City of Gonzales
CITY MANAGER DEPARTMENT
STAFF REPORT
TO: Honorable Mayor Rios and City Council
DATE: March 2, 2026
FROM: Carmen Gil, City Manager
THROUGH: Carmen Gil, City Manager
SUBJECT: Resolution No. 2026-11 Commuinity Action Grants for FY 2025-2026
RECOMMENDATION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, A Resolution of the Council of the City of Gonzales Approving Six (6) Community Action Grants for FY 2025-2026 with Funding Allocations to Implement a Variety of Qualified Civic-Minded Community Activities.
BACKGROUND
In November 2014, 65 percent (65%) of Gonzales voters approved Measure ‘K’, enacting a one-half percent (0.5%) transactions and use tax. Included with the passage of the Measure ‘K’ Transaction and Use Tax was the formation of an Oversight Committee to monitor and provide advisory recommendations to the City Council regarding the use of the tax revenues. The formation of the Oversight Committee was necessary to maintain the public transparency needed for the use of these funds. In June of 2016, it was determined that a small Community Action Grants Program to support a variety of civic-minded activities that aimed to enhance the Love, Care, and Connect philosophy of the City and where community individuals could contribute to community connectedness and build opportunities for the community through service and volunteerism would be beneficial and something that aligned with the city’s intended outcomes. Since then, the Community Action Grants Program has been a staple for community groups that need a little bit of support to get their ideas and/or projects done.
REVIEW & ANALYSIS
The Community Action Grants Program continues to grow each year. After a short pause on the program this FY the City was able to find the funds to continue with the program. On February 24, 2026, the subcommittee of the Measure ‘K’ Oversight Committee reviewed and scored a total of six (6) applications and is recommending the approval of all six (6) of them at this time. The recommended small AGENDA
ITEM
8 grants and the funding allocations for the FY 2025-2026 are as follows:
Recommended Small Grants
1. Abrazos y Suspiros $5,000
2. Adventure Seeking Seniors $5,000
3. Gonzales Youth Guardians – Community Activities $5,000
4. Grupo Unido de Gonzales – Dia Del Nino / Day of the Child $3,500
5. Grupo unido de Tateposco (LUDA) – 5 de Mayo $2,000
6. Shield Bearers $5,000
Total = $25,500
How Recommendation Supports the Vision
Gonzales will continue to be a safe, clean, family-friendly community, diverse in its heritage, and committed to working collaboratively to preserve and retain its small-town charm.
Explain: The Grant Program directly supports the Vision of the City Council, by providing funds to community members to implement programs, activities, and/or projects that help Gonzales preserve, retain and in many cases enhance its small-town charm.
Explain how the Recommendation Directly Implements the Mission The City Council and Staff of the City of Gonzales will realize our Vision by providing the leadership, commitment and resources necessary to provide excellent services that enhance the quality of life of our diverse community. X Yes ___ No.
Explain: The Measure ‘K’ Transaction and Use Tax offers a significant source of funds for the City to undertake public projects that it might otherwise not be able to do. The Community Action Grants Program is one of those programs that serves to support the community’s quality of life while allowing local residents to serve, take action, and implement activities that serve to improve the overall community.
City services will be delivered in a cost-effective, respectful, and friendly manner to insure the safety and well-being of the residents and the promotion of business, recreational, housing and employment opportunities in an environmentally sustainable manner. X Yes ___No.
Explain: Please refer to the explanation written above for the Vision.
Strong fiscal policies allow us to provide appropriate infrastructure for:
• Public Safety X Yes No N/A
• Housing Yes No X N/A
• Recreation X Yes No N/A
• Environment Yes No X N/A
• Education X Yes No N/A
Explain: The recommended list of Community Action Grant recipients was selected and vetted by the Measure K Subcommittee and then the full Committee. This ensures transparency and the adequate use of funding.
BUDGET
The funds allocated to the Community Action Grants Program is already accounted for in the budget.
CONCLUSION
It is recommended that the City Council Adopt Resolution No. 2026-11, A Resolution of the Council of the City of Gonzales Approving Six (6) Community Action Grants for FY 2025-2026 with Funding Allocations to Implement a Variety of Qualified Civic-Minded Community Activities.
Attachments:
1. Resolution No. 2026-11