Norwich council approves CDBG plan after amendment that trims child-advocacy funding and adds partial support for adult education program

The Norwich City Council voted to approve the city’s PY2026 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) allocation after adopting an amendment that reduces funding for a guardian-ad-litem program and directs partial funding to an adult education nonprofit.

Patricia Mullins, the city’s director of community development, told the council that the city’s PY'52 CDBG allocation is $847,180 and that CDAC received 12 proposals totaling $1,317,451 in requests. She said the advisory committee prioritized projects that “promote safe, decent housing and enhance the safety and quality of the community living environment.”

At the public hearing, Kelly Annis Davis, director of Rose City Learning Center, described the nonprofit’s pathways program and asked for $35,000, saying the center has served nearly 300 Norwich-area adults and would accept partial funding. “We originally requested 35,000 in funding, but we would sincerely appreciate consideration of partial funding if possible,” she said.

During council deliberations, members pressed staff on project specifics and the scoring process. Mullins explained that CDAC scored proposals on project description, organizational capacity, intended beneficiaries, performance measures and budget, and that some applicants were not funded because their proposals did not convince the committee they could meet required performance standards or be feasible with reduced amounts.

A proposed amendment reallocated $15,000 from the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) Guardian ad Litem allocation (reducing it from $30,000 to $15,000) to provide $15,000 to Rose City Learning Center. The amendment’s sponsor said partial funding would allow support for more programs across the city; opponents warned partial awards can leave programs ineffective. Speaking against the amendment, one member said parent services for children are a safety priority and expressed concern about reducing legal advocacy for children in state custody.

Roll call on the amendment recorded No votes from Aldermen Nash and Nystrom and Yes votes from Aldermen Hayes, Katabaya, Zuccardi, President Pro Tem DeLucia and Mayor Singh; the amendment passed 5–2. The council then approved the overall resolution, as amended. Patricia Mullins noted that HUD must approve the annual plan before the city can expend funds and that staff may pursue future substantial amendments using recaptured funds from prior years to address outstanding infrastructure needs such as sidewalks.

What happens next: the council’s amended plan will be included in the city’s annual plan submitted to HUD; awarded agencies must provide quarterly reports and, where funding is reduced, supply revised budgets and scopes of work before the city finalizes contracts.

Votes at a glance: amendment to reallocate $15,000 — Passed 5–2 (Nash and Nystrom opposed); final resolution as amended — passed (roll call recorded five affirmatives and two negatives).