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03/19/2024 05.B.iii. YVCOG 2023 Year End Review and 2024 Goals
1 g,` ! a, BUSINESS OF THE CITY COUNCIL YAKIMA, WASHINGTON AGENDA STATEMENT Item No. B.iii. For Meeting of: March 19, 2024 ITEM TITLE: YVCOG 2023 Year End Review and 2024 Goals SUBMITTED BY: Dave Zabel!, Interim City Manager SUMMARY EXPLANATION: The City of Yakima is a member of Yakima Valley Conference of Governments (YVCOG)and pays an annual membership. The City Council recently evaluated its various memberships in an effort to prioritize where they felt their limited funds could best be invested. YVCOG Executive Director Chris Wickenhagen will provide a 2023 year-end review and discuss 2024 goals for the organization. ITEM BUDGETED: STRATEGIC PRIORITY: APPROVED FOR SUBMITTAL BY THE CITY MANAGER RECOMMENDATION: Distributed at the Meeting Y\/COG Yakima Valley C(Inleretwe of Governments 2023 Members Report Purpose Your Trusted Partner since 1966! Yakima County Conference of Governments was born with sixteen members and a budget of $53,990! Yes... Yakima County Conference of Governments which eventually became Yakima Valley Conference of Governments to recognize the independence of the COG representing all municipalities. Each municipality appoints an elected official to represent their interests on the YVCOG General Membership. The General Membership then votes on an Executive Committee to govern the day-to-day operations at YVCOG. At the time of conception, COG was established for elected officials to work on issues together and address concerns in a collaborative manner. Offering a local government, formed by them, provided each municipality a means to work across jurisdictional boundaries. This structure allowed them to maintain authority within their own jurisdictional boundaries for projects and programs while sharing in the cost of projects and programs. Yakima Valley Conference of Governments became the designated Federal Transportation Planning Organization in 1972 and the state Transportation Planning Organization in 1990 for the Yakima Valley. A Transportation Policy Board was established to govern the transportation program, housed within. YVCOG. The Transportation Policy Board consists of the YVCOG Executive Committee + WSDOT, a public transit agency, and an economic development agency. We continue to reach out to the Yakama Nation for participation on this Board. Today, YVCOG is a thriving government with the same purpose it was formed. YVCOG provides for collaboration, administers programs, and offers services, crossing jurisdictional boundaries, for all municipalities. We continue to offer planning, transportation, GIS, outreach, housing, and public safety programs. Compliance is our number focus as we continue to represent our members with grants and assist them to administer grants on their behalf. NA RRAN 5U`NNYSL a round -table Contents Message from our Chair 2023 Outstanding Service Award Governing Boards YVCOG Staff Programs: ➢ Local Crime Lab > Facilitation Services ➢ Transportation ➢ Land Use > Geographic Information Systems > Community Law Enforcement Partnership > Community Outreach Services > Emergency Home Repair Services ➢ Health & Housing Services ➢ Housing Looking into the Future 2023 Budget Expenditures Yakima Valley Con ents • The N. X General Membership reviews and votes on YN'CC)Ci's budget during the October General Membership Meeting. • Y /C..0G Staff are given a cost t living increase each year, based. on our members' average cost of living increases. • The YNTCC)G Executive Committee is responsible for the dap to- day operations. Yakima Valley Conference of Govemments Approved Budget - 2024 Consolidated: Revenue Programs & Projects Local Projects State Federal Grants Miscellaneous 2024 2023 Change $ 480,500 $ 309,000 $ 171,500 36% $ 198,000 $ 200,000 $ (2,000) -1% $ 1,350,000 $1,197,000 $ 153,000 11% $ 1,364,740 $ 1,640,500 $ (275,760) -20% $ 6,493 $ 8,528 $ (2,035) -31% Total Programs & Projec $ 3,399,733 $ 3,355,028 $ 44,705 1,31% Dues Grandview Granger Harrah Mabton Moxee Naches Selah Sunnyside Tieton Toppenish Union Gap Wapato Yakima Yakima Transit Yakima Co Zillah Total Dues Local Crime Lab Contribution Grandview Granger Harrah Mabton Moxee Naches Selah Sunnyside Tieton Toppenish Union Gap Wapato Yakima Yakima Co Zillah Total Dues 9,746 $ 9,271 $ 475 5% 3,683 $ 3,553 $ 130 4% 912 $ 896 $ 16 2% 2,147 $ 2,098 $ 49 2% 5,401 $ 5,184 $ 217 4% 2,296 $ 2,268 $ 28 1% 9,006 $ 8,709 $ 297 3% 13,749 $ 13,262 $ 487 4% 1,848 $ 1,777 $ 71 4% 7,826 $ 7,554 $ 272 3% 7,234 $ 7,032 $ 202 3% 4,284 $ 4,150 $ 134 3% 74,615 $ 71,523 $ 3,092 4% 6,700 $ 6,500 $ 200 3% 67,866 $ 65,214 $ 2,652 4% 3,285 $ 3,181 $ 104 3% 220,595 $ 212,172 $ 8,423 3,82% 16,183 $ 10,280 $ 5,903 36% 5,448 $ 3,437 $ 2,011 37% 856 $ 540 $ 316 37% 2,916 $ 1,839 $ 1,077 37% 6,504 $ 4,103 $ 2,401 37% 1,639 $ 1,034 $ 605 37% 12,159 $ 7,670 $ 4,489 37% 24,215 $ 15,275 $ 8,940 37% 2,111 $ 1,332 $ 779 37% 13,097 $ 8,261 $ 4,836 37% 9,738 $ 6,142 $ 3,596 37% 6,807 $ 4,294 $ 2,513 37% $ 91,099 $ (91,099) 130,288 $ 82,185 $ 48,103 37% 4,710 $ 2,971 $ 1,739 37% 236,672 $ 240,462 $ (3,790) -1.60% Yakima Va))ey Conference of Governments Approved Budget - 2024 Consolidated: Expenses Salaries and Benefits Salaries Health Insurance Life Insurance Retirement Contribution Social Security Equivalent Unemployment Insurance Workers Compensation Total Salaries & Benefits 2024 2023 change $ 1,700,000 51,620,000 $ 80,000 5% $ 249,340 $ 230,160 $ 19,180 8% $ 2,860 $ 2,640 $ 220 8% $ 230,100 $ 212,400 $ 17,700 8% $ 136,500 $ 126,000 $ 10,500 8% $ 22,360 $ 20,640 5 1,720 8% $ 8,840 $ 8,160 $ 680 8% $ 2,350,000 $ 2,220,000 $ 130,000 5.53 % Other Expenses Communication Services $ 15,000 Professional Services $ 1,117,800 Advertising $ 17,000 Insurance- Property & Libability $ 24,500 Office Equipment Registration & Dues Prof, Tech Services Rentals & Leases Repair & Maintenance Supplies Travel Interest / Debt Service Assets/Equipment Vehicle Total Other Expenses Total Expenses $ 17,000 $ (2,000) -13% $ 725,000 $ 392,800 35% $ 65,000 $ (48,000) -282% $ 25,462 $ (962) -4% $ 3,000 $ 50,000 5 (47,000) -1567% $ 79,000 5 250,000 $ (171,000) -216% $ 25,000 $ 50,000 $ (25,000) -100% $ 87,000 $ 110,000 $ (23,000) -26% $ 4,500 S 10,000 $ (5,500) -122% $ 24,000 $ 35,000 $ (11,000) -46% $ 100,000 $ 200,000 $ (100,000) -100% $ 200 $ 200 $ 0 % $ $ 50,000 $ (50,000) $ 10,000 $ - $ 10,000 100% $ 1,507,000 $ 1,587,662 $ (80,662) -5.35% $ 3,857,000 $ 3,807,662 $ 49,338 1.3% Message from Our Chair C)n behalf of the Yakima Valley Conference of Governments, it is my honor to submit to you the YVCOG 2023 Annual Report, highlighting the work accomplished during the year on behalf of our membership and the valley. 2023 was an exciting time for the Yakima Valley and that was true for the YVCOG as well. We saw numerous programs and initiatives advance to fruition, including the first -in - the -Nation, locally owned and operated crime lab! Through our partnerships with our members, and county and state agencies, we were able to move our priorities on transportation, housing, and crime prevention forward by investing time, effort, and resources focused on solutions. As your chairman, I could not be prouder of the work accomplished by our YVCOG staff this year, they went above and beyond, to ensure that our members received the resources and funding they needed to achieve their goals. As we continue to work together to strengthen our valley. Each city, town, and the County are equally essential. What one community does will affect its neighbors. As we share knowledge and resources, we will continue to provide solutions to our membersissues and challenges. I look forward to a ea ear! James 1V Restucci YVCOG Chair Total Revenue: $ 3,857,000 $ 3,807,662 $ 49,338 1.3% 2023 Outstanding Service Award 1"lae YakimaBoard was awarded the 2023 Outstanding Se.. e=ice. Award, Phis lacaa d is comprised of police chiefs from the region's police agencies, Board Chair Sheriff Bob L dell, and ex-officio member Prosecutor cac Brusic. Each board member represents one vote for their city, town, or Yakima Count` - all with equal voices. Throughout 2023, the board met and worked with YZ'COC staff and consultants to create a new public safety agency that allows our region's law enforcement agencies access to cutting edge technology and expert staff, op three public safety concerns in a 2023 count --wide survey of Yakima Valley residents included Gang .Activit`, Crimes, and Gun. A iolence. '1"he l.,ocal Crime Lab is working ;cement in all these important areas, Special equipment and programs to support these needs were purchased by Y\ C(:)G using a federal grant. The equipment included NIB1N (National Integrative Ballistic Information. Network), a database to assist in tracking crime guns, (,ellcbrite,' (raykev (cell phone ttn<t1vsis tools), Rapid flit DNA (90--ttainutc l)N:\ processingl, and sea eral itlte.11igence subscription programs, Most importantly, YV( ()G hired expert staff to assis evidence, intelligence gathering, and case support for our valley's law enforcement agencies. cesslt The (.)l el°tltic>ns Board began working with 1,11.E Wend intelligence staff as the three lab employees were onboarded throughoutThey worked to appro e proposed workflc ws and helped to determine hest practices for agencies' evidence. "they helped guide and support the local cringe lab's access to regional resources like the Spilln afet- database. Each month, the Operations Board meets to work though challenges, answer crime lab staff question; about their needs, and provide essential feedback on. the services being provided. Feedback is tlae best waa to ensure that the agencies are receiving the best services possible, vhik makint sure that the lab remains affordable for all jurisdictions, receive reports on intelligence and rei icanallt' significant public safety issues that the lab identifies. In :August 2023, the Yakima \`alley local Crime Lab opened its doors for evidence pre ces int quarter of work, the lab had achieved unprecedented statistics for po u'iding gun crime leads t Yakima Valley 1 octtl Crime lsa'b has l eon identitted as a prototype program for state and fede Several board members also worked alongside the YA'C( Srate Patrol, \V'SP Crime Lab, Washington _Association of Sheriffs and Police Chiefs, Ckvcrl1or lnslee' \A'ithin the firs detectives. The YVCOG 90 4 Approved Budget YAKIMA VALLEY CONFERENCE OF GOVERNMENTS MEMBERSHIP ASSESSMENTS FOR 2024 Members OFM General MATCH FUNDS Total Difference 2023-2024 Change Population Population Assessment' Assessment % 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 2023 2024 GRANDVIEW 4.31% 11,020 11,250 $ 5,664 $ 6,014 $ 3,607 $ 3,732 $ 9,271 $ 9,746 474 5,1% GRANGER 1.45% 3,740 3,775 $ 1,922 $ 2,018 $ 1,630 $ 1,665 $ 3,553 $ 3,683 $ 130 3 7% HARRAH 0.22% 580 580 $ 298 $ 310 $ 598 8 602 $ 896 $ 912 $ 16 1.8% MABTON 0J5% 1,975 1,965 $ 1,015 $ 1,050 $ 1,083 $ 1,096 $ 2,098 . $ 2,147 $ 49 23% MOXEE 1.83% 4,665 4,785 $ 2 398 . $ 2 558 $ 2,786 $ 2,843 $ 5,184 $ 5,401 , $ 217 4.2% NACRES 0,43% 1,125 1,120 $ 578 $ 599 $ 1,690 $ 1,697 $ 2,268 $ 2,296 $ 28 1,2% SELAH 3,24% 8,365 8,450 $ 4,300 $ 4,517 $ 4,410 $ 4,489 $ 8,709 $ 9,006 $ 296. 3,4% SUNNYSIDE 6,33% 16,500 16,530 $ 8,481 $ 8,836 4,781 $ 4,912 $ 13,262 $ 13,749 $ 487 3,7% TIETON 0,59% 1,505 1,545, $ 774 $ 826 $ 1,004 $ 1,022 $ 1,777 $ 1, 48 , $ 71 ' 4,0% TOPPENISH 3,41% 8,870 8,900 $ 4,559 $ 4,758 $ 2,995 $ 3,068 $ 7,554 $ 7,826 $ 272 3,6% UNION GAP 2.55% 6,640 6,660' $ 3,413 $ 3,560 $ 3,619 $ 3,673 $ 7,032 $ 7,234 $ 202 2,9% WAPATO 1,77% 4,615 4,620 $ 2,372 2,470 $ 1,778 $ 1,814 $ 4,150 $ 4,284 $ 134 3.2% YAKIMA 37,77% 98,200 98,650, $ 50,475 $ 52,734 $ 21,049 $ 21,880 $ 71,524 $ 74,615 $ 3,091 4,3% YAKIMA CO, 34.13% 88,955 89,155 $ 45,723 47,659 $ 19,491 $ 20,207 $ 65,214 $ 67,866 $ 2,652 4,1% ZILLAH 1.23% 3,195 3,215 $ 1,642 $ 1,719 $ 1,538 $ 1,566 $ 3,181 $ 3,285 $ 104 3,3% TOTALS 1 100.00%1 253,000 r 261,200 r$ 133,614 I $ 139,627 rs 72,058 $ 74,268 rs 205,672 $ 213,895 $ 8,223 4.0% Yakana Transit Total Trans Assessment 6500 6,700 78,558 80,968 Members OFM Yakima Valley Local Crime Lab Contribution 2023 - 2025 % Population Population 2023 2024 2025 GRANDA)V 4.25% 10,960 $ 10,208 $ 16,183 $ 16,183 GRANGER 1.43% 3,690 $ 3,437 $ 5,448 $ 5,448 0.22% 580 $ 540 $ 856 $ 856 MABTON 0.77% 1,975 $ 1,839 $ 2,916 $ 2,916 MOXEE 1.71% 4,405 $ 4,103 $ 6,504 6,504 NACHES 0.43% 1,110 $ 1,034 $ 1,639 $ 1,639 SELAH 3.19% 8,235 $ 7,670 $ 12,159 . $ 12,159 SUNNYSIDE 6.35%, 16,400 15,275 $ 24,215 $ 24,215 TIETON 0.55% 1,430 $ 1,332 $ 2,111 $ 2,111 TOPPENISH 3.44%, 8,870 $ 8,261 $ 13,097 $ 13,097 UNION GAP 2.56% 6,595 $ 6,142 $ 9,738 $ 9,738 WAPATO 1.79% 4,610 $ 4,294 $ 6,807 $ 6,807 YAKIMA 37.90% 97,810 $ 91,099 $ 144,418 $ 144,418 YAI IMA CO. 34.19% 88,240 $ 82,18 $ 130,288 $ 130,288 ZILLAII 1.24% 3,190 $ 2,971 $ 4,710 • $ 4,710 TOTALS 258,100 $ 240,390 $ 381,090 $ 381,090 as state and federal legislators. The ( afety response for the whale vt and Ln-oundbl-eaking has t1 new Regis. al SWAT team to • pro -c knee and ieate peoplr: of the Yakima Valley. ues To Local Funding State Funding Federal Funding Kresge Funding Law Enforcment HAP Funding Sr Assistance CDBG Funding Local Crime Lab Funding Special Assessments/Dues/Match Non -Governmental Miscellaneous Total Tot Salary Benefits Supplies Small Tools/Minor Equipment Professional Services Communications Travel Advertising Rentals/Leases Insurance Copies Misc NIBIN Comparison Scope Rapid DNA Total Salary Benefits Supplies Small Tools/Minor Equipment Professional Services Communications Travel Rentals/Leases Insurance Copies Misc NIBIN Comparison Scope Rapid DNA Total evenuc 3 t xpenscs 166,002.68 176,506.36 840,414.71 567.06 32,978.59 405,311.93 36,875.74 731,667.98 215,173.00 5,167.24 2,610,665.29 , 1,332,181.85 401,015,04 10,927.57 42,777.81 729,813.25 11,670.73 38,086.77 9,821.35 80,245.75 15,006.00 1,843.20 43,247.91 218,534.91 99,441.06 227,474.46 , 215,359.52 64,853.99 4,838.50 14,917.25 333,663.59 1,641.82 9,320,38 10,980,07 3,750.00 21.80 3,863.04 218,534.91 99,441.06 227,474.46, 08,660.39 a ■ at r° ■ ■ Revenue Totals EXPENSE TOTALS Local Cr me ,ab LCL TOTALS 2023 Excel,. e Cornmi ee & m Restucci, Sunnyside John Hodkinson, Union Gap Jose Trevino, Granger nsportaot Potie Board Janice Gonzales. Zillah Patricia Byers, Yakima Madelyn Carlson, PFP Jon Smith, YCDA 2023 General. Membership Grandview: Bill Moore, Council Member Granger: Ryan Stonemetz, Council Member Harrah: Pat Krueger, Council Member Mabton: Arturo De La Fuente, Council Member Moxee: Rob Layman, Council Member Naches: Paul Williams, Mayor Selah: Sherry Raymond, Mayor Sunnyside: Julia Hart, Council Member LaDon Linde, Yakima County Sherry Raymond, Selah Brian White, WSDOT Tieton: Ed Marquand, Council Member Toppenish: Elpidia Saavedra, Mayor Union Gap: James Murr, Council Member Wapato: Margaret Estrada, Mayor Yakima: Patricia Byers, Council Member Yakima County: LaDon Linde, Commissioner Zillah: Janice Gonzales, Council Member Meet Your Staff Shane COMMUNITY LAW ENFORCEMENT PROGRAM (CLEP) OUTREACH YVCOG will continue to develop and foster relationships with communities and law enforcement. Our emphasis will be on creating and supporting community block watch groups, by providing communities with the necessary knowledge and tools. We will be collaborating with local agencies and the Department of transportation to educate communities on the importance of human trafficking. We will continue to educate and form partnerships with school districts and law enforcement to implement the Handle with Care program. YVCOG will pursue another CLEP grant to continue engaging communities and law enforcement. HEALTH AND HOUSING Our primary focus will be to continue to support qualifying individuals and families through our Healthy Homes rehabilitation program. We will learn from communities how to enhance our program for continued success. We will also concentrate on securing additional funding to sustain our program. YVCOG will also prioritize affordable attainable housing by fostering existing partnerships and new partnerships to bring more housing options to the Yakima Valley. Continuing to expand our knowledge of Community Land Trusts to be able to assist and partner with agencies like Habitat for Humanity for a successful Community Land Trust project. SENIOR HOUSING EMERGENCY REPAIR Our program is underway, and we are committed to diligently supporting senior and disabled households. By ensuring they can stay in their homes preventing displacement throughout the Yakima Valley. Sharing the impact of our program to the Washington State Department of Commerce will allow our valley to receive more funding to sustain and continue our program. Currently our program is structured for emergency repairs. If funding allows, we would like to provide a nonemergency rehabilitation program in the future. LOCAL CRIME LAB is gearing up to begin using the new Rapid DNA instrument we have received. Supporting our law enforcement with another tool to use when working on a crime is going to bring another level to collaborating in our Valley. The forensic Rapid DNA profile will be available in less than 2 hours for quick information. Fighting crime with science and speed is a game changer. Thank you for your continued support! YVCOG Yakima Valley Confer+ene of pavernments Chris Wickenhagen, Executive Director chris.wickenhagen(i)yvcog.us www.yvcog.us Future Priorities I am excited to share 2024 priorities with our membership! NEW FACILITY YVCOG will be working with our federal, state, and local governments to obtain funding for a new facility. The facility- is necessary to continue services for the Crime Lab in an efficient manner. Currently, there are 3 full --time 'NA/COG Staff and 1 full-time ATE` Staff crammed into 535 sq. ft. Our contract for this space ends at the end of 2026 when we will be required to vacate our current location. Our objective is to stay centrally- located in the valley to assist all members. PODCASTS 'YVCOGT is developing a more effective way tc reach out to the public with information and give them an opportunity to engage more in the decisions governments make. We are considering the frequency of podcasts and putting together a list of topics and who to interview, Take advantage of this opportunity to involve your initiatives and to hear the public's responses! We would love to hear from you. WEBPAGE The goal of updating our w �ebsite is to provide more information and resources for t1 e programs we operate on your behalf. Developing an 'Easy to Use' webpage that gives our members information they may be looking for and to offer online services will bring us into the 21" century! We will create online forms for the public to use including applications, surveys, interactive mapping, pod.casts, and community data, We will continue to post our records for transparency including agendas, minutes, contracts, financial documents, and any other information requested, WORKFORCE DEVELOPMENT is the opportunity to begin to introduce and train people in government careers. Our objective is to partner with colleges and universities to offer work study internships and paid internships for individuals who would like to gain experience in their field. of study. To begun, we will focus on government planning and government accounting, TRANSPORTATION YVCOG is going to have a `Call for Projects' with approximately $4,000,000 in federal money allocated to the Yakima. Valley. It has been -1 1 years since our last call for projects and we are excited to begin this process again. Each year,YVCOG receives approximately $4,600,000 in federal funding for road projects. .Members must have their project in the state's online system, provide a 20% non-federal match, and be able to identify their project start date. Once this funding is obligated, the municipality has 10 years to spend out the funding before moving on to the next phase of the project. PLANNING YVCOG Staff will be responsible for the creation of the new required climate element in our members' comprehensive plans for those who have requested our assistance. This is a new element, and our staff will be working closely with Commerce and other agencies to provide you with a new element that makes sense to your community. Beginning in July, YVCOG will begin working on updating the m.ern.bers' Comprehensive Plans for those who have requested our assistance. The work for the climate element and the Comprehensive Plan Update is funded by Commerce. Yakima Valley Local Cr: The Yakima Valley Local Crime Lab opened its doors on August 7, 2023, with a Ribbon Cutting, Lab Tours, Cake, and a lot of excitement! The room was packed with over 200 partners including federal and state law enforcement agencies. We had federal and state legislators, Yakama Tribal participants, and local elected officials. Media buzzed around interviewing lab staff, Sheriff Udell, and Police Chiefs, Celebrating the Local Crime Lab Opening was the beginning of something HUGE in our valley! Triaging evidence in a timely manner to provide investigative support is assisting officers with open cases. The work we perform is meant to increase law enforcement's ability to work on a case more effectively, utilizing technology and tools available to them. e Lab 2023 statistics # of firearms/test fires: of cartridge cases: of NIBIN entries: of NIBIN leads: NIBIN Lead rate: Cell phone analysis: Investigative assistance: 96 465 173 107 62% 18 16 What is "# ©f firearmshest fires"? If a firearm is in law enforcement custody, trained staff shoots the firearm, in. a controlled setting. The test fires provide a cartridge case to enter into the NIBIN instrument at the Lab. Agencies may submit test fires from a firearm or the firearm. What is "# of cartridge cases"? Evidence cartridge cases submitted from shooting scenes are screened into groups. A representative from the group is entered into the NIBIN. What is "# of NIBIN entries"? NIBIN is the National Integrated Ballistic Information Network controlled by Alcohol, Tobacco & Firearms (ATF). Trained staff insert the evidence or test fired cartridge case into the lab's NIBIN instrument. The NIBIN instrument takes high -resolution images exposing the markings stamped (like a fingerprint) on the cartridge case. These images are uploaded into the national database to cross reference similar images to reveal investigative leads. What is a NIBIN lead? Leads are unconfirmed associations between two or more cartridge case entries. Leads assist law enforcement to work together to investigate other gun crimes that could be associated with the same gun used in the investigation they are working on. NIBLN offers ballistic evidence giving law enforcement information they can then follow up during their investigation. This forensic evidence allows law enforcement to quickly piece evidence together when working on a crime involving a gun. What does the "NIBIN Lead rate" mean? The lead rate determines the number of unconfirmed associations divided by the number of NIBIN entries. This indicates the possibility of multiple crimes connected in the Yakima Valley. The national average for NIBIN lead rates is 28%. Yakima Valley is 62% which could mean the same gun is used during different gun related crimes. What is "cell phone analysis"? Cell phone analysis assists law enforcement with extracting data from a phone, which is then given to law enforcement to assist them with gathering additional evidence. What does "investigative assistance" mean? Investigative assistance is the leg work provided to gather information, data, and forensic evidence for law enforcement with cases they are working on. Law enforcement can review information provided to them to determine if they would like to follow up on this information. **In 2023, YVCOG Crime Lab Staff test fired a gun and entered the casing into NIBIN. The gun was seized during a DUI and there were no indications that the gun had been used in a crime, at that time. This test fire entry into NIBIN provided leads with possible associations to 35 other crime events (shown in the bottom picture) in the Yakima Valley. Associations to DUI Seized Gun 14 Drive by shootings 9 Assaults 3 Homicides 2 Weapon Offenses 2 Shots Fired 2 Robberies 1 Weapon Violation 1 Found Property 1 Reckless Discharge Attainable Housing Opportunities Another objective was to further our understanding and knowledge of Community Land Trusts. Our goal is to collaborate with local partners such as Habitat for Humanity to share and acquire knowledge and benefits for affordable, attainable housing through a Land Trust model. Part of the Housing Action Plan (HAP) process included conducting surveys in participating communities asking what the housing wants and needs are for those who already live there, The findings revealed distinct perspectives on housing needs, with the top three preferences being single family dwellings, cottage housing, and duplex/triplex/fourplex housing. Community land trusts address community needs by making homeownership accessible in our high -cost market. By developing Community Land Trusts, your community can provide attainable home ownership through creative means. Homeowners would own the structure of their home but the land the home sits on is part of a trust. This allows people to cut the cost of a home by only paying for the structure. Utilizing a land trust model will allow us to help meet housing needs in Yakima County which is an estimate of 21,100 housing units by 2044. Of those housing units an estimate of 15,000 need to be affordable attainable housing units. Housing and Planning staff attended training specific to Community- Land Trusts models. This training series was over four months and was funded by the Department of Commerce. Staff continue to participate in various training courses to enhance our understanding and establish partnerships with Community Land Trust organizations not only in the state of Washington but nationwide. We look forward to continued partnerships with various organizations. HOME U t SINST1TUIE GROUNDED SOLUTIONS T RK In addition to these objectives as a requirement, we surveyed two more cities to better understand priorities in their communities. Gathering valuable data and insights helps us identify needs, preferences, and concerns. Enabling YVCOG to assist communities with informed decision making for effective community planning, resource allocations, and program development. Promoting community engagement, giving residents a voice that directly impacts their lives. YVCOG aims to maintain our collaboration with the Kresge Foundation. Through our persistence and commitment to our community's well-being, we will focus on ensuring people can live safely in their homes. We will continue our ongoing efforts to seek opportunities to provide safe, healthy, attainable housing options for our member corrununities. Healthy Homes In 2023, our primary objective was to initiate our Healthy II : mes Rely that goal, We began accepting applications in June 2023, a and we successfully met Smce the program's launch, we adjusted our service area, extending our reach county ^ide. The insights gained from our gap analysis and needs assessment, supported by the Community Development Block Grant, highlighted the necessity for a count --wide approach. The photos to the left are before and after photos of our first Kresge applicant. This individual was without power and had been couch surfing because power was cut to the home by the power company because of the risk of fire due to the electrical panel. This individual has many health concerns and without assistance of our program would not be able to be in the home resting and healing. We also assisted this individual with their water heater. our first prevention of displacement. Program requirements consist of the following: Be the legal homeowner, reside in the home all year and be at or below 60% of the Federal Median Income, Eligible Repairs: Wheelchair ramps, widening of doorways, mold and asbestos remediation, Ventilation, water quality, handrails and grab bars, other repairs for hazards that are detrimental to your health will be determined by the program Housing Manager, (Porous Moldy Windows ADA Accessibility, this applicant is unable to get in and out of the home. We are providing the applicant with a ramp and ADA accessibility hardware for the home Shown in the map below, you see how one gun can associate multiple events for law enforcement in different jurisdictions. Law enforcement would not possibly know about an association to another gun crime without NIBIN. Crime travels up and down our valley. By working together, law enforcement has information quickly, while the case is still 'hot'. This is valuable when interviewing witnesses. Once this evidence is presented to the Prosecuting Attorney's Office, they can make decisions to prosecute or not based on a full span of evidence they have not had previously. Prosecutors can now link possible crimes committed by the same gun. Crime Lab Staff can provide forensic evidence, analyze cell phones, offer investigative lead opportunities, and network neighboring officers putting the pieces together of crimes that could be related either through weapons or individuals. ,,,Attrot 9 9 Shots Fired, Drive by shooting, Reckless discharge Robbery Honks e Weapons Offense, Weapons vlolaeion Assault Found property The Local Crime Lab is continuing to partner with multiple law enforcement agencies as they work through analyzing evidence. Our goal remains the same as when this program was presented to the members, To provide timely, impartial, and quality forensic laboratory services and investigative intelligence to the Yakima Valley criminal justice community'. We do this work through interagency partnerships and collective participation. We continue to work diligently to provide access to expeditious, impartial, forensic, and investigative services for all our participating members to elevate the quality of life to those living and visiting the Yakima Valley. Strategic Faci itati©n 2023 Grandview City Council Retreat YVCOG assisted Grandview by facilitating their Board Retreat again in 2023. The retreat was able to review the process the Board had made since setting their goals in 2022. By reviewing their 2022 priorities for 2023 that had been accomplished, the Board was able to push forward with their new 2024 priorities. Grandview decided to include their department heads on day one of their retreat. Each department was allowed 20 minutes to share a high overview of their 2024 budget priorities they would be bringing to Council. Adding this step to their Board Retreat allowed Council to ask questions and hear from the department heads befo 2023 Grandview City Council Retreat - Day 1 0 AGE D • ROLES • OUTC(MIES • QUOTES AMNS rORM EADL1NES beginning their budget process. YVCOG structures facilitations to fit the needs of each municipality. Depending on the desired outcomes for the meeting, YVCOG brings in different exercises for the group to participate in. By the end of the meeting, the group will have actionable steps to accomplish their priorities or goals determined by the group participating. 0 AGENDA TV, 3 35 • ROLES • OurcnMF.s . how °n (XseAss.s ,3rxq.ti ,_„ ti 1 T`/vc++"s YVCOG facilitates and guides discussions by asking specific questions and then recording what is said. Some recording is done with pictures and some with words. Those who participate in the meeting walk away with more retention and understanding from the discussion during the meeting because of how they participated. Emergency Repair Services Yakima Valley Conference of Governments was awarded a CDBG grant in partnership with the City Toppenish, for the purpose of providing emergency home repair services to senior citizens and persons with disabilities to prevent them from becoming displaced. Before YVCOG was able to access the funding for projects, we had to meet specific requirements outlined by the Department Partially Burnt Home) of Commerce. YVCOG created policies and procedures, conducted a needs assessment and gap analysis to illustrate the need for such a program throughout the Yakima Valley. YVCOG engaged with various agencies that provide services throughout Yakima County to understand their programs and requirements, aiming to avoid service duplication. Additionally, we surveyed other communities to assess their community needs and priorities. This approach enabled us to demonstrate the significant need across the entire Yakima Valley, extending beyond the Cities of Toppenish, Wapato, and Mabton. Consequently, we can now offer services county -wide. (Furnace in need of replacement) YVCOG began accepting applications for our Senior and or Disabled Emergency Home Rehabilitation Program in October 2023. Eligible Repairs: no heating or air conditioning, no water, plumbing, roofing, no electricity or electrical problems, ADA accessibility, and other repairs for hazardous conditions as determined by the housing manager. Program requirements consist of the following: Applicants must be Age 55 or older, disabled, or parent of disabled person, be the homeowner, reside in the home all year round and meet the income limits as established by HUD (US Department of Housing and Urban Development). (Safety Hazard Electrical Panels) We aim to assist individuals and families, not only in preventing displacement but also in ensuring they can live comfortably and safely in their own home. We hope to receive continued funding to continue this program for years to come. (Safety Hazard Home Entry Door, Community Outreach YVCOG provides "Outreach Services" for all programs and services throughout the Yakima Valley. Throughout 2023 outreach services were provided for many of our programs and services. Outreach was provided throughout the valley for our "Transportation, Planning, Housing, and CLEP programs. 1°or'Transportation, outreach was provided for Bike to Work week and the Long -Range Plan survey and activity. We were able to provide information throughout the valley, at the entrances of bike paths, Sunl)ome, and community centers. Community members had the opportunity to share their experience and opinion on the importance of transportation in our valley and what they would like to see happen in the Yakima Valley. Ior Planting, outreach was provided during the Housing Action Plan (HAP). A survey was provided to six cities in the valley asking community members to share their thoughts about the "Missing Middle" of housing. People were excited to hear about affordable attainable housing. Communities were given the opportunity to voice their opinion on the types of housing they would like to see in the future for the Yakima Valley. For Housing, outreach was provided to distribute a survey asking for public participation regarding unity. Toppenish, Wapato, and Mabton were cities survey. Community members were open about priorities in their con that participated in tl sharing what they felt was a priority in their community. Mid -Valley TV was used to reach folks along with community events. We also provided these cities with information about the CDBG Emergency Home Rehabilitation program and our Healthy Home Rehabilitation Program. We attended the Veteran's Stand -Down at the Sunl)ome, Wapato Tamale & Harvest Festival, and Mabton Harvest Festival to share information regarding these programs. a Through the CLEP grant, outreach was done to inform and educate communities on the importance of Block Watch. It's also an opportunity to engage our communities with their local law enforcement agencies. This has been a great opportunity to see communication between community members and law enforcement. Through these events, people are empowered, equipped, educated, and encouraged to take back their community from crime while being part of building a safer community. o "Outreach" is to connect with our community, buiCd trusting relation chips andgive the community a voice regarding their community. Transportation Planning YVCOG Project (Federal) Obligations for 2023 $1.9,151. 112 20-YEAR REGIONAL TRANSPORTATION PLAN KICKED OFF! YVCOG began the development of the 2024-2045 Metropolitan & Regional Long Range Transportation Plan. This document will address our region's jurisdictions and transportation agencies' «wirer/ and pasture planning opportunities over the next 20 years in a myriad of transportation areas including: • Road/Bridge Maintenance, Preservation, Construction and Expansion • Airport Facilities and Services • "Potential" return of Passenger Rail Services lost in 1981. • TI'rails, Pathways and Bicycle Facilities • Environmental and Wildlife Mitigation and Protection • _Local/Regional/National/International Freight Movement • Public Transportation (Regional and Intercity 'Transit Services / Micro -Transit / Active Transportation • Electric/Hydrogen Vehicles and Fueling infrastructure / Automation Technologies. YVCOG perfoiuied Public Outreach events in September and October asking the public how they think the government should be using their tax money over the next 20 years for transportation. One outreach activity resulted in 792 participants with a "Taxpayer Investment" Game. Each participant was given S10.00 in monopoly money to my est' in 10 different transportation areas. Considering the different transportation needs, the public was asked to put their monopoly money where they felt we should be investing taxpayer money. They could spread out their money and put a little in each area, or they could put all their money in one area. The results are: Road and Bridge Maintenance Passenger Rail Public Transit 4. Road and Bridge New Construction 5. Bike and Pedestrian Pathways 6. Air Travel 7. Environmental Freight 9. Electric Vehicle Infrastructure 0 Drone Technology 7 PROJECTS OBLIGATED $10,151,112 IN YVCOG- Administered Federal transportation 1 nds : • $ 50,000: Au ( )ualiry • $ 38,000: Pathways, sidewalk improvements • $ 600,000: Regional Planning (traffic modeling, counts, various studies • $ 5,205,638: Roadway reconstruction, preservation, and planning • $ 4,857,474: Roadway construction from Stateside Redistributed Funds (out of region) Anticipate over $4.75 million in YYC()G- administered obliwatioas in 2024 YVCOG continued outreach by attending different con unty events throughout the Yakima Valley. Talking with community members and offering a quick and easy survey provided an additional 258 (239 English/19 Spanish) perspectives. The survey was also available through a CAR code on posters and business cards we put up around the communities. Our goal was to give every person an opportunity- to have their voice heard. The survey could be taken on paper or online, depending on a person's comfort level. YVCOG then took the informa we learned through outreach to be our Valley's priorities for the next O years! March 2024 Adoption of the 20-Year Transportation Plan helps ensure our valley's eligibility to receive federal and state funding for different transportation projects over the next four years. TRAFFIC COUNTS: YVCOG again partnered with a consulting firm to provide regional traffic counts for our members. This year, the Regional Traffic Count Program performed 206 tube counts, turning movements, and pathway video counts for all 14 municipalities. Member jurisdictions use this data to determine traffic volumes on street systems, project effects of land use changes, and measure mobility impacts. They then use this data to help determine different future project needs for roads, sidewalks, trails, and transit corridors. The Traffic Count Program will be extended through 2025 to assist members with their needs. Other Highlights • Partnered with WSDOT and member jurisdictions to develop regional corridor studies including: - SR24 East Valley Active Transportation Solutions (Completed) - SR12/Naches Active Transportation Connections (to be completed in spring 2024) - Scheduled to begin the I-82/SR 97 Freight Express Route Study in 2024 - Scheduled to begin the Yakima Valley Regional Safety Action Plan in 2024 (pending federal award) • Completed the 2023 YVCOG Public Participation Plan Update (and TRANSLATED INTO SPANISH !!!) • Awarded funds towards the Yakima Valley Regional Transit Feasibility Study (Phase II) • YVCOG Transportation Program staff continued to provide transportation planning and coordination assistance on a variety of transportation areas including: - \VSDOT's Commute Trip Reduction (CTR) Statewide Implementors and Technical Advisory Committees - \VSDOT's Statewide "Investment Strategies Workgroup" - Federal Rail Administration's "Long Distance Passenger Rail Service" Multi -State Workgroup - Yakama Nation's Transportation Safety and Heritage Connectivity Trail Project Committees - Yakima Region Transit and Para -Transit Agencies, Citizen Advisory Committees Aik N Naches C©NGRA T ULA TI©NS! • Mabton Main Street Reconstruction award $2,199,306 Grandview Old Inland Empire Hwya and $3,006,332 Naches Trail Improvements award $38,000 nna N. 1" Street Reconstruction award $4,857,474 Community Law Enforcement Partnership In 2023 YVCOG successfully developed a Yakima Valley Public Safety Plan for all jurisdictions which was shared with local law enforcement agencies to be presented to their local city council members. YVCOG successfully implemented the Handle with Care in 6 of the 14 jurisdictions throughout the Yakima Valley. In 2024 we will continue our collaboration with law enforcement agencies and schools so that it is implemented throughout all jurisdictions in the Yakima Valley. YVCOG was able to coordinate Hidden In Plain Sight presentations to three cities through collaboration with SAFE Yakima and the Yakima School District. These presentations conveyed information and raised awareness about drug and alcohol abuse as well as gang affiliation. This presentation was also presented to council members at one of our General Membership Meetings. YVCOG pursued another CLEP grant and was awarded in July 2023. With this funding round our goal is to continue collaborating with all local jurisdictions and law enforcement to continue fostering relationships. One of our goals is to continue to partner with ESD 105 to implement Handle with Care throughout the entire valley. In addition, YVCOG is working with specific cities to implement `Block Watch" programs throughout the valley, by empowering community members to partner with their local law enforcement agencies and become the eves and ears assisting in crime prevention. YVCOG will also partner with many communities to assist in "Clean-up Days" and "Graffiti Abatement". The goal of this grant is to open communication between law enforcement and our community. Many co unity members have found this to be a positive change in the Yakima Valley. Kicking off our 2nd awarded year in August, YVCOG attended Wapato and Mabton's National Night Out events, Menudo Festival in Granger, SAFE Yakima's Pathways to Healthy Living event, SAFE Yakira's Overdose Awareness Day event, Tamale Festival in Wapato, Harvest Festival in Mabton, Grandview WE CAN event, and presented an informational meeting regarding Block Watch to the Granger Lion's Club. Block Watch Meetings were held at the Grandview and Sunnyside Police Stations with the outcome of two communities establishing a Block Watch group in their neighborhood. Passenger Rail \A/COG was selected to participate in the Northwest State's Region Long -Distance Study Work Troup by the Federal Rail Administration and their consultant jacob's Engineering. The federal passenger rail route study is the consideration of reintroducing passenger rail services to underserved, formerly served communities, including the Central Washington Region. The map to the right shows where Amtrak currently operates (blue line), and the route being considered (red line). Our GIS program is heavily used to gather and analyze data for decision makers for more complex projects in communities. As YVCOG works with Councils on their new Climate Element and their updated Comprehensive Plan, maps will assist in studying your jurisdictional boundaries to maintain compliance with the Growth Management Act (GMA). Data and maps are developed in support of comprehensive planning map changes and to prepare for the upcoming GMA amendment cycle. t and Hypothetical Passenger Rail Service (Amtrak) Maps can be a visual to assist in understanding some of the financial needs that may be in your community-. Understanding the income levels in your community can allow decision makers to determine specific needs that may be in your community including different types of housing, the use of public transit or foodbank needs. Land Use Planning One of our major accomplishments for our rnembers was the completion of six Housing Action Plans. Working with Grandview, Tieton, Toppenish, Union Gap, Wapato, and Zillah's City Councils, each city developed and adopted a Housing Action Plan for their community. The goal of the Housing Action Plan is to identify actions the Council can implement to create more housing and more diversity in housing options in their individual communities. Each community is different and has different perspectives for housing in their communities. Depending on the direction the Council would like to take determined their plan. The next step is to work with our cities on updating their codes and regulations housing. o reflect the changes TACO» ey would like to see to help create more YVCOG provided land use planning for many of our communities throughout 2023 to ensure that they remained compliant with the Growth Management Act (GMA), their Comprehensive Plans, and their development regulations. Some of the services we provided included processing conditional use permits, subdivisions, annexations, rezones, and text amendments to Comprehensive Plans and development regulations. Some of the specific projects we worked on are listed below: In Grandview, we processed an application to amend their Comprehensive Plan in order to change the minimum lot size requirements within residential zoning districts, we updated development standards within a chapter of the zoning ordinance, updated the Future Land Use Map designation and zoning of several parcels, and processed a 145-lot subdivision. We also saw several inquiries into multifamily development and local retail businesses. Granger had a busy year as well, with a large expansion of an animal feed production facility being permitted, several subdivision inquiries, and plans for a new hotel and community event center, as well as a large residential mini -storage facility being proposed on the east side of town. YVCOG's planning work with Harrah in 2023 involved updating their Comprehensive Plan maps to reflect an annexation. During that process, we also worked with Commerce and city staff to ensure that their Critical Areas Ordinance, Subdivision Ordinance, and Zoning Ordinance were compliant with the Growth Management Act. Mabton projects this year were primarily related to residential development. We assisted the city navigate the annexation of residential land on the east side of town, as well as the review of a proposed 31-lot subdivision. There have also been several requests for assistance with development on existing lots, including a potential new church and single-family residences. Since we have completed the HAPs for other communities, Sunnyside requested that YVCOG assist with creating a Housing Needs Assessment (HNA) for their community. We are also working with Sunnyside to explore the potential value of establishing an Historic Preservation Program. Tieton's requests this year were limited to a critical area review to identify the ordinary high-water mark of a stream on a property in order to determine the permitting needed for a proposal. We also assisted Tieton with providing information when they applied for a Middle Housing Grant. Union Gap saw a lot of business development, including a new car dealership, the expansion of aerospace and recreational vehicle manufacturing facilities, the expansion of a trucking business, the relocation and expansion of an HVAC company, a new shipping and receiving facility for a bakery, People for People's new Meals on Wheels facility, and a new communication tower. In addition, we assisted with updating development regulations within the Airport Safety Overlay as well as an update to the Future Land Use Map and a rezone. YVCOG assisted Wapato with a 21-lot subdivision on the eastern side of town, the permitting of a new daycare facility, and several boundary line adjustments. We're also helping with the update of their Parks and Recreation Comprehensive Plan, which is funded through a grant with the Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office. Geographic Information Systems YVCOG was busy with updating the 2020 Census Federal Functional Class and Urban Highways maps. When the census is updated, the new data affects all our data used for jurisdictions. This can be a time-consuming project but essential for all your programs. The census affects all our member jurisdiction in how they will federally classify their urban and rural roadways. This will determine their eligibility for both state and federal transportation funding. We have spent significant time preparing data and updating mapping in a variety of modal, environment, and project planning demographic maps in relation to the Transportation 20-Year Plan, known as the Long -Range Plan. The map below shows how projects be identified within our valley. Map Regions for Project Location North South l'cntrul Fast South central Southeast West