Audit committee hears Wilder preview of CIB study; applicants cite communication, equity and timeline issues

Wilder Research presented a draft preview of its evaluation of the community project CIB process to the Saint Paul Audit Committee, saying applicants and committee members raised concerns about communication, equity and an inconsistent timeline.

Dr. Bridal, the Wilder researcher presenting the work, told the committee the team conducted interviews with Office of Financial Services staff, mayoral staff, CIB committee members and applicants and compiled application and award data for the most recent rounds. "Here’s the stuff you gotta fix," Bridal said, summarizing recurring feedback from applicants and committee members.

Wilder said it has completed staff interviews and has conducted interviews with two CIB committee members so far and eight applicants; additional interviews with two committee members remain. The consultant previewed an interactive ArcGIS story map that will let…