With a career spanning over 17 years, I am an innovative and results-oriented public service professional dedicated to improving the livability and prosperity of communities through effective administrative, program, and project management. My expertise lies in Project Management, Program Development, Grant Administration and Compliance, Council and Commission Services, and Strategic Collaboration.
A significant portion of my career has been dedicated to managing the City's Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solution Grant (ESG), and HOME program grants. Under my leadership, these initiatives have positively impacted the lives of thousands. Notably, I successfully managed the CDBG program, resulting in the service of 3,350 individuals through CDBG public services funds. Additionally, I oversaw capital improvement projects benefiting 120,735 residents, provided small business grants to 70 enterprises affected by the COVID-19 pandemic, and facilitated nine first-time homebuyer down payment assistance loans totaling $1,080,000 in CDBG funds. Furthermore, I completed ten residential rehabilitation projects, addressing the housing needs of very-low to extremely-low income residents.
My commitment to collaboration is evident in my negotiation and execution of 22 subrecipient agreements with nonprofits and five Memorandums of Understanding with internal City departments. I successfully closed out the Emergency Rental Assistance grant, disbursing over $11 million to residents for rental assistance. In response to the pandemic, I played a pivotal role in deploying the Revive Santa Ana Resident Stimulus program, distributing $300 pre-paid Visa cards to over 17,000 rental households in the most affected areas.
My role extends beyond project management; I develop, direct, coordinate, administer, evaluate, and monitor Community Planning Development programming for CDBG, ESG, and HOME grants. I am adept at preparing comprehensive staff reports and presentations for Community Development Commission and City Council consideration and action. Additionally, I contribute to the formulation of HUD's five-year Consolidated Plan, Annual Action Plan, and Consolidated Annual Performance Evaluation Report.
In the financial realm, I am experienced in preparing project and department budgets, working collaboratively with auditors and accountants. I have managed COVID relief grant programs, including CDBG-CV, ESG-CV, and ERA. Establishing and maintaining relationships with business stakeholders, public entities, and residents, I determine business eligibility for programming based on financial analysis, code compliance, and need.
With a proven track record of successful program management and community impact, I continue to contribute to the betterment of cities through my dedication, strategic thinking, and collaborative approach.
Email: dflores@santa-ana.org