DEPARTMENT: Neighborhood and Housing Services
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Verónica R. Soto, AICP
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
An ordinance modifying the criteria in the City’s Urban Renewal Plan for appointment of individuals to the Neighborhood Improvements Advisory Committee.
SUMMARY:
The Neighborhood and Housing Services Department (NHSD) is seeking approval to modify the Urban Renewal Plan’s criteria to expand the list of eligible candidates for appointment to the Neighborhood Improvements Advisory Committee.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
On December 15, 2016, City Council created the Neighborhood Improvements Advisory Committee (NIAC) to ensure ongoing citizen feedback with the implementation of the Neighborhood Improvements Bond Program. The NIAC will be convened to advise the City on the implementation of the $20 million Neighborhood Improvements Bond Program.
The City’s Urban Renewal Plan, approved by City Council on February 2, 2017, provides the criteria for appointment to the NIAC. The Urban Renewal Plan provides that the NIAC will be comprised of the following members for a total Committee membership of seventeen (17):
• One (1) Committee Chair appointed by the Mayor;
• Ten (10) individuals representing the ten City Council districts with one appointed by each City Council member;
• Five (5) individuals who reside within the boundaries of one of the Neighborhood Improvement Areas appointed by the Mayor; and
• One (1) representative from the Housing Commission appointed by the Mayor.
ISSUE:
The ordinance modifies the Urban Renewal Plan’s criteria for appointment to the NIAC, as follows:
The ordinance amends “Five (5) individuals who reside within the boundaries of one of the Neighborhood Improvement Areas, appointed by the Mayor” to now read, “Five (5) individuals who reside within the boundaries of or who reside within one (1) mile of the boundaries of one of the Neighborhood Improvement Areas, appointed by the Mayor.” This modification allows for additional residents to be eligible to serve on the NIAC.
The ordinance also amends “One (1) representative from the Housing Commission, appointed by the Mayor” to now read, “One (1) representative from a City affiliated housing related board, commission or advisory group, appointed by the Mayor.” This modification provides for a broader list of candidates to serve on the NIAC and will allow flexibility for appointment as such boards, commissions and advisory groups continue to evolve to meet the community’s housing needs.
ALTERNATIVES:
If the City Council does not approve the ordinance, a representative from the Housing Commission and five residents who reside within the boundaries of the Neighborhood Improvement Areas will be selected to serve on the Neighborhood Improvements Advisory Committee; however, the number of residents who would be eligible to serve would be limited.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact to the City’s Budget as a result of this Ordinance.
RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends City Council approve the ordinance modifying the Urban Renewal Plan’s criteria for appointment of individuals to the Neighborhood Improvements Advisory Committee.