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Soledad staff seeks CDBG funds for community center upgrades, homebuyer assistance and business loans
Summary
City staff proposed applying for CDBG funding to renovate the Philadelphia Community Center (HVAC, generator, ADA upgrades), expand first‑time homebuyer assistance, and retool a business loan program; staff will return Sept. 18 with program guidelines and the NOFA responded to in late August.
City staff presented recommended priorities for the 2024 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) competitive round at the Aug. 21 meeting and sought council input before a September application and formal acceptance process.
Community & Economic Development Director Camille Yang outlined three broad application categories: community facilities (non‑housing — proposed priority: Philadelphia Community Center renovations including a new HVAC system, an emergency generator for the cooling center function and ADA upgrades), homebuyer assistance (closing-cost gap assistance targeted to households at or below 80% of area median income) and economic development (a retooled business assistance loan program with lending tiers ranging from roughly $35,000 to $245,000 and a staff recommendation to apply for the full $1.5 million available under the CDBG economic development NOFA).
Staff noted the CDBG NOFA would be released Aug. 30, with the application window opening Sept. 29 and closing Dec. 28; awards are expected in 2025. The city proposes initially to apply for up to $500,000 for community facilities and up to $500,000 for homebuyer assistance but will seek the maximum allowable if the NOFA increases those ceilings. Staff also emphasized the requirement that homebuyer-assistance recipients complete financial‑education workshops and be certified as program‑ready.
Council members requested clearer phased priorities for the community center (phase 1 critical deficiencies vs. later upgrades), more outreach and marketing for the business loan program so small businesses are aware of opportunities, and expanded funding for homebuyer assistance where possible. Staff committed to returning on Sept. 18 with final application/acceptance resolutions and draft program guidelines for council review.
Attribution: presentation and program details were provided by Camille Yang and housing consultant Susan Long; program certification and workshop requirements were emphasized by staff during Q&A.
