Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM August 14, 2025 City Council 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: Shannon Laws (Chair), Andrew Calkins, Ben Spicer, Jasmine Fast, Katherine Freimund, Lola Thompson, Matt Unger, Matthew Main, and Nina Rommelmann Absent: Ryan Wood City Staff: Samya Lutz and Kathleen Morton 2. Approval of minutes from previous meeting May minutes were approved by general consensus 3. Link to Meeting Video Due to technical issues – there is no recording of this 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 . Presentation on Homeless Outreach Program at Opportunity Council p. 6 Marisa Schoeppach & Cheri Johnson from Opportunity Council’s Homeless Outreach Team provided an overview of the program which the City Funds. Their presentation highlighted their philosophy and approach with street outreach services. They also shared data on outcomes from earlier in the year. Work Session . HOME-ARP Allocation Plan modification p. 7 Staff informed members that HUD had notified the City of an administrative error of HOME-ARP allocation and noted an additional $3,272 has been awarded. MOTION: Jasmine Fast / Andrew Calkins moved to support staff’s recommendation of allocating the additional funding to supportive services. VOTE: Motion Passed (all ayes)  Staff requested recommendations on how CD staff should approach 3rd year of contracting HOME-ARP funds. It was decided that additional information would be provided on the outcomes of programs currently contracted, as well as any measures on effectiveness at next meeting before making a formal recommendation. . Review of Draft CAPER p. 31 Staff provided an overview of the Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER). Staff demonstrated what categories CDAB will review of the public facing report that we will be made available before the next CDAB meeting. The 30-day Public Comment period will begin once it has been made available on the City’s website and advertised in news outlets. . Budget Preview p. 32 Staff provided update on Action Plan that was passed by Council last spring and noted that the City has received preliminary approval from HUD; however, staff are waiting for official approval and contract agreements for 2025-2026 HUD funds. . Comprehensive Staff Update p. 33 Staff provided a general update on the Housing Programs and spoke to the implementation of a new software to track program activities and funds. They announced some upcoming outreach events related to the Home Sharing Program that will be operated by Nesterly. They shared information on an upcoming Rent Study for rental listings within City of Bellingham Limits, as well as updates on the lawsuit that City of Bellingham has joined with other counties against HUD. Other Business . Staff Updates . Announcements / "What's the Buzz" Andrew Calkins shared the Whatcom County PIT Count has been made public which provides an overview of sheltered and unsheltered homelessness. https://www.whatcomcounty.us/DocumentCenter/View/102186/2025-Homelessness- In-Whatcom-County. . Future Agenda Items • Rent Study results • Capacity of Housing Programs if HUD funding cuts do occur. Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Kathleen Morton, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.