Yucaipa council splits limited CDBG public-service funds among four local applicants

The Yucaipa City Council held a public hearing on Jan. 13 to prioritize community development block grant (CDBG) funds for 2025–26 and approved a distribution of the limited public-service portion among four applicants.

Corey Gorham, management analyst, told council that Yucaipa's projected federal allocation is $219,563 and that council could allocate up to 15% of that amount — "15% of the total allocation equates to $32,934" — to public-service programming.

Four eligible public-service applicants presented: Partners Against Violence, San Bernardino County Library (adult literacy program), Family Service Association of Redlands (case management for people experiencing homelessness) and Girls on the Run. Representatives described services and local impact statistics: Partners Against Violence reported agency-wide totals and that 22 Yucaipa residents used their services last year; San Bernardino County Library's branch manager, Katharine Burns, described one-on-one adult literacy tutoring services; Family Service Association (Kyra Stewart) reported serving 96 Yucaipa families (137 adults and 120 children) through their local outreach project; Girls on the Run representatives described program benefits and local interest.

Council discussed staff recommendations and alternative splits. After deliberation, Councilmember Venable moved a distribution intended to provide funding to each applicant within the available public-service cap; the motion was seconded and passed on a recorded vote. One council member stated a preference for the original staff numbers but the motion carried by majority vote.

Council directed staff to finalize agreements and implement contracting and reporting requirements per HUD/CDBG rules. Staff noted that applicant award amounts must align with program guidelines and that subsequent steps will include formal agreements and reporting on outcomes.

Next steps include executing CDBG subrecipient agreements, monitoring program compliance with HUD requirements, and returning any required documentation to the county for final allocation.