Santa Barbara residents are invited to share their thoughts on local housing and community development needs at three Community Development Workshops.

The events offer a chance to guide funding decisions for the Five-year Consolidated Plan using tools designed to support need-driven, place-based decisions and informed public participation.

“Community voices are vital to enhancing our neighborhoods,” the city said.

Community Development Workshops are scheduled on the following dates. Refreshments will be available for attendees. 

Wednesday, Jan. 22, 6-7 p.m.
Eastside Library’s Martin Luther King Jr. Room, 1102 E. Montecito St. 

Thursday, Jan. 23, 6:30-7:30 p.m.
Westside United Boys & Girls Club, 602 W. Anapamu St.


Friday, Jan. 24, 10-11 a.m.
David Gebhard Meeting Room 9, 630 Garden St.

The plan outlines a vision, goals and strategies for allocating grants provided by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development, the city said.

It focuses on the needs of low- and moderate-income individuals and households, as well as strategies to assist them.

Additionally, the city said, the plan addresses “special needs” identified by the federal government or locally, such as those of the elderly, persons with disabilities, homeless individuals, and others.

• Community Development Block Grant (CDBG): Potential CDBG programs include: housing rehabilitation, lead-based paint detection and removal, construction or rehabilitation of public facilities and infrastructure, and removal of architectural barriers or public services.

• HOME Investment Partnership Program: HOME funds can be used for activities that promote a suitable living environment, decent and affordable rental housing, and homeownership by low- and moderate-income households, including reconstruction, moderate or substantial rehabilitation, removal of architectural barriers and tenant-based rental assistance.