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Paramount council adopts changes to Home Improvement Program, removes loan option
Summary
The City Council approved updated Home Improvement Program guidelines that eliminate the loan option and increase maximum assistance to $50,000; staff said the change aims to help the neediest households and reduce administrative burden on federally funded HOME/CDBG grants.
The Paramount City Council voted Jan. 27 to adopt updated guidelines for the city's long-running Home Improvement Program, converting it from a combined grant-and-loan model to a grant-only program and raising the maximum assistance per project to $50,000.
Planning and Building Director John King told the council the program (originally created in 1982) is funded primarily through federal HOME and Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds. Staff proposed removing the loan option because even 0% interest loans of $15,000 over three years can represent a $417-per‑month obligation that some households cannot sustain, leading them to forgo participation. Eliminating loans, staff said, will streamline documentation and broaden access for households with urgent repair needs.
King said federal rules prevent use of HOME/CDBG funds for some site improvements such as landscaping, so the city's general fund has sometimes been used for those elements. Councilors asked about program outreach; staff said the program will remain on the city website, be promoted on social media, and staff may refresh a promotional video featuring associate planner Ivan Reyes.
Council moved, seconded and adopted the updated guidelines by roll call; the motion carried.
