Chair Stevens addresses Compass RFP provider concerns and calls for more RFPs

The executive budget did not include fiscal 2026 one-shot funding for RHY funding and peer

navigators, which is something that I've been fighting consistently with to make sure that we're funding because we do not want to forget about our young people.

I do hope the administration will provide baseline funding and the adopted budget for the navigators because that was a program that we lost and then we got the council brought back.

And so we want to make sure that this is something that's critical because the young people and providers have said it's a critical.

Service need.

Our youth better relate to their peers.

This gives them a sense of belonging, a sense of understanding.

The housing navigators assess in navigating the young people through transition and a safe, dependable housing.

The services for RHY youth does not stop at the door, but it begins at the door.

I'm pleased that after 10 years,

It was a long time.

A new Compass RFP for elementary and middle school students was released, and I do appreciate the dedication and hard work by DYCD.

I really want to give it up to you guys because everyone knows that I was so critical that they

put this on you guys in the turnaround.

So it was done.

I knew it was gonna get done.

No one, I mean, Dan, you are a little grayer, I'm not gonna lie, but you still look good.

They aged you, I see it.

But you guys worked really hard to get it done and work it through, and I'm really happy.

However, you know, with new RFPs, there are always these mitigating factors that come in.

including myself and everyone here and and councilman Williams just came to me and said she's also being spammed about the campus RFP we are getting so many calls about

a lot of worried providers who have to fold as a result of the outcome of the deficit of services they will be able to provide to the communities and

I'm concerned and I know as our new commissioners come in she is being so thoughtful and having a perspective of a former provider of trying to figure out the best way forward and make sure that

everyone is whole including the providers.

You know I think sometimes we talk about it as if the providers are not a workforce as well and you know this council has spent a lot of time and energy talking about the workforce but for some reason we forget to keep fighting for human service workers

and I think that is just as important and so when we do these contracts we have to and I know you guys have been thoughtful I think as a council we have to think about like how do we protect them as well and that's something that I'm dedicated and have been dedicated to it

there are other DYCD programs that are overdue for the RFP like my new fight the beacons and cornerstones

I want the agency to take this opportunity to further evaluate the compass RFP examine every process every methodology and matrix used to identify changes that can be made for the next RFP

so that it has a fair and more an equitable process and honestly I

I think that if any, we probably need to get all the RFPs done while Sandra's here.

I'm going to just say it.

Because I just have a feeling that with that provider background, it'll look a lot different than this one did.

So I'm going to be pushing for a lot more RFPs, just so we're clear, so we can have a nice...

Stable programs so that when I'm gone, we'll be in good hands.

And so I'm excited about that.

And so I'll be pushing for that.

Everyone here today in fiscal 2027 executive budget hearing has a responsibility with the objective of providing the best services to the youth of the city.

It is my expectation from DYCD.

You guys will be responsive to questions and concerns of the council members.

It is my hope that fiscal 2027 adopt the budget meets the goals set forth by council.

We want to ensure that every youth and adult program provides the essentials, necessities, including adequate funding to meet the everyday needs.

I would like to recognize, I've recognized most of my staff already, but I want to recognize the financial, the fiscal staff, Sandra Gray, our senior fiscal analyst, Aaliyah Aaliyah, assistant director.

And I don't see Isha on here, but also Isha, shout out to her because I've been driving her crazy as well.

So with that, I will turn it over to Chair Lee.