I’m so grateful for everyone who showed up to public comment in March advocating to maintain funding for legal services in the city budget. Despite this tremendous showing, the Mayor’s Office for Housing and Community Development ignored all comments and proceeded with the cut. The mayor is now considering the proposal and everyone who emailed and called the Mayor’s office has made a difference. Your efforts have prompted stakeholders both within and outside government to emphasize the importance of this work. My sources say the Mayor was “looking into” restoring funding, and the budget chair claimed “consensus” with the Mayor about funding legal aid. Still, nothing definitive.

The Mayor’s budget will be released on June 2nd. If legal aid funding is cut, we are planning a rally on June 11th at 9am to protest. At least 9 supervisors have said they’ll join us, and we’d love for the congregation to participate! We have until June 25th, when the city supervisors finalize the budget. I will continue to update you on the status of things as we know them. Whether through prayer or direct action, thank you for your support! I remain encouraged knowing you join us in this work.

Gratefully,
Adrian Tirtinadi,
Executive Director of Open Door Legal