December 19, 2023
Community Development
DATE: December 19, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Lina Velasco, Director of Community Development
Jesus Morales, Housing Manager
Subject: Short-term Rental Assistance Provider Contract FINANCIAL IMPACT: The City Council allocated $1,984,233 of ARPA funds for Tenant Protections and Rental Assistance Program. This contract will be funded by this allocation of funds.
Account string: 13654051-400201-AR243.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
December 5, 2023
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
On December 5, 2023, the City Council allocated
$1,984,233 of ARPA funds for Tenant Protections and
Rental Assistance program. Given RCF Connects’ recent
collaboration with the Richmond Rapid Response Fund
(R3F) in administering a rental assistance program using CARE Act funds and previously allocated ARPA funds,
City staff is seeking authorization to enter into a short- term contract with RCF Connects for $250,000, while a
more specific rental assistance provider or program is
established. This contract will assist in meeting urgent needs.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
AUTHORIZE the City Manager to negotiate and execute
a contract with RCF Connects to administer a rental
assistance program, to be funded using American
Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, for a not-to-exceed
amount of $250,000, through June 30, 2024 - Community
Development (Lina Velasco/Jesus Morales 510-620-
6841).
AGENDA
REPORT
December 19, 2023
DISCUSSION:
On December 5, 2023, the City Council allocated $1,984,233 of American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds for Tenant Protections and Rental Assistance. Given RCF Connects’ recent collaboration with the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F) in administering the rental assistance program using CARES Act and ARPA funds, City staff is seeking to do a short-term contract with RCF Connects for $250,000 to provide rental assistance, while a more specific rental assistance provider or program is identified and established. This will assist in meeting urgent needs of Richmond residents.
To address the immediate needs of the community during the beginning of COVID, the City contracted with the Richmond Rapid Response Fund (R3F) to support the disbursement of direct financial assistance and rental assistance. Through R3F, RCF Connects, Richmond Neighborhood Housing Services, SparkPoint, and Community Housing Development Corporation (CHDC) administered the rental assistance program with referrals coming from the City’s Housing Division and Rent Program. R3F is currently focused on establishing a guaranteed income program, and therefore unable to lead the rental assistance work.
City staff is seeking City Council authorization for the city manager to negotiate and execute a contract with RCF Connects to administer a rental assistance program, to be funded by ARPA funds, for a not to exceed amount of $250,000, through June 30, 2024.
This will assist in meeting urgent needs while a more specific rental assistance provider or program is identified and established. Prior to contract execution and program implementation, City staff will ensure that the contract process and proposed project are implemented in accordance with all United States Treasury ARPA-related regulations.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
None