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Westminster accepts $250,000 Jobs First grant to fund Little Saigon Blueprint projects and convert outreach role to full‑time
Summary
The council unanimously approved acceptance of a $250,000 state Jobs First grant to implement parts of the Little Saigon Blueprint, including marketing, a pilot cleaning program and converting the Little Saigon outreach worker from part‑time to a grant‑funded full‑time position.
The Westminster City Council on Aug. 13 unanimously approved acceptance of a $250,000 Jobs First regional investment grant to help implement elements of the city’s Little Saigon Blueprint.
The grant will fund four project areas identified in the 2021 Little Saigon Blueprint: district branding and marketing, an outreach leader (converted from a part‑time to a full‑time grant‑funded position), a pilot “soap and water” cleaning program for business facades and sidewalks, and limited streetscape/landscape elements along Bolsa Avenue. City staff said the award is intended to boost economic vitality and regional tourism for the Little Saigon business district.
“Part of the award will allow us to convert the Little Saigon outreach coordinator from a 20‑hour part‑time role to a full‑time position, fully funded by the grant for the duration of implementation,” City Manager Kristen Cordon told the council. Staff also reported that the grant application noted a $26,000 private contribution from Wells Fargo as matching funds for parts of the program.
The council approved a resolution to (a) accept the $250,000 award, (b) authorize the city manager to execute the agreement, (c) amend adopted budget documents to recognize the revenue and increase appropriations in the City Manager’s Department, and (d) adopt related salary‑schedule adjustments required by the position conversion. The vote was 5‑0.
Why it matters: City officials said the grant targets tourism‑related sectors and high‑paying jobs in the region while directly funding staff capacity and small, visible improvements in the Little Saigon district. City staff said the partnership will include community outreach and coordination with public works and the Cultural Arts Center to involve civic arts where appropriate.
Next steps: Staff will execute the grant agreement, proceed with hiring or reclassifying the outreach coordinator as a full‑time, grant‑funded position during the implementation period, and return with project timelines and community engagement steps. The city directed staff to work with the Cultural Arts Center on civic arts engagement related to the grant-funded activities.
