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Council approves FY 2026–27 CDBG and community support allocations, including funds for CASA advocacy
Summary
Lake Elsinore council adopted staff recommendations for Community Development Block Grant funding and the city’s community support program, approving allocations after public testimony from local service providers; motion carried 5–0.
Lake Elsinore — The City Council approved the recommended allocations for the FY 2026–27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and the city’s community support funding during Tuesday’s meeting.
Domenico Piazza, the city’s fiscal officer, outlined the timeline and funding figures: the County of Riverside distributes HUD CDBG funds, City staff estimate Lake Elsinore’s portion at about $587,000 and noted the county retains 13% ($77,310) for administration. The city’s staff report indicated up to 15% (approximately $88,050) of anticipated CDBG funds may be used for public service programs; the city also budgeted $30,000 for community support program funding for the coming year.
Speakers urged support for local nonprofits. Ashley Brown Mills of Voices for Children (the CASA program for Riverside County) asked the council to grant $10,000 to support one year of advocacy for five foster‑care children in Lake Elsinore; she said Voices for Children served 28 Lake Elsinore children this fiscal year at a cost of about $2,000 per child. "These funds will allow us to provide life‑changing Casa advocacy for five children in Lake Elsinore foster care," Brown Mills said.
Brent Masters, representing H.O.P.E. (Helping Our People Elsinore), thanked the council for past support for the food pantry ministry and described ongoing service levels, including tens of thousands of client service interactions annually. Masters emphasized the pantry’s role addressing needs among seniors, single‑parent households and other vulnerable groups.
After the presentations and staff summary, Councilmember Manos moved to adopt the recommended funding allocations and Councilmember Sheridan seconded. The council approved the allocations on the consent calendar roll call vote recorded as 5–0.
The adopted allocations will be implemented consistent with HUD rules and the city's joint recipient cooperation agreement with Riverside County; staff will proceed with administering the funds and working with grantees.
