ORDINANCE NO. BL2014-777

An ordinance amending Section 2.144 of the Metropolitan Code regarding the continuation of the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission and establishment of its duties and responsibilities.

WHEREAS, homelessness is a critical issue in Nashville, with a February 2013 survey finding approximately 2,333 persons homeless, 250 of whom were residing in outdoor locations not meant for human habitation; and

WHEREAS, 28% of the 2,085 individuals reported by shelters during the count were estimated to meet the HUD definition of chronically homeless: “an unaccompanied homeless individual with a disabling condition who has either been continuously homeless for a year or more or had had at least four (4) episodes of homelessness in the past three (3) years;” and

WHEREAS, 953 people who experience homelessness in Nashville were surveyed between May and October, 2013, and of those, 550 were determined to be medically vulnerable and having a high risk of dying on the streets; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission has launched a campaign to reduce chronic homelessness in Nashville, collaborating with more than 30 entities representing the government, nonprofit, and business sectors; and

WHEREAS, the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission is making progress towards ending homelessness in Nashville and Davidson County; and

WHEREAS, although the Metropolitan Homelessness Commission’s initial term of existence was ten years and is nearing an end, the work and mission of the Commission should continue as described below.

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT ENACTED BY THE COUNCIL OF THE METROPOLITAN GOVERNMENT OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:

Section 1. The following section of the Metropolitan Code is enacted as Section 2.144.020:

2.144.020

The metropolitan homelessness commission shall be a division of the metropolitan social services commission and shall be composed as follows:
a. The metropolitan homelessness commission shall consist of fifteen voting members. Eleven members shall be appointed by the metropolitan mayor and shall serve without compensation and for terms of three years. One of the mayor’s appointees shall be a member of the metropolitan social services commission. The mayor’s appointees shall be divided into three classes, which shall have the following staggered terms: class one shall contain three members whose terms expire after one year; class two shall contain four members whose terms expire the year following the expiration of the terms of class one; and class three shall contain four members whose terms will expire the year following the expiration of the terms of class two. At least one of the mayor’s appointees in any class of the homelessness commission shall be a person who has personally experienced homelessness, ensuring that at all times there will be three members representing the homeless community.
b. Four members shall be members of the metropolitan council selected by the vice mayor for terms of two years, provided that the term shall automatically expire at the end of such council member’s councilmanic term.
c. Any voting member who fails to attend three consecutive meetings may be excused from serving on the commission upon a majority vote of the commission. If such an opening occurs, it shall be filled in the same manner in which the member who is exiting the committee was appointed.
d. Seven officials of the metropolitan government or their designees shall serve as nonvoting ex officio members, representing related departments, as follows:
a. The metropolitan mayor;
b. The director of the metropolitan social services commission;
c. The director of the metropolitan development and housing agency;
d. The director of the metropolitan public health department;
e. The director of Nashville Career Advancement Center;
f. The director of the Metropolitan Action Commission;
g. The chief of the metropolitan police department.
e. The metropolitan mayor shall select a chairperson for the commission.
f.
Section 2. The following section of the Metropolitan Code is enacted as Section 2.144.030:

2.144.030

The metropolitan homelessness commission shall have the following duties and responsibilities:
a) To implement a coordinated and focused approach to ending homelessness and to develop measurable objectives;
b) To assure participation of all stakeholders including homeless persons;
c) To maintain accurate, current data on homeless populations;
d) To educate the public, service providers and other interested parties on issues related to homelessness.
Section 3. The following section of the Metropolitan Code is enacted as Section 2.144.040:

2.144.040

The metropolitan homelessness commission is not and shall not be deemed to be a board or commission of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County.

Section 2. It is intended that current members of the metropolitan homelessness commission shall serve out their terms.

Section 3. This ordinance shall take effect from and after its passage, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.

Sponsored by: Ronnie Steine, Burkley Allen

LEGISLATIVE HISTORY
Introduced:	May 20, 2014
Passed First Reading:	May 20, 2014
Referred to:	Health, Hospitals and Social Services Committee
Passed Second Reading:	June 3, 2014
Passed Third Reading:	June 17, 2014
Approved:	June 18, 2014
By: