AGENDA
ITEM
11 CITY CALEXTO AGENDA
CALEXICO California ITEM
COUNTY, CALIFO WHERE CALIFORNIA AND MEXICO MEET
CITY COUNCIL
AGENDA STAFF REPORT
DATE: May 20, 2026
TO: Mayor and City Council
APPROVED BY: Benjamin A. Martinez, City Manager
PREPARED BY: Laura Bowen, Grants Manager
SUBJECT: Adopt a Resolution and Authorize Submission of a Grant Application to the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant Program =========scm:
Recommendation:
1. Adopt a Resolution authorizing the submission of a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant Program and authorizing the acceptance of funds if awarded; and
2. Authorize the City Manager, or designee, to submit the grant application and execute all agreements, documents, and any amendments necessary for the implementation of the project.
Background:
The California Natural Resources Agency has released the Urban Greening Grant Program Guidelines funded through Proposition 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024). This competitive grant program supports projects that utilize nature-based solutions to address climate change impacts, particularly extreme heat in urban environments. The Urban Greening Grant Program provides funding to local agencies for projects that transform urban areas into more sustainable and resilient communities through green infrastructure and environmental improvements. The City of Calexico is currently preparing a grant application under this program.
Discussion and Analysis:
The Urban Greening Grant Program is designed to fund projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions while delivering multiple environmental and community benefits through the use of nature-based solutions.
The City's proposed project will focus on park improvements, including enhancements to existing park infrastructure and the incorporation of green elements intended to reduce urban heat, improve air quality, and expand access to safe and usable recreational spaces for residents.
Potential improvements may include:
• Installation of shade trees and landscaping to increase urban canopy • Upgrades to park amenities and green infrastructure
• Improvements that support stormwater capture and environmental sustainability • Enhancements that promote community use, safety, and accessibility Projects funded under this program must demonstrate measurable outcomes such as greenhouse gas reduction, extreme heat mitigation, and improved public health. Park improvement projects are highly competitive as they directly address these objectives while providing immediate community benefits. The program prioritizes disadvantaged communities and areas experiencing environmental burdens such as poor air quality and extreme heat conditions that are directly applicable to the City of Calexico. At this time, the total funding request amount is not yet determined, as staff is finalizing the project scope, cost estimates, and required documentation. Approval of this item will allow staff to proceed with the application and position the City to secure funding for park improvements that enhance environmental sustainability and community well-being.
Fiscal Impact:
• There is no immediate impact to the General Fund associated with submitting the grant application. If awarded, grant funds will support eligible project costs. A Budget Amendment Resolution will be presented at a later date to appropriate grant funds and authorize expenditures.
Coordinated With:
City Manager's Office.
Public Works Department.
Attachments):
1. Resolution
2. Appendix B Full Proposal Form and Required document List :
2 ATTACHMENT NO. 1
RESOLUTION NO. 2026-_
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF CALEXICO ADOPTING
A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE SUBMISSION OF A GRANT APPLICATION
AND ACCEPTANCE OF FUNDS FOR THE CALIFORNIA NATURAL RESOURCES AGENCY URBAN GREENING GRANT PROGRAM (PROPOSITION 4)
WHEREAS, the California Natural Resources Agency administers the Urban Greening Grant Program funded through Proposition 4 (Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024) to support projects that address climate change impacts through nature-based solutions; and
WHEREAS, the Urban Greening Grant Program provides funding for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate extreme heat, improve air and water quality, enhance community resilience, and provide multiple environmental and public health benefits; and WHEREAS, eligible projects include, but are not limited to, the development and enhancement of parks and green spaces, urban forestry and tree planting, green infrastructure, and other sustainable community improvements; and
WHEREAS, the City of Calexico proposes to submit a grant application for park improvement projects that will enhance public spaces, increase tree canopy, reduce urban heat, and improve environmental conditions for residents; and
WHEREAS, the City of Calexico is eligible to apply for such funding and desires to authorize the submission of the application and acceptance of funds if awarded.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of Calexico as follows:
1. The City Council hereby authorizes the submission of a grant application to the California Natural Resources Agency for the Urban Greening Grant Program (Proposition 4).
2. The City Council hereby authorizes the acceptance of grant funds if awarded for the Urban Greening Grant Program.
3. The City Manager, or designee, is hereby authorized to submit the application and execute all agreements, amendments, certifications, and any other documents necessary to apply for, accept, and implement the grant on behalf of the City of Calexico.
4. The City Manager, or designee, is authorized to take any additional actions necessary to carry out the intent of this Resolution and ensure compliance with all applicable program requirements.
This Resolution shall take effect immediately upon adoption.
PASSED, APPROVED AND ADOPTED this 20th of May 2026.
Victor Legaspi, Mayor
Attest:
Veronica Alvardo, City Clerk
Resolution No. 2026-XX
Approved as to Form:
Laura Estrada, City Attorney
State of California)
County of Imperial) SS.
City of Calexico
1, Veronica Alvarado, City Clerk of the City of Calexico do hereby certify the above Resolution No. 2026-_ _ was approved at a regular City Council meeting held on the 20*h day of May 2026, by the following vote to-wit:
AYES:
NOES:
ABSTAIN:
Veronica Alvardo, City Clerk
ATTACHMENT NO. 2
APPENDIX B. FULL PROPOSAL FORM AND REQUIRED
DOCUMENTS LIST
Project Description
1. Describe the proposed project, including expected project deliverables and current site conditions. If it is part of a larger project, define the discrete scope proposed for this grant in relation to the portion funded by other sources.
Enter text here
2. List major project elements/deliverables including the number of each to be funded by the grant. See examples below. You may overwrite the examples with your own project elements and add more lines as needed.
Project Elements Qty/Unit
Park creation (example) 5 ac.
Trees (example) 45
Ground cover, shrubs, plants (example). 1,300
Bioswales (example) 300 sq. ft.
Decomposed granite walking path (example) 1.25 mi.
Wooden benches (example) 10
Shade structure (example) 1
Project Questions
Applicants must answer the following questions, as applicable.
Extreme Heat Threat
3. Using the California Heat Assessment Tool, provide the project location's census tract numbers); Annual Number of Health Events, located under the Heat Health Events (HHEs) heading; and Heat Health Action Index located under the Vulnerability Indicators heading. See Appendix E of the Grant Guidelines for instructions on how to use this tool.
Census Tracts): Enter text here
Annual Number of Health Events: Enter text here
Heat Health Action Index: Enter text here
21 4. Describe the extreme heat frequency and severity in the project area. You may reference tools other than the California Heat Assessment Tool. See Resources in Appendix C of the Grant Guidelines.
Enter text here
5. Describe known extreme heat-related issues and impacts on the local community.
What are the community's needs and priorities in addressing these impacts and how were they identified?
Enter texi here
6. How will the project use nature-based solutions to mitigate the urban heat island effect, rising temperatures, and extreme heat impacts in the project area? Enter text here
Community and Tribal Engagement
7. Does the project engage the local community in aspects of project design, implementation and monitoring?
Yes
No
8. How will the local community participate in the design, implementation and monitoring of the project? If the project has not or will not include local community participation, provide an explanation.
Enter text here
9. Identify any meaningful outreach and attempts to collaborate with California Native American tribes that have already occurred or are currently in process. Check all that apply.
• Applicant has or is providing opportunities for tribal leadership and staff to express the tribe's priorities, views, and concerns.
• Applicant has or is sharing pertinent project materials with all potentially affected tribes so they may make an informed decision regarding possible impacts.
• Applicant has or is providing technical assistance and appropriate tribal consultation timelines.
• Applicant has or is prioritizing collaborative problem-solving as well as integration and advancement of tribal priorities and perspectives into decision-making where feasible.
• Applicant has or is incorporating Traditional Ecological Knowledge in designing and implementing the project.
• Other - Enter other collaboration method
22 10. Please provide details describing your past, current, and any future planned outreach, consultations and collaborations with California Native American tribes.
Past: Enter text here
Current: Enter text here
Future/Planned: Enter text here
11. Discuss any potential project impacts and/or priorities identified by tribes. Describe how tribal feedback and/or priorities were integrated into the proposed project. If no impacts were identified or are not applicable to the project, briefly explain how this conclusion was reached.
Enter text here
Climate Bond Priorities
The 2024 Climate Bond requires at least 40 percent of the total bond funding "shall be allocated for projects that provide meaningful and direct benefits to vulnerable populations or disadvantaged communities." The following tools must be used to answer questions 12-15 to identify the vulnerable population(s) or disadvantaged or severely disadvantaged community or communities who will benefit from the project, but you may include clarifying information from other sources in your responses, if necessary:
• Vulnerable Communities Platform (VCP): https://vcp.lci.ca.gov/ • For the Urban Greening Grant Program, only projects serving communities qualifying in one of the VCP's top three categories for the extreme heat hazard in the current timeframe will count toward the 40% Climate Bond requirement described above. The top three categories are: 1) HIGH climate hazard and HIGH social vulnerability; 2) MEDIUM climate hazard and HIGH social vulnerability; or 3) HIGH climate hazard and MEDIUM social vulnerability (refer to Appendix H for additional instructions on how to use the VCP tool). • Climate Bond Disadvantaged Communities Map:
https://experience.arcgis.com/experience/aa723fdf52la44c2a428fla46cd38a09
12. Does the project provide benefits to vulnerable populations, disadvantaged communities, or severely disadvantaged communities? See definitions in Appendix D of the Grant Guidelines. Applicant responses will be verified by grant staff using the tools linked above.
• Yes, the project benefits (select all that apply)
• Vulnerable populations
Disadvantaged communities
• Severely disadvantaged communities
• No. Please proceed to Question 17.
23 13. Describe the vulnerable population(s) who benefits from the project. If not applicable enter N/A.
Enter text here
14. Describe the disadvantaged community who benefits from the project. If not applicable enter N/A.
Enter text here
15. Describe the severely disadvantaged community who benefits from the project. If not applicable enter N/A.
Enter text here
16. Which of the following benefits will the project provide? Check all that apply:
Making neighborhoods cooler
Providing protection from extreme heat
Improving air quality
Lowering energy use and costs
Increasing access to parks and urban green spaces so communities have cool places to gather and relax
Reducing greenhouse gas emissions and storing carbon in nature to help slow climate change
Reducing flood risk during heavy rain or storms
Improving stormwater management to prevent flooding and pollution Protecting and enhancing biodiversity
Creating or expanding green recreational parks and/or schoolyards in a park- poor community (See definition of park-poor community in Appendix D of the Grant Guidelines).
Protecting urban wildlife and plants
Supporting tribal stewardship
Creating good local jobs with fair wages, benefits, and job training • Helping regions build capacity to design and deliver strong, community-led projects
• Other - Enter other benefits
17. Please explain how the project will meet all four meaningful and direct benefits criteria described on pages 4-5 of the Grant Guidelines. All criteria must be met for the projects' benefits to be considered meaningful and direct. If your proposal scores competitively, you may be asked to provide verifying evidence (e.g., letters of support, formal MOUs or partnership agreements, support demonstrated at a field Enter text here
24 18. If your project will not provide meaningful and direct benefits to disadvantaged communities or vulnerable populations, describe the benefits your project will provide and the communities who will benefit.
Enter text here
19. Will the proposed project use the services of the California Conservation Corps (CCC), a certified local community conservation corps (CLCC), or a CCC-funded tribal corps? Refer to Appendix C in the Grant Guidelines for links to CCC consultation instructions.
• Yes - Answer question 20.
• No
20. Describe the specific work the CCC, CLCC, or tribal corps will perform.
Enter text here
21. Will the proposed project leverage private, federal, or local funding? Costs already incurred or that will be incurred prior to grant awards (e.g., planning, design, environmental compliance, etc.) can be counted.
• Yes - Answer question 22.
• No
22. How does the project leverage private, federal, or local funding? Enter text here
Alignment with State Plans and Goals
23. Describe how the project will help meet the California's Nature-Based Solutions Climate Targets for developed lands, which include but are not limited to:
• Increase tree canopy cover in cities
• Establish climate-ready vegetation, remove grass
• Increase green space, such as parks, gardens, schoolyards, greenways/greenbelts, street trees, green roofs, rain gardens, etc. • Increase large canopied, climate-ready trees meaningful to the community; prioritize communities with low tree canopy
• Establish tree line buffers between croplands and communities to reduce chemical exposure and enhance access to green space
Include specific information in your response, including numbers of trees to be planted, acres of green space to be created, acres of climate-ready vegetation to be planted, number and size of rain gardens, etc.
Enter text here
25 24. How will the proposed project be designed to withstand and adapt to climate impacts, such as future heat waves and precipitation extremes drought and deluge)? for example, explain which tree species will be used and the rationale for their selection.
Enter text here
Project Readiness
25. Describe the status of project planning, design, and permitting.
Enter text here
26. If environmental compliance (CEQA) for the project has been completed, please enter the following:
a. Type of CEQA document filed:
Notice of Exemption
Negative Declaration/Mitigated Negative Declaration
Environmental Impact Report
Other: Enter text here
b. Enter State Clearinghouse Number: Enter text here
27. If environmental compliance (CEQA) for the project has not been completed, describe the status of CEQA, the anticipated type of CEQA document, and the expected completion date.
Enter text here
28. List all other sources of funding and amounts already secured or committed to the project and the expected timing of these additional funds.
Enter text here
29. List the legal owners for each parcel within the project footprint and the status of any negotiations or agreements required to implement the project.
Enter text here
30. List any additional entities with jurisdiction over the project and the status of required permits, approvals, agreements, notifications, etc.
Enter text here
31. Describe your organization's prior experience in completing the project type.
Enter text here
26 List of Required Documents
• Authorizing Resolution
Cost Estimate
Indirect Cost Rate Form and Supporting Documents (if applicable) • Photographs
Location Map
Property Data Sheet
Assessor's Parcel Maps
Site Plan
Plant Palette
Environmental Compliance
Project Timeline
Funding Plan
Proof of Ownership
Adequate Site Control/Land Tenure
Operations & Maintenance
Permit/Approval Status
Full Proposal Signature Page signed by the Authorized Representative 27