West Haven City Council voted July 28 to approve the Community Development Administration’s Program Year 51 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) budget, following a public hearing that drew nonprofit representatives and city staff.

Public comment: Diane Dieteman, director of Youth and Family Services, urged council support and said the funding is essential for services for families with children with cognitive and social‑emotional disabilities. “I would really hope that you would consider supporting West Haven Community Development,” Dieteman told the council. Paige Weinstein, a member of the Citizens Advisory Committee, described the committee’s effort to target limited funds to high‑need programs and asked the council to approve the budget.

Why it matters: The CDBG allocation funds local nonprofit public‑service programs that serve low‑ and moderate‑income residents. City staff and advisory committees recommended the budget after review; the public hearing drew several speakers who said the funds plug gaps not covered by other local funding.

Action: Following the public hearing and committee review, the council voted to approve the Program Year 51 CDBG budget as presented by the Community Development Administration. The mayor and CDA staff will proceed with grant administration and subrecipient agreements.