The City of Santa Maria held a crucial workshop on October 3, 2025, to guide potential applicants for the Fiscal Year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding. A key focus of the meeting was the impact of recent federal executive orders on the use of CDBG funds, which now cannot be allocated for gender ideology, elective abortions, or public benefits for undocumented individuals.

City officials emphasized the importance of understanding these restrictions for current and prospective subrecipients. The workshop provided detailed instructions on the application process, highlighting that submissions must be made through ZoomGrants by 11:59 PM on November 23. Applicants can submit up to two applications for separate public service programs, but each must be submitted individually.

Alicia, a city representative, outlined the application requirements, urging participants to carefully read all instructions and proofread their submissions to avoid errors. She noted that applicants could make changes to their submissions before the deadline, ensuring flexibility in the application process.

The workshop also covered essential components of the application, including defining target populations, setting goals, and detailing partnerships with other agencies. Specific guidance was provided on how to fill out the beneficiary information tab, with examples to clarify expectations.

This workshop marks a significant step in preparing local organizations for the upcoming funding cycle, ensuring they are well-informed about both the application process and the new federal guidelines that will shape how CDBG funds can be utilized in Santa Maria.