Council extends BMI Associates contract for revolving loan fund software to avoid service gap

The San Diego City Council on April 6 approved a one‑year amendment (with an optional additional year) to extend the city’s agreement with BMI Associates Inc. for loan‑management software that supports the San Diego Region revolving loan fund (RLF).

Deputy Economic Development Director Christie Marcella said the amendment would authorize a one‑year extension and asked the chief financial officer to appropriate up to $30,000 from the RLF city match fund. "This action will result in no fiscal impact to the general fund," Marcella said.

Angelica Paulino, community development coordinator, explained the RLF uses lending software (referred to as Portfolio or Portfol in staff remarks) to intake applications, track payments and meet federal reporting requirements. Staff said procurement of a replacement product began more than a year ago but paused in January 2026 with the implementation of AB 339, which affected the procurement timeline. To avoid a lapse in loan servicing and reporting, EDD requested the short extension to allow overlap with a new provider when ready.

Public commenters offered mixed views. Some speakers urged passage to avoid disruption to loan operations, while others urged audits and tighter contractor oversight. Andrea Ebbing asked the council to review contracts and "audit the people behind them," calling for more due diligence on leadership teams of vendors.

Council Member Campillo moved approval; Council Member Campbell seconded. The council recorded the motion as passing unanimously, 8‑0, with Council President Pro Tem Lee absent.

Staff said the extension will allow time for procurement and onboarding of a new software provider and that the requested appropriation will come from the RLF match fund, not the city’s general fund.