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Resolution approving Budget Amendment Number 26.042 appropriating $235,000 in the Low- and Moderate- Income Housing Fund (Fund 241) for the City’s Emergency Rental Assistance Program.
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WHEREAS, the City of South San Francisco (“City”) aims to assist low-income households to avoid eviction and homelessness by providing one-time financial assistance to cover past-due rent or security rental deposit in an amount not to exceed $4,500 annually; and
WHEREAS, since February 26, 2020, City Council has approved the appropriation for rental assistance for a total amount of $1,025,000 with an additional $146,500 for the program’s administration, totaling $1,171,500 for the purpose of assisting low-income South San Francisco tenants facing financial hardship; and
WHEREAS, the Emergency Rental Assistance programs have played a key role for low-income renters as local jurisdictions recognize that renters are highly vulnerable to debt, homelessness, and displacement; and
WHEREAS, according to the Stanford Community Law Clinic, San Mateo County has experienced a 60 percent increase in evictions between 2019-2025; and
WHEREAS, a total of 323 households (905 individuals) have received Emergency Rental Assistance since 2020; and
WHEREAS, the Emergency Rental Assistance program is especially crucial for vulnerable residents in our community, including seniors, individuals with disabilities, and families with young children, including single-parent households, who, without this critical support, will have a higher risk of displacement and homelessness; and
WHEREAS, Fund 241 has a balance of approximately $1.4 million and receives approximately $210,000 in annual income, providing a stable and reliable source of funding for this program; and
WHEREAS, funds held in Fund 241 and expenditures are governed by California State Senate Bill 341 regarding Housing Successor Agency funds from the City’s former Redevelopment Agency; and
WHEREAS, under State law, Fund 241 has a current excess surplus of $234,191, which must be spent or encumbered by June 30, 2026; and
WHEREAS, approval of the appropriation will allow staff to encumber the funds by the deadline of June 30, 2026, eliminating the excess surplus in Fund 241.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the City Council of the City of South San Francisco does hereby approve Budget Amendment Number 26.042 appropriating $192,700 for the Emergency Rental Assistance program and $42,300 for administrative expenses, totaling $235,000 to fund the Emergency Rental Assistance program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby takes the following actions:
1. The foregoing recitals are true and correct and incorporated herein as part of this Resolution.
2. Authorizes the Director of Finance or their designee to take all necessary budgetary actions to carry out the intent of this Resolution.
3. Authorizes the City Manager to implement the program consistent with this Resolution, to execute any related documents or Agreements, and to take any other related actions necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution, subject to approval as to form by the City Attorney.
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