Title
RESOLUTION APPROVING INTERGOVERNMENTAL AGREEMENT FOR LANDLORD/TENANT LEGAL SERVICES PILOT PROGRAM
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Summary and Background Information:
The purpose of this item is to approve an Intergovernmental Agreements (IGA) related to legal services for disadvantaged residents.
Colorado Legal Service IGA:
The proposed program of services that would be provided by Colorado Legal Services (CLS) to
residents in Adams County and Broomfield County through an agreement among the participant
entities. The two-year pilot program is intended to provide legal assistance to low and moderate income
individuals focused on landlord/tenant issues, including representation in the county courts.
Services will be provided at an office in Brighton and another office at a central location that is
accessible to potential clients. The offices would be utilized by CLS, at no cost to CLS, to meet with
potential clients. CLS would provide two attorneys and one paralegal during the pilot program.
Attached is an Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) created for this program. The total cost to
Commerce City for this two-year pilot program is $30,000; $15,000 per year.
Background on Colorado Legal Services (CLS):
Colorado Legal Services is a non-profit organization that has helped low-income individuals including
seniors in Colorado for over 90 years. CLS’ mission is to provide meaningful access to high quality, civil legal services.
Some of these services are provided through legal aid and pro bono attorneys,
law students and others. CLS provides its services through 13 offices located throughout the State.
The administrative office is located just outside of downtown Denver. Adams County residents are
served by the Denver CLS office. CLS is primarily funded by grants (including the State of Colorado,
Department of Health and Human Services, Legal Services Corporation, Colorado Health
Foundation, and the Department of Justice) and contracts.
CLS has asked for a two-year pilot program commitment that would serve Adams and Broomfield
County residents out of two locations (one at the Courthouse in Brighton and the other at a central
location). Services for residents of other counties will go through the intake process in these offices
that will be connected to the Denver CLS offices. CLS will provide two attorneys (one experienced
attorney and one less-experienced attorney) as well as a part-time paralegal. Adams County has
agreed to work with the court to adjust their schedule to provide more opportunity for office hours at
the two offices. Adams County Attorney and Westminster City Attorney have worked together to
arrange for funding management as well as an agreement between the supporting stakeholders; the
IGA. The suggested levels of financial support (per year):
Adams County $50,000 (committed)
Aurora $25,000 (committed)
Brighton $12,000 (committed)
Broomfield $15,000 (suggested)
Commerce City $15,000 (suggested)
Federal Heights $15,000 (suggested)
Thornton $20,000 (suggested)
Westminster $35,000 (committed)
$187,000
Staff Responsible (Department Head): Troy Smith, Deputy City Manager
Staff Member Presenting: Troy Smith, Deputy City Manager
Financial Impact: $15,000