The City Council discussed the Community Development Block Grant funds in response to the COVID-19 pandemic in the virtual meeting on Tuesday.
The city has received $530,774 in CDBG-VV funds in order to “prevent spread of COVID-19, facilitate assistance for individuals/households impacted by COVID-19 and provide ‘gap’ funding if other federal sources are insufficient.”
To meet the “national objective” of the program, the funds must “primarily benefit low- and moderate-income persons, aid in the elimination of slums or blight and meet a need of having a particular urgency.”
To receive the funds, the City Council must make a substantial amendment to FY 2019-20 annual action plan, post for public review and report specific activities to HUD.
The recommended priorities for Santa Barbara included assistance to small businesses and micro-enterprises, public services specific to COVID-19 response, and rental assistance for three months of emergency grant payments for rent or utilities.
In addition to the discussion of the Block Grant funds, Mayor Cathy Murillo proclaimed June 19, 2020 as Juneteenth in Santa Barbara and encouraged the community to participate.
“I also strongly encourage everyone to take positive action to end racism,” the mayor said.
Email: gmccormick@newspress.com
