Title
Authorization to Amend Ordinances S-10987 and S-15723 Pertaining to the Human Services Commission (Ordinance S-52209) - Citywide
Description
Request the City Council to amend Ordinances S-10987 and S-15723 to update the functions, membership terms, officer roles, and residency requirements of the Human Services Commission (Commission). These updates align with federal, state, and local requirements for the Commission.
Report
Summary
The Human Services Department requests amendments to Ordinances S-10987 and S-15723, which govern the establishment, duties, and membership of the Commission. The Commission serves as an advisory body that supports the City’s efforts to meet the needs of low-income residents and promote community well-being.
These ordinances were originally adopted to meet the City’s obligations as a designated Community Action Agency under the federal Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) program. The proposed updates are needed to remain aligned with current federal CSBG requirements, state guidance from the Arizona Department of Economic Security, and City of Phoenix governance standards.
Revisions to S-10987 include:
- Update the functions of the Commission to: The function statement is modernized to align with federal CSBG expectations. The new language affirms that all members, regardless of category, shall uphold the mission of the Commission and the Human Services Department. Additionally, they will fulfill their responsibilities in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws and regulations, including the CSBG Act, CSBG Organizational Standards, and guidance from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
- Revised officer roles and appointment process to: Updates are necessary to clarify the process for appointing Commission officers and to extend flexibility in leadership continuity. The Chairperson and Vice-Chairperson shall be appointed by the Mayor, subject to City Council approval, for a two-year term. The Chairperson and Vice Chairperson shall serve a two-year term and may be re-elected by a majority vote of the Commission to serve additional two-year terms, not to exceed six years of service. In the event of a vacancy or expired term, a new Chairperson or Vice-Chairperson must be formally appointed by the Mayor and approved by Council. However, reappointment to an additional term does not require re-nomination or Council approval.
Revisions to S-15723 include:
- Update membership requirements to reflect that Representatives of the Low-Income Community and Representatives of Major Groups and Interests shall serve a term of three years and may serve a maximum of two terms, for a total of six years of service. After being appointed for two terms, commissioners shall not be eligible for reappointment.
- Clarify geographical representation for members selected to represent a specific geographic area. The "area served" shall be defined as the City of Phoenix. Accordingly, all such members must reside within the Phoenix city limits to maintain eligibility.
These changes are intended to ensure the Commission remains in compliance with current federal requirements, including the CSBG Act, CSBG Organizational Standards, and guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services.
Concurrence/Previous Council Action
- On November 4, 1964, Resolution 11887 established policy and created the Leadership and Education for the Advancement of Phoenix (LEAP) Commission to address issues in low-income areas of Phoenix.
- On March 8, 1966, Ordinance S-3583 revised the policy relating to the operation of the LEAP Commission.
- On April 10, 1979, Ordinance S-10987 changed the name to Community Services Commission and revised the policy relating to Commission operations.
- On April 28, 1985, Ordinance S-15657 revised the policy relating to Commission operations.
- On May 29, 1985, Ordinance S-15723 revised the membership requirements.
- On December 18, 1991, Ordinance S-20598 changed the name to Human Services Commission and transferred Commission management to the Human Services Department.
- On May 12, 2025, the Human Services Commission reviewed and approved a motion to request these revisions to the Commission’s governing ordinances.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Gina Montes and the Human Services Department.