Oxnard committee recommends one-year operating agreement with Mercy House for Navigation Center

On May 12, 2026, Oxnard City’s Community Services, Public Safety, Housing and Economic Development Committee recommended that City Council approve and authorize the mayor to execute a one-year operating agreement (Agreement No. 327007) with Mercy House Living Centers to provide shelter and navigation center services for fiscal year 2026–27, with four one-year options to extend.

Housing Director Brenda Lopez was present to answer questions. The staff recommendation included an "amount not to exceed" for the agreement as recorded in the staff report; the transcript of the figure in the public record is unclear and staff should be consulted for the precise dollar amount and funding sources. Committee members expressed strong support for the Navigation Center and credited city staff and partner agencies for the program's early operations.

A committee member stated, "I fully support this," and members noted the Navigation Center's role in connecting clients to services. The committee had no public speakers on the item and moved to adopt the recommendation. After a motion and a second, the clerk called the vote and the motion passed 3–0.

The committee forwarded the recommendation to the City Council for final approval. Staff also requested authorization for the city manager to execute any amendments to Agreement No. 327007.