BATAVIA, OHIO (July 15, 2026) – Clermont County commissioners on Wednesday approved $2.28 million for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships Program funding to support nearly two dozen projects that include affordable housing, public infrastructure, public services and neighborhood revitalization projects.

All three commissioners voted in favor of the recommendations outlined by the county’s Department of Community & Economic Development staff responsible for administering the federal programs.

Local governments that administer the programs for CDBG and HOME are required to submit an annual action plan. The draft plan for fiscal year 2026 allocates $1.06 million for CDBG and $498,043 for HOME projects.

“These investments strengthen neighborhoods while improving opportunities for families throughout Clermont County,” said Bonnie Batchler, president, Clermont County Board of Commissioners. “Our federal partnerships continue to make meaningful investments in housing, infrastructure and public services across the county."

>> View the project locations.

County staff reviewed more than 35 projects and recommended approval of 22.

The public is invited to submit comments on the recommendation by Friday, Aug. 14. View the draft plan online or in person on the third floor of the county administration building, 101 E. Main St., Batavia, OH 45103.

The CDBG program, administered by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), provides annual formula grants to state and local governments. Its primary goal is to develop viable urban communities by providing quality housing, suitable living environments and expanded economic opportunities.

The HOME program is the largest federal block grant designed exclusively to create affordable housing for low-income households. It is also administered by HUD to fund construction, rehabilitation, homebuyer assistance and rental assistance.

Major Projects Slated for Clermont County

• Construction of four affordable homes to be coordinated by Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority and developed by Clermont Housing Corporation
• Construction of two Habitat for Humanity homes
• Down Payment Assistance Program for income-eligible and first-time homebuyers
• Home Repair Program for income-qualified homeowners
• Robbie Ridge Road improvements in Milford
• Summerside Road sidewalk phase II in Union Township
• Public parking improvements on the riverfront in New Richmond
• Franklin Township Community amphitheater
• Neville boat ramp improvements
• Support for senior services, food assistance, workforce development, family advocacy, homelessness prevention, addiction recovery, and eviction prevention
• COVID Recovery projects, including an emergency generator for Veterans Village, Harmony Hill Museum accessibility improvements and a walking path in Bethel

>> View the full list of the projects.

About the Program
Clermont County is a HUD-designated Urban Entitlement County that receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) funding. The programs support affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, public infrastructure and services benefiting low- and moderate-income residents. Since becoming a HUD Urban Entitlement Community in 2015, the Clermont County Board of Commissioners has awarded more than $15 million in federal funding to local governments and nonprofit organizations to improve communities and benefit residents with low to moderate incomes.