DEPARTMENT: Human Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Melody Woosley
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Consolidated Funding Process and Investment Priorities for FY 2019 and FY 2020
SUMMARY:
This item provides staff recommendations and requests City Council policy direction for the FY 2019 and FY 2020 Human and Workforce Development Services Consolidated Funding process, including funding priorities and Consolidated Funding outcomes developed through application of the equity impact assessment.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The City’s consolidated funding process aims to direct investments toward providing effective services, maximizing human and workforce development services outcomes, as well as to shifting the focus away from the funding of agencies and the duplication of services.
The programs funded in the FY 2018 Consolidated Funding Process (CFP) reflect the City Council priorities of promoting long-term and short-term workforce development, youth services for youth development and at-risk youth behavior prevention, school completion, and senior services. In addition, these programs support the community safety net through investment in basic needs, emergency assistance and homeless prevention/services, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA), domestic violence reduction, and child abuse prevention. The programs funded in FY 2018 specifically complement the direct services offered by the City Departments of Human Services and Economic Development. A total of $21.6 million is allocated in FY 2018 to 58 agencies and 92 programs from the general fund ($19.5 million) and federal grants ($2.1 million).
The City has partnered with nonprofit social service agencies since 1979. Starting in 2005, the Human Services and Economic Development Departments have issued a two-year Consolidated Request for Proposal (RFP) for Human and Workforce Development services. This two-year consolidated funding cycle streamlines the application process for eligible agencies and facilitates the contract monitoring process. The Mayor and City Council provide staff with policy direction to guide funding recommendations for each biennial period. Awarded agencies receive a one-year contract with the option to renew for one additional year based on performance and funding availability.
On January 25, 2018, staff briefed the Community Health and Equity Committee on the proposed Consolidated Funding timeline for FY2019/FY2020 and proposed funding strategy.
On March 28, 2018, the Human Services and Economic Development Departments provided an overview of the Human and Workforce Development Services Consolidated Funding process to include a background and funding history of nonprofit services investments. Additionally, a timeline for the FY 2019/FY 2020 funding cycle was provided.
ISSUE:
This item provides an overview and staff recommendations for the FY 2019 and FY 2020 Human and Workforce Development Services Consolidated Funding Process and requests City Council policy direction regarding the bi-annual cycle.
To ensure investment recommendations are based on the greatest need and to advance San Antonio’s vision for prosperity, the Department of Human Services guided by the office of Equity, applied the equity impact assessment to direct Consolidated Funding process outcomes. As a result of this process, the Human Services Department defined why they provide services to the community -to improve the quality of life of vulnerable San Antonio residents. The Human Services Department developed four long-term outcomes: 1) Children and Youth are safe, healthy, resilient, and ready to succeed in school, 2) Families are financially secure and living in stable housing, 3) Homelessness is rare, brief, and non-recurring and 4) Seniors are healthy, engaged, and independent. Additionally, the Economic Development Department developed 2 long term outcomes: 1) Local workforce meets target industry demand and 2) Youth and adults have access to a defined path for a good job.
The consolidated funding process and non-profit partners maximize the long term outcomes of the Human Services and Economic Development Departments to make the greatest impact possible in improving the quality of life of San Antonio residents.
At the April 4, “B” Session the Human Services and Economic Development Departments will provide recommendations for the consolidated funding process reflecting the results of the equity impact assessment.
Additionally, City Council will be asked for input on the following policy recommendations:
• Continuation of the designated funding for Haven for Hope, Center for Health Care Services, After School Challenge programs, and Project Quest.
• Continuation of the delegate agency non-communication period from July 1 to mid-September.
• Continuation of two applicant input sessions prior to budget adoption.
The FY 2019 and FY 2020 Consolidated Human and Workforce Development Services funding process RFP is anticipated to be released on April 13. Based upon this solicitation, City staff will make recommendations for delegate agency contract awards to City Council in August 2018 as part of the City’s proposed budget. Final funding awards and contracts will be authorized with approval of the FY 2019 Budget in September 2018.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purpose only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Fiscal impact will be realized in the FY 2019 and FY 2020 budgets based on appropriations made for City Council investment priorities.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is an overview and no action is required on this item at this time.