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Many low-income families and persons experiencing homelessness have debt to the utility companies, which are now barriers to their ability to securing housing. Would you support increasing debt forgiveness programs for 3-4 years to help more people access housing? (Y/N/Explain)

As a Council Member, I was actively involved in bringing compassionate procedures to our utilities, including for instance, limits on utility shut-offs for non-payment during extreme temperatures. The efforts to address customers who are in arrears have been improving but removing ongoing barriers to housing are both human-centered and a wise financial investment since any increase in people experiencing homelessness is a costly responsibility to the community.