Philly lawmakers want to expand eviction diversion and rent relief as Mayor Parker proposes cuts

City Councilmember Kendra Brooks, of the Working Families Party, speaks at a press conference about the Eviction Diversion Program at City Hall on Wednesday.But getting those dollars into the city budget will require negotiation with Mayor Cherelle L. Parker’s administration, which has proposed discontinuing a rent relief component.and requires landlords and tenants to seek mediation and rental assistance before going to court.

Finance Director Rob Dubow said during a City Council hearing last month that, in fiscal year 2023, the city only committed to funding for two years.But City Councilmember Jamie Gauthier, who represents parts of West Philadelphia and chairs Council’s housing committee, pushed back, saying that more than half of the renters in her district are cost burdened and that the need for rental assistance remains the same as it did over the last two years.

“It does it a little differently, that’s for sure,” said Aren Platt, chief deputy mayor of planning and strategic initiatives. “We’re doing what we can with the finite resources that we have available.”who make up more than half of Philadelphia residents. He said Parker’s administration is taking a “data-based approach” and is open to reassessing its funding allocation based on need.

The funding for rental assistance could become a sticking point through budget negotiations that are underway and will last through the spring. The administration and Council must come to an agreement on the city’sBrooks said lawmakers must consider the impact on renters like Haniah Harvey, a 26-year-old mother who spoke alongside the Council members Wednesday and said she was helped by the program.

Source: Law Daily Report (lawdailyreport.net)

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