HomeMy WebLinkAboutCSBG Funding - City of SLO Letter of SUPPORTCity of San Luis Obispo, Office of the City Council, 990 Palm Street, San Luis Obispo, CA, 93401-3249, 805.781.7114, slocity.org
October 28, 2025
The Honorable Salud Carbajal
United States House of Representatives
2331 Rayburn House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
RE: Opposition to Proposed Reductions in the Office of Community Services and CSBG Funding
Dear Congressman Carbajal,
On behalf of the City of San Luis Obispo, I am writing to express our strong support for the continued
funding of the Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program and urge opposition to any efforts
to reduce or eliminate staffing within the Office of Community Services (OCS) at the U.S. Department
of Health and Human Services.
Here in San Luis Obispo, we witness every day the transformative impact that CSBG-supported
programs have on our residents through the work of the partners like the Community Action
Partnership of San Luis Obispo County (CAPSLO). For 60 years, CAPSLO has been an anchor institution
for our region, helping individuals and families find housing, access childcare, care for seniors, and
overcome barriers to economic stability.
CSBG is not simply a funding line item, it is a cornerstone of community well-being. In San Luis
Obispo, CSBG funding has made it possible to:
• Provide shelter and housing for hundreds of individuals and families experiencing
homelessness;
• Support local veterans and seniors in living with independence and dignity;
• Offer affordable childcare and early learning programs for working families; and
• Deliver essential weatherization and home safety improvements so residents can remain
safely housed.
When you visited the 40 Prado Homeless Services Center this past August, you saw firsthand how
these programs change lives and strengthen our community. These successes are made possible
through federal partnerships like CSBG, which empower local organizations to respond to community
needs with compassion, innovation, and accountability.
We are deeply grateful for your leadership and steadfast partnership on behalf of the Central Coast.
We respectfully urge you to do everything possible to preserve CSBG funding and protect the
essential staff who support this work nationwide.
Thank you for your continued dedication to the City of San Luis Obispo and the entire region. Your
work supports our City’s priorities of advancing housing solutions, protecting our environment,
strengthening regional resilience, and ensuring equity across all communities.
Sincerely,
Erica A. Stewart
Mayor
City of San Luis Obispo
CC: Assemblymember Dawn Addis
Senator John Laird