San Bernardino meets to discuss Community Development Block Grants

A meeting on the allocation and usage of Community Development Block Grant or CDBG funds was held last week by the City of San Bernardino.  The meeting was an opportunity to discuss applying for and distributing these funds to worthy projects and groups in the city.  This is the first time this type of meeting has been held since August of 2020.

According to a city report from the meeting, “Funds are distributed by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development.  The funds are generally used to stabilize low income areas by providing economic opportunities and eliminate blight, among other uses.”

San Bernardino has received millions of dollars in block grants over the years and they have been used in a variety of ways.

“Some of the money can be used to support local non-profits for local events, arts groups, youth sports and other general uses within the community,” said a former councilman who did not want to be named.

The councilman went on to say that the money was not always used appropriately, going to what he calls special interests with friends on the council.

These funds are also often used to provide housing and other physical needs that cities do not have the resources to pay for on their own.

According to assistant city manager Rebekah Kramer, decisions were now being made at the meeting and every expenditure will eventually have to be voted upon by the City Council.

City councilwoman Kimberly Calvin left the meeting abruptly at the outset citing unsubstantiated allegations of misconduct in the way the meeting was being held.