To: MAYOR AND CITY COUNCIL
From: Michael W. Webb, City Attorney Joy Abaquin, Quality of Life Prosecutor
TITLE
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APPROVE AGREEMENT WITH LOS ANGELES COUNTY TO PARTICIPATE IN THE LOS ANGELES COUNTY COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM TO PARTIALLY FUND THE ENHANCED RESPONSE TO HOMELESSNESS PROGRAM AND AUTHORIZE THE MAYOR OR CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE ANY AND ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS.
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
On April 13, 2021, the Mayor and City Council voted to make the Enhanced Response to Homelessness Pilot Program permanent and to remain under the City Attorney’s Department for the next four years. Councilmember Horvath met with Supervisor Hahn’s office, seeking funding for the Program. Supervisor Hahn’s Office identified County Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) as one of the sources of funding in an amount of $100,000. Staff seeks approval of participation in the Los Angeles County CDBG Program by entering into a one year Agreement for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 and authorization for the Mayor or City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for the participation in the Los Angeles County CDBG Program.
BACKGROUND
The Enhanced Response to Homelessness Program continues to respond to the needs and issues people experiencing homelessness as well as their impact on the community. On April 13, 2021, in addition to approving to make the Enhanced Response to Homelessness Pilot Program permanent, the Mayor and City Council also directed staff to seek funding. Prior to that, Councilmember Horvath had met with Supervisor Hahn’s Office about funding, and they had identified County CDBG as one of the sources of funding for the program.
On May 14, 2021, the City received a letter from the Los Angeles County Development Authority (LACDA) for funding approval in the amount of $100,000 (attached). The City currently does not have the agreement from the County. Issuance of the 2021-2022 CDBG Agreements from LACDA will begin June 9, 2021. The last day to submit signed 2021-2022 contracts is July 13, 2021 for a July 1st start date. The attached letter also states that no projects costs can be incurred until all requirements are met and an agreement is signed and fully executed between the City and LACDA.
Homeless Court is a part of the Enhanced Response to Homelessness Program. The Project Description describes Homeless Court in the Activity Summary (attached). It states, “Homeless Court assists people experiencing homelessness who suffer from mental illnesses, struggle with substance abuse and addiction, and commit crimes of opportunity. The housing navigators and services brought to Homeless Court assist such individuals to curtail the criminal cycle of drug, alcohol, quality of life and theft offenses by meeting misdemeanor defendants in Los Angeles County on designated “Homeless Court” dates to offer accessible community services and legal services. These services aim to get defendants housing ready and eventually permanently housed in order to graduate from Homeless Court and get their criminal charges dismissed. CDBG funds cover personnel and non-personnel costs.”
In order to receive the funding, staff requests the following:
1. Approve participation in the Los Angeles County CDBG Program by entering into a one-year Agreement for Fiscal Year 2021-2022 with the County of Los Angeles; and
2. Authorize the Mayor or City Manager to execute any and all documents necessary for participation in the Los Angeles County CDBG Program.
COORDINATION
The City Attorney's Office coordinated with the Community Services Department, Financial Services Department, the City Manager’s Office and the City’s CDBG consultant in connection with the preparation of this report.
FISCAL IMPACT
All program costs will be funded through the Los Angeles County Community Development Block Grant funds received from LACDA.
ATTACHMENTS
• Community Development Block Grant 2021-2022 Funding Approval Letter
• Los Angeles County Development Authority County of Los Angeles Project Description and Activity Budget