2.5 20-0502 Subject: Centro Legal De La Raza To Provide Anti-Displacement Program
From: Housing And Community Development Department
Recommendation: Adopt A Resolution Authorizing The City Administrator Or Designee To Negotiate And Enter Into The Following One-Year Professional Services Agreements For Anti-Displacement Program Activities: 1. A One Year Contract With Centro Legal De La Raza ("CLR") To Provide Anti-Displacement Program Services To Low-Income Tenants In The Amount Of $1,275,000 From August 1, 2020 Through September 30, 2021; And 2. Waiving The Competitive Procurement Process For Fair Chance Access To Housing Ordinance Outreach Services So That These Services May Be Included In The One Year Contract With CLR; And 3. A One Year Contract With Housing And Economic Rights Advocates ("Hera") To Provide Anti-Displacement Program Services To Low Income Homeowners In The Amount Of $525,000 From October 1, 2020 Through September 30, 2021
It is becoming more and more apparent to me that the relationship between the Centro Legal De La Raza attorneys is less than transparent, they help draft city laws that clearly keep them in business by creating more and more contention between housing providers and renters. Their involvement instigate lawsuits and interferes with the relationships between owners and renters. Who will oversee the use of these funds and how will the outcomes be measured. Why aren't funds being allocated for the protections of small housing providers who could also use assistance during this difficult period?
I would like to see more transparency in this process. There is no check and balance or reliable data to verify that this organization is meeting the criteria. Also legal services should be offered to low income owners especially seniors on fixed income.
Homeowners contract was to be for rental property owners who had 14 units or less. Low income was not a factor in original legislation. For this size of a contract I ask that you amend “homeowner” to “rental property owner/homeowner” and strike “low income”. During these times all types of owners need assistance.
$1.25M contract with no competition, no bidding, seems a bit too cozy. Where are the checks and balances for good government? This is how Oakland chooses to operate? Next comes the request for tax increase...
We are seeing devastating impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our community. The aftermath of COVID-19 is only going to worsen Oakland’s housing crisis. Without strong protections, Oakland’s communities of color are on the verge of an avalanche of displacement from which they, and the city’s diversity, may never recover. While the city has taken steps to protect tenants by passing an eviction moratorium, some landlords are continuing to attempt to intimidate tenants into leaving. Now, and as we recover from this pandemic, City Council must act to keep Oakland residents safe and housed.
Oakland residents need our City Council to pass strong Tenant Protection upgrades NOW.
We are thankful that Councilmembers Dan Kalb and Nikki Fortunato Bas, and City Attorney Barbara Parker, have sponsored these important protections for Oakland tenants. We urge you and the other city councilmembers to join them.
It is becoming more and more apparent to me that the relationship between the Centro Legal De La Raza attorneys is less than transparent, they help draft city laws that clearly keep them in business by creating more and more contention between housing providers and renters. Their involvement instigate lawsuits and interferes with the relationships between owners and renters. Who will oversee the use of these funds and how will the outcomes be measured. Why aren't funds being allocated for the protections of small housing providers who could also use assistance during this difficult period?
I would like to see more transparency in this process. There is no check and balance or reliable data to verify that this organization is meeting the criteria. Also legal services should be offered to low income owners especially seniors on fixed income.
Homeowners contract was to be for rental property owners who had 14 units or less. Low income was not a factor in original legislation. For this size of a contract I ask that you amend “homeowner” to “rental property owner/homeowner” and strike “low income”. During these times all types of owners need assistance.
$1.25M contract with no competition, no bidding, seems a bit too cozy. Where are the checks and balances for good government? This is how Oakland chooses to operate? Next comes the request for tax increase...
We are seeing devastating impacts from the COVID-19 pandemic on our community. The aftermath of COVID-19 is only going to worsen Oakland’s housing crisis. Without strong protections, Oakland’s communities of color are on the verge of an avalanche of displacement from which they, and the city’s diversity, may never recover. While the city has taken steps to protect tenants by passing an eviction moratorium, some landlords are continuing to attempt to intimidate tenants into leaving. Now, and as we recover from this pandemic, City Council must act to keep Oakland residents safe and housed.
Oakland residents need our City Council to pass strong Tenant Protection upgrades NOW.
We are thankful that Councilmembers Dan Kalb and Nikki Fortunato Bas, and City Attorney Barbara Parker, have sponsored these important protections for Oakland tenants. We urge you and the other city councilmembers to join them.
In these times of budget crisis why is the competitive bidding process being ignored? How does the City Auditor pass on this?