12.B.
City Council Meeting - FINAL
- Meeting Date:
- 05/05/2026
- From:
- Stacy Saltzburg, City Clerk
TITLE:
Consideration and Approval: Use of the Council Initiative Fund
STAFF RECOMMENDED ACTION:
- Consideration of the use of the Council Initiative Fund to make a contribution to the Flagstaff Literacy Center in the amount of $2,000.
- Consideration of the use of the Council Initiative Fund for any other items Council may like to consider funding within the fiscal year.
Executive Summary:
Proposal Summary
The Literacy Center respectfully requests $4,000 to support our English as a Second Language programming for adults, youth, and families. Services are delivered through a combination of small group classes and individualized one to one tutoring, helping participants build the language and workforce readiness skills needed to succeed in school, work, and daily life in Flagstaff.
Program Description
Our ESL program provides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on real world application. Small group classes create a supportive environment where learners build foundational skills, while one-to-one tutoring allows us to tailor instruction to individual goals, skill levels, and schedules.
We serve adult learners seeking employment or advancement, youth working to meet school benchmarks, and families navigating systems such as education, healthcare, and employment. Workforce readiness is integrated throughout, including workplace communication, job search support, resume basics, and digital literacy.
Use of Funds
Funds will support instructional time, curriculum and materials, and coordination of tutoring services. This includes both staff-led instruction and volunteer-supported tutoring that expands access for learners and families.
Anticipated Outcomes
With this investment, we expect to serve approximately 25 to 35 learners across adults, youth, and families. Outcomes include improved English language proficiency, increased confidence in academic and workplace communication, progress toward employment or job advancement for adults, and improved school readiness and achievement for youth.
The Literacy Center respectfully requests $4,000 to support our English as a Second Language programming for adults, youth, and families. Services are delivered through a combination of small group classes and individualized one to one tutoring, helping participants build the language and workforce readiness skills needed to succeed in school, work, and daily life in Flagstaff.
Program Description
Our ESL program provides instruction in speaking, listening, reading, and writing, with an emphasis on real world application. Small group classes create a supportive environment where learners build foundational skills, while one-to-one tutoring allows us to tailor instruction to individual goals, skill levels, and schedules.
We serve adult learners seeking employment or advancement, youth working to meet school benchmarks, and families navigating systems such as education, healthcare, and employment. Workforce readiness is integrated throughout, including workplace communication, job search support, resume basics, and digital literacy.
Use of Funds
Funds will support instructional time, curriculum and materials, and coordination of tutoring services. This includes both staff-led instruction and volunteer-supported tutoring that expands access for learners and families.
Anticipated Outcomes
With this investment, we expect to serve approximately 25 to 35 learners across adults, youth, and families. Outcomes include improved English language proficiency, increased confidence in academic and workplace communication, progress toward employment or job advancement for adults, and improved school readiness and achievement for youth.
Financial Impact:
Cost: Up to $25,000
Account Number Budgeted: 001-09-401-1300-1-4290
FY26 Budgeted Amount: $25,000.00
Funding Source: General Fund
Amount currently available for use is $4,400.
Account Number Budgeted: 001-09-401-1300-1-4290
FY26 Budgeted Amount: $25,000.00
Funding Source: General Fund
Amount currently available for use is $4,400.
Policy Impact:
None
Previous Council Decision or Community Discussion:
None
Options and Alternatives to Recommended Action:
None
Background and History:
The Council Initiatives Fund was established as part of the FY2020-21 Budget. The formation of this particular fund was not driven by any singular request or need, but rather as a proactive measure to enable our City Council to approve unforeseen expenditures, from time to time, that would be of benefit to the Flagstaff community. The fund is limited in amount ($25K annual appropriation) and it does not rollover or accumulate. It is an annual appropriation.
There are numerous instances throughout the course of the fiscal year where Council may want to approve miscellaneous expenditures, for the benefit of our community, that simply do not fall neatly within a specific budget appropriation. This fund is intended to allow Council some discretion to approve such expenditures. There is no established process for doing so, other than majority support. We of course always need to stay within our legal parameters and our City Attorney can advise accordingly. Similarly, such matters should be identified on the Council meeting agenda, as an action item.
There are numerous instances throughout the course of the fiscal year where Council may want to approve miscellaneous expenditures, for the benefit of our community, that simply do not fall neatly within a specific budget appropriation. This fund is intended to allow Council some discretion to approve such expenditures. There is no established process for doing so, other than majority support. We of course always need to stay within our legal parameters and our City Attorney can advise accordingly. Similarly, such matters should be identified on the Council meeting agenda, as an action item.
Connection to PBB Priorities and Objectives:
The Council Initiative fund is intended to support all Council goals, objectives and priorities.
Connection to Regional Plan:
None
Connection to Carbon Neutrality Plan:
None
Connection to 10-Year Housing Plan:
None