FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant
DATE: October 30, 2012
Assistant City Manager Cindy Steinhauser is recommending approval of the FEMA
2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant that the City applied for in
partnership with Sustainable Strategies DC. If received, this grant would provide up to
$35,000 in funding for the development of a Dubuque VolunteerCorps.
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
THE CITY OF
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Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: Mike Van Milligen, City Manager
FROM: Cindy Steinhauser,Assistant City Manager
DATE: October 29, 2012
SUBJECT: FEMA2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant
Dubuque
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INTROD UCTION
The purpose of this memo is to seek approval for the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant that
was submitted.
DISCUSSION
Earlier this year the Federal Emergency Management Association, in partnership with the Los Angeles Emergency
Preparedness Foundation and with funding from the Rockefeller Foundation, announced the FEMA2012 Community
Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant. This grant provides funding for up to $35,000 to communities who "Foster community
resilience by identifying needs; mobilizing partners; and creating innovative, motivational, and effective solutions that can be
grown, sustained, and replicated. "There is no match required for this grant opportunity.
The City of Dubuque, working in partnership with Andy Seth from Sustainable Strategies DC, has submitted the attached
application for funding the development of a Dubuque VolunteerCorps. Recently Dubuque received a State of Iowa
Commission on Volunteer Service grant to develop a volunteer database software for use in tracking volunteers in the
greater Dubuque area. Funding from the FEMA2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant would supplement
this grant by providing funds to recruit, train and match volunteers to local volunteer needs during a disaster and support
outreach efforts of the city of Dubuque Community Engagement Coordinator. Grant award announcements are expected in
November 2012.
ACTION TO BE TAKEN
Recommend approval of the FEtvMA2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge Grant.
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
Dubuque
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October 26, 2012
Mr. Brent Woodworth
2012 Challenge Program Executive
2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation
350 South Figueroa Street, Suite 437
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dear Mr. Woodworth,
City Manager's Office
City Hall
50 West 13th Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001 -4805
Office (563) 589 -4110
Fax (563) 589 -4149
TTY (563) 690 -6678
ctymgr @cityofdubuque.org
www.cityofdubuque.org
Enclosed is an application from the city of Dubuque, Iowa for the FEMA 2012
Community Resilience Innovation Challenge. Included in the attachment are our 4-
page application and two letters of reference. Please feel free to contact me at 563-
589 -4110 or csteinhacityofdubuque.org if you have any questions or concerns
regarding this application.
Thank you for the opportunity to apply for this grant.
Sincerely,
Cindy St inhauser
Assistant City Manager
Service People Integrity Responsibility Innovation Teamwork
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
Application Form:
Please provide typed responses to all questions below. Completed applications should
be submitted to the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation per the
instructions on the last page.
General Information:
1. Name and Primary Mission of the Agency, Association, Organization, or
Group (Public or Private Sector) applying for Challenge funding:
a. Official Name: City of Dubuque, Iowa
b. Mission or Function (maximum 100 words /600 characters):
The City of Dubuque's mission is to create a safe and secure
environment for the citizens we serve. Our goal is to create a
more resilient community by facilitating access to critical human
services during times of crisis or non - emergency and in the
preparation and planning for our community's future. The result is
a financially sound city government and citizens getting services
and value for their tax dollar.
2. Program /Project Point of Contact (by submitting this application, the point of
contact confirms that they represent the implementing organization and will
comply with the terms of the 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge):
a. Name: Cindy Steinhauser
b. Title: Assistant City Manager
c. Organization: City of Dubuque, Iowa
d. Mailing Address
Address line 1: 50 West 13th Street
Address line 2:
City, State, Zip: Dubuque, Iowa 52001
e. Phone number(s): 563 - 589 -4110
f. Email address: csteinha @cityofdubuque.org
g. Web site: www.cityofdubuque.org
Program /Project Information:
1. Program /Project Name (please do not use acronyms):
DubuqueView Volunteer Corps
2. Please provide a two sentence summary of your 2012 Community
Resilience Innovation Challenge program /project. This description should
accurately and succinctly convey the essence of the project. Should your project
be selected to receive 2012 Challenge funds, this description will be used for
recognition and press purposes. (maximum 75 words /450 characters)
September 2012 Page 4 of 6
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
Dubuque will develop high -touch community outreach approaches and
innovative communication tools that save lives, property and money.
Volunteer development and outreach BEFORE disaster strikes is key to
a community's resiliency. When disaster hits is not the time to figure
out how to recruit volunteers and match them to need. Our focus is on
engaging diverse groups in advance and building social capital, which
is critical during times of crisis.
3. Is the proposed program /project: (please check one)
a. ❑ an Expansion of an Existing Initiative or ® a New Collaboration
4. Program Coverage Area
a. Please indicate the estimated local population (amount of people) that
may benefit from the project: 93653
b. Identify specific segments of the community that will be targeted, if
applicable (e.g., youth, those with access and functional needs, non -
English speaking): Our project will reach out to traditionally
marginalized populations including persons with a disability;
minority populations including Blacks, Latinos and Pacific Islanders;
non- english speaking cultures as well as to low- income populations
who lack access to resources and technology.
5. Please summarize your 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge
program /project touching on each of the points below.
a. Describe the scope of your proposal, including how it may impact or
contribute to community resiliency.
b. Describe what is innovative about your proposal.
c. Who will you collaborate with to achieve the goals of the project?
d. How will you sustain this project and how could it be replicated in other
communities?
e. Describe how these limited funds will help achieve the goals of your
project.
f. How will you measure the impact of the project?
(Do not exceed 500 words /3000 characters collectively for items a -f)
During a disaster, a community's greatest assets are the eyes and
efforts of its people, and the quality and usefulness of its information
both existing and real -time data. Citizens need information on power
outages, road closures, or how to take shelter or access care. Well -
informed citizens help cities react to disasters more effectively. Yet in
every community there exists a digital divide some citizens rely upon
high -tech tools for information and others do not. A city needs to be
able to easily communicate with both groups however cities currently
don't have the means to effectively engage with either group. They lack
skills to engage citizens in traditional, non - technical way and have yet
to embrace the social media tools that a growing number of citizens rely
upon. The result is cities and citizens that are disconnected.
September 2012 Page 5 of 6
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
Dubuque seeks to change how cities and citizens collaborate during
emergencies. Our focus is on developing human networks in
neighborhoods through community cafes, social mentoring and other
outreach endeavors to build technical and communication skills that
will serve during crisis and everyday living. The key to our innovation is
that it is replicable within a city's existing framework. It does not require
new technology and is scalable across entire cities or neighborhoods.
Dubuque's experience with disaster is evidenced in having received 7
Presidential Disaster declarations in the past 12 years. Our innovation
weaves human networks and technology together to create a volunteer
center that will serve the Greater Dubuque region and connect
volunteers and non - profit corporations. Establishment of a volunteer
corps before a disaster is critical. Cities need volunteers identified,
trained and ready to go when a disaster hits, this is key to any
successful recovery. Our outreach and communication tools are two -
way, and empower citizens by clearly identifying their role during a
crisis.
Our budget will develop the Dubuque VolunteerCorps, a broad coalition
including the City of Dubuque, the Community Foundation, the School
District, Loras College, Project Concern, AmeriCorps Partners in
Learning, the Multi- cultural Family Center, and other local non - profits
who value volunteerism as a core part of their mission. The human
capital invested in this coalition will continue to exist beyond the term
of the grant. This budget will launch the training materials needed for
the VolunteerCorps which can be shared nationwide with other cities.
This funding will support three areas 1) promotion and outreach to
encourage citizens to participate in the VolunteerCorps; 2) Training
VolunteerCorps to act during a disaster; 3) Preparing agencies to
incorporate volunteers into Incident Command structure.
Impact will be measured through the number of partner agencies
participating, volunteers recruited, volunteer /need match rate, volunteer
retention, # of citizens at engagement events and # of volunteers
utilized and hours generated.
6. Please provide a budget for how 2012 Challenge funds will be used.
a. What is the estimated project budget breakdown? If a category is not
applicable, please write $0 (zero) in the Amount column.
Category
Amount
Personnel
$ 0
Supplies and Project Materials
$ 5000
Outreach and Marketing
$ 25000
Travel
$ 0
Other (please specify):
Education/Training /Technology
$ 5000
Total:
$ 35000
September 2012
Page 6 of 6
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
b. Will additional funds be needed to achieve sustainability?
❑ No
® Yes. Please provide estimated amount and potential source
(maximum 75 words /450 characters): Funding in the amount of
$50,000 is being provided through a State of Iowa Commission
on Volunteer Service will be used to develop volunteer
database software. In addition, the city of Dubuque is providing
existing staff support of $37,722 (salary, benefits, training) to
coordinate this effort.
c. Will in -kind resources be used to implement your program /project?
❑ No
® Yes. Please provide estimated amount and source: (maximum
75 words /450 characters): Non - monetary resources include
existing relationship capital. We will leverage numerous
community days of caring events as well as a community -
oriented policing unit that is connected throughout the city.
Numerous non - profits collaborate and have existing social
capital that the City will tap, ensuring reach to all segments of
the community. We will also actively seek out community
members who have a natural talent for engaging others.
September 2012 Page 7 of 6
FEMA 2012 Community Resilience
Innovation Challenge
Reference Letter(s) — Optional
Please submit up to 2 reference letters
Letters should reference the Agency, Institution, Business Entity, Association,
Organization or Group that will be performing the proposed community resilience
program /project.
Submit Application
Your completed application will include:
1. Completed Application Form
2. Letters of Reference (optional)
Submit completed application:
• By Email:
Application @ResilienceChallenge.org
OR
• By postal mail:
2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation
350 South Figueroa Street, Suite 437
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Questions:
Please contact the Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation if you have any
questions concerning the FEMA 2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge or
this application:
• Email questions to: Questions @ResilienceChallenge.org
• Or please call us at: 213 - 325 -3035
• Brent Woodworth — 2012 Challenge Program Executive
Thank you for your support and commitment to Community Resilience.
September 2012 Page 8 of 6
DUBUQUE AREA
CHAMBER
WHERE IT ALL BELONGS.
October 24, 2012
Mr. Brent Woodworth
2012 Challenge Program Executive
2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation
350 South Figueroa Street, Suite 437
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dear Mr. Woodworth,
On behalf of the board of Directors of the Dubuque Area Chamber of Commerce & Tourism I am pleased
to provide this letter of reference for the DubuqueView Volunteer Corps. The Dubuque Area Chamber
of Commerce & Tourism is a membership organization committed to a mission of business and
community development. Together with the help of our members we work to make Dubuque the best
place to live, work, play, visit, and do business. Representing nearly 1,300 members from throughout the
area, we are the advocates for a strong and prosperous business climate.
As a recipient of 7 Presidential Disaster Declarations in the past twelve years, we have experienced
firsthand the challenges a disaster can bring. Having an effective business continuity initiative during and
after a disaster is critical to any community. The DubuqueView Volunteer Corps is an important tool that
will help connect businesses, people and resources. The city of Dubuque has a substantial track record
of partnering with our organizations and we are proud to support their application and once again serve
as a partner on this worthwhile initiative.
Sincerely,
Ic)4v#r)
Molly Grover
President & CEO
300 MAIN STREET , SUITE 200 1 DUBUQUE, IA 1 52001 1 PHONE: 563.557.9200
WWW.DUB000EChamber.coM
FAX:563.557.1 591
Mr. Brent Woodworth
2012 Challenge Program Executive
2012 Community Resilience Innovation Challenge
Los Angeles Emergency Preparedness Foundation
350 South Figueroa Street, Suite 437
Los Angeles, CA 90071
Dear Mr. Woodworth,
COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
of Greater Dubuque
700 Locust Street, Suite 195
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
Phone: 563.588.? 700
Fax: 563.583.6619
www.dbqfoundation.org
On behalf of the Board of Directors of the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque (CFGD), I am
pleased to provide this letter of reference for the DubuqueView Volunteer Corps. As the largest
philanthropic entity our mission is to "grow philanthropy to improve life in northeast Iowa by serving
donors, strengthening nonprofits and leading collaborative initiatives to address community needs."
The CFGD works closely with many local partners, including the city of Dubuque, to help address local
community needs and create a more resilient community. Through grantmaking, agency endowment
funds, and training, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque connects passionate donors with
nonprofits to create real impact in our communities. Over the past "5" years we have helped to raise and
distribute over $500,000 in disaster relief and recovery funds as well as help connect people and
agencies to opportunities. The DubuqueView Volunteer Corps will leverage philanthropic recovery
investment and make our dollars go further allowing us to reach deeper into disenfranchised populations
who might not otherwise be eligible for funding because of pre- existing conditions.
In addition, the development of this Volunteer Corps will leverage our other initiatives including: Every
Child Every Promise, Project HOPE, Third Grade Reading and Speak Your Peace by leveraging our
efforts to build greater social capital. The city of Dubuque has a successful track record partnering to
create change. We are proud to support their application and serve as a partner on this worthwhile
initiative.
Sincerely,
Nancy Van
President/(
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