Lacey commission backs updated 2025 human services grant policy, application and rubric

The Human Services Commission on April 3 recommended that the city advance a drafted Human Services Grant Program policy, the 2025 grant application and a scoring rubric designed to make award decisions more predictable and equitable.

City staff member Michelle Chavez presented the proposal, saying the 2025 program would operate from Aug. 1, 2025, to July 31, 2026, and that the city again allotted $300,000 in the 2025 budget for the program. Chavez described three priority categories for awards—housing, survival and security—and said staff propose a $35,000 cap for public-service awards (capital projects would remain capped at $50,000) and a limit of one application per agency to broaden the pool of funded groups.

"We have another $300,000 allocated in the 2025 city budget," Chavez told commissioners as she reviewed the draft materials, which included a policy, an application form and a rubric for scoring proposals. Chavez said staff plan a workshop for applicants (tentatively May 1), an applications window of roughly one month, presentations on June 5 and a council decision on commission recommendations in July.

The draft rubric divides scoring into four sections—general information, organizational overview, program/project overview and budget—assigning heavy weight to client-centered voice and diversity, equity and inclusion. Chavez told commissioners they would be able to ask applicants questions during presentation sessions before finalizing rubric scores.

Commissioners asked procedural and clarity questions about scoring and presentation opportunities; Chavez confirmed rubric scores would be submitted after commissioners had heard applicants in person or by Zoom. Commissioners complimented staff on streamlining the application packet for readability and said the proposed timing would start the program earlier than last year (staff aimed to start awards in August rather than October).

Commissioner Dahlia Martinez made a motion "that we recommend all of the things that Michelle just said, recommend moving forward with the updated HSGP policy application and rubric." The motion was seconded by Tiffany and approved by voice vote; the meeting record shows the motion carried.

Next steps described by staff: finalize the application materials, publish guidance and hold the applicant workshop before opening the application period. Final program and contract language will require city council approval before award contracts are executed.

Details from the meeting and the staff packet, including the draft policy, draft application and rubric, will be provided to the City Council as the commission's recommendation.

A voice vote was used for the recommendation; individual roll-call tallies were not recorded in the meeting transcript.