Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM March 14, 2024 Mayor's Boardroom Video 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, Baylie Collins, Ben Spicer, Brien Thane, Jake Hawes, Jasmine Fast, Josh Sanders, Karin Jones, and Shannon Laws Jace Cotton (Council Representative) Absent: Ryan Wood City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kate Bartholomew and Heather Aven 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from February 2024, 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 by Rebound of Whatcom County p. 5 Keri Krout-Smith, Executive Director of Rebound of Whatcom County, shared some information on how the Rebound Roots program supports families with children in the community. She shared the different programs they offer and how they support the family as a unit, including the Roots Program (an 8-week program) and Ray of Hope Summer camp. There was an opportunity for the Board members to ask questions. Keri explained that the curriculum is based on “Conscious Discipline” by Dr. Becky Bailey. Work Session 1. Draft 2024 Action Plan p. 6 Staff briefly reviewed the process that occurred to update the City of Bellingham’s Consolidated Plan, including all the different ways the City engaged with the community to solicit input. Staff shared the process for reviewing and making a recommendation on the 2024 Action Plan. The programs that are currently funded, as well as those applicants that requested funding through  the most recent Notice of Funding Availability, were reviewed in combination with the Consolidated Plan goal that the program meets. There was a discussion on the offering of the winter emergency shelter (and severe weather shelter). Staff shared that only one agency was willing to do this work and spoke to some of the limitations that agencies are facing. There was brief discussion about the different ways this board has engaged in racial, diversity and equity discussions, and made that a priority for grant funding. There was a conversation about how it is determined what housing gets developed for special populations (i.e. senior housing). Staff shared that the developers are often required to conduct a housing needs assessment as part of the funding application process, which will provide them good data to help determine which demographics they will create housing for – although it was acknowledged that more affordable housing is needed for all groups. Public Hearing 1. Public Hearing on Draft Action Plan p. 36 Public Hearing opened. There was no public in attendance. There was a conversation about the possible reasons that there were no applications for the Community Facilities NOFA. There was a brief discussion about how the funding gets dispersed between the four categories and for each funding source. Public Hearing closed. Written public comment will continue to be accepted for 30 days. Other Business 1. Board Member Training p. 37 Heather Aven reviewed the bylaws and responsibilities of the board members. All CDAB members are required to complete the Open Public Meetings Act training. 2. Staff Updates March 27th – OC Hosting opening celebration for Laurel Forest project. In June 2024 there will be a Mill Works opening celebration. 3. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" The members were encouraged to use their circles of influence to share some of the conversations occurring at the meetings and talk about the work of the Board. 4. Future Agenda Items • Presentation about how the voucher system works, including Section 8 and local forms of rent assistance (BHA, Opportunity Council staff) • Presentation on non-profit and government funding sources (Samya Lutz) • 2024 legislative update (Jasmine Fast) Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.