TITLE
Recommendation to approve the Community Development Advisory Commission funding recommendations for the Fiscal Year 2012 Neighborhood Partners Program to support six neighborhood beautification and improvement projects in the amount of $27,003. (Districts 1,2,4)
DISCUSSION
The Neighborhood Partners Program (NPP) is offered by the Department of Development Services to assist neighborhood and community groups with neighborhood beautification and improvement projects. Eligible groups must be formally established organizations with designated officers or representatives and have a history of neighborhood involvement. The NPP provides matching grants of up to $5,000 in goods and services to accomplish approved neighborhood improvement projects within Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) eligible neighborhoods. The match provided by the applicant must be equal to at least 50 percent of the total project cost and may be supplied in the form of cash, goods and services, and volunteer work hours. Volunteer work hours may not be the sole match.
Notices of funding availability were sent to over 82 community groups and neighborhood associations within CDBG eligible neighborhoods on February 6, 2012. Seven proposals were received in the competition for funds.
A committee (Committee) of the Community Development Advisory Commission (CDAC) reviewed the seven proposals. The Committee reviewed and ranked each application based upon pre-established criteria that emphasized beautification or bricks and mortar neighborhood improvement projects. The Committee determined that one proposal was incomplete. Staff will work with community leaders to ensure that the proposal is resubmitted in the next round of NPP grants, June 1, 2012. The Committee recommended funding for the remaining six proposals totaling $27,003.
At the April 18, 2012 CDAC meeting, the Committee recommendation was unanimously approved (Attachment).
This matter was reviewed by Deputy City Attorney Richard Anthony on April 25, 2012 and Budget Officer Victoria Bell on May 2, 2012.
TIMING CONSIDERATIONS
City Council action on this matter is not time critical.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no impact to the General Fund. Sufficient CDBG funds to support the Neighborhood Partners Program have been budgeted in the Community Development Grants Fund (SR 150) in the Department of Development Services (DV). This action will not have an impact on local jobs.
SUGGESTED ACTION
Approve recommendation.
Respectfully Submitted,
AMY J. BODEK, AICP
DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT SERVICES
APPROVED:
PATRICK H. WEST
CITY MANAGER