The City has been working through a number of concerns related to the Respite Center, including the decision by Downtown Streets Team to cease operations across California. We appreciate the time and thought residents have put into sharing their perspectives throughout the year and in recent correspondence. While decisions are ultimately made and discussed by the Council, your input has helped us understand community priorities and frame our work more effectively. Below is an update on the Respite Center and information about the next Council meeting on November 18. 

DISSOLUTION OF DOWNTOWN STREETS TEAM 

On August 29, 2025, Downtown Streets Team (DST) provided its Respite Center operations staff a Notice of Plant Closure/Termination letter outlining its intention to cease operations at the Daytime Respite Center in Davis. On September 2, 2025, the City received notice from Downtown Streets Team it would close its doors organization wide on October 31, 2025. The City was notified that the Davis site would specifically cease operations on October 15, 2025. 

DST’s role at the Respite Center is to assist the homeless and reduce barriers to entry, such as allowing pets, some storage of personal items and respite during business hours in addition to attending to basic needs such as laundry, showers, food and shelter from the elements. With DST ceasing operations, Social Services and Housing (SSH) staff took the following steps based on Council authorization: 

1. Maintain continuity of operations at Respite while alternative plan is developed: Council directed staff to keep the site open and make offers of temporary employment to former DST staff responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Daytime Respite Center. The former DST Program Manager and a Caseworker accepted temporary positions and are currently operating the site (with support from a City staff member). Hours of operation and available services remain unchanged while next steps are being reviewed. The Respite Center is currently open. There were a few days the Respite Center was closed in October for repair and maintenance. 

1. Release an RFP seeking an alternative contractor to assume operation of the Respite Center: Staff issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) on October 10, 2025 seeking an entity to operate the Daytime Respite Center. The application period was extended and eventually closed on October 31, 2025 and four applications were received. One application did not meet the submission criteria but the remaining three applications are currently under review. Staff plans to share the results with the City Council at their meeting on November 18 and ask for Council to provide further direction. 

1. Research alternative locations to the current 530 L Street site but proceed with minor repairs to improve site function: Minor repairs to maintain minimum levels of service (restroom, shower and ADA ramp repairs) were completed in October (see 1 above). At Council’s request, staff is researching City-owned alternative locations with minimal need for alterations or which could be viable with added infrastructure (modular, access to water/sewer/electrical, access to transportation or other social services, etc.). This information will also be shared with the Council on November 18. 

COUNCIL UPDATES 

The City Council received an update from staff on September 16 that included a review of the homeless system of care—covering the Respite Center, associated programs and operational costs. During the meeting, the Council requested that staff return with options for continuing the Respite Center during DST’s absence and exploring potential alternative locations. 

Staff will present that follow-up report on Tuesday, November 18. The agenda is now available, and you can view the staff report for Item 6: Homelessness System of Care Update. If you would like to make public comment, or just attend the meeting, you are welcome to do so. If you choose to speak during public comment, we encourage reading the staff report first and then providing feedback. You can submit public comment three different ways: 

• WRITTEN PUBLIC COMMENT: Send an email to CityCouncilMembers@cityofdavis.org. Emails are distributed to City Council and staff. To ensure the City Council has the opportunity to review information prior to the meeting, send emails by 3 p.m. on the meeting date. 

• IN-PERSON PUBLIC COMMENT: Any member of the public may address the City Council in person on matters not listed on this agenda, or are listed on the consent calendar. City Council meetings are in-person at 23 Russell Blvd. (Community Chambers) in Davis. The meeting starts at 6:30 p.m. If possible, citizens should reserve their comments for regular matters listed on this agenda at the time the item is considered by the Council. Speakers will be asked to line up at the podium and state their name for the record. Comments are limited to no more than two minutes per speaker. 

• VOICEMAIL PUBLIC COMMENT: Call the city’s dedicated phone line to leave a voicemail message for public comment at (530) 757-5693 from 12- 4 p.m. on the day of the meeting. Voicemail public comments will not be accepted after 4 p.m. Staff will play comments during the appropriate agenda item. Voicemails will be limited to two minutes (max). Note: You must leave a separate voicemail for each item for which you would like make a comment. Please indicate your name and the item on which you are commenting. 

Though City Council meetings are in-person, you may also watch the meeting on City of Davis Government Channel 16 (available to those who subscribe to cable television) or Livestreamed online then clicking on “View” under “Upcoming Events.” A recording of the meeting is also available for viewing the day after the meeting. 

Public input is an important part of the City Council process and helps staff and Council understand community perspectives as projects and policies develop. Feedback shared is reviewed and considered as part of staff analysis and recommendations to the Council. While we make a concerted effort to keep the community informed, not every stage of a project or issue involves public updates as some work focuses on internal review or coordination before returning to Council for discussion. Your engagement is valued, and all input received contributes to shaping thoughtful decisions.