The Oroville City Council on Oct. 7 authorized the closeout of Community Development Block Grant number 22CDBGNH00008, the city’s neighborhood cleanup program, after staff reported the grant has been fully expended.

At a required public hearing, city staff said the grant—awarded in 2023—totaled $500,000, with $465,000 spent on cleanup activities and $35,000 on general administration. Amy (staff member) told the council that the program has already expended 100% of the award and that the grant formally expires in June 2026.

“During this phase, the city is required to complete a series of activities that verify that the CDBG funds have been properly expended,” Amy said, describing the closeout process required by the CDBG program.

Ron (staff member) and Amy outlined heavy use of the funds for graffiti removal, weed abatement, removal of illegal encampments, tire removal and other cleanup work in low- and moderate-income areas. City figures presented at the hearing show large trash-haul volumes: staff reported 439 loads to Recology totaling about 188 tons in one year, 569 loads totaling about 184 tons in a second year, and 719 loads totaling nearly 216 tons in the most recent year—figures staff said represent truckloads delivered to Recology, not total river removals.

Councilman Goodson asked about sustainability once the CDBG funds were exhausted. Amy said staff expect to apply for another grant in January for roughly $300,000 to sustain an expanded City Works-style program but warned there will be a gap in funding until awards are announced in mid-2026.

Councilman Thompson moved to authorize the closeout. The public hearing was closed and the council voted to approve the closeout; city roll call recorded six yes votes and one absent.

The council’s action completes the CDBG closeout reporting requirement under the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program rules and documents the program accomplishments for grant files. Staff thanked partner organizations—Hope Center, Jordan’s Crossing, Butte Community Services and Recology—and volunteers whose work they said helped reduce visible trash and remove unsafe encampments.

Staff said the neighborhood cleanup program also worked with the police and public works departments to connect participants to employment; multiple participants reportedly later found full-time work. The council’s approval does not create new funding; staff said they will seek new grants and continue coordination with community partners.

The closeout resolution was adopted by roll call; the council recorded the result as passed (6–0) with one member absent.