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Commission debates nonprofit funding increases amid budget uncertainty; staff to hold amounts steady for now
Summary
Commissioners reviewed 12 nonprofit funding requests totaling $516,300 (an 11% increase over last year). Members expressed concern about fiscal uncertainty tied to a state initiative referenced in the meeting (transcript: IM28) and opted to keep prior-year funding levels for now, consider a small placeholder allocation and revisit requests after November.
The commission reviewed the city’s 2025 nonprofit funding requests, totaling $516,300 compared with last year’s $465,500. Jamieson said most requests were level-funded, with three seeking increases and one new request from Habitat for Humanity for $25,000 to support local housing work.
Commissioners repeatedly raised concern about potential impacts of a state ballot or legislative measure referred to in the transcript as "IM28" (also spoken as "I am 28"), which they said could materially affect city budgets if it passes; several members favored caution. One commissioner suggested including a small placeholder amount in the budget (a suggestion of $1,000 was discussed) to avoid having to re-open budget work if conditions change.
Eric, representing one applicant, told the commission his organization requested a $10,000 increase for event enhancements and rising costs. Staff said they would note requests and can revisit increases after more information on the state measure is available. The commission discussed improving the process and vetting of requests in future cycles, including possible in-person review and a neutral advisory group. No formal funding allocations were approved at the meeting; staff were directed to proceed conservatively with the budget and return with details as circumstances become clearer.
