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A Resolution to encourage alternatives to evictions as federal funding is made available for rent relief for tenants whose incomes have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
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WHEREAS, in March 2020, the city of Nashville, like cities all around the globe, responded to the threat of the COVID-19 pandemic by instituting health measures to curb the spread of COVID-19, including limiting gatherings and activities that involved close contact between people, resulting in economic hardship for many people; and
WHEREAS, the CARES Act made federal funding available to states and cities to use in relief of that economic hardship through grants to closed businesses, unemployed workers, and non-profits; and
WHEREAS, the development and distribution of an effective vaccine against COVID-19 has dramatically reduced the health threat and therefore, all restrictions on gatherings and businesses have been lifted, so that economic recovery is well underway for many businesses, and people who lost jobs during the shut-down are re-entering the workforce; and
WHEREAS, new government funding is now available in the form of Emergency Rental Assistance Program allocations, which can be used for rent relief, so that landlords and lenders can be made whole once those funds are dispensed; and
WHEREAS, Davidson County Courts have created a process for working with landlords and tenants to establish payment plans so that tenants can remain housed as they begin to pay past due rent payments; and
WHEREAS, the Metro Action Commission and other non-profit partners, as well as the Metro Housing Resource Diversionary Court have set up programs to assist landlords and give relief to tenants using this funding; and
WHEREAS, eviction of tenants for non-payment of rent hurts both tenants and landlords through loss of housing and loss of income, and this should be avoided given that there are funds available to reimburse landlords and lenders for back-rent that is due; and
WHEREAS, it is important for the economic health of the city to avoid mass evictions that would lead to significant increases in housing instability and homelessness and their accompanying economic consequences.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED BY THE METROPOLITAN COUNCIL OF NASHVILLE AND DAVIDSON COUNTY:
Section 1. The Metropolitan Council hereby goes on record as encouraging landlords and lenders to work with tenants to create payment plans which take advantage of federal funds available to reimburse payments that are in arrears. The Council seeks to notify as many landlords and tenants as possible that these programs are available through the Metro Action Commission and other non-profit partners or through the Metro Housing Resource Diversionary Court.
Section 2. This Resolution shall take effect from and after its adoption, the welfare of the Metropolitan Government of Nashville and Davidson County requiring it.