TO:Andrew P. Powers, City Manager
FROM:Kelvin Parker, Community Development Director
DATE:May 12, 2026
SUBJECT: FY 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant Action Plan RECOMMENDATION:
1. Approve the FY 2026-27 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Action Plan for submittal to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
2. Authorize City Manager to adjust the budget and proposed allocations if HUD revises the amount of the City’s FY 2026-27 CDBG grant; and authorize City Manager to finalize and execute grant agreements and related documents in connection with FY 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan.
3. Find that the federally funded activities related to the FY 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan and other related documents qualify for a Categorical Exemption under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3), Common Sense Exemption.
LEVINE ACT ITEM: Yes
FINANCIAL IMPACT:
No Additional Funding Requested. HUD released the City’s FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant allocation of $663,654.00 on April 3, 2026. From that funding, $131,198.87 will be used to offset grant administrative costs which is included in the FY 2026- 27 General Fund Budget.
BACKGROUND:
Ventura County Regional Consolidated Plan
The 2025–2029 Regional Consolidated Plan (RCP) is a five-year plan submitted to HUD. It outlines how federal funding will be used to support housing and community development needs in the region and guides the use of the funds from the CDBG, HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME), and Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programs. The City receives CDBG funding directly as an entitlement community, while ESG funds are administered by the County of Ventura.
FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan
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The RCP was developed collaboratively with the HUD entitlement Cities of Camarillo, Oxnard, San Buenaventura, and Simi Valley, as well as the Ventura Urban County, which includes the Cities of Fillmore, Moorpark, Ojai, Port Hueneme, Santa Paula, and the unincorporated areas of Ventura County. The plan consists of three primary sections: Needs Assessment, Market Analysis, and Strategic Plan.
The RCP includes the following high priority needs for Thousand Oaks:
Development of New Affordable Housing
Housing Rehabilitation
Housing Services
Housing Stability
Homelessness
Supportive Services
Fair Housing Services
Public Facility Maintenance
In 2020, the County of Ventura formed the HOME Consortium in partnership with the Cities of Camarillo, Simi Valley, and Thousand Oaks, allowing HUD HOME funds to be managed regionally by the County of Ventura with an annual budget of $1.4 million. Prior to 2020, the City had to compete for the State HOME Program and last received a funding award in 2009.
Community Development Block Grant
Each year, HUD distributes funding to U.S. counties and cities through the CDBG Program. These funds may be used for community improvements, such as housing, public facilities, and infrastructure, as well as grants to non-profit organizations delivering public and social services to the City’s low-income residents.
Under HUD regulations, at least 70 percent of all CDBG-funded activities must primarily benefit low- and moderate-income (LMI) persons. Up to 15 percent of the annual grant may be used to provide public and social services grants. Finally, HUD regulations allow the City to use up to 20 percent of the annual grant to recover administrative costs to implement the CDBG program.
The amount of CDBG funding received by the City varies from year to year. The FY 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan was prepared based on an estimated budget of $665,000. On April 3, 2026, HUD announced the City’s actual FY 2026-27 entitlement allocation would be $663,654. In addition, $16,044.87 in unused funds from FY 2024-25 will be carried forward and added to this year’s funding. This brings the total FY 2026-27 CDBG budget to $679,698.87.
FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan
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DISCUSSION/ANALYSIS:
As an entitlement community, the City is required to prepare and submit an annual Action Plan. This plan outlines proposed expenditures for the upcoming fiscal year, which represents the second year under the five-year RCP. The Action Plan must be consistent with the adopted RCP, which identifies activities aligned with regional goals, including Improve the Supply of Affordable Housing, Increase and Improve Social Services, Work to End Homelessness, and Effective Administration, and must follow HUD regulations.
Annual Needs Assessment
The annual Community Needs Assessment was conducted over a 70-day period, from November 3, 2025, through January 14, 2026, in accordance with the City’s Citizen Participation Plan (City Council Resolution No. 2025-008). During this period, the City solicited public input and applications from community stakeholders for potential CDBG-funded activities to address unmet needs among at-risk residents in Thousand Oaks.
On November 6, 2025, the City conducted a public hearing and CDBG grant workshop in both in-person and virtual formats. Fourteen members of the public attended, representing eleven organizations. Seven individuals provided testimony during the public comment portion of the hearing or participated in the workshop discussion.
At the close of the Needs Assessment period on January 14, 2026, the City received 15 applications, including ten requests for CDBG Public Services funding and five for CDBG Community Development Projects. One of these applications was deemed incomplete and did not meet the City’s CDBG program requirements.
CDBG Grant Review Committee
The CDBG Grant Review Committee (Committee) consisted of City management staff representing the City Manager’s Office, Cultural and Community Services Department, and Finance Department.
Prior to the release of the application, the Committee assisted in developing the application materials, instructions, and evaluation criteria. Following the close of the application period, the Committee evaluated all submissions using an established scoring matrix specific to the CDBG program.
Each proposed activity was reviewed to ensure compliance with applicable federal regulations, consistency with documented community need, and readiness for timely implementation. In its evaluation, the Committee considered the priority needs identified in the RCP and the 2021–2029 Thousand Oaks Housing Element.
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Due to limited funding availability, the Committee recommended funding for organizations that provide essential, non-duplicative services, address identified local priorities, demonstrate sound financial management, and exhibit a strong understanding of HUD requirements. The Committee’s funding recommendations for inclusion in the proposed CDBG Action Plan are summarized in Attachment #1.
All newly funded activities are anticipated to commence on July 1, 2026.
Proposed FY 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan Activities
The City’s FY 2026-27 Action Plan proposes CDBG-funded activities for the second year of the RCP. The County of Ventura, as the lead agency for the HOME Consortium, will submit the required HUD documents on behalf of participating jurisdictions.
At the time the draft Action Plan was prepared for the required 30-day public review period beginning April 11, 2026, HUD had not yet issued the City’s final FY 2026- 27 CDBG entitlement allocation. Accordingly, the draft was prepared using the best information available at that time. HUD subsequently confirmed the City’s FY 2026- 27 entitlement award at $663,654 on April 3, 2026. In addition, $16,044.87 in unallocated FY 2024-25 funds will be carried forward and incorporated into the FY 2026-27 program budget. The activities proposed in the FY 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan are based on this total funding amount, as reflected in Attachment #2.
Accordingly, staff requests authorization for the City Manager to make any necessary budget adjustments and to execute grant agreements and related documents associated with implementation of the FY 2026-27 Action Plan.
CDBG Community Development Project Budget: $450,000
The City received four proposals totaling $546,000 for Community Development activities. Three applications were for housing rehabilitation, and one application was for a childcare micro-enterprise.
Following review and discussion, the Committee recommends awarding funding to the three highest-ranked Community Development Project proposals. The Many Mansions Bella Vista Walkway Renovation project and Habitat for Humanity of Ventura County home rehabilitation projects are recommended for full funding as requested. The Senior Alliance for Empowerment (SAFE) home rehabilitation project is recommended for partial funding.
The recommended applicants demonstrate a focused commitment to housing rehabilitation in Thousand Oaks, directly supporting the preservation and improvement of safe, decent housing for low- and moderate-income residents. The FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan
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applicants also demonstrate extensive experience with HUD programs and requirements. The Committee’s recommended CDBG Community Development Project allocations are summarized in Table 1.
Table 1: CDBG Community Development Projects
Agency Activity Budget
Habitat for Humanity of
Ventura County
(Habitat)
Habitat Home Repairs- HS9270 (10 units) $100,000
Many Mansions- Bella
Vista
Bella Vista Walkway Renovation-
HS9269 (72 affordable units)
$175,000
Senior Alliance for
Empowerment (SAFE)
2026 SAFE Mobile Home Rehabilitation
Project- HS9271 (15 units)
$175,000
Total Community Development Project $450,000
CDBG Public/Social Services Budget: $98,500
The City received ten applications for CDBG Public Services funding, totaling $249,980 in funding requests, representing approximately 255 percent of the estimated Public Services allocation. Due to limited funding, the top four scoring applicants are recommended for FY 2026-27 funding. The City prioritizes the local delivery of essential public and social services for individuals who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, as well as very low-income seniors and people with disabilities. The recommended activities are expected to serve approximately 629 extremely-low-, very-low-, and low-income Thousand Oaks residents, as summarized in Table 2.
Table 2: CDBG Public/Social Services
Agency Non-Homeless Programs Budget
Conejo Valley
Senior Concerns
Meals on Wheels (100 clients) BG9818 $25,000
Many Mansions Community Services to Many Mansions
residents (500 clients) BG9828
$25,000
St. Paschal Baylon /
St. Vincent de Paul
Assistance for individuals in need (20
clients) BG2029
$25,000
Total Non-Homeless Program $75,000
Agency Homeless Program Budget
Turning Point
Foundation
Our Place Safe Haven: Emergency Shelter
and Navigation Center (9 clients) BG9835
$23,500
Total Homeless Program $23,500
Total Non-Homeless and Homeless Programs $98,500
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CDBG Administration Budget: $131,198.87
For FY 2026-27, the CDBG Program Administration budget is estimated at $131,198.87, which is below the 20 percent administrative limit set by HUD.
Administrative costs include City staff support, public notice publication, printing, and related overhead expenses necessary to ensure proper monitoring and compliance with federal regulations. The City Attorney’s Office also reviews all HUD agreements before they are finalized to make sure they meet City and federal requirements. They also ensure that CDBG subrecipient contracts include the required provisions in their contracts to maintain compliance.
The budget also supports implementation of the RCP and the Analysis of Impediments to Fair Housing Choice/Affirmatively Furthering Fair Housing requirements. Additionally, funding is allocated to the County of Ventura Fair Housing Program, which provides fair housing services at no cost to Thousand Oaks residents.
Environmental Review
The recommendations were reviewed in conformance with the provisions of CEQA and City staff determined that all FY 2026-27 CDBG proposed activities and HUD related documents are exempt from CEQA pursuant to Section 15061(b)(3) of the State CEQA Guidelines, in that they are “covered by the common sense exemption that CEQA applies only to projects which have the potential for causing a significant effect on the environment.”
The recommended activities were reviewed in accordance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and implementing regulations of the U.S.
Department of Housing and Urban Development. Staff determined that all FY 2026-27 CDBG proposed activities are either Exempt or Categorically Excluded, not subject to 24 CFR § 58.5.
Housing Rehabilitation activities were reviewed under the “Categorically Excluded Subject to § 58.5 Statutory Worksheets” for the rehabilitation of single-family homes 24 CFR § 58.35(a)(3)(i) and multifamily buildings 24 CFR § 58.35(a)(3)(ii) and multifamily buildings (24 CFR Section §
58.35(a)(3)(ii)). Following completion of the required statutory checklist, the activities are converted to exempt under 24 CFR § 58.34(a)(12). Public Service activities are “Categorically Excluded Not Subject to 58.5” and are exempt under supportive (public) service under 24 CFR §
58.35(b)(2) or 24 CFR § 58.34(a)(4).
Administration is exempt from determination under 24 CFR § 58.34(a)(3).
FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan
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Community Outreach
During the drafting of the Action Plan, the City used the following methods to reach out to the community:
Legal notice in the local newspaper of record, the Ventura County Star. Prominent display ad in the Thousand Oaks Acorn, a free newspaper widely read by Thousand Oaks residents.
City’s website on the Community Development Department page.
Notices were also provided to the Area Housing Authority of the County of Ventura, and Many Mansions for distribution to their residents.
The 2026-27 Action Plan was prepared in collaboration with public and local stakeholders. The City held an administrative public hearing on November 6, 2025, and solicited public comment from November 3, 2025, through January 14, 2026.
A draft copy of the Action Plan was posted to the City’s website and available at the City Hall Community Development public counter for public review for 30 days, from April 11, 2026, to May 10, 2026. All public comments received throughout the review process, including those received at the public hearing, will be incorporated into the final Action Plan document to be submitted to HUD. All necessary information was posted on the City’s website ( https://toaks.gov/cdbg) for public access.
LEVINE ACT (California Government Code § 84308):
This item is subject to the Levine Act. City Councilmembers who have received a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) within the preceding 12 months from a party or their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant involved in this proceeding may do either of the following: (1) disclose the contribution on the record and recuse themselves from this proceeding; or if applicable (2) return the portion of the contribution that exceeds $500 within 30 days from the time the official knew or should have known about the contribution, and participate in the proceeding.
All parties and their agents/representatives must disclose on the record of this proceeding any aggregated contribution of more than $500 made to any Councilmember within the preceding 12 months (Attachment #3).
Councilmembers are prohibited from accepting, soliciting, or directing a campaign contribution of more than $500 (aggregated) from a party, their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant during a proceeding FY 2026-27 CDBG Grant Action Plan
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and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made. In addition, a party, their agent/representative, or a financially-interested participant is prohibited from contributing more than $500 (aggregated) to a Councilmember during a proceeding and for 12 months following the date a final decision is made.
COUNCIL GOAL COMPLIANCE:
Meets the following City Council goals:
A. Create a more equitable, accessible, safe, welcoming, and inclusive government and community regardless of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, physical or mental ability, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, age, language, education, and/or socio-economic status.
C. Operate City government in a fiscally and managerially responsible and prudent manner to ensure that the City of Thousand Oaks remains one of California's most desirable places to live, work, visit, recreate, and raise a family.
H. Participate in public-private and multi-jurisdictional opportunities to ensure residents have access to high levels of parks, recreation, education and leisure programs and services.
PREPARED BY: Karen Ponce, Community Development Analyst Attachments:
Attachment #1 – 2026-27 CDBG Recommended Activities Summary Attachment #2 – 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan Budget
Attachment #3 – Levine Act Disclosure Forms
Documents Provided Under Separate Cover:
#1 – 2026-27 CDBG Action Plan – https://toaks.gov/cdbg
CDD:480-10\ H:\COMMON\Housing & Redevelopment\2026 CDBG\2026 CITY COUNCIL\2026 ACTION PLAN\Staff Report Docs\Staff Report- 05-12-2026.docx