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Council delays vote on awarding HUD/ARPA funds after questions about Empowering Reach Foundation
Summary
Council debated awarding roughly $870,000 in HUD/ARPA funds to Empowering Reach Foundation; members raised concerns about the group's recent nonprofit registration, local presence and capacity. A motion to award to Volunteers of America was made and then withdrawn; the council agreed to bring the item back next week for more information and possible splitting among applicants.
The city manager summarized the history: HUD funds awarded in 2021 have not been used and HUD issued notices urging the city to proceed or risk recapture. Staff presented proposals and recommended Empowering Reach Foundation. Council members pushed back, noting Empowering Reach registered as a nonprofit in 2024 and questioning whether the group has an established presence in Compton. "This is almost 1000000 dollars to an organization nobody knows anything about," one councilmember said, asking why local organizations that already serve Compton residents were not prioritized.
Several councilmembers asked staff for ranked proposer information, references and proof of local capacity. Assistant City Manager Tamara Benz said the selection committee ranked Empowering Reach as primary but staff would return with additional specifics. Councilwoman Darden said bringing the item back was necessary to avoid risking HUD relationships and to consider local alternatives; a motion in favor of awarding the funds to Volunteers of America was made and later withdrawn so the council could reconvene next week with more information. The item was tabled for follow-up.
