Lodi Improvement Committee — March 10, 2026
Lodi Improvement Committee — March 10, 2026
Regular Meeting • Carnegie Forum, 305 West Pine Street, Lodi • 6:00 PM
Meeting Overview
The Lodi Improvement Committee (LIC) meets Tuesday, March 10, 2026 at 6:00 PM at the Carnegie Forum for a regular meeting featuring a youth sports presentation from BOB’s (Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports), CDBG funding updates, and formal adoption of the committee’s 2026 annual goals and task assignments. The meeting is also accessible via Zoom (Meeting ID: 880 2451 7154, Passcode: 191272) and livestreamed on the City of Lodi’s YouTube channel.
Public Comment Options: In-person, Zoom, Email (LICcomments@lodi.gov — received no later than 3 hours prior), Mail (P.O. Box 3006, Lodi, CA 95241), or Hand delivery (221 W. Pine Street).
Agenda at a Glance
| Item | Topic | Type |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Roll Call | Procedural |
| 2 | Minutes — February 10, 2026 Regular Meeting | Approval |
| 3 | Comments by the Public (Non-Agenda Items) | Public Input |
| 4 | Presentation: BOB’s Program | Informational |
| 5 | Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Updates | Report |
| 6 | LIC 2026 Annual Activities Updates & Task Assignments | Discussion/Adoption |
| 7 | Regular Business — Upcoming Meeting Topics | Planning |
| 8 | Comments/Announcements by Committee Members and Staff | Discussion |
| 9 | Adjournment | Procedural |
Committee Membership & Leadership
The committee is chaired by Lyndsy Davis, with Dawson Hayre elected Vice Chair at the February 10 meeting. Staff support comes from Neighborhood Services Manager Jennifer Rhyne and CDD Program Specialist Kari Chadwick. There is currently a vacant seat — the vacancy was expected to go before City Council on February 18 to open for applications.
Lyndsy Davis — Chair Dawson Hayre — Vice Chair Mono Geralis Janavi Sharma Christine Tran Bertha Castro Vacant Seat
Item 2: February 10, 2026 Minutes
The full minutes from the February 10 regular meeting are included in the packet for approval. Key actions and discussions from that meeting include:
Minutes Approval
January 13, 2026 Regular and Special Meeting minutes were approved with amendments regarding the Commissioner Handbook status and special meeting scheduling language.
Vice Chair Election
Dawson Hayre was unanimously elected Vice Chair (nominated by Sharma, seconded by Geralis).
Public Comment Highlights
Nancy Mellor (Arts Commission) — Invited the LIC to collaborate on art projects and city beautification.
Lisa Hill (Lodi Committee on Homelessness) — Reported that the City Council selected Outreach Ministries International as the permanent operator of the Lodi Access Center. In January alone, the center transitioned 16 clients into housing and 4 into employment. The contract exceeds $1.8 million funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (expiring 2027). LCOH meetings are held the second Thursday of each month in the Lodi Police Department Community Room.
Gavin Moran (Youth Commission) — Introduced the commission’s work: nine high school age youth members and six adult advisors. Programs include the Pigskin dance for high schools, Love Lodi participation, free CPR training (new this year), and an upcoming free family day at Lodi Lake combining games, crafts, nature education, youth resources and business fair.
Ralph Clark (Historical Guild 209) — Discussed efforts to resurrect the historic Kiddie Parade and mentioned their Facebook pages “Lodi History 411” and “209 History 411.”
Conflict of Interest Presentation
City Attorney Katie Lucchesi provided a high-level overview, noting that conflicts typically won’t affect the LIC as an advisory body unless a decision would have a direct financial benefit or detriment to a member. Committee members can hold both public office and government positions.
Item 4: Presentation — BOB’s Program
A representative from BOB’s (Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports) will present on their current programs. BOB’s is a well-established Lodi recreational youth sports organization that provides baseball, softball, and other sports for youth in Lodi and surrounding areas, with a strong emphasis on fun, inclusivity, and accessibility.
Key Program Details:
- Scholarship program ensures financial barriers don’t prevent kids from playing — applications available for families in need
- Spring 2026 season includes baseball and softball, with Opening Day on March 23, 2026
- Community fundraisers such as the 20th Annual Jerry Burns Crab Feed
This presentation aligns directly with the LIC’s 2026 Goal 2A: Advance Youth Programs, owned by Members Hayre and Davis, which focuses on collaborating with youth organizations and exploring partnerships for community events.
Item 5: CDBG Updates
The staff report from Manager Rhyne provides a comprehensive CDBG briefing covering both the current and prior program years.
2025–26 Program Year (Current)
The City of Lodi received a $655,037 CDBG award from HUD for the 2025–26 program year. The approved allocation breaks down as follows:
| Category | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Capital Projects | $405,000 | Includes project cost and activity delivery/admin |
| CBO Projects | $98,000 | 15% HUD cap on public services |
| Administration | $130,000 | 20% HUD cap; includes fair housing activities |
| Total Allocated | $633,000 | $22,037 carries over to 26–27 FY Capital Projects |
2025–26 CDBG Budget Allocation
CBO Service Program Funding Comparison
Program Administration Allocations
| Program | Amount |
|---|---|
| Planning and Administration | $95,000 |
| San Joaquin Fair Housing — Fair Housing Services | $20,000 |
| Graffiti Abatement | $15,000 |
The Graffiti Abatement Program was moved to Administration funding after it was determined it could no longer be funded under Capital projects.
Public Services Awards (CBO)
Approved by City Council on June 18, 2025:
| Organization | Program | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Community Partnership for Families | Family Resource Center | $29,500 |
| PREVAIL | Propel Program | $16,000 |
| The Salvation Army | Hope Harbor Operations | $17,500 |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | Food Assistance | $10,000 |
| LOEL Senior Center | Meals on Wheels | $10,000 |
Capital Project Awards
| Project | Type | Award |
|---|---|---|
| Public Works Project | City Capital | $235,000 |
| DCDC/HACSJ — Salas Park | CBO Capital | $130,000 |
| Lodi House — Walnut Street Project | CBO Capital | $23,000 |
| The Salvation Army — Security Project | CBO Capital | $17,000 |
The City received four applications for capital projects requesting over $419,000 and recommended partial funding of one application.
2024–25 Program Year (Closing Out)
Staff and subrecipients are working to close out the 2024–25 year (ending June 30, 2025) and preparing the Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report (CAPER).
| Category | Program | 2024–25 Award |
|---|---|---|
| Administration | Planning and Administration | $102,000 |
| Administration | San Joaquin Fair Housing | $18,000 |
| City Service | Graffiti Abatement | $15,000 |
| CBO Service | PREVAIL — Propel Program | $10,000 |
| CBO Service | LOEL Senior Center — Meals on Wheels | $10,000 |
| CBO Service | Second Harvest Food Bank — Food Assistance | $10,000 |
| CBO Service | Community Partnership for Families — Family Resource Center | $25,000 |
| CBO Service | The Salvation Army — Hope Harbor Operations | $20,000 |
| City Capital | Parks and Recreation | $215,000 |
| City Capital | Graffiti Abatement | $15,000 |
| CBO Capital | DCDC/HACSJ — Salas Park | $160,000 |
Important Reminders:
- Public Services applications are on a rolling 2-year cycle; the next application period will open at the end of 2026 for the 2027–2029 program years
- The 2026–27 annual allocation from HUD is anticipated in April/May 2026, estimated at approximately $600,000 with approximately $390,000 available for CBO capital projects and $90,000 for public services
- Staff will conduct a scoring workshop for newer committee members before the next application cycle, and the scoring rubric will be revamped to better align with applications
- Three members of the LIC met as part of an ad hoc committee on April 24, 2025 to score the Public Service funding applications
Item 6: 2026 Annual Activities & Task Assignments
This is the centerpiece item of the meeting. The packet includes the committee’s full 2026 Goals worksheet, organized into four strategic priority areas with 11 specific activities, each assigned to individual committee members. These were discussed extensively at the February 10, 2026 meeting and are now scheduled for continued discussion and formal adoption.
Priority 1: Informational Updates
Receive periodic updates from City departments on relevant programs and initiatives
1A. Informational Updates
Owner: Janavi Sharma Lyndsy Davis
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Downtown Specific Plan | Requested presentation from Planning Division | TBD | TBD |
| Community Improvement Division | Requested presentation | TBD | TBD |
1B. CDBG Funding Awareness & Outreach
Owner: Janavi Sharma
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison | Share CDBG funding opportunity information prior to and during open application cycles to increase community awareness and nonprofit participation | Ongoing | Janavi |
Priority 2: Community Well-Being
Enhance awareness of public youth programs, animal services, and environmental stewardship
2A. Advance Youth Programs
Owner: Dawson Hayre Lyndsy Davis
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Youth Opportunity | Collaborate with the Youth Commission on shared initiatives; explore a partnership for a community event at Lodi Lake highlighting youth-owned small businesses | Ongoing | Dawson |
| Youth Gang Prevention | Promote access to educational opportunities, job/workforce development, and recreational/positive after-school opportunities | Ongoing | Dawson |
| Enhanced Youth Programs | Focus on Lodi’s at-risk adolescent resource avenues to improve inclusivity, support, mentorship, and skill-building for young adults | Ongoing | Lyndsy |
2B. Animal Services Support
Owner: Lyndsy Davis Dawson Hayre
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison | Improve animal service awareness in Lodi and collaborate with community partners | Ongoing | Lyndsy |
2C. Environmentally Responsible Community Collaborations
Owner: Christine Tran
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison | Partner with local organizations (Parks/Rec, Youth, Arts, Tree Lodi, etc.) to deliver various earth-friendly events promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and community engagement | Ongoing | Christine |
Priority 3: Community Improvement
Enhance neighborhood quality, disseminate community resources, and support beautification
3A. Neighborhood Quality & Livability
Owner: Mono Geralis
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Report a Concern | Identify and communicate community 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 | Ongoing | Mono |
3B. Community Resources
Owner: Mono Geralis
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liaison | Serve as a liaison to disseminate existing crisis and support resources (emergency, mental health, substance use, domestic violence services). Utilize the LCOH resource flyer and share newly identified resources with the LCOH Chair for future updates to the resource guide. Work with local facilities and non-profits to establish a community event on awareness and available resources. | Ongoing | Mono |
3C. City Beautification
Owner: Mono Geralis Christine Tran Lyndsy Davis
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Citywide Beautification | Support citywide beautification efforts that enhance tourism and encourage community stewardship. Report beautification opportunities and update the committee and public on local art installations. | Ongoing | Mono |
| Arts Commission Liaison | Attend Arts Commission meetings and update the LIC | Ongoing | Lyndsy |
Priority 4: Administration, Transparency & Accountability
Maintain civic engagement through Council updates and public awareness
4A. City Council Engagement
Owner: All LIC Members
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Presentation | Develop PowerPoint key points and share with Staff for preparation of meeting materials. Assign LIC member(s) to present. | May — 2nd meeting | Janavi |
| 2nd Presentation | Develop PowerPoint key points and share with Staff for preparation of meeting materials. Assign LIC member(s) to present. | November — 2nd meeting | Janavi |
4B. Public Awareness
Owner: Christine Tran Bertha Castro
| Task | Description | Due | Assignee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Town Hall | Prepare and host one “town hall” public meeting (online and/or in person) providing updates on current needs, volunteer opportunities, LIC goals, or citywide initiatives. Determine location, IT capabilities, develop presentation materials. | Ongoing | Bertha |
Member Assignment Summary
| Member | Primary Roles & Assignments |
|---|---|
| Lyndsy Davis (Chair) | Enhanced Youth Programs, Animal Services Liaison, Arts Commission Liaison, Co-owner of Informational Updates |
| Dawson Hayre (Vice Chair) | Youth Opportunity, Youth Gang Prevention, Co-owner of Animal Services |
| Janavi Sharma | CDBG Outreach Liaison, City Council Presentations (1st & 2nd), Co-owner of Informational Updates |
| Mono Geralis | Report a Concern, Community Resources Liaison, Citywide Beautification |
| Christine Tran | Earth Day Collaborations Liaison, Co-owner of City Beautification and Public Awareness |
| Bertha Castro | Town Hall logistics and execution |
All task due dates are listed as Ongoing except for the City Council presentations (May and November) and the Informational Update presentations (TBD). The goals worksheet is on the March 10 agenda for formal adoption under Item 6.
Item 7: Upcoming Meeting Topics
| Month | Recommended Topic |
|---|---|
| April | Love Lodi and City Council Presentation |
| May | TBD |
Love Lodi is a community volunteer organization that coordinates service projects throughout Lodi. Love Lodi Day 2026 kicks off with projects starting at the Grape Bowl, and they also host the annual Heart of the City Gala on October 17, 2026 at Hutchins Street Square. An April LIC presentation would provide an opportunity for the committee to explore volunteer coordination and align with their beautification and community engagement goals.
Broader Context & Community Connections
Lodi Access Center Success
Outreach Ministries International, selected by City Council on a 4-1 vote with a contract exceeding $1.8 million funded by the American Rescue Plan Act (expiring 2027), has been operating the homeless resource center on North Sacramento Street since early 2025. The strong performance metrics reported in February (16 housed, 4 employed in one month) validate the LIC’s continued attention to homelessness-related goals under the Community Resources task.
2026–27 CDBG Cycle
The next CDBG application cycle is already being solicited, with an estimated $600,000 award and approximately $390,000 available for CBO capital projects and $90,000 for public services. The LIC’s role in scoring public service applications will resume in late 2026, making the upcoming scoring workshop particularly important for newer members.
Youth Commission Synergies
The Youth Commission’s planned Entrepreneur Festival (April 19) and Lodi Lake Family Day present direct collaboration opportunities with the LIC’s youth program goals. The presentation by Gavin Moran in February has already established a working relationship between the two bodies.
Committee Development
With most members being relatively new, the committee has been investing in foundational work:
- Conflict of interest training (completed February)
- Meeting facilitation workshop (forthcoming from City Attorney’s Office and City Clerk’s Office)
- Commissioner Handbook distribution
- Building governance capacity heading into 2026’s action items
Historical & Cultural Connections
Historical Guild 209’s efforts to resurrect the Kiddie Parade and maintain the Lodi History 411 and 209 History 411 Facebook pages represent grassroots historical preservation efforts that align with the LIC’s beautification and community stewardship goals.
References
- “We won’t stop”: Outreach to operate access center — Yahoo News, February 7, 2026
- Lodi Boosters of Boys/Girls Sports (BOB’s) — LodiBOBS.net
- City of Lodi Community Development Block Grant 2026–2027 — Funds for NGOs, December 11, 2025
- Love Lodi: Heart of the City Gala — Visit Lodi
- Love Lodi Projects — LoveLodi.org, February 23, 2026
- Lodi Improvement Committee — City of Lodi Official Page
- Community Development Block Grant Program — City of Lodi
Staff Contact: Kari Chadwick, Community Development Program Specialist — (209) 333-6711 | LICcomments@lodi.gov
Public Meeting Documents: Available at the Office of the Community Development Department, 221 W. Pine Street, Lodi, and at www.lodi.gov.