(a) All Covered Individuals will receive Legal Services from the Designated Organization in a Covered Proceeding as soon as possible after the initiation of the proceeding and no later than at the time of the individual's second scheduled appearance in the proceeding. The Designated Organization must seek to provide Full Legal Representation unless the individual is ineligible for the organization's services, there is a conflict of interest, or other circumstances make it infeasible to provide Full Legal Representation.
(b) The Designated Organization will work with other organizations or associations, including Designated Community Groups, to advertise in the media and hire (a) community engagement specialist(s), and to engage and educate tenants of their rights and available resources.
(c) Any legal representation set forth in this section will be effective only at such time as appropriations are available to fund the representation. If the projected need for legal representation to Covered Individuals exceeds the available funds, the provision of legal services may be prioritized by reasonable standards as decided by the Designated Organization.
(d) The Designated Organization will promulgate such regulations as necessary to implement a legal representation program pursuant to this section and the funding limits for the program.
(e) Any legal services performed by the Designated Organization pursuant to this section will not supplant, replace, or satisfy any obligations or responsibilities of such Designated Organization pursuant to any other program agreement or contract.
(f) On January 31 of each year, the Designated Organization will submit a written report to Toledo City Council detailing the number of covered individuals served, the extent of legal services performed, metrics evaluating outcomes, as well as a summary of the engagement and education of tenants.
(g) Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc. shall be named as the Designated Organization to assign itself and/or Advocates for Basic Legal Equality, Inc. to provide legal services to Covered Individuals, or to engage another organization or other entity to provide legal representation, engagement, and education.
(h) This law takes effect immediately upon receipt of funding from the City by Legal Aid of Western Ohio, Inc.
(i) This law shall be phased over a 5-year period with a potential for extension.
(Ord. 418-21. Passed 9-15-21.)