Title
Adopt a Resolution Approving and Authorizing the City Manager to Negotiate and Execute a Non-Professional-Services Agreement With Block by Block California in an Amount Not-to-Exceed $400,000 for the Greenhouse Marketplace Area Safety Ambassador Pilot Program
Staff report
COUNCIL PRIORITY
* Housing and Homelessness
* Public Safety
SUMMARY AND RECOMMENDATION
In May 2023, staff presented the Housing and Homelessness Work Plan to the City Council.1 Within this Work Plan are three priority areas: 1) Homeless Navigation Center, 2) Increasing Housing Supply, and 3) Addressing and Preventing Homelessness. One of the projects to support the Addressing and Preventing Homelessness priority area is launching a non-sworn Safety Ambassador program.
Staff recommends the Council approve and authorize the City Manager to negotiate and execute an agreement with Block by Block California in an amount not-to-exceed $400,000 for the Greenhouse Marketplace Area Safety Ambassador Pilot Program.
BACKGROUND
In May 2023, staff presented the Housing and Homelessness Work Plan to the City Council.2 Within this work plan are three priority areas: 1) Homeless Navigation Center, 2) Increasing Housing Supply, and 3) Addressing and Preventing Homelessness. One of the projects to support the Addressing and Preventing Homelessness priority area is launching a non-sworn Safety Ambassador program.
Block by Block California is a leading provider of security, cleaning, and customer service personnel that has successfully operated a Safety Ambassador program in Downtown San Leandro since 2020. Block by Block California's Safety Ambassadors are trained in addressing non-emergency situations using de-escalation strategies, will report suspicious behavior or vehicles, and will observe and report criminal activities to the San Leandro Police Department (SLPD).
The goals of the program are to provide an additional resource in the Greenhouse Marketplace area, offer a welcoming presence that ...
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