Sierra Vista staff lays out draft 2026 CDBG plan, proposes most funds for infrastructure

Blake Fisher, a city staff member, presented the draft project-year 2026 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan to the Sierra Vista City Council on April 23, saying the proposal follows an 85% to 15% funding split favoring public infrastructure projects over nonprofit programs.

The plan allocates public-infrastructure dollars to several local projects. Fisher said the proposal includes $50,000 for Frytown site fire-safety improvements and $23,441.20 for enhancements at Henry Jones Legacy Park; he also listed a larger allocation for repairs and HVAC work at the Warrior of Healing Center. For nonprofit awards, Fisher listed United Way emergency assistance (about $19,980.16), Boys & Girls Club scholarships (about $9,990) and Echoing Hope Ranch’s Growing Independence program (about $7,493.56).

Fisher described the application and review steps leading to the recommendation: a notice of funding availability, a pre-application meeting, ranking by the neighborhood commission and a city council public hearing to receive presentations and policy direction. He said approval of the draft would open a 30-day public comment period; formal adoption was slated for a May 28 council agenda that would include a summary of any public feedback received.

Council members thanked staff and community partners for compiling the recommendation. No formal vote on the draft was taken at the meeting; Fisher said the item would move forward into the public-comment period and return for formal action after that period closed.

The council manager’s office will post the plan and accept public comment during the 30-day window before the May 28 adoption consideration.