2021/11/17 Council Minutes - Laserfiche WebLink

• November 17, 2021 Council Member Roberts stated that COVID is not over yet and it is important to take into consideration a timeframe of proposed projects. He concurred with Council Member Murphy's comments regarding public health and economic impacts being critical issues and mentioned a need to look at the workforce challenges, housing needs, and childcare issues. Council Member Roberts also asked if there is a link of federal infrastructure package and ARPA and suggested to looking at these potential funding sources. Council Member Vogeli spoke about the potential nationwide assistance with childcare program. She supported help for small businesses, addressing housing needs and mental health problems. She also spoke about stormwater partnership scenario, workforce reengagement and grants and collaboration with non-profit organizations. Council Member Tuohy stated that she prefers projects that don't have long-term impacts on the budget. She mentioned homelessness, behavioral health services, and economic impact on businesses. • Council Member Bader suggested to keep in mind two aspects: help to come out of a pandemic as well as not imposing long-term costs. He supported an idea to provide childcare. President Stonecipher asked about metrics that would be measuring the effectiveness of the investments and how many people will be impacted by various projects. She also asked if data is available that shows why people can't reenter the workforce, in particular childcare. She also asked about homeownership strategies and a possibility to fund some this project trough the city services. President Stonecipher asked about EDI Wealth Building Foundation based on Portland's Community investment Trust/Mercy Corps model. Dan Eernissee provided a brief overview of the program. President Stonecipher also suggest investing in open spaces, especially in the Holly Neighborhood. Bob Leonard, Parks department, stated that Parks department is looking at the • 13