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A public hearing was held at the Inglewood City Council meeting on Tuesday to adopt
the 2025-26 Annual Action Plan for economic and community development funding.
Mayor James T. Butts, Jr and Councilmembers considered priorities for community
development, housing and non-housing needs of low- and moderate-income Inglewood
residents.
As an entitlement city, Inglewood receives federal funding from Housing and Urban
Development (HUD). It is required to report how grant money is allocated. Generally, a
higher overall income of a community results in a lower federal allocation of HUD and
Community Planning and Development (CPD) Funds.
This year, the City’s allocation was reduced largely due to an increase in household
incomes of Inglewood residents, based on data gathered by the U.S. Census Bureau.
Over the past five years, the City has realized an approximate 23% decrease in its
annual entitlement of funds from the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) and
Home Investment Partnerships Act (HOME) funds.
This, together with continued uncertainty about the future of many federal grant
programs, contributed to the decrease. The City may expect to receive a reduction in
the City’s CPD allocation when the Fiscal Year 2025-2026 HUD allocations are
published.
The CDBG Program provides funds to develop decent housing and expand economic
opportunities for low and moderate income households. Eligible uses include public
services, economic development, micro enterprises, homeowner assistance, minor
home rehab program, meals for seniors, and fair housing administration.
HOME funds are currently reserved for an affordable housing rental project that is in the
predevelopment phase. It is anticipated that the City will invest approximately $4 million
HOME funds to fill the gap in financing for a new 60-unit residential project for seniors
aged 62 and older. The new construction project is scheduled to break ground this
summer. Total cost of the development is around $46 million, which comes from
multiple sources, including federal, State, and local funds.
A HOME Program agreement will be considered for approval by the Mayor and Council
Members once the developers have secured all other financing. Other funds allocated
under the HOME Program include rent relief for people impacted by Coronavirus. Over
100 families have received assistance. A detailed PDF about the public hearing can be
found on the City of Inglewood website:
https://www.cityofinglewood.org/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Item/19002?fileID=26352.
During public comments. Charlene Sanders held a flyer about homelessness in the city.
She identified La Brea, Kelso, Spruce and Tamarack as hot spots for unhoused people,
and added, “I have called (City Hall) many times. People are there all the time. Not
only are they homeless, but they are being sold drugs.“
An unnamed woman wants the council meeting time changed to after 5pm and she
wants more than 1 minute to speak during general comments. A man complained
about the police department, but audio problems interfered with his comments.
During closing comments, Mayor Butts proclaimed May 4-10 as the 56 th annual
Professional Municipal Clerks Week. Inglewood City Clerk Aisha Thompson was
honored. Thompson and 4 th District Councilwoman Dionne Faulk bestowed heaps of
gratitude on every City department, speaker, vendor, sponsor and volunteer who made
last Saturday’s Inglewood Women’s Rock Empowerment Summitt a success.
Mayor Butts and Councilmembers attended and participated in various events around
the city over the weekend. The Touch A Truck event at Sofi on May 3 was a real hit
with Inglewood children. “It shocked me how many little girls were there. I would never
have anticipated how many people would come out in the rain.” Butts said.
Second District Councilman Alex Padilla announced that 200 people were fed during
the Cinco de Mayo celebration, Proceeds went toward the scholarship fund. Padilla is
hosting a food drive on June 21. Get your cans together. On May 3, Homelight Family
Services blessed homeless mothers victimized by domestic violence with a day of
beauty services, a photo shoot, good food and hugs all around.
Councilmembers extended well wishes to mothers everywhere celebrating their special
day this Sunday, May 11.
The Inglewood City Council Meeting is broadcast live on YouTube every Tuesday at
2:00pm.
