There were no calls for resignation aimed at the city commissioners who evaluate the funding proposals, or grass-roots lobbying campaigns to the City Council to change the recommendations, or finger pointing at City Hall.
Even in a recession when nonprofits are starving more than ever for precious few dollars, the process this year was largely devoid of the political ruptures of yesteryear.
“For the first time, there were no fights, no pushing or shoving,” Councilman Bob Yousefian said.
Due to the decisions of some more leveraged programs this year to forgo funding, many of the 16 programs got minor grant increases this year, including PATH Achieve Glendale and the Loaves & Fishes homeless prevention program.
The emphasis this year, given the spiraling economy in growing jobless figures, was on the so-called “safety net” organizations that interface more directly with those experiencing financial strains.
Nonprofit administrators this year submitted requests for funding that more than doubled the HUD allotment for social services, forcing members of the Community Development Block Grant Advisory Committee in February to deny funding to several applicants.
An arts reading program, a youth media course and an English-language support network were all denied funding this year.
As in years past, the advisory committee appealed for the city put up matching funds to assist the nonprofit community. Its chairman, Zareh Amirian, also disagreed with the council’s propensity for “pre-designated” city projects.
Pre-designated funding, or earmarks, have a “chilling effect” on potential applications from outside agencies who don’t think they stand a chance of competing, Amirian said.
A $1.5-million earmark for the planned $6-million community pool at Pacific Park was approved as part of the HUD funding package Tuesday.
Councilman Dave Weaver was the only one on the dais to oppose the overall spending plan based on his distaste for the earmark at a time “when we’re cutting millions out of the budget.”
The City Council also approved $316,750 for capital improvement projects for the Homenetmen Glendale Ararat Chapter, New Horizons Family Center, Roosevelt Middle School and a community service center for Glendale Adventist Medical Center.
JASON WELLS covers City Hall. He may be reached at (818) 637-3235 or by e-mail at jason.wells@latimes.com.
