Council approves Neighborhood Jobs & Housing item to fund community cannabis support initiative; Bloom selected without RFP

Introductory number 30, appropriating funds and authorizing an agreement for a community cannabis support initiative, passed after discussion about vendor selection and funding source.

Council Member Martin asked how Bloom was selected and why the transmittal did not include an RFP. The committee heard that this was a council-sponsored item (not administration-originated) and the transmittal included a justification for a no-RFP procurement: Bloom had existing on-the-ground work, established accountability structures and prior experience that the sponsor considered sufficient. Staff clarified the contracting would route through the mayor’s office because that office already manages preexisting contracting and payment processes.

Council members asked where the council funds were coming from; staff and the council president identified the money as dollars set aside for "emerging needs" (the transcript references a $200,000 allocation), and staff agreed to provide a written accounting of the emerging-needs fund balance and prior allocations.

Director Warren agreed to provide a written accounting of the fund balance and prior allocations, and staff said Bloom would submit requests for payment to the mayor’s contracting office under the chosen structure.

The motion was moved, seconded and approved by voice vote. The committee requested written follow-up on the exact fund balance and prior allocations that comprise the funding source for this item.