During a recent government meeting, officials discussed a proposed funding increase of $1,871,523 for the ROE initiative, with $200,000 earmarked for staffing and operational costs, while the remainder is allocated to the TRAC shelter. The funding is part of a broader strategy to manage resources effectively as the city prepares for the closure of Camp Hope and the potential decommissioning of TRAC by October.

City representatives clarified that the new funds would not extend the existing TRAC contract but are intended to support operations through the end of the fiscal year. There are concerns regarding the sustainability of funding for ongoing efforts at the 2nd and Division area, with some officials expressing doubts about whether the allocated resources would be sufficient to address the challenges faced there.

The meeting also covered the city’s affordable housing development Request for Proposals (RFP), which was released on May 15 and closed on June 28. The RFP aims to increase or preserve affordable housing for extremely low-income households. A total of $5,849,000 in 1590 affordable housing development funds is available, alongside additional HOME funds totaling approximately $3.27 million. The city has received ten applications, with the top five projects fully funded based on scoring criteria established during the review process.

Officials emphasized the importance of local support for applicants seeking funding from the state, noting that a local allocation letter is crucial for enhancing their chances in the state’s scoring process. The meeting highlighted the competitive nature of the funding cycle, with a strong emphasis on projects that meet specific community needs and priorities.

Concerns were raised about the inclusion of single-family home projects in the funding mix, with some council members questioning the alignment of such projects with the city’s goals for increased density and mixed-use developments. However, officials defended the decision, citing the need to address gaps in housing options for multi-generational families.

As the city moves forward with these initiatives, officials are committed to providing updates on the progress of the TRAC closure and the implementation of the affordable housing projects, ensuring transparency and community engagement in the process.