Lodi's Community Development Block Grant Program: A Comprehensive Overview (2015-2025)
Executive Summary
The City of Lodi has operated a robust Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program since 1985, focusing on enhancing quality of life for low- and moderate-income residents. The 2024 program year represents significant progress under the city's 2024-2028 Consolidated Plan, with $675,615 in federal funding supporting six strategic goals that collectively served 45,949 residents.
The program demonstrates strong performance with 75% of active programs meeting or exceeding their goals, while maintaining geographic equity through a 51% allocation to CDBG target areas and 49% to citywide activities that benefit at least 70% low-moderate income persons.
Historical Funding Analysis (2015-2025)
Funding Trends and Allocation
Lodi's CDBG funding has remained relatively stable, averaging $626,323 annually over the period examined. The 2024-25 allocation of $675,615 represents the highest funding level, while typical years receive approximately $600,000. Historical allocations include:
| Program Year | Allocation | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|
| 2015-16 | $613,405 | 60% city projects, 40% community organizations |
| 2021-22 | $668,918 | COVID-19 response programs included |
| 2022-23 | ~$600,000 | Transition to new consolidated plan |
| 2023-24 | ~$600,000 | Standard allocation level |
| 2024-25 | $675,615 | First year of 2024-2028 plan |
| 2025-26 | ~$600,000 | Projected allocation |
2024 Expenditure Analysis
The 2024 program year allocated funds across six strategic categories with Public Facilities & Infrastructure receiving the largest share at 37.8% ($255,615). The city maintained a 47.5% expenditure rate during the program year, with $321,235.11 actually spent of the $675,615 allocated.
Breakdown by Strategic Goal:
- Planning & Administration: $102,000 (15.1%) - Program oversight and compliance
- Public Facilities & Infrastructure: $255,615 (37.8%) - Graffiti abatement and ADA improvements
- Affordable Housing: $160,000 (23.7%) - Salas Park Senior development
- Public Services: $60,000 (8.9%) - Social service programs
- Fair Housing: $18,000 (2.7%) - Anti-discrimination services
- Homelessness Reduction: $30,000 (4.4%) - Shelter operations and outreach
Program Impact and Beneficiaries
Demographic Composition of Families Served
The 2024 program year assisted 4,744 households with diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds reflecting Lodi's community composition:
- White families: 3,118 (65.7%) with 1,060 identifying as Hispanic
- Hispanic families: 1,922 (40.5%) across all racial categories
- Black/African American families: 135 (2.8%) with 42 identifying as Hispanic
- Asian families: 78 (1.6%) with 28 identifying as Hispanic
- American Indian/Native families: 58 (1.2%) with 12 identifying as Hispanic
- Pacific Islander families: 10 (0.2%) with 4 identifying as Hispanic
Geographic Distribution and Target Areas
Lodi strategically distributes CDBG investments to ensure equitable access while addressing concentrated poverty. The city maintains a CDBG Target Area encompassing low-moderate income neighborhoods that received 51% of 2024 funding. This geographic focus recognizes that "areas of concentrated poverty generally have less private investment from financial institutions and less capital investment for beautification and construction initiatives".
The remaining 49% supports citywide activities serving at least 70% low-moderate income persons, ensuring broader community benefit while maintaining HUD compliance requirements.
Key Programs and Service Providers
Public Services Excellence
Eight major programs delivered services in 2024, with six meeting or exceeding performance goals:
| Program/Organization | Funding Amount | Target Population | People Served 2024 | Goal Achievement |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Graffiti Abatement (Public Facility) | $15,000 | General public - CDBG target area | 20,000 | 100% |
| Graffiti Abatement (Public Service) | $15,000 | General public - citywide | 20,000 | 100% |
| Second Harvest Food Bank | $10,000 | Low-income families, seniors, homeless | 3,703 | 106% |
| Community Partnership for Families | $25,000 | At-risk youth and families | 643 | 102% |
| Salvation Army Hope Harbor | $20,000 | Homeless individuals and families | 502 | 108% |
| LOEL Meals on Wheels | $10,000 | Homebound seniors | 98 | 102% |
| San Joaquin Fair Housing | $18,000 | Housing discrimination victims | 985 | 80% |
| PREVAIL Propel Program | $10,000 | Homeless and at-risk youth | 18 | 36% |
Key Program Achievements (2024)
- ✓ Served 45,949 people across all programs
- ✓ Assisted 4,744 households (40.5% Hispanic, 65.7% White)
- ✓ 6 out of 8 active programs met or exceeded their goals
- ✓ Graffiti abatement benefited 20,000 residents in target areas
- ✓ Food assistance programs served 3,801 individuals
- ✓ Homeless services reached 520 people through shelter and outreach
- ✓ Started predevelopment of 110 senior affordable housing units
Special Focus: COVID-19 Response (2021-22)
During the pandemic, Lodi leveraged CDBG-CV (CARES Act) funding for emergency response, including:
- Salvation Army Food Box Program: Delivered 10,553 food boxes to 1,068 residents
- Emergency Shelter Support: $5,250 to offset lost funding during COVID-related closures
- Youth Services Enhancement: Chromebooks and additional staffing for increased pandemic needs
Housing and Development Initiatives
Affordable Housing Development
Lodi's housing strategy emphasizes both preservation and new construction. The Salas Park Senior Affordable Housing Project represents the city's most significant housing initiative, featuring:
- 110 units for very low-income seniors with veteran preference
- Universal design features and energy-efficient appliances
- Community amenities including multipurpose room, kitchen, and social services offices
- Two-phase development on 3-acre city-owned parcel
The city also supports housing rehabilitation through partnerships with the Housing Authority of the County of San Joaquin (HACSJ), including ongoing Creekside South Apartments improvements.
Fair Housing and Anti-Discrimination
San Joaquin Fair Housing (SJFH) provides comprehensive services including:
- Housing counseling and discrimination complaint investigation
- Educational seminars for property managers and landlords
- Renter helpline with legal support
- 985 families assisted in 2024 (80% of goal)
Homelessness Prevention and Services
Comprehensive Approach
Lodi addresses homelessness through multiple coordinated strategies:
Direct Services:
- Hope Harbor Shelter: Overnight accommodation, meals, and case management for 502 individuals
- PREVAIL Propel Program: Street outreach for homeless and at-risk youth (18 served)
- Access Center: Temporary facility serving 80-90 people daily with wraparound services
Prevention Programs:
- Food Security: 3,801 people served through Second Harvest and LOEL programs
- Youth Support: Community Partnership for Families preventing multi-generational poverty
- Senior Stability: Meals on Wheels supporting housing stability for fixed-income seniors
Regional Coordination
The city actively participates in:
- Lodi Committee on Homelessness (LCOH): Multi-sector task force with monthly meetings
- San Joaquin Continuum of Care: Regional planning and point-in-time counts
- Emergency Food and Shelter Program Board: Coordinated resource allocation
Program Administration and Compliance
Management Structure
The CDBG program operates under professional management with:
- Neighborhood Services Manager: Strategic oversight and direction
- Program Specialist: Budget tracking, reporting, and compliance
- Contracted Consultants: Specialized expertise with 3+ years experience
- Quarterly Monitoring: Regular subrecipient check-ins and technical assistance
Performance Metrics and Accountability
The city maintains rigorous monitoring systems complying with federal regulations including 2 CFR 200.328, 2 CFR 200.331, 24 CFR 570.501, and 24 CFR 570.503(b)(1). Performance is measured through:
- Annual goal setting and outcome tracking
- Quarterly progress reporting
- Public participation processes with 30-day review periods
- HUD compliance audits and reporting
Looking Forward: 2025-2026 and Beyond
The 2025-26 program year anticipates approximately $600,000 in CDBG funding with continued focus on:
- $150,000 for capital improvements and public infrastructure
- $90,000 for public services through community-based organizations
- Continued support for affordable housing development
- Enhanced coordination with regional homelessness initiatives
The city's commitment to the CDBG program reflects its mission to "enhance the quality of life for all Lodi residents" through strategic investments that address community needs while maintaining federal compliance and accountability standards.