DATE: 04/12/2022
SUBJECT:
Title
RESOLUTION WAIVING BOARD OF PORT COMMISSIONERS’ POLICY NO. 110 SECTION II E AND AUTHORIZING AN AGREEMENT WITH SAN DIEGO REGIONAL TASK FORCE ON HOMELESSNESS FOR SERVICES RELATED TO HOMELESSNESS ON PORT TIDELANDS IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $1,200,000. EXPENDITURES ARE BUDGETED IN THE DISTRICT’S ECONOMIC RECOVERY PROGRAM CAPITAL OUTLAY APPROPRIATED ITEM.
Body
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
With homelessness impacting public safety, terminal operations, Port experiences, and the bay’s environmental health, an approach which includes an assessment, strategy development, implementation and sustainability measures to address homelessness is needed. The objective of the proposed San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness (RTFH) services is to develop and implement a comprehensive, sustainable strategy with local partners aimed at meeting the needs of people experiencing homelessness. This previously appropriated service is funded through the Economic Recovery Program.
The RTFH is a regional non-profit organization that serves as the lead planning, data, and policy agency across San Diego County.
Staff is recommending waiving Board of Port Commissioners’ Policy 110 Section II E. RTFH is uniquely qualified to address homelessness on Port Tidelands as it is a regional, quasi-public organization that can provide a comprehensive needs assessment prior to implementation of an action plan for all of the District's member cities. This will also allow for appropriated stimulus funds to be expended by the June 30, 2024 deadline.
Staff recommends selecting and authorizing the agreement for services in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000 (Attachment A).
RECOMMENDATION:
Adopt a Resolution selecting and authorizing an agreement with San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness in an amount not to exceed $1,200,000.
FISCAL IMPACT:
Funds for the proposed services related to homelessness on Port Tidelands for this fiscal year are budgeted within the Economic Recovery Program; all funds required for future fiscal years will be budgeted in the Economic Recovery Program capital outlay appropriated item of the appropriate fiscal year, subject to board approval upon adoption of each fiscal year’s budget.
Compass Strategic Goals:
This agenda item supports the following Strategic Goal(s).
• A Port that is a safe place to visit, work and play.
DISCUSSION:
District staff is proposing to enter into an agreement with RTFH, which will be funded by the District’s Economic Recovery Program.
The goal of the agreement is to develop a comprehensive strategy to decrease homelessness in the Port Tidelands, work with various partners to implement strategy and meet the needs of people experiencing homelessness in the area, and to develop a plan to sustain effective strategies and partnerships.
The components of the approach include:
1. Comprehensive Assessment and System Strategy Development
o Conduct a comprehensive assessment and analysis of homelessness within the tidelands. Understand the extent of the population, housing and service needs, and current activities to address homelessness in tidelands.
o As part of assessment, engage key partners such as Harbor Police Department, local elected officials, government agencies, non-profits, private funders, and others.
o Develop system strategy outlining activities, partnerships, funding, timelines and metrics to engage individuals experiencing homelessness and decrease homelessness on the tidelands.
o Convene an initiative leadership body among partners for the two-year period.
2. Implement System Strategy to Decrease Homelessness in Port Tidelands
o Provide overall leadership, design, coordination, project management, and reporting for three-year initiative. Engage and educate key stakeholders and partners.
o Coordinate with Partners:
§ Coordinate with local government entities including the cities of Chula Vista, Coronado, Imperial Beach, National City, San Diego, and the County of San Diego.
§ Leverage current partnerships and coordinate with street outreach services and encampment resolution processes. Coordinate with existing street outreach teams in the five cities - Alpha Project, Downtown Partnership, Father Joe’s Villages, McAllister Institute, PATH, and the County Homeless Outreach Teams (HOT).
§ Coordinate with local law enforcement, including Harbor Police Department.
§ Coordinate with existing and forthcoming shelter programs in the City of San Diego and South Bay areas for temporary placements from encampments.
o Leverage other state/federal funds and engage private philanthropy to invest additional funds, maximizing the impact of this investment.
o Leverage and/or Subcontract Needed Housing and Services:
§ Leverage/enhance/expand existing contracts (Cities, County, or RTFH) with homeless services providers who are already providing street outreach, shelter, and housing.
§ Leverage RTFH’s Flexible Housing Pool operated by Brilliant Corners to increase permanent housing options.
o Measure and Evaluate Initiative Performance:
§ Use data collected to identify an accurate number of individuals “by name” who are experiencing homelessness in the Port’s coastal areas.
§ Measure the initiative’s performance over the two years and regularly report back to the District and other critical initiative partners on progress.
3. Sustain Effort to Address Homelessness
o Work with partners to develop sustainability plan to decrease homelessness on Port tidelands.
o Create sustainability report with specific strategies and protocols.
o Conduct final evaluation report of two-year initiative and report findings to key stakeholders.
General Counsel’s Comments:
The Office of the General Counsel has reviewed this agenda sheet and attachments, as presented to it, and approves the same as to form and legality.
Environmental Review:
The proposed Board action, including without limitation, waiving Board of Port Commissioners’ Policy No. 110 Section II E and authorizing an agreement with San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness, does not constitute a “project” under the definition set forth in California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) Guidelines Sections 15352 and 15378 because no direct or indirect changes to the physical environment would occur. CEQA requires that the District adequately assess the environmental impacts of projects and reasonably foreseeable activities that may result from projects prior to the approval of the same. Any project developed as a result of the proposed Board action that requires the District or the Board’s discretionary approval resulting in a physical change to the environment will be analyzed in accordance with CEQA prior to such approval. CEQA review may result in the District, in its sole and absolute discretion, requiring implementation of mitigation measures, adopting an alternative, including without limitation, a “no project alternative” or adopting a Statement of Overriding Consideration, if required. The proposed Board action in no way limits the exercise of this discretion. Therefore, no further CEQA review is required.
The proposed Board action complies with Sections 35 and 81 of the Port Act, which authorizes the Board to do acts necessary and convenient for the exercise of its power; and to use funds for necessary expenses of conducting the District. The Port Act was enacted by the California Legislature and is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine. Consequently, the proposed Board action is consistent with the Public Trust Doctrine.
The proposed Board action does not allow for “development,” as defined in Section 30106 of the California Coastal Act, or “new development,” pursuant to Section 1.a. of the District’s Coastal Development Permit (CDP) Regulations because it will not result in, without limitation, a physical change, change in use or increase the intensity of uses. Therefore, issuance of a Coastal Development Permit or exclusion is not required. However, development within the District requires processing under the District’s CDP Regulations. Future development, as defined in Section 30106 of the Coastal Act, will remain subject to its own independent review pursuant to the District’s certified CDP Regulations, PMP, and Chapters 3 and 8 of the Coastal Act. The proposed Board action in no way limits the exercise of the District’s discretion under the District’s CDP Regulations. Therefore, issuance of a CDP or exclusion is not required at this time.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Program:
Due to being a sole source no SBE goal was established for this agreement. As a non-profit, the San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness is not eligible for SBE status.
PREPARED BY:
Christine Antoine
Senior Policy Administrator, Energy & Policy
Attachment(s):
Attachment A: Agreement Between San Diego Unified Port District and San Diego Regional Task Force on Homelessness