Allocation and Use of Funds from Devolution in Historically Underserved Communities
In work around issues of devolution, state community economic development associations must ensure that the voices and assets of community-based development organizations are at the table when conversations are held and decisions made. State associations have the ability to build relationships with key decision makers. They can also submit meaningful comments on state proposals in efforts to direct final implementation of a program. In this age of devolution, state policies and programs for community economic development offer the best new opportunity for sustaining and expanding the capacity of the CDC industry to realize its goals.
Ø Workforce Development Education and Alliances . State associations such as MACDC, CCEDA, and OCDCA are assessing the myriad of agencies and organizations involved in workforce development. They are educating themselves and their members about the complicated and changing workforce development system. They are working with their members to determine what issues will most impact their efforts in the field and how CDCs can participate. They are building relationships with potential allies and key government agencies to determine where and how to most effectively intervene. They had to overcome numerous obstacles, including some resentment from existing players that CDCs are now getting involved in their field.
Ø Increasing CDC Participation in Workforce Development. MACDC launched a Workforce Development Initiative to provide training, technical assistance, funding and policy support to CDCs in the field. Eighteen CDCs have been selected to participate in the program and MACDC has raised approximately $300,000 for the effort. Most of these funds will go toward training, technical assistance and grants to CDCs. Many MACDC members are focused on computer learning centers. The Network hosted a two-part series for CDCs on workforce development issues, each of which was attended by about 25 CDC representatives. The first session focused on the Workforce Investment Act and how CDCs can access federal resources and the second session focused on best practices in workforce development, and featured practitioners who have established effective workforce development programs. The Network provides technical assistance to the YWCA of Hudson County as they work to implement a sectoral workforce development strategy, targeting the hospitality sector. The Project is targeting lower-income women, many of whom are leaving public assistance for employment.
Ø Workforce Investment Act Implementation. CCEDA advocated for one of its members to serve on the Governor’s WIA board: Instead, the Governor chose to appoint 62 private sector executives (and large campaign contributors). CCEDA is working with state and local agencies to get broader representation on this board that is more reflective of the workforce act. MACDC is working to secure a seat on the new workforce board and prepared formal comments on the state’s draft plan.
Ø Expiring use restrictions and expiring subsidies for housing. MACDC continues to advocate for a “zero tolerance” approach to the potential loss of affordable units due to expiring use restrictions and subsidies. It has identified more than 22,000 units statewide that are either eligible for federally insured mortgage prepayment or whose Section 8 contracts will expire between now and 2005. MACDC is currently pursuing four items to address this issue:
Ø Advocating for new state funds to help preserve units, including by transfer of ownership to non-profit organizations ($35 million in emergency state funds and a $65 million Housing Trust Fund that will target some of its funds for this purpose)
Ø Negotiating with the Massachusetts Housing Finance Administration (MHFA) to maintain affordability and financial stability within 1,000 affordable at-risk units developed under the State Housing Assistance for Rental Production (SHARP)
Ø Working with advocates and MHFA in regards to their recently signed contract with HUD to be the Participating Administering Entity (PAE) for Section 8 properties going through the Mark to Market Program. HUD is expected to assign approximately 15 properties to MHFA for restructuring.
Ø Coalition Activity
. Many of the state associations are active members in broader anti-poverty groups. They meet to ensure programs serving the poor are not pitted against each other in state budget discussions. These associations also educate the state agencies and legislature on the inter-connection of housing and welfare, housing and jobs access, job training and land use decisions: e.g., CCEDA is active in the Fair Share Network and works to link CDCs and grass roots organizations on issues.
Ø Housing Policy
. CCEDA served on the state’s Community Development Block Grant task force and provides technical assistance to members with HUD grants. CCEDA also sponsors an annual visit of its members to meet with HUD officials. As part of its policy strategy, the Network recently participated in a task force to help develop the state’s five-year Consolidated Plan that defines the state’s affordable housing need and outlines the state’s plan for use of federal (and state) resources to address this need. Most recently, the Network submitted testimony on the draft Plan. The ConPlan includes the state’s proposed use of HOME funds; the Network recommended that the state increase the use of HOME funds for affordable housing production.
Ø Social services, especially those for improving conditions for families, children, and youth . CCEDA has worked with the Fair Share Network to influence the type and amount of assistance available. CCEDA works to increase benefits and expand services for people with special needs. The Network has also worked closely with Legal Services of New Jersey and the Association for Children of New Jersey to influence the use of TANF funds, and are participating in an advocacy effort to use TANF funds to create a state rental assistance program (see Goal 4).
Ø Promote Policy Platforms. The Network developed a community development public policy platform that outlines strategies to maximize the allocation and use of funds from devolution. Examples are targeting transportation funds to programs designed to link low-income workers to employment opportunities and expanding health care to all low-income working families without health insurance through the dedication of Tobacco Settlement Funds and other means