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Staff outlines FY26 case management and safety-net funding process; hearings set for Sept.–Oct., allocations in Nov.–Dec.
Summary
City staff told the Social Services Committee that 20 agencies submitted 25 letters of intent for FY26 case management and safety-net funds; staff plans hearings in September and October and allocation decision meetings on Nov. 13 and Dec. 11, with staff asking committee members to return scored evaluation sheets before allocation discussions.
City staff told the Evanston Social Services Committee on Thursday that 20 agencies submitted 25 applications (several agencies applied in both categories) for fiscal year 2026 case management and safety-net funding, including five new applicants, and outlined the review schedule and procedures through December.
Staff said the city is changing its funding approach by trying to rely on local funds exclusively rather than a combination of local funds and federal Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) money that previously supported up to 15% for public services. Staff also said the city budget will not be finalized until November and that staff intends to request flat funding for the allocations process while confirming precise budget authority later.
Key process points staff described: full applications are due in late August (staff indicated Aug. 22), standardized evaluation sheets have been approved for committee review, staff will host hearing meetings in September and October for applicant Q&A and committee questioning, and the committee’s allocation discussions and final votes are scheduled for Nov. 13 and Dec. 11. Staff said hearings will be recorded and staff will circulate applications and evaluation sheets to committee members in advance. Committee members were asked to submit questions for applicants in advance when possible to allow agencies to prepare.
Staff also described operational details: agencies will have pre-application meetings with staff to review reporting and compliance requirements; staff will compile committee evaluation sheets (taking averages of scores) to inform allocation discussions; and staff will provide transparent written recommendations in the packet for each application ahead of hearings. Committee members raised concerns about the length of past meetings, fairness of questioning and the administrative burden on agencies.
The committee accepted and placed the staff report on file by voice vote. Staff asked members to plan to attend the November and December allocation meetings (quorum required) and to return evaluation sheets so staff can prepare consolidated scoring before allocation deliberations.
