The borough approved a $25,000 grant from its opioid-settlement allocation to Resilient Youth and Community (RYC) to furnish a new community care center that will house outpatient clinical services and a daytime program for local youth.

What passed: The assembly voted 6 in favor, 0 opposed and 1 abstention on Oct. 20 to authorize a grant agreement in substantially the form presented. Assemblymember Dan Ortiz and Mayor Austin Otis participated in the meeting; Assemblymember Sharon Palmer seconded the motion moved by Assemblymember Bruce Thompson. The borough’s economic-development coordinator said the funds come from the borough’s opioid settlement allocation and are intended for opioid remediation and abatement activities.

How RYC will use the money: RYC representatives told the assembly the funds would help furnish “the Harbor,” a daytime community-care portion of a larger clinic building across from Madison’s on Tongass Avenue. The Harbor is meant to provide therapy, skill-building, peer-support and recovery-oriented groups that RYC says will directly address youth substance use and related behavioral-health needs. RYC said the requested amount is part of a larger furniture and outfitting budget and reflects commercial-grade equipment and licensing requirements.

Concerns and response: Several assembly members asked about cost-per-item estimates and whether other community organizations had been asked to contribute furniture. RYC representatives said commercial-grade furnishings are required for clinical licensing and that they are pursuing multiple funding sources while using organizational reserves where necessary. The assembly’s legal advisory review confirmed the grant fits opioid-settlement spending guidance.

Conflict of interest: One assembly member who is employed by RYC disclosed a financial conflict and abstained from the vote; the assembly’s presiding officer ruled the member must not participate in the vote.

Why it matters: The grant directs settlement proceeds toward local prevention and treatment infrastructure. Assembly members who voted in favor said investing in spaces for prevention and early-intervention services aligns with the settlement’s intent to address opioid-related harms.

Next steps: Staff will finalize the grant agreement and return a fully executed copy to the assembly and RYC.