Latest news with #BoardofCountyCommissioners
Axios
4 days ago
- Business
- Axios
Hillsborough wants to DOGE dozens of nonprofits
Longtime county support for nearly 100 nonprofits in Hillsborough could soon vanish. Why it matters: On Wednesday, the Board of County Commissioners will decide whether to ax recurring financial support for nonprofits from the general fund, many of which have relied on it for decades. Zoom in: The new guidelines, if approved, would make it harder for nonprofits to obtain funding from Hillsborough County. And year after year, each one will have to prove it still deserves a spot in the budget. Nonprofits must now demonstrate how their services fulfill a "public purpose," whether through health, economic, or social impact, and include "clear performance measures and expected outcomes." Organizations that have received recurring funds before Feb. 7, 2024, will see that support taper until it hits zero in fiscal year 2029. From that point forward, all awards will be one-time. Between the lines: This is the latest in a string of measures Hillsborough Commissioners have taken to rein in government spending, from forming a review panel to axing the county's affordable housing fund. The Trump administration's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has served as the unifying force for Hillsborough's GOP majority and the motivation to push through sweeping changes. "Under the new fad and mentality of DOGEing everything ... I believe the board should be bold enough to make these meaningful improvements," Boles tells Axios. "Rather than waiting for some outside agency from Tallahassee or internal ad hoc committee." Threat level: The motion targets"legacy" nonprofits that have received funding from the board for nearly 30 years, while also aiming to reduce the number of nonprofits that Hillsborough ultimately supports. There's an exemption for nonprofits that operate out of county-owned facilities or provide services that support county functions; however, it's unclear how many nonprofits fall under those. The nonprofits explicitly listed as exempt are the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, the Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and the Humane Society of Tampa Bay, among others. What they're saying: "The loss of this funding would absolutely have an impact on our ability to serve the community," Anna Corman of the Hillsborough Education Foundation told the Tampa Bay Times. The other side: "I fully support nonprofit organizations in Hillsborough County," Boles told Axios. "We need them, many provide vital, often core, services traditionally delivered by government."
Time of India
28-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Multnomah County's preschool program under fire amid $485 million in unused funds, sparks national education debate
Governor Kotek calls for urgent Preschool for All reforms amid rising US education concerns. (Getty Images) Oregon Governor Tina Kotek is calling for a sweeping overhaul of Multnomah County's Preschool for All (PFA) program, citing severe implementation flaws and mounting public frustration. Her criticism, coming despite support for the program's vision, raises urgent questions about the effective use of public funds earmarked for early education in the US. As reported by KPTV, Governor Kotek stated the program has not delivered on its promise to families, particularly low-income households still struggling to access affordable preschool. 'Kids that should be eligible are not getting a seat in the classroom,' she said, adding that 'the scales are out of balance.' Kotek's call for reform is seen by many as a pivotal moment in the broader US debate over universal early education. Low participation and unspent millions fuel concern Launched to provide free, high-quality preschool to all 3- and 4-year-olds in Multnomah County, PFA was designed as a flagship model for universal early education. However, only 11% of the county's potential licensed preschool sites are currently participating in the program. Many others are either overwhelmed with paperwork or have chosen not to join due to unclear or burdensome administrative requirements. Compounding the issue is the staggering $485 million in unspent funds allocated for the program, as revealed by state data and referenced by Governor Kotek in her statement, according to KPTV. The funds, which were expected to support rapid expansion and increased access, have instead raised questions about oversight and efficiency. Governor proposes tax structure and provider access reforms In response, Kotek has recommended major adjustments to the program's underlying tax structure and improvements in how providers are onboarded. According to KPTV, she emphasized the need to streamline administrative processes and ensure that no currently enrolled child loses access to services during the transition. Kotek described her position not as cynical but 'a position of optimism,' insisting that reform can strengthen the program's foundation. 'We can serve children and build prosperity at the same time,' she told KPTV. County leadership pushes back, citing success and community support Multnomah County Chair Jessica Vega Pederson pushed back strongly on the governor's criticisms. As quoted by KPTV, she described it as 'disappointing that the Governor is doubling down on undercutting a program that is successfully serving thousands of young children.' She added that PFA is helping to build the early education workforce and enabling thousands of parents to work. Pederson also noted that over 70,000 letters have been sent to leaders in protest of the proposed changes, and reaffirmed that any future steps 'will include the Board of County Commissioners and the community,' according to KPTV. Statewide implications and growing calls for a national model Governor Kotek's call for change goes beyond Multnomah County. As reported by KPTV, she also advocated for a broader, statewide plan to address Oregon's growing childcare crisis, stating, 'The County must walk and chew gum at the same time.' The debate has now attracted attention nationwide, with education advocates pointing to the PFA program's struggles as emblematic of challenges facing early education systems across the US. Is your child ready for the careers of tomorrow? Enroll now and take advantage of our early bird offer! Spaces are limited.
Yahoo
04-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
St. Johns County Commissioners extend administrator's contract 3 years amid tense debate
St. Johns County's Board of County Commissioners on Tuesday extended the contract of its County Administrator. This comes weeks after Action News Jax's Ben Becker confirmed that Joy Andrews applied for the Palm Beach County Administrator position, then withdrew her name from consideration. 'I made a decision, regardless of the differences of opinion about me or my role or how I'm performing, my hope is that I can at least show my commitment to my staff, my children, my community who have shown up today,' Andrews said at Tuesday's meeting. County Commissioner Krista Joseph, who has been a critic of Andrews, said during the meeting she was now 'all for' Andrews, but said she just wanted to see more initiatives fully completed. [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] 'I haven't seen a lot of the goals completed. I've seen them on their way, but not completed. The Black History Museum, it's not a done deal. There are so many things, the World Golf, the FCC, the comprehensive plan, the tree ordinance. When I see those things accomplished, I'm like all for you. I do, we do work together great when we do the agendas. I don't have any problem with Joy. I just want to see accomplishment and reward accomplishment with an increase in time or salary,' Joseph said. By a 3-2 vote, the commissioners gave Andrews a three-year contract extension on top of 18 months remaining on her existing contract, keeping her on through 2030. Her pay remains $285,000 a year plus annual cost of living increases. In an email that was sent last month, Andrews wrote she was withdrawing from consideration because she wants to see through 'critical initiatives' in St. Johns County. 'Given the politics at the time, I briefly considered all my options,' Andrews said in a statement to Becker in May. 'I am 100% committed to St. Johns County and it has been my family's home for more than two decades. I'm grateful for the support of a majority of the commission and look forward to working together for years to come.' Andrews has served as county administrator since 2023, following the abrupt resignation of her predecessor, Hunter Conrad. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] In January, St. Johns County Board Chair Krista Joseph introduced a motion of no confidence in Andrews, a move that signaled internal tension within the county leadership. That motion was ultimately voted down by the rest of the board, allowing Andrews to retain her position. Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Thurston County OKs awarding $950,000 for Tumwater affordable housing project for seniors
Thurston County will pay $950,000 to help rehabilitate 24 units of affordable rental housing for seniors in Tumwater. The Board of County Commissioners unanimously approved a contract with the Housing Authority of Thurston County last Tuesday for that purpose. The housing units are part of the Sterling Pines development at 5895 Capital Blvd. SW, formerly known as Tumwater Inn and Suites. About $9.8 million from state and local sources had previously been dedicated to the project, but more funding was needed to pay for higher-than-anticipated rehabilitation costs. County documents indicate HATC needs to replace drywall and insulation in the walls and ceiling of the complex due to asbestos and methamphetamine contamination. HATC's director of development and administration Tom Rawson said, 'We're ecstatic!' HATC Executive Director Craig Chance echoed that sentiment. 'We are very grateful for the support of the Regional Housing Council and the Board of County Commissioners,' Chance said. Renovations are expected to be completed by late January 2026 and seniors are expected to start moving a month later, Chance said. Sterling Pines will feature two studio, 13 one-bedroom and 9 two-bedroom units for seniors 62 and older. Half of the units will be reserved for households that make at or below 30% of area median income (AMI); the other half will be for households at or below 50% area median income. The most recent figures for Thurston County's AMI put it at about $93,000; that means 30% would be about $28,000 per year, and 50% would be about $46,500. 'Sterling Pines will provide affordable, good quality housing for seniors who are struggling with incomes typically limited to a modest Social Security benefit,' Chance said. Chance said Sterling Pines is being funded without debt and will be backed by the 'strength of the HATC property portfolio, so it will not be reliant on vouchers or other operating subsidies.' HATC leadership felt motivated to take this approach due to low and seemingly disappearing federal funding, he said. Chance said the U.S. Congress funds the federal housing voucher program at a level that at best serves 25% of income eligible households, and the current budget proposal in Congress includes substantial funding reductions. 'In America, seniors are the fastest growing segment of people entering the nightmares of homelessness, most of them for the first time in their long lives,' Chance said. 'Every week we hear from seniors either in or nearing the crisis.' Chance said these seniors typically do not have mental or behavioral health issues that drive them to homelessness. He said they simply cannot afford market-rate housing on fixed incomes. HATC purchased the property in 2023 with the help of a Rapid Capital Housing Acquisitions funding award from the Washington state Department of Commerce. HATC has spent over $700,000 of its own funds for the project but was still coming up short due to the extreme contamination in the building. 'By removing the contamination, replacing defective building components, and bringing the property up to code, the units will be, in essence, new units,' Chance said. 'Doing it right, as opposed to making shortcuts, is consistent with our goal of making the property a safe, nice place to live and an attractive neighborhood asset for decades. Cutting corners was not an option.' Without the new funding from the county, HATC would have likely been forced to spend more of its own cash reserves. 'HATC properties are financially self-substantiating; those reserves allow the agency to replace roofs, re-paint buildings, etc., without reliance on grants or other sources,' Chance said. 'Thus, taking a large amount from capital improvement reserves was not a desirable option.' Such an outcome would have likely caused HATC to cut services, defer spending on other projects or even raise rents at Sterling Pines or other properties. Given HATC's affordability goals, Chance said raising rents was 'not a good option.' The county is using the Regional Housing Council's Opportunity Fund to provide the $950,000 award. The council, which makes recommendations to the county commission, created the fund in January 2024 to provide money for projects outside its annual request-for-proposals process. HATC originally applied for the funding via that RFP process in February, but the RHC's Affordable Housing Advisory Board decided in March that the request could best be met by the Opportunity Fund. 'To receive an award from the Opportunity Fund, the project must be emergent in nature, have been unforeseen at the time of the most recent RFP, and need the funding in order to actualize the project,' said Jen Freiheit, director of Thurston County Public Health and Social Services. Freiheit said the Opportunity Fund was at about $2.15 million at the start of the year. After this award, the fund will have $1.2 million. County documents indicate 20% of anticipated annual revenue for affordable housing capital projects is placed in the Opportunity Fund.
Travel Daily News
22-05-2025
- Business
- Travel Daily News
Miami International Airport to expand passenger capacity
Miami-Dade approves $600m. Concourse K at Miami International Airport, adding six gates and infrastructure upgrades to meet rising passenger and cargo demand by 2040. MIAMI, FL – The Miami-Dade County Board of County Commissioners approved the construction of new Concourse K at Miami International Airport (MIA), a transformative infrastructure project marking a significant milestone in MIA's ambitious $9 billion Future-Ready Modernization in Action plan. With an investment of $600.6 million, this expansion will deliver six new gates, a ground support equipment maintenance facility, enhanced baggage handling systems, and critical upgrades to airfield infrastructure – all designed to meet the growing demand for passenger traffic. The Modernization in Action plan positions Miami International Airport to accommodate 77 million passengers and 5 million tons of cargo by 2040. The project includes: Design and construction of six new contact gates Construction of an associated aircraft apron and jet fuel hydrant system A ground support equipment maintenance facility Installation of two new baggage make-up carousels Upgrades to the existing baggage handling system to connect the Central and South Terminals Envision LEED Silver certification for sustainable infrastructure 'MIA has not seen a terminal expansion since 2007, making this a truly transformative milestone for our airport. The launch of Concourse K will not only increase capacity and create thousands of new jobs but also reinforce MIA's role as a premier Global Gateway. With the unwavering support of the Board of County Commissioners and the dedication of Director Ralph Cutie, his team, and our airport partners, we are making visionary, future-ready investments that will build a stronger, more vibrant airport – one that uplifts our community, welcomes the world, and powers our economy into the future.' said Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava. With nearly 56 million passengers and more than 3 million U.S. tons of freight recorded in 2024 alone, the demand for additional space and improved efficiency at MIA continues to grow. Concourse K is a key part of Miami-Dade County's historic investments to modernize the airport's facilities and meet record-breaking demand while improving service, safety, and operational flow. Construction of Concourse K is set to begin following a ceremonial groundbreaking this summer and is scheduled for completion by Spring 2029. Lemartec-NV2A JV, LLC has been awarded the general contractor contract, with Perez & Perez Architects Planners, Inc. serving as the lead architect.
