March 19, 2026 Community and Cultural Development Committee

COMMUNITY & CULTURAL 
DEVELOPMENT COMMITTEE MINUTES 
 
March 19, 2026 
 
The Community and Cultural Development Committee of the City of Mesa met in the Study Session 
room at City Hall, 20 East Main Street, on March 19, 2026, at 7:31 a.m. 
 
COMMITTEE PRESENT 
COMMITTEE ABSENT 
STAFF PRESENT 
 
 
 
Francisco Heredia, Chairperson 
Jennifer Duff 
Scott Somers 
None 
Candace Cannistraro 
Lauren Lowe 
Holly Moseley 
 
Chairperson Heredia conducted a roll call. 
 
1. 
Items from citizens present. 
 
 
 
There were no items from citizens present. 
 
2-a. 
Hear a presentation, discuss, and provide direction on funding recommendations for the FY 
2026/2027 and prior years' available funding for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), 
HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and 
Human Services Programs. 
 
Housing and Community Development Director Michelle Albanese introduced Housing and 
Community Development Administrator Justin Boyd and displayed a PowerPoint presentation. 
(See Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Albanese outlined the funding sources that the City of Mesa (COM) administers to support 
community needs. She noted that federal sources have certain requirements and local sources 
have regulations that must be followed. (See Page 2 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Albanese highlighted the timeline for the annual funding process, which begins in August 
and ends in March with a presentation to the Community and Cultural Development Committee 
for the review of funding recommendations. (See Page 3 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Albanese discussed the five key factors that the City takes into consideration for funding 
recommendations. (See Page 4 of Attachment 1) 
 
In response to a question from Committeemember Duff, Ms. Albanese explained that there is no 
scoring rubric for funding priorities, and funding decisions are based on how well activities align 
with the goals of Council and the community. She added that the City develops a five-year 
                                        
 
OFFICE OF THE CITY CLERK

Community & Cultural Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
 
Page 2 
 
 
community plan for federal funding that was most recently completed last year and incorporates 
input from the community and non-profit providers. 
 
Ms. Albanese commented that the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) is the most 
flexible funding source, allowing for a wide range of community development needs, but has 
significant reporting requirements. She provided an overview of the eligible activities for CDBG 
funds and stated that the majority of the applications submitted focus on homelessness and 
housing stability programs. She indicated that the CDBG funds are split into public services, 
capped at 15% of the City’s total allocations, administration receives 20%, and non-public 
service projects are capped at 60%. (See Pages 5 and 6 of Attachment 1) 
 
Responding to a question posed by Chairperson Heredia, Ms. Albanese replied that HUD does 
not allow waivers to exceed the 15% cap for allocations. She noted staff have raised concerns 
with HUD due to community needs and project timing issues but must continue to follow current 
regulations. 
 
Ms. Albanese advised that the City has not yet received its Fiscal Year (FY) 26/27 annual 
funding allocations from HUD but expects approximately $3.6 million based on the prior year’s 
funding. She identified the recommended agencies and funding amounts for both public service 
and non-public service CDBG allocations. (See Pages 7 through 9 of Attachment 1) 
 
In response to a question from Committeemember Somers, Ms. Albanese explained that the 
Emergency Repair Program provides up to $20,000 to eligible homeowners who have lived in 
their homes for at least one year to address livability issues, with air conditioning repairs being 
the most common need. She added that her department partners with the Office of Homeless 
Solutions on heat relief to provide temporary air conditioning units during the qualification 
process. She commented that the program can assist mobile homes, which are often not 
eligible for support under many other programs.  
 
Ms. Albanese reviewed the HOME Investment Partnership program and reported that in FY 
26/27, approximately $6.6 million is expected, which includes $1.5 million allocated and rollover 
funds from the previous year. She commented that the City has several projects for which 
HOME funds have been set aside and approved through prior City Council meetings. She 
highlighted the HOME recommendations for funding and the award amounts. (See Pages 10 
through 12 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Albanese explained that the Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) is the smallest funding 
source, focused on homelessness and prevention, with about $340,000 anticipated. She 
mentioned that there is a 60% cap on shelter operations when allocating funds and she 
identified the recommended agencies and funding amounts for ESG. (See Pages 13 through 15 
of Attachment 1) 
 
In response to a question from Committeemember Somers, Ms. Albanese clarified that while 
shelters can apply for ESG funds, allocations for shelter operations cannot exceed the 60% cap. 
 
Ms. Albanese summarized the local funding sources, noting that Human Services funds come 
from the General Fund and A Better Community (ABC) funds are generated through donations. 
She outlined eligible activities and the estimated ESG funding available for FY 26/27. She 
stated that based on the recommendations at the last Community and Cultural Development 
(CCD) Committee meeting, the Human Services funding recommendations include a $547,163

Community & Cultural Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
 
Page 3 
 
 
set-aside for the COM Off the Streets Program. She also reviewed ABC donations and the three 
agencies recommended for funding, noting that award amounts are based on scoring. (See 
Page 16 through 19 of Attachment 1)   
 
Ms. Albanese identified the next steps, including a proposed submittal to HUD on May 15, 
contingent on receipt of the final funding allocation; otherwise, the submission will be delayed 
until the allocation is received. (See Page 20 of Attachment 1) 
 
Ms. Albanese shared a slide highlighting different activities and programs that the City has 
funded over the year.  (See Page 21 of Attachment 1) 
 
Deputy City Manager Candace Cannistraro explained that Human Services and ABC funds are 
not subject to HUD requirements or timelines and can be adjusted based on Council’s direction. 
She commented that changes to federal funding must follow HUD processes, but local funding 
changes can be returned to the Committee or be directed by Council. She noted that funds set 
aside for the Off the Streets program could be reallocated if alternative funding is identified. 
 
Responding to a question from Committeemember Duff, Ms. Cannistraro confirmed that CDBG 
dollars must comply with HUD standards.  
 
Ms. Cannistraro stated that the direction of the Committee is to forward these recommendations 
to the full Council.  
 
Chairperson Heredia thanked staff for the presentation. 
 
3. 
Adjournment. 
 
Without objection, the meeting adjourned at 7:52 a.m. 
 
I hereby certify that the foregoing minutes are a true and correct copy of the minutes of the Community 
and Cultural Development Committee meeting of the City of Mesa, Arizona, held on the 19th day of 
March 2026. I further certify that the meeting was duly called and held and that a quorum was present. 
 
 
 
 
__________________________________ 
 
 
   HOLLY MOSELEY, CITY CLERK 
 
lr 
(Attachments – 1)

FY 2026/2027 
Annual Funding Recommendations 
Community and Cultural Development Committee 
Michelle Albanese, Housing and Community Development Director
Justin Boyd, Housing and Community Development Administrator
March 19, 2026
1
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 1 of 22

HUD and Local 
Funding Sources

Federal Programs: Community 
Development Block Grant (CDBG)

HOME Investment Partnerships Program 
(HOME)

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)

Local Programs: Human Services and A 
Better Community (ABC)
2
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 2 of 22

Timeline
Aug.
NOFO Published
Funding Info Distributed
Sept.
Funding Kick Off
Oct.
Applications Due
Internal Review & 
Eligibility
Nov.
Community Development 
Staff Scores Due 
Dec.
Agency Presentations
HCDAB Scores Due
Jan.
Funding Spreadsheet & 
Scores Finalized
Funding 
Recommendations 
Completed
Feb.
Meet with City Manager
Mar.
CCD March 12 & 19, 2026
3
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 3 of 22

Funding Considerations
City Council 
Strategic Priorities
Eligible Activity
Regulatory 
Compliance
Agency Capacity
HCDAB & Staff 
Scoring
4
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 4 of 22

Community Development Block Grant (CDBG)
CDBG is a federal HUD program that provides flexible 
funding to cities to address community development 
needs.
Funds primarily benefit low- and moderate-income 
residents.
Typical uses include housing rehabilitation, public facility 
improvements, neighborhood infrastructure, and limited 
public services.
5
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 5 of 22

Eligible CDBG Activities
Public Service Activities (subject to 15% cap):
Homeless services and housing stability programs
Senior services, youth programs, and food assistance
Case management and supportive services
Non-Public Service Activities:
Housing rehabilitation programs
Public facility and accessibility improvements
Neighborhood infrastructure improvements (sidewalks, 
lighting, drainage)
Code enforcement and blight removal
Economic Development
6
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 6 of 22

FY 26/27 Estimated Funding Available vs. Requested
CDBG  
$3,675,410
Requested 
$3,142,909
7
CDBG Administration (≤20%): $2,940,328
CDBG Public Service Allocation (15%): $551,312
CDBG Non-Public Service Allocation: $2,389,016
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 7 of 22

CDBG Public Services
8
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
Family Promise - Greater Phoenix
Mesa Family Shelter Program
$                              85,820 
Child Crisis Arizona
Early Education Services for Low-Income Mesa Families
$                              80,000 
Central Arizona Shelter Services (CASS)
Emergency Shelter for Mesa Adults & Seniors - Single Adult 
Shelter &The Haven Senior Shelter
$                              63,191 
A New Leaf
Housing Support Services - La Mesita & Desert Leaf
$                              51,703 
COM - Office of Homeless Solutions
Navigation Services
$                            292,526 
Total 
$                            573,240 
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 8 of 22

CDBG Non-Public Services
9
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
City of Mesa (Set Aside)
Emergency Rehabilitation Program
$                        2,389,017 
Total
$                        2,389,017 
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 9 of 22

HOME Investment Partnerships Program
HOME is HUD’s primary program for creating and preserving 
affordable housing.
Funds support development and rehabilitation of affordable 
rental housing.
Additional uses include homebuyer assistance and tenant-based 
rental assistance for low-income households.
10
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 10 of 22

FY 26/27 Estimated Funding Available vs. Requested
HOME  
$6,618,404
Requested 
$6,546,650
11
HOME Administration (≤10%): $6,148,909
Less 15% CHDO Set-Aside (15%): $6,129,513
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 11 of 22

HOME Investment Partnership Program
12
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
City of Mesa (set-aside)
Rental and Utility Deposit Program
$                            400,000 
A New Leaf
La Mesita Phase 4 Construction
$                        2,673,350 
Total $                        3,073,350 
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 12 of 22

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) 
ESG supports a community’s homelessness response system.
Funds may be used for emergency shelter operations, rapid 
rehousing, and homelessness prevention.
Programs also support street outreach and coordinated entry 
services.
13
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 13 of 22

FY 26/27 Estimated Funding Available vs. Requested
ESG        
$340,016
Requested 
$440,153
14
ESG Administration (≤7.5%): $314,515
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 14 of 22

Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG)
60% Cap on Shelter Services Operations
15
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
Save the Family Foundation of Arizona
Rapid Rehousing for Mesa Families
$                            110,505 
Tempe Community Action Agency (TCAA)
I-HELP Emergency Shelter
$                              40,000 
A New Leaf
East Valley Men's Center
$                            164,010 
Total
$                            314,515 
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 15 of 22

Human Services and A Better Community 
(ABC) 
Human Service Activities

Crisis Services
Prevention & Early Intervention Services
Transitional Services
Long-Term Support
Human Service Funding
Local funding supporting human services activities.
ABC
Donated funding supporting human services activities.
16
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 16 of 22

FY 26/27 Estimated Funding Available vs. Requested
Human 
Services/ABC 
$651,663
Requested 
$1,197,171.98
17
Human Services Allocation: $547,163
ABC Allocation: $104,500
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 17 of 22

Human Services Funds
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
City of Mesa 
Off The Streets Program 
$                            547,163 
Total $                            547,163 
18
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 18 of 22

A Better Community (ABC)
Agency
Project Name
Recommended Award
Valley of the Sun YMCA
Pathways to Success: Quality Childcare & Early Education for 
Every Family - Ross Farnsworth 
$                              35,000 
House of Refuge, Inc.
Transitional Housing for Homeless Families
$                              50,000 
Arizona Brainfood
Weekend Food Bags
$                              19,500 
Total $                            104,500 
19
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 19 of 22

Next Steps
20
March 26, 
2026 Study 
Session
March 30, 
2026 
(tentative) 
30-Day Public 
Comment 
Period
May 4, 2026 
City Council 
Approval
May 15, 
Funding 
Submittal to 
HUD
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 20 of 22

Thank you...
21
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 21 of 22

Questions? 
21
Community and Cultural 
Development Committee 
March 19, 2026 
Attachment 1 
Page 22 of 22