Title
Adoption of Resolution Exploring Options to Mitigate Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown on Alameda Residents. (City Manager)
Body
To: Honorable Mayor and Members of the City Council
From: David L. Rudat, Interim City Manager
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
A partial government shutdown began on December 22, 2018, and directly impacted hundreds of Alameda families. While on January 25, 2019, legislation was adopted which places a temporary end to the shutdown, it is uncertain if another shutdown is imminent. Alameda residents who are federal employees, including members of the United States Coast Guard, continue to face uncertainly about if and when they will receive their next paycheck.
BACKGROUND
Pursuant to State law, a tenant can have their tenancy terminated on a 3-day notice for nonpayment of rent. In a government shutdown when federal workers are not receiving their paychecks, our residents are vulnerable to eviction.
DISCUSSION
During the recent partial government shutdown, hundreds of Alameda families faced uncertainly about if and when they would receive their paychecks. For many families, they did not know how they would pay their bills and how they would purchase essential food and supplies.
The Alameda community has been supportive and is always ready to step in when needed. During the shutdown, Alameda businesses and residents responded to the call for dry goods, gift cards, and monetary donations.
Considering the end of the shutdown is temporary, the City Council should discuss the issue and direct staff to develop an action plan that explores ways to best protect Alameda residents in the event the government shuts down again and residents are again faced with serious hardships. This action plan could include a number of proactive responses to a potential shutdown, including, but not limited to, options to protect Alameda residents from eviction for nonpayment of rent if the tenant is an employee of a federal agency or a federal...
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