10-28-2019 Homelessness Task ForceHomelessness Task Force Recommendations
City Council
October 28, 2019
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Policy Question
Should City Council approve the Homelessness Task Force recommendations A.1, A.3, A.4, B.2, B.3, and B.5 with staff modifications?
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Background Information
In 2018, City Council identified addressing homelessness as a priority.
Mayor Ferrell convened the Homelessness Task Force in April of 2018.
The group completed its report in December 2018 including thirteen recommendations.
Recommendations were divided into two categories though there is often overlap between the two. The categories were:
A. Addressing impacts for individuals experiencing homelessness
B. Addressing impacts on the community
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Staff Recommendations
Staff is recommending the prioritization of six of the Task Force recommendations.
The recommendations are based on addressing longer term strategic plans as well as taking immediate actions.
The additional recommendations would have larger immediate budget requirements, need additional analysis, and/or exceed existing staff capacity.
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Homelessness Task Force Recommendations
Recommendations for Prioritization
Recommendation A.1: Expand Shelters as Gateways for Progress
Recommendation A.3: Develop a Community Coordinated Outreach Program
Recommendation A.4: Create or Expand Online Resources
Recommendation B.2: Create a Group to Coordinate Clean-Up Programs
Recommendation B.3: Continue Vigilant, Effective, Collaborative, and Mission- Focused Law-Enforcement
Recommendation B.5: Prevent the Re-Establishment of Dismantled Encampments
Additional Homelessness Task Force Recommendations
Recommendation A.2: Create a Community Coordinated Response
Recommendation A.5: Increase the Availability of Affordable Housing and the Effectiveness of the Coordinated Entry System
Recommendation A.6: Increase the Equitable Delivery of Services
Recommendation A.7: Partner with Local Agencies to Install Public Phones
Recommendation A.8: Hire and Train Peer Navigators
Recommendation B.1: Allow a Safe Parking Program
Recommendation B.4: Better Coordinate with Criminal Justice Programs
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Recommendation A.1: Expand Shelters as Gateways for Progress
The Task Force recommendation .
Staff Recommendation: Move forward with planning a year-round shelter for men and women.
Shelter will require significant capital investment and funding for ongoing operations, maintenance, and service delivery.
Such projects take planning and often years to develop so it is recommended to continue to work toward establishing a shelter locally.
It is also recommended that the City explore and support funding options when a shelter project is ready to move forward.
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Recommendation A.3: Develop a Community Coordinated Outreach Program
The Task Force recommended a citywide targeted outreach plan and services.
Staff Recommendation: Proceed with feasibility and cost analysis of increasing outreach programs
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Recommendation A.4: Create or Expand Online Resources
The Task Force recommended either creating a new online resource or working in collaboration with 211 to ensure both local and regional resources are easily accessible.
Staff Recommendation: As 211 offers a robust online resource for the region, staff recommends further analysis of what might be missing locally and collaborating with local services
and 211 to make corresponding improvements when possible or identify local opportunities for sharing resources without establishing a new resource website.
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Recommendation B.2: Create a Group to Coordinate Clean Up Programs
The Task Force recommended creating a group to analyze ways to clean up the community and implement best practices, which may include prevention, mitigation, and remediation.
Staff Recommendation in coordination Judge Larson: Move forward with a Clean-Up Program, preferably with a structured community service program in coordination with the court. Analysis
will be required on the feasibility, cost, and structure.
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Recommendation B.5: Continue Vigilant, Effective, Collaborative, and Mission-Focused Law Enforcement
The Task Force recommended continuing current law enforcement to keep the community safe and secure. The recommendation included acknowledgement of both addressing and preventing crimes
as well as maintaining connection to services for persons experiencing homelessness.
Staff Recommendation in coordination with Deputy Chief Neal: Approve this recommendation as written.
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Recommendation B.5: Prevent the
Re-Establishment of Dismantled Encampments
The Task Force recommended preventing the re-establishment of encampments that are closed and cleaned up.
Staff Recommendation from Brian Davis, Community Development Director: Investigate code and fee revisions to ease the process in obtaining underbrush clearing permits.
Mayor’s Recommendation: Adopt and recommend the staff recommendation.
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Questions?
City Council
October 28, 2019
Staff Contacts:
Sarah Bridgeford, Community Services Manager
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