Title
Agreement with Harvard Kennedy School for Further Assistance to the Community Assistance Program (Ordinance S-49074)
Description
Request to authorize the City Manager, or his designee, to approve an agreement with Harvard Kennedy School to participate in the Government Performance Lab technical assistance program and provide continued support to the Community Assistance Program (CAP) for up to an additional two years. Further request an exemption from the indemnification prohibition set forth in the Phoenix City Code section 42-18 to allow for mutual indemnification.
Report
Summary
On June 16, 2021, City Council approved $15 million to expand the City's Community Assistance Program. The CAP expansion focuses on utilizing alternative 9-1-1 emergency response teams to respond to 9-1-1 calls in lieu of traditional law enforcement. Over the past year, the Harvard Kennedy School has helped the City develop methods to reduce reliance on traditional law enforcement and connected residents with mental and behavioral health services, substance use treatment, and other forms of support.
With approval of this agreement, Harvard Kennedy School will be able to provide further input on topics including select program policies and procedures, training development, key performance metrics and training materials. Harvard Kennedy School is able to pass along knowledge and best practices to Phoenix for consideration and inclusion in Phoenix CAP operations as they benefit from similar information from other jurisdictions across the nation including: Durham, N.C.; Harris County, Texas; Long Beach, Calif.; and Philadelphia, Pa.
Staff requests a waiver of Phoenix City Code 42-18 to allow for mutual indemnification for both parties.
Contract Term
The term of this agreement is for up to two years based on the mutual agreement between the City of Phoenix and Harvard Kennedy School.
Financial Impact
The City shall have no responsibility for compensation or employee benefits for any individual from the Harvard Government Performance Lab with respect to any work done pursuant to this agreement. There is no cost to the City.
Department
Responsible Department
This item is submitted by Assistant City Manager Lori Bays, Deputy City Manager Ginger Spencer, and the Fire Department.