Lee County announces creation of Office of Strategic Resources & Government Affairs

Office will be integral in recent $1.1 billion award from HUD

Lee County has announced the creation of the Office of Strategic Resources & Government Affairs – a move that will place the county in a more competitive position to secure and manage grant funds

This announcement comes at a critical juncture for the county, which earlier this year was awarded $1 1 billion in Housing and Urban Development funds in response to Hurricane Ian It also is the recent recipient of federal Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act funds; and American Rescue Plan Act funds.

T h e H U D f u n d s w i l l b e a l l o c a t e d t h r o u g h the Community Development Block Grant – Disaster Recovery program directly to Lee County to assist with the county’s long-term recovery following the storm, which made landfall in Lee County on Sept 28, 2022 These disaster recovery funds can be used for activities including housing redevelopment, infrastructure repair, economic revitalization and long-term planning Prior to the release of funds, which come with more restrictions for use than CARES or ARPA funds, the county is required to develop a plan to describe uses, management and oversight.

The new Office of Strategic Resources & Government Affairs will handle the planning process and work with HUD for approval

The new office will report to the Lee County Manager and will:

■ Implement policies governing external funding

■ Provide procedures that detail the grant proposalseeking process

■ Ensure the proper execution, management and close-out of the county’s grant awards

■ Report on the submission and status of grants in a manner that ensures transparency and accountability to the Board of County Commissioners, grantors and the public

The new office will be led by Lee Assistant County Manager Glen Salyer, a 20-year employee who has served for a decade as the county’s legislative liaison and provided oversite to key county departments

To receive updates from Lee County Government, s i g n u p f o r t h e n e w s l e t t e r a t w w w l e e g o v c o m / resources/newsletters Follow Lee County Government on Facebook, www.facebook.com/leecountyflbocc.