Special Notice / Hearing: None__
Vote Required: Majority
To: Honorable Board of Supervisors
From: Ken Cole, Director
Subject: Measure K: Contract with Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County for Comprehensive Legal Services
RECOMMENDATION:
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Measure K: Adopt a resolution waiving the Request for Proposals process and authorizing the Director of the Department of Housing or the Director's designee to negotiate and execute an agreement with Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County for the Eviction Defense Project for the term of December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2021 in a total amount not to exceed $486,362.
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BACKGROUND:
Measure K is a 20-year half-cent sales tax extension passed by local voters in November 2016 to support essential County services and to maintain or replace critical facilities. The original tax was passed in 2012 (assigned as Measure A on that ballot). Measure K extends the sales tax for 20 years, until March 31, 2043. The Board and County staff have conducted study sessions and community outreach efforts to inform priorities of Measure K spending.
On June 25, 2019, the Board of Supervisors (the "Board") approved an Appropriation Transfer Request transferring Measure K revenue and expenditure appropriations in the amount of $225,000 from Non-Departmental Services to the Department of Housing ("DOH") for eviction defense for low-income tenants provided by Legal Aid Society of San Mateo County ("Legal Aid").
On September 24, 2019, the Board approved final revisions to the FY 2019-21 Approved Recommended Budget, allocated $507,500 of Measure K funds for Landlord and Tenant Information and Referral Services ("LTIR Services"). DOH considers eviction defense for low-income tenants to be a LTIR Service.
DISCUSSION:
Legal Aid is a non-profit law firm that seeks to "fight social injustice through civil legal advocacy for people living in poverty." Legal Aid has more than 50 years of experience in providing legal serv...
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