ACTION REQUESTED:
Title
Communication from the City Manager with a Request to:
A. APPROVE a MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING with the NATIONAL RESOURCE NETWORK to Conduct a Comprehensive Analysis of Peoria’s Southside.
B. ADOPT an ORDINANCE Amending the City of Peoria BUDGET for Fiscal Year 2016 Relating to the Use of the SOUTH VILLAGE TIF Fund Balance for the Memorandum of Understanding with the National Resource Network of $21,138.00.
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BACKGROUND: The National Resource Network (NRN) is a core component of President Obama’s “Strong Cities, Strong Communities” (SC2) initiative, and is funded with $10 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). The NRN is a consortium of the following private and public sector organizations: Enterprise Community Partners, Public Financial Management (PFM), HR&A Advisors, New York University’s Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service, and the International City/County Management Association (ICMA). The consortium provides direct technical assistance to mayors and local leaders to develop and deliver innovative solutions to American cities to help them address their toughest economic challenges. The consortium works closely with HUD and the White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities to deliver technical services and impact federal policy.
In March 2015, the City of Peoria submitted a Request for Assistance (RFA) to the NRN, seeking help to develop a commercial corridor master plan for the South Village TIF area. A team of NRN representatives visited the City in June 2015 to gather data regarding the City’s request. The NRN conducted a series of interviews with City officials and local stakeholders and collected socio-economic data on Peoria and specifically, Peoria’s Southside. From the data, the NRN produced an Assessment Report for the City of Peoria outlining key findings (Attachment A). Some major findings revealed that the Southside area has a heavy concentration of ethnic race and poverty, a substantial deterioration of housing stock, and identified gaps in resource allocation and investment. They also noted that overall, Peoria has multiple assets, strong stakeholders and neighborhood advocates, and resources that could be invested in the Southside to improve the socio-economic conditions.
From the Assessment Report, the NRN proposed that a more evidence-based comprehensive analysis be conducted to identify collaborative partners and resources and develop place-based strategies before a commercial corridor plan is developed. The NRN has offered to provide direct technical assistance to the City during the months of February to July to engage the community and produce the comprehensive analysis report. The NRN analysis will consist of stakeholder outreach; an analysis of housing, education, health, safety, and economic data; a resource inventory; and proposed place based strategies.
The total cost of the NRN’s direct technical assistance, including the NRN team travel, is $84,550. The Network has committed to funding 75% of this cost ($63,412) with funds provided by HUD pursuant to the HUD cooperative agreement. The remaining 25% of the total cost is $21,138 and requires a match from the City in order for the engagement to proceed. The administration is requesting the City’s contribution be drawn from the South Village TIF fund. The NRN engagement will be secured through the execution of the attached memorandum of understanding between the City of Peoria and the NRN (Attachment B).
The comprehensive analysis report will provide relevant and current data regarding the Southside area and creates a framework for long term collaboration with Peoria’s anchor institutions, businesses, and community advocates to revitalize the Southside.
FINANCIAL IMPACT: $21,138 in South Village TIF fund balance will be matched with $63,412 in federal funds to complete the analysis.
NEIGHBORHOOD CONCERNS: Community based organizations and neighborhood leaders participated in the initial assessment process and support the City and NRN’s ongoing efforts to revitalize the Southside community.
IMPACT IF APPROVED: If approved, the City will proceed with direct technical assistance from the NRN to develop a comprehensive analysis report for the Southside.
IMPACT IF DENIED: If denied, the City will not proceed with direct technical assistance from the NRN to develop a comprehensive analysis report for the Southside.
ALTERNATIVES: N/A
EEO CERTIFICATION NUMBER: N/A
WHICH OF THE GOALS IDENTIFIED IN THE COUNCIL’S 2015 - 2030 STRATEGIC PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION ADVANCE?
1. Attractive Neighborhoods with Character: Safe and Livable
2. Grow Peoria: Businesses, Jobs, and Population
WHICH CRITICAL SUCCESS FACTOR(S) FROM THE COMPREHENSIVE PLAN DOES THIS RECOMMENDATION IMPLEMENT?
1. Reinvest in neighborhoods.
2. Reduce crime.
3. Grow employers and jobs.
DEPARTMENT: City Manager's Office