City officials are hoping to lead the way in an effort to make contributing to philanthropic endeavors easier on city pocketbooks.

During its regular meeting Oct. 20, the council directed the city staff to pursue a change in legislation that would allow a city to use Redevelopment Agency funds for projects outside of its city limits.

The idea to seek the change was suggested by Mayor Pro Tem Terry Henderson as the council discussed contributing money from its General Fund to the Coachella Valley Rescue Mission and Martha's Village and Kitchen, which are both in Indio.

While the City Council unanimously agreed to commit $50,000 each to CVRM and Martha's Village and Kitchen, the contributions were only a fraction of the amount each agency requested — $750,000 and $600,000 respectively.

“In these difficult economic times, this legislation would allow the city to use RDA housing money instead of the city's General Fund to assist in funding housing shelters on the east end of the Coachella Valley,” City Manager Tom Genovese said.

Currently, California cities may only spend RDA funds on projects within its city limits and must put 20 percent of those funds toward housing projects, Henderson said.

“My first approach will see if we can use some of that housing money for homeless shelters because that deals with housing the homeless,” she said, adding that if that doesn't work, they'll seek a “broader application of RDA funds.”

Henderson said the city will try to work with the California Redevelopment Association, League of California Cities and local legislators to seek the change. She added she's already talked to some local leaders who have expressed support of the idea.

Henderson believes it makes sense for a small city like La Quinta that doesn't have a high population of homeless.

“We can't justify building a homeless shelter,” she said, making reference to a recent survey that reported only one homeless person in La Quinta. “Not all little cities need a homeless shelter, but a regional shelter needs support for its surrounding cities.”

Mayor Don Adolph said this idea supports the city's commitment to assist those in need in the east end of the valley.

“There's a possibility of us helping the homeless in the future, and I think it's a good one,” he said. “We'll just have to wait and see if the state will agree.”