STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Quality of Life, Arts & Culture
AGENDA DATE: January 22, 2025
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
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SUBJECT
Title
Authorize the City Manager to: (1) approve Cities Addressing Fines and Fees (CAFFE) Sustainability Grant and Assistance Program (Program), as shown in Exhibit A, to provide financial support in the form of grants to the Fines and Fees Assistance Program for eligible recipients related to unpaid fines and fees without compromising public safety; (2) accept a grant from the National League of Cities (NLC) - CAFFE Sustainability Mini Grant in the amount of $10,000.00 to address fines and fees with equity-informed lens on eligible recipients for the period of January 22, 2025 through June 16, 2025; (3) receive and deposit funds in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 in the NLC FY25 CAFFE Initiative Grant Fund; (4) establish appropriations in an amount not to exceed $10,000.00 in the NLC FY25 CAFFE Initiative Grant Fund; and (5) execute a grant agreement and required documents with the NLC Cohort, each approved as to form by the City Attorney - Not to exceed $10,000.00 - Financing: NLC FY25 CAFFE Initiative Grant Fund
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BACKGROUND
In May 2020, the City of Dallas was selected as one of ten jurisdictions across the country to participate in the inaugural Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice Cohort (Cohort) facilitated by PolicyLink, the City of San Francisco's Financial Justice Project, and the Fines and Fees Justice Center, each nationally recognized for their work in advancing racial and economic equity through research and advocacy. Selection and participation in the Cohort included a $50,000 grant and an 18-month program to receive technical expertise and guidance from jurisdictions and thought leaders with experience in fine and fee reform. Staff provided an overview of the City's ...
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