Turlockers will soon have the chance to comment on a federally-mandated plan intended to improve the quality and affordability of housing in the city – including accommodation for homeless Turlockers.

The Annual Action Plan, required by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, explains how Turlock will expend federal dollars for the betterment of Turlock housing. Past programs have included first-time home buyer loans, rental assistance, and the construction of senior housing.

The draft plan will be available for public review at the Turlock Housing Program Services Division from April 4 through May 6. The plan will be updated based on comments received during that same period.

As part of the plan review, Turlockers may also comment on the city's state-mandated Senate Bill 2 ordinance, which allows expedited permitting for homeless shelter beds in a specific area of town. Currently, 98 beds have been permitted out of a 200 bed cap, with 49 beds in operation.

An annual public hearing will be held on the SB2 cap at the May 8 meeting of the Turlock City Council.

Meetings to comment on the Annual Action Plan will be held at 5 p.m. April 24, in the Stanislaus County Administration building, 1010 Tenth St. Modesto, Room B-300 in the basement, and at 5 p.m. April 25, in the Yosemite Room of Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.

Written comments can be submitted to the City of Turlock, Attn: Maryn Pitt, Housing Program Services Manager, 156 South Broadway, Suite 250, Turlock, CA 95380.

The plan will be presented for council adoption at 7 p.m. May 14, in the Yosemite Room of Turlock City Hall, 156 S. Broadway.

For more information, call (209) 668-5610 or (209) 668-5640.