In a recent special meeting on April 8, 2024, the Parlier City Council took significant steps to enhance its grant management capabilities by approving a contract with California Consulting for grant writing services. This decision comes at a crucial time as the city navigates multiple ongoing grant projects aimed at improving citywide development and enhancing services across various departments.

The council's approval is particularly timely, given the current challenges the city faces in closing out several Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) and a former CalVIP grant. The need for immediate attention to these grants was emphasized during the meeting, highlighting the importance of developing a robust evaluation and performance plan. Such plans are essential for ensuring compliance with grant requirements and securing future funding.

California Consulting will play a vital role in assisting city staff with grant efficiency and compliance, which is critical as the city risks jeopardizing reimbursement for these grants without proper guidelines and evaluation strategies in place. The urgency of these measures was underscored by the city’s senior accountant, who indicated that failure to implement these services could hinder the city’s ability to receive necessary funds moving forward.

Overall, the council's decision to partner with California Consulting reflects a proactive approach to managing the city's grant portfolio, ensuring that essential projects can continue to receive the support they need. As the city moves forward, the effectiveness of this partnership will be closely monitored, particularly in light of the impending deadlines associated with the existing grants.