STRATEGIC PRIORITY: Human and Social Needs
AGENDA DATE: October 13, 2020
COUNCIL DISTRICT(S): All
DEPARTMENT: Office of Equity and Inclusion
EXECUTIVE: M. Elizabeth Cedillo-Pereira
______________________________________________________________________
SUBJECT
title
Authorize (1) acceptance of a grant with PolicyLink in the amount of $50,000.00 (Contract No. MGT-2020-00014737) to assess or analyze the City of Dallas’ fines, fees, and related collections practices, unless the City of Dallas has already conducted such an assessment of analysis for the period from June 1, 2020 to July 31, 2021; (2) participation in the Cities and Counties Fines and Fees Justice Cohort; (3) receipt and deposit of funds in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in the Cities and Counties Fine and Fee Justice Fund; (4) establishment of appropriations in an amount not to exceed $50,000.00 in the Cities and Counties Fine and Fee Justice Fund; (5) advancement or development of an actionable plan of at least three fine or fee reforms; (6) sharing of the City of Dallas’ lessons learned with other localities interested in reforming fines and fees; (7) participation in an evaluation of Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice; and (8) execution of the grant agreement and all terms, conditions, and documents required by the agreement - Not to exceed $50,000.00 - Financing: PolicyLink with Cities and Counties Fine and Fees Justice Cohort Grant Funds
body
BACKGROUND
The City of Dallas was one of ten municipalities in the nation selected to participate in the inaugural cohort of the Cities and Counties for Fine and Fee Justice Network to pursue innovative solutions to reform fines and fees. Led by the Office of Equity and Inclusion, the City of Dallas joins a growing national movement recognizing the disproportionate effects that fines and fees have on people of color and low-income communities. When low-income residents cannot pay their fines and fees, a cascade of consequences can set in, perpetuating and exacerbating poverty. Such consequences include increased debt, driver’s license suspension, decreased credit scores, and less employment, housing, and economic mobility opportunities.
The Office of Equity and Inclusion recommends using these funds to assess the City of Dallas’ fines, fees, and related collections practices, and develop an actionable plan to advance fine and fee reform. Under this grant, the City will work to reform its current fines and fees through program and policy interventions.
PRIOR ACTION/REVIEW (COUNCIL, BOARDS, COMMISSIONS)
This item has no prior action.
FISCAL INFORMATION
|
Fund |
FY 2020 |
FY 2021 |
Future Years |
|
PolicyLink with Cities and Counties Fine and Fees Justice Cohort Grant Funds |
$50,000.00 |
$0.00 |
$0.00 |