Residents propose after‑school programs and library investment as CDBG candidates

Residents at the March 21 public hearing urged council to consider investments that would expand library services and after‑school programming. Nallely Arreola specifically suggested a Boys & Girls Club or after‑school child care to support parents and children who cannot be left alone after school. Julian Barclay and others recommended additional library programming and small grants to expand job‑search and training services.

When asked whether CDBG regional account funding can be split across multiple small programs, John Gonzales asked, "Is it more like a fast pitch where we have to be 1 project or can we use the money for multiple projects?" SEAGO’s William Osborne clarified that regional funds typically support one primary implementation project and that SSP can fund planning and design to prepare multi‑element proposals; public services may also qualify when they clearly meet national objectives and fit program caps.

Council asked staff to include after‑school and library proposals in the candidate list; further work will be required to define program scope, eligibility and whether a project meets CDBG caps on public services.