Title
Welcome Back Program (B)
Explanation
On August 31, 2020 the City Commission approved a motion for agenda item #200150 directing GCRA staff to return with details and possible funding source for the proposed Welcome Back program that would grant up to $25,000 to recipients that move back to their former neighborhood. The purpose of this initiative would be to increase neighborhood stability and prevent rapid community change by incentivizing long term and multi-generational residency in neighborhoods within the GCRA boundary that are threatened with community displacement.
This program is supported by the GCRA 10 Year Reinvestment Plan which calls for housing initiatives that directly benefit community members by maintaining the culture and population of an area. The Plan also favors programs that add additional housing stock into a neighborhood by infill. The City Action Agenda 2021-2020 also recommends that infill lots be used to maintain affordable housing within neighborhoods. This helps combat displacement caused by gentrification; a major concern addressed in the Gainesville Affordable Housing Action Plan.
The proposed program was presented to the GCRA Advisory Board on December 15, 2021. Advisory board member recommendations will be presented during this item’s presentation to the City Commission.
Fiscal Note
The not to exceed amount of $75,000 is budgeted for the Welcome Back Program in the GCRA Fund 620 “Community Enhancements & Housing” account.
Recommendation
City Manager to City Commission: Hear presentation and provide feedback.