just hear him. Gretzky here. Yang. There are 4 prison and 3 absent councilmember or commissioners. Kim Yang and acre and Kim Yang and maker our excuse. And number one. Did you last Kim is expected to run. Okay. Can mess expected shortly. Item number one is a resolution resolution, 25 dash, 1, 1, 5, 9, Resolution amending the emergency rental assistance, Eviction Prevention program, bri guidelines, citywide. So This item here is a resolution. That's the second inning. A few guideline changes as it has. No, I'm really excited about the emergency rental assistance program that we'll be coming back to the city. Hopefully soon here I'll hand it over to direct and you can just to
specify the specific changes. This is an action that we wear voting on today thank you, Chair Johnson commissioners. This is pretty simple. And this body recently approved guidelines for this program in finalizing the guideline to doing a bit of additional additional analysis we had previously had guideline that said the maximum amount assistance to prevent evictions. $2500 for one month's rent, whatever was less. More about that now and often it's 2 to 3 months went by the time. Someone's at that point so leaving the maximum the cap, just eliminating that language about it being for one month that that's really wasn't reasonable language for this program. Simple, simple at it. The other thing is the we hve gone ahead and updated head income limits in the guidelines just because time has gone by and they were updated in JUNE by head. So we we want want to have updated
those in the guidelines just those 2 changes. And staff recommends approval of the act. Thank you, director Are there any questions on proposed resolution or the amendments? All right, seeing none. I'll take a motion from Vystar just to prove all those in favor. I posts. 5 and favors or oppose. The resolution is adopted. Item. Number 2, the staff report as our 25 Dash 1, 3, 9, Commercial corridor organization assistance program, updates. Thank Chair Johnson Commissioner, Senior Project manager Danny Byrne is here to bring an update on the side. Thank you all the money. Commissioners. Thank you having me here today. And my name is Andy Burnham, a senior project manager economic development team. Very happy to be here give you update on the new commissioner Porter Organization Assistance Program. As you likely saw, I send a
memo giving an update a couple weeks ago. This is something I plan doing every quarter, but very happy to come here a little bit more an answer. Any questions you have. So just some quick background is recall. This is a new program last 1.4 million from the economic development start a budget was was allocated 2025 legit. So this is creating new program, really, with a goal to create is simple and streamlined to. And Vance, economic development projects on orders across the city. 18 corridors were identified at Crescent City of Saint Paul with a mix district councils and communities organizations selected to administer the funds and implement the Quarter projects. The program officially launched. This MAY the guidelines were officially adopted by City Council APRIL
and quickly launch MAY with a virtual information session where all the organizations that ended when over the guidelines. about the use is in the process. At that info session, I propose that we continue to heavy these like here learning opportunities and exchange is through monthly round tables, issues that. Pretty big spectrum of organizations in term of their capacity and expertise. And a lot of them have very similar opportunities wanted summer activities. So it made sense to create forum for us to collaborate and that was well received in. So that is happening. We've had to round table so far. Our 3rd one is coming up in a couple weeks. Is that the? On the side of the first Thursday of the month. So if you're interested and looking to And we're also having just monthly office hours. So
again, just kind of streamlined communication and provide opportunity for people to connect just one another. The goal is to have every organization under contract by end of this month. So they submitted every organization submitted the materials I needed. And the deadline JUNE, 30th handful ready to Most of them needed a little bit more refining. So just doing that back and forth right now. And everything to go. So now I would just give a overview. So this is what it would provided in the memo. overview of what they're doing with the fund. So this pie shows the distribution between the different eligible uses a loan to each category a little bit more detail. But just you can get the big picture pretty pretty well
split between the different activities. Marketing and promotions getting the most funding. I was just a little over 400,000, 13 organizations are doing some kind of marketing and promotions for their corridor and is tied with the number of organizations doing events. So 13 organizations are also holding events on their corridors. it's followed by beautification efforts. And that's yeah, I'm going to detail what that includes 9 organizations doing that. If Haitian efforts. 5 organizations are doing public 6 organizations and providing business support through some grants local businesses and for organizations are doing and plan creating a plan of some sort to help them. In right
place. So no, yes, I will go into a little bit more detail in each category. So like I said, 13 organizations are investing in marketing promotions, spending just a little over 400,000 is includes things like order branding several or corridors are engaging a consultant to do a branding and marketing plan. They're creating print and online business. Directories using social media to storytelling, send paid advertising when the quarters is gonna mean doing billboards. A lot of several quarters being small business spotlights mostly and social mean ear their of their communication channels several organizations ae doing multilingual and just culturally resonant messaging for their quarter. So that was
great to see. And several of the corridor Are going to be dealing with construction either now or in the near future. So the again, just opportunity for them to collaborate and strategies and one of the corridors going to be doing some markings specific to the construction that's planned. Overview of - the events happening. So 13 organizations are going to be holding events. It's a mix of supporting existing events and creating new events. So some examples include small business Saturday. A couple organizations are doing this. i know Rondo Exchange is going to be holding a small business Saturday event. the Fort Road federations. Want to be eating sub grants to 16. They're doing 16 said grants of $1000 to do micro
many events and these are community events can pop ups. I'm just really gets more activation. And with 7 and organizations doing and national night out Rhino Committee mantras is supporting their Cecil b Jazz fest. Randle days will be supported. A couple organizations are doing as spring Fling event or a summer block party. Again, there's a tie to construction that's happening when that race trees going to be doing a celebration with the construction is complete. And the Southeast community organization. We holding Spooktacular event this fall. It's passport shopping event. Any questions free to me and there is a risky play. shun a fix, 10 organizations are doing different beautification efforts. Multiple are doing by trails and basket. So again,
this created just opportunity collaborate, you know, do some bulk purchasing. And like share information when they're using in the that's proving to be quite helpful. yes, nbc is using funds to for graffiti removal. If you are a during different community cleanup events and several are planting trees, flowers and shrubs. Helen Holland District Council will be clearing bricks that are in disrepair on the Armenian. So that was good to The business support, some 6 organizations are using funding gants to businesses. The is using just all their funding for this. And what they're doing is actually contracting with yes. And you see who is operating that newly funded business mitigation funds that would season state funding $250,000 state funding is going support businesses arcade. That impacted by
construction. So we salmon decided. You know, that was great. They could use more. So are using the bulk of their funding fund that. So this mitigation fund. Several several organizations will begin micro grants to businesses for a variety of purposes believe it was that and Groveland District Council is going to be doing grants to businesses specifically for beautification efforts. 5 organizations are using their grant for public And this is a those are know that. For road federation, they are you doing Five's grants to local artists. The $10,000, for 2 local artists do some local burger and was 7. That
is kind of and they screamed abuse. And is going to launching new wat they their claim. Grand piano with use funds to support the purchase of Indiana that will come to rotate different businesses be available. 24 7 for people come play. The piano. Outside of participating businesses. Lastly, I believe. The development plan. So for innovations and using funds to help them really decide what they need to do. I know this is really this is seen as a pilot expectation is that, you know, made to continue this program in the future. So people are encouraged to if they wanted t. Invest a little bit in creating a for a future that would be, you know, that use of violence. And so him and midway collision. They're using the bulk of their funding on this. They're engaging hands-on to do a
branding placemaking in the men's planned to this is for that. The Hamlin zoning intersection mostly. There's university Seing intersection. Yes, nbc is going to be using just a portion of their funds to help them. Management plan for their Nick Lee side festival, though, be happening next year. And the great-niece technique Council is creating a marketing plan. In the Southeast community organization is going to be evaluation community engagement strategy. So pretty good mix. then this one has a little bit about the storytelling. You know, really, I want to do a good job of letting people know what's going not just the quarters, but the residents. And so the van. Drafted to the south. So pretty much in draft form it have a logo that will be using. This will be part of the science. The scientists bk shuns that these are nations
organizations will use. And, yeah, well, you know, they're going to putting on their website and really trying to create this consistent branding and then also building out the current commercial corridor Web site. So each quarter will have its own. Card. These are called and then click on that. It will go specific to the quarter page. You can see what they're planning to do and then update it when we have pictures and updates on the progress and a share, you know, really just to the how funds are being used to support these quarters. And then just over the next Like I said, our goal is to get under contract the end of this month for a track to do that. And then this is a pre dispersement programs. So right away, people receive 80% of their funds. And then just be updating that Web page and continue to
give you updates next. Every organization submitting a quarterly report. To And then the first one is to SEPTEMBER So I'll use that to help if in for my next update to you all. Simply, that is also yet there's any questions happy to Thank you so much. I see commissioner provides thank sergeant and yet super. Super exciting update. I know all of us are very supportive the program. I want to particularly call out one element. You spoke to toward the end up front dispersement. I know you know, many of us, I'm sure for this. One of the challenges like with our star program, for example, the reimbursement nature of it. Essentially, especially that some larger gift. The irony is the larger, the gift on the
star's side, actually the more talent reimbursement is because it essentially you have to somehow come up with the cash and then bring it back. So I understand there's risks with that front dispersement dispersant, I really appreciate that part of this program just. Helps ensure the progress actually starts up front versus all of the. Headaches of trying to get things capitalized. And as someone who's had like personal experience in the maker Grant space, I know tough and sometimes overburdened like the process and procedure of getting dollars funneled out can be. So the fact that we're already starting to get close to flowing is really exciting. Just because I know every little bit you don't know which thing can help a corridor, get a little more attention and then a little more support. And then, you
know, more energy. So just fun to see all the different ways quarters is these? thank you. Thank you. Chair commission. Betsy, I agree. I think this Yeah. It's this unique that we've been able to hit son. People are very appreciative. I think that's just one. You know, take away. I have is everybody's really, really thankful and excited about this opportunity. Thank you. Commissioner Jones. I started season. Thank you. Thank you. Chair. I just want express my appreciation for this program and were 3. We have. Grand Avenue in the McCallister area. There's a lot of contruction happening there. And I know that the the community and the business is really appreciate the opportunity with this funding too support the community and the businesses during this this tme, major
reconstruction. And there's also construction and McAllister use a lot happening happening in that area. And I think that that really represents just example of what this money can really be helpful for when we're making these big investments in our infrastructure like we can still support businesses at the same time. So thank you so much. Thank you. I feel same kind of sentiments commissioner of asking by Sturgill simply on the elements of appreciation. I sincerely appreciate appreciated. The report same. A spring-like the ability to review it and just kind of see in real time was part of the reason why we asked for it. Just kind of you and the presentation all because it's really great to just see how it's been able to be spread in different ways across the city. And I think as well and
most importantly and a direct response to The organizations and their communities feel like they most need right now. You know, I I will say that on the east side with the and Arcade Street right now the statement able to contribute for the first time, some form of mitigation funding for because action is currently happening there. Being able to see these resources go towards assisting businesses with that marketing piece or even just being able access its new funds, funding source is a really unique opportunity. And as we gear up for 7th to have once a similar have a construction as well next year. You know, I'm looking forward to kind of seeing how that works, especially in this capacity how the marketing goes forward have a mitigation fund that that they have created, what seat funding Ken and support those corridors. And then even just saying on
the flip side, then other organizations being able to do kind of like the pieces that people don't often get to do like the Florida planting the tree planting. But the kind of fixing up an investment investment in the city that makes people love to like walk down the sidewalk see what each quarter has to offer. So for me, it's it's really cool to see how folks you know what other uses that have went beyond. I think some of the guidelines intended. So it's really cool to see that come to fruition. Commissioner Bowie that I see your hand. Yes, I had I was just going pound on to the positivity and the creation. Here, but especially in Ward line with the recent, you know, announcement Midway Cup foods and meant mid closing, I think, is really a great opportunity resources. Meet
the challenges for particular areas. And, you know, land to highlight events that's taking place. I know as a council, we have been examining how U.S. And events and festivals. So it's really it's exciting that some of these event, organizers and business owners have a diversity of different resources they can tap into from the city to support their initiatives. And also, lastly, the beautification efforts, you know, as someone who it's a lot of cmplaints about graffiti removal and community clean-ups and where we can get more tree canopy. It's you nearly a quarter million dollars going into that across the city, I think is incredible. So supporting I'm happy to see it. I'm happy to attend a lot of these events
and and also look at ways said it can leverage state I wanted things recommend to maybe through the hra Army, the Policy Committee is out of the state vitality funds that just was implemented. And I believe the same pop art authorities managing those funds for small businesses alongside the Rice Street corridor and or the Capitol Heights area. So gives good opportunity to bridge a lot of these resources. Thank Thank you so much. Commission of And the other comments. Are they to decide? Ok? Commission provides thanks for Jeff uncertain. Just a quick one. I don't want to blow past the the other really crucial part you mentioned, which is having those monthly round tables and having that support both from you. But then also sort of peer support and learning in my experience, typically the
risk of small maker grants like this are were the nature of them being small and nimble is you're giving them the folks who might not otherwise be resource and that means they might not have the sophistication to jump through all these hoops and find ways of even the fact of multiple people getting bike racks. Multiple people getting planters. All those benefits of that sort of. Not feeling alone and isolated and trying to problem solve brick by brick solving them as a group. And even though staff support is a really big part of that program designed makes me optimistic because there are times current space concert to drift into lke the cynical, risky space. And this is I feel very. Like happy and confident based on a lot of these details you put into it. As
always, commissioner fat skinny. And here in the same the same pace, a wimpy kid. Well, thank you so much for for just being able to come and present in front of us must It was appreciate. Was really great to just kind of see it come tuition. I love the I love the report again, just because it was really easy to digest. But I think just being able to show folks like this is what happens you have an ability to, I think give a flexible, too. Directed to the districts that are trying to serve directly to the communities in neighborhoods like folks make use of it in different ways that relevant and beneficial - to them. So just really appreciative of the feed bag in the first phase. I'm looking forward to the next quarterly report as we head into the heart of Be nice to just take a minute and probably look at it and see like another positive outcome.
So appreciative of you and yours. Team in the and to the whole economic development team as well. You know, thank you guys for kinda leading with Taking it for what it has been building into. What is We really appreciate it. Thank you, Chair thank you. Commissioners. Number 3 is staff report Sr 25 Dash one, 40, a cherry on land development updates. All right. So as you guys been hearing me say a few different times. We really want to hear from commissioners an a related to cherry land that we have in our respective boards that want to see you do something whether West actually move towards not only and I think that comes from just that need for development to happen all across the city in all of our neighborhoods. And so, you know, I think we all aspire to be like or 3 weather. No injury on attorneys there. But for those us that still have
pieces of land that we want to see, you know, vitality, housing opportunities, economic development, opportunities, businesses and neighborhood investment. This is things one of with the actual update. I'm Mike priority. A jury on sites because we want to also hear what the city is already working on. So I drove into afternoon handed over to Thank you, chair and thank you. Commissioners on this at this is going to kind of a two-part presentation. Focusing today on. pieces of property that we have had deadlines in order to get dispose, 7 redeveloped. And we want to also tell yu about a few projects that recently done. If that you'll be able to see that are on the market. So maybe you can help find buyers for those. And then in AUGUST Deputy director McMahon will be bringing
another presentation that policy, source strategy on the remainder of the balance of our land and some of the else priority. Will turn it over to principal project manager and supervisor. And you learned thank stricter Newton. commissioners to rents principle project manager and I had the great fortune of supervising our project economic on team as well. So as structured and stated and Michelle Johnson, this is update a generally mostly in our priority, like our critical connects 3 to 4 months sites that we're looking at, lots and lots of sites in the city that we've got plans for. Really talking about kind of on going through the next couple of months. So I wanted to start with some context to what the jury does own so currently own about 200 prcels of 6 of the 7 council words. There are
atrium properties in word 3. But every other word has a few properties, some more than other. Many of these are pretty small, difficult to develop properties that might not necessarily be suited for these larger development or even single family home don't months, but they could be combined and to develop harsh developable parcels given next-door neighbors. Aside lots, there's lots of different ways that we can use a tree on land. Properties are acquired using a variety of different funding sources. Typically we do use either Attorney General Fund Cdbg or what will be talking mostly about today is this neighborhood stabilization program find? And with that different funding comes with typically different types of strings or outcomes that we need to see on those properties which can make developing kind offloading these properties
little bit higher touch that maybe just selling them to somebody who is interested, you know, putting house on it or a commercial building. So in the short term, like I said, the next 3 to 4 months, staff is primarily focused on disposing of or selling all remaining nsp your neighborhood stabilization program properties. This is due to deadlines that impose on. And is a program that started during the great foreclosure crisis and the Great Recession in the early 2, thousands. And this is our opportunity to work through the remaining. Got maybe half a dozen a few more than that. These properties left that we just need to come up with plans for. It's actually sitting on And then for the remaining property, the other, you know, 900 194 properties that we have. We are working staff and uderstanding what information might need to be gathered about those and then what we can do before we can actively start advertising
those properties structured said Deputy director McMahon will be presenting more of that at the end of our guests. So very, very go through this feature a uses and sells property in a variety of different ways. Think the way that we've most commonly done it most recently is to request for proposal, rfp processes. So competitive process is that have strict deadlines. Very specific things. We want proposal and they tend to be pretty staff time intensive things that we do good for a larger kind high opportunity - properties, as we would say. We have unsolicited proposals or kind of direct proposals, which means anybody can kind of come off the street and say, hey, I see that you have something for sale at one to main street. I'd like to put
something on that. They talk to us. We decided it's a complete proposal and we go through the process of notifying about those properties. And we, of course, use a lot of our properties for garden site. So these either through license agreements that we have with community organizations or other groups to guard and the sites to use them as community gardens. I wouldn't decide lot sales. We have a specific point to splinter parcel policy that and that is related to very specifically size parcels in the city that we can go through process to just sell them to interested neighbors in some cases. And they'll be more information on this at the AUGUST meeting as well. We're looking at persons that we can transfer to the city and a lot of cases. Parks and public works are works,
are already maintaining these properties for us and they might actually want to use them. Mundt Park system or is right of way. So just makes sense to give them over to the city and let them just have them. They're already paying to maintain it. And then of course, we've got our parking ramps. Those are mostly concentrated in downtown. Those of the long-term holds that we have. One thing that I think is important for us on. Think we've specifically talked about it a tree meeting. So we did kind of reorganize the economic development team to a new team structures. We've got both of our business services team, which is a team Annie, who just presented is on and that's focused on doing small business. We're working on community program, stuff like that. But then we have our development tam. Now. This is not just a team that exists on economic development team, but they're mostly coordinated by
me and my project managers. But this is our opportunity to kind of work really collaboratively, not that we weren't doing this before, but to formalize the structure of working with our planners, project managers from housing getting our economic development, project managers together and to really dig into these economic development problems in these opportunities that come to particularly an injury on land. But we do it for lots of different types of projects. So the goal of the structure of the to facilitate more development on a And I think that's what we're mostly thinking about it for right now. But we're also talking a lot about serving the front door developers. Lots of times fell first come to us and they just they need to know which door to go through to start getting something done in the
city. We want to start being the team that does that both within our department and then across the entire city because lots of departments touch developers as they go through processes. And then of course, most of pressing and relevant to this conversation is the proactive marketing of available atrium properties so we can start offloading those and getting them back onto the tax rolls, developed an coming up, a community projects. S I did want to highlight some projects in flight because we do have a number of things kind of going on. So first would be 5.60, Branson's, the projects in word 2. So this isn't and if project Hernandez be property and that we actually. Originally gave to this developer for the inspiring communities program. S their development stage, you very well MAY be seeing them coming back to the hra to ask for
some assistance to get across the finish line. But their timeline, it's a unique and figure out what makes no sense for them. There is to start construction this fall. And they're and used to be a forecast from homes available to people at 80%. Am I income? It developers for construction is the developer on this one. That in Flight 9.30, York sons, Ward 6 project another. And it's project through the inspiring communities program. Nearing completion actually think this is entirely complete and they're waiting to list So once we get that, listen, we can send it out to everybody and you single-family homes. 38 1% am I? And this is the Dayton Neighborhood Housing Services Project. Same for 70 27. 29 development r d and they hood has services project,
nhs. That's what Another project firing communities. This one is actively for sale. And so you can see more of the beautiful photos that they've got. There that you pulled a couple of them out. Now, another single-family homes or 80% mind. It's a requirement state and communities program and of most p And other recently completed a 6.95 cook. This is that a lot of development project, the fact. So the way that they're intending for that to work is. The buyer by the whole complex and then have the ability to rent it out. On the other side, the s recently closed as and they like sold to their end. Buyer there, which is really exciting to get that project across the line. Ad this is we're getting into our land that is currently for sale. So 10 59 era a new is another nsp property, our neighborhood
stabilization property. This is on the east side and just under a to a Carson, relatively small site. It's currently zoned b 2, which means the best for commercial development. You can see in that steps we are intending to rezone the property to t it district which just gives us more opportunities and options for developers to come in with mixed use projects. All commercial projects are all housing project loosens up these on whim. To get more stuff than it was purchased in 2011 within dollars. So again, it's got those strings attached there. And then potential and uses is at the site, needs a housing outcome. Project can be mixed. Use and that way. And this would be one that would be actively advertising on our website or
as developers come in and they've got interest. They can sit down with us and then we would talk to them about their proposal. And what makes the most sense? Next would be 6.74. Well, so this is a cdbg purchaser community development block Grant purchase property. Also on the side. Pretty small parcel. What you would see here most likely is a single family home MAY be a duplex and given how small it is. The lot next door is actually for sale as well by the private owners. Possibility that whoever buys that lot meant want to come in. Purchased the slot as well to combine it for a larger. Site at the end of the day. But again, we're ready to advertise this one for sale. So if you hear of anybody send them my way and that this will also show up on our website. And we'll be pushing it out for some of our communication
channels as well. Now we've got 10. 46 arcade. And this is a property that we actually purchase with a tree dollars. So this has got the most flexible that henschel and uses. I would say here for this one curtain, his own team to or traditional neighborhood. So it can be used for lots of different. And outcomes given the size, you know, multifamily, smaller, mixed use development on a corridor support quite a bit of density. Right. Arcade was something that we would like to see here open to all sorts of proposals and interested to see what the development community MAY be willing to do. This. And I do want to mention parity properties with active interest. So that's there's have an additional properties that will be coming forward in various ways to this body in
the next couple of weeks. We have gotten proposals on them. They'll be going through that early notification system process out late outlined in our sales policy. That we need to work through. But very exciting housing opportunities from developers, smaller scale developers, which is something that we really prioritize with. A lot of our Adrian went WhatsApp. Also more to come. I wish I could say more. I just can't yet but once I can, you will be man. That's what happy to answer. Any questions or fullback talking about projects. Well, thank you, MISS Lawrence. I just as you're going presentation you know, just a noticeable comment. But several the properties that are kind of most pressing and Ward 6. And I think about that and how that relates to the several state initiative and some of the things that are coming up with their corner pieces and just letting them
know kind of, I think it would be really helpful something like some of the group's know, especially that are actively right now looking at land and opportunities that we have a few that potentially could be. Of interest, especially those that have the potential to be mixed use or commercial and residential. They're just been a lot of conversations on the East side right now about land acquisition and about supporting this is locally to, you know, be able to actually own the building that they're in. And so I just see a unique opportunity to. You know, utilize our our timeline I our deadlines as well. Just show the interest, especially to those groups that meet. Thankfully and are frequently thinking about things, especially the ones I think it was Marilyn and arcade. Just because tey're just kind of fit into the conversations and then I would be remiss if I also didn't say, like I think
Landbank Francaise is also interested doing work on the east side an Collin. Just being able to talk with them as well. It might be just good to put those, especially the word 6 properties and properties on the set on the radar. Just so they know that that could be a potential option for them. Commissioner provides thanks Johnson and really helpful. Presentation as as you hinted the words, all of different amounts of a chair on land actually think maybe Ward 4 also has I can't. I can't remember 1, 1, on the parcel. I this question MAY be entirely too much based my personal proximity to certain empty lots that are nature a loan, but are nonetheless still vacant. Is there a sense in when these go for market of how much risk you all feel of
someone sort of purchasing it but not doing the proposed project immediately or in the long run. I know that's that's the more paranoid side my brain. But there's especially with single-family lots. I find at least, you know, maybe this is papered prior to us allowing the one to 4, 1, to 6 site that allows a lot more flexibility for what someone can do. But as that is all part of the the calculation or when put something out is a pretty clear that something is even on a clear timeline or pretty from by the time to talk to you. Yeah, commissioner, thanks for that question. I think that's always in the back of our is when we things, we want them to develop. You know, you'll see this in the land strategy. The director McMahon
will be present day. There are probably some want. So we're a little bit indifferent about what happens on them. So a lot our specificity will come with what kind of funding is on those projects where they exist in the city and kind of what's going on around them. But, you know, the tact that we're planning on taking 2 is getting Developers under some sort of like tentative developer status to give them time to make their project work. It also gives us time lines, right? We operate better. We've got specific deadlines. We need to be in. So if they're not meeting our expectations, something's not really work. Ghost right. We can say, okay, we're take this property back in a certain amount of time. I think that's
our best tool. To be able you know, be very clear. But we want what we want with these developers, but also give ourselves the opportunity to say like. also not just going to wait or so after that. Yes, certainly that is that's a risk, especially with these are hard to develop lots. That's why we on right If everybody one of them, they would have been gone But because they're so difficult to develop particularly the type of developers that are most interested in developing those lots probably need a little bit higher touch sometimes to which we're happy to provide. Those are exactly we want to grow. And more projects in the city right? I really appreciate that. Even just within walking distance, even my current hobbling state of walking
distance from my house, I can think of probably 10 like I could literally this for you. 10 different empty single family size. Lots that are not city on, but they are still there are still empty. And Johnson's point, even in my more residential part of Midway, you know, in my head, I I would at minimum we could have, you know, a family each of those lots lead on multiple families. And each of those lots and what that would bring more energy to the, you know, aside from them literally having a home, more energy to the neighborhood, more folks to, you know, go to our parks and libraries. And so every every one of these can feel small, an idividual. But I think everyone is a big win. So I appreciate that. Thank you. Commissioner baskets.
I appreciate appreciate you all for just kind of taking the time to bring this forward to stories. I think the ongoing conversations that can happen to each of our words. We've been kind of asking continue continuing to ask about just thinking about the those that of us that have a jury on land and our words. I think this will be really helpful conversations. I know as we go through this this phase and then also the additional presentation, it's just going to be cool to see You know, which ones we should have on our radar, especially if we don't necessarily maybe have a short list. Maybe some commissioners do. But I know that it will be really helpful to kind of keep and communication with us all on just what goes out when what maybe we can promote to community partners. What things week, how we can be helpful partner in this
endeavor, endeavor because for sure want to be able to capitalize any interests in properties that we have. And I would say as we head into maybe 2026, especially for those land properties that make the on by the city for the properties that we think might be too small to be developable. But we might need to talk to the the neighboring owner. I'm very interested seeing how long that list isn't potentially taking some time. And the vast majority of properties that we have as we head into the new kind of phasing out what that process could look like to really hone in on those opportunities and just really kind of start to dwindle down those properties,
but really focusing on the one's that, you know, potentially could resolved or developed with the rfp or potential intentional solicitation. So appreciate that. That's a great club for melanie's presentation of Thank you so much. Item number 4 staff report s are 25 dash, 1, 4, 1, update on supportive housing budget allocation. All right. So I put this on the agenda for today and part and thanks present dozen people to really this weekend. We have added the the proposals that we receive this agenda as well. So folks have as you all know, I was as the vice chair of home Ramsey can a continuum. And basically for me, I had conversations, especially with the governing board, steering
committee. About $880,000 allocation. That was done by counsel to local through the local, affordable housing aid originally supportive housing, rfp. Proposal was brought to heading home Ramsey and has had different iterations of communications. But as a result of we, I met with several folks a points the room here. Thank you for taking the time to come today. We had decomposition about this. What a growing needs for at this time for some of our partners that were in the emergency shelter space, supportive housing space, kind of all around services, peace. And they talked about this $180,000 allocation. There was a proposal that was submitted from the steering committee before I became part of the
governing board. That was we heard and then there were a couple additional proposals that came from providers directly from the committee directly once be speaking to kind of emergency prevention which was submitted by neighborhood House. That was piece about their their rental assistance and they're kind of a deposit assistance piece that they have in their programs to help prevent individuals catering to make sure catering into the ccle. And then there was another proposal that was submitted by several different emergency shelter providers because my has multiple uses. And so the question that kind of wanted to be able to talk with you all about and why I thought it was important to bring to this meeting because tomorrow the governing board will meet and I thought it was beneficial to really pose the question to
the spotty and have an open discussion about the council's intent. And then if we were amenable to some of it to some of the different proposals, if we had a chance to review the proposals, have questions about them both I see Several emergency providers are here just that could speak to or even just answer questions surrounding the proposal that was supporting Operation Cross for several different shelters in our area. And then I also see Mayor Joe in the audience, Reza County, and she would also be able to talk about book in a program. And then if there any questions about the neighborhood, House peace, I just want to share like. Several news organizations work to get some of proposals drafted with half of of what you would probably expect. And so the main reasons why that really happens because there was a question of is this the best direction for these funds? And I think that really sums from where I'm asking you
all because we made the change Council made the change last year's recommendation. Part of the budget process, too, basically put the 380,000 towards supportive housing or b. That's what we had given the instruction. That was what was adopted in the 2025 budget. That is what has been communicated as the intent. But I want to get him checked with us all about that because I think that will help guide where the next for my next question I so I hope had a chance to review my memo that was sent to all. But I want to pose that question see if any commissioners had him to get feedback and about that question is this body open to? 180,000 staying to supportive housing or are they amenable to potential recommendations from the Committee on Small
turn into proposals? Commissioner Bowie, thank you. Chair Johnson have a much so are you asking particularly around like rfp, sounds like a rfp has already been issue. People have submitted their proposals and we are now and is this review and making decision on. Grant to the proposal. Are we? Has not put out So that clarification. So basically what happened? What happened with the support of cousin money? So that has not been spent, has not been allocated, the governing board, including the deputy mayor several other committee members were heading home. Ramsey brought it to heading home Ramsey and said this is what we're thinking. How do we want to best utilize it through those conversations? Essentially what came up about that is,
we're going to $180,000 toward something. It MAY not just be supportive housing right now. We might need to consider supporting emergency shelters. We MAY want to think about reinvesting event emerged like additional prevention things, prevention services because that was pretty much like how the discussion has transformed over time. And so the proposals we have in front of you, one of them was submitted from governing for at because they were looking at our original intent, supportive housing And that was the move Minnesota program. A proposal that was submitted by staff and heading home Ramsey team. And this was a response to what the cuncil kind of communicate. It was the intense and the budget that
reiterated that purpose. And this was proposed as potential solution to that is the use of funds. As that competition would along as time progress, you have 2 additional proposals that are brought up as actually this MAY be more of the prominent needs at this time. If we're going to make best use of the 180,000, that was allocated and all 3 of these proposals have are eligible between but it's really just a matter I think these commissions are also having, I will say, within the mayor's office. Well, but here in this body, we want to make sure I want to make sure that I go back to the governing board. I hear here today about, again, just how do folks, Philip do strong and that's 180,000 have to stay in
supportive housing. Chair have a quick question. A matter of procedure. They just looking for comments. Thank you. Yeah, I'm looking for comments today. I'm looking for general feedback today. I'm looking thoughts on the proposals that were submitted. Because this I on the agenda for tomorrow. The governing board meeting and I also included just for the communities standpoint, include at the results from some of initial probe like the initial I. Group of folks that dedicate their time to talk about this very thing and head home. Ramsey. And for recap, we had About 20 few quick math, 27 or so people attendance. But maybe like 30. But proposal that came out of that group as the most urgent at this time was the emergency shelter proposal, which was not the supportive. Housing are a piece that he had his eye. But that was the recommendation that came out
of the small group of people that Matt the second one that the second highest number in support was submission from the burned house in the kind of prevention methods ad the movement some of program that actually was the supportive housing intent. Piece that was echoed had 3 votes of the group. It still is worthwhile to bring to this group because we would be essentially recommending something that was not what the council really it tended. And I just want to make sure that that is not going to raise any red flags. Commissioner provides Yeah, thanks for Johnson. Appreciate the sort of. Unique situation here. I think part of your. Letter included or at least that I MAY be paraphrasing with phrase that all of these good options in the sense that all of these are things we would want to be funding. You know, if we could be funding all of
them at this level, we would I think my comfort level with the the shelter option is is fairly high. You know, many of these we've seen present to us and we know need more resources to say nothing to take away from the other options. But particularly I found the amount of support from the group, at least in the summer. You provided to match my comfort level to, you know, a lot of these facilities. Are there? In in my ward or near my word. But many are your words. And I I just find that work could be due to be so critical. So I definitely don't have a discomfort with the shifts to that proposal. I think, I would have no discomfort. That where the point. Thank you, Commissioner Pro-mask and that if you think this hellhole and I and I want to, I want to just encourage
everybody liked to. So we and wow, well, folks are kind of still just an all share Commissioner List, not able to be here today. She did send all of answers to questions in advance for me, too. Also share with us and I just want every day, I think, yes, like one the things I heard and feedback with people who were talking and it's presenting was like and I want to make sure that folks know they were like competing against each other because I truly felt like these proposals really great. But I think one of the beauty one of things that happened really was like proposal, basically went from multiple conversations. Multiple data points direct experience. You know, that kind of cater to 3 submissions. So there really wasn't a bad option or a bad direction to go i councilmember again, just kind of share that she sees that need kind of echo throughout
all of these areas. It was her preference to stick to the original and that was in part because she was sharing that like. Se struggling with that. She would love to support multiple different efforts and potentially dividing them up. And we had a clear objective seen the little bit in concert for her. And so I just want to share that with us all adding all perspectives to it for the conversation. Commissioner can yeah, had a chance to see this to directly. During a check and I am also supportive of and alternative for a lot resources to go towards margin. Shelter that's and operations. It just I mean, even with and listening house here earlier today, but also just recognizing as we talked on our second that the grainy dinner Ward 4, when the heart
team is out and their truck, yes, aren't really strong partnership with folks that can provide. Housing in bed so that when someone says yes, they have something that they can go to you and and recognizing there's just a limited number of beds in the city any given time. So my my personal investment is that we grow that supply so that even if folks were to enter emergency services and heaven forbid, go back out and reestablish an a in an encampment, the worst of the process and can start building trust is a process to know what resources are available. And just even if they might fits and starts, they're still on the continuum and the other thing that I want to note for for one of the proposals is that it in tandem with the coordinated
entry and the continuum of care and those things where massive winds for our homelessness response in the region. So those for those reasons I very supportive of dollars for smart emergency shelter personally. Thank you, Commissioner Kim. During and that you have a thought it seemed like it had thinking out loud, just making sure that I'm following. If there was a budget allocation that needs to be like redirected like I'm just trying to make sure that we're not stepping. Like why should there be an action or it or anything like should not try? Stephen, you, I just want to make sure that we that we follow whatever process we Yeah, and I will say that. I think so. One that still has to come back to the governing board tomorrow as well for heading home Ramsey. And I felt strongly that that
process kind of should be close in te sense that we had a subcommittee not subcommittee was like official was like we had a We had several of us that dedicate additional time to talk about this particular item and tomorrow, beautiful Lake. A full governing board that will be in attendance. And they'll be expected throughout the time to give an update, which at the time I plan to do. As for some of logistical pieces, there might be in action. But whether the jury has to do it or the council passed, I think the city council, but I don't want to jump ahead of that. But I that's why I'm just sharing like I kind of wanted to breathe here because it's what worked with our agenda get in front of us with the time we had, especially with council PRESIDENT Being out today. And so that was like the you know, was brought here housing-related bringing it
you. But I think from the like what what we need to peace. I think both myself definitely tension who are we represent the city on the right on a We basically have to. We had to. Check what I check our pizza. Take it check. Yeah. And if they're if, in fact a proposal comes back, that's at little bit different direction from the budget allocation than you would have to bring right. I just didn't want that to be as crisis. And then, you know, we make a lot of effort and we get you know, I will say that. I think that again, ovens will be supported. But home where team, because folks, this is the work that they at the same time, it was overwhelmingly in support of the emergency shelter risk and group. And so I think that here in front of the governing board getting the feedback from them of like if that's a comfortable pivot. If that's direction that the recommendation is that the
recommendation that bring it back to this group to proceed with. But I didn't want that. The comments as a surprise to said, yeah. Yeah. Just in case there was a need to. Structures the church on Sunday. Appreciate thank yu. Explaining this whole process of what this looks like to roll role in this and and putting all this together for us. I think, you know, I to end and open alternatives for for this funding. That be different from from our I kind of budget allocation. They're still read through. Just so many different units in cities continue to a lot of challenges. And so I trust can what you know, what the board with the board's work and all the experts on this and and what they choose to recommend Thank you. I appreciate share. And yeah, I think the commission so far been really
for full analysis and mentally a lot just from how full-service funny right now to the direct. Commissioner. If it or gels are vice chair just mentioned, I do appreciate just like details of the process. And just, you know, we're all just catching along I get a chance to receive these items. I did not know the proper context in terms what you want it from even now that mentioned, you know how it's tied to heading Randy. And we have a decision decision. I'm going to be mde tomorrow. Particularly from like Ward wine. I think what's really important is, you and have seen how many families are able serve. It makes sense for those who are the stakeholders at the table to want pivot ship in such a way to support emergency shelter because that kind of that we didn't any of
our communities are facing. I do have question just also just, you know, have a and understanding the context for the law that. From understanding, this was for like development. So is the 800 understand. Really small amount development. Second be able to accomplish a project. But what was the law had dollars for the development? Capital improvement or. When you say with supportive housing was just to build supportive housing are subsidized, affordable housing. that's a great question. I've done so. And I would just say by like I think piece of that, though that was missing what was captured in budget language from the fear tat minutely. It was quite thick. And so and that piece of just like what what my enemy have right now, it's truly set
supportive housing pn service. That's pretty much what we have. And I was able to check that and verify that with our teams were justified in our pieces. I think that there was a few things for context. You remember former council PRESIDENT Maker also served on the Ramsey team. And at the time we also learned of the clock. And so I'm just it's like what? Staff has referred to us. If you go back to them about Minnesota proposal, it's like you put the page over it on Page 2. Face to every kind of there's a graph. And then if you go to the to the actual like actual and functional 0. And what we have, they say the actual explains where the cog lies and so. Be very simplistic comes just as you see the stick figure images, the look like you see with a lower amount start to trail off. And that's because there's less resources and also just like less amount of
people with a longer amount of time transferring from each step to each step. So we have a lot of people that are getting stuck in that coordinated entry piece, not actually moving to support of referrals, not moving to supported housing and then that exit in the program permanently to actual private opportunities. And so this supportive housing investment, I think stemmed from how do we invest that piece knowing tat there was a need along the continuum. And so right now, that was that kind of actual obviously in 2023. And then the data being pounded 2024, I don't think it took into account at the time some of the federal cost that we're experiencing right now. And some of the growing numbers that we're seeing, which I think has put was this
question of is now the right time to do that. And the answer is yes. Then there's directions recommendation shift to potentially. Support. Some of our Minnesota provides at this time. So it's like, I don't I guess a developments. The answer that could have been not looking at the law high, he says and what all w says. They also share supportive housing, sir, and I think support of housing and services o a w center lawsuit statute. And that was my one question is just making sure that the. Because there are very specific eligible uses the and show you even the strip. But just making sure that what's being proposed when it does come back is And that's That to me. I I think I have enough, especially from I guess, is there anything else that
people want to clarify? And just I thing yeah, commissioner start thinking like a month and are you? I think a lot breaks today. I'm trying to represent all say they are you then suggesting you're not suggesting then that the one that it sounds like we're leaning towards would not be an eligible expense for la high and then we would have to change something or that it is eligible expense for la. Chair Commissioner. I'm just suggesting that we want verify that. That is if it's a pivot away from supportive housing to shelter. For example, it has to be supplementing not supplanting in their specific language around that. And there's just we just I'm just flagging that. Yeah. Has specific uses rules. And and so all is that whatever it ends up being, you allocated for us is, in fact,
an eligible make make sure that we're in center what that I think. I will share that looking at looking get the thumbs up from from Iran to county team as well. But when you're looking at the this proposal, I just want reiterate that proposal came in a tie with a tight deadline that was given to folks present. That was submitted by providers that would be impacted by this as well. And so we also went through kind of like a full through of like what law, how wasn't over the eligible uses for. But at the same time, 100%? Yes, I think whatever direction was going forward with, would be going forward with the governing board, but it's even after this piece would have to be eligible within law funding. But that piece was initially, but it doesn't solve our
consideration. And I think some of the things that are here don't pose ay at this time. But I would just like that would be a part of the repeal process. My assumption is that poposal we'll turn into a full-fledged like implementation plan and pieces that, you know, basically we will get our magic staff to musicians to do the things that they usually do, which is to find a way to execute That sounds fantastic. Much more of a flag and a curiosity around it more than anything because, you know, later today at 3.30, we're having legislation update. And so like, should there be any issues or a while, how the state laws sort of the the thing that we run up against? There's an opportunity for us to figure out how we address
that in the next one is sure session because I think the need the need is there. It doesn't change. It wouldn't change My comfort level. And actually, I think would make me that much more determined to ensure that we're we're investing a new emergency shelter options. So it's just a name. If there any issues. Consider me a partner and just looking for to seeing the recommendation. But that my my risk level for a pivot is very, very low. And looking forward to seeing the the fully implemented sign. So, thank you for bringing this morning. Appreciate it. Of course, I guess. Yes, commissioner. Had a lot of clarity. I do want to highlight something that think was worth. Mentioning for tomorrow. I'm something that I and again, I haven't had a chance read thoroughly. So this is
not a recommendation, but I just want to point out what I do. Appreciate with the given by neighborhood House officials say occasion percentage, particularly a different budget categories of like administration support of services and direct What we what I have heard, particularly when it. And making decisions, particularly aware, funding a lot of my constituents have. Had been shunned that they know they're a lot of organizations get funding for past. The administrative needs the people who really those services and Eagles findings like direct service is a direct assistance. Really always like see those right? So we really want to make sure that I want to make sure that there's a impact where people receiving these funds estate sustainable to whether it is.
For Housing r Whatever type of use discretionary that majority of funding goes directly to And at believe that is represented in other areas. I see some proposals. Some of the funniest to sustain staff, which totally understand because like the frontline workers like are doing jobs and want to make sure. People are staying. So it's meant. Thank you. Thanks ship, the points and just kind code met respect. I hear you when you just talk a little bit more about like yet, they're going to have some specifics a little bit further out, like where we this Christmas is what they have to be actually code Torrance because we'll need to have that piece of just what eligible what's not. So having that break down, I think will be helpful. So we can see the direct impacts as a people being served by the dollar. And so. Appreciate that peace definitely welco that,
especially just because I think. But I anticipate probably happen is we'll giving update. And then they will most likely be like a couple more meetings after that. What some of the groups that I presented proposal that mayor, myself. Members of every counties team as well to figure out. Just what that actually means for next steps. As far as like actual action allies this budget item like budget line item that has opposed this year. So I appreciate that. That kind of gives me some answers to that. I really want to check in with you guys. I do appreciate you guys doing that with me and like this. And the setting of this forum, like an like Armenia, McCain to injury. But appreciate you guys for doing that with me doing exercise
with me. I just didn't want to get ahead of all want to make sure that if I was speaking tomorrow are giving an update that I was at least echoing the sentiment of my colleagues. And so just appreciate you guys for exercise with me and the direction being given. There doesn't mean I don't think been active this time director noon. But what I will say is that like whether it's here at the council, we We have another update from this, but probably be more extensive and directions because there's a couple of steps that happened beforehand. But I just wanted to make sure this wasn't a no starter before we have folks decide to go in a direction that and then get here and potentially not have the support that sounds like we might so appreciate that. I don't see anything else on
agenda and I'm fine with some time. But because today's and And I at that this meeting is adjourned.