Council approves CDBG funding recommendations and FY 2027 action plan for public comment

The Santa Barbara City Council approved the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding recommendations and related fiscal-year 2027 action plan on April 14.

Carrie Payne, the city’s housing and homelessness services manager, presented the recommendation to accept capital grant awards and renew second‑year human‑service grants. Payne described the funding sources: a HUD entitlement (listed in the presentation as $841,577), a city general‑fund allocation ($726,150), reprogrammed CDBG funds ($12,975) and program income ($60,000). She said committee scoring, site visits and interviews produced recommendations to fund four capital projects and to continue two‑year public‑service grants, and staff recommended that the deputy city administrator be authorized to execute agreements subject to city‑attorney approval.

The presentation explained HUD requirements for CDBG, the city’s funding priorities (homeless assistance, decent housing, public facilities and infrastructure) and the public process: a 30‑day public review beginning April 15 and final council approval scheduled for May 19, 2026. Council members asked about the two‑year grant cycle and contingencies for unspent funds; staff explained the contingency approach and reprogramming options so funds would not be lost.

Council moved and voted to approve the recommendations. Officials said staff will submit the annual action plan to HUD following the public comment period and execute grant agreements once HUD approval and administrative reviews are complete.