passed ordinance

*Authorize a grant agreement with NW Health Foundation Fund II, the fiscal agent for Imagine Black, for the Reimagining Safety project for 2022-23 not to exceed $100,000

public safety
equity
grant

Department: Community Safety
Introduced by: Former Mayor Ted Wheeler
Status: Passed

Impact statement

Purpose & background

The Community Safety Division (CSD) is seeking to execute a grant agreement with NW Health Foundation Fund II (the fiscal agent for Imagine Black) to support the Reimagining Safety project. The grant amount will not exceed $100,000. In the wake of Black deaths at the hands of law enforcement, Black Oregonians have started to think further about the systems and structures needed to truly keep them safe. They identified the need for space and time to reimagine what safety could look like for their community and for all Oregonians. Between the COVID-19 pandemic and nationwide calls to reform law enforcement, we have an opportunity to build better systems to meet the core needs of Oregonians, especially those who are most vulnerable. The Reimagining Public Safety Project is a community-led, Black-centered effort to do just that, supporting by public and philanthropic dollars, and engaging Oregonians from across the state.

Financial impacts

The Community Safety Division received funds in the Adopted FY 2021-22 budget for community safety planning. A portion of these funds will be used to provide a $100,000 grant to NW Health Foundation Fund II for the Reimagining Public Safety Project. This Ordinance does not request any additional funds for the grant. Managing this grant will require a small portion of one FTE in CSD to review and approve deliverables and invoices over the next year.

Community impacts

This grant will support the Reimagining Safety effort, which originated out of a need identified by Black Oregonians for space and time to reimagine what safety could look like for their community and for all Oregonians. This will directly impact those communities who are currently most negatively impacted by public safety systems, by providing an opportunity to build better systems to meet their needs. The recommendations and policy advocacy coming out of the Reimagining Safety project will inform improvements to Portland’s community safety system, contributing to a more prosperous, vibrant, healthy, equitable Portland.

▸ Full text (the legislation as adopted)

The City of Portland ordains: Section 1. The Council finds: The City of Portland has heard a clear call from the community to reimagine its public safety system to make it more responsive and equitable; Community-led, Black-centered participatory action research and visioning initiatives that engage Oregonians from across the state, like Reimagining Oregon, are essential to the transformation our public safety system; The needs of those most impacted by safety issues should be elevated in order to improve community health and safety in Portland with community-driven actions; City Council previously approved funding for community safety planning coordinated by the Community Safety Division in the Adopted FY 2021-22 budget; NW Health Foundation Fund II manages the funds for the Reimagining Safety project, which is implemented by Imagine Black and has also received funding from the State and County; and It is beneficial to the City and community that this grant agreement may be authorized as quickly as possible to forward progress on this portion of the Reimagining Safety project. NOW, THEREFORE, the Council directs: The Community Safety Transition Director is authorized to execute a grant agreement in total amount not to exceed $100,000 with NW Health Foundation Fund II, the fiscal agent for Imagine Black for use in the Reimagining Safety project, in a form substantially similar to the agreement shown in Exhibit A. The Mayor and Auditor are hereby authorized to draw and deliver payment chargeable to Fiscal Year 2021-22 budget. The Community Safety Division is authorized to perform all administrative matters in relation to the grant application, grant agreement or amendments, requests for reimbursement from the grantor, and to submit required grant documents on the Director’s behalf. The Community Safety Transition Director is authorized to execute amendments to the agreement, provided such modifications do not increase the City’s financial obligations or risk. Any modifications that increase the City’s financial obligation or risk must be authorized by the City Council. The City Council waives the competitive application process required in FIN 2.04. Section 2. The Council declares an emergency exists because delay would jeopardize the grantee’s ability to perform the activities supported by the city’s grant funds; therefore, this Ordinance shall be in full force and effect from and after its passage by the Council.

Tally

4 yea 0 nay 1 other