A noteworthy aspect of the meeting was the discussion surrounding the impending home rehabilitation program. The agency has engaged two consultants to ensure the program’s success, including one with expertise in project management and IT. This consultant, identified as Mr. Jerome Senior, has played a role in organizing the program’s information, making it more accessible to board members. The director of the agency expressed concerns that the demand for this program might outstrip its capacity, in contrast to the commercial rehabilitation program that required active outreach to attract applicants.

Preparations for the home rehabilitation program are underway, with the development of informational flyers and the establishment of proper payment systems for contractors. Initially, the program aims to cover 10 to 15 homes, with flexibility to adjust funding as needed. The director highlighted the importance of launching the program promptly to address community demand. A request was made for clarity about the criteria for selecting participants and the outreach processes involved. Concerns were raised about residents outside the Community Redevelopment Area seeking assistance, prompting suggestions to refer them to the city’s programs instead.

The meeting also addressed communication strategies, particularly the establishment of a social media presence for the agency. Current access issues with the existing Facebook page were noted, with a suggestion to create a new page if credentials cannot be recovered. The effective dissemination of program information was stressed, and there was mention of potentially hiring a video team to document the agency’s projects and engage the community visually.

In addition to these strategic discussions, the meeting touched on the commercial rehabilitation program, which has a budget of $1 million to support various property improvements. The director reported that 17 different locations are currently part of this initiative, with projects at varying stages of permitting. The agency’s goal is to exhaust these funds to facilitate as many improvements as possible, with plans including painting, roofing, and signage upgrades.

One project highlighted was the significant improvements planned for a property at 14500 Northwest 27th Avenue, known as Mi Mii Fish and Chicken. The improvements include the installation of impact windows, painting, and enhanced signage. The agency has hired project managers to oversee these developments.

The meeting concluded with an optimistic proposal to host a gathering with business owners and grant recipients, potentially featuring refreshments, to foster community engagement and celebrate the agency’s efforts. The proposal aimed to create an inviting atmosphere for collaboration among stakeholders.