Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM June 8, 2023 Mayor's Boardroom and Zoom Audio Recorded https://meetings.cob.org -Call to Order The Community Development Advisory Board meeting was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Aran Clauson (Chair), Brien Thane, Jennifer Miles, Jonathan Scanlon, Jonathan Stubblefield, Karin Jones, Shannon Laws, Victor Crosetti, Ryan Wood, and Yin-Ho Lai Kristina Michelle-Martens (Council representative) Absent: Pierce Bock and Suneeta Eisenberg City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kate Bartholomew and Heather Aven 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from April 13, 2023, were approved by general consensus 3. Link to Meeting Video Click here to view the meeting Public Comment Period Agenda Items Presentation 1. Bellingham Food Bank p. 2 Mike Cohen, Executive Director, spoke to the Board members about the Bellingham Food Bank and how it supports the community. He spoke about the changes that have been made since COVID-19, including how they have become more diverse in the populations they serve, how they have changed the types of food they have available to the patrons, the expanded hours of operation, and continually increasing demand. He shared some of the new programs that still exist post COVID operations, such as a drive-thru option and home delivery services. He answered several questions from the members. 2. Opportunity Council’s Maple Alley Inn Program Anne Poulsen, Maple Alley Coordinator shared how this program supports the community. She spoke to some of the changes that have occurred since COVID-19, and how they are still returning back to normal operations. She commented service providers in the community also use MAI to connect with clients, and how this setting provides opportunities for dialog and connection. She spoke to the garden that provides enough vegetables to provide them all year long. She shared other ways the program assists its patrons (i.e., connections to medical and housing assistance). She stated the meals are offered twice a week and the program has continued the to-go meals service. Other Items 1. August Review of 2022-2023 Grant Outcomes p. 3 Kate Bartholomew reviewed both the Quarterly Beneficiary Report and the Annual Close-Out Report, and requested feedback from the members about what information they would like to have. 2. Final 2023 Action Plan / Consolidated Plan submission to HUD Samya explained the changes that occurred to the 2023 Action Plan prior to adoption by the City Council. There was a brief discussion on the Dispute Resolution Center eviction clinic and how the funding they received from the State will compliment, but not fully replace, the funding that they had previously. Other Business 1. Staff Updates Samya Lutz shared that development is still occurring. She mentioned that a Mercy Housing will be holding a Grand Opening celebration at their newest Mercy Housing project. She shared that Juneteenth celebrations will be occurring at City Hall and Maritime Heritage Park. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" There was a discussion about the topic of removing the parking requirements in Old Town going before the City Council. A Plan created by the Justice Project is accepting feedback by the County until June 11, 2023. 3. Future Agenda Items • Housing and new legislature passed • ADU State Bill • Rental Registration and Safety Inspection Program Updates • Family Systems Solution Group • Verbal summary on the Project Update page • LMM Director speak to the Board (Housing first vs. Housing ready) • Housing accessibility barriers (unable to use vouchers) • Wrap-around funding (State level) • Enforcement for Air BnB • 2022 state legislative session – specifically renter protections • A speaker on the business side of housing and real estate development (Kate suggested members watch the recent Housing Week session on “Making Affordable Housing Pencil” and shared link). Let staff know if there is still interest in this topic. • A policy discussion in light of the close defeat of recent City Ballot Initiative 1. • A staff presentation from BHA about how the voucher system works (Section 8 and local forms of rent assistance)  • Presentation on role of non-profit vs role of government entity and ways they overlap and how they differ. • Balance homeownership and the gap in funding. • Additional discussion on ways to measure equity. Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.