Council advances CDBG FY 2026–27 action plan after public testimony; plan returns for final vote May 5

Laguna Niguel city staff presented the draft Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan for fiscal year 2026–27 and the City Council voted to return the plan to the May 5 meeting for final adoption.

Management Analyst Hannah Tamadon told the council that the city is an HUD entitlement jurisdiction and that HUD notified Laguna Niguel it will receive $325,194 for FY 2026–27, plus $35,773 in prior‑year uncommitted funds. "HUD has notified the City that it will receive an allocation of $325,194," Tamadon said, noting that amount is a 7.3% decrease from the prior year.

Tamadon said staff recommends distributing funds among three allowable categories: public services (up to 15% per HUD rules), program administration (up to 20%), and the balance for capital improvement projects. For capital work staff recommended using the remaining funds for ADA push‑button installations and ADA curb ramp repair and replacement in eligible areas, and recommended continuing contracts for fair housing services and CDBG consultant support.

Representatives of organizations that applied for CDBG funding spoke during the public hearing. Shannon Sherottino of the YMCA of Orange County said the YMCA provides after‑school and summer scholarship programs to serve children in Laguna Niguel. "We provide over 1,500 children across Laguna Niguel every single day," Sherottino said, describing homework help, STEM and wellness activities supported by grant funding.

Ross Chun, speaking for Family Assistance Ministries, described a request for $20,000 to support a two‑pronged housing stabilization program combining direct financial assistance and case management. "A portion of our request is to fulfill a portion of our case manager and housing manager support," Chun said.

Steve Moyer, CEO of AgeWell Senior Services, said a $7,300 award would provide roughly 2,000 Meals on Wheels to Laguna Niguel residents; Ryan Dillon (organization name spoken in the record as "Lastis First") described short‑term homelessness prevention services his group would provide with CDBG support.

Council members thanked the applicants and praised the services they provide. The mayor called for a motion to approve staff's recommendation and return the action plan, with any changes, to the May 5 City Council agenda for final adoption. A motion and second were made and the motion carried; the plan will return to council for a final vote on 05/05/2026.

Next steps: staff will place the draft FY 2026–27 action plan, incorporating any council direction, on the May 5, 2026 agenda for final adoption.