Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Cdbg Applications Review topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Portland CDBG review panel requests financial details, removes incomplete application; no awards decided
Summary
The Portland CDBG development review committee examined multiple grant applications, asked staff to obtain a YFO pro forma and additional performance data, and removed one incomplete application from consideration; members raised questions about applicant locality and stability but made no funding awards.
At a meeting of the Portland CDBG Development Review Committee, staff and committee members reviewed a slate of development and microenterprise applications, asked for additional financial documentation on one large housing project, and removed one incomplete application from consideration.
The committee asked staff to obtain a pro forma from the YFO project developer to clarify total development costs and which funding sources have been secured. "Mary suggested ... we could reach out to the developer to ask for a pro forma that summarizes the total development costs," staff member Rowan said, adding the city has also committed housing funds and that an underwriter reviewed developer capacity.
Committee members debated how to evaluate past program success for microenterprise grants. "It looks like it's only gonna serve about 21 Portland residents," committee member Wendy said while reviewing the microenterprise proposal, prompting discussion about whether the program could be limited to Portland residents; staff noted corporation counsel advised economic development programs cannot require assistance only for Portland residents.
Members also scrutinized Upwards Inc.'s boost program, a for-profit applicant. Committee members flagged the applicant's out-of-state base and questioned its financial stability and how success would be measured. "They're probably one round of funding or losing the next round of funding," committee member Teal said about the applicant's finances, reflecting wider skepticism about long-term stability for some for-profit applicants.
Staff removed one application, submitted by Black Owned Maine for a program called Advancing Economic Mobility, after it failed to provide documentation needed to confirm nonprofit status. "They were not able to provide us that information," Rowan said, and staff offered to help the applicant prepare a complete submission for next year.
The committee did not take any funding votes at the meeting. Rowan reminded members that final development scores are due January 28 and that staff will circulate a public pro forma for the YFO project once located. The committee adjourned by voice/visual consent.
