Public hearing in Baldwin Park highlights housing stability, transit, and youth services as FY26–27 priorities

Baldwin Park — During a public hearing immediately following CDBG allocations on May 14, city staff invited public input to shape the FY2026–27 annual action plan, listing housing stability, public facilities and infrastructure, public services (food security, youth and senior services), and economic opportunity as recurring priorities.

Director Okeena Dorr framed the hearing by stressing the limited funding pot and the need to maximize program performance to preserve future federal resources. She told the commission the hearing’s purpose is to collect community priorities and suggested commissioners deliberate and compromise to demonstrate program success.

Public commenters and commissioners raised multiple priorities: stronger supports for victims of domestic violence, maintaining graffiti‑removal and beautification efforts, improving Baldwin Park Transit schedules and visibility, adding speed bumps and enhanced crossing lights near schools, and increasing senior housing affordability. One resident asked that transit schedules be easier to find on the city website; another urged solar‑powered flashing stop signs at school zones to reduce motorists running stop signs.

Commissioners clarified the hearing’s scope: many suggestions (for example, traffic calming or new stop signs) are city council matters rather than CDBG priorities, but staff said such ideas are noted and some infrastructure and public‑safety proposals could inform future planning. The director and staff will compile verbal and written comments into the draft annual action plan, which will be published for public comment beginning May 18; staff will present the draft to City Council on June 17.

The hearing closed after commissioners’ comments, and the meeting adjourned at 5:12 p.m.