CDBG advisory panel hears 17 local funding pitches; subcommittee chosen for applicant reviews

The CDBG Citizens Advisory Committee of Prescott voted unanimously to accept minutes from its Jan. 15 meeting and to appoint a three-member subcommittee to review 2025 Community Development Block Grant applications, then heard presentations from 17 applicants requesting city CDBG funds.

The votes to accept the Jan. 15 minutes and to name the subcommittee were made by committee members and carried by verbal aye votes. Michael McGinnis, community development department staff, then opened the applicants’ presentations: “This is your presentation, CAC meeting where we get to hear from the applicants that are hoping for CDBG funds to help their programs or projects,” he said.

Why it matters: CDBG funds are federal dollars administered locally and must be allocated to projects that principally benefit low- and moderate-income residents. The committee’s subcommittee will produce recommendations for the full committee after reviewing applications and members’ scored ranking sheets.

Applicants and key points

- Wrapped in Love Diaper Bank (Lori Deutsch, executive director, applicant): Deutsch said the diaper bank distributed more than 9,000 baby/adult items and about 1,700 student hygiene items in a recent month and is seeking CDBG support to buy diapers, wipes, incontinence supplies and to help fund staff. She described the organization’s two warehouse storage model and its partnership network for distribution.

- People Who Care (Barry DeKemper, representative): DeKemper described volunteer-driven escorted transportation and low-vision services for older Prescott residents. He said Prescott residents received roughly 73% of the group’s services in 2024 and emphasized rising demand for escorted rides and low-vision rehabilitation.

- Yavapai Exploration in Science / Nature Niños (Amanda Voss, founder): Voss outlined a free outdoor family program for children 0–8…