As the city hacks away at the budget, Councilmember Sally Clark is expected to propose a $25,000 gap fund for the Cascade People’s Center (CPC). The money—which would come from a Department of Neighborhoods grant—would keep CPC open through the 1st quarter of 2008 while they put together a business plan.

CPC would also be eligible for a city “challenge grant,” which would match the center’s funding if they’re able to raise $75,000. Additionally, the CPC would continue to use their facility rent free.

All told, the CPC could have $175,000 to work with next year, just over half of their usual $300,000 annual budget.

CPC Director Myla Becker is excited about the opportunity to keep the center up and running but, she says, “we will have to cut our staffing in half and reduce our hours and programming.”

The council’s final vote on the budget will be on November 19th.