Committee accepts federal AmeriCorps grant to continue Green Bay Conservation Corps through 2027

The Parks Committee approved acceptance of a federal AmeriCorps program grant for $389,701 to continue the Green Bay Conservation Corps through a three-year cycle ending in 2027. Staff characterized the award as a shift from prior state AmeriCorps funding to a federal grant that is more competitive but offers greater multi-year stability.

"The exciting thing here is we qualify for a federal AmeriCorps grant, which is much more competitive ... but that funding is more secure," the Director said, adding that the federal grant runs on a different calendar than the city's budget. Staff said the change to a three-year federal cycle reduces the need to reapply every year.

Budget comparisons provided by staff show the prior yeargrant at $395,162 and the new three-year grant at $389,701 (about $4,000 less). The city match requirement decreases from $140,967 to $138,043 (about $2,900 less), meaning a minimal net budget impact for next year as described by staff. Staff noted that accepting the grant commits the city to budgeting for the program next year because of the differing program calendar.

A committee motion to accept the grant was recorded in the transcript as "by Elder Ritterbush" with a second recorded by "Elder Eck." The committee approved the motion by voice vote; the transcript does not include a roll-call tally. A committee member asked whether accepting the grant locks the city into the full three-year period; the Director said staff would confirm that detail with counsel.

Next steps: staff will accept the grant and follow up with counsel to clarify any multi-year commitment language and ensure budget alignment for the program's start date.