Title
Authorization to Amend Contract with Community Legal Services Tenants Eviction Assistance Project (TEAP) Program (Ordinance S-50505)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to extend the term of Contract 159091 with Community Legal Services, Inc. (CLS) through Dec. 31, 2024 and add an additional $1 million in funding to allow CLS to continue to provide legal assistance, advocacy and representation to Phoenix tenants facing eviction proceedings through local Justice Courts. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. Funding is provided from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
In June 2020, CLS created the Tenants Assistance Eviction Project (TEAP). TEAP is staffed with attorneys providing legal assistance, advocacy and representation to low-income Phoenix residents experiencing eviction and related 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.
City Council allocated funding for this program at the Nov. 15, 2023, Formal Council meeting as part of the ARPA November 2023 reallocation.The amendment will add an additional $1 million in ARPA funds for CLS to serve Phoenix residents and allow continuation of program operations through Dec. 31, 2024.
Contract Term
The initial term of the contract was July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024. The amendment will extend the contract through Dec. 31, 2024.
Financial Impact
The revised total value of this contract shall not exceed $1.3 million. Additional funding is provided from the ARPA. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
The City Council approved Contract 159091 via Ordinance S-49929 on June 28, 2023.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.