Staff reports increased outreach: neighborhood public meetings, survey responses rise for FY25-26 consolidated plan

City staff told the Community Development Commission on April 3 that outreach for the FY2025-26 HUD consolidated-plan neighborhood public meetings produced higher attendance and substantially more written feedback than the prior cycle.

Victor Salazar, presenting outreach results for Budget and Management Services, said neighborhood public meeting attendance increased from 4,448 participants in the previous cycle to 5,207 this cycle, a 17% increase. Staff reported 821 complete surveys and 381 distinct comments, for a combined 1,202 surveys and comments. Staff said the city ran six neighborhood public meetings (a mix of in-person, hybrid, virtual and a telephone town hall) and intentionally targeted 21 high-impact ZIP codes for canvassing and translated materials in multiple languages to improve equitable access.

Survey highlights reported by staff included: after-school/out-of-school programs, affordable childcare and community-based adult services ranked highly among human and social service priorities; 62% of respondents supported a broad approach to housing program priorities (selecting 'support all of the above' among options such as homebuyer assistance, rehabilitation and new unit development); and 67% of respondents strongly agreed that the city should continue funding public infrastructure projects in areas otherwise deemed ineligible, with another 20% registering agreement.

Staff also reported that outreach included translated materials in five languages, targeted canvassing at libraries, recreation centers and community organizations, partnerships with local media, and a digital outreach push that reached thousands of users across social platforms. Victor Salazar said the telephone town hall and social media outreach contributed materially to the increase in participants.

The commission voted to approve the outreach and engagement outcomes report by voice vote. Chair Rubin and Chair Mills both praised staff's efforts and encouraged continued outreach efforts for future cycles.

Ending: The outreach outcomes report will be included with the consolidated-plan materials sent to City Council; staff indicated they will continue to refine targeted outreach in the coming year.