Title
Authorization to Apply for, Accept, Disburse, and Enter into Agreement for Community Services Block Grant Discretionary Funding (Ordinance S-43246)
Description
Request authorization for the City Manager, or designee, to apply for Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) discretionary funding in an amount not to exceed $35,000 from the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) to provide equipment for audiovisual energy education information in the lobbies of the three Family Services Centers. Further request authorization for the City Treasurer to accept and the City Controller to disburse all funds related to this item if awarded. Further request approval to enter into an agreement with DES to amend the current Emergency Assistance Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) upon successful award of the funding.
Report
Summary
Funding provided to the City of Phoenix through the current Emergency Assistance contract is used to assist low-income families and individuals in removing barriers to self-sufficiency in regards to employment and/or education, housing assistance, emergency utility assistance, and to provide ongoing supportive services through case management and community coordination. Within this contract, federal Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program regulations require clients to be provided home energy education to help them manage and reduce their utility costs. Currently, this education is provided by caseworkers during each individual client appointment. With this funding, this requirement would be met by implementing a video-based information and education display in the lobbies of the three Family Services Centers. The application is due to DES by Feb. 17, 2017.
Contract Term
If the City is awarded the CSBG discretionary funding by the Department of Economic Security, the current Emergency Assistance IGA will be amended to reflect the additional funding and purpose. The IGA term is from July 1, 2016 through June 30, 2017. This is the third amendment to the IGA for this contract term.
Financial Impact
There are no matching fund requirements. If awarded, the additional funding will increase the contract aggregate amount which is currently $8,051,114 for the fiscal year.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Deputy City Manager Deanna Jonovich and the Human Services and Information Technology Services departments.