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City Manager’s Office
Reference: Legal Services Pilot Program
To: Mayor Kenneth J. Kreutzer and Members of City Council
Through: Philip A. Rodriguez, City Manager
Prepared By: Alisha Janes, Executive Assistant to the City Manager
Date Prepared: August 16, 2018
PURPOSE
Requesting City Council authorization for the City Manager to sign a Memorandum of Understanding regarding contributions toward a landlord/tenant legal services pilot program involving Adams County, the surrounding municipalities in Adams County and the City/County of Broomfield.
STRATEGIC FOCUS AREAS
• Safe, Active, and Engaged Community; and
• Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships
BACKGROUND
Currently, qualifying residents in need of free legal aid are referred to the Denver office of Colorado Legal Services (CLS). CLS is a non-profit organization that has been helping low-income individuals including seniors in Colorado, for over 90 years. CLS’ mission is to provide meaningful access to high quality, civil legal services in the pursuit of justice for as many low-income persons and members of vulnerable populations throughout Colorado as possible, including those who face housing insecurity. The Adams County Foundation, several surrounding municipalities and the City/County of Broomfield have collaborated to provide an opportunity for free legal aid within our community during regular weekly office hours for households within 125% of the federal poverty line. This legal aid would be specifically focused on landlord/tenant legal issues.
FINANCIAL IMPACT
The City of Brighton would contribute $12,000 annually to the pilot program.
STAFF RECOMMENDATION
The Colorado Legal Services pilot program provides a strong opportunity to collaborate with Adams County, surrounding municipalities in Adams County and the City/County of Broomfield to meet an acute need within our community.
This regional collaboration aligns with our Strategic Plan by supporting the focus areas of a Safe, Active, and Engaged Community, as well as Strong Regional Relationships and Partnerships. Participating in the pilot program also aligns specifically with the Business Plan initiative number ten under Safe, Active, and Engaged Community: “Identify and support regional initiatives and local organizations that alleviate homelessness in Brighton.”
Attachments:
Ø Draft Memorandum of Understanding
Ø Resolution