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Council directs reprogramming of CDBG/CV funds toward parks and rental assistance
Summary
Staff outlined unprogrammed CDBG and CDBG-CV balances and eligible uses; council directed staff to prioritize park projects and rental-assistance programming that can be implemented quickly to meet federal spending deadlines.
City consultants and staff presented options to reprogram unallocated Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and CDBG-CV funds and sought council direction on priorities.
The presentation noted approximately $330,194.50 in unprogrammed CDBG funds from prior years and an additional $318,823.09 in CDBG-CV funds that must be expended by Sept. 15, 2026. Staff recommended programming funds to projects that can move quickly, such as park improvements or street projects, and outlined eligible uses under HUD guidance (rehabilitation of public facilities, outdoor recreation upgrades, touchless water fountains, HVAC, broadband and other COVID-preparedness measures).
Councilmembers and public commenters emphasized parks, food-security programs and rental assistance. Members asked whether tenant-based rental assistance (TBRA) or shallow-subsidy models could be administered for Huntington Park residents; the consultant confirmed that programs targeting residents who demonstrate COVID impact would be eligible under CDBG-CV rules and that TBRA-style programs can be administered locally.
Several councilmembers proposed prioritizing Keller Park improvements (restrooms and playground), as well as funding for food banks and homelessness-related services. Staff recommended directing funds to projects that are already designed or have ready-to-go scopes to ensure compliance with HUD timeliness and the city’s citizen-participation rules (which require a 30-day public notice and hearing prior to formal amendments).
The council voted to direct staff to program available CDBG and CDBG-CV funds toward park improvements and rental-assistance options and asked staff to return with a formal amendment and the required public-noticing steps.
