and perceived fair housing violations affecting renters.

Recommendations & Actions

To overcome these impediments, the AI outlines several action steps:

• Improve data collection and analysis: Partner with fair housing organizations and log all fair housing-related calls to better understand patterns.
• Expand outreach and awareness: Increase resident education on fair housing rights and complaint processes; partner with community organizations to distribute information.
• Target outreach to protected classes: Ensure fair housing resources and complaint guidance are accessible to groups historically underrepresented in reporting. 

Overall Goal

The City seeks to promote more equitable and inclusive housing opportunities by identifying barriers, improving community awareness, and coordinating fair housing efforts across public and private sectors.

Purpose

This study examines Meridian’s built environment—the physical elements where people live, work, and play—to identify opportunities that enhance health, safety, access, and quality of life, especially within five neighborhoods eligible for HUD Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding.

Key Findings & Focus Areas

• Built Environment & Health: There is a strong link between the built environment and resident well‑being—including physical activity, safety, social connection, and access to healthy food and recreation.
• The analysis looked at conditions in CDBG‑eligible areas related to housing rehabilitation, sidewalks and trails, street lighting, green spaces, community centers, and food access.

Main Recommendations

The report highlights opportunities the City and partners could pursue (many eligible for CDBG funding) to improve equity of access and overall health outcomes:

• Home Rehabilitation: Continue and expand low‑income home rehabilitation and improvement programs to keep housing safe, affordable, and healthy for residents.
• Sidewalks & Urban Trails: Increase installation of sidewalks and urban trails to promote walkability and offer safe, non‑motorized travel and recreation options.
• Street Lighting: Improve and expand street and trail lighting to enhance safety, visibility, and nighttime access.
• Parks & Green Spaces: Expand access to parks, playgrounds, and open green space to support physical activity and community connection.
• Community Events & Accessibility: Identify ways to increase neighborhood‑based recreational and community activities.
• Food Access: Consider expanding healthy food access through farmers’ markets, community gardens, cooperative grocery models, or other initiatives that improve local food options.

Conclusion

The built environment analysis identifies targeted strategies to improve health, safety, mobility, and recreation - especially in low‑ to moderate‑income areas - by investing in infrastructure, access, and community amenities that support equitable living conditions.

Accomplishments

Housing & Public Services

• Homeowner Repairs: 7 homes completed (goal: 7)
• Homebuyer Assistance: 1 household assisted (goal: 1)
• Youth Scholarships: 52 youth served (goal: 45)
• Senior Transportation: 193 seniors served (goal: 75)
• Emergency Rental Assistance: 36 individuals assisted (goal: 45)

CARES Act Activities

CARES Act funds were fully expended and supported:

• Mortgage assistance
• Emergency rental assistance
• Case management
• Childcare scholarships

City Projects

• Completed streetlight improvements and planning for additional projects supporting safe walking routes near Meridian schools
• Installed an all-abilities playground at Chateau Park

Expenditures

• Resources Available: $1,086,942 | This includes funding on continuing projects from previous years as well as the current years funding.
• Total Spent: $729,881 | Unspent funds are for continuing projects. 

Community Engagement

• Public comment period held November 28 – December 5

Accomplishments

Housing & Public Services

• Homeowner Repairs: 9 homes completed (goal: 7)
• Homebuyer Assistance: 1 household assisted (goal: 1)
• Youth Scholarships: 61 youth served (goal: 60)
• Emergency Rental Assistance: 57 individuals assisted (goal: 50)

City Projects

• Completed streetlight improvements and planning for additional walkability projects supporting safe walking routes near Meridian schools

Expenditures

• Resources Available: $826,748 | This includes funding on continuing projects from previous years as well as the current years funding.  

• Total Spent: $560,498 | Unspent funds are for continuing projects.

Community Engagement

• Public comment period held December 10 to December 26

Accomplishments

Housing & Public Services

• Homeowner Repairs: 7 homes completed (goal: 8)
• Youth Scholarships: 38 youth served (goal: 87)
• Emergency Rental Assistance: 56 individuals assisted (goal: 20)

City Projects

• Completed sidewalk improvements and planning for additional walkability projects supporting safe walking routes near Meridian schools

Expenditures

• Resources Available: $826,748 | This includes funding on continuing projects from previous years as well as the current years funding.  

• Total Spent: $560,498 | Unspent funds are for continuing projects.

Community Engagement

• Public comment period held December 9 to December 24