The answer is yes. Here is what my HUD rep told me:
The August CDBG CV notice addresses virtual public hearings. They are indeed permissible.
You will find the language in section
III.B.4.(a)(iv) Extension of CARES Act Flexibilities to All Consolidated Plan Formula Programs (CDBG, CDBG-CV, HOME, HOPWA, HTF, ESG) and Section 108 Loan Guarantees. The specific language states
Additionally, HUD is waiving provisions at 24 CFR 91.105(b) and (e), 24 CFR 91.115(b) and (e), 24 CFR 91.401, and 24 CFR 570.431, 570.441, and 570.486(a) to the extent necessary to establish the following alternative requirement. For as long as national or local health authorities recommend social distancing and limiting public gatherings for public health reasons, CDBG, ESG, HOME, HTF, and HOPWA grantees, and units of general local government receiving CDBG funds from state or insular area CDBG grantees, may hold virtual hearings in lieu of in-person public hearings to fulfill public hearing requirements imposed by 42 USC 12707(a)(3) and the regulations at 24 CFR part 91 and 24 CFR part 570, or by the grantee’s citizen participation plan. It can be found on page 19 of the notice.
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