Title
Resolution to Approve the City of Ann Arbor Joining the Washtenaw Urban County for Fiscal Years 2010, 2011, and 2012 and Authorize the City to Enter into the Urban County Cooperative Agreement with Washtenaw County
Memorandum
Attached for review and action is a resolution to approve the City of Ann Arbor joining the Washtenaw Urban County for Fiscal Years 2010, 2011, and 2012.
On July 2, 2007 City Council created the Urban County Task Force per Resolution R-303-7-07. The resolution directed the Task Force to gather relevant information to identify and address issues related to the City of Ann Arbor joining the Washtenaw Urban County (Urban County), evaluate the relative merits vs. risks and explore contingencies to ensure value to the City, and bring forward a recommendation to City Council.
The Urban County Task Force examined key elements and issues to be considered in this potential consolidation. The discussion of the Task Force focused on building a foundational understanding of HUD funding to entitlement communities, in order to form this recommendation. Key issues examined included: implications for decision-making, funding implications, and operational implications of the City of Ann Arbor joining the Urban County.
In making this recommendation, the Urban County Task Force members have attempted to present ideas and suggestions to ensure that the interests and priorities of the City are protected.
Background
In September 2004, the City and County created the joint Office of Community Development (OCD). Prior to this effort, the City and County each had Community Development offices that were responsible for administering CDBG and HOME programs within their respective geographic areas. In addition, both were accountable for granting general fund dollars to non-profit housing and human service providers.
The joint office has been in operation for over 41 months and a number of significant service improvements have occurred since its creation...
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