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Escondido adopts $563,000 HOME allocation, expands rental subsidy to serve about 64 households
Summary
The City Council adopted the FY26–27 HOME action plan and budget, allocating $563,000: up to 10% for administration, 15% reserved for CHDOs, $388,000 proposed for a rental subsidy program providing $500/month to about 64 households, and roughly $34,000 for first-time homebuyer assistance.
The Escondido City Council on June 2 adopted the city’s FY26–27 HOME annual action plan and budget (resolution 2026-98), approving a $563,000 federal HOME allocation and the proposed distribution of those funds.
Housing staff described the allocation breakdown required by HUD: up to 10% for program administration, a minimum 15% set aside for community housing development organizations (CHDOs), and the remainder to eligible housing activities. The staff recommendation allocates approximately $388,000 to an expanded rental subsidy program (providing $500 per month in assistance and anticipated to serve about 64 households) and about $34,000 to a first-time homebuyer assistance program (households may be eligible for up to $25,000 in down-payment or closing-cost help).
Danielle Lopez and housing analyst Norma O'Keen outlined public outreach the department conducted, a 30-day public comment period, a May community forum, and plans for a performance dashboard to report program outcomes and subrecipient performance. Staff said the rental-subsidy application will be posted June 19 with applications accepted through July 13.
Council members asked for clear performance metrics and timely reporting; staff said they will return with a dashboard and participant survey to measure program outcomes and demand. The council approved the action plan and directed staff to finalize outreach and reporting plans. The resolution passed 5–0.
Next steps: staff will publish application materials, collect an interest list as applications are processed, and report back to council with initial program metrics within months of program launch.
