Parents and providers urge council to make surplus city homes available for family child‑care pilot

At the May 4 public forum multiple parents, licensed providers and the founder of Inspired Horizons urged council to support a pilot that converts vacant residential properties into licensed family child‑care homes. Speakers said the model offers smaller, neighborhood‑based care that can serve nontraditional hours, infants and toddlers and families who do not fit typical center schedules.

Founder Brooke Fletcher said Inspired Horizons already operates licensed homes and has partnerships with early‑learning curriculum providers; she asked the city for a pilot that would make five surplus city properties available so the group can scale quickly. “Tonight I’m not asking you to believe in an idea. I’m asking you to respond to proof,” Fletcher said, describing licensed homes the nonprofit already operates.

Parents and staff described practical impacts: families said individualized home settings permitted closer caregiver relationships and better developmental supports for children with special needs; several providers said lack of a qualifying residential property was the main barrier to opening new licensed homes.

Council direction and context: Speakers asked staff to identify suitable city‑owned residential lots, permit streamlined contracting with a nonprofit operator and consider a pilot funded or enabled by staff assistance. Council members asked staff to return with options; staff confirmed they will look at available properties and paths to pilot scale during the budget and permitting cycle.

What it would do: Advocates said a five‑home pilot could add dozens of child‑care slots, provide trainee positions for local caregivers and help parents maintain employment in nontraditional hours. Staff and council will assess feasibility, funding and any regulatory or zoning implications.