Council receives grants oversight report; members flag potential federal cuts to housing funds

The Los Angeles City Council on July 20 received a report on federal grant opportunities and oversight of grant applications (described in the hearing as the "Supernova" notice of funding availability) and voted 11-0 to approve the report and its recommendations.

Councilmember Holden asked staff expert Mr. Hernandez to brief the council on federal grants and the city's coordination efforts. Hernandez described an ongoing city grants-oversight process that brings together the Community Development Department, housing authorities, the Community Redevelopment Agency and others to identify federal funding opportunities and to shape local applications. He said the goal is to secure the city's "fair share" of funds for economic development, housing, lead-abatement and homelessness programs.

Councilmembers cited figures from the report: the council record notes $1,590,000 received for economic development, $10,000,000 in Section 108 funding for housing, and $3,000,000 for lead-based paint abatement. Speakers also warned that proposed federal budget cuts could reduce funding; the report and discussion referenced a proposed $700,000,000 reduction in the nation's capital fund and an additional $30,000,000 reduction impacting training and modernization activities. Councilmember Garcetti praised the report as a step toward more coordinated federal advocacy.

Action taken: Council voted to approve the grants oversight report and asked that the Chief Legislative Analyst and other staff include requests for HUD and related funding in the city's legislative program. The motion carried 11-0.

Ending: The council recorded broad support for continued vigilance and coordination on federal grant seeking and directed the relevant offices to keep the grants oversight committee informed; no further specific program allocations were authorized at the meeting.