City Council Study Session

City Council Study Session Agenda August 11, 2025 - 5:45 PM City Council Chambers, City Hall, 3rd Floor, 1528 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL Click Here to Watch 1. Call to Order 2. Roll Call 3. Presentations a. Land Bank Update b. Project NOW Presentation 4. Public Comment 5. Adjourn a. Motion: Motion to adjourn. VV Voice vote is needed. This agenda may be obtained in accessible formats by qualified persons with a disability by making appropriate arrangements from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday through Friday, by contacting the City Clerk's Office at (309) 732-2010 or visiting in person at: 1528 Third Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201. Page 1 of 29 Land Bank Update Adjusting the Model, Continuing the Effort Page 2 of 29 Background • Intergovernmental agency formed in Spring 2022 by the cities of Rock Island, Moline, and East Moline following feasibility study. • Tool to combat community deterioration and stop the abandonment cycle. • Activities return properties to productive, local ownership free of any title issues. • Intended to add needed capacity to member communities. Page 3 of 29 Challenges • Tyler v. Hennepin County (2023) up-ended the existing tax sale system asserting that keeping surplus value can be a takings. • Insurance and auditing services have been much more expensive than anticipated. • Staff costs are difficult to cover. • Legal process to acquire properties has been time Map showing municipal, county, regional, and state land banks from consuming and slow moving. the Center for Community Progress. Page 4 of 29 Successes • Blighted houses in East Moline have been demolished with a grant from IHDA. • Properties in all three cities are being held and marketed. • Positive media attention and workshops are driving interest and attracting local investors. • People are getting the message: all these vacant and abandoned properties have to be addressed. Page 5 of 29 Changes to the Model • Member contributions of $1 per • Reduce member contribution to resident based on 2020 Census. a smaller flat fee. • Grant funding when available, • Transition from a salary staff including from IHDA. position to one paid on • Sale proceeds. commission for sales. • Occasional fees for special • Expand fee for service offerings. services. • Position the land bank as a focal point for housing conversations on the Illinois side. Page 6 of 29 What’s Next? • Complete acquisition of ten Rock Island properties per IHDA grant with City as pass-through. • Build capacity and strengthen community networks. • Strengthen relationship with the County and come to a workable tax auction arrangement. • Advocate for more direct state funding and legislative support. Page 7 of 29 Questions? Page 8 of 29 Rock Island STUDY SESSION August 2025 Page 9 of 29 Presented By Project NOW focuses on outreach, engagement, and support from individuals with lived experiences. This approach can really make a Project NOW & Northwestern Illinois difference in understanding and addressing the unique challenges Continuum of Care faced by the community. Dr. Dwight L. Ford, CAA Ron Lund CEO/President of Project NOW Chief Operating Officer of Project NOW Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care Board President Page 10 of 29  History of Homelessness In Sister City, Davenport, Iowa Kings Harvest - Pre 2018 Humility Homes - 2018-24 Winter Emergency Shelter (seasonal overflow): During the 2023–2024 winter season (Dec 1, 2023 During the winter of 2017–2018, the shelter to April 15, 2024), HHSI offered expanded winter averaged 60–80 adults per night and served a capacity—raising shelter capacity from 88 beds to total of approximately 400 individuals over a around 130. Over that period, they recorded 27,539 135‑day period nights of shelter provided serving approximately 144 unique individuals during that final year of Typical winter nightly occupancy (earlier data): expanded service In earlier years, nightly attendance ranged around 75 people—about 60 men and 15 Starting in the winter of 2024–2025, HHSI returned women on average, rising to over 90 during to their standard 88‑bed capacity and did not offer extreme cold spells expanded winter shelter, so their nightly occupancy returned to 88 beds. Page 11 of 29  NOW L I F T C E N T E R Project NOW opened the Lift NOW winter emergency overflow shelter officially on Friday, 90 Days Open 37 Max Occupancy 2,214 Shelter nights provided MaxOccupancy: 180 Individuals 26 Per Night Avg January 17, 2025, and remained in regular 12 - Men (downstairs) overnight operation until April 15, 2025, operating 12 - Women (upstairs, secured) nightly from 9 pm to 7 am, for a total of 90 days. 10 - Families (upstairs, secured) 3 - Mobility/Handicap (downstairs) During two frigid nights—January 19 and 20— Project NOW operated the shelter 24/7 (midnight 114 - Male through day) instead of its usual overnight hours, 66 - Female 13 Individuals housed/ All due to extreme cold. remain housed to this day 121 - Illinois Residents 59 - Iowa Residents 0 homeless individuals dead Page 12 of 29  Who We Served: 5-12 years Refused 65+ Years Asian Physical 7 8 18-24 Years Multiracial 3.9% 1.7% 13 8.3% 14.3% 55-64 Years 21 Mental Health Developmental 38.6% 12.1% 25-34 Years Black/African American 41 39.4% 45-54 Years 35 35% White 43.3% Chronic Health 14.3% 35-44 Years Substance Abuse 46 20.7% Ages Served Races Served Physical/Mental Under 5 Years - 2 American Indian - 6 Health Conditions of those served have 5-12 Years Old - 8 Asian - 3 Mental Health - 54 been a victim of 18-24 Years Old - 13 Black/African American - 71 Substance Use - 29 25-34 Years Old - 41 White - 78 domestic violence, Chronic Health - 20 35-44 Years Old - 46 Multiracial - 15 Developmental - 17 sexual 45-54 Years Old - 35 Refused - 7 Physical - 20 assault, dating 55-64 Years Old - 21 violence, stalking, 65+ Years Old - 7 Refused - 7 48% and/or human of those served have a physical/mental health trafficking Youngest - 6 months old condition Oldest - 73 years old Page 13 of 29  Lessons Learned: Rock Island and the greater Illinois Quad Cities is seeing an increase in homelessness. From 2023 to 2024, homelessness increased 44% in our area and 116% in the state. NOW On any given night, 25,787 people in Illinois are L I F T C E N T E R estimated to be homeless. Interventions: Initiatives: When opening the shelter we missed Meetings held with neighbors and business an opportunity to speak with our owners starting late January 2025 with neighbors regarding what we would Project NOW’s CEO and COO. and would not be able to provide. This became apparent in a conversation Good Neighbors Initiative started in with QC Pancake House late January February 2025. 2025. Shelter in Place model. Page 14 of 29  Welcome To The Future Rock Island County, like many regions, is seeing a growing number of individuals and NOW families experiencing homelessness due to factors like housing shortages, inflation, L I F T C E N T E R unemployment, and mental health crises. A larger shelter would accommodate more The building is vacant people during the harsh winter months, and listed with helping meet this increased demand. Hawkeye Commercial Real Estate for $380,000. We are currently looking at a If the building does not location in Moline for the 2025- sell, it will be winterized 26 winter emergency overflow until it is sold or rented shelter. as an office building. Page 15 of 29 What is the Northwestern Illinois CoC? The Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care (CoC) is a 15-county network of homeless service providers united in our effort to make homelessness rare, brief, and non-recurring. Amanda Erwin CoC Coordinator Leah Oostendorp Lisa Lee Nayla Zamora CoC Assistant Street Outreach Caseworker Coordinated Entry Caseworker Page 16 of 29 CoC Board of Directors Amber Killian, Domestic Violence Program Manager, Kim Brannon-Sibley, Participant Engagement Manager, Freedom House Knox County Housing Authority Beth Maskell, Executive Director, Myles Newberry, Director, Voices of Stephenson County Twin Cities PADS Cindi Gramenz, Operations Manager, Neddie Watts, Community Services Director, Christian Care Tri-County Opportunities Council Elisha Walker, Executive Director, Paris Brandy, Community Engagement Manager, Northern Illinois Community Action Agency Prairie State Legal Services Karen Abendroth, Coordinated Entry Specialist, Rebecca Laudati, Executive Director, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Hope of Ogle Ron Lund, Chief Operating Officer Project NOW Page 17 of 29 CoC Regulations 24 CFR 576: Emergency Solutions Grant Program “Area-wide systems coordination requirements” 24 CFR 578: Continuum of Care Grant Program CoC is the only recognized body to report homeless numbers to HUD. CoC is required under federal statue to work with municipalities and elected officials. 405 ILCS 5/ - Mental Health and Disabilities Code “To protect such person or others from physical harm” Page 18 of 29 QC - Current Capacity vs. Need Current Shelter Beds Available: Christian Care Mission Shelter = 42 (6 VA, 3 DC) Christian Care Martha’s House = 20 (3 DC) Humility Homes and Services = 80 Kings Harvest = 30 Project NOW = 37 YWCA Alan’s House = 15 Total Beds = 224 Current Identified Homeless = 488 Current vacant units in Rock Island City = 1,905 VA = Veterans Affairs Grant & Per Diem Beds DC = Drug Court Beds Page 19 of 29 QC - Current Barriers Limited Housing Options Over 1,900 vacant units in Rock Island and 7,400 in the Quad Cities. A Housing Needs Assessment for Rock Island completed by Points Consulting in November 2024 states “We project Rock Island housing would increase by less than one percentage point (11 units)” over the next 20 years. Need for Specialized Care Some community members would benefit from specialized housing options, but availability is extremely limited. Client Choice No one can force adults into living situations that they don’t want. Page 20 of 29 Subject Matter Experts Housing Task Force From models of service delivery to State and The Goal: Federal regulations to specialized funding To reduce homelessness in Rock Island by opportunities, the CoC has the knowledge and increasing the number of safe, affordable housing experience to lead Rock Island into a new era of units and streamlining access into them. housing stability for all residents, not just those experiencing homelessness. The Team: Stipends allow the CoC to tap into the expertise of With homeless service providers, behavioral health people who have experienced the horrors of providers, landlords, businesses, and City officials homelessness - no one knows better than those on the team, we can achieve functional zero. who have lived it themselves. Page 21 of 29 Page 22 of 29 AHAR Annual Homeless Assessment Report – HUD report to the U.S. Congress that provides nationwide estimates of homelessness CE Coordinated Entry – A system designed to streamline the process of connecting individuals and families experiencing homelessness with housing and related services Continuum of Care Designed to promote communitywide commitment to the goal of ending homelessness by providing funding for efforts by nonprofit providers. Working with State and local governments and promoting access to and effect utilization of mainstream programs by homeless individuals and families ESG Emergency Solutions Grant - designed to assist people with quickly regaining stability in permanent housing after experiencing a housing crisis and/or homelessness Functional Zero A sustainable milestone where a community has measurably solved homelessness. Homelessness is brief, rare, and non-re- occurring HIC Housing Inventory Count – Done simultaneously with PIT count. Records the bed capacity of the CoC HMIS Homeless Management Information System – Data collection system used to track information about individuals and families experiencing homelessness who are accessing services funded by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Home Illinois Name of State plan to prevent and end homelessness Homeless Bill of Rights Illinois law that affirms that no person should suffer unnecessarily from cold or hunger, be deprived of shelter or the basic rights incident to shelter, or be subject to unfair discrimination based on his or her homeless status Housing First An approach to addressing homelessness that prioritizes providing immediate access to permanent housing Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 IL518CoC@projectnow.org (309)793-6391 Page 23 of 29 OPEH Office to Prevent and End Homelessness – The Chief Homelessness Officer (Chief), Interagency Task Force on Homelessness (Task Force) and the Community Advisory Council on Homelessness (Advisory Council) PIT Point-In-Time Count – Done within the last ten days of January every year to count those that are homeless. Data reported to HUD for AHAR report SO Street Outreach – The practice of actively engaging with individuals experiencing homelessness in their living environments, such as on the streets, in parks, or other unsheltered locations Source of Income Illinois law that prohibits discrimination against renters or Protection homebuyers on their lawful source of income, including rental assistance programs Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 IL518CoC@projectnow.org (309)793-6391 Page 24 of 29  SERVICE DIGNITY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY HOPE VISION We envision the whole community working hand in hand to meet human needs, protect human dignity and restore hope. Good Neighbor Agreement Background: This Good Neighbor Agreement (referred to in this document as agreement) was developed by Project NOW and community stakeholders to provide a strategy to address neighbor concerns that often arise when new resources to support those experiencing homelessness are developed and expanded within a community. Parties to the agreement: Parties to this agreement include business and residential neighbors living around downtown Rock Island and as represented by their neighborhood association, business association and other key stakeholders. • Neighborhood Association o Downtown Alliance, City of Rock Island • Service Providers o Christian Care o Downtown Alliance, City of Rock Island o Project NOW o Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care • Other Stakeholders o City of Rock Island o Dylan Parker, Rock Island 5th Ward Alderman o QC Chamber of Commerce Boundaries of this agreement: This agreement with include the service area of 1 st to 5th Avenues between 15th and 23rd Streets of downtown Rock Island. Length of Agreement: This agreement will be in affect from date of signature and terminate on 6/30/2025. If desired, parties of this agreement can choose to extend this agreement, or create an alternate agreement. Legal Status of Agreement: Parties of this agreement are committed to maintaining safety and livability of the area; it is to this end they enter into this agreement. All parties understand this agreement is not a legally binding contract, nor it is intended to be. Further, all parties acknowledge "Rooting Out Poverty... Planting Seeds of Opportunity" Project NOW, Inc. 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)793-6391 www.projectnow.org Page 25 of 29  SERVICE DIGNITY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY HOPE VISION We envision the whole community working hand in hand to meet human needs, protect human dignity and restore hope. that they have been advised and given time to review and present this document to independent counsel if so desired. Purpose, Assumptions, & Goals: The purpose of this agreement is to identify ways for community stakeholders to work together to address potential impacts of homeless services as well as be good neighbors in support of clients of service providers and to formalize the goodwill and positive working relationships between stakeholders for the benefits of all neighbors. Discussion of this agreement can be a tool to clarify the best ways to address neighborhood concerns. Inherent to this agreement is the assumption that all parties have certain basic rights; these rights include: • All neighbors have the right to feel safe and welcome. • All neighbors have the right to safe and quiet enjoyment of their properties and public spaces. • All neighbors have the right to access available community resources, services and public facilities to meet their needs. Goals: • Initiate and maintain open communications and understanding of all parties • Encourage all parties to be proactive and ready to respond to concerns that may arise • Develop procedures or protocols for resolving concerns and problems • Enhance neighborhood safety while promoting access to services • Reduce nuisance complaints within the neighborhood All parties agree to: • Participate in this agreement • Participate in collaborative problem solving around issues that arise within the boundaries of this agreement • Develop, maintain and enhance good working relationships between the above-named parties • Use and promote direct, respectful, and civil communications while promoting responsiveness to community concerns by o Resolving problems quickly and as directly as possible o Encouraging first line communications occur one-to-one via in person, phone or video communications or email. "Rooting Out Poverty... Planting Seeds of Opportunity" Project NOW, Inc. 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)793-6391 www.projectnow.org Page 26 of 29  SERVICE DIGNITY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY HOPE VISION We envision the whole community working hand in hand to meet human needs, protect human dignity and restore hope. o Providing participants in this agreement with updated contact information if there are key leadership changes (Addendum contains contact list) o Reserve email for productive purposes such as information, planning, logistics, reminders or confirming prior conversations o Encourage neighbors or other community members to contact Project NOW directly regarding questions or concerns as they relate to homeless services and homeless individuals • Enhance neighborhood safety and livability and promote access to services by o Fostering positive relationships between service providers, stakeholders and neighbors o Encouraging a sense of welcomeness and investment in the neighborhood among all community members o Reporting crime and suspicious activity in the neighborhood to law enforcement Service Provider Agreements: • Offer ongoing services that support clients in achieving long-term personal goals that contribute to their self-sufficiency • Project NOW will provide additional staff to conduct outreach activities in the agreed upon boundaries of this agreement. Staff will work with neighbors to resolve issues that arise with homeless individuals • Train staff to address client’s needs with a trauma-informed approach, motivational interviewing, de-escalation skills, and conflict resolution skills • Encourage clients to be good neighbors by abiding by Project NOW rules regarding services and not trespassing through neighboring properties or rights of way • Livability o Encourage clients to reduce liter and provide opportunities for property cleanup o Assign staff or residents to walk the agreed boundaries to meet with neighbors and clients, resolving issues as they arise, as quickly as possible o Ensure that clients belongings are not left on sidewalks or other public areas • Encourage residents to have a sense of ownership and pride in the neighborhood • Hold clients responsible for their actions • Prioritize outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness who are referred to the designated point of contact for the program by signatories of this agreement "Rooting Out Poverty... Planting Seeds of Opportunity" Project NOW, Inc. 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)793-6391 www.projectnow.org Page 27 of 29  SERVICE DIGNITY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY HOPE VISION We envision the whole community working hand in hand to meet human needs, protect human dignity and restore hope. Neighborhood Association Agreements: • Downtown Alliance serves as a point of contact for residents of the neighborhood when they have questions and concerns that arise regarding downtown Rock Island. Downtown Alliance will serve as the first line of concern and questions from neighbors • Elevate neighbor concerns to the appropriate party in a timely manner • Educate neighborhood on the existence of this agreement and the best ways to positively resolve concerns • Invite and welcome service providers and clients to attend neighborhood association meetings and offer opportunities for regular updates on the successes of the programs • Engaging in ongoing problem solving with parties to this agreement to maintain clear lines of communication and an orientation to problem solving Business/ Business Association Agreements: • Maintain lines of open communication with parties to this agreement • Communicate concerns of unneighborly behavior when they may relate to known clients • Direct in an efficient and timely way questions/comments received by staff and customers to the service providers • Immediately report to the service providers any issues which arise relating to the physical or structural aspects of shared or adjacent spaces Law Enforcement Agreements: • Maintain lines of communication open with parties to this agreement o Note: Emergency situations should always be reported by calling 911 and Non- emergency situations can be addressed by calling the non-emergency phone number (309) 732-2677 • Enforce laws according to policies and resources • Provide education about the role of law enforcement as it relates to the homeless crisis Communication Protocol: 1. Communicate directly and with respect and civility to the individual, shelter, business, or applicable association or service provider whenever possible 2. Meet approximately 15 days after implementation to review agreements and problem solve issues that may have arisen 3. Create an opportunity for service providers and residents to speak at upcoming neighborhood association meeting "Rooting Out Poverty... Planting Seeds of Opportunity" Project NOW, Inc. 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)793-6391 www.projectnow.org Page 28 of 29  SERVICE DIGNITY INTEGRITY COMMUNITY HOPE VISION We envision the whole community working hand in hand to meet human needs, protect human dignity and restore hope. 4. Livability issues should be addressed by associated parties to this agreement as soon as possible once notified via email, phone or in person communications 5. When issues or concerns related to this agreement are not resolved, participants agree to seek mediation services with the support of the neighborhood association prior to pursuing other remedies. Glossary of Terms: Neighbor: Residents, business owners, agencies and property owners, clients, residents and employees Service Provider: An agency usually a nonprofit or government service that is provided for the health, well-being or self-sufficiency of an individual or group of individuals. Signatories Christian Care Date City of Rock Island Date Downtown Alliance Date 5th Ward Alderman Date Northwestern Illinois Continuum of Care Date Project NOW Date "Rooting Out Poverty... Planting Seeds of Opportunity" Project NOW, Inc. 1830 2nd Avenue, Rock Island, IL 61201 (309)793-6391 www.projectnow.org Page 29 of 29