Explanation
This legislation authorizes the transfer of $250,000.00 in Fund 2207 from the Department of Finance and Management to the Department of Development; authorizes the expenditure of up to $250,000.00 in the Department of Development; and authorizes the Director of Development to enter into a contract with the Legal Aid Society of Columbus in an amount up to $250,000.00 in support of the Tenant Advocacy Project (TAP) to provide legal representation to residents facing an eviction.
Tenants with legal representation are much more likely to avoid an eviction judgment and keep possession of their homes than unrepresented tenants. In addition to these primary effects, a right to counsel offers several secondary benefits to defendants who are sued for eviction. Attorneys may be able to keep eviction filings off tenants’ records, arrange for alternative housing, negotiate reasonable amounts of time for tenants to move out, reduce or eliminate money owed to the landlord, or help tenants apply for rental assistance.
With the COVID-19 pandemic causing financial insecurity for many residents of Columbus, eviction filings are rising, and the court is expected to see an increase in eviction hearings for the remainder of 2020. With these grant dollars, The Legal Aid Society of Columbus will be able to staff an additional five TAP attorneys for the remainder of the 2020 calendar year.
Emergency Designation: Emergency action is requested to ensure that The Legal Aid Society of Columbus can immediately begin providing additional legal counsel at eviction court on behalf of Columbus residents facing eviction.
Fiscal Impact: Funding is provided to the City of Columbus from the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed by Congress and signed into law March 27, 2020. This ordinance is contingent upon the passage of Ordinance 1129-2020, the ordinance accepting and appropriating the CARES Act funds.
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