Joint Special Meeting CC/BFPD/Odesa/Harvey House
02/7/22 06:00 PM
Waste Water Plant
Kody Tompkins
Resolution
Doc ID: 4929
AGENDA ITEM
AGENDA MATTER:
CANNABIS EQUITY GRANT
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
On December 8, 2021, the City applied for the Cannabis Equity Grants Program for Local Jurisdictions through the Governor’s Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz). Only eligible local jurisdictions (cities and counties) may apply for this grant. The purpose of the Cannabis Equity Grant Program is to assist populations and communities impacted by cannabis prohibition by providing support to local jurisdictions as they promote equity in California and eliminate barriers to enter the newly regulated cannabis industry. A Cannabis Equity Assessment is required to access any of these funds and the City of Barstow would need assistance to perform the Cannabis Equity Assessment.
An application for $75,000 was submitted and on January 30, 2022, GO-Biz notified the City that they would like to make an award in this amount for the successful completion of a Cannabis Equity Assessment. Funding will help pay for a third party consultant to conduct the Cannabis Equity Assessment.
DISCUSSION:
Staff is asking for the City Council to approve the acceptance of a grant award from GO-Biz in the amount of $75,000 to perform a Cannabis Equity Assessment. This Assessment is required to apply for future funding from the state to implement the City’s contemplated cannabis equity program. Once complete, City staff will return to Council for a request to approve the proposed cannabis equity program and admit the completed Assessment into City records. With this task accomplished, the City will be eligible to apply for up to $7,500,000 to pay for the implementation and administration of the cannabis equity program.
The Assessment will help inform the City on how to establish its equity program, how to best establish eligibility guidelines, and educate City staff on the unique needs of the immediate area as they pertain to cannabis equity and inclusion.
FISCAL IMPACT:
The Grant does not require a local match, therefore the only fiscal impact on the general fund is positive.
The entire $75,000 grant will be utilized to fund the contracted services for a Cannabis Equity Assessment and for associated staff time, who will provide support services to the contractor completing the Assessment.
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
Staff is recommending the City Council adopt Resolution No. ____-2021 authorizing State of California Cannabis Equity Act Grant funding.