Loading...
Resolution 23-009 Declares intent to operate homeless housing programCITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON RESOLUTION NO.23-009 A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY OF SPOKANE VALLEY, SPOKANE COUNTY, WASHINGTON, DECLARING THE CITY'S INTENTION AND COMMITMENT TO OPERATE A LOCAL HOMELESS HOUSING PROGRAM; AND OTHER MATTERS RELATED THERETO. WHEREAS, homelessness is among the most challenging social issues facing the City of Spokane Valley, Washington (the "City"); and WHEREAS, in partnership with service providers, community members, and other local stakeholders, the City is developing an action plan designed to address homelessness through a systematic, long-term response comprised of programs and practices specifically tailored to those experiencing homelessness within the City; and WHEREAS, the purpose of these and other related City efforts is to prevent homelessness from occurring where possible, reduce current levels of homelessness, and improve the quality of life of residents, including those experiencing homelessness; and WHEREAS, pursuant to chapters 36.22 and 43.185C of the Revised Code of Washington ("RCW"), as amended by Chapter 277, Laws of 2023 (Substitute Senate Bill 5386) (effective July 23, 2023) (the "Homeless Housing and Assistance Act" or "HHAA"), county auditors have authority to collect homeless housing and assistance surcharges for each document they record, subject to specified exemptions; and WHEREAS, counties retain a percentage of the total funds they collect pursuant to this surcharge (the "HHAA Local Surcharge Funds"), which the counties must then apply to eligible homeless housing and assistance activities as defined in chapter 36.22 RCW; and WHEREAS, Spokane County currently collects HHAA Local Surcharge Funds, and applies these funds to such eligible homeless housing and assistance activities; and WHEREAS, pursuant to RCW 43.185C.080, a city may assert responsibility for homeless housing within its borders by forwarding a resolution to the legislative authority of the county stating its intention and commitment to operate a separate homeless housing program; and WHEREAS, if a city provides such resolution stating its intention and commitment, such city shall then receive a percentage of the HHAA Local Surcharge Funds collected under the HHAA equal to the percentage of the city's local portion of the real estate excise tax collected by the county; and WHEREAS, if a city so obligates itself, it must satisfy all applicable legal and regulatory requirements for operating a homeless housing program, including those set forth in chapter Resolution No. 23-009 related to Homeless Housing Program 43.185C RCW and. established by the State of Washington (the "State") Department of Commerce; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that it is, in the best interests of the City and its residents, including those experiencing homelessness, to assert responsibility for homeless housing within the City's borders by making such intention and commitment as set forth herein; provided the City shall continue to seek opportunities for partnership with other jurisdictions when it will result in beneficial programs, aid, and assistance to, those in need and when such partnership meets the City and other jurisdiction's plans and goals for managing homeless, NOW, THEIU-'F0IU-,% be it resolved by the City Council of the City of Spokane Valley, Spokane County, Washington, as follows: Section 1. Declaration of Intention and Commitment. The City hereby declares its intention and commitment to operate its own homeless housing program, and to meet all ,applicable legal and regulatory requirements therefor, including those set forth in chapter 43.185C, RCW and established by the State Department of Con-irrierce, in order to be a direct recipient of HFIAA Local Surcharge Funds. The appropriate City officials, including but not limited to the City Manager and designees, are hereby authorized to execute such documents, and to take such action as is necessary to carry out the terms of this resolution. Section 2. Effective Date. This resolution shall be effective inmiediately upon passage and signatures hereto. PASSED by the City Council this 2.J3'1 day of 2023, ary OF SPOKANE VALLEY, WASHINGTON Pam Haley, Mayor ACt S T: A 'p— A -1 Qh/l ILL� MarcAllatterson, City Clerk Approved as to form: 6 9,ce of the City Attorney, ,m Resolution No. 23-009 related to Homeless Housing Program