Los Angeles Advances Equity in County Contracting; Launches Collaborative Community Outreach Court

Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell Highlights Steps Towards Equitable and Inclusive Contracting Process in County

LOS ANGELES — Los Angeles County Supervisor Holly J. Mitchell announced the continued progress of the County’s Equity in County Contracting or ECC initiative, an effort to promote equitable access to billions of dollars in procurement opportunities for small businesses, community-based organizations or CBOs, and small enterprises, and nonprofits.

The ECC Initiative builds on the county’s efforts to invest in communities. During and after the COVID-19 pandemic, the county allocated $94 Million funding from the American Rescue Plan for small businesses, entrepreneurs and nonprofits hit hard by the pandemic. The ECC initiative intends to implement policies and practices that prioritize inclusivity and diversity in contracting, so that all businesses and organizations, regardless of size or background, have equal opportunities to compete for and secure contracts. Led by the Department of Economic Opportunity and the Internal Services Department, in partnership with the Center for Nonprofit Management, the initiative will enhance collaboration between the county and its present and future partners.

The ECC initiative encompasses a range of strategies and measures designed to remove barriers and create pathways for underrepresented businesses to participate in county contracting opportunities. These efforts include establishing a centralized contracting office, an advance payment policy to allow for smoother cash flow, a zero-interest loan program, targeted outreach and technical assistance programs, capacity-building initiatives, and transforming the county’s current procurement processes and systems.

Details: opportunity.lacounty.gov and isd.lacounty.gov.

Los Angeles County Public Defender’s Office Announces Collaborative Launch of Community Outreach Court

LOS ANGELES — The Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender, in partnership with the Alternate Public Defender’s Office, Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, and Mayor Karen Bass’ office of community safety March 21 announced the official launch of the Community Outreach Court or COC to assist individuals experiencing homelessness in resolving various legal matters, effectively removing obstacles hindering access to housing, employment and social services.

Over the initial three-month pilot phase, COC has successfully aided more than 90 persons experiencing homelessness with record clearance, ticket relief, warrant resolution, and housing assistance.

“The Superior Court of Los Angeles County appreciates our ongoing partnership with the Los Angeles City Attorney’s Office, as well as the Los Angeles County Office of the Public Defender and the Los Angeles County Alternate Public Defender, to offer the Community Outreach Court as an important tool that provides an accessible forum to resolve minor legal issues that impede access to critical services to our unhoused population,” Presiding Judge Samantha P. Jessner said. “The Community Outreach Court serves as another example of the Court’s efforts to meet court users where they are. Whether it’s the Redondo Beach Homeless Court, the Shelter, Treatment, and Empowerment Program (STEP) Court in Santa Monica, the Homeless Court in the City of Long Beach, or the Community Outreach Court on Skid Row, our Court is committed to thinking expansively and strategically about removing barriers that may otherwise inhibit the success and stability of those attempting to resolve cases in the justice system and change their lives.”

COC convenes every third Thursday of the month at the Skid Row community refresh spot, a 24/7 public safe space offering essential amenities such as showers, restrooms, laundry facilities, phone charging, drinking water, access to social services, and pet supplies.

The primary objective of COC is to facilitate the housing of individuals experiencing homelessness while alleviating the complexities associated with navigating the criminal legal system. Key services provided by COC include the clearance of eligible bench warrants, expungement of eligible convictions, resolution of eligible misdemeanor cases and citations, addressing outstanding fines and fees, and connecting participants with reentry and job opportunities.

Details: pubdef.lacounty.gov/COC.