Get Full Government Meeting Transcripts, Videos, & Alerts Forever!
Get email alerts on the Housing topic
No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.
Tenants, advocates press council to release eviction‑defense funds; EDN warns of layoffs
Summary
Tenants, legal aid groups and Stay Housed L.A. supporters told the council that promised contracts for eviction defense remain unsigned and urged immediate release of funds; multiple speakers said the Eviction Defense Network faces layoffs without the contracts.
During more than an hour of public comment, tenants and service providers urged the City Council to immediate execute four contracts and release allocations to stay‑housed tenant‑defense programs.
Multiple speakers said the Eviction Defense Network and partner organizations have already done work under expectation of city funding and face staff layoffs this summer if contracts are not signed. “These funds were promised. EDN has already done the work. Now we need this council to show up for them,” said one speaker. Marcela Thompson told the council, “I know firsthand how important individualized eviction defense networks are for people facing the loss of their homes.”
Program staff and residents described cases that were dismissed after EDN assistance and said legal representation prevented homelessness. Several callers asked the Council President and the City Attorney to instruct the City Attorney’s office to execute the pending contracts and for the Housing Department to release the allocations and expedite payments.
Council action: After public comment, the council considered Item 50 as amended and recorded a vote (13 AYES). The amended action instructs city staff and the City Attorney to move forward with contracts and funding releases consistent with the amended motion text (Item 50‑A). Advocates said the action is a critical near‑term step to preserve staff and services.
What remains: Advocates asked for payments to be completed before July 1 and warned of pending EDN layoffs on July 17 if funding is not disbursed. The council voted to approve the amended item; departments will provide timelines for contract execution and funding disbursement.
