Council advances CDBG action-plan process and approves increased funding for residential street rehab

The City Council held the first public hearing on the program year 2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) action plan and directed staff to prepare a draft plan based on the 2025–29 consolidated-plan priorities. Assistant to the City Manager Kelly McDonald described eligible uses (housing, services to vulnerable residents, capital projects) and noted the draft will be released for the required 30‑day public review before a second hearing.

During the meeting the council also considered a proposed amendment to the 2025 CDBG action plan to increase funding for a residential street rehabilitation project from $539,500 to $1,126,100 (a change of $586,600). The change followed award of a contract and was noticed in compliance with CDBG rules. Council approved the amendment by roll call.

Robert Ortega, CIP project manager, provided an update on the city’s Capital Improvement Program: completed projects included the senior center roof and HVAC replacement and annual sidewalk/curb work; projects underway include Friendship Park improvements, sewer replacement, and design for Fire Station 1; upcoming projects include Del Norte Park improvements and a sewer master-plan update. Councilors asked about specific intersections for signal and left-turn-phasing projects and about the potential to leverage exchange programs that could increase funding available for streets.

The council voted on the CDBG amendment and on receiving the CIP update; staff said they will return with more detailed timelines for certain intersections and projects and will report back regarding funding-exchange trade-offs when more analysis is available.