ONTARIO, CA – The City of Ontario will receive $5 million to help finance workforce attainable housing in the downtown area. The funding helps bring to fruition a City-led development also featuring a business technology incubator and a workforce development center.
As part of the state’s 2019 budget act, adopted June 13 by the State Legislature, the funding builds upon a $35 million Transformative Climate Communities grant the City received from the California Strategic Growth Council in 2018 to revitalize Ontario’s historic downtown core.
“We’re grateful for the support of the Legislature – and, in particular, Assemblymember Freddie Rodriguez, in securing this critical piece of funding,” said Mayor Paul Leon. “Providing accessible housing is key to the future of the downtown area and the City as a whole. This is a major step forward in ensuring that the downtown revitalization proceeds as planned.”
Rodriguez, who represents the 52nd Assembly District, which includes Ontario, pushed hard to include the funding in Assembly Bill 74 – The Budget Act of 2019. Ontario’s $5 million is part of $25.7 million set aside for local assistance through the California Department of Housing and Community Development.
“The revitalization of Ontario’s historic downtown core is a critically important project for the City and the community as a whole,” Rodriguez said. “I am happy for the partnership and support of our office and look forward to see this vision become a reality.”