ECHO seeks countywide systems analysis, plans law-enforcement panel on homelessness

Jordan Bogie, a senior policy analyst supporting the Ending Community Homelessness Organization (ECHO), told the Community Action Advisory Board that ECHO was formed in 2022 as an interlocal forum where elected officials and service providers identify gaps and coordinate homelessness response across Clark County.

Bogie said ECHO lacks independent decision-making authority and relies on member jurisdictions to implement recommendations. He described ongoing work including legislative outreach to state lawmakers (particularly about document-recording-fee funding), a newly drafted scope of work for an outside systems-analysis consultant and plans for an April law-enforcement panel that will convene police, sheriff’s staff, jail representatives and EMS to discuss responses and possible coordination.

Bogie said the systems-analysis RFP would examine countywide gaps outside the five-year homelessness plan and seek ways to improve efficiency and cross-jurisdictional collaboration. ECHO staff are contacting cities to assemble local funding contributions so the study can proceed.

Board members pressed on membership gaps — notably school-district representation and more seats for people with lived experience — and discussed inviting CAB members to attend ECHO meetings and participate in the planned law-enforcement panel. Bogie noted changes to ECHO’s charter would require agreement from every participating jurisdiction because it is an interlocal agreement.

Next steps identified at the meeting included sharing ECHO materials and website links with CAB, exploring how CAB can send recommendations or sign on to ECHO legislative letters, and continuing outreach to cities for RFP funding.