Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM April 11, 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, Ben Spicer, Brien Thane, Jasmine Fast, Jake Hawes, Josh Sanders, and Shannon Laws Jace Cotton (Council Representative) Absent: Baylie Collins, Karin Jones and Ryan Wood City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kate Bartholomew and Heather Aven 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from March 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. Bellingham School District Presentation p. 5 Isabel Meaker and her colleague shared information about the McKinney-Vento program which is designed to address the barriers that students experiencing homelessness face when enrolling, attending, and thriving in school. They shared about the importance of the Family Resource Centers at Carl Cozier Elementary School and Shuksan Middle School which have served over 467 individuals and continually increased graduation rates. There was an opportunity for the Board members to ask questions. They shared that there are over 72 languages spoken in the Bellingham School District and that need various immensely across the district, but that education and awareness to students increases support for programs. Work Session 1. 2024 Action Plan p. 6  Staff shared an overview of the balanced budget and is looking for a recommendation for the City Council to approve the budget. Members had a few questions about the meaning of zeroes and negative numbers which was explained by Staff. MOTION: Aran Clauson moved to approve the budget. VOTE: All Ayes (7). Other Business 1. Staff Updates April is Fair Housing Month and there will be a presentation on reasonable housing accommodations for disabilities. The COB Bellingham Plan will be hosting a Town Hall event with a Housing Affordability Topic on April 16 at Sehome High School. 2. Legislative Update Board member, Jasmine Fast, shared an overview of housing stability related bills, housing subsidy bills as well as a general overview of the 2024 legislative session. The presentation will be available in next month’s agenda packet. The COB Development Dashboard can be found here: COB Development Dashboard (arcgis.com) 3. Announcements / "What's the Buzz" April 12th at 4pm is the new Cordata Park ribbon cutting ceremony. 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 Adjourned at 7:50pm Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Heather Aven, Recording Secretary Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.