EPA Community Action for Renewed Environment Grant ApplicationMasterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
hell
AH- Amedcaeinr
11111f
2007
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: EPA Community Action for a Renewed Environmental (CARE) Grant
Application
DATE: March 28, 2011
Recently the City was the recipient of HUD funding totaling $3,099,948 to continue the
lead Paint Abatement Program and $999,973 to launch a Health Homes Initiative in
Dubuque. The City, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque,
submitted a Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) application to
support the formation of the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI). A grant of
GHHI will provide the framework and technical assistance Dubuque needs to integrate
sustainability and healthy homes. For many years, housing improvement efforts have
operated independently: some people working on weatherization and energy efficiency
improvements for homes, others attacking lead paint problems and still others focused
on asthma prevention and other environmental hazards.
The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative meets all of these goals in a more efficient,
cost - effective and holistic manner by bringing together funding sources, erasing
bureaucratic boundaries and addressing all of the problems of a family home at one
time. By aligning and coordinating various resources, it offers a single intervention to fix
the problems of each housing unit while ensuring the work is safe for both residents and
workers. A Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative will work to support coordinated,
interagency work to demonstrate the benefits of integrating energy- efficiency and
healthy homes outcomes together in a comprehensive green and healthy housing
strategy. Funds will be used to develop a replicable, systems -based approach to
implementing and evaluating "green and healthy" outcomes in low- income residences.
Grant funding would primarily be used to fund meetings and education of community
partners, community outreach and a part-time position to coordinate activity at the
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque. Also included in the budget proposal are
funds to assist six pilot households in order to identify opportunities for efficiency and
cross - training and funding for the Sustainable Dubuque Indicators (SDI) project. The
SDI is the proposed community- supported reporting and engagement tool that would
assist partners in aggregating performance data related to the Sustainable Dubuque
plan and sustainability principles.
Sustainability Coordinator Cori Burbach recommends City Council approval of the
submittal of a $96,426 grant application to the Environmental Protection Agency CARE
program.
I concur with the recommendation and respectfully request Mayor and City Council
approval.
Michael C. Van Milligen
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Department Director
Mary Rose Corrigan, RN, Public Health Specialist
Nancy Van Milligen, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque
Eric Dregne, Vice President of Programs, Community Foundation of Greater
Dubuque
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Michael Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator
SUBJECT: EPA Community Action for a Renewed Environment (CARE) Grant
Application
DATE: March 28, 2011
Dubuque
bfrd
AIEAmedcaCity
1
2007
INTRODUCTION
This purpose of this memorandum is to bring to your attention that the City of Dubuque
has submitted a grant application to the EPA CARE program in the amount of $96,426.
BACKGROUND
EPA developed the CARE program in 2005 in response to community requests for help
in addressing environmental concerns and in recognition of the need for a new
approach to help communities develop locally -led solutions to address these concerns.
The CARE grant program works with applicants and recipients to help their communities
form collaborative partnerships, develop an understanding of local sources of toxic
pollutants and environmental risks, set priorities, and identify and carry out projects to
reduce risks through collaborative action at the local level. CARE's Tong -term goal is to
help communities build self- sustaining, community -based partnerships that will continue
to improve human health and local environments into the future.
Recently the City was the recipient of HUD funding totaling $3,099,948 to continue the
Lead Paint Abatement program and $999,973 to launch a Healthy Homes initiative in
Dubuque. The goals of the project are: 1)reduction of lead poisoned children especially
throughout the neighborhoods of Dubuque; 2) continuance of professional lead
certification and training of area contractors, workers, program inspectors and property
owners, leading to employment opportunities; 3) collaborative public education,
awareness and training of health professionals, tenants, and property owners;
4)integration and braiding of related services from community partners who will promote
and establish lead -safe housing throughout the neighborhoods of Dubuque; and 5)
propel the Lead Hazard Control Program to integrate a comprehensive Healthy Homes
Program.
Through Dubuque's current Lead Hazard Control and Childhood Lead Poisoning
Prevention Programs, the City is positioning itself to launch a Healthy Homes Program
and a more comprehensive Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI). Through the
success of the current lead hazard control program, many community partnerships are
established for healthy homes models to be implemented. Dubuque's holistic
sustainability model provides an excellent platform to base a Green and Healthy Homes
Initiative (GHHI). The Health, Housing and Sustainability coordination between
departments provides a strong baseline to develop a GHHI work plan. In partnership
with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, the Initiative will work to bring all
partners together to discuss opportunities for service integration and improvement,
efficiencies in home inspection, and leveraging of state, federal and private funds.
DISCUSSION
The City, in partnership with the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, submitted
a CARE application to support the formation of the GHHI. GHHI will provide the
framework and technical assistance Dubuque needs to integrate sustainability and
healthy homes. For many years, we have seen housing improvement efforts operate
independently: some people working on weatherization and energy efficiency
improvements for homes, others attacking lead paint problems and still others focused
on asthma prevention and other environmental hazards.
GHHI meets all of these goals in a more efficient, cost - effective and holistic manner by
bringing together funding sources, erasing bureaucratic boundaries and addressing all
of the problems of a family home at one time. By aligning and coordinating various
resources, it offers a single intervention to fix the problems of each housing unit while
ensuring the work is safe for both residents and workers. The GHH Collaborative will
work to support coordinated, interagency work to demonstrate the benefits of integrating
energy- efficiency and healthy homes outcomes together in a comprehensive green and
healthy housing strategy. Funds will be used to develop a replicable, systems -based
approach to implementing and evaluating "green and healthy" outcomes in low- income
residences.
Grant funding would primarily be used to fund meetings and education of community
partners, community outreach and a part-time position to coordinate activity at the
Community Foundation. Also included in the budget proposal are funds to assess six
pilot households in order to identify opportunities for efficiency and cross - training and
funding for the Sustainable Dubuque Indicators (SDI) project. The SDI is the proposed
community- supported reporting and engagement tool that would assist partners in
aggregating performance data related to the Sustainable Dubuque plan and
sustainability principles.
RECOMMENDATION
Staff respectfully requests Council approval of the EPA CARE grant application in the
amount of $96,426.
cc: David Harris, Housing & Community Development Director
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist
Teri Goodmann, Assistant City Manager
Jennifer Larson, Budget Director
Dave Lyons, Smarter City Project Manager
Nancy Van Milligen, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Eric Dregne, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
March 22, 2011
Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
Nancy Van Milligen
President and CEO
700 Locust, Suite 195
Dubuque, IA 52001
Phone: 563 - 588 -2700
Email: nancyvanm @dbqfoundation.org
To: Whom It May Concern
RE: Community Foundation Support of the CARE Grant Application
It is with great pleasure that I support Dubuque's CARE grant application. Dubuque, a city
that has built its success through partnerships, is the perfect place to initiate this innovative
program.
The City of Dubuque has a strong history of effectively utilizing private /public partnerships to
deliver services and is well - positioned to use the Green and Healthy Homes Initiative (GHHI)
model and funding to impact the health of our families and neighborhoods. We currently have
weatherization and HUD Lead and Healthy Homes programs, along with health and energy
conservation programs in our low income neighborhoods. To be able to offer a
comprehensive, integrated approach is a dream come true.
The Community Foundation is a strong supporter of Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative.
Under the Community Foundation umbrella, we deliver an Every Child / Every Promise initiative
that focuses on delivering Colin Powell's 5 promises to all Dubuque youth and Dubuque 2.0 -
a grassroots community engagement process to inspire sustainability in our homes and
neighborhoods. The Collaborative is the perfect bridge between the two.
As our partner in creating a progressive and sustainable community, we want to be a major
player in the formation of a system to form the Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative and
bring about systems change. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque will support the
Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative through facilitating communication between partners,
meeting with new organizations that can contribute resources and assist in identifying and
resolving gaps and challenges in delivery of services as they arise, including data system
development, community -wide education, and coordination of service delivery.
As you seek to improve the health of your community's homes, know that we are here to be
your partner in forming the Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative.
Please strongly consider the Dubuque CARE grant application for the Green and Healthy
Homes Collaborative. We will work together to effectively utilize the funds and the learning
from the pilots to bring about great change in our neighborhoods.
Sincerely,
41.1c.-
Nancy Van Milligen
your community
your foundation
Level I CARE Grant Application
City of Dubuque, Iowa Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative
City of Dubuque
350 W. 6th St., Suite 312
Dubuque, IA 52001
Contact: David Harris, Housing & Community Development Director
Ph: 563.589.4239
Fx: 563.690.6692
Email: dharris @cityofdubuque.org
Community location: City of Dubuque, Iowa
Total project cost: $96,426
Project period: June 2011 -Oct 2012
DUNS number: 093105302
1
a. Project Summary
I. Project Title: City of Dubuque, Iowa Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative
H. Organization Overview The vision of the City of Dubuque: The city of Dubuque is a progressive, sustainable city with a
strong, balanced economy and connections to the world. The Dubuque community takes pride in our history and heritage and
has actively preserved our picturesque Mississippi river and community. Dubuque citizens have choices of quality livable
neighborhoods and fun things to do; and are engaged in the community. Dubuque city government is financially sound and
providing services with citizens getting value for their tax dollars. The City is qualified to complete the CARE grant program,
based on our experience in federal grant administration, sustainability programming and successful community partnerships.
Many of the other proposed partners also have significant experience in these areas, which will add to the success of the
Green and Healthy Homes Collaborative (GHH Collaborative).
In 2006, the Dubuque City Council identified becoming a designated green, sustainable community as one of their top
priorities. Since then, the City has launched Sustainable Dubuque, a holistic approach to sustainability that addresses
ecological/environmental integrity, economic prosperity and social /cultural vibrancy. By addressing these three parts of our
sustainability model, we are creating a community that is viable, livable, and equitable. The GHH Collaborative will be a
centerpiece project to address each of these criteria.
The City of Dubuque's Office of Sustainability and the Housing & Community Development and Health departments will play a
primary role in the implementation of the project. The City has a successful history of partnering with local businesses,
individuals, and non - profits to meet the needs of its residents. The Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD) is
one such non - profit. The CFGD has established itself as a vital player in engaging leaders, supporting important initiatives
and facilitating collaborative and will be the convener of the GHH Collaborative to promote systems of Green and Healthy
Homes services. The goal is to fashion a network and data system that allows these organizations to work collaboratively and
cost effectively while improving outcomes for families served.
iii. Community Profile The city of Dubuque is the targeted population of the GHH Collaborative. Dubuque is located on the
Mississippi River in northeastern Iowa, adjacent to Illinois and Wisconsin. About 30 square miles in area, the city has a current
population of approximately 60,000 persons.
Iowa's oldest city, Dubuque was established in 1833. Historically known for lead mining, fur trading, button making, boat
building, and logging, this has been a vibrant river city since the early 1800s. As the 7th largest city in the state, residents
enjoy a contemporary city with both Victorian charm and the conveniences of an urban setting. Situated in a beautiful, natural
location along the Mississippi River, Dubuque is distinctive because of its steep hills and river bluffs.
While houses built over 100 years ago add to the charm of the city, they can also be risks to residents. Indoor environmental
threats such as unmitigated radon, lead paint, asbestos, and mold are a sampling of the toxins that are known to exist in
homes throughout the city.
In order to prepare a program that will sustain itself citywide in the future, Level I funding of the GHH Collaborative will
establish a pilot program in the Washington Street Neighborhood of Dubuque. The Washington Neighborhood is a 55 square
block area bounded by 11th and 22nd Streets on the south and north; and by White and Elm Streets on the west and east. At
its eastern and western boundaries, uses tend to be more commercial, with the residential core located along Washington and
Jackson Streets. As our river dependent industry in the early 1900's grew, housing uses began to intensify north of 14th
Street; and became increasingly more concentrated toward the north end of the area. Scattered small businesses and
institutional structures are located throughout the neighborhood. Because of the systemic, planned approach to this
community's development, and the resulting waikability of the neighborhood, a unique opportunity exists to pilot the Dubuque
Healthy Homes program in a highly effective way. An opportunity also exists to create a model that is easily replicated due to
the commonalities found in this neighborhood and small towns or neighborhoods throughout the United States.
The housing located in the Washington Neighborhood is some of the oldest housing in the city, as well as some of the oldest
housing in the state of Iowa — with over 86% of the housing located in this neighborhood built prior to 1940. The
neighborhood is shows indications of a decline in appearance and maintenance. This is substantiated by depressed property
2
assessed valuations and high vacancy rates. Single family homes average $42,000 in assessed valuation; duplexes average
$49,000. The 2000 Census shows that in this general area, fully 68% of the population reports income less than 80% of area
median, considered as "moderate - income" or lower according to HUD standards.
iv. Project Description
Project Purpose The Green and Healthy Homes Initiative is a public /private partnership that refocuses how we as a nation
repair and improve housing in economically challenged communities, leading a national strategy, to make sure all families live
in homes that are healthy, safe, energy - efficient and sustainable. Lead by the Coalition to End Childhood Lead Poisoning
(CECLP), a widely recognized national leader in integrating green and healthy homes concepts, GHHI will provide the
framework and technical assistance Dubuque needs to integrate sustainability and healthy homes. For many years, we have
seen housing improvement efforts operate independently: some people working on weatherization and energy efficiency
improvements for homes, others attacking lead paint problems and still others focused on asthma prevention and other
environmental hazards.
GHHI meets all of these goals in a more efficient, cost - effective and holistic manner by bringing together funding sources,
erasing bureaucratic boundaries and addressing all of the problems of a family home at one time. By aligning and coordinating
various resources, it offers a single intervention to fix the problems of each housing unit while ensuring the work is safe for
both residents and workers. The GHH Collaborative will work to support coordinated, interagency work to demonstrate the
benefits of integrating energy - efficiency and healthy homes outcomes together in a comprehensive green and healthy housing
strategy. Funds will be used to develop a replicable, systems -based approach to implementing and evaluating "green and
healthy" outcomes in low- income residences. With grant support, Dubuque will deliver improved, comprehensive services to
low- income families that can be fully measured and evaluated to chart the path towards a national model for providing energy,
health and safety benefits to build stable housing for low- income families.
Extent of Environmental and Public Health Problems Previous assessments have identified several potential toxins and
environmental health hazards that exist in and around the homes throughout the community, particularly in the Washington
neighborhood. Assessment of the nature of these threats will be included in the CARE program process. Due to the age of
much of the housing stock and the geographic features of the area, lead, radon, asbestos, mold, and safety issues, etc. have
been identified as potential problems in indoor environment.
In the pilot area for the program, the oldest housing stock provides housing for 40% of our community's children. Of the
children tested for elevated blood lead levels in 1992,15% were identified as having an elevated blood lead level. As a result
of several city initiatives, the rate of lead poisoning has decreased from to 4.1% (of the children screened who were born
2000 - 2002). This significant decrease exemplifies how the City has effectively used federal funding to address health
concerns. However, much work is still needed since this rate is still well above the national average of 1.6 %.
Preliminary data collected by the City and many community agencies also affirms that due to the age of housing stock and
past flooding in various parts of the city, unmitigated radon, asbestos, mold, and mildew are also toxic threats to households.
The Health department conducted a radon study in the city in 1990. One hundred and sixty family homes were tested. Sixty
percent of the homes tested above the EPA action level. Also, the State of Iowa ranks first in the nation for the number of
homes over this level and Dubuque County continues to be consistent with that.
Due to stormwater flooding in 1999 and 2002, many homes experienced standing water in their homes. Even after this water
was removed and the homes cleaned and repaired, mold and mildew still remains as the City continues to implement a large -
scale, multi-year stormwater management plan, and homes still occasionally receive flooding damage. Evidence of these
toxins can be seen in allergy and asthma rates of our residents.
Dubuque prides itself on taking a proactive approach to any possible threat to the welfare of our community. For this reason,
we see the GHH Collaborative as an opportunity to address those toxins that we have already identified as well as those we
may not vet be aware of.
Not unique to Dubuque are a group of toxins or household hazardous waste that are emitted from construction materials,
cleaning products and other products that are used in the maintenance of homes, For years, residents have used these
products and been taught to dispose of them in unhealthy ways, such as flushing them down the toilet. Many of these
3
products emit toxins that are as or more harmful to individuals than toxins produced naturally in the environment of by large -
scale manufacturers. As alternatives to many of these products and practices exist and construction companies and
homeowners have the power to minimize theses toxins' effects on their environment, we will dedicate a large amount of
assessment and education efforts in this area.
Project Goals, Performance Plan, and Measurable Results In ensuring that the GHH Collaborative is a success, we
believe that, if you can't measure it, you can't manage it. Please see Table 1 (page 10) for a logic model identifying the
intended resources, activities, measurable outputs, and outcomes, and impacts of the program.
Proposed Timeline for Level 1 of CARE Grant
June 2011
• City staff attends National Healthy Homes Conference.
Oct 2011
• Meetings of all stakeholders to solidify partnership and finalize plan for GHH Collaborative.
• Convene funders and provide education on GHHI.
• Showcase GHHI Model and City's Lead and Healthy Homes Programs at the Growing Sustainable Communities
Conference
Oct 2011— April 2012
• In partnership with existing service providers, complete baseline assessment of 70 homes in Washington
Neighborhood.
• Assessment tools will be used to identify threatening toxins, including:
o "Walking community surveys" & community engagement initiatives to identify exposed soil problems,
condition of paint, mold inside homes, and other visible signs of toxins.
o Radon test kits, drinking water and storm water samples, and lead paint analyzers.
o Tests performed by UD Environmental Science students as part of their established curriculum.
o Analysis of waste being collected at the local landfill and HAZMAT collection sites to identify Hazardous
Household Materials.
• Develop criteria to track and measure data that define a "green and healthy" home— In order to track and measure
the added impacts of integrating energy and health interventions, the criteria for measuring the value of these
interventions must be determined. Energy - efficiency programs have criteria to measure effectiveness in energy
reductions and healthy homes programs have criteria to determine health outcomes in homes. A "green and healthy
homes" set of criteria will be identified to measure the cumulative impact of more comprehensive assistance.
• "Asset Map" and begin enhanced coordination among all potential services and partners — Central to the mission of
this proposal is expanding the circle of networks in the provision of comprehensive housing assistance. CARE funds
will provide for staff support to identify local agencies, community organizations, private companies and other
potential partners to leverage support for a wider range of services provided to households. Staff support will then
serve as the central link to maintain communication in this network to support information sharing and collaboration
during the ongoing implementation of the current green and healthy homes work underway among multiple partners.
March 2012
• Convene partners and funders every six months to inform and engage them in the GHH process. The CARE grant
will be used as an opportunity to explore potential funding streams to support opportunities to maintain a green and
healthy homes service delivery system in the long term. A promising possibility is the development of a financial
opportunity compact to measure the monetary savings in homes treated due to improvement of asthma (indoor air
quality) conditions in households.
May 2012
• Facilitated community meeting to educate and engage citizens around the GHH philosophy. An interactive
questionnaire will allow those that were unable to attend the meetings to have input and ask questions. Information
on the GHH will be available on the City's and other partner's website.
• Complete a "GHH demonstration home." We will label all safety hazards and potential toxins in the home (or areas
where toxins may exist) and open the house as an interactive exhibit during the education phase of this project.
4
o Develop a mid -term grant report to identify challenges and lessons Teamed from existing implementation
underway among the various partners. At the conclusion of the first nine months, a draft report will be
released with evaluation of the challenges and strategies to overcome barriers to replicate a green and
healthy homes initiative across the nation. The report will identify a wide range of challenges as well as
suggested ideas and innovations to overcome these challenges. Topics will include: Funding, technical,
workforce, and network barriers and ideas, tools and innovations to overcome the wide range of barriers
noted above
• Focus groups /educational sessions for community health care providers, focusing on family practice, pediatricians
and Crescent Community Health Center.
May 2012 —June 2012
• Community meetings to educate community regarding GHH and "How -To" on energy efficiency, safety hazards, and
toxins, their relative risks, and potential solutions. These meetings may take place in the GHH demonstration home.
Aug 2012 — Dec 2012
• Host contractor /developer, homeowner /tenant, and student panels
• Explore possibility for an integrated data management system — identify if there is potential to move agencies to a
common data management system.
October 2012
• Develop and begin implementation on an action plan with key partners over the final twelve months— Once the
criteria, monitoring, evaluation, and players involved have all been identified, a system must be developed to
maintain all these connections. An action plan will be developed and work tasks to complete alignment will begin.
Completion of the action plan may require an additional six to twelve months. The plan will use staff and consulting
support through the CARE proposal to work with partners to institutionalize links across organizations and facilitate
collaboration.
Jan 2012 — June 2012
• Host contractor /developer, homeowner /tenant workshops.
March 2012
• Prepare Level 2 CARE Grant application. (Responsibility: City & CFGD staff)
July 2012 — Oct 2012
• Begin to expand education efforts outside of Washington Neighborhood to entire Dubuque community. Educational
materials and workshops will be applicable to all citizens, beyond low income.
• At the completion of the two -year grant, it is our goal to have firmly established within daily operations the glue
needed to sustain a green and healthy homes system. Improvements to data systems will be established, networks
will be formalized, barriers will be identified, and solutions proposed and potential funding mechanisms for future
longevity will be pursued. With CARE support, Dubuque can move from patchwork assistance to a fully operational,
interagency approach to provide green and healthy housing to low- income families.
Unless specifically indicated, the above tasks will be the primary responsibility of Community Foundation staff. They will be
assisted, where appropriate, from City staff and community partners. Throughout the process, the Community Foundation
and City staff, along with EPA staff, will be evaluating its effectiveness and propose changes in the plan as appropriate.
This aggressive timeline will prepare us for implementation of the Level 2 CARE grant. During Level 2, we will expand the
workshop program, offering classes throughout the City. Additional pre- assessments will be conducted throughout the
community.
Community Involvement The City of Dubuque is committed to maintaining, renewing, and strengthening its partnerships with
community organizations and other key stakeholder groups through the CARE program. The Dubuque community has
substantial partnership experience and capacity to implement the CARE program. We are fortunate that a great majority of
the proposed partners have worked with the City and each other in the past, particularly the Community Foundation of Greater
5
Dubuque. Bimonthly meetings of the GHH Collaborative group will first focus on establishing a definitive, communicating
partnership before addressing toxin mitigation.
The Washington Neighborhood Development Corporation will have a key role in involving the Washington Neighborhood in
the GHH Collaborative. However, we will actively recruit the whole community to be part of the process and provide
information to them through public meetings, information on the City's website and cable channel, and educational materials
located at gathering places throughout the city.
Dubuque has numerous examples of how businesses contribute to community decision making. At the govemment level, the
Developers' Roundtable serves as a forum for open communication and coordination about the City's development review
process. Roundtable members include local developers, engineers, architects, and representatives of the Dubuque Area
Chamber of Commerce (DACC), Dubuque Main Street (DMS), Greater Dubuque Development Corporation (GDDC), Dubuque
Board of Realtors, and City departments who participate in the in -house Development Review Committee. We expect that
many, if not all, of these groups will be active community voices in the GHH Collaborative. In addition, the organizations
involved in the GHHI implementation will be part of a learning network. This network will establish a mechanism for mitigation
problem solving, blending of funding and braiding of skills and resources to provide efficient service and healthy outcomes.
The citizens of Dubuque are accustomed to providing citizen input in decision making at all levels. In Dubuque collaboration
from nine active neighborhood associations and grass roots leadership helped create more livable neighborhoods. Recent
examples of this collaboration include a project known as Envision 2010 - -10 community projects by 2010, and the
Sustainability Task Force, a citizen group that developed ten sustainability elements. Dubuque also completed a downtown
visioning process which involved over 2,000 individuals in community meetings, a citizen questionnaire and validation survey.
Table 2. Community Partners
Organization
I Representation
Role
1. City of Dubuque (multiple departments)
2. Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque
3. Operation New View
4. Four Mounds Foundation (HEART program)
5. Dubuque Community Schools
6. Northeast Iowa Community College
7. Iowa State University Extension
8. University of Dubuque
9. Gronen Restoration
10. Dubuque Bank & Trust
11. Dubuque Metropolitan Area Solid Waste Agency
12. Contractors/Developers Associations
13. Washington Neighborhood Development
Corporation *
14. Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce
15. Loras College
1 6. Local Environmental Groups
17. University of Wisconsin- Platteville Environmental
Engineering Program
18. Environmental Protection Agency
Government
Public/private partnership
Community action agency
Non -profit
Institution
Institution
Institution
Institution
Private business
Private business
Government
Private business
Community
Private business
Institution
Community
Institution
Government
Project Lead
Project Lead
Assessment, contractor coordination
Education /program development
Education /curriculum development
Community participation, curriculum
development
Assessment, community participation
Assessment
Private development, community
participation
Private lender, community
participation
Assessment, education
Private development
Community participation
Facilitate business participation
Education
Environmental assessment,
community participation
Assessment
Assessment, education; facilitation
* Working partners of the Community Foundation program, who will actively participate in the GHH
** The Washington Neighborhood Association is an active association made up of residents, busin
play an active role in community planning, facilitation, and visioning.
1. Mary Rose Corrigan 563 - 589 -4181
563- 588 -2700
2. Nancy Van Milligen
8. Dan Call
9. John Gronen
6
Collaborative program.
ess owners, and church leaders that
563 - 589 -3598
563- 557 -7010
3. Tom Stovall 563- 556 -5130 10. Doug Horstmann 563- 584 -2506
4. Chris Olson 563 - 557 -7292 11. Chuck Goddard 563 - 589 -4354
5. Dr. Larie Godinez 563 - 552 -3013 13. Angela Petsche 563- 582 -1111
6. Wendy Knight 563 - 557 -8271 14. Molly Grover 563- 690 -9203
7. Bill Petsche 563 - 583 -6496 15. Bev Wagner 563 - 588 -7933
Alignment with CARE Strategies The Dubuque Healthy Homes program will successfully address the strategies of the
CARE grant.
1. Build effective Collaborative partnerships that include community organizations and residents, businesses, and
governments and other appropriate partners. In September 2007, the Dubuque City Council identified "Partnering for a better
Dubuque" as a five -year goal. The city of Dubuque has a long history of developing a vision and executing that vision
successfully. This process has always included public /private partnerships for a common goal.
The GHH Collaborative creates the ideal environment to further this goal. Building upon an existing, strong partnership, the
GHH Collaborative will expand the principles of the program and engage Dubuque citizens. Currently, Four Mounds and the
Community Foundation program engages people from the city, school system, vocational non - profit organizations and social
services agencies. Through GHH Collaborative this effort will expand to include local developers, contractors, lender, building
trade organizations, the Community Foundation, the Washington Neighborhood Association and the Solid Waste agency.
While some of these organizations have an existing role in the Community Foundation program, through the GHH
Collaborative initiative, this role will increase as a result of incorporating an assessment and mitigation process for toxins
currently not measured in these homes. Included in the GHH Collaborative program is a process for these partners to meet
on a bi- monthly basis to monitor program progress and identify outstanding issues and discuss ways in which to make this
information part of the Dubuque citizenry vocabulary. The Community Foundation's strength is bringing individuals and
multiple diverse organizations together to effectively address common problems and goals without duplication of services.
2. Provide information, tools, and technical assistance to help communities understand all potential sources of exposure to
toxic pollutants. Included in the GHH Collaborative proposed budget are items that will assist in the development of best
management practices (BMP) and a BMP'toolkit" and curriculum that will be the key component to community education.
Specifically, at the completion of phase I of the GHH Collaborative will be a model assessment matrix that can be used by
developers, contractors, homeowners, tenants and educators to help citizens understand how to identify and measure
exposure to toxins. Also included in phase I will be two GHH Collaborative mitigation manuals, one - geared toward developers
and contractors the second geared toward homeowners, tenants and educators, which will educate citizens on the presence
of toxins and hazards and provide practical and applicable strategies for each of these groups to help mitigate toxins identified
in the assessment process. These manuals will work in tandem with existing CDC /EPA, HUD Lead, Healthy Homes, radon
and air quality materials. Through this program we will increase participation through our ability to educate, not mandate.
3. Focus on action, mobilize local resources and utilize EPA voluntary programs to implement risk reduction activities.
The success of the GHH Collaborative program is dependent upon our ability to mobilize local resources and partners into
action. As mentioned, the city of Dubuque has a long history of successful visioning and implementation. We recognize that
partnering with local, state and federal resources is critical to this success. Through the Community Foundation program this
groundwork has been laid and provides the foundation to mobilize others. Through the development of the assessment
matrix, the Best Management Practices toolkit and the curriculum manual we can begin to educate the public at large on the
risk and rewards of eliminating environmental health hazards during construction and homeownership. By partnering with
diversified organizations from the public, private, institutional and non -profit sector we are able to bring a consistent and clear
message to citizens that will help reduce environmental health hazards throughout our community and support our local
Sustainable Dubuque initiatives.
v. Key Personnel
David Harris, Housing and Community Development Director, City of Dubuque: The City's Housing and Community
Development department administers many housing and neighborhood improvement programs. David is a founder of the
Community Foundation Program.
7
Personnel
.5 FTE CFGD Project Coordinator
$16,000
Travel
National Training Workshop- 2 staff attendees (estimates)
Airfare: 2 @ $400 roundtrip
$800
Per diem: 2 @ 3 days x $71/day
$426
Hotel: 2 @ 3 nights x $2001night
$1,200
Mileage ($0.511mile) for non -City employees to attend trainings
$2,000
Supplies
Materials for trainings & meetings, educational materials for participants
$5,000
Design, printing & marketing materials for Collaborative outreach & trainings
$5,000
Other
Sustainable Dubuque Indicators (1)
$20,000
Household testing & assessment- $3,000 per 6 pilot households (2)
$18,000
Community outreach - workshop & event costs
$10,000
Contractual
Technology support & household training (3)
$18,000
TOTAL CARE REQUEST
$ 96 , 426
Nancy Van Milligen, President & CEO, Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque: This Foundation helps bridge responsive
giving with community needs. The Foundation is a partner in HEART.
Mary Rose Corrigan, Public Health Specialist, City of Dubuque: Mary Rose helped co -write the city of Dubuque's successful
Lead based paint grant application and helps administer the assessment portion of the grant. She also serves on the task
force to create a community health center helping to write and administer state and federal funds received to operate this
facility.
Cori Burbach, Sustainability Coordinator. The Sustainability Coordinator, located in the City Manager's office, plays a crucial
role in facilitating efforts to make Dubuque a sustainable community and implementing the City's sustainability. Ms. Burbach
will also provide significant administrative leadership, technical knowledge and resources for the GHH Collaborative.
Chuck Goddard, Solid Waste Agency Administrator, Dubuque Metropolitan Solid Waste Agency (DMASWA): Mr. Goddard
has twenty years of experience in the solid waste, recycling and household hazardous materials (HHM) arena. He organized
the second permitted HHM collection center in the state of Iowa.
Jerelyn O'Connor, Neighborhood Development Specialist, City of Dubuque: Ms. O'Connor acts as a liaison between the City
and neighborhood associations and residents. She facilitates efforts and provides assistance to the community in a variety of
ways on an on -going basis. Her work has led to an intimate knowledge of and strong relationship with neighborhoods
throughout the City.
John N. Gronen, President, Gronen Restoration /Gronen Properties: A volunteer that brings "green" building practice,
construction knowledge and community dedication to the table as a partner in HEART. Mr. Gronen is the president of a private
multi - purpose firm providing visioning, development, construction management and general contracting services for a variety
of Dubuque area preservation and restoration projects, dedicated to community revitalization and quality of life.
Christine Happ Olson, Executive Director, Four Mounds Foundation: Ms. Olson is a founder in the Community Foundation
partnership. She serves as the director of HEART, coordinating partners and leading the program.
(1) Incorporation of GHH data and outcomes into the susa Du buque Ind icators protect, a comm u����y
engagement and reporting system to assure (a) community wide dispersion of critical information and best practices; and (b)
ability for individual GHH households to continue to monitor their progress and outcomes. This will help assure the
sustainability of the effort into the future.
8
(2) Working with public and private partners (ranging from DMASWA to IBM) incorporation of pre- and post - action testing and
monitoring systems for pilot households, in order to assure documentation of real and demonstrable progress in these
households and support extrapolation of the data to provide opportunity and ROI analysis for similar homes throughout the
region. Creation of this "tool" should help assure expansion and sustainability of the GHH effort within the region.
(3) Provision of supported community outreach meetings, technology training and technological access for participating
households, in order to assure the households have access to information and support they will need to maintain their GHH
efforts and progress.
b. Environmental Results
Tracking and Measuring Environmental Results In addition to the measurable outputs and outcomes described in the
performance measures, environmental results specific to identified environmental health hazards will also be tracked. A
Community Foundation program coordinator will work with City departments, university students, and environmental groups to
collect, manage, and analyze data. Based on assessed data levels, bench marks for improvement and goal dates for those
improvements will be identified. At the conclusion of the EPA's involvement with the GHH Collaborative program, these bench
marks will be evaluated. However, identifying future healthy homes issues and environmental health will continue to be a
priority for the City of Dubuque.
c. Past Performance & Programmatic Capability:
The city of Dubuque has a well - established record of compliance and success of all State and Federal funds that we have
received. Dubuque has successfully and effectively completed the following federal assistance agreements:
• 2010. EPA Generation Green Public Education Grant (CFDA # 66.951, $28,000)
• 2010. FTA Operating Assistance (Grant #IA -90- X349 -00, $880,833)
• 2008 -2010. HUD CDBG (CFDA #14.218, $4359,963 over 3 years)
• 2008 -2010. HUD Lead Paint Abatement (CFDA #14,900, $2,138,672 over 3 years)
• 2009. EPA (pass- through to IFA; Clean Water SRF) (CFDA #66.468, $301,440).
Most recently, the City was awarded both the Lead Based Paint hazard Control and the Healthy Homes Production grants. In
addition, the City has used State and Federal dollars to administer local grant programs to non - profit organizations and
neighborhood associations. We prepare appropriate quarterly, semi - annual and annual reports, including the Consolidated
Plan, Annual Action Plans, Federal Cash Transaction reports and the year -end Consolidated Annual Performance and
Evaluation Reports.
Staff prepares and conducts, as needed, environmental assessments and monitor contractor compliance with Davis -Bacon
wage regulations, affirmative action and equal opportunity requirements. Staff also prepares all sub recipient contracts and
disburses CDBG funds. Annual HUD review has determined that our program administration has satisfactorily met federal
requirements. A performance outcome measurement system which meets HUD requirements is in place to document and
report progress towards achieving the expected results as defined in our Annual and Consolidated Plans.
The city of Dubuque has been fortunate to receive numerous State, Regional and Federal grants for various projects
including: trail development, transient boat slips, public safety equipment and programming, economic development initiatives,
historic preservation and public infrastructure to name a few. The City of Dubuque has never lost a grant due to monitoring
failure.
Because of our success with grant compliance, the city has received numerous awards including the 2007 & 2006
Distinguished Budget award from GFOA, the 2006 CAFR award from GFOA, the 2006 Audrey Nelson Community
Development Achievement Award and two awards from the US HUD Region 7 Office of Public Housing for our grant funded
Family Self Sufficiency program and Housing Choice Voucher Home program.
The City has a full -time administrator on staff for these funding programs to monitor our compliance with all regulatory
requirements, submit timely drawdowns and payouts for expenses associated with each grant. This position is supported by
an accountant and account clerk in our Finance department who monitor all grants received for entry into accounting system
and for coordination with our annual auditing process. These staff will work directly with the Sustainability Coordinator and
Community Foundation executive director in administering the CARE grant funding.
9
p'���Y. Mal �. ' .
RC.l 4I' al 1 . :.. y .,, p: #1
.„�, , .. � �� ° ^
F S' 1 ' ,
$ 1 { 1 .�
`'•
Fr 1
ju ,. .
[[ �p.�l'�,�
s 'f'
r<s.M��'
sj � ' - '
I FG
�.,. s: .�
��., ;M
N
5 '.a
1
'
y si.'
ri,.,: ih °
. P
,ri•n,
a�
g
i .! "Wl 9.d�FYF
�B �'� '(�`3
be. `,$✓km1d
� °fit
X11 p���,r g �
. u, ',''
. . ,
-r;:
' ;'
IS F ° 9 r. � {.fi
�' �:9rew
; .,Fv3
'.1
� i. �i '�� ,,
�
'av . p� .•''i°
e g 1 �. ., F
F Y
?k'
i u,,
'Y t u ° }� ",p✓,
s1,
g`"
.
�.. 1,
tY ' t
a..
1 , �� ,y.., '�`✓16�+''.
'Ff kP . �'
i -�iQ�i „'.. n
� wi,' ,bM
-nN
r� !
Y
. ,'Y':
d�`ii
f.0,
j
y
's1 ,
a.�
a'';rf
Goal 1: Establish the Green and Healthy Homes (GHH) Collaborative; a community partnership of nonprofits, business, govemment and neighborhoods.
All existing and new partners
1. Community Stake - holder
meetings
2. Engage Funders
3. Community Cafes
1.Bi- monthly stakeholder meetings
2. Finalized list of partners; w/ ability to
add new partners as needed
3. Funders convene
1. Number of organizations
committed to partnership
2. Broad based understanding of
GHH model
3. Funders are informed of GHH
1. Sustained partnership
addresses GHH and other
community issues in future
2. Citizen empowerment
through grassroots involvement
Goal 2: Collaborative engages partners to identify & address barriers that prevent current home interventions from working in unison w /GHH model.
City housing, health and water
depts.;
GHH Collaborative,
Homeowners & renters;
Dubuque Metro Area Solid
Waste Agency; CECLP, Utility
Companies, EPA Technical
Assistance
1. Complete a GHH
demonstration house
2. Create menu of healthy
home interventions
3. Explore info system to
track data and activities
4. Assessment of 6
demonstration homes
1. GHH Collaborative fully understands
and is committed to GHH model
2. City Healthy Homes and Lead staff
attend Nat'l Healthy Homes Conference
3. A set of "green and healthy home"
criteria that can be measured is
identified and agreed upon
Critical Areas are being addressed:
Data systems
Barriers removed, Policy analysis,
Network building and operational
coordination
Sustainable funding mechanisms
Effective community engagement
Working together, this
stakeholder group leams and
grows and now can now
assess healthy homes, look at
weatherization, etc. problems
and develop solutions. The
community leams along with
them. Data system identified to
track activities and information.
Goal 3: Build the community infrastructure to support the implementation of the Green and Healthy Home program
City of Dubuque Housing and
Health; GHH Collaborative,
Community Foundation, Local
colleges; Neighborhood
Associations; CAP agency;
Coalition to End Childhood
Lead Poisoning, EPA Tech
Assistance; Funders, Business
owners
1. Assessment of 50 pilot
homes in Washington
neighborhood
2. Facilitate neighborhood
meetings
3. Education workshops
1. Two public forums to educate
community about GHH
2. Two homeowner /tenant education
workshops
3. Additional public education materials
P
and marketing
4. Targeted outreach to 50 pilot homes
5. Demonstration house is used for
workshops
1. System is in place and
supported that allows for blending
funding streams and aligning
programs.
2. Public, and specifically low
income, homeowners/tenants
value safe/healthy homes and
welcome interventions.
1. Citizens are informed on
safe homes and
toxins /environmental hazards
2. Homeowners are open to
GHH interventions and
understand how to sustain the
safe environment
Goal 4: GHH becomes the way our community does business; aligning programs, blending funds and coordinating agencies and efforts in order to improve
housing and life outcomes for families. •
Govemment, Business,
Nonprofits, Education,
Funders and Neighborhoods
1. Public education &
marketing campaign
2. Collaborative continues
to move GHH forward
3. Data system is perfected
& reports info to community
in meaningful ways
1. Coordinated service delivery
w/blended funding streams and ability to
track data and activities.
2. Community has developed new ways
to attract funding.
Partnership is self - sustaining
New problem assessments are
completed
New solutions are identified
Community is engaged and
informed
The community has a
coordinated, efficient system in
place to sustain the GHH
model and to provide improved
home environments and life
outcomes for families
rformance Plan, and Measurable Results