S_LG_2020A 01/15/2020 01:34:53 PM Committee Summary

The committee was called to order. A quorum was present. Mr. Rick Garcia, Executive Director, Department of Local Affairs (DOLA), appeared before the joint committee pursuant to the SMART Government Act and Joint Rule 25. Committee members received a packet of information pertaining to the department, its strategic plan, its regulatory agenda, and FY 2020-21 budget decision items, prepared by DOLA (Attachment A).  Mr. Garcia introduced members of DOLA's leadership, and provided an overview of the departments role and duties. He also discussed recent developments associated with the department. Mr. Bruce Eisenhauer, Legislative Liaison for DOLA, discussed the department's 2020 regulatory agenda.

 

DOLA

Ms. Alison George, Director for DOLA's Division of Housing, discussed programming pertaining to housing assistance for those transitioning from the criminal or juvenile justice system. She then provided an update on the Mobile Home Park Oversight Program. Ms. Chantal Unfug, Division of Housing Director, provided an overview of the Seizure and Forfeiture Activity and Law Enforcement Community Services Grant Reports. She next discussed the Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Grant and Defense Counsel on First Appearance Grant Programs. Ms. Unfug responded to questions regarding the use of funds for the Gray and Black Market Marijuana Enforcement Grant Program. Mr. Garcia discussed DOLA's budget decision items for FY 2020-21.

Ms. George returned to discuss the department's compliance with the House Bill 19-1319 vacant land reporting requirements. Mr. Garcia discussed 2020 census efforts. Ms. Unfug returned to discuss the Community Service Block Grant Program. Mr. Garcia responded to questions regarding the potential for DOLA to institute a block grant program for high-speed Internet. Ms. Unfug provided additional input on the issue.