City approves $482,495 CDBG plan; funds Avenida El Mundo/El Pueblo street repairs

The Cathedral City Council unanimously approved the fiscal year 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) annual action plan on May 13, authorizing staff to submit the plan to HUD.

Elizabeth Medina, the city's CDBG presenter, said the city's FY26-27 allocation is $482,495, roughly $30,000 lower than prior estimates. The staff recommendation funds 20% for administrative services and directs $385,996 to the Avenida El Mundo and Avenida El Pueblo Street Reconstruction Project; the construction estimate for that project is $1.2 million and staff intends to combine CDBG funding with SB 1 and other sources for full reconstruction.

Medina said the amount available covers a removal-and-replacement of two inches of asphalt with a minimum base treatment; streets with lower pavement condition index (PCI) will require deeper repairs and additional funding.

Council members asked how streets are prioritized and whether Sky Blue Water Trail and nearby streets would be included in future CIP cycles. Medina said the public-works department will apply a standard operating procedure to move through neighborhoods in a logical order; Sky Blue Water Trail is not in the current five-year CIP but will be considered under the SOP when the next CIP is developed.

Council voted to approve the annual action plan and authorized the city manager to execute required certifications and agreements for submittal to HUD by the June 2 deadline.