The Santa Barbara City Council on Tuesday will discuss proposals for Human Services and Community Development block grants for fiscal year 2020-21 and provide direction on funding criteria and priorities.
Each year the city receives Community Development grant funds for activities that meet one of three objectives: primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents; eliminate or prevent slums or blight; or meet other urgent community development needs, according to a staff report.
Funds may be used to provide “decent housing, a suitable living environment, or expanded economic opportunities to low- and moderate-income persons.” In addition, 15 percent of Community Development grant funds may be expended for “public service activities,” the staff report reads.
No changes to funding priorities are recommended for fiscal year 2020-21.
City staff is in the early stages of developing the city’s consolidated plan for years 2020-2024. As part of the development of the plan, the previously adopted priorities will be re-evaluated to determine whether they continue to meet the city’s identified needs.
Applications for grants will be accepted Nov. 11 though Dec. 19. A 13-member committee appointed by the council will review submitted proposals, interview applicants and make funding recommendations.The Community Development and Human Services Committee includes representatives of the following groups: youth-oriented services; business/economic development community; human services; Latino/Hispanic community; African-American community; senior citizens; homeless-related services; four low-income neighborhoods (Eastside, Westside, downtown and Oak Park); disabled community; and housing authority representative.
Funding recommendations will be presented to the council in March.
The council will be asked to commit $726,150 from the fiscal year 2020-21 general fund for the Human Services Program and $902,715 for the Community Development grants.
In other business Tuesday, the council will take up a resolution of intent to renew the Santa Barbara South Coast Tourism Business Improvement District, and will receive an update from the Santa Barbara Arts Collaborative on the community arts workshop at 631 Garden St.
At 6 p.m. Tuesday, the council will interview applicants for various positions on city advisory groups. The are 71 vacancies and 132 individuals have submitted 147 applications. To be considered, applicants must be interviewed and prepare a two- to three-minute verbal presentation. Those who applied for more than one group have up to five minutes for their presentation.
Appointments are scheduled for Nov. 12.
Tuesday’s meeting will be held at 2 p.m. at City Hall, 735 Anacapa St.
