Title
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A Resolution to Approve the Renewal of 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 renew its contract with Hope Fair Housing to conduct more frequent Fair Housing testing and education in 2026.
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Recommended Action
Adopt the resolution.
Prior Board Action
The Board has taken the following prior action(s):
• RES 25-125: A Resolution to Approve an Agreement with Hope Fair Housing for Fair Housing Testing and Education
• ID 24-447: A Presentation and Discussion of the Village's Fair Housing Testing Project
Background
In 2025, the Board approved an agreement with Hope Fair Housing to conduct Fair Housing Testing and Education for 2025 at a cost of $50,000. The agreement included two options to continue services in 2026 and 2027. This item is bringing to the Board the ability to exercise its option and continue services in 2026.
Timing Considerations
The current agreement with Hope Fair Housing ends on December 31, 2025. Not approving the resolution would delay the start of Hope’s work in 2026.
Budget Impact
The 2026 contract with Hope Fair Housing is for $50,000. The approved 2026 budget included $50,000 for this work (1001.46213.101.530667.0000). If approved, work under this contract would come from this budget line.
Staffing Impact
Approval of the resolution 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
There has been no community input given in relation to this item.
Staff Recommendation
Adopt the resolution and approve the agreement renewal for 2026.
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 the 2026 kick-off meeting with Hope Fair Housing.
Prepared By: Jeff Prior, Neighborhood Programs Manager
Reviewed By: Jonathan Burch, Assistant Village Manager/ Neighborhood Services Director
Approved By: Kevin J. Jackson, Village Manager
Attachment(s):
1. Resolution
2. Fair Housing Professional Services Agreement Renewal, 2026