Measure U Community Advisory Committee Meeting – October 19, 2020

The Measure U Community Advisory Committee met via teleconference on Monday, October 19, 2020, at 6:00 PM. The meeting included a consent calendar, discussion items on the FY2019/20 budget update and overview of the FY2020/21 approved budget for Measure U miscellaneous programs, presentations on city and SHRA housing programs and efforts, review of the committee's agenda log, and updates from ad hoc committees. No public comments were received. The committee approved the consent calendar and the updated agenda log, and received and filed the budget and housing reports.

Consent Calendar

• Item 1 – Approval of September 21, 2020 Meeting Minutes: Passed unanimously via voice vote.

Public Comments & Testimony

• No public comments were made on any agenda item or for matters not on the agenda.

Discussion Items

• Item 2 – FY2019/20 Budget Update and Overview of FY2020/21 Approved Budget for Measure U Miscellaneous Programs: Daniel Choe (Principal Budget Analyst) and Dawn Holm (Director of Finance) presented. The FY2019/20 amended budget totaled $7.7 million (including 14 FTE); the FY2020/21 approved budget is $3.7 million (14 FTE). One-time resources were added for the Fuel Network program and COLD storage for archives. Committee members questioned the absence of previously recommended allocations (e.g., $1.3 million for youth pop-ups, $85,000 for Marysville Grand South). Staff clarified the youth pop-ups were funded from the general fund in FY2020/21 and that the $85,000 item would be reported in the economic development presentation in November. A discussion on the differences between general fund sales tax and Measure U sales tax highlighted that Measure U captures a full cent on all transactions (including online from county pool), leading to different revenue trends. Committee members emphasized the need for clear metrics, goals, and performance data for all Measure U-funded programs.
• Item 3 – Presentation on City Housing Programs and Efforts: Danielle Foster (Housing Policy Manager) provided a one-year summary. Accomplishments included establishing a housing policy working group, streamlining affordable housing development (zero-dollar impact fees for affordable units), developing a housing bond framework (deferred due to COVID-19), implementing COVID-19 responses (rental mediation services with over 350 calls, hotel rooms for essential workers, manufactured housing projects, home repair collaboration), and launching a tiny homes initiative. Future goals include advancing surplus property development, promoting accessory dwelling units, and continuing collaborations. Committee members asked about force multipliers and integrated budget impacts of housing investments.
• Item 4 – Presentation on Sacramento Housing and Redevelopment Agency (SHRA) Housing Programs and Efforts: Celia Yniguez (Program Manager) presented. SHRA houses over 45,000 individuals through public housing and housing choice vouchers. The agency is repositioning public housing assets, notably Mirasol Village (formerly Twin Rivers) – a nearly 500-unit development replacing 218 units built in the 1940s, with all former residents having the right to return. SHRA administers federal programs (CDBG, HOME, etc.) totaling approximately $9 million in 2021 for the city. A new emergency rental assistance program funded with $4.7 million (city) and over $1 million (county) was launched to assist households impacted by COVID-19. Committee members inquired about rising construction costs, vacant lots in Oak Park, and the tiny homes initiative. Staff noted that RFPs would be issued for the tiny homes project.
• Item 5 – Measure U Community Advisory Committee Agenda Log: The committee reviewed the agenda log, removed items that had been discussed (e.g., appointment process, specific prior meeting topics), and approved additions including a discussion on mid-year budget priorities for the next meeting. The log was approved unanimously.

Key Outcomes

• Approved Consent Calendar: Unanimous voice vote.
• Approved Updated Agenda Log: Unanimous voice vote.
• Received and Filed: FY2019/20 budget update, FY2020/21 budget overview, city housing presentation, and SHRA housing presentation.
• Ad Hoc Committee Reports:
  • Process and Efficiency Ad Hoc: Prioritizing development of a budget timeline to align with council cycles; following up on audit recommendations.
  • Budget Oversight and Transparency Ad Hoc: Released a two-page document with recommendations for metrics and dashboards; will request formal data on ShotSpotter performance results.
  • Civic and Community Engagement Ad Hoc: Continued work on participatory budgeting; planning public education sessions post-election and potential coordination with other commissions.
• Member Departures: The committee noted the resignation of member Lucas and the last meeting of youth member Ferguson (who ages out in November). Recruitment for a new youth member will begin.
• Next Steps: The committee scheduled a discussion on mid-year budget priorities for the November meeting; staff will provide a comprehensive list of one-time Measure U projects and a dashboard of CARES Act program impacts.