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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMN-IURA-2024-03-01Approved: 4/26/24 108 E. Green St. Ithaca, NY 14850 (607) 274-6565 MINUTES ITHACA URBAN RENEWAL AGENCY 8:30 A.M., Friday, March 1st, 2024 Common Council Chambers, Third Floor (City Hall) 108 E. Green St., Ithaca, NY 14850 Members: Chris Proulx, Chair; Karl Graham, Vice-Chair; Robert Cantelmo (Mayor); Shaianne Osterreich Excused: Donna Fleming Vacancies: 1 IURA Staff: Nels Bohn; Anisa Mendizabal City Staff: Lisa Nicholas, Director of Planning & Development Guests: None. I. Call to Order Chair Proulx called the meeting to order at 8:31 A.M. II. Agenda Additions/Deletions None. III. Public Comments None. IV. 2024 HUD Entitlement Grant Action Plan A. PUBLIC HEARING #1 (continued from 2/23/24) On a motion by Cantelmo, seconded by Osterreich, and unanimously approved, Chair Proulx reopened the Public Hearing. ― PUBLIC FACILITIES APPLICATIONS ― 1. APPLICATION #11: 200 CECIL A. MALONE DR. PEDESTRIAN IMPROVEMENTS — CITY OF ITHACA Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Peggy Tully City of Ithaca Funding would go towards construction and design for shovel-ready project to construct ADA curb ramps, curbing, new sidewalks, and cross-walks. IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 2 of 13 The improvements would include: 2 ADA compliant curb ramps with cast-iron detection strips placed at the south corner of Cherry St. and Cecil A. Malone Drive, providing safe access for pedestrians with vision and mobility challenges; and 600+ linear feet of five-foot wide, ADA- compliant, concrete sidewalk will be separated from traffic by a grass strip on one side and granite curb on the other. Many community leaders have expressed concerns that the incomplete sidewalk system along this corridor creates a dangerous situation for pedestrians and neighborhood residents, further isolating them while reducing their economic and social options as well as their safety and security. Without IURA funding, the construction of the new sidewalk would not be possible, since the amount of work needed is larger than any single other project funded by the City’s Sidewalk Improvement District (SID) program. Graham recalled that Tully cited a figure of $160,000 in the budget, but he was not sure if that was for the entire City or only for SID District #4. Tully replied, only for SID District #4, which is very large. Graham noted that one of the Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) concerns was why this block of Cecil A. Malone Drive was prioritized over Cherry Street, on which the Ithaca Arthaus project is located. Tully responded that the City would like to be able to connect the new Cecil A. Malone Drive bridge to the new pedestrian bridge that crosses the Inlet, which is part of the overall vision for making the neighborhood more livable. Osterreich asked why such a comparatively short stretch of sidewalk requires such a large investment. Tully replied that location involves an especially intensive infrastructure need, requiring removing the existing deteriorated infrastructure and installing the 2 ADA compliant curb ramps. She added that concrete currently costs $725 per cubic yard, which is extremely expensive. 2. APPLICATION #12: DICC ADA UPGRADES & MODIFICATIONS — DOWNTOWN ITHACA CHILDREN’S CENTER (DICC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Krista Tripp (virtual) Downtown Ithaca Children’s Center (DICC) Requested funds would go towards the materials necessary to install automatic handicapped-accessible doors into and within the building, create a more inclusive playground, and improve access to storage within the building for both children and staff of all abilities. More specifically, the improvements would include: 1. Installation of hardware to automate 6 doors (including main entrance, playground entrance, and one bathroom) for wheelchair accessibility; 2. Replacement of large motor storage access points for safety and increased accessibility regardless of ability; 3. Installation of inclusive playground with rubber safety surface for ease-of-access. IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 3 of 13 Graham noted the project application lists $17,517 as the cost of the interior improvements, which is what the Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) was interested in funding. Tripp confirmed that the interior improvements would be the priority for the organization. Proulx asked what the timeline is anticipated to be for receipt of the $92,492 in Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC) funding. Tripp replied the claim was filed in Summer 2023, so DICC anticipates its claim to be processed by early Summer 2024. Bohn asked if the projected cost of the doors and associated materials includes labor for the installation. Tripp replied, no. Bohn explained that any IURA-funded construction costs would need to comply with Federal prevailing wage requirements (i.e,. The Davis-Bacon Act), so that should be included in the project budget. Tripp responded she could definitely modify the project budget to reflect that requirement. 3. APPLICATION #13: RED & WHITE CAFÉ — GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER (GIAC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Leslyn McBean- Clairborne Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) Requested funds would be used to cover the cost of professional services and some construction costs, particularly demolition, in order to renovate the iconic Red & White Café, which GIAC purchased, to become a teen-run micro-entrepreneurship business and culinary arts program, thereby protecting the history and integrity of the neighborhood. Graham asked why the application was categorized as a public facility project and not an economic development one. Bohn replied that, to be eligible for Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program economic development funding, the project would need to demonstrate either job-creation or assistance to a micro-enterprise, defined as a commercial enterprise with five or fewer employees, one or more of whom owns the enterprise. Graham asked how the $80,000 in budgeted construction costs would be used. McBean-Clairborne replied she does not know specifically, but much of it would generally go towards renovating the second floor as a culinary arts training space. Graham observed that the project schedule appears to be off by a year. McBean-Clairborne responded, although the schedule may not be entirely accurate, GIAC is determined to move very quickly on the project, using additional non-IURA funding. GIAC staff employed a very aggressive timeline in developing the schedule, although she may need to revise it to some extent, with the architects. Cantelmo asked when GIAC anticipates receiving the State funding. McBean-Clairborne replied she would expect to receive around May-June 2024. Proulx observed that the renovation of the second floor seems as though it would be a more significant undertaking than the remainder of the project and asked whether GIAC had explored dividing the project IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 4 of 13 into two phases. McBean-Clairborne responded she is more than happy to explore that with the architects. Until now, GIAC has only envisioned the project as a single-phase endeavor. Proulx asked once the project is up and running if GIAC believes the revenues from the sale of products in the café would cover the operating costs. McBean-Clairborne replied she imagines there would be at least some ongoing operational costs, especially to begin with, over the first few years. ― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ― 4. APPLICATION #14: 2-1-1 INFORMATION & REFERRAL HELPLINE WITH HOUSING NAVIGATION — HUMAN SERVICES COALITION OF TOMPKINS COUNTY, INC. (HSC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief John Mazzello Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC) Requested IURA funds would LMI individuals with specialized information and referral services, and support 48 individuals with housing navigation. 2-1-1 provides comprehensive, up-to-date information and resources to the community by phone, text message, e-mail, chat, or in-person requests. 2-1-1 is available 24/7/365. Over the past three years, 2-1-1 has further developed its ability to provide housing-related services. The Housing Specialist provides a range of housing navigation services, including supporting clients with all types of housing-related concerns, assisting tenants with rental arrears, aiding individuals at risk of eviction or on the docket for eviction proceedings, and coordinating with landlords to provide resources to tenants. 2-1-1 is available to everyone, but most service recipients are LMI. Other key groups include older adults, individuals with health- related needs, and community members with housing insecurity, such as risk of eviction or homelessness. Nicole Roulstin Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC) The majority of calls at this time of year are for the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program. 2-1-1 also partners with the Friends in Service Helping (FISH) medical transportation program. In the past year, 2-1-1 entered into two new partnerships related to transportation access. The Ithaca ETA (Electric Transportation Access) project is a NYSERDA-funded project to enhance access to electric vehicles and bikeshares, and create an on-demand bus app. 2-1-1 serves as the call center providing information on the program, as well as assistance with booking the on-demand trips. The second project is TMaaS (Tompkins Mobility as a Service), where 2-1-1 serves as the customer service center, providing real-time multi-modal options and information to people seeking access to alternate travel options, rather than commuting in a single-occupant vehicle. IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 5 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Brett Irish Human Services Coalition of Tompkins County, Inc. (HSC) Since 2021, he has served as a Housing Specialist providing updated referrals to tenants and landlords, in partnership with DSS, CCTT, Tompkins Community Action, and LawNY. It is a holistic approach to offering resources that includes transportation, food, and mental health needs. The Housing Specialist also coordinates with a number of programs that assist clients, especially those facing evictions. The Housing Specialist attends Ithaca City eviction court each week and has become a trusted presence for judges, court personnel, and attorneys. Proulx observed the application’s funding request would go towards 3 different staff roles. He asked if HSC could describe that in further detail. Mazzello replied the program has a number of different roles, so they allocated the funding request amounts accordingly. 5. APPLICATION #15: A PLACE TO STAY FOR HOMELESS WOMEN — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Ixchel Branagan (virtual) Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) APTS is a unique transitional supportive housing program located in a four-bedroom housing unit, specifically designed to support women at or below 50% of AMI in recovery as they exit homelessness. The short-term housing provides residents with a stable environment and a safety net, while they work towards building self-sufficiency and transition into permanent housing. The program offers flexibility with discharge planning and can provide extensions up to 12 months, if necessary. Determining the length of stay is highly dependent on individual cases and progress in securing housing. Evenings provide the ideal time for case-management, rapport-building, and teaching a variety of skills (e.g., social skills, accessing community resources, financial education and budgeting, job searching). APTS has helped an average of 10 women a year. 75% have moved into housing using Section 8 vouchers. The requested funds will support this model, recognizing that about 35% of those served have more intensive needs even after leaving. The project also involves collaboration with several other non-profits and community volunteers who assist with helping clients meet educational, financial, wellness, or job-related goals. Shawnae Milton (virtual) Catholic Charities of IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 6 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Graham asked what the impact would be if CCTT only received partial funding. Branagan replied it would necessitate reducing the amount of services the program provides (e.g., reduced staff hours). Cantelmo asked if the funds listed under the “Foundations & Private Contributions” category represents a fundraising goal. Branagan responded CCTT does engage in a lot of fundraising for both the entire organization and the program in and of itself. 6. APPLICATION #16: HOUSING SCHOLARSHIPS PERSONNEL SUPPORT — THE LEARNING WEB, INC. Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Michelle Nolan (virtual) The Learning Web, Inc. Requested funds would support staffing for the program, providing 12-18 months of rent/utility subsidies to 6 low-income unaccompanied/homeless youth and young adults, in supported apartments so they can maintain stable housing while increasing their self-sufficiency through intensive staff support. Since individualized life-skills training and financial literacy counseling are an important part of the program, among other intensive staffing needs, additional funds to support Learning Web personnel are vital to the success of the program. This new funding request is a result of the continued growth of the organization’s case management services for the youth it serves, including a recently added part-time mental health counselor and clinical social worker. Its housing programs have evolved over time to include more units/youth served, more comprehensive services, including mental health counseling and after- care, laundry/shower facilities, increased expenses for independent living supplies, furniture, and emergency food and additional requirements for program oversight. Anthony Paolangeli The Learning Web, Inc. Graham asked what the impact of partial funding would be on the program. Paolangeli replied it would impact the services provided to the youth. While the youth would still be provided with housing, reduced funding may affect the success of the program. IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 7 of 13 Osterreich asked what the impact of partial funding would have on the program in terms of how it would be distributed across staff roles. Nolan responded the organization would seek other funding to try to make up the difference. Proulx asked if the $187,974.00 listed as the total project cost represents the cost of the entire program, both the CDBG and HOME Investment Partnerships Program (HOME) components. Nolan replied, correct. 7. APPLICATION #17: IMMIGRANT SERVICES PROGRAM (ISP) — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Sue Chaffee (virtual) Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) ISP offers comprehensive services suited to the unique needs of 100+ immigrants/refugees, including referrals, arranging translators, legal advocacy, case management, and mentoring and guidance for program participants through a network of volunteers and other local agencies. All CDBG funds are used for staff salaries and benefits. ISP also offers legal services to assist people to stabilize their immigration status and obtain citizenship. Many undocumented clients apply for DACA or green card status, which opens up their ability to obtain employment, health insurance, housing, and other critical needs. ISP also helps connect newcomers to the community who are seeking asylum with free immigration consultations with immigration attorneys. ISP assisted over 50 Ukrainian clients apply for work permits and 48 of them to apply for Temporary Protective Status. Sasha Krasnikova (virtual) Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) She arrived in the United States one year ago with her 2 children, from Ukraine. She was very frustrated and stressed with the entirely different landscape of social services in the U.S., compared with the system she was familiar with in Ukraine; however, she was incredibly fortunate to receive wonderful support from the program for a variety of services (e.g., food stamps, work visa, childcare). Graham asked if there are any other organizations in the area that also work with immigrants to the community. Chaffee replied CCTT works most closely with Tompkins Learning Partners and Open Doors English (ODE), as well as Ithaca Welcomes Refugees and social workers from several other organizations. Proulx asked what the impact of partial IURA funding would be on the program. Chaffee replied, it would necessitate reducing program staffing hours. 8. APPLICATION #18: WORK PRESERVE JOB TRAINING: JOB READINESS — HISTORIC ITHACA, INC. (HI) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 8 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Susan Holland Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) The program serves 20 youth and young adults (~$1000/person) with barriers to employment (e.g., formally incarcerated, unhoused individuals, people with disabilities/mental illnesses, new entrants to the workforce), with a great deal flexibility. The vast majority of participants are LMI. The stability and welcoming atmosphere of Significant Elements is a key part of its success in motivating participants to continue showing up for work and remain engaged. Geno Tournour Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) Much of the momentum that the organization has developed with its job placement program actually comes from its job readiness program, which serves a very diverse population of young adults, who are enrolled into a very dynamic training program that exposes them to a wide variety of different kinds of skills and experiences. Jordan Governale Historic Ithaca, Inc. (HI) As the Work Preserve Warehousing & Traditional Skills Trainer, he leads one-on-one and small-group training for Work Preserve participants in hands-on job skills, by processing and repairing items for sale at Significant Elements, as well as soft skills. Graham asked what the impact of partial funding would be on the program. Holland replied the organization would continue fully staffing the program, although spending less time with participants. HI does have unrestricted income from Significant Elements, which may help to make up for any funding deficits. ― HOUSING APPLICATIONS ― 4. APPLICATION #5: SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE FOR VULNERABLE HOUSEHOLDS — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Leslie Mulcahy (virtual) Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) CCTT has over 25 years of experience assisting LMI households struggling to make ends meet. The Security Deposit Assistance Program assists 65-100 households per year, all of whom are <60% AMI. 30% have been homeless or housing-insecure. Landlords must agree to sign a 12-month lease and submit to a housing inspection, with the tenants moving in before the landlord receives payment. The program recently transitioned to providing full security deposits. CCTT is one of the few local organizations providing security deposit assistance for LMI/at-risk families who are otherwise ineligible for Tompkins County Department of Social Services (DSS) assistance. It is IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 9 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief one-time assistance. CCTT continues to maintain good relationships with landlords and service providers. CCTT follows up with deposit recipients after 6 and 12 months. The application process requires close coordination with DSS, Section 8, landlords, tenants, housing inspectors, social workers, and attorneys. Once a prospective tenant has identified a unit, they contact CCTT about 2 weeks before moving in. The program continues to allocate 5 security deposits to homeless families with children attending Beverly J. Martin Elementary School, as part of the Housing for School Success Program, launched in 2016. There is always high demand for this kind of assistance and CCTT always expends the entire IURA grant amount. The program also enables CCTT to help applicants obtain other forms of support from local organizations and government agencies. 89% of those former clients CCTT was able to reach reported that they have remained permanently housed. Graham asked if this kind of program is exempt from taking into account Federal flood-hazard regulations. Bohn replied, yes. There is no physical alteration of any of the housing units, so there would be no conceivable regulatory trigger for flood hazard mitigation regulations. Graham asked if the increase in the number of affordable housing projects in the area has positively impacted the program’s clients’ options in terms of affordable housing, in terms of their ability to use the security deposit and remain housed. Mulcahy responded it certainly helps to keep area apartments at/below the Fair Market Rent (FMR) standard that Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) programs, such as this one, are required to follow. It is easier for clients to remain housed, when they can afford their rent. She believes the number of former clients remaining permanently housed has increased, as a result. Mendizabal asked Mulcahy to confirm, if she understood correctly, that the 89% of former clients CCTT was able to reach who reported they have remained permanently housed was based on a response rate of approximately 33%. Mulcahy replied, yes; although the proportion is probably closer to 35%. Cantelmo asked for clarification about the statement on p.4 of the application, which states: “In 2023, of those that the Samaritan Center staff was able to reach through follow-up attempts (35%), all (100%) were still stably housed in the same location six months after service.” He is not certain how the subsequent conclusion was reached: “The data we do gather, and considering the high number of incomplete surveys, leads to a prediction of 70% avoiding repeated crises.” Mulcahy replied that, based on the return phone calls CCTT continues to receive, she believes the estimate of “70% avoiding repeated crises” is a relatively accurate estimate. IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 10 of 13 ― PUBLIC SERVICES APPLICATIONS ― 4. APPLICATION #19: SECURITY DEPOSIT ASSISTANCE INTENSIVE STAFFING — CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF TOMPKINS/TIOGA COUNTIES (CCTT) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Leslie Mulcahy (virtual) Catholic Charities of Tompkins/Tioga Counties (CCTT) Requested funds would go towards staff time to assist high-need applicants (most of whom are homeless) to the Security Deposit Assistance Program in navigating social services systems and finding rental units. CCTT staff also spend considerable time with applicants who begin but do not complete the process, which presents a real cost of staffing time for CCTT. Graham asked what the impact of partial funding would be on the program. Mulcahy responded that CCTT would not be able to dedicate as much time as it needs to the people it serves. Proulx asked for clarification as to why the application needs to be separate from the HOME Tenant-Based Rental Assistance (TBRA) application. Bohn replied the staffing costs are only eligible to be paid through CDBG funding. 5. APPLICATION #20: COMMUNITY BIKE SHOP — BIKE WALK TOMPKINS (CENTER FOR COMMUNITY TRANSPORTATION) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Niki Friske (virtual) Bike Walk Tompkins (BWT) Requested funds would go towards staff salaries to provide open-shop hours, workshops, and pop-up events, as well as staff training, bike repair supplies, and materials (e.g., bicycle parts and safety equipment) for a diverse population of LMI people, in an effort to increase access to bicycles as an affordable form of transportation, including free bicycle maintenance and related skills training. Cantelmo asked if Friske could elaborate on the measurable outcomes associated with BWT’s “Increase access to free bicycle maintenance and skills training” goal. Friske responded BWT has been measuring it by calculating how many people have been attending its workshops and when someone visits an open-shop or pop-up clinic. BWT asks them what they are there for (e.g., repairing their own bike or volunteering to refurbish someone else’s bike). IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 11 of 13 6. APPLICATION #21: COLLABORATIVE STREET OUTREACH PROGRAM — OAR OF TOMPKINS COUNTY Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Richard Rivera (virtual) OAR of Tompkins County Requested funds would primarily go towards staffing for street outreach to homeless and at-risk people, to offer opportunities to connect with various social services and benefits. Second Wind and OAR discussed how best to collaborate on their outreach programs, while OAR and The Reach Project have discussed sharing their data through Electronic Medical Records. In 2023, OAR’s outreach clients increased by 287 new clients, for a total of 1,192 clients. This requested funding would help ensure OAR is able to continues its outreach efforts, while working collaboratively with The Reach Project to ensure both organizations are working together to attain the same goals. Graham asked how many outreach workers OAR currently employs. Rivera replied: himself and two others. Graham asked what the impact, if any, would there be on OAR’s outreach program, if the City and County re-established their own outreach programs. Rivera responded it would be very positive, giving OAR access to more opportunities and services; however, currently, the greatest concentration of outreach workers remains at OAR. He added that, while other institutional/government organizations and agencies may have outreach workers, they do not have as much flexibility in how they operate as OAR does, as a non-profit. Osterreich asked for clarification on the project budget, on p.3 of the application, which lists salaries for two case workers, with the IURA’s contribution of $22,000. Rivera replied it is correct as listed in the application. The project would provide salaries for two case workers, towards which OAR would contribute $45,421, for a total of $67,421. Without the additional $22,000 in requested IURA funding, OAR would lose one case worker. 7. APPLICATION #22: YOUTH EMPOWERMENT PROJECT (YEP) — ALLIANCE OF FAMILIES FOR JUSTICE (AFJ) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Soffiyah Elijah Alliance of Families for Justice Requested funds would go towards an intern fellowship stipend, staff salary, and office supplies, benefiting families of incarcerated people, formerly incarcerated people, and groups of people negatively impacted by mass incarceration and New York’s criminal justice system. Phoebe Brown Alliance of Families for When she visited New York City, she felt privileged to observe the Youth Empowerment Project there and was excited when it expanded IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 12 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Justice to Ithaca, because of Ithaca’s proximity to so many incarceration facilities. Angel M. Solis (virtual) Alliance of Families for Justice The Youth Empowerment Project is a youth leadership training program that has served over 400 youth, since its inception at the onset of the pandemic in 2020. Youth leaders receive civic education through which they learn about the socio-economic system, real estate, government institutions, functions of elected officials, and receive communications training to ensure they can advocate and navigate these systems effectively. Razelle Townsend Alliance of Families for Justice The Ithaca YEP pilot project is based on three core elements: monthly meetings, quarterly summits, and free mental health counseling. As the grant director, she oversees all the reporting obligations imposed by funders. Osterreich noted that AFJ mentioned an intern component of the project. She asked for clarification of the budget request for that position. Townsend replied the goal is to create a 24-week fellowship to implement the project, which AFJ would like to be able to extend for another 24 weeks, with IURA funding. ― ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT APPLICATIONS ― 4. APPLICATION #9: HOSPITALITY EMPLOYMENT TRAINING PROGRAM (HETP) — GREATER ITHACA ACTIVITIES CENTER, INC. (GIAC) Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief Leslyn McBean- Clairborne Greater Ithaca Activities Center (GIAC) Since 2014, HETP has assisted over 200 adults who were unemployed/under-employed to find employment, including 100 direct job placements (representing a 95% success rate in permanently placing people in jobs). Participants commit to 6 weeks of training and acquire a variety of skills, formal education, and hands- on experience, with the goal of obtaining and retaining successful permanent employment. HETP assists adults 18 to 24 years old, who are racially, ethnically, and economically marginalized and who face significant barriers to employment. Classes tend to focus on professional public communication, etiquette skills, mock interview skills, financial literacy, and customer service skills for various hospitality-oriented fields. After classroom instruction, participants are placed with an employer for 120 hours of on-the-job training. HETP distinguishes itself through its use of wrap-around services to IURA Minutes March 1, 2024 Page 13 of 13 Speaker Affiliation Comments-in-Brief ensure participants succeed personally and professionally. The process begins with assessing participants’ needs and developing a plan to access resources, like mental health services, social services, and childcare, if needed. Childcare is one of the most significant obstacles to employment for many participants. Tompkins County is considered a childcare desert, meaning there are only enough licensed and regulated childcare services available for a third of children needing care in the County. Transportation is another significant barrier to employment, so HETP purchases bus passes for participants or employs GIAC vehicles to take them to work-related appointments or training-related activities. Instruction and additional assistance focuses on computer skills, ServSafe (alcohol) and food-safety certifications, Hospitality Star certifications, and GED preparation. Funding is also used for professional interviewing attire, childcare, and stipends for successfully completing the classroom instruction. Graham remarked that one member of the Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) was interested in whether GIAC had ever considered implementing a job-training program that is more technically oriented (i.e., that would pay more than hospitality/service or administrative positions). McBean-Clairborne replied, yes, certainly. At one point, GIAC applied to the Park Foundation for funding to provide computer skills training. One reason, however, that it continues to focus on the hospitality/service industry is that GIAC still sees such a great demand for those positions. It also has limited staff and teaching space capacity to be able to successfully implement other types of job training. Graham asked what the impact of partial funding would be on the program. McBean-Clairborne replied that would be difficult to overcome, since GIAC would need to reduce program staffing and services to participants. On a motion by Cantelmo, seconded by Graham, and unanimously approved, Chair Proulx closed the Public Hearing. B. Next Steps for 2024 Action Plan Mendizabal explained that the next steps in the process will be for the Neighborhood Investment Committee (NIC) and Economic Development Committee (EDC) to develop their recommendations to the IURA Board for projects to fund, by the board’s March 22nd, 2024 meeting. The draft Action Plan will then be published for a 30-day public comment on April 25, 2024 and submitted to HUD in early June 2024. V. Adjournment The meeting was adjourned at 11:47 A.M. — END — Minutes prepared by C. Pyott, edited by N. Bohn.