ITEM TITLE:
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Consider discussing the division of the Community Block Development Grant (CDBG) among the proposed Public Service Organizations (PSO) and discuss the ranking system to be used to grade each PSO and take action as necessary.
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INITIATOR: Charlotte Brown, Community Services Director
STAFF INFORMATION SOURCE: Gary Brooks, Housing & Community Development Administrator
BACKGROUND: During the City Council meeting on February 11, 2025, City Council directed staff to look into the funding structure of the Public Service Organizations (PSO) through the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG). Up until 3 years ago, the organizations were graded based upon the services that they provide that are part of the Top Ten Needs as determined by the 5 year Action Plan. Those needs are:
1. Neighborhood Cleanup
2. Youth Services
3. Homeless Services
4. Abused, Abandoned, and Neglected Child Services
5. Mental Health Services
6. Senior Services
7. Crime Awareness
8. Food Banks
9. Employment Training Services
10. Substance Abuse Services
These top ten needs are what the community survey felt were lacking when the Action Plan was created. With the grading system came challenges though. There tended to be conflicts within the group because one PSO received additional funding than another and didn't understand why. In 2022, staff and the PSO's sat down and discussed splitting the grant equally among the groups that submit a complete application and that meet the needs of the community. The last 3 years, staff has divided the 15% of the CDBG fund for PSO's equally among the applicants. All of the applicants are required to present to the City Planning Commission and CPC will make a recommendation to the City Council as to the funding arrangement.
Staff is seeking guidance on Council's wishes for the distribution of the PSO part of the CDBG for FY26.
EXHIBIT: Proposed PSO Ranking Scale
Letter from PSO
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