Schaefer provides insight into OASO's organizational structure, budget, and its crucial role in coordinating the city's response to the asylum seeker crisis. She emphasizes the office's lean yet effective approach to managing this complex situation.

• OASO operates with 27 full-time staff members
• The personnel budget for OASO is $3.5 million in FY25
• OASO's primary role is coordination rather than direct management of shelter operations or contracts
• The office focuses on managing collaboration across city agencies, developing policies, supporting implementation efforts, and driving informed decision-making
• OASO was established to move the city towards a steady state of operations in response to the crisis