### Meeting Overview The Community Development Advisory Board met on October 9, 2025, to review housing programs, evaluate federal funding performance, and discuss budget planning. The meeting featured a presentation from YWCA on their housing services and a work session on HOME-ARP funded homeless prevention programs. ### Key Terms and Concepts **HOME-ARP:** Federal funding from the American Rescue Plan Act specifically for homeless assistance and rental housing programs administered through HUD. **CAPER:** Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report - an annual report to HUD documenting how federal community development funds were used and what outcomes were achieved. **NOFA:** Notice of Funding Availability - the formal application process used by the city to award contracts to nonprofit organizations providing housing and social services. **Homeless Prevention:** Programs that provide financial assistance and services to households at risk of losing their housing, helping them remain stably housed. **Emergency Stay Programs:** Short-term housing assistance for individuals and families in crisis situations who need immediate shelter. **Permanent Housing:** Long-term affordable housing solutions, as opposed to temporary or emergency shelter. **Flex Fund Expenses:** Flexible funding that can be used for various housing-related costs like rental assistance, deposits, utilities, or other stabilization services. ### Key People at This Meeting | Name | Role / Affiliation | |---|---| | Shannon Laws | CDAB Chair | | Alle Schene | YWCA Executive Director | | Kanoe | YWCA Communications Manager | | Samya Lutz | City Planning and Community Development Department | | Kathleen Morton | City Planning and Community Development Department | ### Background Context The Community Development Advisory Board serves as a citizen review body for the city's housing and community development programs, which are largely funded by federal HUD grants. The board is currently navigating significant budget pressures as federal funding levels remain uncertain and local housing needs continue to grow. This meeting focused on evaluating how well current programs are performing before developing new funding application processes. The YWCA presentation highlighted the organization's role as a key partner in the city's housing strategy, operating both emergency and permanent housing programs. Meanwhile, the HOME-ARP performance review represents the city's effort to ensure federal dollars are being used effectively for homeless prevention while preparing for the next round of competitive funding awards. ### What Happened — The Short Version The YWCA presented an overview of their housing programs, including emergency shelter, permanent housing properties, and a new scholarship program launching in 2026. City staff then led a work session reviewing the performance of HOME-ARP funded homeless prevention programs, sharing data on costs per intervention and types of assistance provided. Staff sought board input on structuring the next funding application process, noting it will be limited to current program providers. The CAPER public comment period closed with no comments received. Staff provided updates on the Bellis Project Phase 2 funding and upcoming budget sessions with City Council. ### What to Watch Next - Planning and Community Development budget sessions with City Council scheduled for late October/early November - CDAB will work with staff over the next few months on potential budget cuts - Next board meeting scheduled for November 13, 2025, will include representatives from Whatcom County Health and Community Services ---