Council adopts 2025–2030 consolidated plan and 2025–26 annual action plan allocating $3.27 million for CDBG, ESG and HOME programs

The Glendale City Council and Housing Authority on June 24 approved the city’s 2025–2030 Consolidated Plan and the fiscal year 2025–26 annual action plan for HUD entitlement funds, encompassing Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) and HOME Investment Partnerships program funds.

Maggie Kavarian, who presented the item, said the five‑year entitlement projection for the three HUD programs is roughly $15.7 million, with the year‑one (FY 2025–26) allocation at about $3,266,569.65. She said HOME allocations showed an anticipated drop (described in the presentation as an 8.7% decline) compared with recent years, while CDBG was expected to increase slightly and ESG was projected to be slightly lower.

Annual action plan highlights - CDBG: Staff recommended roughly $260,000 for public social services (subject to HUD caps), approximately $1.1 million for capital improvements and program administration funding. The CDBG advisory committee evaluated applications from community agencies and recommended 12 agencies for funding. The YWCA of Glendale and Pasadena was recommended for a capital project (historic Lexington office building), receiving a larger single award so that at least one shovel‑ready project would advance under HUD timeliness requirements. - ESG: Priorities include street outreach, case management, mental‑health stabilization, emergency shelter and rapid re‑housing. The Continuum of Care board reviewed ESG proposals and recommended awards consistent with program performance and outcomes standards. - HOME: Staff proposed HOME funding focused on new construction of affordable rental housing for seniors and people with disabilities; FY 2025–26 HOME allocations were expected to be roughly $1,370,000 for projects, including program administration and CHDO set‑asides.

Kavarian noted that the CDBG advisory committee seeks to avoid very small awards (the committee generally sets a $10,000 minimum recommended grant) because program administration and HUD reporting requirements make very small awards impractical.

Council questions and public comment Council asked about distribution and coordination across CDBG, ESG and other funding sources; staff said reviewers coordinate, use a shared application system (ZoomGrants), and consider other funds agencies receive when making awards. A caller asked that disability access and services be considered in program design; staff responded that program proposals and the Consolidated Plan incorporate disability and accessibility priorities.

Actions and authority Council adopted the required environmental negative declaration, approved the consolidated plan and authorized submission of the annual action plan to HUD. The council also authorized the city manager to redirect unused program funds under $50,000 between projects with advisory committee approval. The Housing Authority took parallel actions to endorse the consolidated plan and annual action plan.

Ending Staff and advisory committees will implement awards in the coming months and monitor timeliness requirements for capital projects; the city will work with recipients to ensure projects meet HUD standards and spend down schedules.