The City of San Diego is asking for input as it decides how to administer an estimated $44 million in federal grants to improve living environments, expand economic opportunity, and increase housing opportunities in low- and moderate-income communities.

This month, the City released the draft Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Annual Action Plan, which proposes how to distribute this year’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant funds.

CDBG funds are proposed to increase the access and availability of affordable housing, expand economic opportunity by supporting local entrepreneurs and small businesses, and invest in nonprofit facilities. It would also support public services such as meal deliveries, health services, apprenticeship and workforce training, and senior and youth services.

The Action Plan lays out money allocations to nonprofits such as Reality Changers, Kitchens for Good, Rise Up Industries, Monarch School, Serving Seniors, Somali Family Service of San Diego, Partnership for Environmental Progress, and City Heights Community Development Corporation. Organizations had to go through a competitive process for the funding.

For the HOME Investment Partnerships Program, the City has a partnership with the San Diego Housing Commission to administer the funds on behalf of the City. Through this partnership, the Housing Commission provides direct financial assistance to homebuyers and financial support to construct rental homes for families and those experiencing homelessness.

Finally, the Emergency Solutions Grant funding is proposed to go toward shelters for those experiencing homelessness and provide rapid rehousing and homelessness prevention strategies.

“This federal funding is important to help improve the quality of life for so many people, especially for those who are low- and moderate-income,” said Christina Bibler, economic development director. “These funds can reach every aspect of people’s lives, including making sure they have a safe and healthy place to live, accessing workforce training, getting them to medical appointments, or even having after-school care. Public input will help us ensure we are utilizing the funding in the best way possible.”

The City is asking for the public’s input on the projects listed in the draft Action Plan by May 7. Residents can read the Action Plan on the City’s website and submit comments a [email protected] or the City of San Diego, Economic Development Department, Attention: Draft FY 2026 Annual Action Plan, 1200 Third Ave., Suite 1400, San Diego, CA 92101. Hard copies of the Action Plan can also be reviewed at Central, Valencia Park/Malcolm X, San Ysidro, Logan Heights, Linda Vista and City Heights/Weingart libraries. All comments will be responded to in the final Action Plan sent to the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). 

The draft Action Plan will also be presented to City Council on April 21 during the 2 p.m. session, where community members can also give their input.

The City is monitoring the situation with federal grant funding and how it may impact the CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships Program and Emergency Solutions Grant funds. It expects to receive the finalized number for these grants from HUD in May.