DEPARTMENT: Planning and Community Development
DEPARTMENT HEAD: Bridgett White
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED: Citywide
SUBJECT:
Briefing and possible action on a relocation assistance policy
SUMMARY:
This item will include a staff briefing on a possible policy framework to address relocation for residents in instances in which displacement cannot be avoided, followed by Commission discussion and possible action.
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
The Mayor's Task Force was first convened on October 16, 2014, and was established for the purpose of identifying "policies and programs that encourage investment in inner city neighborhoods but minimize or prevent displacement of people or adverse impacts related to history, culture, and quality of life of unique neighborhoods." The Task Force met with the intent to:
* Review current policies
* Review best practices from other communities
* Identify short-term and long-term recommendations
* Seek community input/educate community on scope of issue
* Be inclusive of varying perspectives
City Council approved the Task Force's Final Report on May 14, 2015, which included a recommendation that the City "Develop a Relocation Assistance Policy for Circumstances When Displacement Cannot be Avoided." An excerpt from the Report reads:
"In researching best practices for non-federally funded displacements, the Task Force reviewed programs within the State of Texas and nationally to include Austin, Dallas, Boston, Chicago, Los Angeles, State of Maryland and Seattle. It should be noted that Texas State Law currently prohibits state agencies from providing any additional relocation assistance entitlements in excess of what is authorized in the Uniform Relocation Act (State Chapter Section 21.046 under Relocation Assistance).
"In cases of displacement either the incoming developer or property owner were responsible for paying relocation assistance to tenants with additional stipends available to senior and/or disabled individual...
Click here for full text