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Thank you for submitting the City of Lackawanna's application to New York's Pro-Housing Communities Program. We are delighted to inform you that we have completed the review of your application and the City of Lackawanna has been certified as a Pro-Housing Community. The housing shortage that New Yorkers face affects residents of all ages and income levels, and the urgent need to take action to address the issue is only growing. In New York State, rents have risen 40 to 60 percent since 2015 and home prices have risen 50 to 80 percent. More than half of New York renters are rentburdened, meaning that they pay more than 30 percent of their income on rent - the second-highest rate in the nation. Here at HCR, we understand the nexus between supply and affordability. In order to achieve true equity of opportunity and to erase the gaps in access to health, education, and wealth-building, we must guarantee that people have a choice as to where they live and raise their families. So much of the housing progress we have made and want to make is dependent on the support of municipalities like yours who are on the front lines helping families fight for housing that meets their needs. As a certified Pro-Housing Community, the City of Lackawanna will now be eligible to apply for various discretionary funding programs with up to $750 million in funding available. We are excited that the City of Lackawanna has chosen to join the Pro-Housing Communities Program and we look forward to continuing to work with the City of Lackawanna to ensure that all New Yorkers have access to a safe, affordable, equitable place to live. RUTHANNE VISNAUSKAS, COMMISSIONER/CEO CHARLES CLARK, DIRECTOR OF DEVELOPMENT, MARKETING & PUBLIC INFORMATION Moved by Marrano second by et al to receive and file with thanks to Director of Development Chuck Clark. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Meegan, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 5-0 Director of Recreation requests the City Council direct the City Clerk to advertise for lawn mowing and landscaping bids for the 2026 calendar year. 6. Honorable Members of City Council: I am requesting your Honorable Body to authorize the City Clerk to advertise for lawn mowing and landscaping of various recreational and public property areas in the City of Lackawanna for the 2026 calendar year. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me. KATHLEEN MORAN, DIRECTOR OF PARKS & RECREATION Moved by Marrano second by Meegan to advertise for lawn mowing/landscaping bids. Yeas: Muflahi, Anderson, Meegan, Surdyke, Marrano Carried 5-0