Team IEM Puerto Rico CDBG 50th Anniversary Spotlights: Carlos Ruiz

Carlos Ruiz Program Manager, Electrical Power Reliability and Resilience Program (ER2),
IEM Puerto Rico

Carlos Ruiz is a professional engineer with an extensive background in housing and mitigation programs and administering multi-million-dollar construction projects in Puerto Rico. Carlos brings extensive federal funds management expertise, overseeing robust programs and cross-functional teams in IEM’s support of Puerto Rico’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funded programs.

With a vast knowledge of budget allocation and strategic program analysis, Carlos has been a key player in IEM’s recovery support efforts in Puerto Rico. Dive into Carlos’ history and experience for insights into his career and contributions to CDBG.

What has your role been in CDBG programs in Puerto Rico?

After Hurricane Maria impacted the island in 2017, I worked for FEMA as a Hazard Mitigation Engineering and Architect Expert. In this role, I became familiar with the various federally funded resources available to help strengthen communities, and more specifically, saw the impact the U.S. Housing and Urban Development’s (HUD) CDBG-DR (Disaster Recovery) funds would have on Puerto Rico’s recovery and reconstruction. that moment, I knew I wanted to be involved and contribute my knowledge and experience in engineering and construction to support rebuilding our Island.

Setting this as my next professional goal, in July 2019, I was hired by IEM as Operations Manager to oversee our support for the Repair, Reconstruction, and Relocation (R3) program for homes damaged by Hurricane Maria. In September 2022, after IEM was competitively selected to support the Puerto Rico Department of Housing’s (PRDOH) Single-Family Housing (SFH) Program, I assumed the role of Program Manager, overseeing both CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT (Mitigation) grants. This year, I am proud to translate my expertise to my new role as Program Manager for the Electrical Power Reliability and Resilience Program (ER2).

How have you seen communities impacted by CDBG programs in Puerto Rico?
The primary objective of the programs funded by CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT is to assist communities in recovering from disasters and to implement mitigation projects that reduce or eliminate risks from future events. These programs involve the reconstruction of housing, the rehabilitation of public infrastructure, and the economic revitalization of affected areas. Having had the opportunity to manage these programs from their initial stages and directly working with Puerto Ricans to connect them to these vital resources, I witnessed firsthand the sense of security and resilience the CDBG programs instill in communities across the island. Puerto Rico is leveraging these funds to improve the quality of life and build resilience.

What challenges does CDBG currently face?
For jurisdictions like Puerto Rico, geography poses a major challenge to CDBG programs. Being an island makes the logistics of these programs more complex. The limited workforce and access to transportation, construction materials, and equipment as well as supply chain disruptions, aging or underdeveloped infrastructure, and topographical challenges, pose unique obstacles. Addressing these challenges requires careful planning, strong coordination between federal, state, and local agencies, and a deep understanding of the unique context of island environments to ensure the successful implementation of CDBG-DR and CDBG-MIT programs.

How do you think CDBG will evolve in the next decade in Puerto Rico?
After Hurricane Maria, our people also experienced earthquakes, the COVID-19 pandemic, and other weather systems that have worsened and deteriorated our infrastructure, economy, and emotional well-being. This is why I believe CDBG-funded programs are, and will continue to be, a crucial part of our communities’ economic and social development in the coming years. As these programs and projects are implemented and executed, we can expect to see an acceleration in processes and projects and witness their positive impact on our island.

What recommendations do you have for communities seeking CDBG-DR/MIT funding?
To successfully secure and utilize CDBG funding, communities should conduct a thorough needs assessment to prioritize projects that align with both immediate recovery needs and long-term resilience goals. Building strong partnerships with local governments and other stakeholders is crucial for effective planning and resource leveraging. Preparing a detailed and accurate application that adheres to all guidelines is essential, ensuring that the proposed projects are well-justified and supported by data. Communities should also focus on capacity building to efficiently manage the funds and plan for the long-term sustainability of the projects. Engaging the community throughout the process and maintaining transparency will build trust and ensure benefits are equitably distributed. Finally, establishing robust monitoring and reporting systems track progress, ensure compliance, and demonstrate the impact of the funded projects.

Partnering with a company like IEM, which specializes in managing CDBG funds, is crucial for successfully designing and implementing these programs. IEM brings extensive expertise and experience in navigating the complex regulatory environment, ensuring that all program activities comply with federal requirements. Our familiarity with the nuances of CDBG funding allows our firm to help our clients develop comprehensive strategies that align with community needs while maximizing the impact of available resources. Ultimately, partnering with a company experienced in federal funds management increases the likelihood of a program’s success, leading to more effective disaster recovery and long-term resilience for individuals and the communities impacted.