The Baldwin Park Stakeholders Oversight Committee on Oct. 14 approved $40,000 to start a recreational reimbursement program that will reimburse up to $200 per participant for registration fees for sports, arts and specialty classes for youth under 18.

City staff said the program is designed to reduce financial barriers to youth participation and will use income eligibility guidelines consistent with Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) requirements. "This program will benefit Ballham Park youth under the age of 18," Maria L. Moreno, a city staff presenter, said during the meeting.

The program sets a $200 maximum reimbursement per participant. Staff said the city will verify residency and eligibility through an application; activities held outside Baldwin Park will be eligible when a program is not available inside the city (for example, bowling). Staff also said the program is modeled on a prior ARPA-funded reimbursement program used during the economic downturn.

Committee members emphasized the investment in youth and supported the funding. Member Hernandez, Member Martha Carcamo, Member Nguyen, Vice Chair Jackson and Chair Lara voted yes; the motion passed.

The staff report cites a fiscal impact of $40,000 and explained income thresholds by household size (staff noted examples for AMI levels). City staff said additional program details—including the application, documentation required, and residency verification process—will be handled during implementation.

The committee did not specify an exact start date at the meeting. Staff said more program details and application materials will be finalized before outreach to residents.