Council approves short‑term block‑grant funding for domestic‑violence services amid uncertainty over capital set‑asides
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Summary
Councilmembers debated funding for domestic‑violence shelter services tied to Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocations and an RFP process; staff said beds were created after prior council action and program funding depends on CDBG amounts; item 5 was approved (11 ayes).
Councilmembers on Nov. 3 discussed funding for domestic‑violence shelters and approved a package to fund services tied to newly created beds, but staff warned available money depends on the city’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation.
A councilmember leading the discussion said the consolidated plan showed "no LA housing department set aside funding for domestic violence related capital projects" this year and asked why the Housing Department had not included such set‑asides. The council heard that the city had earlier voted to create beds and shelters (a council action dating to 1995), but program funding for those beds is being provided through the CDBG and a new request‑for‑proposals process. Council staff said 12 of 13 service providers received funding for services and the RFP will run for five months while the city awaits confirmation of the federal block grant amount.
Councilmembers flagged a related timing risk: federal withholding or a "timeliness" finding could reduce the city's CDBG award, which in turn would affect the 25% set aside that funds human services. The administration said once the block‑grant total is known, the council will know how much 25% represents and what set‑asides are affordable.
The council approved item 5 (roll call recorded as 11 ayes). Councilmembers and staff said additional debate and a follow‑up budget discussion are expected as the RFP proceeds and block‑grant figures become clearer.
