HomeMy WebLinkAboutItem 6c - Consideration of the 2026-27 Human Services Grant Funding Priorities and Information Item 6c
Department: Administration
Cost Center: 1010
For Agenda of: 10/21/2025
Placement: Consent
FROM: Greg Hermann, Deputy City Manager
Prepared By: Samantha Vethavanam, Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Admin Specialist
SUBJECT: CONSIDERATION OF THE 2026-27 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT
FUNDING PRIORITIES AND INFORMATION
RECOMMENDATION
As recommended by the Human Relations Commission, approve the Human Services
Grant funding priorities and information for the 2026 -27 funding year.
POLICY CONTEXT
The purpose of the Human Relations Commission is to advise and make
recommendations to the City Council and the City Manager which promote and advance
inclusion, mutual understanding, respect, and equitable treatment of all San Luis Obispo
community residents. The City’s biennial review of the Human Services Grant program
provides the Human Relations Commission and the community with the opportunity to
provide early input into the grant program to ensure alignment with current community
needs. Establishing funding priorities and requirements is an essential step in the grant
process, which helps to ensure a transparent, equitable, and intentional application
process.
DISCUSSION
Background
The City’s Human Services Grant (HSG) program, previously called Grants-in-Aid, is a
competitive grant program that provides financial support to non-profit organizations that
promote the economic and social well-being of the community. Applications requesting
funding must include a program, project, or initiative tied to at least one funding priority,
with the main funding priority taking precedence. For the 2025-26 funding year, the main
funding priority was:
Homelessness prevention, including affordable, alternative, transitional housing,
and supportive services
To allow more flexibility for applicants, the grant had additional secondary funding
priorities, which would only receive funding if all qualified applicants who met the main
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Item 6c
priority were allocated funding first. The secondary priorities included (not listed in order
of importance):
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized
communities, including access to language services
Attachment A includes the full funding priorities and information for the 2025 -26 Human
Services Grant cycle.
Human Services Grant 2026-27 Updates
To better support the City Council’s direction regarding the main funding priority, the
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reviewed and updated the Human Services Grant
funding priorities and information that were used for the 2025-26 cycle, in advance of the
upcoming 2026-27 cycle. These revisions were shared with the Human Relations
Commission (HRC) in two separate meetings, August 6, 2025 and September 3, 2025.
In these meetings, HRC provided their recommended edits which have been incorporated
in Attachment B.
Next year, the HSG funding priorities and information will go through a review and update
process again in advance of the 2027-28 grant cycle and those revisions will be effective
through the 2027-29 Financial Plan to ensure consistency with Council goals, after which
the priorities will continue to be approved in alignment with future financial plans.
While homelessness prevention remains a core focus, the proposed updated guidelines
expand eligible funding uses to include related services such as outreach, emergency
shelter, and hygiene services for people experiencing homelessness. Through these
changes, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is working to ensure that HSG
funding directly supports efforts to both prevent and address homelessness. The
proposed revised main funding priority is:
For the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, the main funding priority for the City of San Luis Obispo
will be preventing and addressing homelessness. More specifically, the City will
prioritize funding services that do the following (not listed in order of importance):
Provide permanent housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve
those experiencing homelessness
Provide homelessness prevention activities that can prevent homelessness or
serve those experiencing homelessness
Provide interim housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
Provide non-housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
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Item 6c
Attachment B includes more information about each funding category listed above. The
revisions to the main funding priority largely mirror an existing homelessness and housing
related state grant called the Homeless Housing, Assistance and Prevention (HHAP)
Grant through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
The following secondary funding priority areas include (not listed in order of importance):
Hunger and malnutrition prevention
Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
Services for seniors, veterans, and/or people with disabilities in need
Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services
Furthermore, the Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion made updates to the Funding
Requirements, Funding Applicant Criteria, and Additional Funding Information in the
funding priorities and information document (included as Attachment B). This information
will constitute the Notice of Funding Availability when posted. These updates include:
Including the federal definitions of “homelessness”, “at risk of homelessness”, and
“supportive services” that applicants must adhere to when designing grant
applications that address homelessness.
Specifying that, while grant funding should primarily serve City residents, 100% of
the funded activities must occur within the City of San Luis Obispo.
Clarifying requirements around partnership applications, i.e., when two or more
organizations apply together for a program, project, or initiative that they plan to
implement together. These clarifications include specifying that there must be a
lead applicant who is an eligible entity and who will act as the fiscal agent, and that
all parties must enter into the required contract with the City.
The last two updates listed above are also in alignment with the City’s DEI High Impact
Grant funding requirements.
Human Services Grant Process
The steps in the review process for the HSG program are as follows:
1. Staff Review of Current Information: During the summer of 2025, staff from the
Office of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion reviewed the current information and
made updates to clarify and streamline the process.
2. HRC Review of Grant Program Information: The HRC then conducted a review of
the proposed revisions to the HSG funding priorities and information on August 6,
2025, and provided additional recommended edits to staff.
3. HRC Community Needs Grant Workshop: The HRC hosted a Community Needs
Grant Workshop on September 3, 2025, to inform the public about the proposed
updates to the HSG program and receive community feedback. HRC provided a
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Item 6c
few additional edits and approved the recommended revised HSG funding
priorities and information with the edits. Draft minutes from this meeting can be
found in Attachment C.
4. City Council Approval of 2026-27 HSG Funding Priorities and Information: The City
Council will review the recommended HSG funding priorities and information at the
October 21, 2025 Council meeting and approve or amend them before they take
effect for the 2026-27 grant cycle.
5. HRC Preliminary Funding Recommendation & Public Hearing: Upon receipt and
review of the applications for the 2026-27 grant cycle, the HRC will hold a public
hearing at the April 1, 2026 meeting to hear the preliminary funding
recommendations from the HRC Review Subcommittee. Community members can
provide public input to the HRC during this time. At the end of the hearing, the HRC
will vote on their final funding recommendations to be presented to Council for
approval.
6. City Council Approval of Final Recommendations: City Council will review and
approve the final funding recommendations for the 2026-27 HSG in May 2026.
Previous Council or Advisory Body Action
The HRC conducted a review of the HSG program language and priorities in August and
September of 2024. The revised funding priorities were sent to City Council on November
19, 2024, for review, which were subsequently approved on consent.
Public Engagement
As previously noted, the HRC hosted a Community Needs Grant Workshop to get public
feedback on the revised HSG funding information and priorities. Notice about this
workshop was emailed to community partners one week in advance of the HRC meeting.
Additionally, during the August 6, 2025 HRC meeting, staff mentioned the HSG funding
priorities and information would be reviewed again in September during the workshop.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
The California Environmental Quality Act does not apply to the r ecommended action in
this report, because the action does not constitute a “Project” under CEQA Guidelines
Sec. 15378, as the grant funding disbursements will not result in either a direct physical
change in the environment or a reasonably foreseeable indi rect physical change in the
environment. Specific projects funded by the grants may be subject to environmental
review or exemption therefrom.
FISCAL IMPACT
Budgeted: Yes Budget Year: 2026-27
Funding Identified: Yes
Fiscal Analysis:
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Item 6c
Funding
Sources
Total Budget
Available
Current
Funding
Request
Remaining
Balance
Annual
Ongoing
Cost
General Fund $150,000 $150,000 $ $
State
Federal
Fees
Other:
Total $150,000 $150,000 $ $
The City budgets $150,000 annually from the General Fund to the HSG program.
Establishing funding priorities and information does not have an immediate fiscal impact
but will aid the HRC in providing a recommendation on how to allocate said funds to
Council for final approval.
ALTERNATIVES
1. The Council could revise and adopt different funding priorities and information.
If Council decides to revise and adopt different funding priorities and information for
the upcoming Human Services Grant, staff would request specific guidance on final
funding priorities and information during the Council meeting.
2. The Council could continue consideration of the funding priorities and
information. If Council decides to continue consideration of the funding priorities and
information for the upcoming Human Services Grant, Council should provide direction
to staff regarding additional information needed to make a decision. This may delay
the timeline for posting the Notice of Funding Availability for the grant.
3. The Council could provide direction to the HRC to consider alternative changes
to the funding priorities and information. If Council decides to provide direction to
the HRC to amend the funding priorities and information, Council would need to
continue consideration of the item and provide direction to the HRC. This may delay
the timeline for posting the Notice of Funding Availability for the grant.
ATTACHMENTS
A - 2025-26 Human Services Grant Funding Information and Priorities
B - Revised 2026-27 Human Services Grant Funding Information and Priorities
C - Human Relations Commission September 3, 2025 Approved Minutes
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2025-26 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information – Final
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant
(HSG) Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic
and social well-being of its citizens.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
For the 2025-26 Fiscal Year, the main funding priority is:
Homelessness prevention including affordable, alternative, transitional housing, and
supportive services.
Secondary Funding Priorities:
The following secondary funding priorities areas are not listed in order of importance and may
receive funding if available:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services.
The Human Relations Commission will first fund all qualified applications that meet the
main funding priority. After qualified main priority applications are funded, the HRC will
consider applications for the secondary funding priorities.
FUNDING EXAMPLES
Examples of previous funded projects, programs, and activities include:
• Direct rental assistance and relocation stabilization housing services.
• Direct financial assistance to residents at risk of being evicted or need support securing
housing with first month’s rent or security deposit.
• Direct financial support to secure and maintain permanent housing for youth and
families.
• Funding support for transitional housing and incentives.
• Residential advocacy, facility monitoring visit, complaint investigations and resolution for
older adults in long term care facilities.
• Cover costs of relocation expenses to independent living conditions after treatment.
• Provide food, household supplies, rent, and transportation cost for the older adult
population.
• Provide access to showers, clothing, and shower items to individuals experiencing
homelessness.
• Direct rental assistance to individuals with various backgrounds, including mix-status
and undocumented individuals as member of at -large communities of SLO.
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FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Applicants must submit a complete application package and within the deadline.
1.1 One-page DEI Statement that includes:
1.1.1 Applicant’s understanding and application of DEI concepts/values
1.1.2 Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging to all
community members.
1.1.3 Explain how the proposal will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
1.2 One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested
will be allocated.
1.3 Organizational chart
1.4 Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2 Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications will not
be considered.
3
Grant recipients must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment
within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless of
race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or economic
status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
4 Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG funds,
located HERE.
5 Grant recipients must complete periodic reports and provide them timely.
6
Grant recipients must submit a final report at the end of the project/service or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients are expected to return unused
funds.
7
Grant-funded programs must be available to all City residents, without regard to the
resident’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental,
or economic status.
FUNDING APPLICANTS CRITERIA
1 Grants are made only to non-profit organizations.
2
Applications for a specific program, project, equipment need, or general operational
support will be considered if the organization’s mission falls under the main funding
priority.
3 Grants are primarily made to organizations serving residents in the City of San Luis
Obispo.
4 Agencies serving residents in neighboring communities, also serving a significant
number of City residents will be considered.
5 Organizations that received previous HSG funding must be in good standing and have
complied with all reporting requirements.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING INFORMATION
1 Applicants’ minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum request of $20,000.
2 A maximum of one (1) grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a
collaborative project).
3 Funding may be used for new (innovative) or existing projects, programs, concepts, or
initiatives that have proven success and/or utilize best practices or approaches.
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4 Projects, programs, concepts, and initiatives that leverage existing or other funding
sources to supplement proposal are highly encouraged.
5 Consideration may be provided to proposals who have matching grants secured.
6 Consideration may be provided to applicants whose ongoing fundraising and services
were severely impacted by COVID-19 and not recouped by other means.
7 Consideration may be provided to applicants who train or support service providers to
expand scope of services and/or increase the numbers of clients.
8 Consideration may be provided to applicants who initiate a new, ongoing funding source
for the organization.
9 Consideration may be provided to applicants who direct services efficiently to needy
residents with low overhead and administrative costs.
PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS
1 Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting political
causes, entities, ballot measures, or candidates.
2
Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting religious
causes, entities, individuals, or activities. Funding CANNOT be used of the purpose of
disseminating religious information.
3 Funds CANNOT be used for profit or personal gain.
FUNDING DECISIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will exercise discretion when developing
funding recommendations.
The HRC will review, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, all
applications (that are completed, timely submitted, and met the funding criteria) and develop
funding recommendations based on the answers and attestations provided in each application,
and guidance and direction from City Council. Please be as specific and detailed in your
applications. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Grants are
awarded by available funding for current grant cycle. Previous grant awards do not
guarantee continued funding. This is a competitive grant.
The HRC encourages organizations that take new, creative approaches to solving the
most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
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2026-27 Human Services Grant (HSG) Program
Grant Information – Final Draft – Updated 9/3/25
PURPOSE
The City of San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission (HRC) Human Services Grant (HSG)
Program provides financial support to non-profit organizations that promote the economic and
social well-being of its citizens.
FUNDING PRIORITIES
Main Funding Priority:
For the 2026-27 Fiscal Year, the main funding for the City of San Luis Obispo will be preventing
and addressing homelessness. More specifically, the City will prioritize funding services that do
the following (not listed in order of importance):
• Provide permanent housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
• Provide homelessness prevention activities that can prevent homelessness or serve
those experiencing homelessness
• Provide interim housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
• Provide non-housing solutions that can prevent homelessness or serve those
experiencing homelessness
Category 1: Permanent Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Rapid Rehousing/Rental
Subsidies
Rental subsidies; landlord incentives (such as security
deposits, holding fees, funding for needed repairs, landlord
relationship management costs); and move-in expenses.
Operating Subsidies for
Permanent Housing
Operating subsidies in new and existing affordable or
supportive housing units serving people experiencing or at risk
of homelessness, new or existing residential care facilities.
Permanent Housing Services
and Services Coordination
Supportive services for people in Permanent Housing,
including, but not limited to, intensive case management;
coordination of mental health, substance use, or primary care
treatment; other evidence-based supportive services.
Category 2: Homelessness Prevention Activities
Eligible Use Category Examples
Prevention and Diversion
In addition to rapid rehousing and rental subsidies,
prevention programs that prioritize households with incomes
at or below 30% AMI; problem solving and diversion support
programs that prevent people at risk or recently experiencing
homelessness from entering homelessness (such as legal
aid).
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Category 3: Interim Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Interim Housing/Motel or
Hotel Vouchers
Operating expenses for congregate and non-congregate
shelters, emergency shelters, and transitional housing;
vouchers for motels or hotels for short-term stays for people
experiencing homelessness.
Interim Housing Services and
Services Coordination
Supportive services for people in Interim Housing, including,
but not limited to, intensive case management; housing
navigation; coordination of mental health, substance use, or
primary care treatment; other evidence-based supportive
services.
Category 4: Non-Housing Solutions
Eligible Use Category Examples
Services and services
coordination
Street outreach; engagement services; case management;
housing navigation; hygiene services; harm reduction
services; etc.
Operating or administrative
costs for organization
Includes costs incurred to administer homeless services to
City residents, such as salaries, office supplies, rent, etc.
Secondary Funding Priorities:
The following secondary funding priority areas are not listed in order of importance and may not
receive funding:
• Hunger and malnutrition prevention
• Supportive physical and mental health services for those in need
• Services for seniors, veterans, and/or people with disabilities in need
• Supportive, developmental, and care services for children and youth in need
• Services encouraging diversity, equity, and inclusivity in marginalized communities,
including access to language services
The Human Relations Commission will first fund all qualified applications that meet the
main funding priority. After qualified main priority applications are funded, the HRC will
consider applications for the secondary funding priorities.
FUNDING EXAMPLES
Examples of previously funded projects, programs, and activities include:
• Direct rental assistance and relocation stabilization housing services.
• Direct financial assistance to residents at risk of being evicted or needing support to secure
housing with the first month’s rent or security deposit.
• Direct financial support to secure and maintain permanent housing for youth and families.
• Funding to support transitional housing and incentives.
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• Providing access to showers, clothing, and shower items to individuals experiencing
homelessness.
• Residential advocacy, facility monitoring visits, complaint investigations, and resolution for
individuals in long term care facilities.
• Covering costs of relocation expenses to independent living conditions after treatment.
• Providing food, household supplies, rent, and transportation cost services targeting the
older adult population.
FUNDING REQUIREMENTS
1 Applicants must submit a complete application package within the deadline.
1.1 One-page DEI Statement that includes:
1.1.1 Applicant’s understanding and application of DEI concepts/values.
1.1.2 Affirming language that creates access and a sense of belonging to all
community members.
1.1.3 Explain how the proposal will advance DEI in the City of SLO.
1.2 One-page detailed budget for the proposal including how the total amount requested
will be allocated.
1.3 Organizational chart
1.4 Document certifying Federal Tax-Exempt Status
2 Applications must be submitted through the online portal. Incomplete applications will
not be considered.
3
Grant recipients must comply with the HRC Bylaws which are to create an environment
within the City in which all persons can enjoy equal rights and opportunities regardless
of race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, physical, mental, or
economic status. HRC Bylaws can be found on the City’s website HERE.
4 Grant recipients must enter into a contract with the City prior to receipt of HSG funds,
located HERE.
5 Grant recipients must complete periodic reports and provide them on a timely basis.
6
Grant recipients must submit a final report at the end of the project/service or at 12
months from start, whichever comes first. Grant recipients are expected to return unused
funds.
7
Grant-funded programs must be available to all City residents, without regard to the
resident’s race, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, or physical, mental,
or economic status.
8
Grant recipients must adhere to the following definitions when designing grant
applications:
1. People literally experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness
are defined under 24 CFR Section 578.3.
2. Supportive services are defined under 24 CFR Section 578.53.
FUNDING APPLICANT CRITERIA
1 Grants are made only to 501(c)(3) organizations. Organizations without this status will
need to partner with a 501(c)(3) as the lead applicant.
2 100% of the funded activities must occur in the City of San Luis Obispo.
3
Funded activities must primarily serve City residents. Applicants that provide services
to neighboring communities, but also serve a significant number of City residents, will be
considered.
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4 Organizations that received previous HSG funding must be in good standing and have
complied with all reporting requirements.
ADDITIONAL FUNDING INFORMATION
1 Applicants may submit a minimum request of $5,000 and a maximum request of
$20,000. If applying in a partnership, the maximum request amount will be $40,000.
2 A maximum of one (1) grant award is allowed per organization (or per partnership if a
collaborative project).
3
If applying in a partnership, a lead organization must be identified in the application. The
lead organization must be an eligible entity and must act as the fiscal agent. All parties
must enter into the contract.
4 Projects, programs, concepts, and initiatives that leverage existing or other funding
sources to supplement proposal are highly encouraged.
5 Consideration may be provided to proposals who have matching grants secured.
6 Consideration may be provided to projects/programs that have low overhead and
administrative costs.
PROHIBITED USE OF FUNDS
1 Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, campaigning, advocating, promoting, or
highlighting political entities, ballot measures/initiatives, or candidates.
2
Funds CANNOT be used for advancing, advocating, promoting, or highlighting religious
causes, entities, individuals, or activities. Funding CANNOT be used for the purpose of
disseminating religious information in any form.
3 Funds CANNOT be used for profit or personal gain.
FUNDING DECISIONS
The Human Relations Commission (HRC) will exercise discretion when developing funding
recommendations.
The HRC will review, with support from the Office of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion, all applications
(that are completed, timely submitted, and meet the funding criteria) and develop funding
recommendations based on the answers and attestations provided in each application, with
guidance and direction from City Council. Please be as specific and detailed in your applications
as possible. Recommendations will be presented to the City Council for approval. Final funding
decisions are at the sole discretion of the City Council. Grants are awarded by available funding
for current grant cycle. Previous grant awards do not guarantee continued funding. This is
a competitive grant process.
The HRC encourages organizations to take innovative, creative approaches to solving
the most prevalent health & human service needs in our community!
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1
Human Relations Commission Minutes
September 3, 2025, 5:00 p.m.
Council Hearing Room, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo
Human Relations
Commissioners
Present:
Commissioner Stephanie Carlotti, Commissioner Vincent
DeTurris, Commissioner Esmeralda Parker, Commissioner Jenn
Fields, Vice Chair Catuih Campos, Chair Angie Kasprzak
City Staff Present: Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon, Diversity,
Equity, & Inclusion Administrative Specialist Samantha
Vethavanam
_____________________________________________________________________
1. CALL TO ORDER
A Regular Meeting of the San Luis Obispo Human Relations Commission was
called to order on September 3, 2025 at 5:04 p.m. in the Council Hearing Room
at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, by Chair Kasprzak.
2. PUBLIC COMMENT FOR ITEMS NOT ON THE AGENDA
Public Comment:
None.
--End of Public Comment--
3. CONSENT
3.a CONSIDERATION OF MINUTES - AUGUST 6, 2025 HUMAN
RELATIONS COMMISSION MINUTES
Public Comment:
None.
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Commissioner Fields
Second By Vice Chair Campos
To approve the Human Relations Commission Minutes of August 6, 2025.
Ayes (6): Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner
Parker, Commissioner Fields, Vice Chair Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
CARRIED (6 to 0)
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2
4. BUSINESS ITEMS
4.a REVIEW OF THE 2024-25 HUMAN SERVICES GRANT YEAR-END
REPORTS
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon presented the report
and responded to inquiries.
Public Comment:
Karen Jones
--End of Public Comment--
The Human Relations Commission reviewed the 2024-25 Human Services
Grant year-end reports, and they were received and filed.
5. PUBLIC HEARINGS
5.a ANNUAL COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT COMMUNITY
NEEDS WORKSHOP
Assistant Planner Ethan Estrada presented the staff report and responded
to inquiries.
Public Comment:
Sam Gottlieb
--End of Public Comment--
Motion By Commissioner Parker
Second By Vice Chair Campos
To approve the CDBG funding priorities are presented during the
Community Needs Grant Workshop.
Ayes (6): Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner
Parker, Commissioner Fields, Vice Chair Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
CARRIED (6 to 0)
5.b HUMAN SERVICES GRANT COMMUNITY NEEDS GRANT WORKSHOP
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon presented the staff
report and responded to inquiries.
Public Comment:
Sam Gottlieb
Karen Jones
Juliane McAdam
--End of Public Comment--
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3
Motion By Commissioner Carlotti
Second By Commissioner DeTurris
The Human Relations Commission provided input for modifications to the
Human Services Grant funding priorities and information for 2026-27 and
approved the document with the modifications discussed.
Ayes (6): Commissioner Carlotti, Commissioner DeTurris, Commissioner
Parker, Commissioner Fields, Vice Chair Campos, and Chair Kasprzak
CARRIED (6 to 0)
6. COMMENT AND DISCUSSION
6.a STAFF & COMMISSIONER UPDATES AND AGENDA FORECAST
Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Manager Matt Pennon and Diversity, Equity,
& Inclusion Admin Specialist Sam Vethavanam provided the following:
• DEI SLO Business Grantee highlights continue to be posted.
• Commissioners will be reviewing the 2024-25 DEI High Impact
Grant mid-year reports at the October meeting.
• The 2025-26 DEI High Impact Grant application period just closed
and 20 applications were received.
• The City’s Title VI Plan was approved by City Council on
September 2, 2025.
• The Office of DEI will be presenting at the Latino Outreach Council
on September 11, 2025.
• Staff from the Office of DEI went on a ride-along with the Long Term
Care Ombudsman.
Commissioner DeTurris provided an update that he has requested a leave
of absence for October, November, and December,
Commissioner Fields provided an update on SLO Climate Coalition events
in the month of September.
Chair Kasprzak provided an update on an event for the SLO Tenants
Union and an event for Transitions Mental Health Association.
7. ADJOURNMENT
The meeting was adjourned at 6:03 p.m. The next Regular Meeting of the Human
Relations Commission is scheduled for October 1, 2025 at 5:00 p.m. in the
Council Hearing Room at City Hall, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo.
APPROVED BY HUMAN RELATIONS COMMISSION: XX/XX/2025
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