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Council adds economic development goal to CDBG plan to fund Boost childcare program
Summary
The council amended the city's Consolidated Plan and the 2024 Annual Action Plan (Resolution 24-043) to add "economic development" allowing federal CDBG funds to support Boost, a childcare business-support program administered by UPWARDs.
The West Jordan City Council unanimously approved Resolution 24-043 to amend the city's five-year Consolidated Plan and the 2024 Annual Action Plan to add economic development as a priority, enabling Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to support Boost, a program for childcare providers.
Megan Jensen, the city's CDBG lead, told the council the change is procedural but required by HUD: the city funded Boost earlier in the year but HUD classifies the provider assistance as economic development activity, and the Consolidated Plan must list that category before grant funds can be used. Jensen said the amendment simply aligns the plan with HUD rules so the city can disburse the previously approved funds.
Lily Alexander, representing UPWARDs (the Boost administrator), told the council Boost is designed as a sustainable program that provides technology tools and supports to childcare providers. Alexander said the program had originally aimed to support seven providers, but demand led to two more providers added to a wait list. She told the council Boost is supporting approximately 50 families and has created three jobs so far; she also suggested the city consider expanding childcare scholarship programs modeled on Park City and Summit County.
Council Member Whitelock thanked staff and noted home-based providers were included in the selection. Council Member Whitelock moved to approve Resolution 24-043; the motion passed 6-0.
Resolution text adds "economic development" as an allowable priority in the Consolidated Plan to permit the city to fund the Boost program under HUD rules. Staff said future CDBG rounds and the city's five-year needs assessment will evaluate whether continued funding for childcare support is appropriate.
