Agenda Date: 01/21/2025
Subject:
Title
Resolution 02-2025: Adopting the 2025-2026 Tri-Cities Homelessness Plan of Action
Body
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From: |
James L. Becklenberg, City Manager |
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Prepared by: |
Mike Gent, Deputy City Manager |
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Presentations: |
Mike Gent, Deputy City Manager |
PURPOSE:
To adopt an updated Tri-Cities Homelessness Plan of Action with the Cities of Englewood and Sheridan, and Arapahoe County that outlines a strategic plan and projects to guide the efforts of the Tri-Cities Homelessness Coordinator and the focus of the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group.
LONG-TERM OUTCOME(S) SERVED:
High-Quality Governance; Safe Community
DISCUSSION:
In 2021, councils from the cities of Englewood, Littleton, and Sheridan adopted the original Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan. Over the course of the last three years, the cities partnered with Arapahoe County, Metro Denver Homeless Initiative (MDHI), and nonprofit service providers and achieved success in many components of the first action plan, including the development of a Tri-Cities Homelessness Coordinator position which oversaw the management and completion of strategic plan components.
The second iteration of the plan includes action items from the original plan that were yet to be completed; new action items, primarily focused on developing a long-term financial and governance model; and performance metrics to track the success of action plan items launched under the original term of the action plan. The proposal for the second iteration of the action plan includes 16 projects organized into three of the original action plan themes:
(1) Governance
(2) Single Adult system
(3) Family System
The updated action plan also includes approximately 25 metrics which connect to the four themes of the original action plan, which will be reported on quarterly to show long-term progress in achieving goals identified in the development of the action plan.
BACKGROUND:
The original action plan was projected to cost approximately $750,000, which did not include funding that the cities provided for workforce development projects, such as the launch of CrossPurpose and Bridge House Ready to Work, which received funds from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). Additionally, funds originally identified for some action plan action steps were not expended, and could presumably be expended to finalize those projects in the second iteration of the action plan:
• Create an online platform to request homelessness services- Single Adult theme ($10,000);
• Pilot a safe parking program- Single Adult theme ($25,000);
• Strengthen outreach to landlords- Single Adult theme ($25,000);
• Peer-based support model ($25,000);
• Sponsor a permanent supportive housing feasibility analysis- Single Adult theme ($50,000); and
• Designate a lead service provider- Family theme ($50,000).
The total budgeted cost of the second iteration of the action plan is expected to be $185,000. The majority of the funding for these projects comes from the American Recovery Plan Act (ARPA), and ARPA funds must be expended by the end of 2026, which is when the action plan will end. Staff believes that most other action plan items can be carried out with existing staffing levels and resources, contingent on maintaining the position of Tri-Cities Homelessness Coordinator, the cost for which is estimated at approximately $120,000 per year.
The development of governance and financial sustainability models, included in the Governance theme, will help the tri-cities develop a long-term approach to funding the Tri-Cities Homelessness Coordinator, as well as long-range funding for the navigation center. The majority of the projects included in the action plan that require seed funding are not expected to need substantial resources from the cities to continue into the future.
Prior Actions or Discussions
- July 6, 2021 - Study session on the draft Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan
- September 21, 2021 - Adoption of Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan
- March 1, 2022 - Approval of the IGA for Provision of Homelessness Coordinator Services
- March 7, 2023 - Approval of amended IGA for Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan
- November 21, 2024 - Study session on the draft 2025-2026 Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan
- December 17, 2024 - Approval of an amended Tri-Cities Homelessness IGA between the cities of Englewood, Littleton, Sheridan, and the County of Arapahoe, Colorado
FISCAL IMPACTS:
No additional fiscal impacts are expected beyond those already approved in the most recent intergovernmental agreement.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION:
Staff recommends approval of the resolution adopting the 2025-2026 Tri-Cities Homelessness Action Plan.
ALTERNATIVES:
Adoption of the action plan outlines a strategic plan and projects, to guide the efforts of the Tri-Cities Homelessness Coordinator and the focus of the Tri-Cities Homelessness Policy Group. Delay in approval of the updated action plan may pose a challenge to future collaboration within this initiative.
PROPOSED MOTION:
Proposed Motion
I move to approve Resolution 02-2025 adopting the 2025-2026 Tri-Cities Homelessness Plan of Action.