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HomeMy WebLinkAboutMemo - Mail Packet - 12/26/2023 - Memorandum From Adam Molzer Re: December 12, 2023 Work Session Summary: Human Services Priorities Platform Social 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