Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM November 9, 2023 Mayor's Boardroom 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, Jonathan Scanlon, Jonathan Stubblefield, Karin Jones, Shannon Laws, Ryan Wood, Suneeta Eisenberg and Yin-Ho Lai Kristina Michelle-Martens (Council representative) Absent: Jennifer Miles, Pierce Bock and Victor Crosetti City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kate Bartholomew and Heather Aven Guests: Elizabeth Hart, DVSAS; Chris Behee, City of Bellingham 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from August 10th and September 14, 2023, were approved by general consensus 3. Link to Meeting Video Click here to view the meeting Public Comment Period During this time, citizens may take up to three (3) minutes to address the members about any topic not on the agenda. Citizens wishing to speak during this time will be recognized by the Chair for comment. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Presentation from Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) p. 2 Elizabeth Hart presented how the Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Services (DVSAS) agency helps the community. She shared some of the effects domestic violence has on not only the victim, but the children that may have witnessed or experienced. She spoke about the programs they offer and how they come along-side families who have experienced trauma. The group had a chance to ask questions. 2. Presentation on the Comprehensive Plan Update p. 3 Chris Behee provided an update on the work being done to amend the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan, which is required by the Growth Management Act. He reviewed the components of the plan and spoke to some of the new and expanded policies that will be  included. He discussed the different public input opportunities the city has offered to receive community feedback. He shared the different State legislation that recently passed and explained how it changes the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan. He briefly shared information on the Countywide Housing needs and how the Bellingham Comprehensive Plan will address this challenge. He shared the proposed schedule for the plan update with the goal of mid-2025 for City Council approval. Work Session 1. Consolidated Annual Performance Report (CAPER) overview p. 4 Samya shared that there was 333 rental units produced this year from a various development and acquisition opportunities. She also shared that we are still behind with regard to the Homebuyer targets. She spoke to the long-term commitments and explained how they assist the community, and pointed out that it is still just not enough to keep pace with the needs. Other Business 1. Staff Updates It was announced that there is another project coming up for Senior Living – it will be called the Laurel Forest Village. Information session will be held on November 17, 2023. Staff shared that there is a shower trailer that will begin this service to the community beginning November 10th and will run Fridays, Saturday and Sundays for the foreseeable future. Staff mentioned there will be a nightly winter shelter (45 beds) occurring in the locker rooms at Civic Stadium. Also, Whatcom County Health Department is operating a severe winter shelter (when weather meets the criteria for operation), during the upcoming winter months. Motel stays will be available for families with children. Prevention-Diversion NOFAs were due by October 24, and are currently being reviewed and scored. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" John Stubblefield announced that this may be his last meeting, as he has moved out of the city limits. 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.