Title:
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A Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Hope Fair Housing for Fair Housing Testing and Education
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Introduction
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To support the Village’s renewed focus on Fair Housing testing, the Village is seeking to enter into a contract with Hope Fair Housing to conduct more frequent Fair Housing testing and education.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the Resolution.
Prior Board Action
• ID 24-447: A Presentation and Discussion of the Village's Fair Housing Testing Project
Background
In 2023, the Village entered into a contract with Hope Fair Housing to conduct Fair Housing testing about anti-discrimination protections on the basis of Source of Income (SOI) and arrest or conviction records in Oak Park. The findings from this testing were presented to the Village Board on October 1, 2024. During that discussion, the Board recommended staff consider more frequent and a higher volume of Fair Housing testing.
In response, the Village released a request for proposal (RFP) for Fair Housing testing and education on December 18, 2024. The RFP sought a firm that would provide services in 2025, 2026, and 2027. Objectives of the work included:
1. Improve equity and inclusion in Oak Park via greater compliance with federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws.
2. Test regularly on distinct aspects of Fair Housing, monitor for issues, and gauge the impact of past education efforts.
3. Regularly educate households and housing providers about their Fair Housing rights, remedies, and obligations.
4. Regularly adjust Fair Housing education efforts in response to Fair Housing issues identified through testing.
The RFP closed on January 10, 2025. The Village received one response to the RFP, from Hope Fair Housing. Staff reviewed this proposal and found that it fully incorporated the scope items requested by the Village. Services would be provided by a team of staff that have successfully worked with the Village on past Fair Housing projects.
Timing Considerations
There are no specific timing considerations other than an urgency by staff to begin this work.
Budget Impact
The 2025 contract with Hope Fair Housing is for $50,000. The approved 2025 budget included $50,000 for this work (1001.46213.101.530667.0000). If approved, work under this contract would come from this budget line.
The agreement includes two one-year options, each with an amount of $50,000. Decisions about exercising these options would occur as staff evaluate the work produced and as the Board considers funding needed to support further work through the annual budget process.
Staffing Impact
Approval of the agreement would not create an increased staffing need. The added professional support will augment the staff’s ability to address fair housing issues in Oak Park.
DEI Impact
The Village of Oak Park is undertaking this project to increase compliance with Fair Housing laws by housing providers within the Village and thereby increase equity and inclusion.
Community Input
A commission has not been involved in this work.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the resolution and approve the funding agreement.
Advantages:
• Supports the improvement of equity and inclusion in Oak Park via greater compliance with federal, state, and local Fair Housing laws.
• Supports the education of households and housing providers about their Fair Housing rights, remedies, and obligations.
Disadvantages:
• Staff do not identify any disadvantages to this approach.
Alternatives
Alternative 1:
The Board could request additional information.
Advantages:
• Allows the Board more time to understand the scope of work and costs.
Disadvantages:
• Delays when Fair Housing testing and education would begin in Oak Park.
Anticipated Future Actions
If approved, staff would schedule a kickoff meeting with Hope Fair Housing upon signature of the contract.
Prepared By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/Neighborhood Services Director
Reviewed By: Ahmad M. Zayyad, Deputy Village Manager
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Hope Fair Housing Resolution
2. Fair Housing Professional Services Agreement 2025 - 2027
3. HOPE Fair Housing Center Proposal