DATE: January 30, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Assistant City Manager
SUBJECT
Title
Housing Emergency: Adopt a Resolution Declaring a State of Emergency on Homelessness, Temporarily Suspending Applicable Local Planning and Zoning Requirements for Publicly Owned Property and Specified Private Property to Enable Flexible Responses to the Homelessness Crisis, and Determining that the Common Sense CEQA Exemption Applies
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RECOMMENDATION
Recommendation
That the City Council adopts a resolution (Attachment II) that: 1) declares a State of Emergency on homelessness: 2) temporarily suspends applicable local planning and zoning requirements for publicly owned sites and specified private property to enable flexible responses to the homelessness crisis; and 3) determines that the common sense CEQA exemption applies (Attachment II).
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SUMMARY
There is an ongoing homelessness crisis in Hayward and across the state. Hayward City Council has prioritized responding to this crisis through multiple policies and programs over the last several years, which contributed to a 22% reduction in homelessness in Hayward from 2019 to 2022. However, continued efforts are required to maintain this response and continue to support the individuals and families at risk of and currently experiencing homelessness. In Hayward, continued response to the homelessness crisis includes ensuring that the City and its non-profit partners are able to quickly establish shelters and other service locations for individuals experiencing or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Existing shelters and other service providers experienced increased demand during the pandemic as health and safety precautions required reducing capacity, finding innovative ways to prevent the spread of COVID-19 at shelters, and adapting service delivery models to continue providing essential supports while navigating COVID-19 risks. Increased demand and continued he...
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