State and local jurisdictions that receive funding through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) must periodically assess housing and community development needs and establish strategic priorities for federal investments. The Five-Year Consolidated Plan (CONS Plan) serves as the foundation for these efforts.
The planning process helps jurisdictions evaluate housing conditions, identify community development priorities, and make data-driven decisions about how federal funding will be used.
For more than 20 years, Crescendo Consulting Group has supported municipalities and public agencies across the United States with community needs assessments, housing market analyses, and strategic planning processes. Crescendo’s Assessment as Action© model links research, stakeholder engagement, and strategy development to support effective planning and implementation.
Who This Is For
Crescendo supports municipalities and jurisdictions responsible for preparing HUD Consolidated Plans, including:
- City and county community development departments
- Local governments receiving HUD Community Planning and Development funding
- Municipal planning or housing teams responsible for federal grant planning
- Jurisdictions seeking support with citizen participation and data analysis
Consolidated Plans guide investment decisions for several HUD programs, including:
- Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
- HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME)
- Housing Trust Fund (HTF)
- Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
- Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS (HOPWA)
Our Approach
Crescendo works collaboratively with municipalities to complete full Consolidated Plans or support specific components of the planning process. Our approach combines data analysis, community engagement, and strategic planning aligned with HUD requirements.
Typical support may include:
- Community Needs Assessments incorporating quantitative and qualitative research
- Housing market and demographic analysis, including CHAS data
- Development and implementation of Citizen Participation Plans
- Interviews, listening sessions, and other forms of community engagement
- Identification and prioritization of housing and community development needs
- Strategic plan development aligned with HUD requirements
- Prepare / format documents for public comment and use entries using the IDIS reporting tool
Crescendo can also assist with related HUD planning and reporting activities, including Annual Action Plans (AAP), Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing, and Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Reports (CAPER).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a HUD Consolidated Plan?
A Consolidated Plan is a five-year strategic plan required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development for jurisdictions receiving Community Planning and Development funding. The plan assesses housing and community development needs and establishes priorities for federal investment.
How often must jurisdictions complete a Consolidated Plan?
Jurisdictions prepare a Consolidated Plan every five years and submit Annual Action Plans each year outlining how federal funds will be used.
Can Crescendo support only part of the planning process?
Yes. Crescendo can assist with the full development of a Consolidated Plan or provide support for individual components such as community needs assessments, housing analysis, citizen participation processes, or strategic planning.