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INFORMATIONAL MEMO <br />Page 2 <br />required by RCW 59.18.085, the City may advance the cost up to $2,000 or 3x the monthly <br />rent, whichever is greater, and then require reimbursement from the landlord. <br />Rental & Utility Assistance <br />The office of Human Services contracts with two agencies to provide once in a lifetime or up <br />to $1,200 (lifetime maximum) rental/utility assistance to Tukwila residents. For non -HB 1406 <br />and non-ARPA funds, contracted agencies collect appropriate documentation, verify income, <br />provide referrals to additional resources and distribute checks. Each household is screened <br />for eligibility, need is verified, payments go directly to the documented property owner/utility <br />provider. City of Tukwila Human Services staff do the screening, intake and documentation <br />gathering and check issuance for HB 1406 and clients impacted by COVID. Funding for <br />general rental/utility assistance comes from the Human Services Professional Services <br />budget, and approximately $45,000 is spent each year on rent and $15,000 is spent on utility <br />assistance. HB 1406 and COVID-related rental and utility assistance have varied over the past <br />three years based on need. <br />Utility Tax Relief <br />The City of Tukwila operates a utility tax relief program for low-income residents that are <br />either seniors over 62 or disabled. Eligible residents will receive a rebate check from the city <br />for a 50% discount on utility taxes and surcharges. <br />DISCUSSION <br />The Transit Riders Union proposals are attached. Staff is seeking Committee direction on <br />next steps, and recommends the Committee consider the following during its review: <br />• Caution over possible conflicts or overlaps with State regulations; <br />• Review of recent case law, including an appeal of Burien's ordinance; <br />• Staffing/budgetary impact of new regulations (education and enforcement); <br />• Public outreach to gather landlord and tenant feedback on proposals. <br />RECOMMENDATION <br />Committee discussion. <br />ATTACHMENT <br />Transit Riders Union policy proposals submitted 4/3/23 <br />2 <br />