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City Council Report Date: April 20, 2026 To: City Council Through: Miranda DeWitt, Government Relations Director From: Sharon Skinner, Grants Coordinator Subject: Resolution of support for the submittal of a grant application by Foster Arizona to the Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation in the amount of $15,000 for their A Fresh Start for Unhoused Youth, The Housing Project and approving the City Manager to accept and administer subsequent awarded funds as a pass-thru grant. Purpose and Recommendation This request is seeking a City Council resolution of support for Foster Arizona application to Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation for Proposition 202 funding. If awarded, the grant will provide $15,000 in funding for their A Fresh Start for Unhoused Youth, The Housing Project. A Council Resolution supports this effort to secure a grant and commits the city to receive it on behalf of the non-profit and pass it through in its entirety to them if awarded. As these programs serve the needs of City of Mesa residents, staff recommendation is for Council to adopt this resolution. Background Located in Mesa, AZ, Foster Arizona is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to educate, empower and engage at-risk and foster youth, families, and the community to offer hope through connections. Its vision is that every youth, family, and community member will be empowered, supported, and able to enrich their lives through intentional community connections. Project Summary Foster Arizona’s 26-bed transitional housing program offers more than a safe place to reside, it offers a place of belonging and a safety net for low- income, unhoused youth, ages 18-to-24. The program meets immediate needs (housing, food, and basic provisions), and offers individualized supportive services (financial literacy, life skills, case management, leadership and empowerment opportunities, employment, education/trade, counseling support, and more) to meet individuals where they are. One in four youth who age out of foster care becomes homeless within four years, and 85% struggle to secure stable housing. Discussion A resolution of support for this grant request will complete the necessary documentation for the organization to file their application by the funder’s deadline and be considered for funding from Fort McDowell Yavapai Nation. Mesa’s participation in Proposition 202 Indian Gaming Grants has returned over $1 billion to Arizona communities since its passage in 2002 from four surrounding tribal governments. Alternatives The only alternative to adopting this resolution would be to not adopt. Such an action would deny Mesa sponsorship for this request and require the organization to seek an alternate local government for access to this funding source. Fiscal Impact The fiscal impact on the City of Mesa, should this grant be awarded, will be negligible except overhead expenses in accounting to accept and reissue the grant check. The City does not administer the grant and signs an MOU or IGA with each tribe to limit our liability to only the pass-through transaction.