Vallejo council approves $642,860 in opioid-settlement grants for Broadway housing project

The Vallejo City Council at a special meeting approved amending the fiscal year budget to accept $642,860.94 in opioid-settlement revenue and voted to award two grants to support the Broadway housing project: up to $389,655 to Shelter Inc. and up to $253,205.94 to Firm Foundation Community Housing. The vote carried unanimously with the mayor and Council Member Matthias absent. "The grantee shall be liable to the city for any penalties assessed against the city for the grantee's failure to comply," a staff presenter said while outlining grant terms.

Council members and staff told the council the funds come from the national opioid settlement and are being used for high-impact abatement activities that include supportive housing and services for people affected by substance use disorders. The presenter said the Department of Health Care Services reviewed the project description and "did get back to us and let us know that the project does appear to meet the criteria for the use of the funds, particularly around the different bullet points ... Construction is an allowable cost." The council also included a provision requested by members that the opioid-settlement money not be applied to developer fees for Firm Foundation Community…