The Murrieta City Council voted unanimously Dec. 2 to adopt staff recommendations for the city’s fiscal year 2026–27 Community Development Block Grant allocations, approving the use of about $596,700 in federal CDBG funds for a mix of administration, nonprofit public services and pedestrian-safety projects.

City staff explained the federal funding breakdown in a public hearing, saying, "we are estimating that we're going to receive $596,700 in CDBG funding," and noted standard limits on administrative and public-service shares. Staff described a process that included an application period, scoring of eight nonprofit proposals and Riverside County participation in scoring, which staff said led to lower aggregate scores than in previous years.

The council’s adoption follows public testimony from local nonprofit representatives who asked the council to fund programs that serve Murrieta residents. Sharon Morris of Voices for Children (CASA) described work with local children in foster care and asked the council to “consider granting our full request.” Mission Hope’s CEO highlighted Hope Family Housing and asked the council to continue prior support. Safe Family Justice Center, Habitat for Humanity Inland Valley, Western Eagle Foundation and other speakers described services for domestic violence survivors, seniors and families and urged full or increased awards.

Staff recommended allocating roughly one-fifth of the grant for administrative oversight, up to 15% for public services and the balance for city projects such as ADA curb ramps and pedestrian improvements. City staff also said Riverside County will receive a portion for oversight support. Council members questioned scoring details; staff said some nonprofits scored lower in county reviews because of capacity or documentation concerns but remained eligible.

Mayor Cindy Warren moved to adopt staff’s recommendations; the motion was seconded and carried unanimously, 5-0. The council closed the public hearing and directed staff to implement the allocations for the coming fiscal year.

The action formally allocates federal CDBG dollars for Murrieta agencies and pedestrian projects; the approved allocations will be reflected in the city’s FY 2026–27 budgets and program agreements.