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CC - CONSENT ITEM: Adoption of a Resolution Authorizing Submission of an Application for the State of California Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) Grant from the California Department of Housing and Community Development by the Housing and Human Services Department.
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Meeting Date: March 16, 2026
Contact Person/Dept.: Arames White - Shearin/ Housing and Human Services Dept.
Phone Number: (310) 253-6022
Fiscal Impact: Yes [X] No [] General Fund: Yes [] No [X]
Attachments: Yes [X] No []
Public Notification: (E-Mail) Meetings and Agendas - City Council (03/12/2026)
Department Approval: Mark E. Muenzer, Planning & Development Director, Interim Housing & Human Services Director (3/5/2026) _____________________________________________________________________
RECOMMENDATION
Staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution authorizing the submission of the HCD Round 4 Notice of Funding Availability pertaining to the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP) Grant in the amount up to $750,000; and authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents necessary to submit the application and if awarded, to accept and administer the grant funds in accordance with the grant requirements and based on the recommendation from the Advisory Committee on Housing and Homelessness (ACOHH) and the City Council Standing Housing and Homelessness Subcommittee (Vice Mayor Fish and Council Member McMorrin) (Subcommittee) to prioritize funding to establish a right-to-counsel program and/or rental assistance program.
BACKGROUND
The California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) released program guidelines (Guidelines) for funding through the Prohousing Incentive Program (Program). The Program is designed to encourage cities and counties to obtain Prohousing Designation. The Program is funded through the Building Homes and Jobs Trust Fund (Fund). The Fund utilizes real estate transaction fees collected at a county level to establish a permanent source of funding. Five percent of annual collections are deposited in a fund to be used for an incentive program.
The Program awards funds based on the Eligible Applicant’s population size, with a bonus based on the Applicant’s Prohousing Designation Program Score.
Program funding provides awards for eligible applicants to use towards planning and implementation activities related to housing and community development. The PIP grant provides one-time funding of up to $750,000.
Staff presented the proposed funding allocation to the ACOHH on February 10, 2026 and the Subcommittee on February 17, 2026. Both bodies reviewed the proposal and concurred that, if awarded, grant funds should be prioritized for the following programs:
• A majority of the funds to a Right-to-Counsel Program to provide legal representation to income-eligible tenants facing eviction or other rental disputes; and
• Any remaining funds left over to fund a Rental Assistance Program to provide financial assistance to income-eligible residents at risk of housing instability.
Both advisory bodies expressed support for these strategies as effective homelessness prevention measures and consistent with the City’s housing stability goals.
DISCUSSION
Culver City is currently awaiting notification from the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) regarding its designation. Once confirmed, the City will be eligible to submit a grant application for the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP.)
FISCAL ANALYSIS
The grant would provide up to $750,000 in funding. No match is required. If HCD awards a grant to the City, staff will return to Council to appropriate the funds.
ATTACHMENTS
1. 2026-03-16 - ATT 1 PIP Guidelines
2. 2026-03-16 - ATT 2 Resolution Authorizing Application Submittal
recommended action
MOTION(S)
That the City Council:
1. Adoption of a Resolution authorizing the submission of an application to the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) for Round 4 funding under the Prohousing Incentive Program (PIP); and
2. Authorization to prioritize any awarded funds to the implementation of a Right-to-Counsel Program and a Rental Assistance Program.