Title
Approval of a Resolution Authorizing an Amendment to the Plum Street Village Property Lease Agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute
Recommended Action
Committee Recommendation:
Not referred to a committee.
City Manager Recommendation:
Move to approve a Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Plum Street Village Property Lease Agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute.
Report
Issue:
Whether to approve a Resolution authorizing an amendment to the Plum Street Village Property Lease Agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute.
Staff Contact:
Rich Hoey, P.E., Interim Assistant City Manager, 360.753.8227
Darian Lightfoot, Director of Housing and Homeless Response, 360.753.8033
Presenter(s):
None - Consent Calendar Item
Background and Analysis:
Plum Street Village is a 29-unit tiny home village that provides critical shelter and support services for unhoused individuals in our community. Since its inception in February 2019, the City has contracted with the Low Income Housing Institute (LIHI) for on-going management and operation of Plum Street Village. Through a funding agreement with the City, LIHI provides 24/7 staffing of Plum Street Village, including case management services for residents.
In December 2022, City Council extended the funding agreement with LIHI to continue on-going operations at Plum Street Village through the end of 2023. The City also has a companion property lease agreement with LIHI for the Plum Street Village property. That lease agreement expires at the end of January 2023. This amendment to the property lease agreement would extend the lease term to the end of 2023, consistent with the funding agreement.
Climate Analysis:
While this property lease agreement will not directly impact current greenhouse gas emissions at Plum Street Village, there may be additional opportunities to pursue renewable energy and energy efficiency at the site. Staff intends to look at ways to link Plum Street Village into upcoming climate program offerings.
Equity Analysis:
The extension of the property lease agreement supports continued operation of Plum Street Village, benefiting those that are unhoused in the community as well as the broader community at large. To support equity in the placement of individuals at Plum Street Village, the City requires LIHI to coordinate with referring agencies through Thurston County Coordinated Entry.
To address potential impacts on neighboring properties, the City also requires LIHI to convene a Community Advisory Committee (CAC) of neighboring property owners, faith-based organizations, service providers and businesses. The CAC is required to meet bi-monthly to maintain communications and provide feedback on the on-going operation of the village.
Neighborhood/Community Interests (if known):
There is significant community interest in the City’s homeless response efforts. As discussed above, LIHI is required to hold Community Advisory Committee (CAC) meetings to gain input and feedback from the community. The City also participates in the CAC meetings.
Options:
1. Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Amendment to the Plum Street Village Property Lease Agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute.
2. Do Not Approve the Resolution Authorizing the Amendment to the Plum Street Village Property Lease Agreement with the Low Income Housing Institute. This option would be inconsistent with the recently approved funding agreement.
3. Request Modification of the Property Lease Agreement. The current lease agreement expires at the end of January which would require a short-term, temporary extension of the agreement while potential changes are negotiated.
Financial Impact:
The City of Olympia leases the property to LIHI for an annual cost of One Dollar ($1) per year due to the public benefit of sheltering unhoused individuals on the property.
Attachments:
Resolution
Agreement