Fiscal Note
No appropriation required.
Title
SUBSTITUTE - Declaring the City of Madison’s intent to investigate day jobs as an alternative for panhandlers and those in need.
Body
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has continually expressed concern for homeless and low-income individuals; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison invests nearly one million dollars in services for the homeless annually; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison is a proud partner with the Dane County Day Resource Center to provide a safe place for homeless individuals; and,
WHEREAS, the City of Madison has previously restricted panhandling near ATMs, doorways, sidewalk cafes, and intersections, but those prohibitions were determined to be unconstitutional and are not currently enforced; and,
WHEREAS, in May of 2015, the City of Albuquerque instituted a "There’s A Better Way" campaign to drive through the city and offer panhandlers a job for the day; and,
WHEREAS, the Albuquerque effort has demonstrated a successful partnership between the city and the non-profit community which may serve as a model for other citizens,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT THE Community Development Division staff investigate the “There’s A Better Way Campaign” and similar programs in other cities; and,
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Community Development Division staff prepare a comprehensive report and strategic implementation plan for a similar program in the City of Madison to provide day jobs and other supports to panhandlers and those in need; and,
BE IT FINALLY RESOLVED, that the report and strategic implementation plan will be presented to the Common Council and the Mayor and the Community Services Committee, Community Development Block Grant Committee, and City-County Homeless Issues Committee before December 31, 2016 June 20, 2017.