Chair Stevens Raises Concerns Over Compass RFP Outcomes

I'm pleased that after 10 years, it's a long time.

A new compass RFP for elementary and middle school students was um 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 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.

Um 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, and including myself and everyone here, and and councilman Williams just came to me and said she's also being spammed about the compass 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 that they will be able to provide to the communities.

Um, 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.

Um, 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.

Um, and that's something that I'm dedicated and have been dedicated in doing.

There are other DYCD programs that are overdue for the RFP, like my new fight, the Beacons and Cornerstones.

Um, I want the agency to take this opportunity to further evaluate the conference 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 and equitable process.

And honestly, I I think that if any we we probably need to get all the RFPs done while Sandra's here, I'ma just say it.

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

So I'm gonna be pushing for a lot more RFPs, just so we're clear, so we could have a nice stable programs so that when 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 expect expectation from DYCD, you guys will be responsive to questions and concerns of the council members.

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

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

Um, I would like to recognize I've recognized most of my staff um already, but I want to recognize the financial, the fiscal staff, Sandra Gray, our senior fiscal analyst, uh Leah Aliy Alia, 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.