Inglewood Sets Public Hearing on $1.1 Million COVID Relief Fund Reallocation for Library Improvements

Inglewood residents will have an opportunity to voice their opinions on the proposed reallocation of nearly $1.1 million in federal COVID relief funds at a public hearing scheduled for March 25. The city is proposing to redirect these funds toward a new HVAC system for the Inglewood Main Library.

The funds in question are remaining from the Community Development Block Grant COVID (CDBG-CV) allocation that Inglewood received during the pandemic. The city was granted two rounds of funding totaling $1,863,178, with flexibility to spend the money over a six-year period ending in August 2026.

“Community input is essential in determining how these federal resources are used,” said Councilmember James Washington. “We want to ensure these funds create lasting benefits for Inglewood residents while meeting federal requirements for COVID-related recovery.”

From Rental Relief to Library Renovation

Initially, the Mayor and Council Members approved the allocation of CDBG-CV funds for a city-wide rental relief program targeting income-eligible households directly impacted by COVID-19. This decision came on August 20, 2020, when many families were struggling with housing insecurity due to pandemic-related financial hardships.

According to city officials, the rental assistance program successfully provided short-term rental support to 112 households after working through a list of 1,100 applicants over approximately 30 months. With the applicant list now exhausted and remaining funds available, the city is proposing to redirect the balance to infrastructure improvements.

“The library serves as a critical community resource, particularly for residents who lack internet access or adequate study spaces at home,” said Maria Garcia, Director of Inglewood Library Services. “Upgrading the HVAC system would improve air quality and create a more comfortable environment for patrons, which is especially important given heightened awareness of air circulation following the pandemic.”

Library Renovation Timeline

The Library Renovation Project is currently in its Pre-Construction Phase, with design and planning work expected to be completed by April 2025. If approved, the HVAC improvements would be incorporated into the Construction Phase scheduled to begin in May 2025 and conclude by August 2026.

This timeline would allow the city to complete the HVAC system replacement and spend the remaining CDBG-CV funds before the federal expenditure deadline of August 2026.

Public Review Process

As an entitlement city receiving funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), Inglewood must follow specific federal regulations for using and reallocating these resources. The city’s Citizen Participation Plan, adopted in June 2022, provides guidelines for community involvement in decisions regarding federal funds.

In accordance with these requirements, the city has initiated a 30-day Public Review Period for the proposed amendment, running from March 14 through April 12, 2025. During this time, residents can review the draft amendment by contacting the Community Development Block Grant department at 310-412-8844.

The public hearing on March 25 will provide an additional forum for community members to share their thoughts on the proposed reallocation. The meeting will be held at Inglewood City Hall and is open to all residents.

“We encourage all community members to participate in this decision-making process,” said Robert Thompson, Inglewood CDBG Division Manager. “Whether you support the library improvements or have alternative suggestions for these funds, your voice matters in determining how these resources will benefit our community.”