West Sacramento commission forwards 2026–2030 consolidated-plan goals, proposes higher $100,000 amendment threshold

The West Sacramento Economic Development and Housing Commission voted to send proposed goals for the city’s 2026–2030 consolidated plan and the 2026 annual action plan forward after a public hearing and commissioner questioning.

Isaiah Alford, who presented the plan, said the city has not yet received its HUD award but expects an allocation similar to last year — about $546,333 — plus roughly $30,000 in program income, for an estimated total of $576,333 for the 2026 program year. Alford added the consolidated plan establishes community priorities and that HUD requires at least 70% of CDBG funds to benefit low- and moderate-income households; public services are capped at 15% and administration and planning at 20%.

Alford also described proposed annual activities, including a Homeless Emergency Housing Rehabilitation Project at the former Westwood motel with a proposed allocation of $385,118 for rehabilitation work (ADA upgrades, security gate, lighting and cameras) and continued supportive services and case management. He told the commission that program income commonly derives from repaid or deferred housing loans and other repayments tied to past CDBG activities.

The staff presentation included a proposed amendment to the city’s citizen participation plan to increase the dollar threshold that triggers a “substantial amendment” from $20,000 to $100,000, giving the city manager authority to sign off on reallocations up to $100,000. "We're proposing increasing the threshold and signing authority of a substantial amendment from 20,000 to a 100,000, given our city manager authority to sign," Alford said during the presentation.

Commissioners asked several clarifying questions about limits and accountability: whether the city manager alone would be able to move funds up to $100,000, whether such moves could affect HUD-required caps on public services and administration, and how the change would affect transparency to the public. Staff replied that some thresholds (changes in beneficiaries, project locations, or adding new activities) remain HUD-triggered and would still require public notice and a council resolution, and that HUD had reviewed the city's proposed citizen participation plan changes.

Commissioner Ernie Guerra urged clear public communication when funds are reallocated. "It would be really nice if they make sure that they build transparency in that process," Guerra said, noting the sensitivity that can accompany reallocating significant sums without a public hearing.

Alford outlined next steps and a calendar for adoption: a Parks, Recreation and Intergenerational Commission workshop on Feb. 3, a city council workshop on March 4, a public comment period for the draft plans and the citizen participation amendment from March 7 through April 5, and planned submission to HUD by April 15 if the council adopts the plans.

Votes at a glance - Minutes approved (motion by Commissioner Kemp; second by Commissioner Guerra): approved by voice vote. - Resolution 26-1 (setting 2026–2027 EDH Commission meeting times; moved by Commissioner Kemp, seconded by Commissioner Singh): approved by voice vote. - Recommendation to accept the consolidated-plan/annual-action-plan materials and the citizen participation amendment (mover recorded as Commissioner Singh; second recorded as Commissioner Guerra): approved by voice vote.

The commission moved the proposed consolidated plan goals, 2026 annual action-plan recommendations and the citizen participation plan amendment forward for additional public review and for subsequent council consideration.