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Council approves CDBG subrecipient agreements after debate over funding for drop-in center
Summary
Council discussed concerns about awarding CDBG subrecipient grants and neighborhood safety but voted 10-0 to adopt Resolution 26-41 authorizing Newark's FY2026 CDBG subrecipient agreements, including the $11,000 allocation that drew public comment and calls for greater council oversight of the awarding process.
Newark City Council adopted Resolution 26-41, authorizing the mayor to enter into community development block grant (CDBG) subrecipient agreements listed in the city's FY2026 one-year action plan.
Council discussion focused on two separate issues, according to one councilmember: whether the administration's prior approvals of subrecipients should stand, and neighborhood safety concerns around one facility. "I believe that we have a flaw in our system as far as the way that these subrecipient agreements are awarded and that council needs to be more involved earlier in the process," a councilmember said, while also stating personal support for awarding the $11,000 in question and for the full slate of subrecipients. Multiple public speakers — volunteers, faith leaders and health-care workers — urged council to preserve funding for the Holy Trinity drop-in center, describing hundreds of client contacts and health services provided there this year.
"From January through July, just this year alone, I provided 264 health related services in the drop in center," said Carrie Francini, a substance use disorder community nurse for Licking County, recounting the center's public-health role. After discussion, the council adopted the resolution on a recorded vote of 10-0.
