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Soledad council approves three-part CDBG application package, including $2M for community center upgrades
Summary
The City of Soledad voted Nov. 19 to submit three separate Community Development Block Grant applications — $2 million for community center improvements, $1.3 million for a homebuyer-assistance program and $300,000 for planning a container‑village project — and authorized staff to proceed with the application package.
The City of Soledad council voted unanimously Nov. 19 to submit three Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) applications aimed at expanding housing and community services. The package includes $2 million for community center facility upgrades, $1.3 million for a homebuyer‑assistance program and $300,000 for planning and construction documents for a proposed container‑village project.
Cynthia DeMarcus, the city’s grants staff, told the council the application portal’s schedule shifted and the city now expects the application window to open in February 2026 and close around April 2026. DeMarcus said staff recommend filing three separate applications so each component is rated on its merits.
The community‑facilities request would fund HVAC and backup generator work, ADA restroom remodels, trash enclosures, stormwater management, interior and exterior lighting and an EV charging component. The homebuyer program, as described by staff, would target low‑ to moderate‑income households; federal guidelines cap assistance at no more than 49% of a home's purchase price. DeMarcus said the city already has program guidelines and an approved housing element — factors that improve competitiveness for CDBG awards.
Councilmembers asked staff to clarify program details before final submission, including whether the program’s $1,000 figure in the staff packet referred to closing-cost assistance or to down‑payment assistance. DeMarcus said she would confirm the line-item use and noted that up to 7% of any award can be used for administration and activity delivery (such as homebuyer education).
Mayor Anna Loosius and councilmembers also pressed staff for specifics on EV charging: how many chargers the city currently has at the proposed site from prior awards and how many the CDBG request would add. Staff said the assistant engineer has the exact counts and will provide a follow‑up for the application.
The council approved Resolution No. 6303, authorizing submittal of the three CDBG applications as presented. Staff will return with clarified budget line items and any letters of support from state legislators to accompany the application.
