Community Development Advisory Board

Community Development Advisory Board Minutes City of Bellingham, Washington Thursday 6:00 PM October 9, 2025 City Council Boardroom Video Recorded https://meetings.cob.org Call to Order The Community Development Advisory Board meeting (video link) was called to order by the Chair at 6:00 PM. Members: ☒ Shannon Laws (CDAB Chair) ☒ Lola Thompson ☐ Andrew Calkins ☒ Matt Unger ☐ Ben Spicer ☒ Matthew Main ☒ Jasmine Fast ☐ Ryan Wood ☒ Katherine Freimund Staff/ Other Panelists: Samya Lutz, PCDD Kathleen Morton, PCDD Approval of minutes from previous meeting September meeting minutes were approved by general consensus. -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. No public comment given. Agenda Items Presentation . Presentation on YWCA’s Housing Programs Alle Schene-Executive Director & Kanoe-Communications Manager from YWCA provided an overview of the YWCA’s Housing Programs which the City partial funds. Their presentation provided a brief history of the organization, information on their emergency-stay programs, as well as their Permanent Housing properties. YWCA also provided information on a new scholarship program they are intending to launch in early 2026 for young women in local high schools. Work Session . HOME-ARP funded Programs Performance Review p. 7 COB staff provided an overview of the performance of Homeless Prevention programs that are funded with HOME-ARP. COB Staff shared the program scope and target  populations, as well as data on the average cost per intervention and types of flex fund expenses. COB staff sought input into what considerations should be made when developing the Homeless Prevention NOFA that will be only available to current programs receiving this funding. . CAPER Public Comments Review p. 8 COB staff announced that no public comments were received for CAPER. Other Business . Staff Updates COB staff gave an update on the Bellis Project stating that Phase 2 is now fully funded and will start construction next year. COB staff provided an update on the City budget process with City Council. They shared that the Planning and Community Development session will be towards the end of October and into November. COB staff will be working with CDAB over the next couple of months on potential cuts. . Announcements / "What's the Buzz" . Future Agenda Items CDAB members would like to have representatives from Whatcom County Health and Community Services talk about collaboration, process, funds and challenges. Minutes prepared by: ____________________________________________ Kathleen Morton, Development Specialist II Minutes edited by both staff and Community Development Advisory Board members.