DATE: 05/20/2026
TO: Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Community Services Department
2026-185
REQUEST FOR CITY COUNCIL ACTION
SUBJECT:
ACCEPTANCE AND APPROPRIATION OF A $4,000 COMMUNITY IMPROVEMENT
DESIGNATION GRANT FOR THE SENIOR EXCURSION PROGRAM
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
This staff report asks the City Council to accept and appropriate a $4,000 Community Improvement Designation Grant from the County of Riverside, District 2, to support the City’s Senior Excursion Program.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
That the City Council:
a. Accept grant funding in the amount of $4,000 from the County of Riverside, District 2, Community Improvement Designation Grant in support of the Senior Excursion Program.
b. Authorize an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $4,000 to the Community Services Department’s operating budget within the General Fund 110.
c. Authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to accept future grant funding from the County of Riverside Community Improvement Designation Fund, District 2, and to appropriate corresponding budget adjustments in support of the City's Senior Excursion Program.
BACKGROUND & HISTORY:
The Senior Excursion Program has been part of our senior services offerings for more than a decade, providing older adults with meaningful cultural, recreational, and social experiences that promote independence. Each Year, staff plan up to 10 excursions to various destinations. This program also accommodates accompanying adult caregivers, ensuring that seniors who require additional support can participate comfortably and inclusively in every outing.
The County of Riverside Community Improvement Designation Grant supports programs and initiatives that enhance the well-being of residents and contribute to an improved quality of life throughout the region. The grant is intended to fund projects and communitybased services that positively impact residents by promoting community engagement, increasing access to valuable resources, and supporting programs that address local needs. Funding is often directed toward initiatives that provide educational, recreational, cultural, and social benefits while fostering stronger, healthier, and more connected communities. The Community Improvement Designation Grant has an annual online application requirement, traditionally in the fall of each year.
ANALYSIS:
The Senior Excursion Program aligns closely with the objectives of the Community Improvement Designation Grant by offering older adults meaningful opportunities for social engagement, recreation, and community involvement through affordable and accessible group outings. The program helps reduce social isolation among seniors by encouraging participants to build friendships, remain active, and stay connected to their community. Excursions provide opportunities for older adults to visit cultural, educational, and recreational destinations that they may not otherwise be able to access independently due to transportation or financial limitations.
Community Services staff submitted an application for the Community Improvement Designation Grant in October 2025. In March 2026, the County of Riverside awarded $4,000 in grant funding to support the Senior Excursion Program. While there is no specific deadline for the expenditure of grant funds, the City is required to submit a report detailing the use of the funds within 60 days of expenditure.
The City contracts with Inland Empire Stages Limited to coordinate and provide transportation services for the Senior Excursion Program, including trip planning, route coordination, professional motor coach transportation, and experienced drivers to ensure participants travel safely and comfortably to each destination. Inland Empire Stages Limited also assists with scheduling logistics and transportation accommodations that support the mobility and accessibility needs of older adults. Grant funds received through the Community Improvement Designation Grant will be applied evenly across all scheduled trips to help reduce the overall cost per participant, ensuring excursions remain affordable and accessible to a greater number of older adults in the community.
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
Approval of the recommended action will result in an appropriation and estimated revenue increase in the amount of $4,000 to the Community Services operating budget within the General Fund 110.
ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYSIS:
This action is exempt pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the Guidelines for the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA), which states that a project is exempt from CEQA if the activity is covered by the commonsense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects that have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment. Where it can be seen with certainty that there is no possibility that the activity in question may have a significant effect on the environment, the activity is not subject to CEQA. This action is to accept and appropriate the County of Riverside District 2 Community Improvement Designation Grant, and there is no possibility that approving this agreement will have a significant effect on the environment. Therefore, no environmental analysis is required.
PREPARED BY: MONIQUE LEON, RECREATION SERVICES MANAGER
REVIEWED BY: DONNA FINCH, COMMUNITY SERVICES DIRECTOR
ATTACHMENTS:
1. Exhibit 1 – County of Riverside Community Improvement Designation Award Letter