Request for Applications Webinar

Transcription

1 Request for Applications Webinar National Resource Network December 3, 2014

2 Today s Agenda Welcome and Introductions David Eichenthal, Network Executive Director Why the Network Matters Mark Linton, Executive Director, White House Council on Strong Cities, Strong Communities Overview of the Network David Eichenthal, Network Executive Director Examples of Potential Projects David Eichenthal, PFM Stockton Williams, HR&A Patrick Jordan, Enterprise Community Partners Questions and Answers 2

3 Why the Network Matters

4 The Problem: Economically Challenged Cities Many U.S. cities are struggling with persistent poverty and economic distress. o o o o High Unemployment Population Decline Jobs loss Crime o o o Blight Deteriorating Tax Base Low Education Achievement These cities often lack the basic capacity to tackle these challenges. Basic government functions are understaffed or unfilled (e.g. budget, planning); Essential services are underperforming (e.g. policing, schools); Communities struggle to tap into and effectively use existing Federal resources. 4

5 New Approach: National Resource Network In 2011, the Obama Administration announced Strong Cities, Strong Communities (SC2) to deliver solution-oriented assistance to communities as a means of spurring economic recovery Community Solutions Teams Fellowship Program National Resource Network The National Resource Network has the flexibility to target varying levels of assistance to a greater number of communities 5

6 New Approach: National Resource Network Transformative: Our goal is to help cities tackle their most pressing challenges, providing them with concrete tools to spark catalytic change. Collaborative: The Network is an unprecedented partnership between cities and the Federal Government that leverages the expertise, partnerships, and resources of the public and private sectors. Responsive: Cities receive a tailored diagnostic assessment and solutions crafted specifically for their most pressing needs. 6

7 Overview of the Network and the RFA Process

8 What the Network Does Direct Engagements Practical, catalytic technical assistance Online Resources Comprehensive Best Practices One-stop shop for Federal TA opportunities 311 for Cities Request customized assistance online Peer Networks Linking communities around shared challenges and opportunities Policy Development Best practices + gaps/needed improvements in Federal policies & programs 8

9 Network s Approach to Direct Assistance The Network will work collaboratively with each city and its community partners to achieve sustainable economic turnaround. The Network will devise a unique approach to meet each city s specific needs, not deploy one size fits all strategies. The Network will look beyond just economic development to issues including education, public safety, financial capacity, and workforce development to spur economic turnaround. 9

10 Eligibility for Direct Assistance Required: City Pop > 40,000 Residents at least one Unemployment rate: 9% or more (2013; BLS) Poverty rate: 20% or more (excl. students enrolled in post-high School Ed; ACS) Population decline: 5% or more ( ; Census) or at least one Bond rating downgrade or change in outlook Failure to balance city budget for 2 years in a row since 2008 Reduction of 10% or more of city workforce in the last 3 years. 10

11 RFA is Online and Easy to Complete Page 1 11

12 RFA is Online and Easy to Complete Page 2 12

13 RFA is Online and Easy to Complete Page 3 13

14 Focus on Direct Assistance Before a city and the Network agree to work together, the Network will conduct an assessment of challenges & opportunities. Detailed review of city operations, budget, ED plans, etc. Public data analysis (e.g. BLS, Census, UCR, schools, etc.) Two-day site visit, interviews with city leaders + stakeholders Report to City with findings and recommendations 14

15 Key Ingredients to Successful Applications Strong, High Level Sponsorship from Local Government Community Stakeholders Involved Ready and Willing To achieve economic recovery 25% Match OPTIONAL Multi-City Applications: Same Region; Common Challenges Economic Challenges 15

16 Direct Assistance Project Proposal Catalytic or Transformative Budget: $50,000 - $500,000 Support City s efforts to achieve economic competitiveness Other Benefits: 311 for Cities Ongoing Peer to Peer Learning Timeline: 12 months or less 16

17 Direct Assistance from National Experts Strategic Partners and other providers (e.g. USC Price School, Urban Institute, Center for Community Progress, Trust for Public Land) 17

18 18 Project Examples

19 Focus on Direct Assistance Assessments have been completed in Compton and Lynwood, CA; Kansas City, KS; Jackson and Meridian, MS; Miami, FL and Fall River, MA Direct Assistance in Pilot Cities include: Downtown Revitalization Plans Implementation Support for Transit Oriented Development Multi-Year Financial Plan Operational Efficiency Assessment Asset Inventory and Community Development Strategy Executive Coaching 19

20 Budget & Operations: Financial Plan Baltimore s 10 Year Financial Plan: Integrates financial needs with economic and community development strategies. Supports the City s efforts to reverse longterm population decline "We cannot build the foundation of a growing city on the mud of a fiscal swamp. The status quo is unacceptable, and the price of inaction is clear. We must change to grow. Mayor Rawlings-Blake 20

21 Budget and Operations: Efficiency Study In 2009, the City of Cleveland faced a $50 million budget gap and needed help to avoid significant layoffs & service reductions Financial experts identified over 175 potential expenditure reductions and revenue enhancements, valued at $81.6M in 2010 and almost $700M over 5 years. These included: Reorganization, modification, and elimination of services; Identification of new revenues; Better collection of existing revenues; and Workforce changes. We acted immediately on a few of the recommendations These measures, along with employee-approved furlough days and reductions in employee benefits and minimal layoffs, helped balance the 2010 budget. Mayor Frank Jackson 21

22 Downtown Revitalization: Kansas City, KS 22

23 Downtown Revitalization: Kansas City, KS 23

24 Community Development: Los Angeles City of Los Angeles effort focused on: moving to a place-based planning model for community development improving grant performance, recommending agency restructuring for housing and economic development work. Outcomes included: City s development and initial implementation of the nation s first place-based, TOD, equity focused Consolidated Plan establishing a new housing and community development agency new funding streams targeted at neighborhood improvement activities.

25 Questions for Discussion