Title
Special Recognition - Proclamation Recognizing National Community Development Month
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Recognize April as National Community Development Month in the City of Olympia.
Report
Issue:
Whether to recognize April as National Community Development Month in the City of Olympia.
Staff Contact:
Anastasia Everett, CDBG Program Manager, 360.753.8277
Presenter(s):
Anastasia Everett, CDBG Program Manager, 360.753.8277
Background and Analysis:
The objective of National Community Development Month is to educate Congressional Members and the community on the importance of the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program and the HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) Program, their impact on the community, and the need for increased program funding.
This year is especially important to celebrate as 2024 is the 50th anniversary of the CDBG program.
National Community Development Month was created in 1986 to bring national attention to the CDBG Program at a time when the program was facing scrutiny by Congress. The month-long celebration has expanded to include the HOME Program. National Community Development Month provides the opportunity for communities to promote, educate and advocate on behalf of both programs. It is intentionally held during the Congressional appropriations season to allow for a concerted grassroots effort and voice to be heard on the importance of both programs and their impact on communities nationwide.
The City has participated this year in National Community Development Month with social media posts and several E-News releases. On April 4th, a project tour was attended by Congresswoman Strickland, Mayor Payne, Councilmember Madrone, staff of U.S. Senator Cantwell and U.S. Senator Murray and City staff.
The CDBG program is incredibly impactful in our community and faces significant challenges as Congressional appropriations diminish annually. The President's Budget Request for Fiscal Year 2025 ($2.9 billion) is significantly less than what Congress provided for Fiscal Year 2024 ($3.3 billion). Alongside the National Community Development Association, the City of Olympia respectfully requests consideration of an increase in Fiscal Year 2025 to $4.2 billion.
Attachments:
Proclamation