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Other Matters/ Staff Summary Staff understands the issues raised by the HSC and HC and recognizes that there is identifiable concern regarding the impacts that such a merger may cause. Further, staff is of the opinion that the current two commission approach has and will continue to work well. As a result, maintenance of the two commissions as currently structured will continue serving the community well. Notwithstanding the above, a merger provides potential for enhancing services, reducing redundancy, improving efficiency, and creating a more comprehensive approach toward addressing housing and human services needs. As an example of the latter, many programs provided by local social services agencies such as Tri-Valley Haven, Abode Services, Tri-City Health Center and Community Resources for Independent Living (CRIL) have a strong social service and housing component. Similarly, other agencies such as ECHO Housing, Neighborhood Solutions, Tri-Valley Housing Opportunity Center, that focus more on housing are often addressing their clients' social and financial issues as well. Further, as outlined in the recently completed East County 2011 Human Services Needs Assessment, the most commonly cited client issues include a combination of both housing and social services, including affordable transportation, difficulty assessing services, increasing mental health issues, homelessness, a shortage of affordable housing and the need for culturally competent services and outreach. As a result, clients are confronted with a range of issues closely related to both housing and human services and there is benefit in approaching these issues in a coordinated and comprehensive way and in creating "one voice" that will speak for these matters. In general, while meeting length, training, and focus are all real concerns, at least initially, they are the type of issues that would most likely be addressed over time by a maturing commission. Further, as expertise develops, there may be an overall improvement in efficiency, public outreach emanating from a single source, and coordination with and between social services and housing agencies. At this time, staff has identified three options related to this matter: Alternative 1- Retain the existing two commission structure and encourage both the HSC and the HC to continue exploring ways to cooperatively address human services and housing needs. If this option is selected, there is no additional study required. Alternative 2- Retain the existing two commission structure but request staff to work with the two commissions to identify a more formal way of cooperatively addressing housing and human services needs. This option would result in additional staff review and pending its outcome, a follow-up report outlining the results would be forwarded to the City Council. Alternative 3 - Further explore a single human services and housing commission and direct staff to identify specific issues of concern. If this option were selected, staff anticipates providing additional information on the transition process, commission duties, and any specific items requested by the City Council. Page 5 of 6