Title
Request Authorization to Enter into Contract with Community Legal Services - COVID-19 (Ordinance S-46811)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to enter into contract with Community Legal Services in an amount not to exceed $850,000 to provide education and legal assistance to Phoenix tenants facing eviction proceedings through local Justice Courts. The term of this contract will begin on or about July 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020. Further request authorization for the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item. One-time funding is provided through the Coronavirus Aid Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act and is to be expended by Dec. 30, 2020. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Report
Summary
In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, Maricopa County is now ranked fourth in the nation for the number of evictions filed and granted each year. Community Legal Services is uniquely positioned to serve Phoenix tenants most likely to receive an eviction notice. Tenants facing eviction are often low income, struggling to pay other bills, and challenged with navigating the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act. The City of Phoenix Human Services Department (HSD) houses the Landlord and Tenant program which provides education to Phoenix tenants and landlords, but additional assistance and advocacy is needed to improve legal outcomes for households facing eviction. Community Legal Services does not charge a fee for their legal assistance, has an established relationship with the Phoenix Justice Courts, and has considerable familiarity with working with disadvantaged and vulnerable populations. Community Legal Services will partner with HSD landlord/tenant counselors to provide more comprehensive services to tenants facing eviction, up to and including financial assistance with rent and utility payments.
Procurement Information
Services may be procured, as needed, by utilizing procurement in accordance with Administrative Regulation 3.10 to implement and administer programs intended to prevent, prepare for and respond to the COVID-19 national pandemic. The City of Phoenix has obtained or will obtain all necessary federal waivers to ensure compliance with federal procurement guidelines.
Contract Term
The term of the Community Legal Services contract will begin on or about July 1, 2020 through Dec. 30, 2020. This contract may be extended based on continuous need and available funding, which may be exercised by the City Manager or designee.
Financial Impact
One-time funding for the contract is provided through the CARES Act. There is no impact to the General Fund.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Human Services Department.