In a recent government meeting, significant concerns were raised regarding the city's shelter system and the effectiveness of the joint office's response to homelessness. City auditors presented findings that highlighted critical issues within the shelter system, prompting discussions on how to improve the process for individuals transitioning through shelters.

Participants in the meeting emphasized the need for a more robust approach to address the challenges identified in the audit. The conversation centered around the integration of auditor recommendations into the Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) governing the joint office's operations. Officials acknowledged ongoing discussions with the auditor and expressed a commitment to incorporating community feedback, including insights from service providers and individuals with lived experience, into the homelessness response action plan.

A key point of discussion was the city's initiative to enhance accountability through specific contract milestones. The city has proposed that the county report on twelve defined milestones by October 15, with the potential for withdrawal from the IGA if these are not met. This move was praised by several officials as a necessary step to ensure timely progress and transparency in addressing homelessness.

In light of these discussions, an amendment to the IGA was proposed, aiming to formalize the city's accountability measures within the shared agreement. The proposed amendment includes the establishment of a publicly accessible performance dashboard to track progress, the launch of a shelter availability application pilot, and a detailed plan for additional shelter beds set to open by December 2024.

The meeting underscored a collective commitment to improving the homelessness response system, with officials expressing optimism that these measures will lead to more effective solutions for those in need. The proposed amendments are set to be voted on in the upcoming sessions, marking a pivotal step in the city's efforts to tackle homelessness.