Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM December 14, 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, Jennifer Miles, Jonathan Scanlon, Jonathan Stubblefield, Karin Jones, Shannon Laws, Suneeta Eisenberg, and Yin-Ho Lai Absent: Pierce Bock, Ryan Wood, Victor Crosetti, and Kristina Michelle-Martens (Council) City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kate Bartholomew and Heather Aven 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from November 2023, were approved by general consensus with the correction that Jonathan Scanlon was present. 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. Jasmine spoke to introduce herself and she is a prospective board member. Agenda Items Presentation 1. Opportunity Council Presentation p. 5 Marisa Schoeppach with the Opportunity Council shared some of the different services that the Homeless Outreach Team provides to the community. She also provided an update on the newly launched Street Hygiene Outreach program, which is temporarily located in the shower trailer behind City Hall, Friday-Sunday. The group had a chance to ask questions. Work Session 1. 2022 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) p. 6 Samya Lutz reviewed the CAPER and highlighted some major projects that were  completed in 2023, including a total of 333 subsidized rental units completed or acquired in one year. She spoke to the different goals outlined in the plan and discussed each program that provides funding. A brief discussion was held on Section 3 (which encourages contractors to hire low-income employees) and how it is reported to HUD. There was also a conversation on the down-payment assistance program and how it works in partnership with the Washington State Housing Finance Commission. MOTION: Stubblefield/Miles moved to approve the CAPER as presented by staff. VOTE: All Ayes Other Business 1. Staff Updates Johnathan Stubblefield, Johnathan Scanlon, Yin-Ho Lai, and Pierce Bock will not be continuing their board membership in the new year. All members present volunteered to have a conversation with prospective board members interested in joining CDAB. Samya Lutz updated the group on the recent capacity building survey done through a consultant. She shared that each identified agency would receive $9,750. Kate Bartholomew gave an update about Emergency and Winter Shelters this winter. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" Johathan Stubblefield’s last meeting will be tonight. The Board thanked him for his service. 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.