HomeMy WebLinkAboutWORK SESSION SUMMARY-12/12/2023-Work SessionSocial Sustainability Department
222 Laporte Avenue
PO Box 580
Fort Collins, CO 80522
970.221.6757
MEMORANDUM
Date: December 18, 2023
To: Mayor and City Council
Thru: Kelly DiMartino, City Manager
Tyler Marr, Deputy City Manager
Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer
From: Adam Molzer, Manager, Social Sustainability
Re: December 12, 2023 Work Session Summary: Human Services Priorities Platform
The purpose of this memo is to document the summary of discussions during the December 12, 2023
Work Session regarding the Human Services Priorities Platform.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Arndt, Mayor Pro Tem Francis, Peel, Ohlson, and Gutowsky
Councilmembers remote: Pignataro
Councilmembers absent: Canonico
Presenting staff: Jacob Castillo, Chief Sustainability Officer; Adam Molzer, Human Services Program Manager;
Amanda McGimpsey, Social Sustainability Recovery Specialist
Direction sought from Council:
Do Councilmembers support staff’s proposed approach to developing a Human Services
Priorities Platform?
Discussion Summary:
Staff presented an overview of the proposed Human Services Priorities Platform during the Work
Session. The presentation highlighted the current state of how the Social Sustainability Department
approaches its work in the community addressing human service causes and needs, as well as the vision
for a retooled and refocused approach moving forward. An outline of the steps and timeline that staff are
proposing to develop the Priorities Platform was also shared.
The feedback that staff received from Council after the conclusion of the presentation was as follows:
Expressed enthusiasm for the project, noting that they like that it targets human services priorities
using data, approaches with an equity lens, will set priorities in alignment with other plans, and
will better define the most proper and complimentary role for the City of Fort Collins in this space.
Appreciated that this approach takes a pause from the current way of doing things to review and
revise moving forward.
There was discussion about whether the project would address needs of seniors and older adults.
City staff shared that demographic trends would be factored into the process.
A question was raised asking what precipitated launching this project. City staff shared that while
other aspects of the department have matured in their development in recent years, the human
services work remains aligned with the department’s founding strategic plan, and that the City’s
prior Chief Sustainability Officer encouraged staff to move in this direction.
A question was directed to the City Manager regarding items coming to Council before the efforts
are underway. The City Manager discussed a shared interest in better assigning items on
Council’s calendar.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1746A009-8CCA-420B-8210-34B47D32C46E
A question was raised asking if this project will also evaluate the human services grant
application process. City staff responded that all aspects of the human services programming will
be evaluated, including the grant application and review procedures.
There was discussion about looking at data that shows how many residents have access, and not
just those already receiving services, so we can ensure resources go to the absolute most in need.
There was discussion about reviewing how the City thinks about success through its human services
grant-making activities, with encouragement to focus on how we are working to improve the
conditions of those being serviced (outcomes) and not just number of residents served (outputs).
There was discussion about how the project will establish the proper role of the City, recognizing that
Larimer County historically leads human services work. Using the Council priority of childcare as an
example, City staff shared that roles will be complimentary to the lead institutions on the various
human service issues in the community and align with gaps that are underserved or align to existing
City services (ex: Recreation Department childcare programs).
Follow-up items: None
Next steps: Staff will proceed with the project as presented and provide update memos to Council as
significant milestones are reached in 2024.
DocuSign Envelope ID: 1746A009-8CCA-420B-8210-34B47D32C46E