Lodi Improvement Committee - February 10, 2026

Lodi Improvement Committee — February 10, 2026 Comprehensive Report

Executive Summary

The Lodi Improvement Committee (LIC) will convene its regular meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA. This report consolidates the full meeting agenda, minutes from two January 13, 2026 meetings, detailed Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funding allocations for the 2024–25 and 2025–26 program years totaling over $1.3 million in combined federal funds, year-over-year comparisons, and the committee’s adopted 2026 goals and task assignments.

Key agenda highlights include a Conflict of Interest presentation by City Attorney Katie Lucchesi, CDBG program updates, formal adoption of 2026 annual activities, and a Vice Chair nomination and vote.

Meeting Information & Public Participation

Date/Time: Tuesday, February 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM

Location: Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi, CA

Staff Contact: Kari Chadwick, Community Development Program Specialist — (209) 333-6711

Staff Lead: Jennifer Rhyne, Neighborhood Services Manager

Public Participation Options

  • In-person at the Carnegie Forum (open per CDPH and CalOSHA guidelines)
  • Zoom Webinar — Meeting ID: 880 2451 7154 • Passcode: 191272 • Phone: 1-669-444-9171 or 1-253-215-8782 • Join via Zoom
  • EmailLICcomments@lodi.gov (received no later than 3 hours prior)
  • Mail — Community Development Department, P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241
  • Hand Delivery — 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, CA 95240 (no later than 3 hours prior)
  • LivestreamCity of Lodi YouTube Channel

Written public comments will be included in official minutes but will not be read aloud at the meeting.

February 10, 2026 Formal Agenda

# Agenda Item Details
1 Roll Call Attendance and quorum verification
2 Minutes Approval January 13, 2026 Regular Meeting and Special Meeting minutes
3 Public Comments Non-agenda items (5-minute limit per speaker)
4 Presentation Conflict of Interest by City Attorney Katie Lucchesi
5 CDBG Updates Community Development Block Grant program updates
6 2026 Annual Activities Discussion and adoption of 2026 Annual Activities and task assignments
7 Regular Business Determine topics for upcoming meetings: March — BOB’s; April — TBD
8 Committee Comments Non-agenda announcements (5-minute limit)
9 Reorganization Vice Chair Nomination and Vote
10 Adjournment  

Recent LIC Meeting Activity

January 13, 2026 — Regular Meeting

Called to order by Chair Lyndsy Davis at 6:01 p.m.

Present: Members Hayre, Castro, Hill, Geralis, Tran, and Chair Davis
Absent: Member Sharma
Staff: Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne; Administrative Assistant Jessica Pagan

  • Minutes approved from December 9, 2025 — motion by Vice Chair Hill, seconded by Castro (unanimous among those present)
  • CDBG update: Manager Rhyne announced the Capital Improvement Project grant was open through end of January; City assistance available at lodi.gov; eligible projects include roofing, security cameras, etc.
  • No public comments or committee comments on non-agenda items
  • Meeting adjourned at 6:06 p.m.

January 13, 2026 — Special Meeting (Workshop)

Called to order by Chair Davis at 6:11 p.m. with same attendees. Purpose: review 2026 key objectives and establish realistic timeframes.

  • Manager Rhyne distributed Commissioner Handbooks to all members (confirmed as most up-to-date)
  • Chair Davis provided outline of potential objectives; extensive discussion on partnerships and nonprofit organizations
  • A member of the public suggested potential partnerships and community programs, particularly for teenagers, and offered assistance
  • Committee agreed to forgo another special meeting; members will email individual tasks to Manager Rhyne for compilation into a master document before the February meeting
  • Meeting adjourned at 7:59 p.m.

CDBG Program Overview & Structure

The City of Lodi is a HUD CDBG entitlement community operating under its 2024–2028 Consolidated Plan. The LIC plays a critical oversight role in CDBG administration through three core functions:

  1. Supporting staff in implementing the City’s five-year Consolidated Plan, including conducting outreach, providing feedback on program processes, and making funding and project priority recommendations to the City Council
  2. Maintaining and improving Lodi’s quality of life and appearance through coordinated community efforts
  3. Creating and implementing annual goals and activities

Funding Allocation Guidelines:

40% of annual CDBG award (net of administrative costs) allocated to community-based organizations (CBOs); remainder to City projects

15% HUD annual cap on public services spending

20% HUD annual cap on administration (includes fair housing activities)

Public Services applications: Rolling 2-year cycle (not available in current year)

Ad hoc scoring committee: Three LIC members score Public Service funding applications

2025–26 CDBG Program Year (Current Year)

The 2025–26 Annual Action Plan is the second of five annual plans under the 2024–28 CDBG period. HUD awarded the City of Lodi $655,037 for this program year. Of that total, $633,000 was allocated, with $22,037 carrying over to the 2026–27 fiscal year for capital projects. The City received four capital project applications requesting over $419,000 and recommended partial funding of one application. City Council approved these allocations on June 18, 2025.

High-Level Fund Distribution

Category Amount Notes
Capital Projects $405,000 Includes project cost and activity delivery/admin
CBO Projects $98,000 15% HUD cap
Administration $130,000 20% HUD cap; includes fair housing
Total Allocated $633,000 $22,037 carries over to 26–27 FY

2025–26 CDBG Fund Distribution

Program Administration ($130,000)

Program Amount
Planning and Administration $95,000
San Joaquin Fair Housing – Fair Housing Services $20,000
Graffiti Abatement $15,000

City Service Programs

Program Amount
Graffiti Abatement Program (Public Services Funds) $15,000

CBO Service Programs ($83,000 Total)

Organization Program Amount
Community Partnership for Families Family Resource Center $29,500
The Salvation Army Hope Harbor Operations $17,500
PREVAIL Propel Program $16,000
Second Harvest Food Bank Food Assistance $10,000
LOEL Senior Center Meals on Wheels $10,000
Total CBO Service Programs $83,000

Three LIC members served on an ad hoc committee on April 24, 2025 to score these applications.

City Capital Projects

Program Amount
Public Works Project $235,000

CBO Capital Projects ($170,000 Total)

Organization Project Amount
DCDC/HACSJ Salas Park $130,000
Lodi House Walnut Street Project $23,000
The Salvation Army Security Project $17,000
Total CBO Capital Projects $170,000

2024–25 CDBG Program Year (Closing Out)

The 2024–25 program year ended June 30, 2025, with a total allocation of $675,615 — the highest funding level in recent years. Staff and subrecipients are working to close out this year and prepare the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).

Program Administration ($120,000)

Program Amount
Planning and Administration $102,000
San Joaquin Fair Housing – Fair Housing Services $18,000

City Service Programs

Program Amount
Graffiti Abatement Program (Public Services Funds) $15,000

CBO Service Programs ($75,000 Total)

Organization Program Amount
Community Partnership for Families Family Resource Center $25,000
The Salvation Army Hope Harbor Operations $20,000
Second Harvest Food Bank Food Assistance $10,000
LOEL Senior Center Meals on Wheels $10,000
PREVAIL (fmr. Women’s Center Youth & Family Svcs) Propel Program $10,000
Total CBO Service Programs $75,000

City Capital Projects ($230,000 Total)

Program Amount
Parks and Recreation $215,000
Graffiti Abatement $15,000
Total City Capital Projects $230,000

CBO Capital Projects

Organization Project Amount
DCDC/HACSJ Salas Park $160,000

Year-Over-Year CDBG Comparison

Several notable funding shifts occurred between the 2024–25 and 2025–26 program years:

CBO Service Programs — Year-Over-Year Comparison

CBO Service Funding Changes

Organization / Program 2024–25 2025–26 Change % Change
Community Partnership for Families $25,000 $29,500 +$4,500 +18.0%
PREVAIL (Propel Program) $10,000 $16,000 +$6,000 +60.0%
The Salvation Army (Hope Harbor) $20,000 $17,500 −$2,500 −12.5%
Second Harvest Food Bank $10,000 $10,000 $0 0%
LOEL Senior Center $10,000 $10,000 $0 0%

Key Program Changes

  • Graffiti Abatement: Reclassified from capital project ($15,000 in 24–25) to administrative line item ($15,000 in 25–26)
  • New CBO Capital Projects (2025–26): Lodi House – Walnut Street Project ($23,000); The Salvation Army – Security Project ($17,000)
  • City Capital Projects: Shifted from Parks and Recreation focus ($215,000) to Public Works Project ($235,000)
  • DCDC/HACSJ (Salas Park): Decreased from $160,000 to $130,000 (−18.8%), offset by two new CBO capital projects totaling $40,000

Capital Projects — Year-Over-Year Comparison


Fiscal Outlook & Future CDBG Allocations

2026–27 Program Year: The allocation has not yet been determined and is anticipated to be released by HUD in April or May 2026.

Historical Context: Lodi’s CDBG funding has averaged approximately $626,323 annually over the past decade. The 2024–25 allocation of $675,615 was the highest in recent years, while 2025–26 came in at $655,037.

Carryover Funds: $22,037 from 2025–26 will be applied to 2026–27 capital projects.


LIC 2026 Goals & Task Assignments

The committee adopted four major goal areas with specific owners and ongoing tasks:

Goal 1: Informational Updates

Owner: Janavi Sharma

A. CDBG Funding Awareness & Outreach

Share CDBG funding opportunity information prior to and during open application cycles to increase community awareness and nonprofit participation. Support community awareness by sharing publicly available information on timelines, workshops, and application resources.

Assignee: Janavi Sharma • Due: Ongoing

B. City Department Updates

Receive periodic updates from City departments on relevant programs and initiatives. City Staff will coordinate internally on availability.

  • Community Improvement Division (TBD)
  • Animal Services (TBD)
  • Downtown Specific Plan – Planning Division (TBD)

Goal 2: Community Well-Being

Owners: Dawson Hayre / Lyndsy Davis / Christine Tran

A. Advance Youth Programs

Youth Opportunity (Dawson Hayre) — Collaborate with Youth Commission on shared initiatives; explore partnership for community event at Lodi Lake highlighting youth-owned small businesses.

Youth Gang Prevention (Dawson Hayre) — Access to educational, workforce development, and recreational after-school opportunities.

Enhanced Youth Programs (Lyndsy Davis) — Focus on at-risk adolescent resource avenues to improve inclusivity, support, mentorship, and skill-building.

All tasks ongoing.

B. Animal Services Support

Improve animal service awareness in Lodi.

Assignee: Lyndsy Davis • Due: Ongoing

C. Earth Day Community Collaboration

Partner with local organizations, community groups, and City Committees (Parks/Rec, Youth, Arts, etc.) to support the planning and development of an Earth Day event promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and community engagement.

Assignee: Christine Tran • Due: Ongoing

Goal 3: Neighborhood Quality & Livability

Owner: Mono Geralis

A. Community Improvement

Identify and report neighborhood maintenance concerns (graffiti, alleyways, blight, lane striping, potholes, medians, lighting, crosswalk functionality, sidewalk obstructions, ADA accessibility) to the responsible Department via the City’s Report a Concern portal.

Assignee: Mono Geralis • Due: Ongoing

B. Community Resources

Utilize the Lodi Committee on Homelessness (LCOH) resource flyer to disseminate crisis and support information (emergency, mental health, substance use, domestic violence services). Work with local facilities and non-profits to establish a community event on mental health awareness.

Assignee: Mono Geralis • Due: Ongoing

C. City Beautification

Report city beautification opportunities and update the committee and public on local art installations. Support citywide beautification efforts that enhance tourism and encourage community stewardship.

Assignee: Mono Geralis • Due: Ongoing

Goal 4: Administration, Transparency & Accountability

Owners: All LIC Members / Christine Tran / Bertha Castro

A. City Council Engagement

Provide bi-annual updates to the Lodi City Council on LIC goals and activities.

  • 1st Presentation: April/May 2026 — Develop PowerPoint key points; assign LIC member(s) to present
  • 2nd Presentation: October/November 2026 — Develop PowerPoint key points; assign LIC member(s) to present

B. Public Awareness

Town Hall (Bertha Castro) — Determine location, IT capabilities, develop presentation materials; host one “town hall” public meeting (online and/or in person) providing updates on current needs, volunteer opportunities, LIC goals, or citywide initiatives.

EV Chargers (Christine Tran) — Work with Electric Utility to determine support needed for community engagement regarding EV Charging.


Committee Composition & Vacancy

The City Council on February 4, 2026 authorized posting for a vacancy and an expiring term on the Lodi Improvement Committee, allowing interested residents to apply. The February 10 agenda includes Item 9: Vice Chair Nomination and Vote, indicating a leadership transition.

Agenda Contact Kari Chadwick, Community Development Program Specialist
(209) 333-6711
Staff Lead Jennifer Rhyne, Neighborhood Services Manager
Community Development Department
Committee Chair Lyndsy Davis
Committee Vice Chair Hill (subject to Feb 10 reorganization)

Accessibility & Language Services

  • Agenda posted at least 72 hours in advance per California Government Code §54954.2(a)
  • Disability-related accommodation requests: Contact Kari Chadwick at (209) 333-6711 at least 72 hours prior
  • Language interpreter requests must be received at least 72 hours in advance
  • Solicitudes de interpretación de idiomas: Llame a Kari Chadwick (209) 333-6711

All staff reports and written documentation available at the Community Development Department, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, and online at www.lodi.gov.

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