TO: Urban Renewal Agency Board
THROUGH: Steve Powers, Executive Director
FROM: Kristin Retherford, Urban Development Director
SUBJECT:
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Riverfront-Downtown Urban Renewal Area grant program
Ward(s): Ward 1
Board Member(s): Kaser
Neighborhood(s): CANDO
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ISSUE:
Shall the Agency Board approve exemptions from grant program eligibility restrictions to allow a grant to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to construct a sobering center?
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Approve exemptions from grant program eligibility restrictions to allow a grant to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to construct a sobering center.
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SUMMARY AND BACKGROUND:
City Council action exempting a grant to the Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency to construct a sobering center from grant program restrictions relating to non-profit eligibility and grant program objectives will allow the Urban Development Director to execute a grant commitment for up to $300,000, the program maximum.
On January 4, 2018, the City Council adopted a Strategic Plan that established several goals and actions, including partnering to establish a sobering and recovery center. The City has established a partnership with Marion County, Salem Hospital, Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency (MWVCAA), and Bridgeway Recovery Services to locate a sobering center at MWVCAA’s ARCHES site at 615 Commercial Street NE. The Oregon Health Authority has provided a grant of $330,000 for capital construction costs. At this time, approximately $200,000 is needed to fund the balance of the cost of construction.
FACTS AND FINDINGS:
On November 26, 2018, the Urban Renewal Agency Board amended the Riverfront Downtown Urban Renewal Area Plan (RDURA), section 1110, to include projects to address homelessness and implement goals and actions of the Salem Strategic Plan, including construction of a sobering center. The plan amendment did not modify the eligibility criteria and objectives of the RDURA grant program. Agency action is needed to exempt a grant to the MWVCAA for construction of a sobering center from eligibility restrictions related to non-profits entities and from the requirement that a grant-funded project meet one or more of the grant program’s objectives.
All grants are conditioned upon confirmation of financial feasibility, final construction costs, a qualified contractor, and meeting all of the City of Salem’s building requirements.
A sobering center update will be provided for City Council’s January 23 policy agenda work session.
Kristin Retherford
Urban Development Director
Attachments: None