Residents press commission over homelessness; staff point to funding and an active RFP

At the public comment period, several residents urged immediate action and accountability on homelessness funding and shelter capacity.

"How much taxpayer money has been spent on a system over the last 20 years?" Ken Selig asked, pressing the commission for an accounting and oversight.

City staff responded that the city does not operate the shelter but provides grant funding and reimbursements to nonprofit operators. Logan Cobbs, director of community development, told the commission that the city has committed funds toward homelessness response since Jan. 1, 2025 and said an active request for proposals for homeless services is posted through BidExpress. Cobbs also explained the city requires nonprofit applicants to be a 501(c)(3), hold a current UEI and demonstrate experience with federal grant requirements, including ESG and HMIS compliance.

Officials noted that the city provided emergency funding in winter to keep a men's shelter open earlier in the year and that the city has reviewed reimbursement invoices tied to federal grants; staff said previous annual reimbursements to one shelter averaged roughly $150,000—160,000 per year under ESG funding. Commissioners said they are continuing to pursue options after a recent shelter closure and will provide additional budget and audit details at a later meeting.

The city encouraged qualified organizations to submit proposals to the active RFP; staff said the question period for the RFP has closed but that staff will answer questions where possible.

The exchange did not produce a formal vote; commissioners directed staff to gather historical expenditure data and offered to return to the topic in a subsequent meeting.