Pasadena to Amend Federal Housing and Community Grant Plans

The Pasadena City Council will hold a public hearing Monday to consider major amendments to its 2021 and 2024 Annual Action Plans for federal housing and community development funds, shifting resources to rental assistance, wildfire relief and building repairs.

The changes involve reallocating $588,078 in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds and $200,000 in HOME Investment Partnership Act funds made available through the American Rescue Plan Act, along with a $4,530 administrative increase from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).

The amendments are needed to adjust for HUD’s correction of a funding miscalculation and to redirect money from canceled or delayed projects to more immediate needs.

Under the plan, $300,000 in CDBG funds would be used for roof replacement at the Alkebulan Cultural Center on North Raymond Avenue.

Another $250,000 would go to eviction prevention rent assistance for tenants affected by the Eaton Fire.

The Housing Department would receive $200,000 in HOME-ARPA funds to launch a tenant-based rental assistance program aimed at helping very low-income, at-risk seniors remain housed.

Other canceled or reduced projects include $210,000 that had been set aside for a solar panel installation program for low-income households, $100,000 for an electric vehicle charger installation program, $75,000 for a Pasadena Unified School District health clinic expansion, and $209,134 for security upgrades at Robinson Recreation Center.

A portion of the redirected funds — about $38,000 — will cover administrative costs tied to the CDBG program.

The Annual Action Plans detail how Pasadena uses federal entitlement funds such as CDBG, HOME, Emergency Solutions Grants and HOME-ARPA to address housing, community development and homelessness.

City staff said the new allocations are consistent with the goals outlined in Pasadena’s Five-Year Consolidated Plan, which highlights housing stability, public facility improvements and neighborhood safety.

The additional funds, particularly the rent relief program, are intended to address urgent needs created by wildfire displacement and the housing pressures facing low-income seniors.

According to the Housing Department, the changes will have no direct impact on the city’s General Fund.

All allocations come from federal grants administered by HUD.

Once approved by the council, the amendments must also receive HUD approval before funds are released.

Staff said the action supports the City Council’s three-year strategic planning goals to improve public facilities, enhance mobility and accessibility, and promote quality of life and economic stability.

The amendments are exempt from review under the California Environmental Quality Act, as they involve reallocation of federal funding rather than physical projects that would affect the environment.

If approved, the reprogrammed funds will be included as revenue in the Housing Department’s fiscal year operating budget.