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HomeMy WebLinkAboutPACKET Town Board Study Session 2023-02-14 February 14, 2023 5:15 p.m. — 6:45 p.m. Board Room TOWN BOARDEP 5:00 p.m. Dinner ® STUDY SESSION AGENDA No public comment will be heard This study session will be streamed live and available on the Town YouTube page at www.estes.org/videos 5:15 p.m. US34 Transportation Management Organization. (Director Muhonen & Manager Solesbee) 5:45 p.m. Workforce/Attainable Housing and Childcare Funding Policy Updates. (Deputy Town Administrator Damweber) 6:35 p.m. Trustee & Administrator Comments & Questions. 6:40 p.m. Future Study Session Agenda Items. (Board Discussion) 6:45 p.m. Adjourn for Town Board Meeting. Informal discussion among Trustees concerning agenda items or other Town matters may occur before this meeting at approximately 5:00 p.m. Page 1 Page 2 A IP TOWN OF ESTES PARI Report PUBLIC WORKS To: Honorable Mayor Koenig Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Vanessa Solesbee, Mobility Services Manager Greg Muhonen, Public Works Director Date: February 14, 2023 RE: US 34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO) Purpose of Study Session Item: Public Works (PW) staff and our partners from the North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) wish to gauge the Town Board's interest in participating in regional discussions related to transportation demand management (TDM), specifically the formation of a new US 34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO). Representatives from VanGo will also be present to share information about their services in support of regional TDM efforts. Town Board Direction Requested: Public Works (PW) staff request Town Board direction on: 1. What role (formal or informal) does Board wish to see from PW in the new US 34 TMO? 2. What, if any, interest there is in exploring a VanGo pilot service in Estes? Present Situation: • The NFRMPO and the Upper Front Range Transportation Planning Region (UFRTPR) are leading efforts, in partnership and with the support of the US 34 Coalition, to form a new TMO. • A TMO is an organized group applying carefully selected approaches to facilitating the movement of people and goods within a defined area. • The US 34 Coalition includes representatives from Larimer County, Loveland, Johnstown, Weld County, Windsor, Greeley, Evans, and Kersey. • US 34 is a priority multimodal corridor for the NFRMPO Planning Council; acts as a major commercial and tourist corridor between Estes Park/Rocky Mountain National Park and the Front Range; and is seeing some of the fastest population and commercial growth in the NFRMPO region. Page 3 • An abstract detailing the proposed US 34 TMO structure, purpose, boundary, funding opportunities, and start-up plan is included in the Attachments. • NFRMPO staff will be joined by a representative from VanGo, who will share information on vanpooling options to Estes Park from Fort Collins, Greeley or Longmont. Proposal: The US 34 Coalition has extended an invitation for Estes Park to join the US 34 TMO. Once formed, the US 34 TMO plans to hire a Manager/Director to staff and support the US 34 Coalition in TDM activities and strategies. The TMO Manager/Director will be responsible for establishing the TMO including programming, marketing, outreach, and advocacy of multimodal transportation and reduced single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips between Estes Park and Kersey along the US 34 corridor. In December, the NFRMPO submitted a Strategic TDM Seed Funding Grant to the Colorado Department of Transportation (CDOT) to fund start-up activities for the US 34 TMO. Advantages: • Participation in the US 34 TMO would demonstrate Estes Park's commitment to TDM, which is a major strategy for achieving desired reductions in Greenhouse Gas emissions and a priority defined by the Town's recent Environmental Sustainability Task Force Report. • US 34 is a priority since it is currently one of the most congested roadways in the region when considering Travel Time Index between Greeley and Loveland, and is also a key corridor to Rocky Mountain National Park. • TDM addresses congestion because US 34 is already three lanes in multiple sections; however, this additional capacity will not keep up with demand and is forecast to be over capacity by 2045. Disadvantages: • The Town has identified other priorities, such as workforce housing and childcare, that are a greater need for staff time and resources than regional transportation and TDM; however, the US 34 TMO is a partnership between a number of communities/entities and Estes Park could benefit from participating in the larger group effort. Finance/Resource Impact: Current Impact: The NFRMPO Planning Council identified a set-aside of Multimodal Transportation & Mitigation Options Funds (MMOF) administered by the NFRMPO, for the development of the US 34 TMO. MMOF funds require a 50% match, with half of that (25%) identified as Fort Collins Sales Tax Exchange funds. A TDM Seed Funding Grant was identified as the source for the remaining 25% local match and an application Page 4 was submitted by the NFRMPO to the CDOT in December 2022. Each existing US 34 Coalition member plus Estes Park contributed proportionately to the TDM Seed Funding Grant local match. The total request from the Town is $3,125 over two years ($1,562.50/year). If the Seed Grant is successful, the TMO would have at least two years of funding. These funds are expected to support the staff of a TMO in the first two years, with a major aspect of the Director or Manager's first year to identify long-term and sustainable funding. Future Impact: The NFRMPO will hold a Call for Projects in early to mid-2023 for funding that could be used for further TMO support, including Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvements (CMAQ), Carbon Reduction Program, and MMOF. Many TMOs are funded through membership dues, which provide additional funding for programming, staff support, and local match for grants. At this time, the NFRMPO estimates that membership dues would be based on population and Estes Park's annual financial commitment would be approximately $5,000. If authorized by the Town Board, funding for TMO dues would likely come from the Town's General Fund. The Town's Parking Fund (256) would be another possible funding source. Level of Public Interest The level of public interest in either the US 34 TMO or a VanGo vanpool pilot is likely low at this time. PW staff wanted to seek Town Board direction before engaging the community in conversation about regional transportation demand management. PW staff have briefed the Transportation Advisory Board (TAB) and there is interest among TAB in learning more about these opportunities. PW staff also received communication from Transportation Commissioner Kathleen Bracke detailing her support of Estes Park's participation on regional transportation and TDM conversations. Attachments: 1. US 34 Transportation Management Organization presentation 2. VanGo Vanpooling presentation 3. US 34 Coalition TMO Business Plan/Abstract Page 5 ATTACHMENT 1 i � - 4. 4 \ - -lam fy# - Y� 34 J!.' J r Y4yy .�M u} ,:5 y. :- t _ #•"' fiery" ._. .` •-. - 'Wail'. 4'A � w y'Y 'Y� yr�.' �� �J. ..., _ f -. _- 'vT' t. h5k ���� - , _ I W • rat ��- US34 Transportation �� North Front Range 4 Metropolitan Management Organization r�r''' Planning , _ Organization Estes Park Town Board • • • :� * -1 - Tom: 1 Y f}' - h .•A -; 7i02L3-,:::a What are TDM and TMOs? Transportation Demand Management Transportation Management Organization • Strategies to reduce single-occupancy vehicle (SOV) trips • TDM implementer and convener • Focus on efficiency of existing • Business and personal outreach and transportation investments marketing • Incentives and disincentives to change • behavior Programming and events • Examples: • Examples: • Parking management • 1-70 Coalition • Transit pass subsidies • US36 Commuting Solutions • Land use codes/development • Boulder Transportation requirements Connections Page 6 TMO Examples in Colorado F+ "a T 'J tt�1l, , Norlh Front Range Mctropolltan PP?, t') �\J ,,r� 5 Planning Organrzation(N FflMPO) sm � l. me { ' 11001111, _ w,c elm,. 1, Denver Regional Council of Csolubens9 tjjp�{ Governments(DRCOGJ .$ I eJ PVIneMro .f:rld� ),IrY��7. A TT ' ! � err _._. —_ I ► said 3 Existing NFRMPO & Estes Park Relationship • Estes Park is a member of the Larimer County Mobility •••• RID , Committee, has relationship with RideNoCo (NFRMPO ;; - NOCO Mobility Program) •••• • Estes Transit included in Trip Discover Tool i TOWN OF y - North Front Range }rp Es�es PARK �� Metropolitan LI COLORADO Planning • Loveland to Estes Park is a Regional Transit Corridor Organization • Estes Park has promoted and participated in Shift Your Ride I elli# Challenge Oi • Ongoing discussions of vanpooling and better transit connections between the two regions Page 7 U534 TMO Proposal r • Existing US34 Coalition (Loveland to Kersey) • Strategic Areas: - • Membership - involve business, residents, and visitors l`'; ._ '},, �i_ ' i _f ,t • Education and Awareness - support additional ';, . ' ` resources, educational opportunities, promote what ■r currently exists • Advocacy and Support for Transportation Projects j and Programs - advocate new and expanded — r_ _ programming and options -_ • Data collection - identify where current needs are, show impact of investments ~1br - - 5 U534 TMO Proposal ,J vi 1 i• CO LINS ��a ` � dl� T�. N.hT- • Y 7_ 1 INQ'SO i' MR n e I ' U,FR—TPR ,dipi . r, -- Ff�TPF •`ARK �' '� KE EY ' j No wist.L.,;.:0 AZ' LE BERTH° 6 I�' 'c- . O7 %85 4D •IK 34 A . aG - ST i I TT E _ DRCOG ! MFAC. I Page 8 Funding Funding Source Amount Secured? MMOF $75,000 ✓ VanGoTM $37,500 ✓ CDOT TDM Seed Grant $100,000 ✓ Local Contributions $25,000 ✓ Total $237,500 7 non Questions 11 For Planning questions: Alex Gordon, PTP Transportation Planner III agordon@nfrmpo.org (970) 289-8279 For Mobility/RideNoCo questions: Cory Schmitt, MSW Mobility Director cschmitt@nfrmpo.org (970) 999-0072 Page 9 ATTACHMENT 2 ,..„11 ,4", !' 'ti%y.� 1 1 ak' ti it iii .t s.+' ,. e' k .S" , a! _ ti p' _ •'__ , .. . -A Sar E. . - � 4�� '.gat • h' - GREELEY TO w: I ii 3 r .. a ,. ,' DOWNTOWN c''r -I_ " R �"�~�'. f .r+�4 DENVER �, I 'f r( . .--1-. .. (Vt amour 1JR CC ' 4 .I� 1-800-332,0950 ' Vanpooling to Estes Park VAIN GO An overview VANPOOL SERVICES What is vanpooling? VAN VAIRPOOL SERVICES VANPOOLING 101 READING CHILLING YOU DOING WORK . SAYING 60% RELAXING LISTENING TO MUSIC 2 Page 10 Forming a VanGoTM Vanpool irVAK GO VANPOOL SERVICES • Employer Sponsored: • VanGoTM supplies paperwork to be completed by each new participant • Employer has three option for payment of fares • VanGoTM bills employer for fares • VanGoTM bill employer for a portion of fares (subsidy) • Employer sets up pre-tax payroll deduction for employee: employee pays fare (or remaining fare after employer subsidy) • Employee Formed • VanGoTM supplies paperwork to be completed by each new participant. • Employee has two options to pay fares • Employee works with payroll to set-up pre-tax payroll deduction • Employee pays with credit card Fares to Estes Park VANPOOL SERVICES A\ II/17 Ft. Collins, Greeley, or Longmont to Estes Park L.' I 1 VV!- $142 COMMUTE LAM Loveland to Estes Park' $114 !r ha Page 11 Ready to GO? VAIN GO VANPOOL SERVICES For more information, please see the VanGoTM website at www.vangovanpools.org or contact Shane Armstrong (Operation Services/Fleet 1111111 est Management) at sarmstrong@nfrmpo.org. 5 Page 12 ATTACHMENT 3 C L R DO ABSTRAC 1 I ' A proposal to �r1 expand the 34 existing US34 Coalition into a • Transportation , Management Organization (TMO) from 1.J S3L1 Estes Park to Kersey via US34 COALITION North Front Range MPO October 2022 Transportation Management Organization Page 13 CONTENTS 1 Staff Proposal 2 1.1 Structure 2 1.2 Purpose 2 1.3 Funding 2 2 Context 3 3 Geography/Key Stakeholders 4 3.1 Structure 5 4 Objectives 6 4.1 Mission 6 4.2 Strategic Areas 6 5 Timeframe 7 5.1 Months 1-3 7 5.2 Months 4-6 7 5.3 Months 7-12 7 6 Budget 8 6.1 Established Revenue 8 6.2 Potential Revenue 8 6.3 Anticipated Initial Expenses 9 7 Evaluation 10 8 Potential Job Description 11 List of Tables Table 1: Difference between NFRMPO,TMO, and Transit Agencies 3 Table 2: Miles of US34 and Population within 2 Miles 5 Table 3: NFRMPO MMOF Grant 8 Table 4: CDOT Grant Request 8 Table 5: Expected TMO Funding 8 Table 6: Example Dues Structure 9 Table 7: Proposed Dues Structure by Community Size 9 Table 8:Anticipated Initial Expenses 9 Table 9: Sample Evaluation Metrics 10 List of Figures 1 Page 14 Figure 1: Proposed US34 Coalition Boundary 4 1 STAFF PROPOSAL 1.1 STRUCTURE LARIMER �ST1 i_ migfta S� The US34 Transportation Management Organization (TMO) �'a"° a — Nerv� should be a stand-alone organization that reports to the US34 Coalition Board. The TMO will be dedicated staff to the US34 4W Coalition and its goals, replacing the current rotation of community staff. Community and NFRMPO staff will continue eP 1S3 5 9 to support the Coalition as a TMO as needed. ` ! "� Legend US34 Coalition Proposed SOUndary must. The current votingmembers of the US34 Coalition should {oUn1y BO0n ary USHghway NPRMP9 Planning Area -SttatekighwaY mwnawo remain with the addition of Estes Park if they agree to join. CDOT and the NFRMPO will remain as non-voting members. 1.2 PURPOSE The purpose of the US34 TMO is to focus on outreach, marketing, and advocacy to enhance multimodal transportation options along the US34 corridor. Local communities, CDOT, and the NFRMPO have limited existing capacity, and the TMO will provide the additional capacity needed to engage businesses, residents, visitors, and other stakeholders in the corridor to reduce congestion, provide additional transportation options, and advocate for overall mobility improvements along the corridor. 1.3 FUNDING Staff from the US34 Coalition have identified initial funding for the first two years of a TMO. The US34 TMO will contract with the NFRMPO on an existing $150,000 Multimodal Transportation & Mitigation Options Funds (MMOF) grant and a CDOT TMO Startup Grant. The NFRMPO will apply for a CDOT TMO Startup Grant through the Call for Projects that are due December 9, 2022, for $100,000 plus a 20% local match.The grant application will provide the complete local match for the MMOF grant and support the following activities over two years: • Staff salary and benefits • Programming, including marketing, outreach, and partnership building • Day-to-day office costs If all eight existing communities contributed to the local match, this would amount to $2,500 per community over two years. If five communities contributed,this would amount to $4,000 over two years per community. 2 Page 15 2 CONTEXT The North Front Range Metropolitan Planning Organization (NFRMPO) Planning Council identified the creation of a regional transportation demand management (TDM) program and a transportation management organization (TMO) as goals for the NFRMPO's Executive Director for 2022. To better understand needs and opportunities, NFRMPO staff undertook the development of a TDM Action Plan, which identified major themes: data collection to support new and expanded investments and programming; investments in infrastructure and resources; enhanced partnerships and collaboration between local communities, businesses, regional and State agencies, and other interested parties; improved communication of the purpose, benefits, and successes of providing mobility options; and enhanced regional TDM programming to optimize people throughout. Although the TDM Action Plan identifies the role of a TMO, it is just one plan that impacts the US34 corridor. Additional plans include the US34 Planning and Environmental Linkage Study,the US34 Access Control Plans (Larimer County, Weld County), local and community transportation master plans (Greeley, Johnstown, Larimer County, Loveland, Weld County, Windsor), and statewide plans.This is not inclusive of all the plans that impact this corridor but is meant to highlight the importance of the corridor. A TMO is an organization that focuses on implementing TDM programming and can achieve each of the above goal areas within its defined geography. Many TMOs are incorporated as 501(c) organizations although some may remain as ad hoc organizations, according to the Association of Commuter Transportation (ACT). Ultimately, a TMO can fit the needs of the region and supporting organizations/agencies according to three questions. This report focuses on answering these questions of what the focus of a US34 Coalition TMO could be, the approaches it can take to address congestion and mobility options on US34, and who should be at the table to address these issues. • Transportation—what is the focus of the group? • Management—how is the group approaching the issue it faces? • Organization—who are members of the group? The US34 Coalition operates under a set of bylaws that defines the purpose of the Coalition Board as "dedicated to improve safety, access, economic development opportunities, long-range planning and other efforts along the US Highway 34 Corridor" and "present[ing] a strong unified message to our elected officials, state and federal agencies, businesses, and residents that US Highway 34 is important to our region by advocating for funding and assisting local entities applying for grants." A TMO with dedicated staff can help achieve this purpose. A consistent question has been the difference between the TMO, the NFRMPO, and transit or other implementing agencies.Table 1 is a high-level separation of responsibilities and purposes. Table 1:Difference between NFRMPO,TMO,and Transit Agencies NFRMPO TMO Transit agencies • Federal transportation • Focus on outreach, marketing, • Operate transit service planning process, including and programming within the recommended in LinkNoCo Calls for Projects corridor within the corridor • Air quality and GHG • Implemented as TDM strategy • Regional focus 3 Page 16 3 GEOGRAPHY/KEY STAKEHOLDERS The US34 Coalition currently exists under a set of bylaws that include the following communities: • Evans • Greeley • Loveland • Larimer County • Johnstown • Kersey • Windsor • Weld County In addition, the NFRMPO and CDOT are included as non-voting members. Estes Park should be considered as a long-term partner as they see fit, but the initial TMO should focus on the existing US34 Coalition Board communities. Figure 1:Proposed US34 Coalition Boundary l , i_ 25 \ „._. /ti .I" � _ I 1 L► f '257 y.• WE L D ri LHRIMER ■I 254','InelacznT 1` m Greeiey_`i!, 94 ei m Loveland sa ,a4\���* 5y1. / — _'amon.�Ar 1 . `�■� '1 Kersey m Estes Para ti Evans—INn 85 Johnstown MI r,ss ' I. . . . . I: Trij- .-'-' al - "NMI!i 0 ' [Z9 a 1 ® 85 i ETA AI 01.5 3 6 9 ® - ..— — — Miles 67 . Eu Legend o soier2a22 Sources_COOT,NFRMPO 0 US34 Coalition Proposed Boundary Interstate 0 County Boundary —US Highway to.70 Eta4o , rfiePlanning S organization NFRMPO Planning Area State Highway Figure 1 shows the potential boundary of a TMO within two miles of US34. In addition to these communities, the following organizations, businesses, and stakeholders could be involved on the Board. Specific businesses could be involved as members without a specific role on the Board. • Chambers of Commerce: Estes Park Chamber of Commerce, Evans Chamber of Commerce, Greeley Chamber of Commerce, Kersey Chamber of Commerce, Loveland Chamber of Commerce, Windsor Chamber of Commerce 4 Page 17 • Businesses: Centerra/McWhinney, UCHealth, Banner Health, JBS Swift Co, State Farm Insurance Company, 25/34 Retail Complex • Stakeholders: Larimer County Economic Development, Upstate Colorado, National Parks Service, University of Northern Colorado, Aims Community College Some major regional destinations, like the Northern Colorado Regional Airport, Larimer County Fairgrounds/The Ranch, and the Greeley-Weld County Airport are located beyond the two-mile boundary.These types of organizations might make sense to include because traffic to these destinations rely, at least partially, on US34. The US34 corridor crosses through each community, and in some cases, each side of the corridor has a different community. The below chart estimates the number of miles and population (based on 2016-2020 American Community Survey block group data) along the US34 corridor. Mileage and population may be double counted due to the block group boundaries, and totals may not add up to 100%. Table 2: Miles of US34 and Population within 2 Miles Community Miles of US34 Percent of Population within 2 Percent of Corridor within community Corridor miles of US34 Estes Park 6.2 9.8% 10,235 4.6% Loveland 10.1 16.0% 81,268 36.3% Johnstown 2.5 4.0% 12,463 5.6% Windsor 1.9 3.0% 5,981 2.7% Greeley 14.1 22.3% 74,505 33.3% Evans 0.8 1.2% 24,405 10.9% Kersey 5.6 8.9% 6,698 3.0% Unincorporated 28.0 44.4% 8,153 3.6% Total 63.1 -- 223,708 -- 3.1 STRUCTURE There are three proposals for the structure of the US34 TMO. Option 1:Standalone Organization • The TMO would report to the US34 Coalition Board and would not be hosted by the NFRMPO or a local community. • Could partner with local communities, including sharing office space • Able to advocate for projects but not politics Option 2: NFRMPO Program • Incubation at the NFRMPO, like VanGoTM and RideNoCo programs • NFRMPO office not on US34 but could partner with local community for office space on corridor • Would report to full NFRMPO Council • Held to same rules and regulations of MPO, which could limit programming • Higher indirect cost rates, limiting funding for programming Option 3: Local Community Host 5 Page 18 • Potentially lower indirect cost rate,taking advantage of existing community infrastructure • Concern of local focus versus full corridor focus 4 OBJECTIVES 4.1 MISSION The mission of the US34 Coalition TMO is: A FORUM TO SUPPORT ECONOMIC AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ALONG US34 BY IMPROVING THE EFFICIENCY, CAPACITY, AND AIR QUALITY OF THE CORRIDOR. 4.2 STRATEGIC AREAS The strategic focus areas for the US34 Coalition TMO build off the goals identified in the NFRMPO TDM Action Plan. • Membership o Expand and formalize membership o Ensure full participation of established membership • Education and Awareness o Liaise with stakeholders along the corridor o Support additional resources of existing and planned opportunities o Support travel training, bicycle education, and use of resources like the RideNoCo Trip Discovery Tool • Advocacy and Support for Transportation Projects and Programs o Advocate for infrastructure improvements along the US34 corridor that improve the economic output of the region by improving traffic flows o Implementation and expansion of regional and local US34 transit service, including current and future mobility hubs o Advocacy and support for completion of a cohesive US34 Regional Active Transportation Corridor and connecting trails o Identify and support pilot projects to address locally identified needs o Support tourism in the region by expanding transit service on the US34 corridor, especially to Rocky Mountain National Park o Support and advocate for planning projects along the corridor • Data collection o Complete employee/employer surveys related to travel behaviors and needs o Identify concerns and needs to develop solutions o Share data with US34 Coalition, CDOT, and other relevant agencies and stakeholders 6 Page 19 5 TIMEFRAME Below is a proposed timeframe for the first year of the TMO adapted from the Association of Commuter Transportation (ACT). TMO Board and office support are ongoing and not included. The second year of the TMO should be focused on carrying out the detailed work plan developed in the first year. 5.1 MONTHS 1-3 TMO Organization and Administration 1) Hire TMO staff Membership and Marketing 1) Identify and recruit TMO members 2) Formalize bylaws and structure of TMO 3) Establish membership dues or longer-term funding opportunities Service Development 1) Conduct baseline employee survey 5.2 MONTHS 4-6 TMO Organization and Administration 1) Develop detailed work plan of activities and services to achieve goals 2) Formalize long-term financial plan Membership and Marketing 1) Develop TMO branding for outreach to employers, commuters, and other travelers 2) Begin convening TMO member meetings Service Development 1) Identify and begin implementation of initial TMO services for members 2) Develop program to monitor and evaluate TMO activities and services 3) Expand partnerships with local employers and high-traffic sites 5.3 MONTHS 7-12 TMO Organization and Administration 1) Develop 3-5-year financial plan for self-sufficiency Membership and Marketing 1) Ongoing development of marketing and outreach materials 2) TMO membership outreach and support Service Development 1) Develop long-term service development plan 2) Monitor and evaluate program 7 Page 20 6 BUDGET 6.1 ESTABLISHED REVENUE The NFRMPO Planning Council identified a set-aside of Multimodal Transportation & Mitigation Options Funds (MMOF) administered by the NFRMPO,for the development of a TMO in the region. MMOF funds require a 50 percent match, with half of that identified as Fort Collins Sales Tax Exchange funds. The remaining 25 percent of local match will need to be identified through additional grants, local communities, or partner organizations. These funds are expected to support the staff of a TMO in the first two years, with a major aspect of the Director or Manager's first year to identify long-term and sustainable funding. Table 3:NFRMPO MMOF Grant Source Description Amount NFRMPO Multimodal $75,000 Transportation & Mitigation Startup funds for a TMO Options Funds (MMOF) within the NFRMPO Fort Collins Sales Tax Exchange region $37,500 To be determined $37,500 Total $150,000 6.2 POTENTIAL REVENUE CDOT will release a TDM grant cycle in late October 2022, which will provide funding for TMO startup grants. Grants will range from $20,000 to$100,000 and are for two years following the notice to proceed (NTP). The grants require a 20 percent match, which could be done using the NFRMPO MMOF grant identified in the Table above. Part of these CDOT TMO funds could be used to fulfill the local match requirement for the MMOF grant. Table 4:CDOT Grant Request Source Amount CDOT TMO Seed Grant $100,000 Local match request $25,000 Total $125,000 If the CDOT grant was successful, the TMO would have at least two years of funding as shown below: Table 5:Expected TMO Funding_ Source Amount CDOT TMO Seed Grant with local match $125,000 MMOF grant with local match (less CDOT grant match) $112,500 Total $237,500 The NFRMPO will hold a Call for Projects in early to mid-2023 for funding that could be used for further TMO support, including Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality Improvements (CMAQ), Carbon Reduction 8 Page 21 Program, and MMOF. Application for these funds should be considered to expand the role and ability of the TMO. Many TMOs are funded through membership dues, which provide additional funding for programming, staff support, and local match for grants. The US34 Coalition TMO should identify a dues structure. An example structure from the Southern Dallas County Inland Port TMA is: Table 6:Example Dues Structure Organization Amount Organization Amount Local government $5,000-$20,000 Educational Institution $750-$2,500 depending on budget Business $500-$10,000 Associate Member $100-$250 depending on employees A proposed dues structure for local communities is shown below and could bring in $65,000 per year if each community participates. Table 7:Proposed Dues Structure by Community Size Population Size Estimated Dues Number of Communities 1,000—25,000 $5,000 6 25,000—50,000 $10,000 0 50,000—75,000 $15,000 1 75,000— 100,000 $20,000 1 6.3 ANTICIPATED INITIAL EXPENSES Table 8:Anticipated Initial Expenses Source Description Amount Director/Manager Staff person to develop and support TMO activities $150,000 (includes salary and benefits) Office and Indirect Rent, telephones, internet, and other day-to-day $75,000* Costs/Overhead expenses Programming Surveys, marketing, and other efforts $12,500 Total $237,500 • Indirect costs could be lower if a local government/business would pay for the support of the Director/Manager. • Programming expenses are based on the estimated revenue. Additional programming could come from additional local match, grants, or the establishment of membership dues. 9 Page 22 7 EVALUATION The US34 Coalition TMO should identify ways to evaluate the success of the program to report back to the Board of Directors, stakeholders, local communities, and CDOT. Some key criteria at the beginning are based on the CDOT Seed Funding Grant Evaluation Criteria: Table 9:Sample Evaluation Metrics Criterion Possible Metrics Need and Existing Transportation Challenges • Impact to congestion, • Ridership mobility issues, and • Trail users planning precedent • Traffic volumes • Progress on projects Readiness • Timeline • Completion of work plan • Budget • Membership dues • Billing and invoicing • Partnerships • Members • Marketing leads • Meetings/interviews with partners Equity • Population being served • Businesses • Low-income • Minority • Translation/interpretation Long-Term Sustainability • Financial self-sustainability • Identification of long-term funding This is not an exhaustive list of metrics. Other evaluation metrics may relate to greenhouse gas and ozone emissions and are dependent on what projects are implemented by the TMO. 10 Page 23 8 POTENTIAL JOB DESCRIPTION Transportation Management Organization (TMO) Director The Executive Director or Program Manager reports to the US34 Coalition Board and is responsible for managing TMO activities. General Responsibilities • Implement the mission/purpose of the TMO through the day-to-day operations of the organization. • Assist Board of Directors to formulate TMO policies, procedures, and programs. • Represent and promote the TMO and its programs in the community. • Prepare budget, financial, and progress reports. • Hire, supervise,train, and evaluate TMO staff. Specific Tasks Advocacy/Legislative • Assess transportation service needs of local businesses and commuters. • Participate in local and regional transportation planning organizations and committees. Coordinate with state, county, and municipal officials on transportation issues. • Inform members of transportation-related legislation. • Act as liaison between the public and private sectors. Transportation Programs and Services • Assist individual TMO member organizations with development and implementation of appropriate services and programs. • Coordinate joint programs for TMO members • Coordinate area-wide programs for parking management, pedestrian/bicycle utilization, alternative work hours, employee coordinator network. Conduct market surveys to assess service feasibility. Operation • Establish TMO office and manage day-to-day operation of the TMO. • Create, implement, and maintain a system for tracking and monitoring progress. Generate required staff reports to TMO board and government agencies. Prepare TMO financial documents and monitor financial activities and programs. • Organize TMO member and board meetings and provide staffing support to board of directors and TMO committees. • Meet with TMO Board of Directors regarding project status and recommendations. • Maintain membership database. • Keep abreast of available funding sources through various local, state, and federal agencies and make applications for appropriate funds. • Administer grant programs, including invoicing, monitoring and evaluation, and preparing interim and final reports as required by granting agency. 11 Page 24 Marketing/Membership • Prepare and implement TMO marketing plan. • Prepare and distribute materials promoting the TMO to potential members, and commuting alternatives to commuters. • Conduct group information presentations to potential members, public agency representatives, employee transportation coordinators, and employees. • Plan and conduct commuter information events (e.g. transportation fairs, meet-your-match gatherings, awareness days, bicycle week, etc.). • Initiate and develop contacts among employers, advocate the benefits of the program to other significant players pursue active participation in program activities. • Develop and maintain local demographic reports and survey information. Adapted from https://www.actweb.org/files/ACT/Publications/tma_handbookjinal.pdf 12 Page 25 f A fP TOWN OF ESTES PARI Report TOWN ADMINISTRATOR To: Honorable Mayor Koenig Board of Trustees Through: Town Administrator Machalek From: Jason Damweber, Deputy Town Administrator Date: February 14, 2023 RE: Workforce Housing and Childcare Funding Policy Updates Purpose of Study Session Item: Provide the Town Board with an opportunity to review and discuss proposed updates to existing policies related to funding for workforce housing and childcare. Town Board Direction Requested: Indicate desired updates/revisions to Policy 225 — Childcare Funding Guidelines and Policy 227 — Workforce Housing Guidelines. Present Situation: In light of the new revenue stream created by the passage of Ballot Measure 6E, as well as new information on housing needs and recommendations for how to meet those needs from the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan, the Town's current policies related to workforce housing and childcare are in need of review and updates. Proposal: Staff proposes that the Town Board provide guidance on potential policy updates. Staff will revise the policies based on direction provided and bring them back as action items at an upcoming Board meeting. Proposed updates to Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines include: • "Cleaning up" language in the section regarding the Town's role (much of the existing language is more suitable in the section on eligible expenditures). • Changing references to "Childcare Reserve Fund" to "Childcare Fund" and updating how funds will be appropriated each year. • Adding to the list of entities or individuals eligible to receive funds from the Town to include: o Those that provide out-of-school programming, such as before- and after-care programs, for children in grades Pre-K through 5. o Those that "administer tuition assistance and/or scholarship programs for families with children in the care of providers in the Estes Valley." Page 27 • Removing language referring to a matching requirement. • Clarifying/updating the list of eligible expenditures from the Childcare Fund. • Calling out ability to transfer funds to partnering agencies and how contracts will specifiy decision-making authority. • Clarifying expectations regarding direct subsidies. • Clarifying reporting requirements. Proposed updates to Policy 227: Workforce Housing Guidelines include: • Adding "Attainable" to the policy's title and throughout the document where appropriate. • Changing references to "Workforce Housing Reserve Fund" to "Workforce and Attainable Housing Fund" and updating how funds will be appropriated each year. • Revising the list of eligible expenditures to include all strategies recommended in the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. • Calling out ability to transfer funds to partnering agencies and how contracts will specific decision-making authority. • Consideration of the desirable AMI ranges to target for workforce and attainable housing. Advantages: • Periodic review and discussion of policies provides staff with a clearer understanding of the intent and desires of the Town Board as circumstances change over time. Disadvantages: • None. Finance/Resource Impact: Updating the policies will not have direct financial impacts. However, the updates will guide decision-making when it comes to the allocation and distribution of funds from several sources, including: 1) the Workforce Housing Reserve Fund, 2) the Childcare Reserve Fund, 3) the Workforce Housing and Childcare Lodging Tax Fund, and 4) the Short Term Rental Impact Fee fund. Level of Public Interest High Attachments: 1. Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines (redlined) 2. Policy 227: Workforce Housing Guidelines (redlined) Page 28 ATTACHMENT 1 Effective Period: Until superseded 4 Review Schedule: Annually Effective Date: October 13, 2020; Revised April 12, 2022 EP References: N/A ADMINISTRATION 225 CHILDCARE FUNDING GUIDELINES 1. PURPOSE This policy articulates the Town's role related to childcare, establishes a funding mechanism to address local childcare needs and provides guidelines for how available funds shall be expended and/or awarded. 2. PROBLEM STATEMENT The lack of childcare options in the Estes Valley creates significant challenges for families in the Estes Valley and for local organizations, including the Town, trying to recruit and retain employees. Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 1 of 6 Page 29 3. PROCEDURE a. The Town's Role The Town's primary goal related to childcare is to create and sustain additional capacity for children in the Estes Valley, especially for infants and toddlers. The Town's role in achieving this goal is to provide support for childcare providers in the form of financial contributions, incentives, policy changes, representation in collaborative efforts to address childcare capacity issues, serving as the applicant for grants or other financial assistance from other levels of government or agencies where the grantee must be a governmental entity, and advocacy where appropriate. magi include but is not limiter! to: ii. Providing funding that childcare providers can utilize for capital needs through: Direct contributions from the Town'c hi irloet /the Childcare Reserve Fund\ iv. Serving as the applicant for grants or other financial assistance from other levels v. Providing property that childcare providers can utilize for capital needs that facilitate the creation of additional capacity for childcare vi. Making policy and/or zoning changes that facilitate the creation of additional capacity for childcare. vii.Providing financial support through the Town's Outside Entity Funding program to local nonprofits that exist to support children and families. viii. Representing the Town of Estes Park in collaborative efforts to address childcare capacity issues ix. Providing financial support to childcare providers to assist with addressing workforce challenges. b. Childcare Reserve Fund i. Establishment: There shall be a reserve fund within the General Fund dedicated to creating additional capacity for children, especially infants and toddlers, in the Estes Valley. ii. Appropriations to the Childcare RescrveFund: On an annual basis as part of the budget development process, Town staff will recommend a dollar amount to appropriate to the Childcare ReserveFund. The recommendation will be based on available funds projected to be received by the Town through the Local Marketing District's lodging tax extension (as outlined in the Annual Operating Plan provided to Larimer County, consistent with the Local Marketing District Intergovernmental Agreement)and/or known needs in the community. Town staff impact other Town operations. The Town Board may appropriate other funds to the Childcare ReserveFund whenever and in whatever amount it deems appropriate. This consideration will occur concurrently with the Board's consideration of an appropriation to the Workforce Housing Reserve. a) Other Revenues: In addition to the appropriations outlined above, other revenue sources for the Childcare Reserve Fund may include direct Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 2 of 6 Page 30 contributions from the Town, donations, proceeds from the sale or lease of public property, and grants or other financial assistance related to childcare related activities. iii. Qualification/Eligibility Criteria for Funding from Childcare FundReserve a) Entities or individuals receiving Town funds for childcare related purposes must: • Be a childcare provider that provides or intends to provide year-round childcare for at least four children between the ages of 0 and 4 who are unrelated to the caregiver OR an in-home provider who provides year- round care for at least three children between the ages of 0 and 4 who are unrelated to the caregiver; and- • Own or lease a facility or home (or demonstrate intent to own or lease a facility or home) located within the Estes Park School District R-3 where childcare services are provided or will be provided after capital improvements are made; and- • Be in compliance with state and local health and safety requirements, if applicable; or- • Provide out-of-school programming, such as before- and after-care programs, for children in grades Pre-K through 5; or • Administer tuition assistance and/or scholarship programs for families with children in the care of providers in the Estes Valley. b) Among entities or individuals who meet the qualification criteria outlined above, although the Town reserves the right to make any funding decisions it is entitled to, priority/preference will be given to applicants who: • Use Town funds to finance the design, construction, expansion, renovation or other improvements of facilities at which childcare services are provided in order to increase capacity. • Provide year-round childcare for children between the ages of 0 and 2.5. • Provide full day childcare for children between the ages of 0 and 2.5. • Can demonstrate ability to provide greatest number of new childcare spaces, especially for children between the ages of 0 and 2.5. • Are licensed by the State of Colorado to provide childcare services. • Are actively pursuing State licensure or demonstrate intent to pursue such. • Can demonstrate that financial contributions from the requesting entity or individual will supplement funding from the Town. at least match funding from the Town. • Can demonstrate how financial contributions from the Town will assist with addressing workforce challenges. Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 3 of 6 Page 31 iv. Childcare Reserve Fund Expenditures: a) The Childcare Reserve Fund will be the primary source of funds from the Town used to facilitate the creation of additional capacity for childcare or assist with addressing workforce challenges. b) Eligible expenditures from the Childcare Reserve Fund include the following: • Financing the design, construction, expansion, renovation or other improvements to facilities at which childcare services are provided or will be provided in order to: o increase capacity or if such improvements are required to retain existing capacity, o enhance the safety, well-being, and/or experience of children in the care of providers receiving funding (such expenditures may include things like fencing, fire suppression improvements, healthy food/snacks, playground equipment, etc.). o become a licensed provider. • Subsidizing tap fees for new construction or expansion of existing childcare facilities for facilities that qualify as a Day Care Center as defined in the Estes Park Development Code. • Purchasing property land and/or buildings) to be used for a childcare facility. • Providing funding for tuition assistance or scholarships for childcare. • Providing funding for out-of-school programming, such as before- and after-care programs. • Providing financial assistance or subsidies to childcare providers that can be directly linked to addressing workforce challenges. The childcare provider, whether in-home or center based, must demonstrate how financial assistance from the Town will directly enable them to recruit and/or retain staff. For example, if financial show how such assistance will result in higher wages or other benefits (s ch as health insi trance) to employees If financial assistance is provided try a single person provider they must demonstrate how such prv-v-rQ �� Jv , assistance is needed in order to begin or continue to provide childcare services. Eligible workforce related expenditures include, but may not be limited to: o Subsidies to childcare providers to encourage them to start or stay in business in the Estes Valley, including for out-of-school time programs (i.e. recruitment and/or retention bonuses). Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 4 of 6 Page 32 o Subsidies to providers to help bridge the gap between what they can afford to pay staff and what is deemed by the Town to be a reasonable, living wage. o Subsidies to help pay or offset costs for benefits such as healthcare, retirement, and/or paid leave. o Assistance with costs associated with licensing and/or staff training. o Assistance with costs associated with housing staff. o Assistance with costs associated with transportation needs of staff and/or children. c) Funds may be transferred to other agencies on a contractual basis to achieve the Town's goals as stated in this policy. The contracts/agreements will be subject to approval by the Town Board and will specify authority with respect to funding decisions. GO) The Outside Entity Funding budget will be the source of Town funds for any other childcare expenditures, including Base Funding for the EVICS Family Resource Center, consistent with Finance Policy 671: Town Funding of Outside Entities. c. Process i. Funds from the Childcare Reserve Fund will be made available through either an application process (application attached) or direct contribution subsidy from the Town at the Town's discretion. a) Application process: Application materials must demonstrate need and how funds will be used in order to increase childcare capacity or retain existing capacity, or address workforce challenges. Town staff, in consultation with partnering agencies as appropriate, will review applications and recommend funding allocations based on the criteria outlined in this document. a}b) Direct subsidies: Should the Town determine, in its sole discretion, to provide direct subsidies to childcare providers, the amount of the subsidy will be based on the number of filled childcare slots. A higher dollar amount may be provided for slots filled by infants and/or toddlers, and the subsidy amount per slot will be prorated for those filled on a part-time basis. d. Funding and Requirements i. Awards and award amounts will be determined by the Town and will depend on availability of funds in the Childcare Reserve. ii. The Town Administrator or Assistant Town Administrator may make award decisions and execute agreements for awards of$10,000 or less. The Town Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 5 of 6 Page 33 Board must make decisions and approve agreement for awards greater than $10,000. iii. The Town reserves the right to determine whether to disperse all funds prior to a project commencing, after a project is completed, or based on certain milestones. iv. Awards will be accompanied by an agreement from the Town that stipulates, at a minimum: a) If award amounts for capital projects are not spent within 12 months of the award date, the receiving entity or person will be required to return the funds to the Town, at the Town's discretion. Extensions beyond 12 months may be granted depending on the project scope or other circumstances. b) Award recipients must provide childcare services for a minimum of 24 months following the project completion date or receipt of the last payment of funds from the Town; otherwise the receiving entity or person will be required to return the funds to the Town. Repayment of tap fee subsidies may be waived by the Town at the Town's discretion. c) Entities receiving Town funding from the Town will be required to submit a report (or reports) to the Assistant Town Administrator at pre-determined intervals and upon completion of the project that details how funds were spent and the impact/outcome resulting from the use of funds. The report must also include and provides supporting documentation to confirm expenditure of funds. d) The Town may require additional stipulations on a case-by-case basis as deemed necessary. Approved: Wendy Koenig, Mayor Date Document Title Policy 225—Childcare Reserve Fund 04/12/2022 Revisions: 1 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 6 of 6 Page 34 ATTACHMENT 2 Effective Period: Until superseded Review Schedule: Annually Effective Date: December 8, 2020 References: EPDC Chapter 11 § 11.4, Finance Policy 671 ADMINISTRATION 227 Workforce and Attainable Housing Guidelines 1. PURPOSE 1 This policy defines workforce and attainable housing for the Town's purposes, articulates the Town's workforce housing goals, articulates the Town's role related to workforce housing, and establishes a funding mechanism to advance the Town's workforce housing goals. 2. POLICY The shortage of workforce housing in the Estes Valley creates significant challenges for local businesses and other employers, including the Town of Estes Park, when it comes to attracting and retaining employees for both year-round and seasonal occupations. Town leadership has long acknowledged this issue and the need for development of a range of housing options that will be available and attainable for all members of the community. The Estes Park Development Code provides incentives in the form of density bonuses for developers that "provide a variety of attainable and workforce housing options for persons living and/or working in the Estes Valley." The Town's 2020 Strategic Plan includes an objective to establish Workforce Housing Guidelines. 3. PROCEDURE a. Definition of Workforce and Attainable Housing For the Town's purposes, Workforce Housing is defined as housing within the Estes Park R-3 School District for people who work within the boundaries of the school district. Attainable housing is housing that is attainable for someone earning less than 175% Area Median Income (further defined for renter- and owner-occupied units below). Thus, workforce and attainable housing opportunities created or facilitated by the Town shall be located within the school district and pricing should accommodate individuals and families making less than 175% AMI. i. Larimer County Area Median Income, Defined. The Larimer County Area Median Income is the current applicable area median income for Larimer County published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. ii. Renter-Occupied Attainable Housing Units: Consistent with Estes Park Development Code Chapter 11, Section 11.4, "attainable housing units" and "workforce housing units" for renters shall mean the following: Document Title Policy 227—Workforce Housing Guidelines 12/8/2020 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 1 of 5 Page 35 a) Housing units that are attainable to households earning 175% of the Larimer County Area Median Income or below, adjusted for household size. b) To qualify as attainable rental units, housing costs (i.e., rent and utility expenses) must not exceed thirty percent (30%) of the maximum income for an imputed household size based on 175% of the Larimer County Area Median Income. The imputed household size is equal to one and one-half (1.5) times the number of bedrooms in the unit. For example, rent on a two- bedroom unit would be equal to 30% of the monthly income limit of a three- person family; for a three-bedroom unit the rent should not exceed 30% of the monthly income of a four-and-one-half-person family—the midpoint of the range of a four- and five-person family. c) If the property owner does not pay all utility expenses, then a utility allowance, computed by the Estes Park Housing Authority, must be subtracted from the housing cost to determine the maximum rent. iii. Owner-Occupied Attainable Housing Units: Consistent with Estes Park Development Code Chapter 11, Section 11.4, "attainable housing units" and "workforce housing units" for unit owners shall mean the following: a) Housing units that are attainable to households earning 175% of the Larimer County Area Median Income or below, adjusted for household size. b) To qualify as attainable units, housing costs must not exceed 40% of the 175% Larimer County Area Median Income, adjusted for household size. b. Workforce and Attainable Housing Goals The Town's goals associated with workforce and attainable housing, which should inform Town decisions related to development, are as follows: • Increase the availability of workforce and attainable housing within the boundaries of the school district. • Preserve or facilitate rehabilitation of existing workforce and attainable housing as opportunities arise. • Promote the construction of housing within the school district that is affordable to households with incomes at or below 175% of the area-wide median. • Promote greater housing choices (including levels of affordability, as well as rental and ownership options) for households with incomes at or below 175% of the area-wide median income within the school district, including those for year- round employees as well as seasonal employees. • Negotiate with developers, as necessary, to ensure that developments with housing units include workforce housing with a range of affordability for individuals or households earning between 30% and 175% of AMI. • Assist local employers in reducing critical labor shortages of skilled and semi- skilled workers by providing housing that will be accessible to the worker's places of business. Document Title Policy 227—Workforce Housing Guidelines 12/8/2020 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 2 of 5 Page 36 • Work with Larimer County to further the Town's workforce housing goals within the school district in areas that fall outside of Town limits. c. The Town's Role The Town's formal role with respect to workforce housing is to: • Support the Estes Park Housing Authority both financially and as an active partner and participant in its housing development and strategic planning efforts. • Advocate for development that includes workforce housing with a range of affordability for households with incomes at or below 175% of the area-wide median income, with a preference for housing that is affordable for those earning between 60-80% AMI. • Partner with private entities/developers to create workforce housing on Town- owned property (although the preferred approach is to work through the EPHA in these efforts). • Provide financial support for the development of workforce housing. • Periodically review the Development Code and make revisions as appropriate and feasible to encourage development of workforce housing. • Work with Larimer County to further the Town's workforce housing goals within the school district in areas that fall outside of Town limits. d. Workforce and Attainable Housing Reserve Fund i. Establishment: The Town will cr atc a new reserve There shall be a fund within the General Fund dedicated to advancing the workforce and attainable housing goals outlined above. ii. Appropriations to the Workforce and Attainable Housing Q, `Fund: On an annual basis as part of the budget development process, Town staff will recommend a dollar amount to appropriate to the Workforce and Attainable Housing Fund. The recommendation will be based on funds projected to be received by the Town through the Local Marketing District's lodging tax extension (as outlined in the Annual Operating Plan provided to Larimer County, consistent with the Local Marketing District Intergovernmental Agreement). The Town Board may appropriate other funds to the Workforce and Attainable Housing Fund whenever and in whatever amount it deems appropriate. On an annual basis as of sales tax revenue expected to he received in excess of 105o/_ of sales tax revenue on inafl„ budgeted for the fiscal year (if applicabl e Board will g �s ��� Housing Reserve within the General Fund. The Town Board may appropriate funds to the Warkfarce Housing Reserve whenever and in whatever amount it deems appropriate. Document Title Policy 227—Workforce Housing Guidelines 12/8/2020 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 3 of 5 Page 37 a-)iii. Other Revenues: In addition to the appropriations outlined above, other revenue sources for the Workforce and Attainable Housing Reserve may include donations, clean and lien repayments, loan repayments, vacant property registration fees or property tax surcharges, proceeds from the sale or lease of public property, and grants related to workforce housing related activities. titiv. Workforce and Attainable Housing Reserve Fund Expenditures: a) The Workforce and Attainable Housing Reserve Fund will be the primary place where Town funds used to further Workforce workforce and attainable Hhousing goals are allocated and reserved for expenditure. Expenditures from the Workforce and Attainable Housing Reserve Fund will include, but are not limited to: • Acquisition of real property to be used for workforce or attainable housing • Construction of new housing • Redevelopment, rehabilitation, or repair of existing property to be used for workforce housing • Rental and/or 13down payment assistance programs for Town staff or others • Purchase of deed restrictions • Subsidies for developments that offer workforce housing, including tap fee subsidies • Subsidies for creation of workforce or attainable housing, including accessory dwelling units • Pre-development activities, including needs assessments, strategic plans, or market analyses necessary to understand and prepare for developments that offer workforce housing b) Funds may be transferred to other agencies on a contractual basis to achieve the Town's goals as stated in this policy. The contracts/agreements will be subject to approval by the Town Board and will specify authority with respect to funding decisions. For example, if funds are transferred to the Estes Park Housing Authority for the stated purpose of property acquisition for a housing development or land-banking, the enabling contract/agreement will detail the decision making authority of the Housing Authority vis-à-vis the Town Board. b}c) Base Funding for the Estes Park Housing Authority, if approved by the Board during the annual budget development process, will remain in the Outside Entity Funding budget. The Housing Authority will remain eligible for funds consistent with Finance Policy 671: Town Funding of Outside Entities. Approved: Document Title Policy 227—Workforce Housing Guidelines 12/8/2020 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 4 of 5 Page 38 Wendy Koenig, Mayor Date Document Title Policy 227—Workforce Housing Guidelines 12/8/2020 Revisions: 0 Town of Estes Park, Town Administrator's Office Page 5 of 5 Page 39 Workforce Housing and Childcare Funding Policy Updates FEBRUARY 14, 2023 TOWN BOARD STUDY SESSION Purpose • Present proposed updates to: o Policy 225 — Childcare Funding Guidelines Policy 227 —Workforce Housing Guidelines Seek feedback/guidance from the Town Board. - Policies will be updated based on Board direction and brought back as an action item for approval and an upcoming Town Board meeting. Current Situation The Town Board approved Policy 225: Childcare Funding Guidelines in October 2020 and updated it in April 2022. The policy clarifies the Town's role in addressing childcare issues, establishes qualification criteria for funding, and outlines eligible expenditures. The 2022 update created a new reserve fund and added to the list of eligible expenditures financial assistance to address workforce challenges. The Town Board approved Policy 227: Workforce Housing Guidelines in December 2020. The policy clarifies how the Town defines workforce and attainable housing, outlines the Town's goals and role associated with workforce housing, establishes the Workforce Housing Reserve, and lists eligible expenditures. With the recent passage of Ballot Measure 6E, staff is proposing updates to each policy. Some revisions are needed to recognize the new revenue source (which eliminates the need for separate reserve funds), others are clean-up and/or clarification items. Policy 225 : Childcare Funding Guidelines • Proposed updates include: • "Cleaning up" language in the section regarding the Town's role (much of the existing language is more suitable in the section on eligible expenditures). • Changing references to "Childcare Reserve Fund" to "Childcare Fund" and updating how funds will be appropriated each year. • Adding to the list of entities or individuals eligible to receive funds from the Town: o Those that provide out-of-school programming, such as before- and after-care programs, for children in grades Pre-K through 5. o Those that"administer tuition assistance and/or scholarship programs for families with children in the care of providers in the Estes Valley." Policy 225 : Childcare Funding Guidelines • Removing language referring to matching requirement. • Clarifying/updating the list of eligible expenditures from the Childcare Fund. • Calling out ability to transfer funds to partnering agencies and how contracts will specific decision-making authority. • Clarifying expectations regarding direct subsidies. • Clarifying reporting requirements. • ADDITIONAL EDITS (not captured in packet): • Highlighting in the problem statement that infant and toddler care is the most significant issue. • Adding the statement that unlicensed providers must meet State guidelines for providing legally exempt care. • Changing"Town Administrator or Assistant Town Administrator"to"Town Staff'regarding making award decisions for $10,000 or less. Policy 225 : Questions / Revisions? • Are proposed updates acceptable? Would the Town Board like to see any other updates/revisions? • Childcare • The policy as written would have funds go directly to the childcare providers or entities that administer tuition assistance programs. Would we want funds to go directly to families or employers? • The policy as written would allow funds to go to unlicensed providers and/or for- profit providers? Is that still okay? Anything else? Policy 227: Workforce Housing Guidelines • Proposed updates include: • Adding "Attainable" to the policy's title and throughout the document where appropriate. • Changing references to "Workforce Housing Reserve Fund" to "Workforce and Attainable Housing Fund" and updating how funds will be appropriated each year. • Revising the list of eligible expenditures to include all strategies recommended in the 2023 Housing Needs Assessment and Strategic Plan. • Calling out ability to transfer funds to partnering agencies and how contracts will specify decision-making authority. Policy 227 : Questions / Revisions? • Are proposed updates acceptable? Would the Town Board like to see any other updates/revisions? • Workforce and Attainable Housing • Is 60-175%Area Median Income the desirable range to target for workforce and attainable housing? (Do we want to lower the top end?) • Is there still a preference to advocate for housing that is affordable for those earning between 60-80% AMI? • A next step.(when talking about Development Code updates) will be to consider whether we want to impose income restrictions in order to be eligible for a density bonus. Anything else? 2022 AMI Figures County AMI 2022 Maximum Rents 2022 Income Limits 0 Bdrm 1 Bdrm 2 Rdnn 3 Bdrm 4 Bdrm 1 Person 2 Person 3 Person 4 Person 5 Pusan 6 Person Larimer 120% 2,256 2,416 2,898 3,348 3,735 90,240 103,080 115,920 128,760 139,080 149,400 Larimer 100% 1,880 2,013 2,415 2,790 3,112 75,200 85,900 96,600 107,300 115,900 124,500 Larimer 80% 1,504 1,611 1,932 2,232 2,490 60,160 68,720 77,280 85,840 92,720 99,600 Larimer 70% 1,316 1,409 1,690 1,953 2,178 52,640 60,130 67,620 75,110 81,130 87,150 Larimer 60% 1,128 1,208 1,449 1,674 1,867 45,120 51,540 57,960 64,380 69,540 74,700 Larimer 55% 1,034 1,107 1,328 1,534 1,711 41,360 47,245 53,130 59,015 63,745 68,475 Larimer 50% 940 1,006 1,207 1,395 1,556 37,600 42,950 48,300 53,650 57,950 62,250 Larimer 45% 846 906 1,086 1,255 1,400 33,840 38,655 43,470 48,285 52,155 56,025 Larimer 40% 752 805 966 1,116 1,245 30,080 34,360 38,640 42,920 46,360 49,800 Larimer 30% 564 604 724 837 933 22,560 25,770 28,980 32,190 34,770 37,350 Larimer 20% 376 402 483 558 622 15,040 17,180 19,320 21,460 23,180 24,900 • Maximum Rents = 30% of Income For example: Max rent for a 3 person household making 100%AMI would be $2,415 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment • According to HUD,"low income" is generally considered to be at or below 80%AMI EP AL TOWN OF ESTES PARK Future Town Board Study Session Agenda Ite February 14, 2023 February 28, 2023 Items Approved — Unscheduled: • 1A Renewal • Environmental Sustainability Advisory • Fine Arts Guild Performing Arts Center Board and Environmental Sustainability • Building Code Discussion (Continued Manager from 2023-01-24) • Governing Policies Updates • Stanley Park Master Plan Implementation • Downtown Loop Updates as Necessary Items for Town Board Consideration: • 2023 Street Improvement Program Overview Page 41 f