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Northeast Youth and Family Services warns of 2027 funding shortfall; councilmember proposes 20% boost
Summary
Angela Lewis‑Dmello told the Arden Hills City Council that NYFS is celebrating 50 years but is ‘fully funded for 2026’ and faces funding uncertainty in 2027; Councilmember Kurt Weber proposed a 20% increase to the city's support and the council agreed to consider the request during future budget discussions.
Angela Lewis‑Dmello, president and CEO of Northeast Youth and Family Services, told the Arden Hills City Council on May 11 that the agency will mark its 50th anniversary this year and is focusing on sustaining clinic‑ and school‑based mental‑health programs across the region.
Lewis‑Dmello described NYFS’s partnerships with 16 municipalities, five law‑enforcement agencies and three school districts, and highlighted community programs including youth pathways, community connections and criminal legal advocacy. She said NYFS has “a three‑month operating reserve and funding in an endowment” and added, “We are fully funded for 2026 but are not currently fully funded for 2027.”
Councilmember Kurt Weber said he appreciated the presentation and offered a proposal to increase the City’s funding for NYFS by 20 percent. Weber asked that the council consider the increase either this year or as part of the 2027 budget process. City Administrator Jessica Jagoe said staff would advise whether the request should be included in the 2026 budget amendments or addressed during the 2027 budget cycle.
Councilmembers thanked Lewis‑Dmello for NYFS’s work addressing youth mental health and domestic violence services and asked a few operational questions. Mayor David Grant asked whether the number of clients declining to specify race has increased; Lewis‑Dmello confirmed it had. Lewis‑Dmello also said the agency provides annual contract information to the City and that a one‑page report on services to Arden Hills residents is available each year.
The council did not take immediate action on Weber’s funding proposal; members directed staff to schedule further discussion at an upcoming work session and to include any recommended budget language or funding options for council review.
Next steps: staff will advise how to place the funding request on the council agenda and whether to include it in the 2026 budget amendments or in the 2027 budget process.
