Berkeley City Council Meeting Summary - May 7, 2024

The Berkeley City Council convened a special meeting on May 7, 2024, to discuss the FY 2025 annual action plan and the allocation of federal and local funds to community agencies. The meeting was chaired by Mayor Jesse Arreguin, with Councilmembers Rashi Kesarwani and Ben Bartlett absent. Here’s a rundown of the key points and decisions made:

Annual Action Plan and Community Agency Funding

Scott Gilman, the interim director of Health, Housing, and Community Services (HHCS), and his team presented the FY 2025 annual action plan, which includes the allocation of HUD funds through programs like the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG), Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG), and the Home Investment Partnership Program. The plan also covers local and state funding recommendations for FY 2025-28.

The city received over $26 million in funding requests but had only $11 million available, necessitating tough decisions. Key focus areas included:

• Health and Human Welfare:

  • 13 applications, over $1 million requested.
  • 10 programs recommended for funding, focusing on disability services, healthcare, and other critical areas.

• Youth Equity:

  • 28 applications, $3.4 million requested.
  • 20 programs recommended, supporting kindergarten readiness, school success, health, resilience, and career readiness for Black and Brown youth.

• Homeless Services:

  • 35 proposals reviewed.
  • Nearly $10 million recommended for interim shelter beds, housing retention grants, coordinated entry services, and housing case management.

• Housing and Workforce Development:

  • 16 applications reviewed.
  • 14 proposals recommended for funding, focusing on housing services, public services, community facilities, and workforce development.

Public Comments and Concerns

Several speakers, including Olivia King from Resources for Community Development and Brenda Goldstein from Lifelong Medical Care, expressed concerns about the impact of funding cuts on essential services for formerly unhoused residents. They emphasized the destabilizing effects of defunding programs like Tool Works, which provide critical support for maintaining stable housing and accessing healthcare.

Representatives from Big Oaks Learning Center, Bonita House, and Lifelong Medical Care highlighted the importance of their services for low-income families, homeless individuals, and those needing therapeutic care. They requested the reinstatement of funding to continue offering these vital services.

Multiple council members, including Mayor Arreguin, expressed support for the Berkeley Food Network, which plays a crucial role in providing food security. They acknowledged the need to find funding solutions for BFN, given its essential services and partnerships.

Key Takeaways and Decisions

The Youth Equity Partnership (YEP) presented a robust process for evaluating and recommending funding for programs supporting youth of color. The youth review panel recommended equitable allocation of $1.7 million to support various programs aimed at improving educational and career outcomes.

The Homeless Services Panel of Experts faced challenges due to limited funding and emphasized the need for targeted programs like the Pacific Center for Human Growth. They highlighted the critical need for additional resources to support the aging homeless population.

The Housing Advisory Commission (HAC) stressed the importance of increasing General Fund allocations to maintain service levels and support key programs. They recommended funding for programs like the Bread Project and Rising Sun Center for Opportunity at their requested levels to ensure high-quality services.

Public comments underscored the interconnectedness of various community programs and the potential cascading effects of funding decisions on food security and support services.

• Approved the staff recommendation for federal funding allocations.
• General fund allocations will be further discussed during the fiscal year 2025-26 budget process.
• Committed to finding ways to support critical programs like the Berkeley Food Network despite budget constraints.

The meeting highlighted the critical need for strategic allocation of limited resources to address the diverse needs of Berkeley's vulnerable populations, with a particular focus on youth, homeless individuals, and low-income residents. The council acknowledged the challenging financial situation and committed to working hard to support essential community services. 🌟