Council reviews homelessness prevention funding, cannabis fund uses and staffing proposals as budget work session continues

City staff briefed Moline City Council on budget priorities and proposals during a work‑session review of the draft 2026 budget, focusing on homelessness prevention programs, proposed ongoing uses for cannabis‑tax revenue, requests to fund special projects and three requested staff positions.

KJ, a community‑services staff member, outlined current and proposed homelessness prevention efforts. Staff reported about $865,000 budgeted for homelessness prevention in 2026 and roughly $3.4 million projected across 2025–2028 for related programs. Existing and proposed programs include CDBG‑funded homestead and homebuyer assistance, a COVID‑era voucher program, the Moline Urgent Rental/Utility Assistance program and a two‑tier “Level Up” program providing smaller recurring assistance ($400) and one‑time emergency grants (up to $2,000). KJ said demand remains high and that calls, emails and in‑person requests continue despite exhausted funds.

Council considered a staff recommendation to allocate cannabis fund dollars for immediate rental and utility assistance. Staff proposed using $200,000 in cannabis revenue for one‑time assistance dispersed between…