Code enforcement seeks $130,000 to continue special CDBG officer for neighborhood outreach

Cecilia Vasquez, interim code enforcement manager, presented a request for continued funding of a special CDBG-funded code-enforcement officer on March 10.

Vasquez explained the role is complaint-driven citywide but that the special CDBG officer provides proactive attention to 12 designated census tracts identified previously by council as deteriorated or declining. Duties include outreach in English and Spanish (postcards, flyers and mailed notices), inspections, referrals to housing repair and grant programs and one-on-one assistance to tenants and landlords.

Vasquez summarized recent activity (about 125 cases processed for the CDBG area in 25–26) and said the funding request totals $130,000 (about $117,000 salary and administration plus $13,000 support/overhead). She noted cross-training occurred in 25–26 to build program knowledge and expressed that a consistent, full-time staff person would help revitalize the 12 communities and reduce pressure on the citywide code-enforcement caseload.

Committee members asked about landlord accountability and the mix of tenant-occupied versus owner-occupied cases; Vasquez said most cases in the targeted areas are tenant-occupied multiunit properties and estimated roughly 40% involve landlords. Members also asked whether proactive rental-unit inspection pilots could be funded; Vasquez said the program is currently complaint-driven but that the CDBG officer’s role provides focused, proactive attention in the designated tracts.

The committee praised the stability of the position and will consider the funding request during the May deliberations.