Youth Empowerment Committee Final Meeting – March 26, 2026
Youth Empowerment Committee Final Meeting (March 26, 2026)
The Youth Empowerment Committee held its fifth and final meeting on March 26, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. to finalize the framework for distributing $5 million in youth-focused investments. The committee heard from a panel of city department representatives, collected public comments, and provided guidance on the balance between programmatic and infrastructure funding. The meeting lasted approximately one hour.
Discussion Items
- Timeline & Process: Chair Terrence Freeman outlined that the Request for Proposals (RFP) is expected to be released in April, open for 21 to 30 days, with awards determined by June and funds disbursed within 90 days of award. The RFP will be administered by Kids Hope Alliance (KHA).
- Eligibility & Duplication: Councilmember Keno Amoro questioned whether organizations already receiving KHA funding could apply. Chair Freeman replied that duplication of scope would disqualify applicants, and that procurement decisions are independent of the committee.
- Panel on Capital vs. Asset Investments:
- Darrell Joseph (Parks) defined capital projects as those over $100,000, while equipment and supplies below that threshold are considered assets.
- Nina Sickler (Public Works) added that capital investments typically have a useful life of 30+ years.
- Robert Warrenberg (Procurement) explained that construction requires different procurement procedures than off-the-shelf equipment.
- Councilmember Rory Harris asked about public use requirements: any city-funded facility must be open to the public, even if operated by a private organization.
- City Facility Partnerships: The panel noted that previously underutilized community centers are being offered via RFP to nonprofits with at least two years of existence and good standing. Leasing city spaces involves insurance and operational costs, but programmatic grants may offset those expenses.
- Committee Guidance on Funding Allocation: After a show of hands from attendees (majority in favor of programming; about seven for infrastructure), Councilmember Harris and Councilmember White both expressed support for a heavier emphasis on programmatic funding. Councilmember Harris suggested a possible 4:1 split ($4 million programmatic, $1 million infrastructure), but no formal decision was made.
- Pre‑Registration Encouraged: Procurement urged organizations to pre‑register on the city’s supplier portal to expedite application responses.
Public Comments & Testimony
- Anthony Dorsey (Teen Leaders of America, address on file): Asked whether new members of a program counted as public use. Chair Freeman clarified they would.
- Sheryl Limrett (preservation firm): Inquired about reimbursement vs. upfront funding and matching fund requirements. Referred to the forthcoming RFP.
- Michael Daniels (Atlantic Steam Race Association): Expressed concern about field conditions at Emerson Spring Park. Mr. Joseph noted the school board facility will be replaced later this year, and the city will help find an alternate location.
- Dr. Ray Owens (Church of Oakland): Asked about required insurance certificate (COI) thresholds. Referred to the RFP.
- Terry Harris (TSH Capital Ventures): Asked about for‑profit eligibility for the youth empowerment program. Chair Freeman stated it is for nonprofits only, and suggested exploring the Jacksonville Small Emerging Businesses (JSEB) program.
- John’s Army (name unclear, address on file): Asked for a list of available city spaces and whether capital funds could purchase distressed properties. Referred to the RFP and noted that such proposals could be included if allowed.
- Dr. Nashawn Nicks (address on file): Described a SEAL team curriculum (Social, Emotional, Academic Leadership through mentoring and martial arts) serving at‑risk youth. Requested broader distribution of information since many could not attend.
Key Outcomes
- The committee provided clear direction to prioritize programmatic funding over capital infrastructure in the upcoming RFP.
- No formal votes were taken; the committee’s recommendations will be used by KHA to draft the RFP.
- A procurement “silence period” will begin once the RFP is published; all inquiries must go through the procurement division.
- Attendees were urged to watch recordings of the previous four meetings and to pre‑register as city suppliers.
- Chair Freeman encouraged organizations to advocate for continued funding in future city budgets.
Meeting Transcript
If I can get you to take your seats, please. And if you're unable to find a seat, uh, we are at capacity. Um, and so I I do want to apologize for that. Uh I want to thank each of you for being here. Uh, and I will start the meeting with a brief comment, but first I'll I'll start with introductions uh to my left Trista Carriher, Council Auditor's Office, Shannon Matt Gellis, Office of General Counsel. John Everett, Director of Workforce Development, Career and College Readiness. Randy White, District 12. Kenomorro City Council District 1. Uh Terrence Freeman at large, group one. All righty, and I'm not sure if uh councilmember Pittman will be here. But uh one, I wanted to start this meeting by saying thank you. Uh I see so many new faces in the room. Uh, if you could do me a favor, if this is your first meeting, can you raise your hand for me real quick? Let me see how many first timers I got in the room. Amen. I love this. Absolutely love it. Thank you all. Thank you for coming. Uh, second question. If you found out about this meeting through Facebook, can you raise your hand for me? Gotcha, gotcha, gotcha. Okay. And the reason why I asked that question is is was there ever any follow-up on that Facebook post that that let you know that this is the fifth meeting and the final meeting, and that there were four other previous ones that and and so, and that is why I'm saying I would encourage you to reach back out to that post and ask them to send you to archives. Because what's gonna happen is you're starting a race, that's a four-lap race, a mile race, and we're on the last lap of it right now. Everybody's still gonna have a chance to apply. Everybody's gonna still have the same opportunities apply, but with this being the fourth meeting, fifth meeting and the final one, there's information in those earlier meetings that can be very that are very that's very valuable. Um I'm trying to maintain my composure, and I'm looking to see if the ECA is in here or the council members in here, um, because I do feel like that's slightly unfair for many of you that are sitting there, um having to play catch up in such a quick period. Um, so with that being said, uh, I wanted to start off the meeting with that. I've always been taught don't apologize if you're not sorry, and I'm not sorry, but my heart hurts my and it aches for those that are just hearing this for the first time. Um so thank you all for being here. Definitely would have had it in a larger room had we known about this. Um so hopefully you guys got an agenda. If not, you can find this information on file. It'll kind of tell you how we got to where we're at, where we're at currently, uh, and it'll get us going into today. Um I'll call this meeting to order uh four o'clock, and good afternoon, and thank you all for attending this meeting, the youth empowerment committee. Um thank you for being here and your continued engagement in the work. I can tell you right now, as a former educator, as a lover of all those who love helping our kids reach their fullest potential. I couldn't be more excited to see all of your beautiful faces in this room today. Um I want to begin with a brief update on where we're at in the legislative process related to the youth empowerment committee's work. Um many have asked what's going to be the timeline. Uh the one thing that we all know is government is slow. Um, no ifs, ands, or buts about it. Drives me crazy. Um, but it helps me to help you understand. So upon the completion of this meeting today, uh, we could look in April for the RFP to go out and hit the street. Um so I would encourage you. It's gonna be handled over at KHA. Um, so that RFP when it hits, uh we can you can go ahead and kind of lock in that the RP is gonna be open for 21 to anywhere from 21, early as 21 days, maybe up to 30. I don't have all of that information.
openpublica.com