Title
Authorization to Enter Into Contract with Community Legal Services for Eviction Assistance due to COVID-19 Pandemic (Ordinance S-47231)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contract with Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) in an amount not to exceed $465,000 to provide legal assistance, advocacy and representation to Phoenix tenants facing eviction proceedings through local Justice Courts. The term of this contract will begin on or about Jan. 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. Funding is provided from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
Earlier this year, the state and federal government implemented moratoria on eviction actions for rental tenants. The state moratorium expired Oct. 31, 2020 and was not replaced or renewed. The federal moratorium is set to expire Dec. 31, 2020. With the moratoria expiring, City staff anticipates an increase in eviction filings in Maricopa County.
To address the impact of COVID-19 on housing stability, in June 2020, CLS created the Tenants Assistance Eviction Project (TEAP) with financial support through the City of Phoenix Coronavirus Relief Fund allocation. TEAP is staffed with attorneys providing legal assistance, advocacy and representation to low-income Phoenix residents experiencing eviction and court action. CLS does not charge a fee for this service, has an established relationship with the Phoenix-area Justice Courts, and has considerable familiarity in working with low income and vulnerable populations.
Contract Term
The term of the contract will begin on or about Jan. 1, 2021 through June 30, 2021.
Financial Impact
The aggregate value of this contract shall not exceed $465,000. Funding is provided from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, Division of Aging and Adult Services. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Inger Erickson and the Human Services Department.