Posting Language
Title
Authorize negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. for eviction representation and outreach services to increase the contract amount by $230,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $955,000. Funding: Funding in the amount of $230,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026-2027 Capital Budget of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation through the Housing Trust Fund.
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Lead Department
Austin Housing Finance Corporation.
Fiscal Note
Funding in the amount of $230,000 is available in the Fiscal Year 2026 - 2027 Capital Budget of the Austin Housing Finance Corporation through the Housing Trust Fund.
Prior Council Action:
January 27, 2022 - Council authorized negotiation and execution of a one-year agreement with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. to provide emergency eviction counseling and prevention services to ensure tenant stabilization in an amount not to exceed $220,000.
For More Information:
Deletta Dean, Treasurer, Austin Housing Finance Corporation, 512-978-1410
Council Committee, Boards and Commission Action:
September 11, 2025 - Austin Housing Finance Corporation authorized negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. for eviction representation and outreach services to extend the term of the agreement through September 30, 2026, and to increase the agreement amount by $230,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $725,000.
July 18, 2024 - Austin Housing Finance Corporation authorized negotiation and execution of an amendment to the agreement with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. for eviction representation and outreach services to extend the term of the agreement through September 30, 2025, and to increase the agreement amount by $275,000, for a total contract amount not to exceed $495,000.
Additional Backup Information:
In accordance with Council Resolution No. 20260827-069 directing the City Manager to prioritize available funding in the Fiscal Year 2027 Housing Trust Fund for current displacement prevention services, including legal and navigation services, the term of Austin Housing Finance Corporation’s (AHFC’s) agreement with Texas RioGrande Legal Aid, Inc. (TRLA) for eviction legal services was extended for an additional year from October 1, 2026, through September 30, 2027.
TRLA currently provides eviction representation and outreach services to households at heightened risk of displacement due to lack of legal support in eviction proceedings. This agreement with AHFC increases TRLA’s capacity to represent Austin renters, particularly those facing nonpayment-of-rent cases. In Fiscal Year 2026, the funding allowed TRLA to provide 450 households with legal services and over 6,000 households with education and counseling.
Continuation of these services is essential to protecting the stability of vulnerable renters while the City develops a comprehensive citywide grant and contract administration policy. This amendment to increase the contract amount for the extended term ensures continuity of critical legal services without interruption and maintains support to residents who face the greatest risk of housing instability.