Fiscal Note
The proposed resolution authorizes the disbursement of three grants of $50,000, one of which going to each the African Center for Community Development Inc., Freedom Inc., and UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, on behalf of Latino Consortium for Action. These three grants are funded by reallocating the $150,000 authorized in the City’s 2020 Adopted Operating Budget for the Emerging Opportunity Program (EOP). The grant funds are to be used to provide direct assistance to immigrant families and individuals to help cope with the consequences of COVID-19. No additional City appropriation is required.
On April 21, 2020 the Common Council adopted RES-20-00313, Legistar File #60124, waiving the requirement, in 2020, under MGO 3.12 (11) (c) to conduct an annual Request for Proposals process for the Emerging Opportunities Program (EOP). Instead, the Council authorized the Director of the Community Development Division to reallocate Emerging Opportunity Program funding to other programs or activities to assist in the City’s response and recovery efforts associated with COVID-19. Adopted RES-20-00313 requires any reallocation of EOP funds to be reviewed by the Community Services Committee (CSC) and/or the Finance Committee and approved by the Common Council.
Title
Authorizing the Community Development Division (CDD), in accordance with RES-2020-00313, to distribute 2020 EOP funds in three equal sums to the African Center for Community Development, Inc., Freedom Inc., and UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence to assist immigrant communities dealing with the impacts of COVID-19
Body
WHEREAS, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a profound impact on residents and communities within the City of Madison and the nation; and
WHEREAS, the closures of schools, places of employment, childcare centers and more have caused significant financial and other hardships for residents and particularly for those who may require ongoing supportive services; and
WHEREAS, the City of Madison recognizes and values the presence and contributions of immigrant communities who choose to call Madison home; and
WHEREAS, some COVID-related challenges within immigrant communities are exacerbated due to factors such as higher numbers of female-headed households or higher incidences of domestic violence; and
WHEREAS, immigration status, lack of documentation and other obstacles often make it more difficult for some immigrant households to access federal and state resources, leaving them among the most vulnerable members of our community during the current pandemic; and
WHEREAS, at their June 24 meeting, members of the CSC discussed with Community Development Division (CDD) staff issues facing Madison’s immigrant populations, and the potential to use City EOP funds to help alleviate unmet needs; and
WHEREAS, the discussion with CSC members also focused on the advantages of utilizing local organizations that are well connected to immigrant residents in any strategy to offer support; and
WHEREAS, CDD staff identified three such organizations that serve immigrant communities in Madison that are already under contract with the City - the African Center for Community Development Inc., Freedom Inc. and UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence - and are working on addressing COVID-related needs; and
WHEREAS, it is the CDD staff recommendation to use 2020 EOP funds to provide $50,000 to the African Center for Community Development, Inc., to primarily serve African immigrants; $50,000 to Freedom Inc., to primarily serve Southeast Asian immigrants; and $50,000 to the UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence, to primarily serve Latinx immigrants ; and
WHEREAS, these funds, which are available only through December 31, 2020, are recommended to be used to provide direct financial assistance to immigrant households to meet COVID-related needs, particularly those for which other resources are unavailable.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Common Council approves the award of $50,000 in grants to the African Center for Community Development, Inc., Freedom Inc. and the UNIDOS Against Domestic Violence to be used to provide direct support to immigrant households to help mitigate the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that CDD is authorized to amend existing contracts with the designated agencies in order to carry out the intent of this resolution.