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Department Structure The Department's small staff is extremely productive. The department's intern will leave soon, and the department is looking to have an intern both semesters in 2021. The department has one vacant part-time position but is not asking for that to be filled at this time. FY2020 Highlights Director Leininger discussed key trends and initiatives from 2020. He highlighted the robust community response to COVID and the number of businesses and individuals assisted with emergency CDBG business and rental assistance. He stated that this assistance has been high impact. Applications to Board of Zoning Appeals, Planning Commission, and Architecture Board of Review have increased over last year which signals an uptick in property improvements. This is remarkable given the pandemic and its hit to the economy. While the volume of projects is up this year, the valuation is lower—so people are doing more, but on a smaller scale. Director Leininger highlighted key projects from 2020, many of which were Council budget priorities. These included improving Wagar Park, adding bicycle lanes to Lake Ave., and advancing the re-design of Kauffman Park. The department also assisted with the planning and design of a number of key City projects, worked to create new affordable housing options, and linked businesses with resources to improve their storefronts. He discussed how he manages his team and these numerous projects and tracks responsibilities. FY2021 Budget Director Leininger discussed the FY21 initiatives and priorities and organized them by core services,planning, zoning, economic development, community development and capital improvements. He stated that the hospital site will be a focus of 2021. He presented budget spreadsheets which showed the department's budget across multiple divisions —General Fund, CDBG, Lakewood Hospital Fund and Community Development. He explained that the 51% increase in salaries reflects a full staff. In 2020 there was some transitions and reorganizing and so money was saved. He also pointed out that the budget reflects an investment into professional development. Director Leininger identified the following discrepancies that will be corrected before the budget is finalized. They do not impact the bottom line and the budget remains balanced: • Contractual services in the General Fund budget will be increased to account for $80,000 allocation for Cove Church. • There should be $6,500 budgeted in the professional services line item of the CDBG Fund budget. • Contractual services in the ESG Fund Budget should be $150,000, not$120,000. 5