The City Council held a workshop-style discussion on a proposed partnership structure to coordinate homelessness and housing across Sacramento County. Staff framed the item as preparatory to an October 28 elected-officials convening of city and county leaders.

Yayen Eil, the city's housing manager, presented background on the Continuum of Care (CoC), Sacramento Steps Forward's role as the administrative entity, and recent regional actions including the Local Homelessness Action Plan. She said the county had proposed a new Sacramento Homeless and Housing Board (SHHB) that would formalize COC membership and elevate a smaller, primarily-elected board with a strategic leadership group of jurisdictional department heads.

Council reaction split on specifics but broadly sought more formalized accountability and clearer funding and decision-making authority. Vice Mayor Talamantes and Councilmember Maple voiced support for a Joint Powers Authority (JPA) or a structure that gives elected leaders direct authority, shared funding responsibility and dispute-resolution mechanisms. Councilmember Guerra emphasized the need for leadership, accountability and an iterative process to build regional buy-in. Several council members stressed the importance of integrating housing authority leadership (SHRA) and behavioral health—county-controlled resources—into any governance model.

Staff said the county proposal is not the city's final position and noted the counties and surrounding cities have generally endorsed Option A (a board of elected officials and 1 seat for a person with lived experience). Surrounding cities signaled willingness to participate while keeping local control over project siting and funding commitments.

Public comment: Mike Jasky (SACDAC) urged council not to shift focus from a looming federal funding crisis for permanent supportive housing, saying immediate stabilization of current programs should take precedence. John Joo, a community speaker, urged focusing on root causes and individualized supports rather than governance reorganization.

Next steps: staff said elected officials from city and county will meet October 28 for a facilitated discussion. The county and SSF proposed a time-bound task force and requested a final structure within four to six months; city staff said they will represent council priorities in ongoing negotiations. No formal change to existing agreements or statutes was adopted at the meeting.

Ending: Councilmembers expressed a consensus that something more formal is needed but differed on whether a JPA, an elevated elected board with delegated authority, or another structure is the right path. The city manager's office will continue negotiations and return to councils if and when a specific legal or funding proposal is ready for approval.