Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM November 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 Vice-Chair at 6:00 PM. 1. Introductions Present: Karin Jones (Chair), Andrew Calkins, Aran Clauson, Deidra Prado, Jake Hawes, Jasmine Fast, Josh Sanders, Matt Unger, Ryan Wood and Shannon Laws Absent: Ben Spicer, Katherine Freimund, and Jace Cotton (Council Representative) City Staff: Samya Lutz, Kathleen Morton and Heather Aven Guests: Meridith Stamey and Louis Walbreck, Lydia Place; Lindsay Brewer and Jessica Brown, Opportunity Council 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting Minutes from October 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. Opportunity Council-Rapid Rehousing Program p. 6 Lindsay Brewer and Jessica Brown presented an overview of the Rapid Rehousing program, funded in partnership with the City of Bellingham through the Housing and Human Services grants. They shared who is served through this program and how they are selected. They shared some of the ways they assist the families in the program to reduce barriers and secure housing, as well as how they come alongside the family to help them get to a better state of stabilization and self-sufficiency. They shared some of the other services that Opportunity Council offers to the families in the program. 2. Lydia Place-Family Services Program p. 7 Meredith and Louis shared an overview of the programs Lydia Place offers to qualifying families, including their Rapid Rehousing Program, Campus Housing Program, Permanent Supportive Housing and Emergency Hotel Stays. They shared the ways they are able to support the families that are part of the programs through case management. Work Session 1. NOFA Release p. 8 Kathleen reviewed the timeline and pointed out the Notice of Funding Availability applications were part of the Board Members packet. There was a suggestion to change the scoring rubric to bring the Equity and Social Justice from 15pts to 25 pts. There was a discussion as to why the increase in points was recommended. There was general consensus that the score should be left at 15 pts. Aran Clauson / Matt Unger moved to approve the NOFA application as written. VOTE: ALL AYES (Motion Passes 7-0). 2. Review BMC 2.46 p. 71 Staff shared the proposed code change to the number of required meetings the Board must hold each year from nine to four. There was general agreement for this change, although there were concerns expressed that it may not be enough meetings to get all the work done. Staff clarified that this was just the minimum to be held, and that as many meetings as are needed will be scheduled each year. Other Business 1. Staff Updates • The CAPER has been posted to the website and will be going to City Council for approval on Monday, November 18th. • The A&F Plan will be going to City Council for review on Monday, December 9th. • The City is partnering with Whatcom County to provide a Severe Winter Shelter when weather thresholds are met during the season. 2. Annoucements / "What's the Buzz" 3. 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.