Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the Regional Housing Council
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the Regional Housing Council (RHC).
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the RHC.
Staff Contact:
Keith Stahley, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department 360.753.8227
Presenter(s):
Keith Stahley, Assistant City Manager, Executive Department
Background and Analysis:
Staff will present to the City Council an overview of the draft Interlocal Agreement (ILA), developed and approved by the RHC at their July 18, 2020 meeting. In order for the RHC to participate in the review of the responses to Thurston County’s current request for proposal process it is necessary to move forward with this agreement.
The purpose of the RHC is to be a regional forum to discuss and coordinate actions related to housing and homelessness and to leverage resources and partnerships through policies and projects that promote equitable access to safe and affordable housing.
Specifically, the RHC will make recommendations related to funding a regional response to homelessness and affordable housing through existing and future Federal, State, and local funding programs, which may include but not limited to:
• RCW 36.22.179 (ESSHB 2163)
• RCW 36.22.178 (SHB 2060) funds
• HOME Investment Partnership Program ("HOME")
• Consolidated Homeless Grant ("CHG")
• Housing and Essential Needs (“HEN”)
• RCW 82.14.540 (SHB 1406)
• Community Development Block Grant ("CDBG")
• Other related funding sources such as a regional home fund to help implement the five-year Thurston County’s Homeless Crisis Response Plan, decrease homelessness and increase affordable housing options.
The RHC is currently comprised of elected representatives and senior staff from Thurston County and the Cities of Lacey, Olympia, Tumwater. Councilmember Cooper and Councilmember Rollins (alternate) represent the City of Olympia on the RHC. Assistant City Manager Keith Stahley and Home Fund Manager Cary Retlin provide staff support. The ILA recognizes the South County communities and if approved, provides for one vote for the cities of Yelm, Tenino, Rainier and Bucoda on the RHC.
The RHC will use Thurston County’s Homeless Crisis Response Plan, local homeless response plans like Olympia’s One Community plan and other policy documents addressing housing and homelessness as policy guidance.
An additional interlocal agreement will be required to establish a framework for use of the HB 1406 dollars that all jurisdictions are receiving. Community Development Block Grant funds will also require a separate process when the Consolidated Plan is due for consideration in 2023.
Neighborhood/Community Interests:
The issues and projects that the RHC will consider are of interest to all neighborhoods and the community at large. The RHC represents a significant step towards addressing issues related to homelessness and housing at a regional level and in a coordinated manner.
Options:
1. Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the Regional Housing Council (RHC).
2. Move to approve a Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the Regional Housing Council (RHC) as amended.
3. Move to refer the matter the General Government Committee for further consideration.
4. Move to reject the Resolution Authorizing an Interlocal Agreement to Dissolve the Health and Human Services Council and Community Investment Partnership and Create the Regional Housing Council (RHC) and provide guidance and feedback to the council liaison to the RHC for next steps in this process.
Financial Impact:
No direct financial impact, however, the RHC ILA requires staff support and a regional approach to responding to, managing and funding our response to homelessness and our housing programs. Additional ILA’s may be required to provide further clarity around the use of specific funding sources such as HB 1406 and CDBG.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement