STAFF REPORT
DATE: December 5, 2023
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director VIA: Diego Cevallos, Assistant Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director
BY: Cathryn LaBrado, Recreation Services Manager
SUBJECT: Adoption of a Resolution Approving the Application for Outdoor Equity Grants Program Grant Funds
RECOMMENDATION
Adopt A RESOLUTION OF THE COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF BURBANK APPROVING
THE APPLICATION FOR OUTDOOR EQUITY GR ANTS PROGRAM GRANT FUNDS (Attachment 1).
BACKGROUND
The Outdoor Equity Grants Program (OEP) was established in 2019 when Governor Gavin Newsom signed A ssembly Bill 209 , which is now part of the Governor’s Office “Outdoors Access For All Ini tiative.” The OEP is i ntended to improv e the health and wellness of Californians through new ed ucational and recreational activities , serv ice learning, career pathways, and leadership opportunities that strengthen a connection to the nat ural wor ld. The goal of the OEP i s to inc rease the ability of resident s in underserved communities to participate in outdoor experiences within their community, at state parks, and other public lands.
The program is administered by the St ate Department of Parks and Recreation’s Office of Grants and Local Service s (OGALS), and $ 50,000,000 in funding is available for nature-based, outdoor programs with a per application maximum award of $700,000.
DISCUSSION
The Parks and Recreation Department (Department) strives to provide enriching opportunities and inspiring programs that meet the needs of all Burbank residents. If the City’s application is approved, funding from the OEP Grant will be us ed to implement a pilot Environmental Leadership for Yout h (ELY) Program. At its core, ELY will promote social justice by ensuring tha t everyone, reg ardless of backgro und or socioeconomic status, has equal ac cess to outdoor spaces and recreational activities. ELY will provide
2 opportunities for education, explora tion, and personal growth. Additionally, ELY will foster a sense of environ mental responsibility that will aim to inspire future leaders to protect, preserve, and be good stewards of natural spaces and habitats. The program will primarily serve residents w ho live within a half mile radius of the Robert R. Ovrom Community Center. According to the 2017-2021 American Community Survey, there are over 2,000 individuals living within the poverty level in this community, with a median household income below $56,336, and with 34% of students qualifying f or the free/reduced school meal program.
The ELY Program seeks to:
• Provide youth with access to a wide variety of natural area trips, including state parks, beaches, mountains, lakes, and more.
• Engage youth in a wide variety of local area activities with an emphasis on preparing for natural area trips (i.e., swimming lessons, hiking safety, etc.). • Offer opportunities to develop outdoor safety skills. • Offer a limited number of internships that will allow youth to gain experience as nature/outdoor recreation guides.
• Develop community partnerships that will enhance access to additional outdoor experiences, education, and resources.
• Offer multi-generational activities and trips that bring families together outside of their community.
• Expose youth to environmental professions and careers, provide lessons in civic awareness, and develop an understanding of natural resource preservation, including:
o Conserving and restoring natural habitats, forests, wetlands, and grasslands;
o Planting native plants for pollinators;
o Creating and expanding urban trees and forests;
o Reducing landfill waste and enhancing water conservation efforts.
The Department’s application request for the ELY Program is for $325,000, which will be applied to costs associated with staffing, supp lies, excursions, and additional program operations.
ENVIRONMENTAL REVIEW
This activity involves the application submittal for a pilot, grant funded, program and has no potential for resu lting in either a direct phy sical change in the environment, or a reasonably foreseeable indirect physical change in the environment, and as such, is not a “project” subject to the requirements of the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) 14 Cal. Code Regs § 15378.
FISCAL IMPACT
There is no fiscal impact related to this report. Should the City be awarded the grant, the City will be reimbursed for all program costs over a three-year period, including Fiscal Year (FY) 2024-2025, FY 2025-2026, and FY 2026-2027. A budget amendment will be requested if the Department is awarded the grant. It should be noted that the grant does not require matching funds from the City.
3 CONCLUSION
The Department values equity, the development of youth leaders, and understands that access to outdoor recreation and exceptional natural areas in Southern California play a role in promoting environmental stewardship and creating a sustainable future. Funding from the Outdoor Equity Grants Program will provide the Department with a valuable opportunity to promote access to high quality, outdoor recreation experiences.
ATTACHMENTS
Attachment 1 - Resolution