TO: CRA Board of Commissioners
FROM: Ashlyn Darden, Legal Advisor
THROUGH: Renée A. Jadusingh, Esq., Executive Director
DATE: May 30, 2024
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APPROVE THE MODIFICATIONS TO THE A.-G.U.I.D.E. (ACHIEVING GOALS USING IMPACT DRIVEN EVALUATION) PROGRAM GUIDELINES AND AUTHORIZE CRA STAFF TO OPEN THE APPLICATION
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Recommended Action:
Recommendation
Approve the modifications to the A.-G.U.I.D.E. (Achieving Goals Using Impact Driven Evaluation) Program Guidelines and authorize CRA Staff to open the application.
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Background:
The A.-G.U.I.D.E. program was established to assist organizations that engage in activities that further the CRA’s mission. Through the program, the CRA can more effectively address several of the Overall Needs identified in the CRA Plan. However, changes to Fla. Stat. § 163.387(6)(c) limited the expenses that the CRA may fund.
In September 2023, at the A.-G.U.I.D.E. Workshop, CRA Staff and Board discussed modifications to the A.-G.U.I.D.E. guidelines based on the 2019 amendments to the statute and discussed City funding of the A.-G.U.I.D.E. recipients, with the exception of Affordable Housing related programs (See Exhibit A). The City informed the CRA that they would provide the CRA with $450,000 of $902,000 to fund a portion of the A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program with the anticipation that the City would fund the full amount in the following fiscal year.
This modification to the guidelines is needed to ensure that the program aligns with the changes to the statute. Although, the A.-G.U.I.D.E. program may still be used to fund the Affordable Housing related programs as the acquisition of real property and the creation of affordable housing is still a permitted expense under the statute.
CRA staff previously brought these modifications to the Board at the February 27, 2024 Board meeting. At that time the CRA Board approved the modifications. CRA Staff notified the Board that it would bring the final modifications to the Board for final approval at a future date.
A summary of the proposed modifications is listed below:
Currently, the Funding Framework is as seen below. CRA staff recommends removing section 2. Recreation and Cultural Facilities and 3. Economic/Business Development to better align with Fla. Stat. § 163.387(6)(c) as amended.
CRA staff recommends that the two types of support provided through AGUIDE should be as seen below.
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Program/project support |
Direct costs to develop and/or implement specific projects or programs as described in the CRA funding Framework above. Any direct costs related to operation of the program, including but not limited to staffing, equipment, promotions, supplies, and materials. If staffing costs are sought, the Nonprofit Partner must demonstrate how staff directly assisted in the creation of affordable housing and the number of units. |
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Matching funds |
Contributions provided by another donor or grants awarded that will be paid only if the donor organization raises additional funds from another source |
CRA staff recommends that the eligibility for AGUIDE be modified as seen below.
Organizations meeting the following criteria are eligible to apply for Nonprofit Partner funding:
• Mission consistent with the mission of the CRA, specifically including affordable housing as its main objective
• Classified as tax-exempt under IRS 501(c)(3)
• In good standing with the State of Florida
• Housed in City- or CRA-owned facilities located in the CRA district with a lease agreement or management agreement with the City of Delray Beach or CRA
• Serves residents of the CRA district and/or visitors that come to the district to participate in funded programs, projects, and events
• Demonstrated commitment by Board of Directors to purpose and accountability for CRA funds
Attached are the 2023-2024 A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program Guidelines, proposed 2024-2025 redline version of the Guidelines and a final version of the 2024 - 2025 Guidelines if the modifications are approved.
At this time, CRA Staff is seeking approval of the proposed modifications to the A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program to better align with § 163.387(6)(c) as amended. If approved, CRA Staff will open the 2024-2025 Funding Cycle. The 2024-2025 A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program begins on October 1, 2024.
Attachments: Exhibit A - Excerpt from Sept. 2023 CRA Workshop; Exhibit B - A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program Guidelines for 2023-2024; Exhibit C - Proposed Modifications to A.-G.U.I.D.E. Program; Exhibit D - Final Version of the AGUIDE Guidelines with Modifications
CRA Attorney Review:
N/A
Finance Review:
N/A
Funding Source/Financial Impact:
N/A