SUPPORT LETTERS
FOR
ARTS ALLIANCE CONCORD PRoposal
Advancing California through the arts, culture and creativity
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Victoria L Hamilton, President
San Diego Regional Arts & Culture Coalition
San Diego
Edmund Velasco,Vice-President
President, AFM Local 7, Orange County
Dalouge Smith, Treasurer
President & CEO, The Lewis Prize for Music,
San Diego
Eliza Tudor, Secretary
Executive Director
Nevada County Arts Council, Grass Valley
___________________________________________________
Marie Acosta, Executive Director
Latino Center of Arts & Culture, Sacramento
Michael E. Alexander, Director
Campus Programs, CalTech,
Pasadena
Tomas J. Benitez, President
Latino Arts Network of California, Los Angeles
Patrick Brien, Executive Director
Riverside Arts Council, Riverside
Josiah Bruny, CEO,
Music Changing Lives, Moreno Valley
Leticia Rhi Buckley, Senior Civic Strategist
The Music Center, Los Angeles
Heather Angelina Dunn, Partner
DLA Piper LLP US, Oakland
Cara Goger, Executive Director
Mariposa County Arts Council, Mariposa
Kerry Adams Hapner
Director of Cultural Affairs, City of San Jose
Keasha Dumas Heath, Executive Director
The Museum of African American Art, Los Angeles
Gustavo Herrera, Executive Director
Arts for LA, Los Angeles
Jonathon Glus, Executive Director
City of San Diego Commission on Arts and Culture,
San Diego
Jennifer Kane, Executive Director
Arts Connection - the Arts Council of San Bernardino
County, Joshua Tree
Jennifer Laine Executive Director
San Benito Arts Council, Hollister
Debra Lucero Executive Director
Friends of the Arts-Upstate, Redding/Chico
Ron P. Muriera, Owner/Consultant
RPM Consulting
Rachel Osajima, Executive Director
Alameda County Arts Commission
Oakland
Tamaira “Miss Tee” Sandifer, CEO
Studio T Arts Academy, Sacramento
Felicia Shaw, Executive Director
Women’s Museum of California
San Diego
Richard Stein, President & CEO
Arts Orange County, Irvine
Bridget Cantu Wear
Associate Director of Development, Strategic
Partnerships, The Old Globe Theatre, San Diego
Julie Baker, Executive Director
californiaartsadvocates.org
March 11, 2022
TO: Mayor Dominic Aliano
Vice Mayor Laura Hoffmeister
Councilmember Edi Birsan
Councilmember Tim McGallian,
Councilmember Carlyn Obringer
RE: Support for $500,000 in ARP funding to Arts & Culture Organizations
Dear Concord City Council members,
As we enter year three of the pandemic, artists, arts workers, and nonprofit cultural organizations and creative businesses are still in crisis. Performing and visual arts organizations and the live events industry are facing a difficult path to recovery. Johns Hopkins University reports that, as of December 2021, the percentage of job losses at nonprofit arts organizations remains more than 3 times worse than the average of all nonprofits (-12.5% vs. -3.7%).
As you consider how your city will allocate federal ARP funds, we urge you to support the proposal for $500,000 for Arts Alliance Concord an alliance of three nonprofit arts organizations; Solo Opera, B-8 Theater, and Concord Arts Association. The funding is divided in two parts: $200,000 to be granted over two years for the alliance member groups for immediate economic recovery. Part two will be for longer economic stability -$300,000 for venue rental assistance and other items.
The American Rescue Plan clarifies eligible use of funds for assistance to small businesses, nonprofits, and hard-hit industries like tourism, travel, and hospitality of which arts and culture can be described as part of all and essential to the recovery of your community.
Funding the arts is a high return investment of which your community will greatly benefit.
You would not be alone in making this investment for arts and culture. Some recent examples in California include, the City of Sacramento allocating $10 million in ARP funding, City of Oakland $1million and City of Berkeley for $2 million and Nevada County, a county of only 80,000 residents, granting $476,000 to arts and culture organizations.
The arts make our local economies stronger and drive commerce to local businesses. 72% of Americans attend arts or cultural events, such as the theater, museum, zoo, or a musical performance. Arts attendees spend $31.47 per person, per event, beyond the cost of admission (meals, retail, and lodging)—vital commerce for local businesses.
Public investment in arts workers & arts organizations is key to the region’s economic recovery. Public funding for arts and creativity is a high-return investment in every town and rural community nationwide, not only in the biggest cities. It is a great example of
government done right that fuels public-private partnerships, and according to the National Endowment for the Arts, leverages $9 in additional funds for every federal dollar invested, and puts tax dollars and decision-making authority into state and local hands.
The arts make our communities healthier. Public investment in arts workers & arts organizations helps our communities heal. A recent study found that the arts result in a 66% improvement in individuals experiencing depression, 50% improvement in anxiety symptoms, and an 83% decrease of stress.
Arts make our communities more equitable. Public investment in arts workers & arts organizations is an urgent equity issue. Studies show that arts + culture make students 5x more likely to graduate higher high school, lower neighborhood crime rates by up to 18%, and increase civic participation by 2x.
California Arts Advocates is the state wide comprehensive lobbying organization for the arts, culture and creative industries and workforce. Should you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact me.
Respectfully,
Julie Baker, Executive Director
California Arts Advocates
[email protected]
Partner organization, Californians for the Arts
www.californiansforthearts.org
March 11, 2022
Concord City Council
1950 Parkside Dr.
Concord, CA 94519
Dear Mayor Aliano, Vice Mayor Hoffmeister, and Council Members,
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce is in support of the various art organizations represented in Concord. The arts have been greatly impacted due to the Pandemic, specifically regarding lack of income, employment, and programming.
We recognize the City of Concord has been awarded American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds that are available for the benefit of the community.
The Greater Concord Chamber of Commerce asks the City of Concord to consider appropriately dispersing a portion of the ARPA funds to the art organizations in Concord. The arts help bring a community together, which can lead to greater economic vitality within our city.
Sincerely,
Tamara Steiner
Government/Economic Policy Committee Chair, Concord Chamber
Marc Maier,
Chair of the Board, Concord Chamber
Visit Concord | 2151 Salvio Street, Suite T, Concord, CA 94520 [email protected] | 925.685.1182 | VisitConcordCA.com
March 11, 2022
Dear Mayor Aliano and Concord Councilmembers:
I ask you review this LETTER OF SUPPORT of the arts non-profits in Concord, such as Solo Opera, who are looking to the City of Concord for your guidance and support.
The Arts are an integral part of our community, and important to the overall mental and physical well-being of the residents and visitors, as well the positive impact on economic recovery for these non-profit businesses.
Fortunately, the ARPA funds are available for tourism/travel/culture. The Arts bring in a substantial percentage of money to the state ($174.6B) and it is important to get folks in this sector back to work, create jobs, and use the arts to HEAL the community, bringing everyone together again finally after Covid-19, creating social and emotional wellness. The Arts are connected to tourism/travel and people having a reason to visit to a location like Concord/Contra Costa County, to see a show, etc.
When at the shows/events, people spend more money going out to eat, etc., creating event related spending. Since our sector was completely closed for over a year and the last to reopen, we were disproportionately impacted during the pandemic, and will take longer to recover.
We kindly ask you continue to support the Arts in our city.
Warmly,
Elaine Schroth
Elaine Schroth
CEO & President
Mission Statements
SOLO OPERA
www.SoloOpera.org
Solo Opera is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit opera company and a Professional Company Member of Opera America. Founded in 2000 and located in Concord, CA, our mission is to educate, entertain, and enrich the community through our main stage opera productions, concerts, and outreach programs. In addition to performing traditional operatic and musical repertoire, Solo Opera also focuses on 20th-21st century chamber opera, short one act operas, opera in English, and new works by Bay Area composers. We have an active diversity, equity, and inclusion policy that motivates us to work to uplift marginalized groups in our community and diversify our board of directors, staff, audience, and those we hire. Our company also has a special interest in fostering a new generation of opera lovers and bringing opera to those who may not normally be able to attend due to physical or financial limitations. With the help of grantors and sponsors over the years, we have been able to offer many outreach programs and free tickets to youth, seniors, and disadvantaged/disabled persons/groups. In 2016, Solo Opera and our Artistic Director were awarded the Arts Recognition Award from the Arts and Culture Commission of Contra Costa County for our years of dedicated service to the community.
CONCORD ART ASSOCIATION
www.ConcordArtAssociation.org
As a 501c3 non-profit organization, CAA works to cultivate and enrich the creative lives of local artists and Concord area residents through exhibits, education, public art and community giving. Founded in 1963, CAA is the oldest art association in Contra Costa County. Members include artists, crafters, makers, enthusiasts and supporters of the arts.
B8 THEATRE
www.b8theatre.orgs
BE INCLUSIVE — BE CREATIVE — BE ENGAGED — BE CONNECTED
—BE HEARD — BE GENEROUS — BE CURIOUS — BE BRAVE — B8
The mission and vision of B8 The atre Company is to present audiences with new interpretations of established works and to pioneer new theatrical creations. Our productions aim to take an intersectional look at the works we explore- examining perceptions of gender, race, class, age, sexual orientation, and abilities within the framework of the play and larger context of society as a whole. We strive to create an immersive, inclusive environment for our patrons, believing the audience’s involvement is an integral part of every production.
ARTS ALLIANCE CONCORD
_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ AAC is a coalition of performing and visual arts nonprofits serving Concord, Ca.
From:
Sent: Saturday, April 9, 2022 8:41 PM
To: ARPA <[email protected]>
Subject: ARPA Survey
We have been residents of Concord for 46 years. Why did we not hear about this survey? We read newspaper every day, watch network and cable news, and browse the internet. Thank you.
Sent from my iPad. If you forward this PLEASE REMOVE all Email addresses before you send it on, and use the BCC area when forwarding to one or more people at once. Be kind to your email friends.
From: Linda Ray <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2022 11:02 AM
To: Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]> Cc: Ezell, Justin <[email protected]>; Lynsie Castellano <[email protected]>; Rick Correa <[email protected]>
Subject: 19M Federal Funds
Good morning Carlyn~
I’m reading the Concord News and Activity Guide, and I have to mention, and request, that Concord do the right thing, and finally paint the bike lanes, green, on Salvio Street, between Parkside Drive, and Port Chicago Highway.
This stretch, as you know, had become a high-speed cut-through, once the city decided, several years ago, to provide protected left turns, off of both, East Street, and Port Chicago Highway.
This stretch continues to be a an unmitigated mess, due to the school, the high speed commuters, service vehicles, buses, and drivers - both driving in, and/or double parking in the bike lanes.
Since the Date Street intersection is supposed to finally, have installed, flashing stop signs, both East, and Westbound, on Salvio Street, now is definitely the time, to appropriately paint the bike lanes green, in conjunction with the flashing stop signs. This is done, and completed in other districts, in Concord, without so much as a whimper, from the residents, and schools.
The Salvio Street Project should have never been closed-out, without the safety mechanisms, that are so clearly and appropriately necessary, in this highly traveled section of Salvio Street.
Concord needs to stand-up, and do the right, and proper thing, to finally finish the Salvio Street Project, to make this stretch of roadway, clearly delineated, on behalf, of all concerned, meaning bike riders, walkers, students, drivers, and the residents of the Baldwin Park neighborhood.
Best~
Linda
Sent from my iPad
From: Deana Balinton <[email protected]>
Sent: Monday, April 11, 2022 5:37 PM
To: ARPA <[email protected]>
Cc: Madeleine Bair <[email protected]>
Subject: ARPA Funding
Greetings City of Concord,
As the city explores how it can utilize ARPA funds to support the economic recovery of communities most impacted by the pandemic, we would like to introduce our organization and work. We are El Tímpano, a local Spanish-language reporting lab designed in collaboration with Latino and Mam Mayan immigrants to address inequities in local news and information. Founded in Oakland four years ago, El Tímpano has earned widespread recognition here in the East Bay and won national awards for our innovative approaches to serve as a trusted messenger for communities often disconnected from the information and resources they need due to language barriers, the digital divide, and lack of trust.
F
or the past two years, our SMS (text-messaging) platform for local news and information has served as a lifeline for thousands of East Bay immigrants impacted by the pandemic. We connect community members to the resources and services they need and help them understand what new policies mean for them. We also provide a platform for community members to share their stories, questions, and concerns, and partner with other media outlets to amplify their voices.
Today, 10% of Oakland's Spanish-speaking households subscribe to this service, and our growing subscriber base includes Latino immigrants from across the Bay Area, including in Concord and other East Contra Costa municipalities. For this reason, we are seeking funding to expand our reach and impact in Concord. With one in every five Concord residents speaking Spanish at home, we know that there is a significant need for a local source of information to connect Latino immigrants with relevant resources and trustworthy local news.
The pandemic has underscored just how vital such a service is, as a lack of information means that impacted community members may not be aware of their rights as tenants and workers, be informed about the latest public health guidelines, or be aware of opportunities to access resources such as rental relief, food distributions, or affordable internet. Furthermore, the lack of a trusted source of news breeds misinformation, which has become a grave threat to public health.
With the support of the City of Concord, El Tímpano could conduct an Information Needs Assessment to map the specific information needs of the city's Spanish-speaking communities and form relationships with local organizations and municipal agencies to identify how we can build on their strengths and address their gaps when it comes to reaching Latino and Mam
immigrants with local information. ( Here's the report w e published from our Oakland Information Needs Assessment.) The goal of our initial work would be to develop trust with community members and local institutions, learn where the communication gaps are within the community, and design an ongoing information platform to address community needs and build on local assets.
E
l Tímpano's current and past partnerships with the Alameda County Health Care Services Agency, Resilient Fruitvale, La Clínica de la Raza, the City of Oakland, and others demonstrate the effectiveness of our approach and the trust we've earned from local partners. Our efforts have proven successful in Alameda County, and we hope that you will consider supporting our work in Concord to ensure that, as the city invests in local resources, all Concord residents have the information they need to access them.
Please let us know if you would like any additional information.
We appreciate your time.
Sincerely,
El Tímpano Team
De ana Balinton | C
ivic Partnerships Manager | (209) 407-1706
[email protected] | www.eltimpano.org
El Tím pano is growing! Learn mo r e about o ur next stage of growth and how you can be a part of it.
From: Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]> Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2022 9:32 AM
To: ARPA <[email protected]>; Barone, Valerie <[email protected]> Subject: Fwd: Concord ARPA Grant Request
Sent from my iPad
Begin forwarded message:
From: Lisa Hofmann Morgan <lisahofmannmorgan@gma il.com> Date : April 15, 2022 at 9:22:35 PM PDT
To: "Obringer, Carlyn" <Carlyn.Obringer@cityofconc ord.org>, "Hoffmeister, Laura" <[email protected]>, "McGallian, Tim" <Tim.McGallian@c ityofconcord.org> , "Birsan, Edi" < [email protected]> Subject: Concord ARPA Grant Request
April 15th , 2022
Dear City of Concord Council Members,
I would like to voice my support to the Community Youth Center (CYC) proposal for funding from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). I serve as President of the Board of Directors for both The Hofmann Family Foundation and CYC. Please know that the entire Hofmann family and organization is in full support for the renovation and move into the former Big C Athletic Club facilities.
Prior to the pandemic we served over 2,200 local youth in various disciplines and academic support. CYC currently serves over 1700 members with 11 different programs and has sustained consistent growth post pandemic.
The conversion of the Big C Athletic Club facility will afford a greater impact on the community we serve, growth and expansion of the programs offered. It will be the premiere non-profit youth center located in the City of Concord. This project grant will help build a phenomenal facility for our members, and I absolutely appreciate the ongoing support from the city for the CYC, and in the future. If the City elects to move forward with the grant you have my personal assurance that Hofmann Family Foundation will work in concert with the City of Concord to make this a wonderful opportunity for our youth.
I recently extended my $1,000,000 annual commitment to the De La Salle Academy for an additional ten years, and will continue my father’s legacy of helping those from challenged or less fortunate circumstances.
Best regards, Lisa
Lisa Hofmann Morgan
Board President
Community Youth Center
3000 Oak Road Suite 200
Walnut Creek, CA 94597
(925) 478-2000
From: Nicholas VIRGALLITO
Sent: Saturday, April 16, 2022 11:24 AM
To: ARPA <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: ARPA Survey.Late Input.
Thank you Karen for your response. I will try to keep it short. Since growing up in California for the last 80 years we are part of the law and order, taxpaying , voters, and fabric of society that hold our communities together. Well, that pretty much has gone out the window in the last 5 years. Crime and violence is our major concern, not due to a lack of good police work rather a change in the way our State Government and voting public has voted and approved the direction of lawlessness in our State and of course our communities.
Until we begin reversing all the Executive orders and Propositions, ie Prop 47 that have allowed criminals no bail, and reducing the prison population, and reversing the “defund the police” movement we will continue to decline in our values and lawlessness will take over. It has already begun.
My vote and recommendation for the use of ARPA funds is to provide the Police department all the resources that they need to stop the crime in our City and State. It is to late to pour good money after bad money to rehabilitate {the little darlings,} hardened criminals. If anything, we most likely need a political change in California and to construct more jails. Thank you for your time.
From: Karla Guerra <kguerra@unitycounc il.org>
Sent: Monday, April 18, 2022 4:20 PM
To: Aliano, Dominic <Dominic.Aliano@c ityofconcord.org>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <Tim.McGallian@c ityofconcord.org>; ARPA <[email protected]> Cc: Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>; Fockler, Joelle <[email protected]>; Karely Ordaz <kordaz@unitycounc il.org>; Chris Iglesias <CIglesias@unitycounc il.org>; Lydia P adilla <lpadilla@unit ycouncil.org>
Subject: Concord ARPA Request - Letters of Support for City Council Packet Importance : High
Dear Honorable Members of the Concord City Council,
• O n behalf of The Unity Council, I am respectful ly submitting Letters of Support for our ARPA funding request, in order for them to be included in the upcoming City Council packet.
L
etters of Support include: 1 signed letter from Business El Rancho de Concord, 4 signed letters from CFS families, and 1 signed letter from a Congressman.
Thank you for your consideration. Please don’t hesitate to reach out should you have any questions.
Sincerely,
Best regards,
Karla Gue rra (She/Her)
Policy & Advocacy Manager
[email protected]
202-290-7396 Cellphone
The Unity Council
1900 Fruitvale Ave. Ste.2A
Oakland, CA 94601
www.unitycouncil.org
Want to chat? Let’s talk - Calendly – Karla Guerra
April 8, 2022
City Council
City of Concord
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
RE: Support for The Unity Council’s ARPA Request
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Ana Cardenas, I am a mother and vice president of the "parent council" at the Unity Council's Cesar Chavez Headstart center since 2019. I write this letter of support f or The Unity Council's application for ARPA funding.
What I like most about the center is that it is very organized, the rooms are very clean, and it is a very cozy place. I am very impressed by the staff, there is good coordination and the process to apply to the center is very easy. The guidance they gave my daughter to help her in the transition process was very good and a nice and simultaneous experience. I like that the center is bilingual, they include Spanish, which is very important to me.
My daughter's growth and development have been extraordinary. For example, my daughter left the center already reading and writing. The education and training of children is something vital so that they have a well-established foundation and I have found it in the center. The best thing was that I didn't I looked for them, they came to me because of the outreach they do. They have given us hope and courage to achieve everything we want to do. My daughter is already in kindergarten, but I am still volunteering at the center because I want other parents to have that same experience.
I have learned a lot thanks to the center, they offer classes for parents, for example , the class "circle of security", which is about understanding the development of our children and working on their emotions, to know our children bette r so we can help them to develop and be independent. They also have a Christmas program and give gifts to children, they have workshops for parents such as the "boys & girls club", where they practice sports and socialize.
The center has given me confidence as a single mother to develop my career in finances, I had a place to leave my daughter while I went to study. Now I have my own company in finance and financial planning.
Please consider their request.
Thank you,
Ana Cardenas
April 7, 2022
City Council
City of Concord
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
RE: Support for The Unity Council’s ARPA Request
Dear Concord City Council,
We are writing in support of The Unity Council’s ARPA budget request to support more Concord children, youth and families. As a longtime City of Concord business, we believe it is crucial that The Unity Council stays in the Monument Corridor to continue their meaningful work.
El Rancho has a long history of working in partnership with The Unity Council. From our annual Christmas event to our backpack and food giveaways, we value their commitment to help the community. We have seen firsthand the endless benefit families receive from our events. This has been especially crucial due to the pandemic and the difficulty many families have experienced. We are proud of our work together and excited to continue.
Like us, The Unity Council is invested in Concord. We see the added value they bring to the Monument and are looking forward to continuing to partner with them. We appreciate the city for considering their funding request.
Sincerely,
El Rancho de Concord
DocuSign Envelope ID: B338BF6B-C8D8-485C-946C-43090BE91ED7
Viernes, 8 de Abril de 2022
Concilio
Ciudad de Concord
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
RE: Apoyo a la solicitud de ARPA de The Unity Council
Mi nombre es Veronica Fajardo. Escribo esta carta de apoyo a la solicitud de The Unity Council para el financiamiento de ARPA.
He sido madre de familia en el Centro Cesar Chavez desde el año 2011. Mis tres hijos han sido parte del programa, de edades 11, 9 y en este momento mi hijo Angel de 5 años asiste al centro.
Lo que mas me gusta del centro es mis hijos se sienten contentos con las actividades que realizan, los materiales que usan para su aprendizaje, los juguetes, el personal es muy amigable y eso hace muy feliz a mis hijos. El crecimiento y desarrollo de mis hijos ha sido extraordinario. Por ejemplo, mis hijos mostraron mucho interes en todos su programas educativos y aprendieron mucho, incluso pedian ir siempre a la escuela, no querian dejar de ir al centro porque se sentian muy contentos con sus maestros. Como madre soltera me siento muy afortunada de tener una organización como The Unity Council en mi comunidad porque son de gran apoyo; responden a todas mis preguntas, y nos incluyen en sus actividades; ellos me empoderan para hacerme cargo del desarrollo de mis hijos. Estoy emocionada de saber que ellos quieren quedarse en Concord en los próximos años que vienen. El beneficio que recibirán otras familias será inmenso.
Por favor, considere su solicitud.
Gracias,
Veronica Fajardo.
925-848-8634
April 8, 2022
City Council
City of Concord
1950 Parkside Drive
Concord, CA 94519
RE: Support for The Unity Council’s ARPA Request
Dear Concord City Council,
My name is Cristina Marin. I am writing this letter of support for The Unity Council’s request for ARPA funding.
I have been a parent at the Cesar Chavez Head start center since 2016. I'm also part of the policy council meetings. What I like most about the center is the support of th e staff and they answer all my questions, and the activities are very helpful. I love the way they teach, and encourage children and families to have a successful life. The growth and development of my children has been remarkable. For example, my son learned to be independent, respectful and also learned a lot of things that when he when to school in first grade he knew already and it was easy for him to continue. With my daughter as a special need girl, they also support me with all the needs of my girl had like to be fed with the G -tube and using the canguro machine, administrating medications. I feel lucky to have an organization like The Unity Council in my community because they are of great support; they answer all my questions, they empower me to take charge of my children. I’m excited to learn that they want to stay in Concord for years to come. The benefit other families will receive will be immense.
Please consider their request.
Thank you,
NAME & SIGNATURE
Cristina Marin
From: Matt Harrison <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 19, 2022 12:14 PM
To: Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>; ARPA <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; Fockler, Joelle <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]> Subject: Letters of Support
Ladies and Gentlemen,
I have a few letters of support for CYC to supplement the letter from Lisa. I am also expecting something from Steve Gonsloves. For now, here are a few letters from members.
Respectfully,
Matt
--
Matthew Harrison
Executive Director
Community Youth Center
(925) 566-7569
www.communityyouthcenter.org
To
Whom It May Concern,
This letter is to share about the vital and significant role that the Community Youth Center has played in the lives of our youth here at Youth Homes residential treatment. As an agency that cares for youth in foster care, many of our residents have not had the opportunity to participate in team or individual sports before they come to stay with us. Community Youth Center has been gracious enough to support our youth with scholarships to participate in whatever activities they find passion and interest in.
Thanks to CYC, many of our youth have had to opportunity to expand their horizons and build positive community connections as they participate in the variety of sports and activities CYC has to offer. CYC is a vital part of this community that provides amazing athletic and academic opportunities to youth and I hope for them to continue to build and share their gift with all youth in our community.
Sincerely,
Giselle Supar, ACSW
Giselle Supar, ACSW
Clinical Supervisor, Youth Homes, Inc.
April 11, 2022
To whom it may concern,
I’m writing in support of the Community Youth Center (CYC). I believe CYC is an incredible asset to Concord’s residents as well as our community and local businesses as a whole.
My daughters (8 & 6 years old) have been attending CYC for roughly 2 years. My husband and I have seen tremendous growth in both of our girls in so many ways from self-discipline to learning to work as a team and honor their commitments to growing their self-confidence and taking pride in the skills they have learned and bonds they have made. All this, thanks to the caring CYC staff and the amazing coaches.
After trying many different sport/after school programs for my eldest daughter (ballet, karate, Mexican folkloric dance, academic & language tutoring) we were not only frustrated from driving around from activity to activity, we were also frustrated at how extremely expensive each individua l class was. Ultimately, we had her pick one activity because we couldn’t afford all of the classes nor the time it took driving her around town.
Once my youngest daughter was of age to start attending classes we had her enrolled for ballet.
After a couple of months we decided it was just too expensive and were going to pull both girls from their dance classes. I was venting to my friend about how unaffordable every program in area for kids seemed to be and thats when she told me about CYC. I knew my goddaughter (her daughter) had been attending kickboxing and loved it but I didn’t know where it was located or that they offered a ton of other sports and activities.
We were warned that registration and getting into classes was difficult as there’s only so much space available. We crossed our fingers and waited in the crazy long line and thankfully our girls were able to get into classes they were interested in. Over the years they have attended ballet, hip hop, soccer, recreational & competitive cheer, taekwondo, academic excellence as well summer and spring day camps. One of the great things about CYC is that if there’s space available in a class your child can join it. This is fantastic because kids aren’t really sure what they’ll like until they try it. CYC let’s the kids try many different activities under the same roof at an affordable price.
The Community Youth Center is a huge benefit to our community. It provides a safe and affordable place for Concord’s youth (ages 4-18) to learn and grow. What alternatives are their for our youth? As far as I know, there’s nothing in the area that compares.
I’ve had so many conversations with parents who’s children attend CYC and it’s always the same, nothing but praise and gratitude. They really do so much and genuinely seem to really care about our kids and the impact they are making in our community.
I’m sincerely thankful for the ongoing support, dedication, and leadership my girls have gained while at CYC. I hope that they’ll have the opportunity to continue to learn and grow at the Community Youth Center.
Sincerely,
Nazarena Bowring
From: Matt Harrison <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2022 12:31 PM
To: Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Barone, Valerie <[email protected]>; McAuley, Wendy <[email protected]>; ARPA <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Fockler, Joelle <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]> Subject: Letter
Ladies and Gentlemen,
Here is one more letter of support from Steve Gonsolves.
--
Matthew Harrison
Executive Director
Community Youth Center
(925) 566-7569
www.communityyouthcenter.org
From: Elaine Schroth <[email protected]>
Sent: Wednesday, April 20, 2022 12:43 PM
To: Concord City Council <[email protected]> Cc: ARPA <[email protected]>
Subject: ARPA Fund request
Happy Wednesday!
See attached letter for April 26 meeting.
Thank you.
Elaine Cortez Schroth
CEO a n d Pr esident
Cell: 510.604.0621
Offi ce: 925.685.1182
esch [email protected]
V isitConcordCA.com
2151 Sa lvio St reet, Suite T , Con cord, CA 94520
Visit Concord | 2151 Salvio Street, Suite T, Concord, CA 94520 [email protected] | 925.685.1182 | VisitConcordCA.com
April 20, 2022
Dear Mayor Aliano, Vice Mayor Hoffmeister and City Council, On behalf of the Concord Tourism Improvement District Agency (dba Visit Concord), we strongly support Arts & Culture in Concord, CA.
The Arts Alliance Concord (Solo Opera, B8 Theatre, Concord Art Association) is requesting City of Concord ARPA funds that would directly benefit the residents – in support of children and families, education, and arts & culture. If awarded, they would like to use ARPA funds to lease a Concord property for an arts venue at 2151 Salvio St. Suite W as a small performing venue, art gallery, office, classroom and rehearsal space.
We look forward to a time of collaboration with the Arts and the restaurants/ businesses in the downtown location to assist with downtown business recovery and economic vitality.
We hope you will consider them as a funding recipient to further the cultural arts program in Concord, which is currently underserved.
Thank you for your consideration.
Warmly,
Elaine Schroth
CEO & President
Initiatives a nd programs s upporte d b y the City
of C
oncord to address issues of homelessness
Through two primary funding sources plus funds available through the Police Department, the City of Concord will fund $276,050 in FY 2019/20 in direct services to support homeless individuals. $111,000: Grant funds from the Concord Pleasant Hill Health Care District (CPHHCD) to homeless services providers
$103,050:
Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the City of Concord to community
services providers.
$62,000:
The Concord Police Department provides
additional funds for the two-person Coordinated
Outreach, Referral and Engagement (CORE) Team to provide services to homeless individuals in the field.
City of Concord
Homeless Services Fact Sheet
Agency Program CPHHCD CDBG CPD
Contra Costa Crisis Center 211 Call Line (information and referral) $22,000 $11,450 Contra Costa Homeless Services CORE Outreach Team $13,000 $11,450 $62,000 Monument Crisis Center Safety Net Services/
CARE Capable Center $25,000 $11,450
Contra Costa Homeless Services Adult Shelter $11,450
RotaCare Mobile Health Clinic $20,000
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Food Distribution Program $15,000 $11,450 STAND! For Families Free of Violence Domestic Violence Emergency Response/ Emergency Shelter $16,000 $11,450
Interfaith Council - Winter Nights
Shelter Family Shelter $11,450
Trinity Center Day Center $11,450
$111,000 $103,050 $62,000
www.cityofconcord.org
$11,450
Attachment 3
Funded Services
Sheltering
The Adult Emergency Shelter, which includes the Respite Center. The Central County Multi-Service/CARE Center.
STAND’s emergency shelter for victims of domestic violence. Interfaith Council’s Winter Night’s Shelter.
The Trinity Center in Walnut Creek provides day services for the homeless, 25% of whom are from Concord.
Supportive Services
Contra Costa Crisis Center 211, the main entry point into the County’s Coordinated Entry system. CORE outreach team, shared with the City of W alnut Creek, a County-managed team that interacts directly with
the homeless on the street, referring them to supportive services and providing transportation to overnight shelters.
Monument Crisis Center, a CARE Capable center, providing services to the homeless including a food pantry and access to State and local resources.
The Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.
RotaCare Bay Area, a mobile primary care clinic to uninsured individuals. Shelter, Inc., which provides financial assistance to prevent homelessness or rapidly rehouse the homeless.
Other Resources and Service Facilitation
The City participates in the Contra Costa Homeless Continuum of Care (CoC), a local planning body that org
anizes and delivers housing and support services for homeless individuals. The City participates in the CoC’s annual Point-in-Time count to accurately identify the number of homeless wi
thin the City, which assists with funding allocations.
The Concord Police Department deploys a four-officer Community Impact Unit (CIU) tasked with re
sponding to homelessness, including issues of victimization, criminal activity, quality of life concerns, and nuisance/blight issues that affect the community and the homeless. The CIU regularly interacts with the CORE outreach team to provide resources and outreach to homeless persons. Many Concord Police officers also undergo Crisis Intervention Training each year, which provides education on eff
ective intervention with persons experiencing a mental health crisis, common among the long-term homeless.
www.cityofconcord.org/homelessservices
Homelessness is an issue that affects people in every community throughout California and the nation. The City of Concord partners with Contra Costa County and local non-profit organizations to provide assistance to its unhoused residents.
Point in Time Count
2,277
514 people were in
Central County
160 people were in Concord
Among all unhoused adults:
Each year in January, Contra Costa’s Homeless Continuum of Care, with the help of community volunteers, conducts a comprehensive point-in-time count of families and individuals experiencing homelessness. The 2021 count was canceled due to COVID; the 2022 count occurred in February and the data is forthcoming.
What We’re Doing
$304,000 organiza
City funding dedic
tions in FY 21-22
ated to
partner
Responding to the Needs of
Our Unhoused Residents
Unhoused individuals in Contra Costa County counted on a single night in January 2020 2,123 adults
154 children
mental health
condition
substance use
issue
chronic health
condition veterans
ORGANIZATION SERVICE
Contra Costa Crisis Center 211 Call Line (information & resources) Contra Costa Homeless Services CORE Outreach Team
Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano Food Distribution Program Monument Crisis Center Safety Net Services/CARE Capable Center RotaCare Mobile Health Clinic
STAND! For Families Free of Violence Domestic Violence Emergency Response/Emergency Shelter Trinity Center Day Center
Winter Nights Family Shelter Shelter
NEW! On March 8, 2022,
Council allocated an
additional $2.4 million to
provide homeless services.
Benched
Attachment 3
Updated 3/22
www.cityofconcord.org/homelessservices
This three-person team works 40 hours per week in the City of Concord, interacting with unsheltered individuals on the street, referring them to supportive services and providing transportation to overnight shelters.
The team’s social worker will conduct street outreach and assist individuals in accessing the resources they need. - 60 shelter beds in Concord
- Showers, laundry and meals
available to all in need
Concord PD has a four-officer unit designated to address quality of life issues, including:
criminal activity, nuisance issues, and homelessness. The Community Impact Unit (CIU) works directly with the CORE Team to provide resources and assistance to the unhoused.
Funded by Measure V, Concord launched a pilot program in June 2021 that pairs a County mental health specialist with a City police officer. The two work proactively to provide referrals to outpatient mental health services and other resources to help individuals experiencing significant mental health challenges remain in the community and avoid future crisis intervention and interactions with law enforcement.
Homelessness is an ongoing challenge at the local and national level, and it is important to acknowledge homelessness is not a crime. Reports of homeless encampments on public property are directed to the Police Department’s Community Impact Unit to coordinate a response with CORE. The Police Department evaluates health and public safety considerations utilizing state guidance and existing law to determine the need for abatement. Unsheltered persons living in encampments are offered services through CORE, and encampments that have unsafe or unsanitary conditions are then cleared. Encampments on County or Caltrans property must be addressed by those agencies.
The City’s Housing Division includes 3.5 full-time employees to keep the community informed regarding available housing assistance, projects, and federal, state and local legislation. The Division also oversees the Community Grants program, which provides funds to local community organizations to provide safety net services to the City’s most at-risk residents.
911
Call if someone poses an immediate
risk to him/herself or others
Concord Connect
Mobile App
12-01-2021 v1
Full-Service Shelter
Concord, Pittsburg and Richmond are currently the only three cities in the County with full service homeless shelters.
CORE - Coordinated Outreach, Referral & Engagement
Police Department Community Impact Unit
MHET – Mental Health Evaluation Team
Encampment Abatement
Concord’s Housing Division
What You Can Do 211
Call if someone needs
services through CORE911
Concord Connect
To report an encampment,
use the City’s mobile app.
211 is a countywide call center
and the County’s main entry
point to its system for assisting
the unhoused. It is a 24/7
hotline run by the nonprofit
Contra Costa Crisis Center.
Benched Correspondence
Agenda Item No. 5.a
April 26, 2022
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 1:24 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>
Subject: Fund Arts Alliance Concord
Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a. I am a Concord resident and have attended many B8 Theatre Company plays. I can’t afford to go to plays in Oakland & San Francisco, not even Danville. My friends & I attend B8 and then eat at restaurants in Concord. This is a jewel in our town and we need to promote the arts! B8 Theatre Company is committed to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and that is demonstrated by the stories on our stage and their casting choices. Examples:
1. Midsummer Night's Dream (performed at the Concord Historical Society) a gender swapped production with a diverse cast and crew including 2 Concord residents.
2. A New Work - Strange Ladies by Susan Sobeloff, (performed at the Concord Historical Society) a multi-generational production also with diverse casting, celebrating the women's suffrage movement including Concord residents among the cast and crew.
3. White Guy on the Bus by Bruce Graham (performed in a converted Concord restaurant) a powerful and moving play told with humor and sensitivity exploring racism and bias in our world today.
Other Productions and some of their themes or diverse casting that demonstrate their commitment to DEI :
Welcome to Little Fork, Renee Lundstrom LGBT+
Glengarry Glen Ross - all female cast Women
King Lear Diverse casting
Man of Letters New Work, LGBT+
Tartuffe Diverse casting
RePro Rights women, LGBT+
Fuddy Meers
Pinned Butterfly LGBT+
A Doll's House, women, Diverse casting
Jubilee, New Work, Diverse casting
Elsie Mills
Pronouns: She/Her
From: J Edmo <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 1:54 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; JanLee Marshall <[email protected]> Subject: Agenda 5a - Support the Arts
Please vote to allocate $500,000 of ARPA funding to support Arts Alliance Concord.
The arts have had a very difficult time during COVID and need the city's support to help keep concord a vital and interesting place to live. The arts touch the community in so many ways for the people who need it the most.
~Jeff Edmonston
Clayton, CA
From: Jennifer Wallig <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 1:58 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Cc: Jennifer Wallig <[email protected]>
Subject: Please vote to FUND Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a
Dear Concord City Council,
I’m writing today to urge you to support local performing arts theater and the arts in Concord. Our family is a lover of the performing arts, and there are not many options in Concord. We have to go the Lesher in Walnut Creek, the Martinez Theater, the Pittsburg Theater, or the big cities like Oakland and San Francisco. It would be so nice if Concord, the largest city in our county would lead the way in supporting the arts.
In addition, Youth Theater is a huge deal. Currently there aren’t many programs or studios in Concord that support our youth performers. I live in Dana Estates and my children attended Concord schools their entire lives and in order to challenge my musically talented kid, I had to go to Poison Apple Productions in Martinez or Pittsburg Youth Theater to find Youth Theater programs for my budding actor. And then when they performed, they performed at the Lesher or Del Valle Theaters in Walnut Creek. Wouldn’t it be nice if Concord was an option? I’m shocked they are not.
Concord where Families Come First…. Please I implore you to invest in local arts for our city.
Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a.
Thank you for your time and consideration. And to show you how wonderful arts are, watch this video from Poison Apple’s performance of Shrek the Musical 2 summers ago at the Lesher. THIS caliber of performing could come to Concord!! https://youtu.be/vRqA848NK_Q
Jennifer Wallig
Office Manager / Project Administrator
Commercial Construction
Employee Owned
101 Ygnacio Valley Rd., Suite 105
Walnut Creek, CA 94596
925-256-5900 office
925-952-5118 direct l ine
925-256-5905 fax
Visit our Website: www. wci-gc.com
Disclaimer: This attachment contains information proprietary to WCI and is intended only for the us e of the intended recipient(s ). Any form of dis s emination, dis tribution or copying of this information is s trictly prohibited.
From: Marissa Clarke <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 1:59 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]
Subject: ARPA funding for the arts
Hi there,
I’m writing you today to urge you to vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a. I’ve heard that you don’t think the the city of Concord “values the arts” — this is preposterous! Residents simply go elsewhere for their arts consumption because Concord as a city hasn’t prioritized it. You need to be the change you want to see. By funding the arts, you’ll actually be showing residents that you care not only about the art itself, but that you care about the city and want to make it a destination. AND you’ll show the residents that you care about them by providing access.
Please, direct the remaining ARPA funds to the arts.
Thank you.
______________
M
arissa Clarke-Howard
She/Her/Hers
From: Peter M. Callahan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:14 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Peter M. Callahan <[email protected]>
Subject: Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a
Y wife and I support the arts, and encourage you to
do so also. Community theater brings the
community together. Thank you!
Pete Callahan
From: Mark Hinds <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:39 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; JanLee Marshall <[email protected]>
Subject: Please fund Arts Alliance Concord
I am writing today as a community theater advocate. I have a long history with the c ity of Concord and have lived and worked here going back to 1965 as an Ygnacio Valley High School student. I have been in the community theater world most of my adult life. I am writing to ask you to vote to fund B8 Theatre along with Solo Opera as two fine organizations serving a community need. I have personally performed with B8 and know them to be committed to bringing insight and diversity to the world of live theater. Using local talent both as performers and playwrights their work is sterling.
There is a tremendous interest in live theater here in the East Bay. Many theaters having closed their doors to lack of funding during the pandemic and the need for performance space and attention to the arts is vital. There are advantages to the city beyond jus t funding the arts. When we opened Onstage Repertory in Martinez (due to lack of space in both Concord and Pleasant Hill, our first choices) downtown rolled up the sidewalks by 8:00 PM. Now, nine years later and anchored by our occupation of the Campbell Theater we have developed a vibrant downtown scene. The prospect of dinner and a show has benefited all of the restaurants on Main St, many of which did not take space here until we offered live entertainment at very affordable prices. Local artists need a place to shine.
Audiences need a nearby affordable venue to attend. Please please approve funds for the ARTS ALLIANCE CONCORD.
Mark Hinds
General Manager
Onstage Repertory Theater, Inc. a 501 ( c)(3) non profit corporation 636 Ward St.
Martinez, Ca. 94553
925-350-9770 for updates and show information or go to
www.Campbelltheater.com
From: LAURIE MANSUR <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:42 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>
Cc: [email protected]; [email protected] Subject: Please Fund the Concord Arts Allliance
Dear Council Members,
As a 23 year resident of Concord, I am writing to you to ask that you please support funding the Concord Arts Alliance with money from ARPA funds. Concord is a rich, diverse and vital city that should have as part of its identity an arts culture that reflects it residents, and which is supported by local government. I am not sure why funding community arts programs has been so difficult in the past, but THIS is your opportunity to be able to say that you made a difference in the future of Concord as a 21st century city.
Visual art, music, dance, and public art are all important ways communities develop civic pride and encourage residents to be involved with one another for common goals. They are ways we can come together from different backgrounds and cultures to celebrate our shared humanity.
The more involved we all are, the safer and more productive is our city. We have heard for years that certain council members "support" art programs but very few in the last 20 years have actually been financially supported by the city. Here is your chance to go beyond lip service.
The time is now to look ahead to the future. What kind of Concord do we want to see for our kids and grandkids? Start NOW. Do the right thing.
thanks,
Laurie Mansur
Concord Resident
Artist
Concord Art Association volunteer
Dance Mom
From: Bear Hamilton <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 2:57 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Arts Alliance Concord
Please consider voting to fund Arts Alliance Concord as part of agenda item 5a.
Please help to keep the performing arts in our area alive and vibrant. It is crucial that we have avenues for talent of all ages to participate in the performing arts here in the East Bay.
Thank you for your kind attention to this matter.
Respects,
--
Bear Hamilton
Theatrical Engineering
American Rescue Plan Act
(ARPA) Investment Plan:
Community Outreach Results and
Policy Direction
KARAN REID, DIRECTOR OF FINANCE, CITY OF CONCORD
CAROL JACOBS , CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, MANAGEMENT PARTNERS APRIL 26, 2022
Agenda
Background on The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Presentation on results of Community Outreach Plan
Council Direction:
Approve ARPA spending categories
Approve dollar a mount allocations to each spending category Provide direction to staff on next steps for developing a funding a
llocation plan for each category
2
Background
Concord’s ARPA Allocation is $27.0 million
Funds must be spent or obligated by December 31, 2024
a
nd obligated funds must be spent by December 31, 2026
On August 24, 2021, the first meeting on ARPA was held In addition, Council set aside $1.0 million Measure V funds 3
ARPA Allocations to Date
4 ARPA Use Category Description FY 2020-21 FY 2021-22 FY 2022-23 COVID-19 Testing for City employees - $350,000 - Social Worker for CORE Team - $183,000 -
Negative Economic Impacts Small Business Relief program $1,000,000 - - Revenue
Loss
Provision of government services through its
employees funded in the City's General Fund $600,000 $5,385,837 $500,000 Administrative Community Outreach $111,200
Totals by Fiscal Year $1,600,000 $6,030,037 $500,000
Total appropriations to date $8,130,037
Reserved for future appropriation $18,910,846
Total ARPA Funding $27,040,883
Public Health Emergency
American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA)
Community Engagement Results
April 26, 2022
Carol Jacobs, Chief Operating Officer, Management Partners
• Least restrictive category of expenditures
• Requires least amount of reporting to justify expenditures • “Government Services”
• Excludes:
Issuance of new debt or payment of outstanding debt
Reserve replenishment
Paying settlements/judgments
6 How can you use these funds?
Municipal Services to Extent of Revenue Loss
6
Use for one
-
time or short
-
term
initiatives to address the most
pressing community needs
Address unfunded/
underfunded capital
improvement projects
Identify creative one
-
time
uses
Convert virtual services to
permanent
Support continuity of city
services
Address deferred maintenance
to reduce future operating costs
Enhance existing infrastructure
to reduce future operating costs
7 Think ahead … funds can be used through 2024
Using One-Time Recovery Funds Strategically
7 Page 210 of 240
Results of
Community
Engagement
8
Include
diverse
perspectives
Engage
community
champions
Be open
and
transparent
Provide a
variety of
channels to
communicate
and engage
Strengthen
the
community’s
understanding
of this funding
opportunity
9 Engagement Objectives
9
Engaging the Community
• ARPA webpage surveys
Residents
Businesses and Nonprofits
Conducted in English and Spanish
• Community Meeting
• Focus Groups
• 2022 Citizen Satisfaction and ARPA
Priorities Survey
• E-mail input
Internal Efforts
• Interviews with City Council and staff
10 897
ARPA
Webpage
Survey
Responses
56 Community
Meeting
Participants
678
Citizen
Satisfaction
Survey
Responses
31 Requests
received
via E-mail
7 Focus Group
Participants
Community Engagement Methods
10
IMPACTS RESULTING
FROM THE
PANDEMIC
TOP PRIORITIES FOR
SPENDING ONE-
TIME FUNDS
SPENDING
CATEGORIES FOR
USE OF THE FUNDS
11 Topics Discussed
11
Community Needs Categories
12 Page 215 of 240
Tier 1
Priorities
for Investment
13 Support for the unhoused
and mental health
Business support
Tier 2
Priorities
for Investment
14 Community/city improvement
projects and public safety
Nonprofit support
Affordable Housing/at risk
tenant support
Potential Investment Opportunities
15 Page 218 of 240
Tier 1
Support for
the unhoused
and mental
health
16 Services for unhoused individuals
Mental health services
Safe parking, safe sleeping
Employment assistance
Increase emergency shelter capacity
Tiny home village
Tier 1
Business
Support
17 Small business financial
assistance (grants)
Enhance local economy
Small business counseling
assistance
Tier 2
Community/city
improvement
projects and
public safety
18 Roadway maintenance
Community cleanliness and impacts of the
unhoused downtown
Reduce crime
Sidewalk repair, streetlighting, traffic
lights
Park improvements
Tier 2
Nonprofit
support
19 Financial assistance to
nonprofits serving the
community
Support for arts and culture
organizations
Job training
Tier 2
Affordable
Housing/at
risk tenant
support
20 Create more affordable
housing
Keep people housed
Rental/utility assistance
Summary of Tier 1 Options for Consideration
21 Support for the unhoused
and mental health
• Services for unhoused
individuals
• Mental health services
• Safe parking, safe
sleeping
• Employment assistance
• Increase emergency
shelter capacity
• Tiny home village
Business support
• Small business financial
assistance (grants)
• Enhance local economy
• Small business
counseling assistance
Summary of Tier 2 Options for Consideration
22 Community /city
improvement projects
and public safety
• Roadway maintenance
• Community cleanliness
and impacts of the
unhoused downtown
• Sidewalk pair,
streetlighting, traffic
lights
• Park improvements
Nonprofit support
• Financial assistance to
nonprofits serving the
community
• Support for arts and
culture organizations
• Job training
Affordable housing/at
risk tenant support
• Create more affordable
housing
• Keep people housed
• Rental assistance
Council Direction
Approve ARPA Spending Categories:
Support for the Unhoused and Mental Health
Business Support
Support to Nonprofits
Affordable Housing/At Risk Tenant Support
Community and City Improvement Projects/Public Safety 23
Council Direction
Approve dollar amounts allocated to each category:
Unhoused/Mental Health $ 3. 0 Million
Business Support 2. 0 Million
Support to Nonprofits 2. 0 Million
Affordable Housing/At Risk Tenants 6. 0 Million
Community & City Projects/Public Safety 6. 0 Million
Total Allocation $19.0 Million
Defer allocation of $1.0 million of Measure V to later 24
Council Direction
25 Category
City Past/Current
Actions
Proposed ARPA
Allocations
Support for Unhoused/Mental Health 6,608,240$ 3,000,000$ Business Support 1,815,182 2,000,000
Nonprofit Support 1,140,000 2,000,000 Affordable Housing/At Risk Tenant Support 17,308,464 6,000,000 City & Community Capital Improvement
Projects/Public Safety 148,000,000 6, 000,000 Revenue Loss/Support to Organization 7,339,966
Total 182,211,852$ 19,000,000$
Council Direction
Provide direction on next steps for developing funding al
locations to specific projects/programs within each
category:
Staff developed draft investment strategy by category for full City C
ouncil consideration
Refer discussion to one or more Council Sub- Committees to make recommendations to full City Council
Create an Ad Hoc Committee to work with City Manager to make r
ecommendations to full City Council
26
Questions
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: (925) 671-3150
From: Kristi Buchholz <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 3:38 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected]
Subject: fund the arts
Please take the arts seriously and fund the Arts Alliance of Concord. We sink so much into providing and maintaining athletic facilities, please do the same for those who thrive in the arts!
Kristi Buchholz
30 year Concord Resident
Correspondence received after
3 p.m. on day of meeting
Agenda Item No. 5.a
April 26, 2022
From: Rebekah McMenamin <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 3:41 PM
To: Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; City Clerk <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura
<[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]> Cc: [email protected]
Subject: Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a
Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a.
I personally find it very disheartening that you would decide unilaterally that the arts are not important to our community. I know there are many competing needs, but the arts are vitally important to any community thriving.
From: Anamilena Ayala <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:09 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Please support the Arts in Concord
Dear Government members,
I am sending this note to you to ask you to please represent us well at the time of voting to support the Arts community in our beloved city of Concord. We are counting on you for the progress and develop of a culturally diverse community.
I am an artist myself and know the importance of your support.
Best regards,
Anamilena Ayala
[email protected]
From: Sharon <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:17 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Cc: Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim
<[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic
<[email protected]>
Subject: The arts in Concord is behind surrounding cities
The feedback we've heard is that the Concord City Council doesn't feel like the community values the arts. We need you to step up and grant the request by Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a, and to vote to use ARPA funds for this purpose.
We’d love to attend local theater again, the Opera, and see the Concord Art Association do even more for the community than it already does.
Sincerely,
The Petersen Family
Sent from my iPad
From: Ted Ward <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:27 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Arts funding
I have been a Concord resident for 23 years.
My child took dance lessons and kayer taught at Clayton Valley Dance Academy in Concord.
The school was forced to hold its annual recital in neighboring cities such as Antioch and Pittsburg because Concord did not have an adequate facility.
Please support the funding request submitted by the Concord Arts Alliance.
Thanks
Ted Ward
Sent from my iPhone
From: Douglas Rees <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:49 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Arts Funding
Please excuse my forwardness in addressing the council on a subject of local significance. I am sure there are many factors involved in your decision-making that I have no knowledge of. I only wish to make two non-local points that I think bear on this issue.
One is personal. My wife and have driven around the United States twice, once in 1992 and once in 2014. On the second trip, I noticed two big changes from 1992: there was a lot more corn, and there was a lot more artistic activity. I'll pass on the corn production, as it doesn't seem germane to this issue, but the second does.
It seems pretty clear that the arts in this country are going through a renaissance which is completely under the radar of the national media. No one is looking, so no one sees the proliferation of art alliances, theatre groups, and writers that is going on everywhere:
Hastings, Nebraska; Glen Lynn, Florida; Sioux Falls, South Dakota. I hope, as you consider whether or not to grant Theatre B*'s request for funding that you take some thought for the fact that your theatre group's work is of something more than local significance.
My other point is financial. The arts, written large, are big business. More people buy tickets to art shows, theatrical productions, and film festivals than go to sporting events.
The total spent on these things is somewhere above eight billion dollars a year.
Moreover, American artists have shown great resilience and creativity in keeping working during these times of COVID, evolving new means of transmitting their work. I do not think the same can be said of America's athletes.
Perhaps, rather than considering the theatre company's status within the community alone, it might be well to consider its potential within the context of something larger, and to enter into discussions with its management with a view to reaching some of that national audience.
I have written enough. Best wishes for Concord and its theatre company.
Douglas Rees
From: Annika Ward <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 4:54 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>; Birsan, Edi <[email protected]>; Obringer, Carlyn <[email protected]>; Hoffmeister, Laura <[email protected]>; McGallian, Tim <[email protected]>; Aliano, Dominic <[email protected]>; [email protected] Subject: Fund the Arts in Concord
Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of Agenda item 5a.
Annika Ward
Sent from my iPhone
From: [email protected] <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 5:04 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Arts funding
Dear City Council members,
I understand there is a chance that the council would use some of the recovery funds to help promote an art alliance. Since COVID, we haven’t been able to attend the innovative B8 productions. It seems we have to go to Walnut Creek for lectures, art exhibits, or theater productions.
I was at Civic Center yesterday and thought how wonderful it would be to have a cultural center where the lawn is. That is long term, but for the short term, what about funding the rental of some of the empty buildings around? The Village Theater in Danville does a nice combination of having theater and art gallery combined. And the Danville library, right around the corner, has lectures.
Concord seems to focus on sports and playing fields but not much for art-related activities.
Carole Woods
[email protected]
From: Judith Herman <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 7:46 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Item 5 a. to be read at the meeting
Hi,
Thank you for the efforts you made to engage the community. I would encourage the council to listen to the priorities set by the community and allocate accordingly. I hope that a larger percentage of the grant would go to programs benefitting the unhoused than the 3 million dollars recommended.
To clarify, I am a homeowner long time resident of Concord. Many homeowners are concerned about the unhoused in our community.
Judi Herman
Concord Resident
From: allan <[email protected]>
Sent: Tuesday, April 26, 2022 8:57 PM
To: City Clerk <[email protected]>
Subject: Arts Alliance…
Please vote to fund Arts Alliance Concord as a part of agenda item 5a.
Don’t “short change” our community.
Allan Woods
Concord, CA
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allan
[email protected]
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