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Rancho Santa Margarita approves $245,457 CDBG expenditure plan to fund local services and ADA projects
Summary
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council unanimously approved the city’s FY2026–27 Community Development Block Grant expenditure plan, allocating $245,457 (including carryover) across public services, capital improvements and program administration; staff will hold a required public hearing May 13.
The Rancho Santa Margarita City Council unanimously approved the city’s FY2026–27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) expenditure plan after a staff presentation and brief council questions.
Mike Lanier, the city’s CDBG consultant, told the council the city’s HUD allocation for next fiscal year is $229,006 plus about $15,500 in carryover funds, producing a total available amount of $245,457. Lanier said the category breakdown follows federal rules and the city’s consolidated plan, with funding recommended for public works ADA curb ramps, housing preservation and three public‑service grants.
The plan’s recommended public‑service awards emphasize low‑ and moderate‑income residents. Lanier said the city’s public‑service grant rounds yielded three applications requesting roughly $40,000; because the actual HUD allocation exceeded the earlier estimate, staff slightly increased each grant award. He summarized program caps: no more than 15% for public services and up to 20% for program administration.
Council members asked how the city derived beneficiary projections and who serves on the CDBG review committee. Lanier answered that estimates are based on past performance and program accomplishments and that most committee members are resident volunteers, supplemented by representatives from the planning commission and a council member. City Manager (Ms. Cuda) confirmed a written application process and outreach plans, including posting details on the city website and summer concert outreach.
A council member moved to approve the draft expenditure plan; the motion was seconded and carried by unanimous voice vote. The city is now in the required 30‑day public comment period and will hold a formal public hearing on May 13 to finalize the action.
The approved plan includes allocation for the city’s minor home improvement grant (up to $5,000) for seniors and residents with disabilities, funding for RSM Cares food‑bank operations, and allocations for homelessness prevention and senior services. Staff said additional detail on eligibility and application procedures will be published after council approval.
The council’s approval sends the plan to the public‑hearing stage, with the May 13 meeting set to consider any public comments prior to final adoption.
