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HomeMy WebLinkAboutIR 7900 INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 79oo March 21, 1995 KV�—,Q To the Mayor and Members of the City Council ;�,r? A ."6a Subject: SOUTHEAST ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COORDINATED 1873 ACTION PROGRAM (SEECAP) UPDATE The City of Fort Worth received a two year Government Technical Assistance (GTA) Grant from the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) in the total amount of $350,000. The grant is being used to fund a two year economic development initiative in Southeast Fort Worth called SEECAP (Southeast Economic Empowerment Coordinated Action Program). The two year program officially began on June 21, 1993 which coincided with the establishment of an office on Rosedale Street and the appointment of an administrator. Oversight of SEECAP has been provided by a broad based steering committee that meets on a quarterly basis. In addition to the Steering Committee, a Technical Advisory Committee was appointed to provide input and counsel on specific projects. Mr. William Johnson, the SEECAP Administrator, resigned his position effective February 3, 1995 to accept a position in the DBE Office at the Fort Worth Transportation Authority. Due to the relatively short time period remaining for the grant (June 1995), the Technical Advisory Committee recommended the hiring of a local consultant to coordinate the continuation and completion of the major initiatives being undertaken by SEECAP. The SEECAP grant provides funds for consultant services which will allow for the fees to be paid directly from grant funds. Upon review of a number of alternatives, the Technical Advisory Committee recommended contracting with Line Management Support to manage the existing projects through the completion of the grant period. The Technical Advisory Committee has identified four key projects to be completed during the remaining grant period. These projects come from the work plan contained in the original grant application or from input from the community. 1. Business Incubator Project - This project involves the determination of the viability of establishing a light manufacturing incubator within the SEECAP area. Included in the study will be a site recommendation and a complete business plan for implementation. The consultant will also identify potential funding sources for the incubator. Development Strategies, a national incubator consulting firm, has been selected to perform this work. 2. Small Business Tax Seminar - This project involves developing and presenting a seminar designed specifically for small, owner operated businesses located in the SEECAP area. The seminar will be led by local CPA's with each participant receiving reference materials to use in their business. The seminar is scheduled for Saturday March 25, 1995. Or ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH,TEXAS INFORMAL REPORT TO CITY COUNCIL MEMBERS No. 7900 GktOITE;?� March 21, 1995 F To the Mayor and Members of the City Council Page 2 of 2 ps Subject: SOUTHEAST ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT COORDINATED ACTION PROGRAM (SEECAP) UPDATE 3. SEECAP-Area Land and Building Inventory - This project involves identifying typical parcels of land and buildings located in the SEECAP area that offer potential for development. Basic information concerning zoning, building size, classification, etc., will be collected and formatted. Once developed, maintenance of the information will be the responsibility of the Chambers of Commerce. The information will be used to determine the most likely types of development for these sites and to market the area. One Step Design, a local minority owned architectural firm, is developing the materials. Expected completion date is April 1, 1995. 4. Technical Assistance and Support - During the remainder of the grant period, companies will continue to receive technical assistance from SEECAP staff. In addition to direct assistance, the grant provides for funding professional assistance and training for SEECAP businesses. This has been done and is continuing on a very limited basis. On March 22, 1995, a meeting with HUD representatives in Washington is scheduled. The purpose of this meeting is to request an extension to the grant period from the scheduled expiration date of June 21, 1995 to a new expiration date of September 30, 1995. We do not contemplate requesting additional funds. This extension will provide an opportunity to fully complete the above projects and to consider other short term projects that were included in the original grant work plan, but that have not yet begun. At the time William Johnson left the SEECAP Program, the SEECAP Office was the only activity located in the 3122 E. Rosedale building. A decision was made to move the SEECAP Office to space in the building located at 3607 Rosedale that also houses the Metropolitan Black Chamber of Commerce so that the administrative employee would not be alone in a vacant building. This arrangement will end at the termination of the grant period. Bob Terrell City Manager BT:cmj ISSUED BY THE CITY MANAGER FORT WORTH, TEXAS