Council adopts CDBG annual action plan allocating $337,285 for housing rehab and legal services

Jay Verrata, the city's director of housing and community development, presented the second of two public hearings on the 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant annual action plan and said HUD allocated $337,285 to the city for that program year.

Staff proposed using 65% (minimum HUD requirement) for residential rehabilitation ($219,235), up to 20% for administrative costs ($67,457), and approximately $50,593 for public legal services handled by Riverside Legal Aid to provide tenant education, eviction defense, and support when affordability restrictions expire.

Verrata noted the city currently meets HUD's expenditure timeliness test (1.48% unspent balance vs. 1.5% standard) and that administrative staff time and consultant support have been covered by general fund allocations to date (~$82,000). Council members asked for better outreach for the legal services portion and for future reporting that breaks down the number of households assisted by service type (know-your-rights workshops, mediation, eviction defense). The council approved the action plan at the conclusion of the public hearing.

Next steps: staff will implement the allocations, contract with Riverside Legal Aid for tenant services, and return with outreach and program reporting to show the distribution of services.