AgdaPkt 2020-03-23 Joint SA PFA - Laserfiche WebLink

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6.B. - Page 2 of 8 Clara counties announced, with the City of Berkeley, a legal order directing their respective residents to shelter at home for three weeks from March 17 to April 7, 2020. The order limits activity, travel and business functions to only the most essential needs. On March 19, 2020, Governor Gavin Newsom issued Executive Order N-33-20, ordering individuals living in California to stay home or at their place of residence except as needed to maintain continuity of operations of federal critical infrastructure sectors. These public health directives have created significant impacts to Redwood City residents and businesses with many businesses losing business, at risk of closing and many residents experiencing reduced work hours or layoffs, especially in the service sector. These financial impacts could result in reduced ability to pay rent or mortgage payments, and increase risk of homelessness for individuals and families in Redwood City. In the last week, the City has received over 180 inquiries from residents concerned about losing housing. Without stable housing, individuals and families could be forced into crowded living situations or become homeless, making them much more susceptible to contracting COVID-19. Reducing that risk improves health outcomes for the entire community. Additionally, on March 16, 2020, the Governor signed an Executive Order suspending laws that would preempt or otherwise restrict local agencies from imposing a moratorium on residential and commercial evictions, when the basis is nonpayment of rent, or a foreclosure, due to COVID-19. In the immediate term, San Mateo County has suspended the Superior Court unlawful detainer calendar, which means no evictions will be processed by the court between the period of March 18, 2020 and April 7, 2020. In addition, the San Mateo County Sheriff will not be performing any eviction -related duties (such as processing a court order to remove a tenant from their residence). Given the fluid nature of the health crisis, these dates could be extended. On March 18, 2020, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) authorized the Federal Housing Administration (FHA) to implement an immediate foreclosure and eviction moratorium for single family homeowners with FHA -insured mortgages for the next 60 days. Additionally, the Federal Housing Finance Agency (FHFA) has directed Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac to suspend foreclosures and evictions for at least 60 days. ANALYSIS Countywide Eviction Prevention Efforts City staff have been informed that County of San Mateo officials are in the process of developing a County- wide moratorium on residential evictions in order to provide protection to tenants during this COVID-19 situation. City staff expects that the County Board of Supervisors will consider the emergency regulation on March 24, 2020, and that the emergency eviction protection measures would apply to incorporated and unincorporated areas in San Mateo County, thereby protecting Redwood City residents. Staff will provide the City Council with a verbal update on the status of these efforts at the March 23, 2020 City Council meeting. Anticipated action by San Mateo County may provide protections desired by the City Council, or the City Council may determine that the City should take action and direct staff to develop an urgency ordinance for the City Council's consideration at a future meeting. Page 2 of 6 City of Redwood City 1017 Middlefield Road, Redwood City, CA. 94063 Tel: 650-780-7000 www.redwoodcity.ore 124