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LISC outlines 20743 coalition MOU, asks Fairmont Heights to consider 0.1% budget contribution
Summary
Marcus Robinson of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation presented a program plan and draft MOU for the 20743 coalition, asking Fairmont Heights to consider contributing 0.1% of its operating budget and to provide feedback by mid‑December ahead of a planned January signing.
Marcus Robinson, a representative of the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), presented a proposed program plan and draft memorandum of understanding for a three‑municipality coalition covering the 20743 ZIP code at the Fairmont Heights town meeting on Dec. 10.
Robinson said the coalition — a partnership of smaller municipalities — would pool limited municipal resources to pursue joint storytelling, placemaking, youth programming and shared grant applications. "LISC has a pot of dollars, currently committing $174,000 to various joint efforts for the 20743 coalition," Robinson said, summarizing seed support from state, county and private sources and naming Greater Washington Community Foundation as a contributor.
Robinson outlined two funding models for municipal contributions: a fixed formula in the MOU (a percentage of operating budgets) or an approach that would convene municipal representatives annually to reassess contributions. He said the coalition is asking member municipalities to consider a contribution equal to 0.1% (0.001) of their operating budgets and proposed placing pooled funds with a third‑party nonprofit trustee such as the Capital Market.
Britney Drakeford of the Capital Market urged the council to view the agreement as an opportunity to amplify the three municipalities’ work and suggested a joint signing and press event if terms are agreed. Council members asked whether comparable regional agreements had been consulted; Robinson pointed to existing arrangements in nearby municipalities and a county Gateway authority as precedents.
Next steps, Robinson said, include counsel review and municipal feedback on the draft MOU; LISC recommended that municipalities provide comments by Dec. 18 so a signing could occur in January aligned with municipal budget cycles. The mayor said the town attorney will review the draft and the council will await that guidance before voting.
