Agenda Item: 1
CITY OF SANTA CLARITA
AGENDA REPORT
PUBLIC HEARINGS
CITY MANAGER APPROVAL:
DATE: February 25, 2025
SUBJECT: RESULTS OF THE 2025-26 COMMUNITY NEEDS ASSESSMENT
SURVEY FOR THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
GRANT PROGRAM
DEPARTMENT: Community Development
PRESENTER: Tracy Sullivan
RECOMMENDED ACTION
City Council conduct a public hearing and receive information regarding the results of the annual Community Needs Assessment Survey conducted as part of the Community Development Block Grant Program.
BACKGROUND
Each year, the City of Santa Clarita (City) receives approximately $1.4 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to assist low- and moderate-income residents in the areas of housing and expanded economic opportunities.
In order to receive CDBG funds, the City is required to develop and submit a Consolidated Plan (Con Plan), which establishes the funding priorities for a five-year period. The City’s current Con Plan covers Program Years 2024-25 through 2028-29. The City also prepares an Annual Action Plan (AAP) to detail how that year’s funding allocation will be spent to meet the priorities identified in the Con Plan. An annual needs assessment helps identify community needs and guides the development of the AAP.
Staff conducted the 2025-26 needs assessment process in the form of the online Community Needs Assessment Survey (Survey) as well as in-person outreach at events throughout the City.
The needs identified through this process are being used to develop the 2025-26 AAP, which will be presented to the City Council in a public hearing in the spring.
OUTREACH PROCESS
Staff engaged in a robust outreach process to raise awareness of the Survey and encouraged community members to participate. All material related to the Survey, such as flyers and social media content, were provided in both English and Spanish. Outreach efforts consisted of the following:
• A press release issued to local news agencies;
• An email link for the Survey sent to all current City CDBG service providers, members of the Santa Clarita Community Task Force on Homelessness, and other agency stakeholders;
• A social media campaign broadcasted on the City’s Instagram and Facebook; • A flyer distributed to City Libraries, Community Centers, Santa Clarita Sports Complex and Transit monitors;
• In-person outreach at City events and Youth Sports league games and practices; and • Collaboration with Recreation and Community Services staff who marketed the survey at Recreation events, City facilities, and via email blasts.
In-person outreach at City events included the Newhall Community Center’s Halloween Fiesta, Light Up Main Street, and Community Beautification Day held in Saugus. Staff attended a total of five Youth Sports league games and practices to speak to parents, coaches, and participating residents.
SURVEY SUMMARY
The Survey was available from October 21, 2024, through December 20, 2024, and was offered in both English and Spanish. The Survey included three categories based on the priorities outlined in the City’s current Con Plan which are 1) Affordable Housing 2) Public Services and 3) Public Facilities and Infrastructure. Respondents were asked to rate a list of needs per category based on their level of importance. In addition to scoring specific needs, respondents had the option to provide written comments.
SURVEY RESULTS
A total of 357 individuals responded to the Survey. The demographic information reflected that 34 percent of respondents reside in Valencia, 28 percent in Canyon Country, 20 percent in Saugus, 12 percent in Newhall, and 6 percent outside of City limits. Of the total participants, 53 percent stated they are between the ages of 40 and 64, while 27 percent are ages 18-39, and 17 percent are 65 years old or older. Survey respondents also identified their current employment status, with 71 percent being employed, 18 percent retired, and 5 percent currently seeking opportunities for employment. Lastly, 74 percent of participants stated they are homeowners while 20 percent identified as renters.
Respondents were asked to select the three highest needs in relation to the City’s current Con Plan priorities. Survey results concluded that the Development of Affordable Rental Housing for Seniors, Homeownership Assistance, and the Development of Affordable Rental Housing were considered to be the highest needs in relation to Affordable Housing. Participants rated Mental Health Services, Anti-Crime Programs, and Youth Activities as the highest needs for Public
Services. Youth Centers, Homeless Shelters, and Child Care Centers were considered to be the highest needs for Public Facilities and Infrastructure.
Written comments were provided by 73 individuals, with Youth Services, Senior Services, Transitional Housing, Rental Assistance, and Homeless services found to be the most commonly requested services.
NEXT STEPS
No formal action is being requested of the City Council at this time. The 2025-26 Action Plan and recommended CDBG Funding Allocations will be presented to the City Council for consideration at a public hearing to be scheduled in Spring 2025.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact associated with this item.
ATTACHMENTS
25-26 CNA Public Hearing Notice