REPORT TO COUNCIL
SUBJECT
Title
Study Session on Homeless Encampments and Vehicle Dwelling facilitated by the Police Department
Report
COUNCIL PILLAR
Deliver and Enhance High Quality Efficient Services and Infrastructure
BACKGROUND
During the February 1 and 2, 2021 City Council Priority Setting Session, the City Council participated in a visioning exercise to consider new strategic goals and priorities. During this session, the City Council reiterated its interest in a Study Session on Recreation Vehicle (RV) Parking. Due to the COVID pandemic, policy action on RV parking was deferred because of specific orders at the State level. Understandably, during the pandemic, priorities shifted to respond to health and safety concerns and providing basic needs. As pandemic restrictions ease, staff has prepared a policy discussion for RV parking, vehicle dwelling, and homelessness.
On June 19, 2021, Councilmember Jain submitted a written request (Attachment 1) to the City Manager's Office to have an item included on a future City Council meeting agenda. Specifically, Councilmember Jain's request was in reference to: 1) study the needs of Santa Clara unhoused populations in RV's and along creeks and 2) interest in creating an Ad Hoc Committee consisting of residents and housing advocacy groups to discuss issues concerning our unhoused population.
On July 13, 2021, the City Council took action on Councilmember Jain's written petition (CRT 21-913) and voted 6-0, with Councilmember Hardy absent, to schedule the written petition for discussion at the August 17, 2021 City Council meeting (RTC 21-1046, Action on a Written Petition (Council Petition 030) Submitted by Councilmember Jain Requesting to Place an Agenda Item at a Future Meeting to Discuss Creating a Special Ad Hoc Committee Consisting of Residents and Representatives of Housing Advocacy Groups to Discuss only the issues Concerning the Unhoused Population. The Community Development Department took the lead on thi...
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