TO: Urban Renewal Agency Board
THROUGH: Steve Powers, Executive Director
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Urban Development Director
SUBJECT:
title
Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Strategic Project Grant Exception for the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency
Ward(s): 1
Board Member(s): Stapleton
Neighborhood(s): CANDO
Result Area(s): Safe Community; Welcoming and Livable Community.
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SUMMARY:
summary
Approving an exception to the grant program restrictions on non-profit eligibility to permit the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to purchase 10 storage units
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ISSUE:
Shall the Urban Renewal Agency approve an exception from Strategic Project Grant eligibility restriction on non-profit eligibility and allow the Urban Development Director to execute a grant for up to $26,000 to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to purchase storage lockers?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Approve an exception from Strategic Project Grant eligibility restriction on non-profit eligibility and allow the Urban Development Director to execute a grant for up to $26,000 to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA) to purchase storage lockers.
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FACTS AND FINDINGS:
On February 25, 2019, the Agency Board approved the Strategic Project Grant Program to support the goals of addressing homelessness within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area by providing grant funds for building and property improvements that help with crime prevention, security and safety.
Grant programs are identified as an eligible project in Sections 1105 and 1108 in the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Plan.
Grants under the program are restricted to for-profit entities, unless an exception is approved by the Agency Board.
In April 2020 the Agency Board approved the initial exception for the non-profit restriction for MWVCAA for an initial grant of $19,000 to fund the purchase of 10 storage lockers. Due to the positive response and demand for this type of storage locker, if approved, 10 more lockers can be purchased for storage.
There will be no operational impacts to the Program if a grant is approved for MWVCAA.
BACKGROUND:
The Strategic Project Grant Program was created to fund 100% of the cost of improvements that address crime prevention and safety within the Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area boundaries, which includes downtown.
Not having options for storage results in homeless individuals storing property throughout downtown on sidewalks, in shopping carts, on benches, and behind cardboard or tarp-type shelters. Unwanted items that homeless individuals can no longer store due to physical challenges or means to move them around are often discarded on the sidewalks in downtown, making it difficult for visitors and customers to access downtown businesses and contribute to a negative visual experience.
The City has invested in the renovations to the Arches facilities, which provides homeless services including laundry/shower facilities, food, and day room space. Purchase and placement of storage lockers at Arches will provide a location that is conveniently located to supporting services available to the homeless population.
Sheri Wahrgren
Downtown Revitalization Manager
Attachments:
1. None