MEMORANDUM
CITY OF BURBANK
PARKS AND
RECREATION
DATE: May 21, 2024
TO: Justin Hess, City Manager
FROM: Marisa Garcia, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Director X BY: Grace Coronado, Parks, Recreation and Community Services Assistant Director
SUBJECT: Budget Discussion Paper - Funding for a Two-Year Community Event and Program Grant Pilot
BACKGROUND
At the May 7, 2024 City Council (Council) meeting, Vice Mayor Perez requested a budget discussion paper on funding for a Community Event and Program Grant.
The City of Burbank (City) is vibrant and diverse, with a wealth of talent, creativity, and passion among its residents and visitors. However, many valuable community-based organizations continue to have challenges with securing the necessary funding and support to host community events and/or programs. Establishing a pilot Community Event and Program Grant (Grant) could address this gap by providing financial support and resources to organizations seeking to host events and programming initiatives that benefit the community at large.
Staff understands that part of building community may include supporting Burbank-based groups/organizations. The City has financially sponsored various community groups in previous years. However, there is no ongoing dedicated funding source to support non- profit/charitable organizations for a public purpose. Notably, the City's Parks and Recreation Department (Department) houses the Community Arts Grant Program, and the Community Development Department houses the Community Development Block Grant (CDBG).
Community Arts Grant Program
In partnership with the Burbank Cultural Arts Commission, the Department launched a pilot arts grant program to support local artists and arts organizations. Feedback from first-year participants will inform the development of future arts funding programs for the City. The Community Arts Grant Program is funded at $50,000 annually, awarding grants 1 in the amount of $1,000 to $5,000 for visual, performing arts, and multi-disciplinary projects that encourage participation in the arts and experiences for all members of the community. This four-year pilot grant program also requires that all projects be completed in Burbank.
Community Development Block Grant
The CDBG program is one of the largest federal programs that is structured to primarily benefit low-income households. In many communities, CDBG has been a critical resource in helping to improve public facilities, rehabilitate needed affordable housing, supporting small businesses in low-income neighborhoods, and providing important services.
CDBG funding available for Fiscal Year (FY) 2024/25 is approximately $998,766 in federal funding. The estimate includes approximately $149,815 for Public Services, $649,198 for Capital and Economic Development Projects, and $199,753 for Administration. Funds are available to City departments; non-profit, for-profit, faith-based organizations; and community-based development organizations. All projects and activities must either principally benefit low and moderate-income persons, aid in the prevention or elimination of slums and blight, or meet urgent community needs.
DISCUSSION
Although the City does not have a dedicated fund to assist organizations for a public purpose as it relates to events and programs, Council can direct staff to request funds from the City's General Fund and establish a Grant for that purpose. In that case, staff would create a formalized process for the application and submission of applications to Council for review and consideration of funding.
The establishment of a Grant should support local events and programs within Burbank and foster community engagement. Moreover, the primary objectives of the Grant would:
• Support the development and implementation of community-driven events and programs;
• Promote social cohesion and community pride;
• Encourage innovation and creativity; and
• Enhance the overall well-being and quality of life for Burbank residents.
Funding for the Grant is proposed to be sourced from the City's General Fund. Staff will work in collaboration with the City Attorney's Office to develop an application and process that adheres to regulations related to the use of public funds. Staff recommends implementation of a two-year pilot program with a total of $100,000 over the next two fiscal year cycles, setting aside $50,000 in FY 2025-26 and $50,000 in FY 2026-27 for the program. A process for application submissions will be implemented as part of the City's annual budget process and Council will be provided applications submitted for funding and can select and appropriate funds at that time. 2 FISCAL IMPACT
• Should Council determine to fund a two-year Community Events and Programs Grant, staff is requesting to allocate a total of $100,000 for a program as part of the next two annual budget processes ($50,000 FY 2025-26 and $50,000 FY 2026-27).
CONCLUSION
The City has financially sponsored various community groups in previous years, however, there is no ongoing dedicated funding source to support community sponsorship requests. Staff recommends Council discuss and direct staff on how to proceed with the implementation of a two-year pilot Grant program for Community Events and Programs.