The Consolidated Plan is a 5-year plan that helps the City assess affordable housing and community development needs and market conditions, and to make data-driven, place-based investment decisions. The consolidated planning process serves as the framework for a community-wide dialogue to identify housing and community development priorities that align and focus on funding from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and the HOME Investment Partnership (HOME).

Through the Consolidated Plan (often called the "Con Plan"), the City engages the community, both in the process of developing and reviewing the proposed plan, and as partners and stakeholders in the implementation of Community Planning and Development programs. By consulting and collaborating with other public and private entities, the City can align and coordinate community development programs with a range of other plans, programs and resources to achieve greater impact.