Item A: Opportunity Eugene Discussion Follow-Up

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ECC UGENE ITY OUNCIL AIS GENDA TEM UMMARY Work Session: Opportunity Eugene Discussion Follow-Up Meeting Date: October 17, 2012 Agenda Item Number: A Department: Planning & Development Staff Contact: Michael Wisth www.eugene-or.gov Contact Telephone Number: 541-682-5540 ISSUE STATEMENT On September 26, 2012, City staff met with the council to discuss the recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force and related strategies to address homelessness. This work session will be a continuation of these talks. BACKGROUND The council previously considered recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force and related strategies to address homelessness. The six recommendations of the Opportunity Eugene Task Force included the following: -Identify and Establish Potential Sites -Create and Support Community Day Use Community Centers -Improve Traditional and Non-Traditional Healthcare Access -Continue and Expand Existing Services to the Homeless -Improve Laws and Ordinances that Criminalize and Block Homeless Individuals -Create a Commission to Continue to Explore Homelessness Solutions Other strategies previously discussed include developing a policy framework to assist the council in reviewing potential actions, best outcomes and setting policy related to efforts to address homelessness in Eugene. The City’s existing Car Camping Program has also been discussed. After a one-time funding increase of $50,000, St. Vincent de Paul may have to decrease the number of available sites when the one-time funding expires at the end of the calendar year. Additionally, the temporary amendment allowing tents to use legal car camping sites expires on December 31, 2012. The council may direct staff to take action to extend the amendment for an additional amount of time, or make the amendment permanent or let it expire. S:\CMO\2012 Council Agendas\M121017\S121017A.doc