Council approves $530,000 CDBG transfer to buy two affordable units with Wise Place

The Mission Viejo City Council on April 14 unanimously approved resolutions to transfer $530,000 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds to the housing authority to enable nonprofit Wise Place to acquire two condominium units for very low‑income households.

Cliff Jones, the city’s Planning and Economic Development manager, told council staff ran an RFP and Wise Place was selected. Jones said the city’s $530,000 combined with Wise Place’s $355,000 would bring the total acquisition to $885,000 and that recorded covenants will ensure affordability for a minimum of 35 years. Jones described one unit as a one‑bed/one‑bath in the Las Palmas community and the other as a two‑bed/one‑bath in the Valencia community.

"The 530,000 provided by the city are monies allocated to the city via community development block grant funding or CDBG," Jones said, adding the proposed agreement is similar to a prior Families Forward transaction in which the city used CDBG funds to acquire affordable units.

Retiel Agassi, CEO of Wise Place, introduced the nonprofit’s background and management plan. "We have actually been around for 100 years," Agassi said, describing Wise Place’s work in Orange County, its experience operating affordable units, and its tenant‑selection plan aligned with HUD standards. Agassi said the organization will prioritize Mission Viejo residents and work with the county Family Solutions Collaborative for waiting‑list and placement.

Council members asked whether current occupants would be displaced; staff and Wise Place both confirmed the existing tenants will not be displaced and will transition to a new affordable‑housing lease with Wise Place. Councilmember Kelly moved approval; the motion passed unanimously.

Next steps: staff and the housing authority will complete the agreements and record covenants to protect long‑term affordability.