CITY COMMISSION AGENDA ITEM

Department:	City Manager’s Office		Commission Meeting Date:  10/11/16
Staff Contact:	Casey Toomay
Recommendations/Options/Action Requested:
Authorize Mayor to sign letter of support for the United Way of Douglas County’s proposal for the Health Equity Partnership program through the Kansas Health Foundation as recommended by the Affordable Housing Advisory Board.
Executive Summary:		United Way of Douglas County is applying for a grant through the Kansas Health Foundation.  The grant will help build capacity for the United Way and partnering agencies to help address a health equity challenge.  The United Way has identified housing; including affordable housing, housing stability, and safe housing, as the health equity challenge that will be addressed if awarded this grant. The Commission has demonstrated a commitment to addressing affordable housing through the creation of the Affordable Housing Advisory Board (AHAB) in 2015.  Recently AHAB identified several goals through a strategic planning retreat.  Many of these goals centered on building community support and identifying additional funding sources to address affordable housing.  Supporting the United Way in their effort to address affordable housing aligns with AHAB’s stated goals and the Commission’s commitment to address affordable housing challenges.   The City’s letter of support indicates the City’s commitment to work with the United Way on this initiative.  A major component of this grant is having support from different community agencies enabling a more holistic approach to addressing affordable housing.  AHAB reviewed the letter of support at their meeting on October 10, 2016 and is recommending the City Commission authorize the Mayor to sign the letter.
Strategic Goal Area:		Affordable Housing
Fiscal Impact (Amount/Source):		There is no fiscal impact to the City.  United Way will be the recipient of the grant if the application is successful.
Attachments:		Letter of support