DEPARTMENT:
Neighborhood and Housing Services Department
DEPARTMENT HEAD:
Verónica R. Soto, FAICP, Neighborhood and Housing Services Department Director
COUNCIL DISTRICTS IMPACTED:
Citywide
SUMMARY:
Director to report updates on Neighborhood and Housing Services Department Programs
BACKGROUND INFORMATION:
Each month the director prepares a report on program updates directly affecting the Commission and its charge.
ISSUE:
Topics to be discussed are: (a) Staff Responses to Questions from Previous Meeting; (b) Audit of the NHSD Risk Mitigation Fund and COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program by City Auditor; (c) Texas Eviction Diversion Program and Evictions Update; (d) Upcoming Meetings
a) Staff Responses to Questions from Previous Meeting
During the September 23 meeting, Commissioners asked for four (4) items to be addressed at a future meeting, and ten (10) questions.
b) Audit of the NHSD Risk Mitigation Fund and COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program by City Auditor and Accountability Committee
During the October 20 meeting of the City Council’s Audit and Accountability Committee, the City Auditor presented the Final Internal Audit of the NHSD Risk Mitigation Fund and COVID-19 Emergency Housing Assistance Program. The City Auditor will be available to answer questions the Commission may have about the audit.
c) Texas Eviction Diversion and Evictions Update
On September 25th, the Governor announced a pilot program called the Texas Eviction Diversion Program (TEDP.) The program is designed to cover up to 6 months of rent, up to 5 of which can be arrears, for residents with evictions filed against them. In addition, the Justice of the Peace courts will seal the records related to the court case. San Antonio was selected to administer the program locally and will receive $600,000 from the state. Up to 10% of this fund can be used for administration.
Staff will brief the Commission on implementation to date as well as the work of the Eviction Courts team.
d) Upcoming Meetings
The next regular meeting will be held on December 2, 2020.
ALTERNATIVES:
This item is for briefing purposes only.
FISCAL IMPACT:
There is no fiscal impact at this time.
RECOMMENDATION:
This item is for briefing purposes only.