Item B: Update on Homeless Initiative Action Plan

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There are additional options to fund specifically targeted programs. These may include, for example, State funds, bond financing mechanisms, EWEB energy credits, or special consideration of publicly assessed fees. There are a variety of creative and innovative revenue sources that have the potential of raising a limited amount of funding. Many are worth further review during the time that the serial levy is in place. However, none have a significant potential of raising the amount of money that is needed or they may be difficult and expensive to collect. These options can be pursued following additional discussion and study. Federal funding, the most significant source of funds to combat homelessness has been either flat or reduced. The committee recommends Eugene, Springfield and Lane County to advocate for housing and homelessness assistance through the “United Front” efforts. Examples of funding options that were reviewed by the committee are included in the appendix. Summary of Arguments Related to 2) Short Term, Limited Duration Pro Con Broad based, rather than narrowly targeted Serial levy is not well suited for on-going services. Services would be provided by skilled There is a risk of creating dependencies on nonprofit community providers. the funds, which creates problems when they terminate. Would be a source to fund critical capital A local option levy is a property tax, and needs, including land banking. may be politically unacceptable. Funding would leverage other public and Could conceivably contribute to tax private resources. revenue compression in the future. Levy funding could reduce some existing Requires a public vote. General Fund expenditures over time, through the implementation of prevention measures. Funding for some short-term expenditures, Capital projects that increase the service including capital projects, would have infra-structure require long-term funding long-term benefits. commitments for operations and service revenue. Would result in educating the public on the There will be administrative expenses needs and solutions related to housing. associated with selecting services to fund and monitoring contracts 3) Long-term permanent, sustainable funding source: This enables a full range of programs to be funded, including implementation of the Ten Year Plan to End Chronic Homelessness. Ending homelessness and providing affordable housing in the community is the ultimate goal of the Eugene City Council’s initiative. This requires a long-term funding source, in excess of ten 13 Blue Ribbon Committee on Homelessness, Recommendation April 2, 2008 -- Page