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Strategic Plan — FY 2000 -FY 2004 City of San Leandro Page 17 of 35 organization serving the North County jurisdictions of Albany, Emeryville and Piedmont, has had the same experience. A review of the complaints received by ECHO Housing, Housing Rights Inc. and Sentinel Fair Housing and audits of these agencies indicate that the issues identified above have been consistently identified for the past two years as the basis for complaints. Fair housing services are provided to reduce housing discrimination, such as, housing counseling to tenants and landlords on their rights and responsibilities, investigating complaints of housing discrimination, dispute mediation and resolution, as well as training for Realtors and property owners on fair housing laws. Despite increased knowledge of fair housing law and continued community efforts, discrimination continues to exist. The discrimination has also become much more subtle. In tight housing markets, investigating complaints is harder due to the rapid speed in which vacancies are filled and the hesitancy of tenants to complain due to fear of losing their housing. It also gives the landlords the ability to pick and choose among prospective tenants, which may lead to increased illegal discrimination. Objectives Continue to support programs to reduce housing discrimination by investigating complaints, counseling tenants and landlords, and educating multifamily housing owners and managers. Annually update the City's Fair Housing Analysis to Impediments through audits, reviews and activities aimed at the goal of reducing discrimination. Accomplishments Fair Housing /Complaint Investigation Services • Contract with ECHO Housing for fair housing /complaint investigation services throughout the City. The service is funded by CDBG and includes information and outreach to owners, renters and buyers on their rights and obligations and support services available in the community. It is anticipated that ECI-IO will respond to approximately 300 inquiries or complaints per year over the next five -year period. Tenant /Landlord Counseling • Contract with ECHO Housing for tenant/landlord counseling throughout the City. The service is funded by CDBG and the program includes mediation services provided by housing counselors and referral to other agencies. It is estimated that ECHO will provide counseling to approximately 2000 households over the next five years.