HomeMy WebLinkAbout03-24-2025 Housing & Community Development CommissionHOUSING & COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT
COMMISSION (HCDC)
March 24, 2025
Regular Meeting — 6:30 PM
Emma J. Harvat Hall
410 E Washington Street (City Hall)
AGENDA:
1. Call to Order
2. Consideration of Meeting Minutes: October 21, 2024
3. Public Comment of Items not on the Agenda
Commentators shall address the commission for no more than five minutes. Commissioners
shall not engage in discussion with the public concerning said items.
4. Discuss Potential Amendment to the HCDC By -Laws to Reduce the Size of the
Commission from Nine to Seven Members
After the previous two meetings were cancelled due to lack of quorum, the Chair requests
that the Commission discuss a potential amendment to the by-laws to reduce the size of the
Commission from nine to seven members. The adjustment would also change the number of
members required to form a quorum from five to four. The Commission may not vote on the
matter until the following regular meeting. The Commission may also consider a
recommendation to City Council to defer additional appointments.
5. Staff & Commission Updates
This item includes an opportunity for brief updates from staff and Commissioners.
Commissioners shall not engage in discussion on updates.
6. Adjournment
If you will need disability -related accommodations to participate in this program or event, please contact Brianna Thul at
bthul(a)iowa-city.org or 319-356-5240. Early requests are strongly encouraged to allow sufficient time to meet your access needs.
Next Meeting: April 21, 2025
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CITY OF IOWA CITY
410 East Washington Street
Iowa City, Iowa 52240-1826
(319) 356-5000
(319) 356-5009 FAX
www.icgov.org
Housing and Community Development Commission
Meeting Packet Contents
March 24, 2025
Agenda Item #2
a) October 21, 2024 Draft HCDC Meeting Minutes
Agenda Item #4
a) Current Housing and Community Development Commission By -Laws
b) Attendance History 2021 to Present
Agenda Item #5
a) March 17, 2025 Staff Memo — FY25 Aid to Agencies Year to Date Accomplishments
b) Correspondence - Escucha Mi Voz Progress Report
MINUTES
HOUSING AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT COMMISSION
OCTOBER 21, 2024 — 6:30 PM
FORMAL MEETING
E M M A J. HARVAT HALL, CITY HALL
PRELIMINARY
MEMBERS PRESENT: Daouda Balde, Maryann Dennis, Karol Krotz, Kiran Patel, Denise
Szecsei, Kyle Vogel
MEMBERS ABSENT: Horacio Borgen, George Kivarkis, James Pierce
STAFF PRESENT: Erika Kubly, Brianna Thul, Sam Turnbull
OTHERS PRESENT: Simon Andrew (The Housing Fellowship)
RECOMMENDATIONS TO CITY COUNCIL:
By a vote of 5-1 (Vogel opposed) the Commission voted to recommend that City Council approve
Substantial Amendment #1.
CALL MEETING TO ORDER:
Vogel called the meeting to order at 6:30 PM.
WELCOME NEW MEMBERS:
Balde introduced himself noting he is from West Africa moved to Iowa in April 2016. He used to work with
Johnson County Food and Grow at Melrose and likes to help others in the community so volunteered for
this commission.
CONSIDERATION OF MEETING MINUTES: SEPTEMBER 16, 2024:
Krotz moved to approve the minutes of September 16, 2024 with changes. Dennis seconded the motion.
A vote was taken and the minutes were approved 6-0.
PUBLIC COMMENT FOR TOPICS NOT ON THE AGENDA:
None.
REVIEW AND CONSIDER RECOMMENDATION TO CITY COUNCIL ON APPROVAL OF
SUBSTANTIAL AMENDMENT #1 TO THE CITY'S FY24 ANNUAL ACTION PLAN:
Vogel noted they have some federal monies that weren't spent, and staff is proposing using those funds
towards the City's GreenState and Hills Down Payment program to fund up to 12 additional households.
There are also some other monies that weren't used by a couple other organizations that staff
recommend allocating to The Housing Fellowship to buy two affordable rental units. Thul explained there
were two projects from the FY24 Annual Action Plan that were not completed. One was United Action for
Youth. UAY was awarded HOME funded to acquire and rehab transitional housing units, however, with
federal funding there are a lot of restrictions and regulations attached. United Action for Youth canceled
their project because it was able to proceed without federal funding and through a partnership with The
Housing Fellowship. The second project was the Ronald Street student -built home, which was awarded
$200,000 HOME funds. This project had to go through a historic preservation review which took longer
than anticipated and therefore that project ultimately proceeded without federal funding. Staff would like to
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 21, 2024
Page 2of6
reallocate the money from those two canceled HOME projects towards rental acquisition to honor the
intent of the original projects.
Dennis asked when the funds need to be spent. Thul explained typically it needs to be committed within
two years and spent within four, however, with the way the appropriations have been structured, there are
some waivers for the deadlines, but staff try to stick the standards in case anything changes. Since these
are FY24 funds they need to commit those soon.
Patel stated she recalls the Down Payment Assistance program changed its requirements and the homes
no longer have to be in certain census blocks but now it's open citywide. Thul confirmed that was correct.
Krotz asked regarding The Housing Fellowship and the two additional rental units, would those be for
people under 80% or 60%? Thul replied that HOME requires under 60% for rentals. Krotz asked if it is
possible for the Commission to place a suggestion to attempt to fund those for people under 40%? Kubly
stated they can suggest, however, staff typically leaves it at the maximum when they fund projects like
this. They also might be serving someone with a Housing Choice Voucher and so being able to get the
maximum rents would be helpful, but the Commission can suggest what they wish.
Dennis stated she thinks it's a good suggestion, however for the folks that are administering the program
and trying to do all the compliance it might be more work, and she also believes the majority of the folks
that rent from The Housing Fellowship fall far below 60%. It's also difficult to have only two rental homes
that have to be under a certain amount because if somebody comes in and they're a couple dollars over
they won't quality.
Vogel stated he feels like they're doing the shell game, they all voted and gave money to United Action for
Youth. They also awarded money to The Housing Fellowship. Now without going through that process
again, they are just deciding to take that money and just give it to The Housing Fellowship. Why can't
these funds go back into the next award cycle? Thul replied that the Commission could wait and put the
funds into the next competitive round, but they would be asking staff to wait until July of next year to start
any projects. Dennis agreed that waiting that long doesn't leave the agency awarded with enough time.
Simon Andrew (Director, The Housing Fellowship) wanted to address both of the questions raised by the
Commission. First, regarding the income levels, the vast majority of the households The Housing
Fellowship serves fall well below 60%, and in most cases even below 40%. The average household
income for their tenants is $27,000 a year and they have large households to serve, sometimes up to 10
person households. Andrew stated they do like to have the limit set at 60% to serve the households that
do have a voucher. Otherwise, they are basically turning down free federal money if it's restricted at the
lower rate, because the voucher picks up that 60% rent.
Krotz asked if somebody has an income of under $25,000 and they also have a voucher that would pay
50% of a person's rent. Andrew replied no, the voucher in that case would likely pay all of their rent. The
voucher is structured that households shouldn't be paying more than their income so if their income is low
enough, the voucher will pay all of their rent, up to a set cap of what a rent can be (which is based on
average rents). If the voucher holder starts making more money, the voucher will pay less. The Housing
Fellowship has many households that don't pay anything out of pocket.
Krotz finds that really interesting because she falls in that category of having income below that amount
but has never had all of her rent paid, she usually pays between 40% and 50%, sometimes up to 55%
and she has a Housing Choice Voucher. Andrew noted that would be a question for City staff but The
Housing Fellowship does have households with vouchers that pay $5 of the rent and the tenant is
responsible for the rest up to the tenant not paying anything, the latter are usually families with children.
Krotz asked if they ever have one -bedroom units on vouchers. Andrew replied yes, they have 17 one -
bedrooms but those are limited to find, they are seeing right now the biggest demand is at the extremes,
very large families and single person households. They do have quite a bit of two- and three- bedroom
units, but not enough one -bedroom or larger than three -bedroom units.
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 21, 2024
Page 3 of 6
Andrew next addressed the question about the United Action for Youth (UAY) project and the student
build project. The Housing Fellowship was really proud to partner with UAY to help that project go
forward. He stated in both cases The Housing Fellowship is borrowing that money and taking on that debt
with the hope and understanding that they would be able to access those unused HOME funds. He
explained that UAY was in a position where they had eight homeless clients that they were serving
between the ages of 16 and 22 that were already renting private apartments but weren't going to be able
to continue in those apartments. UAY was afraid those individuals would be homeless again come July,
when the lease was up, and when it the funding did not come through in a way that would allow them to
purchase the house and they needed help. UAY first went to the Community Foundation and then they
asked City staff and United Way if there was any way they could get bailed out and still be able to close
on the house for these individuals. Effectively, they just needed a landlord with a borrowing capacity to
be able to borrow the gap in the home purchase. The Housing Fellowship took over the purchase
agreement as a way to help out one of their partner agencies to help them complete their mission, which
in this case is the same mission, preventing more homeless individuals on the street. In this case, it was
16- to 22-year-olds that really had nowhere else to go. Andrew explained The Housing Fellowship would
like to use the HOME funds from UAY to purchase a home they would have otherwise had to borrow
money for. They are basically using the debt on the UAY purchase instead of the new acquisition and
hoping to use the HOME funds for that new acquisition. The student build home on Ronalds Street, was
a timing issue due to the school district calendar. Students are back in school in August, and they needed
to start building in August. Due to the archeological review they weren't going to have the answers
needed in time to get the students rolling. Again, The Housing Fellowship doesn't have other funds for
that project and had to incur a private debt at 7% interest to finish that construction. The Housing
Fellowship is hoping to use the $200,000 for other acquisitions that will cash flow such that it will pay the
debt on Ronalds Street. Because it is a student build project, they believe in the project so much they are
willing to take a loss on that second house. So again, they are just hoping for that remaining $200,000 to
be allocated to The Housing Fellowship so they can acquire additional properties that will help that cash
flow picture.
Dennis acknowledged it is sort of a shell game but one that has really good results for the community.
Krotz asked if staff anticipates if any other agencies will raise concerns with this reallocation. Thul cannot
speak for other applicants, but they are approaching the next CDBG and HOME funding round again in
December so there's that funding available. Also, for affordable housing projects like this, the City
contributes to the local Affordable Housing Fund, which is administered by the Housing Trust Fund of
Johnson County, so this isn't the only opportunity for affordable housing funds at the moment.
Vogel noted he just intrinsically has a hard time with moving money from the other projects to a new
project without a discussion about the merits of everybody's proposals. Perhaps that $310,000 could be
used by an organization that plans to assist more than two households. Maybe someone wants to buy a
$1.2 million 24-plex of one -bedrooms and just needs $310,000 for the down payment, and suddenly there
are 24 households in Iowa City that can be assisted with the same $310,000 versus two. They are not
getting the opportunity to have that discussion. He did acknowledge the pressure and extra work it puts
on staff to do that work but those are simply his concerns with it.
Krotz asked if this would go to City Council for final approval. Thul replied yes, this is currently in a 30-day
public comment period and then it will go to City Council on November 4.
Kubly also wanted to note, this is the standard process for a substantial amendment like this. This is the
public process and they are following normal procedures to accommodate for changes that have
happened since the initial Action Plan was approved.
Dennis noted if they were to put the money back for the next round it again lowers the amount of time that
somebody has to finish the project and if that project isn't finished within the guidelines that money goes
back to Washington, DC, and everyone loses the money. Kubly noted they do substantial amendments all
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 21, 2024
Page 4 of 6
the time. Thul agreed it is common for staff to bring this Commission substantial amendments to the
Consolidated Plan.
Krotz asked if The Housing Fellowship will be using the funding for rental housing, specifically a duplex.
Andrew replied not necessarily, they own 211 rental housing units and they range from single family
homes, duplexes, town homes, and they look at zero lots basically the same as single family homes.
There are a couple that they have their eye on now to acquire and will probably acquire three more in the
next nine months, in addition to, hopefully, these two. Krotz wondered if they had a specific property in
mind to acquire if they were awarded these funds. Andrew replied they are always looking and currently
there is a duplex for sale on Muscatine that's real close to a few other units that they own and that's
always very attractive, just for efficiency of maintenance.
Andrew wanted to state as well, effectively this is a mechanism to get done projects that the Commission
has approved, but the projects wouldn't have happened without this mechanism, so it really is a way to
get them done the projects that this Commission initially considered and approved. If The Housing
Fellowship had not stepped in and that UAY money had just gone back into the pot and those kids would
be homeless. He also stated they will probably see more of these in the future, collaborations between
the nonprofits, the clients UAY are serving, The Housing Fellowship doesn't have the skill set to serve.
They have daily case management services that's beyond what The Housing Fellowship does and
likewise, The Housing Fellowship is much more experienced a a property manager and dealing with
acquisition. They have more debt capacity with the ability to move things between properties in a way that
UAY isn't capable to do. The Housing Fellowship has had a lot of success recently with master leases
with the Salvation Army and their homeless vet program. They worked with DVIP and Shelter House early
on in the pandemic. Overall it's a good thing to have the local nonprofits collaborate and play to their
strengths, for case managers to be doing the best case management services, property managers,
likewise. Therefore, part of the logic and taking that risk on the UAY project, not knowing whether those
funds would be reallocated, was to show that those master lease projects are very fruitful.
Szecsei asked if there have there been any public comments. Thul replied no, but public comment will go
through November 4. Szecsei asked if they expect any public comments. Thul stated they don't usually
get many comments and the bulk of the feedback typically comes from this Commission. Kubly added
that the agencies that staff regularly works with are pretty comfortable coming to staff. They know they
would have the opportunity to speak at the Council meeting or anytime between now and then as well.
Sometimes they also get favorable public comments, so if The Housing Fellowship wanted to come and
make a public comment like that at the Council meeting they could as well.
Krotz asked if the other agencies generally watch things like this. Kubly is unable to know if they watch
the meetings but when agencies have projects that they need funding for they typically would come to
staff and talk through them.
Dennis moved to recommend that City Council approve Substantial Amendment #1. Seconded by
Patel.
A vote was taken and the motion passed 5-1 (Vogel opposed).
OVERVIEW OF NEXT STEPS FOR FY26 LEGACY AID TO AGENCIES:
Staff wanted to give an overview of next steps for FY26 Legacy Aid to Agencies process. The joint
application was due October 15 and staff has all of the submissions. The submissions are available
online as well as printed hard copies for those that wanted it. However, with the hard copies that is only
the application and there's supporting materials posted online. United Way did three training sessions and
staff received some good feedback on that. Staff will supply the Commission with summary sheets of
each application by November 7 but encouraged all to start reading the applications. The Commission
has until January 6 to score the grant proposals, that sounds like a lot of time but time tends to fly. Staff is
also going to be offering one on one sessions and will meet with members individually to help work
4
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 21, 2024
Page 5 of 6
through any questions. There will also be the Q&A session with the applicants so if anyone has clarifying
questions for the applicants, they can submit those to staff, and staff will work with the agency to get
answers. Questions for the agencies will be due to staff by November 21 so the agency has time to
respond. Once scores are submitted by January 6, staff will tally those and supply averages to the
Commission that will be included in the information in the packet for the January 20 HCDC meeting. At
that January 20 HCDC meeting is where they will make the group funding recommendations to City
Council.
Patel noted January 20 is Martin Luther King Day, so will HCDC still meet that day. Thul noted that on
MLK Day, City offices will be closed and they'll have to shift. The meeting was shifted to the 271"
Dennis reminded everybody that the Legacy Aid to Agencies funds generally go for operating costs for
the applicants. Thul noted the funding source is part CDBG and part local funding. She acknowledged
this is a challenging grant that HCDC has to work through. There's a lot nonprofits in Iowa City doing
good work and its always a tough decision.
Krotz asked how much money is available for agencies this round. Thul stated it's on the website but
believes it is around $754,000. Also, typically there's about 5% of the total budget that's set aside for
Emerging Aid to Agencies - now called Non -Legacy Aid to Agencies. She also reminded them that the
awards have a minimum of $15,000. The Legacy Aid to Agencies is limited to the applicants identified in
the Consolidated Plan and in the packet staff provided is some information just for reference, like historic
funding for the last 10 years, best practices, and the calendar, which will need updated due to that new
January meeting date.
STAFF & COMMISSION UPDATES:
Dennis noted an article in the Gazette or Register Sunday about a new homeless liaison in Cedar Rapids
and the work they are doing with landlords to lower rents. It was interesting because some of the things
mentioned here are actually happening in Linn County, so it might be worth looking at.
Szecsei started thinking about things like vacancy taxes, or things like that to encourage landlords or
property managers to fill vacancies. There are a bunch of other communities, more so probably in
California, that are toying with an idea of a vacancy tax and she thought would be interesting here in Iowa
City and provide some incentive for landlords. That money could then go towards being able to cover
deposits or things like that for higher risk tenants to address the concerns that landlords have.
Vogel noted it would be a nightmare logistically in know how to prove or get any kind of real number on
whether units are vacant or not. Additionally, what about complexes like The Hive or The Lodge, if one of
those four- or five -bedroom suites have only two of the rooms are rented is that counted as occupied.
There are a lot of minor caveats.
Szecsei suggests maybe it's time to have another conversation about strategies to address vacancy rates
and housing shortages and needs as a part of the landlord incentive discussion because they haven't
resolved anything or moved forward with anything from that previous meeting.
Vogel suggested perhaps staff could put that back on an agenda after all the funding rounds end as the
next several months will be busy with Legacy Aid to Agencies funding, and then CDBG/HOME funding
rounds.
ADJOURNMENT:
Dennis moved to adjourn, Krotz seconded the motion and a vote was taken and the motion passed 6-0.
Housing and Community Development Commission
October 21, 2024
Page 6 of 6
Housing and Community
Development Commission
Attendance Record 2023-2024
Name
Terms
9/21
10/19
11/16
3/21
4/18
5/16
6/13
8/19
9/16
10/21
Exp.
Balde, Daouda
6/30/27
--
--
--
--
--
O/E
O/E
X
Dennis,
6/30/25
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
X
Maryann
Kivarkis,
6/30/27
--
--
--
--
--
X
X
O/E
George
Krotz, Karol
6/30/27
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
O/E
X
X
Vogel, Kyle
6/30/26
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
Patel, Kiran
6/30/26
X
O/E
X
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
X
X
Pierce, James
6/30/26
X
X
X
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
Szecsei, Denise
6/30/25
--
X
X
X
X
O/E
X
O/E
X
Borgen, Horacio
6/30/25
--
--
O/E
O/E
X
X
X
O/E
O/E
Resigned from Commission
Key:
X
= Present
O
= Absent
O/E
= Absent/Excused
---
= Vacant
6
Item #4
Prepared by: Susan Dulek, First Ass't City Attorney, 410 E. Washington St., Iowa City, IA 52240 (319)356-5030
Resolution No. 22-214
Resolution adopting the by-laws of the Housing and Community
Development Commission and rescinding Resolution No. 17-94.
Whereas, the by-laws of the Housing and Community Development Commission (HCDC)
provide membership should include at least one person with expertise in construction and one
in finance; and
Whereas, HCDC would benefit from having at least one person with expertise in nonprofit
management and one person with expertise in property management; and
Whereas, additionally appointments to HCDC should take into consideration various racial,
cultural, social, and economic groups in the City; and
Whereas, HCDC approved amendments to the by-laws at its meeting on July 28, 2022, but they
are not effective until approved by the City Council; and
Whereas, the Council Rules Committee has reviewed the proposed amendments to the by-laws
and has recommended adoption; and
Whereas, the current by-laws were approved in Resolution No. 17-94.
Now, therefore, be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Iowa City, Iowa that:
1. The attached by-laws of the Housing and Community Development Commission are
approved and adopted by the City Council.
2. Resolution No. 17-94 is rescinded.
Passed and approved this _ 6 H� day of 2022.
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Attest'.
City Clk l r _ - a
Approved By:
City Attor "s Office
(Sue Dulek - 08/31 /2022)
Resolution No,
Page 2___
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the Resolution 'be -- d, and upon n}U coU there were:
Axes,
Nays: Absent:
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BY-LAWS
ARTICLE I THE COMMISSION
Section A. The name of the Commission is the Housing and Community Development Commission
of Iowa City, Iowa, as established by Resolution No. 95-199 of the City Council of Iowa City,
Iowa, pursuant to Chapter 403A, Code of Iowa (1995).
ARTICLE 2 PURPOSE
Section A. The purpose of the Commission is to assess Iowa City's community development needs
for housing, jobs, and services for low and moderate income residents, and to promote public and
private efforts to meet such needs.
ARTICLE 3 DUTIES
Section A. Duties of the Commission shall include: 1) assess and review policies and planning
documents related to the provision of housing, jobs, and services, for low and moderate income
residents of Iowa City; 2) review policies and programs of the Public Housing Authority and
Community Development Division and make recommendations regarding the same to the City
Council; 3) review and make recommendations to the City Council regarding the use of public
funds to meet the needs of low and moderate income residents; 4) actively publicize community
development and housing policies and programs, and seek public participation in assessing needs
and identifying strategies to meet these needs; 5) recommend to the City Council from time to time
amendments, supplements, changes, and modifications to the Iowa City Housing Code.
ARTICLE 4 MEMBERSHIP
Section A. The Housing and Community Development Commission shall consist of nine (9)
members appointed by the City Council of Iowa City. All members shall be qualified electors of
the City of Iowa City, Iowa, and shall serve as such without compensation but shall be entitled to
the necessary expenses, including traveling expenses incurred in the discharge of their duties.
Section B. In order to satisfy the purpose and intent of this commission, when possible, at least one
person shall be appointed to the Housing and Community Development Commission with expertise
in construction, at least one person with expertise in finance, at least one person with nonprofit
management experience, at least one person with property management experience, and at least
one person who receives rental assistance. Appointments shall take into consideration persons of
various racial, religious, cultural, social, and economic groups in the city.
Section C. The term of office for each member shall be three (3) years. In order to ensure a
staggered turnover, initial appointments shall be three (3) members for each of one, two, and three
years respectively.
Section D. The Chairperson and Vice -Chairperson will be elected annually (in July) from the
Commission membership. The Chairperson shall, when present, preside at all meetings, appoint
sub -committees with the approval of the Commission, call special meetings and in general perform
all duties included in the office of a Chairperson and such other duties as may be prescribed by the
members from time to time. The Vice -Chairperson shall take over the above duties of the
Chairperson in the event of the Chairperson's absence.
Section E. Three (3) consecutive, unexplained absences of a member from regular meetings will
result in a recommendation to the City Council from the Commission to discharge said member
and appoint a new member.
Section F. If a position becomes vacant by reason of resignation or otherwise and results in an
unexpired term the Council may choose to fill the unexpired term in such a manner that the
appointee shall continue in the position not only through the unexpired term but also through a
subsequent regular term.
ARTICLE 5 MEETINGS
Section A. Meetings of this Commission shall be on a regular monthly basis. A meeting date and
time will be established by the Commission. A regular meeting may be cancelled if no urgent
business requires a meeting.
Section B. Special meetings of the Commission may be called by the Chairperson and shall be
called by the Chairperson at the request of a majority of the membership.
Section C. Meetings shall be held in an accessible, public meeting place. Notices of meetings
(agenda) for all regular and special meetings shall be posted and distributed to members and the
media at least 24 hours before any meeting is held. All provisions of the State Open Meeting Law
shall be followed. The Chairperson or a designated representative, together with appropriate
members of the City staff shall prepare an agenda for all meetings. Agendas shall be sent to
Commission members at least three (3) days prior to the regular meetings.
Section D. A majority of the members of the Commission (five or more) shall constitute a quorum
of any meeting and the majority of votes cast at any meeting, at which a quorum is present, shall
be decisive of any motion or election.
Section E. There shall be no vote by proxy.
Section F. Time shall be made available during all regular meetings for open public discussion,
Section G. Minutes of all meetings shall be prepared and distributed to the City Council within
three (3) weeks of the meeting in the manner prescribed by the Council. Minutes of all regular and
special meetings will be mailed to all the Commission members during the week prior to the next
meeting. Specific recommendations for the Council shall be set off from the main body of the
minutes.
ARTICLE 6 AMENDMENTS
Section A. The By -Laws of the Commission shall be amended only with the approval of at least a
majority of the Commission (at least five votes) at a regular meeting or a special meeting.
Section B. Policy changes or By -Law changes may be adopted at the meeting following the
meeting at which open discussion was conducted on the specific changes.
Housing and Community Development Commission
Attendance History
Does not include meetings cancelled due to lack of quorum.
Month and Year of Meeting
March 2024
AttendanceNumber of Commissioners in
5
Apri12024
6
May 2024
8
June 2024
6
August 2024
6
September 2024
6
October 2024
6
2024 Average
6
January 2023
7
February 2023
6
March 2023
8
Apri12023
6
May 2023
5
July 2023
7
September 2023
6
October 2023
5
November 2023
8
2023 Average
6
January 2022
6
February 2022
5
March 2022
7
May 2022
6
June 2022
7
July 2022
6
September 2022
5
October 2022
7
November 2022
7
2022 Average
6
January 2021
7
February 2021
9
March 2021
9
Apri12021
6
June 2021
8
August 2021
7
September 2021
5
October 2021
8
November 2021
7
2021 Average
7
I
CITY OF IOWA CITY
MEMORANDUM
Date: March 17, 2025
To: Housing & Community Development Commission
From: Sam Turnbull, Grants Specialist
Re: FY25 Aid to Agencies Year to Date Accomplishments
The Aid to Agencies Program provides nonprofit public service agencies with flexible
operational funding to help serve low-income Iowa City residents based on priorities set in the
City's consolidated plan known as City Steps. In FY25, the City awarded over $770,000 to 25
nonprofit agencies.
Attached to this memo you will find FY25 Performance Goals and FY25 Year to Date
Accomplishments (through 2nd quarter of FY25) for the Aid to Agencies Program.
• Performance goals are self-selected by the agencies at the time of application.
• The Legacy Agencies' number of Iowa City (IC) individuals served comes from the FY24
end of year report.
Legacy Agencies submitted first and second quarter year to date accomplishments in
the United Way portal. Reports were due on 2/17/25.
Non -Legacy Agencies submitted a biannual report with first and second quarter
accomplishments. Reports were due on 1/31/25.
The next reports for FY25 funding are due July 31.
FY25 Legacy Aid to
FY25 Funding
Agencies
Award
FY25 Performance Goals
FY25 Year to Date Accomplishments
Shelter House
$100,647.00
1,526 IC individuals served in FY24
1,193 IC individuals served
250 students reporting positive relationships
268 students reporting positive relationships
650 individuals receiving quality case management
972 individuals receiving quality case management
650 individuals receiving services for stable housing
972 individuals receiving services for stable housing
24,000 nights of shelter provided
11,852 nights of shelter provided
990 adults receiving healthcare services
390 adults receiving healthcare services
200 children receiving healthcare services
198 children receiving healthcare services
2,050 volunteer hours invested in programming
1,119 volunteer hours invested in programming
DVIP (includes
$88,755.00
1,091 IC individuals served in FY24
612 IC individuals served
RVAP's award)
1,500 individuals receiving domestic and family violence services
936 individuals receiving domestic and family violence services
Neighborhood
$70,601.00
2,117 IC individuals served in FY24
1,127 IC individuals served
Centers of Johnson
105 children involved in early learning programs
115 children involved in early learning programs
County
220 students receiving enriching out of school programming
241 students receiving enriching out of school programming
Community
$69,679.00
16,792 IC individuals served in FY24
12,826 IC individuals served
560 individuals receiving services for stable housing
226 individuals receiving services for stable housing
18,000 individuals receiving nutritional support services
14,441 individuals receiving nutritional support services
1,300 individuals receiving mental health services from mobile crisis
979 individuals receiving mental health services from mobile crisis
Free Medical Clinic
$40,344.00
698 IC individuals served in FY24
523 IC individuals served
1,240 adults receiving healthcare services
825 adults receiving healthcare services
250 adults with access to oral healthcare
65 adults with access to oral healthcare
200 individuals receiving information on a healthy lifestyle
235 individuals receiving information on a healthy lifestyle
United Action for
$34,796.00
2,131 IC individuals served in FY24
997 IC individuals served
Youth
900 students receiving enriching out of school programming
440 students receiving enriching out of school programming
400 students reporting positive relationships
136 students reporting positive relationships
50 individuals receiving services for stable housing
43 individuals receiving services for stable housing
500 individuals receiving quality case management
247 individuals receiving quality case management
325 individuals receiving mental health services
257 individuals receiving mental health services
Table to Table
$40,344
10,368 IC individuals served in FY24
11,285 IC individuals served
2,200,000 pounds of food rescued and distributed to programs
1,418,572 pounds of food rescued and distributed to programs
1,100,000 rescued pounds of produce, meat and dairy
744,366 rescued pounds of produce, meat and dairy
Horizons
$38,326
222 IC individuals served in FY24
188 IC individuals served
60,297 meals served to adults in meal program
26,978 meals served to adults in meal program
Inside Out Reentry
531,266
141 IC individuals served in FY24
99 IC individuals served
196 individuals receiving quality case management
108 individuals receiving quality case management
80 individuals receiving services for stable housing
47 individuals receiving services for stable housing
4C's Community
$28,240
306 IC individuals served in FY24
320 IC individuals served
Coordinated Child
144 children involved in early learning programs
206 children involved in early learning programs
Care
30 adults receiving workforce skill training
42 adults receiving workforce skill training
67 individuals receiving nutritional support services
727 individuals receiving nutritional support services
HACAP
527,504
3,450 IC individuals served in FY24
1,089 IC individuals served
200 children involved in early learning programs
192 children involved in early learning programs
200 students reporting positive relationships
192 students reporting positive relationships
Big Brothers Big
527,358
125 IC individuals served in FY24
116 IC individuals served
Sisters
280 students receiving mentoring services
198 students receiving mentoring services
Iowa Valley Habitat
527,261
54 IC individuals served in FY24
54 IC individuals served
for Humanity
34 seniors receiving services to live safely at home
12 seniors receiving services to live safely at home
25 individuals involved in financial literacy education
16 individuals involved in financial literacy education
8,000 volunteer hours invested in programming
3,767 volunteer hours invested in programming
Dream City
$25,215
163 IC individuals served in FY24
145 IC individuals served
160 students receiving enriching out of school programming
74 students receiving enriching out of school programming
160 students receiving mentoring services
74 students receiving mentoring services
160 students reporting positive relationships
74 students reporting positive relationships
80 individuals receiving nutritional support services
74 individuals receiving nutritional support services
160 individuals receiving information on a healthy lifestyle
74 individuals receiving information on a healthy lifestyle
Arc of Southeast
$22,592
310 IC individuals served in FY24
284 IC individuals served
Iowa
70 children invovled in early learning programs
53 children invovled in early learning programs
75 students receiving enriching out of school programming
64 students receiving enriching out of school programming
65 adults receiving workforce skill training
51 adults receiving workforce skill training
Center for Worker
515,129
134 IC individuals served in FY24
25 IC individuals served
Justice
38 students reporting positive relationships
0 students reporting positive relationships*
26 professional training opportunites in education
19 professional training opportunites in education
24 students involved in college and career preparation
82 students involved in college and career preparation
30 students receiving mentoring services
0 students receiving mentoring services*
80 individuals receiving services for stable housing
48 individuals receiving services for stable housing
160 volunteer hours invested in programming
0 volunteer hours invested in programming*
75 individuals involved in financial literacy education
0 individuals involved in financial literacy education*
36 adults receiving healthcare services
14 adults receiving healthcare services
42 individuals receiving mental health services
0 individuals receiving mental health services*
25 adults with access to oral healthcare
0 adults with access to oral healthcare*
Free Lunch Program
$15,129
78,876 fruit/vegetable options provided in meal program
64,474 fruit/vegetable options provided in meal program
20,798 meals
Houses into Homes
$15,129
737 IC individuals served in FY24
389 IC individuals served
5,000 volunteer hours invested in programming
3,471 volunteer hours invested in programming
Pathways Adult Day
$15,129
127 IC individuals served in FY24
89 IC individuals served
Health Center
120 Adults receiving healthcare services
99 Adults receiving healthcare services
* agency reports outcome was self selected in error on application.
FY25 Non Legacy
FY25 Funding
Aid to Agencies
Award
FY25 Performance Goals
FY25 Year to Date Accomplishments
Escucha Mi Voz
$8,000
400 persons served
665 persons served
Iowa City Sober
$7,500
Living
24 persons served
30 persons served
Iowa City Hospice
$5,000
17 persons served
7 persons served
Iowa City
$6,000
Compassion
4,059 persons served
1,800 persons served
Healthy Kids
$5,000
School -Based
Clinics
550 persons served
479 persons served
TRAIL of Johnson
$5,500
County
100 persons served
30 households served
I
ESCUCHA MI VOZ IOWA
Fighting for Worker justice
and Immigration Reform
January 31, 2025
Iowa City Housing and Community Development Commission
Associate Planner / Grant Specialist Sam Turnbull
Senior Community Development Planner Brianna Thul
Neighborhood Services Coordinator Erika Kubly
RE: Biannual Report, Emerging Aid to Agencies
Iowa City Grant Specialist Sam Turnbull:
Escucha Mi Voz Iowa
113 S Johnson St
Iowa City, IA 52240
Thank you for the $8,000 Emerging Aid to Agencies grant to help partially fund our
Refugee Housing and Migrant Health Services Project.
During the reporting period July I - December 31, the project provided 180 consecutive
days of permanent supportive housing to 40 immigrant working men, women, and
children - or 7,200 nights of hospitality. Twenty-five immigrant men, women, and
children were moved into our permanent supportive housing program. Sixteen men,
women, and children transitioned out of the program and into their own stable and
independent housing.
Also during the reporting period, seven children received mentoring services twice a
week, or 364 tutoring sessions.
In addition to housing, during the reporting period the project served an additional 588
immigrant workers with quality case management, legal aid, transportation, and other
services.
ScIvi(.,,es,july I IDec'�,,T
The transportation chart below shows a breakdown of 119 rides given to immigration,
biometric, passport, attorney, and medical appointments.
I nx NpIatatioI, i J Wy 'I [)ec 31
The case management chart below highlights assistance 149 immigrant workers received
filling out immigration paperwork, pre-screening for WIC and SNAP benefits, applying
for financial assistance for medical bills and more.
Gacie Manageirtent July I Dec, 31
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The legal aid chart below shows that 182 immigrant workers received legal aid support
during the reporting period. The project connected 30 immigrant workers with free legal
consultations with an immigration attorney, and 93 immigrant workers received
assistance paying their legal bills.
Gown� or i egal
Also during the reporting period, 13 immigrant workers came to the project office
seeking support for workplace issues, including 12 who had wage theft issues. Eight
wage theft cases were resolved and four remain in negotiation at this time.
W00q')1ac"C Issues JWY � -L)ec 3 t
Also during the reporting period, the project served adults and children with 3,120
nutritious meals with fruits and vegetables. In addition, during the reporting period, eight
immigrant workers received a 0 percent micro -loan to help pay off debt, begin their
immigration cases, or buy a car to get to work.
Invoice of Expenses:
During the reporting period, organization revenue was $159,760.25. During the reporting
period, expenses were $118,261.20. Of the $4,000 expended HCD grant, $2,800 was
allocated to full-time equivalents, and $1,200 to program expenses.
Challenges during the reporting period included meeting the growing need with limited
resources.
This concludes our biannual report. Thank you for the opportunity to partner with the city
and your commission on this vitally important work.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out,
141. N
David Goodner
Director, Escucha Mi Voz Iowa
113 S Johnson St
Iowa City, IA 52240
319-499-8929