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Consideration of Merging the Human Services Commission and Housing Commission As part of the process to develop the new HHSG and CG programs, the task force explored a number of process - related options including opportunities for the Human Services Commission and Housing Commission to work cooperatively and jointly to streamline the review process. As an outcome of this effort, staff has considered the potential for eventually combining the two commissions into a single "Housing and Human Services Commission." On the surface, this option, which is in place in many similarly sized communities, offers a number of advantages to the public in that it recognizes the link between housing and human services needs and facilitates one voice to address common issues. In addition, often members of the public involved with housing and human services issues will make presentations or request information from both commissions which may be inconvenient. Also, with changes in the economy and development patterns, there are fewer new housing development decisions being presented to the Housing Commission. As a result, its primary focus recently has been related to other housing - related issues such as smoke -free buildings, review of policies and operations at affordable housing projects, and grant review. Notwithstanding the advantages to the public and the City, staff has not taken any action to explore the issues and opportunities related to combining the two commissions. If the City Council has an interest in reviewing the potential for this option, staff can present the matter to both commissions, review existing models in other communities, and report back to the City Council with its findings and options, which could very well include retaining both commissions "as is" or with a modified focus. As a result, staff is requesting direction on this matter. Submitted by: Fiscal Review: Approv d by: Steven Bocian Emily Wagner Nelson Fialho Assistant City Manager Finance Director City Manager Attachments: 1. Draft Resolution (with Tables A +B, HHSC /CG Recommended Funding Allocations) 2. Human Services Commission Minutes (March 2, 2011) 3. Housing Commission Minutes (March 17, 2011) 4. Civic Arts Commission Minutes (March 14, 2011) 5. Youth Commission Minutes (March 2, 2011) 6. History of HHSG Funding, 2008 through 2010 7. Applicable Income Limits by Affordability Level (5/14/2010) 8. HUD Annual Community Assessment Report for Program Year 2009 (12/23/10) 9. Composite Results from HHSG Applicant Surveys Page 8 of 8