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Council authorizes application for ICMA economic mobility special assistant grant to link housing, workforce and data
Summary
Council voted unanimously to authorize staff to apply for an International City/County Management Association (ICMA) grant that would fund a special assistant for economic mobility for 30 months (up to $250,000 for salary plus up to $100,000 for wraparound supports); the position must report to the city manager and the city would pay benefits if
Staunton City Council on May 22 authorized staff to apply for an ICMA Economic Mobility and Opportunity special assistant grant that would fund a locally based position to coordinate workforce, housing and equity‑focused economic strategies.
The grant opportunity matters because it would pay the full salary of a city‑hired special assistant for up to 30 months (ICMA funding up to $250,000) and supply up to $100,000 for relocation, coaching and technical assistance, while requiring the locality to cover benefits and health insurance. The role would report to the city manager and focus on data‑driven strategies to expand access to living‑wage jobs and link housing and workforce investments.
City Manager Leslie Beauregard described how the position would work with economic development and community development staff to design measurable interventions such as employer‑assisted housing, neighborhood dashboards tracking income and job access, and programs that connect affordable‑housing residents to employer training and placement. The grant application was due May 30; award notifications were expected in June with a potential hiring window in fall 2025.
Councilor Overholtzer moved to authorize staff to apply and, if awarded, to identify the local share of expenses not covered by the grant; Councilor Park seconded. The motion passed unanimously (Councilors Shepherd, Park, Campbell, Overholtzer and Woods and Mayor Edwards all voted aye). Staff explained the city would be responsible for benefits costs and any local match; specific salary and benefit levels would be determined if the grant is awarded.
Councilors and staff discussed metrics and responsibilities: the special assistant would be expected to develop outcome measures, track household‑level indicators and coordinate cross‑sector partnerships (schools, employers, nonprofits). Staff said ICMA would provide some technical assistance and the grant is competitive; the city will prepare a local job description and hiring plan if selected.
The motion authorizes staff to submit the application and to plan for any local share of costs that would be required if the city is selected for an award.
