HomeMy WebLinkAbout2023.07.20 Planning Commission PacketAGENDA
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2023
6:30 PM
This meeting is broadcast live on PSC-TV Channel 191 on Charter Cable and streamed at www.pasco-wa.com/psctvlive.
Audio equipment available for the hearing impaired; contact staff for assistance.
Please silence your cell phones. Thank you.
I. CALL TO ORDER
II. PLEDGE OF ALLEGENCE
III. ROLL CALL: Declaration of Quorum
IV. WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
V. APPROVAL OF MINUTES
• Meeting Minutes of June 15, 2023.
VI. OLD BUSINESS
VII. PUBLIC HEARINGS
• Block Grant 2024 CDBG Allocation (MF#BGAP2023-003)
• Block Grant 2024 CDBG HOME Funds Allocation (MF#BGAP2023-004)
• Draft Draft Housing Action Plan
VIII. WORKSHOP
IX. OTHER BUSINESS
• Presentation National League of Cities Presentation
• Memo 2023 Comprehensive Plan Amendment Docket
• Memo Recreational Vehicle Parking Regulations
X. AJOUR/NMENT
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING MINUTES
City Hall - Council Chambers
525 North Third Avenue
Pasco, Washington
THURSDAY, JUNE 15, 2023
6:30 PM
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 1 of 5 June 15, 2023
CALL TO ORDER
City of Pasco Planning Commission meeting was called to order at 6:30 p.m., by Chair Jerry Cochran. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE Chair Cochran led the Pledge of Allegiance. ROLL CALL Commissioners Present: Abel Campos, Mitchell Moffitt, Paul Mendez, Kim Lehrman, Jay Hendler and Jerry Cochran, a quorum was declared. Commissioners Excused: Rosa Torres, Dana Crutchfield, and Rachel Teel Staff Present: Interim Community & Economic Development Director Jacob Gonzalez, and Administrative Assistant II Carmen Patrick.
Others Present: With Consor for presentation, Project Manager Clark Worth, Economic Analysis
Eric Hovee and Community Outreach Libby Bakke.
WELCOME AND ANNOUNCEMENTS
Chair Cochran explained the Planning Commission is an advisory board made up of volunteers
appointed by City Council.
He further explained the purpose of the Planning Commission was to provide recommendations to
City Council regarding changes to the City’s Comprehensive Plan, Land Use Updates, Block Grant
Allocations and Zoning Code. The Planning Commission is tasked with considering the long-term
growth and development of the community, the impact of land use decisions on community,
livability, economic opportunity, housing affordability, public services, and the environment.
Chair Cochran reminded the audience tonight’s proceedings were being broadcast live on City of
Pasco’s Facebook page and on Charter Cable PSC Channel 191 and will be rebroadcast several times
during the next month.
He stated the meeting was also being recorded and could be watched on City of Pasco’s website,
which is Pasco-wa.gov. Click on the VIDEO ON DEMAND link and make your selection there.
Chair Cochran stated copies of the meeting agenda were available on the back table. He then asked
that everyone silence cell phones to prevent interruptions during the meeting. For those present this
evening, when you are given the opportunity to address the Commission, please come to the podium,
speak clearly into the microphone, and state your name and city of address for the record.
Chair Cochran reminded the audience and the Planning Commission that Washington State Law
requires public meetings like the one being held this evening not only be fair, but also appear to be
fair. In addition, Washington State Law prohibits Planning Commission members from participating
in discussions or decisions in which the member may have a direct interest or may be either benefited
or harmed by the Planning Commission’s decision. An objection to any Planning Commission
member hearing any matter on tonight’s agenda needs to be aired at this time or it will be waived.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 2 of 5 June 15, 2023
Chair Cochran asked if there were any Planning Commission members who have a declaration at
this time regarding any of the items on the agenda.
No declarations were made.
Chair Cochran asked if anyone in the audience objected to any Planning Commission member
hearing any of the items on the agenda.
None heard, record shows there were no declarations.
Chair Cochran stated the Planning Commission needed and valued public input explaining it helped
the Commission understand the issues more clearly and allowed for better recommendations to City
Council. Furthermore, in many cases, this could be the only forum for the public to get facts and
opinions placed into the official record and City Council will use to make the Commission’s
decision. He encouraged those present to take full advantage of this opportunity.
APPROVAL OF MINUTES
Commissioner Hendler moved to approve the Planning Commission meeting minutes of May 18,
2023, Commissioner Lehrman seconded, and the motion carried unanimously.
OLD BUSINESS
None
PUBLIC HEARINGS
None
WORSHOP
• Memo Pasco Economic Development Strategy
Jacob Gonzalez greeting the Commission and stated that the City’s consulting firm Consor will be
providing the presentation. As part of the strategic goals for the 2022-2023 Pasco City Council,
they've identified the preparation of an Economic Development Strategy.
Mr. Eric Hovee began his presentation of the results of the Economic/Marketing Analysis Overview.
He did the presentation in two parts starting with the looking backwards over the last few years,
seeing what changes have occurred then he will speak about looking ahead to the market analysis
that really combines both data and that he has compiled, as well as stakeholder observations from
the survey and interviews. We'll end with some strategic options that are both community and
business focused for your consideration in terms of thinking about where the economic development
program for the city proceeds from here.
Please click on the link to view Power Point Presentation from Consor:
https://pasco.civicweb.net/filepro/documents/89811/?preview=91000
Questions from Commissioners:
Chair Cochran asked about the frequency of the economic development strategy update.
Jacob Gonzalez answered that there is no set frequency.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 3 of 5 June 15, 2023
Commissioner Hendler asked how does this very ambitious plan, using the term in the survey as
“bursting at the seams” integrate with responsible planning?
Clark Worth answered I think that may be at the heart of why two thirds of the people attending
that business roundtable on Monday chose that third direction that they really wanted to see. That
kind of integration of the community wide, not just economic diversification, but housing,
amenities, other dimension transportation. Jacob has been good about raising those issues in the
past too, but I was heartened to see it wasn't complete consensus, but certainly a strong majority
who supported moving in that direction with the City's economic development program.
Commissioner Lehrman asked how did you guys go about dividing up those three options, A, B, C
on slide 20?
Clark Worth answered that Option A is staying the course. Option B is being more strategic,
Option C is a much more inclusive community development, everything from housing, amenities,
education, can be a part of it.
Commissioner Campos stated my question is more about the actual surveys and everything else
based off of the other projects that you've done with other cities. Is it very comparable to as far as
the results and the percentage of the community getting involved, the responses back of the surveys
returned, is it pretty much the same, is it better or is it low? And if it is low, are we going to
continue to look for feedback to make sure that we get this right?
Clark Worth answered we actually have more surveying planned for the future for the broader
community. In terms of business response, this isn't low. I would say it's more typical than
business. People are busy, never quite get around to this thing. We did some things to encourage a
response, but we'll end up with around 300 surveys, which is pretty good.
Commissioner Moffitt are you saying C is A plus B plus C, which then would be all inclusive?
Eric Hovee answered our intent was that the C is more of a cumulative process which encompasses
and includes what’s in A and B.
OTHER BUSINESS
• Memo Site Plan Review Process
Jacob Gonzalez started, this is just a brief memorandum that staff has provided to the Planning
Commission about gauging the Planning Commission's interest in staff proposing and working on
drafting an amendment to the Pasco Municipal Code to help revise and refine some of the current
and addressing some of the gaps that exist in our site plan review process.
Staff is at this point simply wanting to gauge the Planning Commission's interest and us taking on
this effort. This body is certainly familiar with the rapid growth of the community, and staff use
this as an opportunity for us to create standards for those that don't exist or refine those that
currently do and create a process that is predictable and practical for our applicants.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 4 of 5 June 15, 2023
We'll be administering the proposed new process and certainly continuous monitoring and
evaluation to make sure that if a new process is adopted, that it is working, and if it is not, that we
share that with the appropriate parties and make the necessary changes. So staff simply is interested
in the Planning Commission's interest in this effort, and if so, then we will work on engaging with
our stakeholders and bringing this back to the Planning Commission as we can.
Chair Cochran asked so have you heard specifically also from the developer community on this?
Jacob Gonzalez answered we hear it in various comments. I think the primary concern from the
development community is that if there is not a predictable process, it is difficult for them to gauge
what the risks are. There's already a monetary risk, a risk of whether a project would be successful
or not. And one of the things that we can prevent from the administrative or the facilitation side is
making sure that whatever process we do have, that it is enforced consistently.
Commissioner Lehrman asked if developers would have the opportunity to go back to those
individuals who have applied for per permits to see what their experience is?
Jacob Gonzalez answered not so much that element. The more of a predictable, mutually agreeable
process we can have in place, the more successful both the City can be because of the development
community, whether they are large developers or somebody asking for a regular permit for a fence.
Commissioner Moffitt asked how do we compare and what are our downsides when it comes to
this whole process right now?
Jacob Gonzalez answered I think one of the tasks that this department will have over the next
several months is the preparation of sort of a monitoring and evaluation of how we do operate, how
fast or not we go through the development review process.
• Memo Housing Action and Implementation Plan
Jacob Gonzalez stated just a quick status update on the effort related to the Housing Action and
Implementation Plan. We are currently working on developing draft recommendations and
strategies to implement the goals of the Housing Action Implementation Plan. We did complete our
community housing survey. We had well over 800 responses from across the community, so we're
excited to put that together in our report and share the results with the community. We will also
plan a third stakeholder workshop in early July to share with them some of the draft recommended
strategies to tackle the housing efforts here.
Then the intent is to come back to the Planning Commission with a first public hearing in July and
share a draft plan with the Commission and the community and listen to any community feedback
and input concerns questions in July, and then come back in August with a second public hearing.
And if those comments and concerns have been adequately addressed, then prepare a
recommendation for the Planning Commission to City Council in early fall to comply with the
requirements of our Department of Commerce grant.
Planning Commission Meeting Minutes Page 5 of 5 June 15, 2023
ADJOURNMENT
Chair Cochran stated with no other business, I recommend a motion to adjourn.
Commissioner Moffitt made the motion to adjourn the meeting, it was seconded by Commissioner
Campos. Passed unanimously.
Meeting adjourned at 7:46 pm.
Respectfully submitted,
Carmen Patrick, Administrative Assistant II
Community & Economic Development Department
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 20, 2023
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Kristin Webb, Block Grant Administrator
SUBJECT: 2024 COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT BLOCK GRANT (CDBG) PROGRAM
ALLOCATION (MF# BGAP2023-003)
Requests for Funding
Attached for your review and consideration are the CDBG Fund and Proposal Summaries (Attachment 1)
relating to our Community Development Block Grant Program for program year 2024. Twenty-one (21)
requests for funds were submitted totaling $2,515,250. Applicants will present their proposals before the
Planning Commission on July 20, 2023. No action is required of the Planning Commission at the July 20th
meeting, only consideration of the applications is necessary.
Estimated Funds Available
It is estimated that the 2024 annual entitlement grant will be $651,474 based on the award for program year
2023. Together with prior year funds and program income it is estimated there will be $716,000 available
for 2024 activities. There is always some question regarding actual funding levels approved by Congress.
Actual available funding for these FY 2024 activities will remain in question until the early part of the year
when the CDBG allocation is made by Congressional Resolution. If funding levels are lower than estimated
or eliminated the city will need to consider several options, including a voluntary or proportionate reduction
of allocation, possible inclusions in the 2024 city general fund budget requests. If funding levels are higher
than estimated, activity funding will be reallocated in accordance with the contingency plan according to
the greatest need.
Public Service Cap
HUD regulations state that the amount of CDBG Funds obligated within a program year to support public
service activities may not exceed 15% of the combined total of the entitlement plus the prior year’s program
income. Based on the estimated entitlement of $651,474 and prior year program income of $50,000 the
maximum available for public service activities in 2024 is $105,221. Current requests for public services
total $293,750.
Planning & Administration Cap
HUD regulations state that the amount of CDBG Funds obligated within a program year to support planning
and administration activities may not exceed 20% of the combined total of the entitlement and prior year
funds. For 2024, the estimated entitlement of $651,474, and prior year allocations of $15,000 makes the
maximum available for planning and administration $133,000. Current requests for planning and
administration total $140,000. Staff recommends a maximum of $133,000 for planning and administration
(20%) due to the additional burden for HOME grant administration and project delivery.
No action from the Planning Commission is necessary. The Commission is expected to hear from the 2024
applicants and have the opportunity to ask questions.
The City Staff would like to thank the members of the Planning Commission for your time and assistance.
Attachments: 1 2024 CDBG Fund Summary
2 2024 CDBG Projects and Proposal Requests
2024 CDBG Fund Summary BGAP2023-003 PC 07/20/2023
Planning Commission Meeting
Proposals-Recommendations
Attachment 1
Page 1
PJID LOCID RECIPIENT ACTIVITY / AGENCY NAME NonCDBG
Match Agency Requested Staff Recommend PC Recommend GoalStrat
Obj Risk Priority
1 1 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development CDBG Program Administration 140,000.00 All 0-Low All
2 2 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Civic Center Recreation Specialist 67,000.00 40,000.00 3 3-Low A2
2 3 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Martin Luther King Community Center Recreation Specia 105,000.00 40,000.00 3 3-Low B2
2 4 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services First Avenue Center Recreation Specialist 90,000.00 30,000.00 3 7-Med B2
2 5 YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities YMCA Martin Luther King Community Center Recreation 50,000.00 50,000.00 2 3-Low B2
2 6 The Arc of the Tri-Cities Arc Theraputic Recreation Scholarship Fund 35,000.00 14,250.00 3 3-Low B2
2 7 Senior Life Resources NW Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels 9,500.00 3 6-Med B2
2 8 Domestic Violence Services of Benton/Franklin County Pasco Domestic Violence Outreach 30,000.00 70,000.00 3 7-Med A2
2 9 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Pasco Youth Recreation Scholarship 2,000.00 10,000.00 3 3-Low B2
2 10 League of Education Voters Foundation Improving Educational Equity in Benton/Franklin 232,384.00 30,000.00 3 11-High C1
3 11 City of Pasco- Administrative & Community Services PSK Equipment 200,000.00 2 7-Med C2
4 12 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development CHIP Minor Rehab Program 125,000.00 1 4-Low A1
4 13 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development Façade Improvement Program 25,000.00 2 5-Low C1
6 14 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development Code Enforcement Officers 90,000.00 210,000.00 1 0-Low A1
6 15 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development Code & Community Program 10,000.00 1 4-Low A1
7/17/2023
2024 CDBG Fund Summary BGAP2023-003 PC 07/20/2023
Planning Commission Meeting
Proposals-Recommendations
Attachment 1
Page 2
PJID LOCID RECIPIENT ACTIVITY / AGENCY NAME NonCDBG
Match Agency Requested Staff Recommend PC Recommend GoalStrat
Obj Risk Priority
7 16 City of Pasco-Public Works Neighborhood Business District Improvement 1,743,895.00 851,500.00 2 5-Low C1
7 17 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development ADA Improvements- Sidewalks 75,000.00 2 5-Low C1
7 18 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development Neighborhood Traffic Management 100,000.00 100,000.00 2 8-Med C1
7 19 City of Pasco- Administrative & Community Services A Street Field Lights 100,000.00 200,000.00 2 7-Med C1
7 20 City of Pasco- Administrative & Community Services Kurtzman Park Ballfield Safety Upgrade 20,000.00 35,000.00 2 7-Med C1
8 21 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development Section 108-Debt Repayment 250,000.00
2,665,279.00 2,515,250.00 0.00 0.00
2024 Estimated Entitlement 651,474$ $133,000 20% CAP ADMIN
CDBG Prior year & Program Income 65,000$ $105,221 15% CAP PUBLIC SERVICES
CDBG Funds Available (Entitlement, Prior Year & Program Income)716,474$
Proposals Received 2,515,250$
SURPLUS/DEFICIT (1,798,776)$
2024 Proposals Recommended
7/17/2023
2024 CDBG Fund Summary BGAP2023-003 pc 7.20.23
Planning Commission Meeting
Public Service Cap
Attachment 1
Page 3
PJID LOC
ID RECIPIENT ACTIVITY / AGENCY NAME NonCDBG
Match
Agency
Requested
Staff
Recommend
0002 02 City of Pasco-Administrative &
Community Services Civic Center Recreation Specialist $67,000.00 $40,000.00 $20,000.00
0002 03 City of Pasco-Administrative &
Community Services
Martin Luther King Community Center
Recreation Specialist $105,000.00 $40,000.00 $20,000.00
0002 04 City of Pasco-Administrative &
Community Services
First Avenue Center Recreation
Specialist $90,000.00 $30,000.00 $20,000.00
0002 05 YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities YMCA Martin Luther King Community
Center Recreation Program $50,000.00 $50,000.00 $20,000.00
0002 06 The Arc of the Tri-Cities Arc Theraputic Recreation Scholarship
Fund $35,000.00 $14,250.00 $9,000.00
0002 07 Senior Life Resources NW Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels $0.00 $9,500.00
0002 08 Domestic Violence Services of
Benton/Franklin County Pasco Domestic Violence Outreach $30,000.00 $70,000.00 $37,000.00
0002 10 City of Pasco-Administrative &
Community Services Pasco Youth Recreation Scholarship $2,000.00 $10,000.00 $4,000.00
2023 Total Funds Subject to Public Services Cap ,$263,750.00 $130,000.00
Public Services Cap (Maximum)$924,958.00
Public Services Requested $241,500.00
Public Services Recommended $130,000.00
7/17/2023
2024 CDBG Fund Summary BGAP2023-003 pc 7.20.23
Planning Commission Meeting
Admin Cap
Attachment 1
Page 4
PJID LOC
ID RECIPIENT ACTIVITY / AGENCY NAME NonCDBG
Match
Agency
Requested
Staff
Recommend
0001 01 City of Pasco-Community &
Economic Development
CDBG Program
Administration $0.00 $140,000.00 $0.00
$0.00 $140,000.00 $0.00
Estimated Entitlement 2018 651,474$
Estimated PI 224,971$
Total Funds Subject to Admin Cap 876,445$
Planning & Admin Cap (Maximum)175,289$ 20%
Planning & Admin Requested 140,000$ 16%
Planning & Admin Recommended -$ 0%
7/17/2023
2024 CDBG Fund Summary BGAP2023-003 pc 7.20.23
Planning Commission Meeting
Powerpoint
Attachment 1
Page 5
PJID LOCID RECIPIENT ACTIVITY / AGENCY NAME NonCDBG Match Agency Requested Staff Recommend PC
Recommend
GoalStrat
Obj Risk Priority
1 1 City of Pasco-Community & Economic Development CDBG Program Administration $ - $ 140,000.00 $ 140,000.00 All 0-Low All
2 2 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Civic Center Recreation Specialist $ 67,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00 3 3-Low A2
2 3 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Martin Luther King Community Center Recreation Specialist $ 105,000.00 $ 40,000.00 $ 40,000.00 3 3-Low B2
2 4 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services First Avenue Center Recreation Specialist $ 90,000.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00 3 7-Med B2
2 5 YMCA of the Greater Tri-Cities YMCA Martin Luther King Community Center Recreation Program $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00 $ 50,000.00 2 3-Low B2
2 6 The Arc of the Tri-Cities Arc Theraputic Recreation Scholarship Fund $ 35,000.00 $ 14,250.00 $ 14,250.00 3 3-Low B2
2 7 Senior Life Resources NW Mid-Columbia Meals on Wheels $ - $ 9,500.00 $ 9,500.00 3 6-Med B2
2 8 Domestic Violence Services of Benton/Franklin County Pasco Domestic Violence Outreach $ 30,000.00 $ 70,000.00 $ 70,000.00 3 7-Med A2
2 9 City of Pasco-Administrative & Community Services Pasco Youth Recreation Scholarship $ 2,000.00 $ 10,000.00 $ 10,000.00 3 3-Low B2
2 10 #REF! Improving Educational Equity in Benton/Franklin $ 232,384.00 $ 30,000.00 $ 30,000.00 3 11-High C1
8 21 #REF!#REF! $ - $ 250,000.00 $ 250,000.00 0 0 0
0 - $0.00 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 0 0
0 - $0.00 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 0 0
0 - $0.00 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 0 0
0 - $0.00 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 0 0
0 - $0.00 $ - $ - $ - $ - 0 0 0
2,665,279.00$ 2,515,250.00$ -$
7/17/2023
Type Amount Percent
Planning & Administratio 140,000$ 6%
Public Services 253,750$ 10%
Economic Opportunities 2,121,500$ 84%
Decent Housing -$ 0%
Public Facilities -$ 0%
Code Enforcement -$ 0%
Community Infrastructure -$ 0%
Section 108 Debt Pymt -$ 0%
2,515,250$ 100%
Planning &
Administration,
$140,000 , 6%
Public Services,
$253,750 , 10%
Economic
Opportunities,
$2,121,500 , 84%
Decent Housing, $-,
0%
Public Facilities, $-,
0%
Code Enforcement, $-
, 0%
Community
Infrastructure, $-
, 0%Section 108 Debt
Pymt, $-, 0%
Percent of Total Requested
Planning & Administration
Public Services
Economic Opportunities
Decent Housing
Public Facilities
Code Enforcement
Community Infrastructure
Section 108 Debt Pymt
MEMORANDUM
DATE: July 20, 2023
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Kristin Webb, CDBG Administrator
SUBJECT: 2024 HOME INVESTMENT PARTNERSHIPS (HOME) PROGRAM
ALLOCATION AND ANNUAL WORK PLAN (MF# BGAP2023-004)
Background
Pasco entered into a HOME Consortium Agreement with Richland and Kennewick in 1996
making the City eligible for Federal HOME funds. The Agreement was renewed through
December 2023. Each year an annual action plan is required to be prepared and submitted
to HUD for use of estimated funds for the following program year.
Estimated Funds Available
It is estimated that the 2024 annual entitlement grant to the HOME Consortium will be
$716,787. Each member city is allocated an equal share of the entitlement after 10% Set-
Aside for Administration, and 15% Set-Aside for Community Housing Development
Organizations (CHDO). Pasco’s share of the entitlement is estimated to be $179,197 when
the remaining funds are split equally between the three cities. HOME Program income
estimated in 2024 is $50,000 and may be used for Down Payment Assistance, Tenant Based
Rental Assistance, Owner Occupied Rehab, or an Eligible CHDO Project depending on
need. These estimates are based on the 2023 HOME Allocation.
There is always some question regarding actual funding levels approved by Congress.
Actual available funding for these FY 2024 activities will remain in question until the early
part of the year when the HOME allocation is made by Congressional Resolution and an
amendment to the Annual Action Plan may be necessary. If funding levels are lower then
estimated, activity funding may need to be reallocated accordingly.
Planning & Administration
HUD regulations state that the amount of HOME Funds obligated within a program year
to support planning and administration activities may not exceed 10% of the entitlement.
This is awarded to Richland annually as the Lead Agency of the HOME Consortium to
manage all activities. Member cities are provided funds for planning and administration
from 10% of program income received from completed projects within their jurisdiction.
CHDO Set-Aside
Each year a minimum of 15% of the entitlement grant must be set-aside to help Community
Housing Development Organizations (CHDO) to add to the permanent affordable housing
stock. The CHDO set-aside funds may be combined with program income for a
development project that will be selected through a competitive RFP process.
Proposed Activities
HOME funds are based on need and income eligibility and may be used anywhere within
the city limits, however, neighborhoods designated as priority by Pasco City Council
received first consideration. Funding is first targeted in the Longfellow and Museum
neighborhoods, then within low-moderate income census tracts (201, 202, 203 and 204).
If HOME funds cannot be applied to those areas, then they are used as needed within the
Pasco City limits for the benefit of eligible low-moderate income families. Funds may be
reallocated between programs to meet community needs.
2024 Funding Source Budget
Entitlement & Estimated Program Income $229,197
2024 Proposed Activities
Program Administration $10,000
Down Payment Assistance Program $10,000
Tenant Based Rental Assistance Program $109,197
Owner Occupied Rehabilitation $100,000
$229,197
Recommendations
No action from the Planning Commission is necessary. The Commission will approve the
resolution at the August 17, 2023, meeting.
MEMORANDUM TO PLANNING COMMISSION
PLANNING COMMISSION MEETING
City Hall – 525 North Third Avenue – Council Chambers
DATE: THURSDAY, July 20, 2023
6:30 PM
1
TO: Planning Commission
FROM: Jessica Brackin, Development Services Lead
Gina Vasquez, Community Resource Specialist
SUBJECT: National League of Cities – Mayors’ Institute Update
Background
The purpose of this memorandum is to provide the Planning Commission with an update on the
current efforts related to the National League of Cities (NLC) Mayors’ Institute on Advancing
Community Revitalization to Improve Health and Equity.
City of Pasco was chosen to participate in the 2023 NLC Mayors’ Institute along with four other
cities which included East Point, GA, Mount Vernon, NY, Gresham, OR, and Houston, TX. The
Mayors’ Institute is a 12-month immersive process with the goal of advancing equitable
community revitalization to address inequities in health disparities focusing on the tools of
infrastructure, planning and zoning, and the built environment.
Pasco’s NLC Team:
• Mayor Blanche Barajas
• Jacob Gonzalez, CED Director
• Jessica Brackin, Development Services Lead
• Gina Vasquez, Community Resource Specialist
• Jerry Martinez, Executive Director. Downtown Pasco Development Authority
• Adam Lincoln, City Manager
The Pasco NLC Team chose Central Pasco as the neighborhood of focus and developed an
opportunity assessment that outlined the vision, current efforts, and next steps.
The vision for Central Pasco was centered around the concepts of: Belonging, Empowerment,
and Pride with the goal of increasing activation in the community. The strong connection
between an activated community and improved health and equity is well documented. Activated
and lively communities promote physical activity and improve social and emotional wellbeing by
providing opportunities to reduces loneliness and social isolation.
In May, The Pasco Team traveled to Houston, TX to participate in a convening of the five cities.
This included a presentation, and intensive guided participation. A key takeaway was Central
Pasco has a lot of momentum right now that needs to be continued forward. Work in progress
including master planning, code updates, infrastructure improvements, grants and studies, and
increased communications have primed Central Pasco for advancement opportunities.
2
The identified opportunities are:
• Placemaking and beatification
• Developing methods for low barrier/live community input
• Increasing the programming of parks & public spaces
• Identifying code updates
The NLC Pasco Team began developing the “Shared Action Roadmap” in Houston and that will
be refined over the next month.
Next steps include:
• Implementation of the Downtown Master Plan such as revising code to allow more
flexibility for murals and public art.
• Redevelopment study of the former Thunderbird Motel site
Pasco Planning Commission
July 20, 2023
Convening in Houston, TX
Pasco
Washington
Mayors’ Institute on Community
Revitalization to Improve Health and Equity MAY 16-18, 2023
Desired
Results
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Our Vision for Pasco:
Pasco is a place where each resident feels they belong, are empowered,
and have a sense of pride for their community.
•Belonging –Feeling happy or comfortable as part of a particular group. Feeling
welcomed, accepted, and valued. The ability to feel a part of a place.
•Empowerment –Feeling of autonomy and self-determination in the happenings of the
community. The equitable ability to represent and share interests or opinions while being
respected. Improves wellbeing by reducing the sense of powerlessness and hopelessness.
•Pride –Feeling that Pasco is a uniquely special place with qualities worth celebrating and
admiring.
Pasco
Washington
Desired
Results
Target Population
Central PascoPasco
Washington
•Historic & Cultural Center of Pasco
•A quarter of Pasco’s residents
•More diverse & oldest housing stock
•Culturally diverse businesses
•Better access to transit and denser
street grid than city average
Assessment of
Assets,
Challenges and
Opportunities
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Work in progress…..
Plans:
•Downtown Master Plan –adopted
•Housing Action & Implementation Plan
•Downtown Master Plan Implementation efforts
•Downtown Management Project
Code Updates:
•Updated regulations relegalizing missing middle housing and accessory dwelling
units with emphasis on proximity to public facilities, parks, schools, public
transportation, and health related services
•Newly Established downtown overlay district, eliminating off-street parking
requirements and caps on residential density
Pasco
Washington
Assessment of
Assets,
Challenges and
Opportunities
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Pasco
Washington
Work in progress…..
Infrastructure Improvements:
•Peanuts Parks & Pasco Farmers Market –complete
•Lewis Street Overpass –nearing completion
•Sylvester Street Safety Improvements –construction in 2024
•Lewis Street Corridor Improvements –planning
•4th Ave Festival Street Improvements –planning
•Columbia & Clark Street Improvements –planning
Assessment of
Assets,
Challenges and
Opportunities
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Work in progress…..
Grants & Studies:
•Recreation Equity Study, a grant award to assess and advance equitable access to
youth sports –just launched
•Thunderbird Motel re-use study, EPA Brownfield Grant with support from
regional MPO to assess opportunities for reuse of the recently demolished
Thunderbird Motel site in downtown –just launched
Communications:
•Increased focus on city communication. Staff was increased from 1 last year to
2.5 currently dedicated to city communications.
Pasco
Washington
Pasco
Washington
Thunderbird
Motel
Re-use Study
EPA Brownfield GrantNuisance Site to Community Catalyst
Assessment of
Assets,
Challenges and
Opportunities
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Assets Challenges Opportunities
Increased emphasis from City leadership on Downtown revitalization
Adoption of major planning efforts
Supportive and forward thinking administration and council
Momentum
Underutilized parks and public spaces
Historically low participation in community engagement
Code and permitting restrictions on public art
Funding
Pasco
Washington Placemaking & Beautification
•Lewis Street Corridor/ Festival Street
•Parklets
•Mural/Art Program
Develop methods of low barrier/live community input
Increasing programming of parks/public spaces
Code Updates
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Pasco
Washington
Placemaking & Activation
Murals
Streateries
Festival St
Streetscape
Parklets
Next
Steps
Cities of Opportunity | Health and Wellness | Leadership, Education, Advancement and Development
Areas of Opportunity
BELONGING
Activation & beautification of our parks & public spaces
EMPOWERMENT
Facilitation of authentic public engagement
PRIDE
Share our story and celebrate our wins
Pasco
Washington
Convening in Houston, TX