The San Luis City Council on Aug. 21 unanimously approved a resolution to apply for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) regional account funds for Merrill Avenue Phase 2 and committed local matching funds.

Humberto Arcos, grant coordinator for the city’s Economic Development Department, told the council the CDBG regional account is intended to benefit low- and moderate-income persons, prevent or eliminate slums and blight, and address urgent community needs. He said the application addresses repaving, curb and sidewalk replacement, and sewer manhole repairs for Merrill Avenue Phase 2.

Why it matters: The project targets street and infrastructure improvements in areas identified by the city as needing investment; CDBG funding requires a local match and compliance with Arizona Department of Housing rules.

Arcos said the city expects to receive $464,289 in CDBG funding and is requesting $640,742 in local leverage to complete the Merrill Avenue Phase 2 scope. He said the application is due Sept. 1, 2025. The council adopted Resolution No. 23-69 to submit the application and Resolution No. 23-70 to commit the matching funds; both motions passed by unanimous voice vote.

Public comment: Resident James Allen Jr. asked whether privately owned lots in the project area would be affected and urged the council to cooperate with property owners to ensure address markings and signage so emergency responders can locate properties promptly. Arcos and staff did not indicate changes to the application in response to that question during the meeting.

Next steps: With council approval, staff will finalize and submit the CDBG regional account application by the Sept. 1 deadline and pursue the local matching funds as committed by the council.

Ending: The council made the approvals after a public hearing and a short presentation; both resolutions passed unanimously.