General Fund Budget Update
Quarter 3 FY 2024-25
01/01/2025 – 03/31/2025
INTRODUCTION
The City of El Cerrito is pleased to submit the Quarter 3 FY 2024-25 General Fund Budget Update, for the period 01/01/25 through 03/31/25. The report provides a high-level overview of the City's status on the budget, with expenditures by department, showing unaudited actuals.
GENERAL FUND REVENUES
FY 2024-25 General Fund revenue is budgeted at $51.7 million (amended). Table 1 shows the year-to-date revenues by classification, and Table 2 shows the year-to-date revenues by department. As of March 31, 2025, tax revenues are at 58% of budget, which is 4% lower than the third quarter of FY 2023-24. Property tax and Franchise tax are slightly under when compared to the prior third quarter actuals and Transient Occupancy Taxes are up by 28% compared to third quarter FY 2023-24. Real Property Transfer tax (through January) is up 3% when compared to the prior third quarter actuals. Overall General Fund Revenues for the third quarter are at 66% of the total FY 2024-25 Budget, which is in line with the 65% received for the third quarter FY 2023-24.
Table 1 reflects Real Property Transfer taxes through January, as February and March funds (totaling $217,368 and $277,920, respectively) have not yet been received and will be reflected in the FY 2024-25 fourth quarter update. Adding the February and March totals to the Real Property Transfer tax funds to the third quarter revenue actuals results in year-to-date revenue of $2,252,265 or 75% of the Adopted Budget. Property Transfer taxes are trending as expected. Staff will continue to monitor revenue streams closely and will report back to the City Council as necessary.
Table 1
General Fund Revenue – Classification
Quarter 3
Classification Budget Amount YTD – Q3
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q3
Actuals
Property Taxes $16,461,935 $8,875,719 54% $6,762,176
Sales Taxes 4,517,790 2,739,587 61% 2,388,858
Transient Occupancy Taxes 100,000 58,354 58% 45,484
Measure R Sales Tax 4,459,000 2,483,562 56% 2,474,800
Franchise Taxes 1,380,000 562,489 41% 804,319
Business License Taxes 1,182,817 1,135,283 96% 1,042,324 Property Transfer Taxes 3,000,000 1,756,977 59% 1,845,509 Utility Users' Taxes 3,694,260 2,703,480 73% 2,481,513
Other Taxes 1,500 57.3 4% 1,769
Taxes Totals $34,797,302 $20,315,508 58% $17,846,752
Licenses & Permits 1,007,000 1,156,495 115% 995,099
Fines & Forfeitures 130,000 121,802 94% 178,023
Use of Money and Property 957,000 541,826 57% 606,916
Intergovernmental Revenues 5,334,401 4,564,374 86% 5,158,471 Charges for Services Totals 7,839,237 6,177,311 79% 6,106,694 Other Revenue Totals 630,000 378,670 60% 372,872
Other Financing Sources Totals 1,002,039 752,447 75% 488,591 Totals $51,696,979 $34,008,433 66% $31,753,418
Agenda Packet Page 539 of 590
Table 2
General Fund Revenues – Department
Quarter 3
Revenue Budget Amount YTD – Q3
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q3
Actuals
Administration $11,500 $13,331 116% $11,763
Community Development 2,517,396 2,215,255 88% 2,341,536 Fire 5,384,101 4,509,278 84% 3,201,133
Non-departmental 37,083,964 21,632,754 58% 21,032,214
Police 186,000 186,004 100% 212,498
Public Works 599,132 422,665 71% 526,125
Recreation 5,914,886 5,029,147 85% 4,428,149
Totals $51,696,979 $34,008,433 66% $31,753,418
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
General Fund expenditure budgets have been amended to $52.8 million for FY 2024-25. Tables 4 and 5 show the expenditures year-to-date by classification and by department, respectively. Departments are on track for Quarter 3 at 73% of budgeted expenditures. This is slightly above the Quarter 3 FY 2023-24 expenditures at 71%.
The City Council has approved budget amendments through March 31 for a total of $1,437,907 in expenditures; this netted with the original projected surplus of $33,952 and a mid-year increase in revenue of $310,535 created a planned use of fund balance (deficit) of $1,093,420 as shown in Table 3.
Table 3
Department Description Amount
Various Departments Purchase Order Budget Roll-forward $ 603,425 Various Departments SEIU Contract Settlement 36,622
PD & Fire PEA & PSMA Contract Settlement 354,860
994,907
Recreation Childcare Program 115,000
Recreation Swim Center Staffing 50,000
Recreation Youth Program Instructors 60,000
City Clerk Election and Document Management 18,000
Fire Vehicle Maintenance 95,000
Human Resources Legal Support 60,000
City Manager's Office Library Project Support 45,000
Total Expenditure Increases $ 1,437,907
Department Description Amount
Recreation Recreation Programs $ 310,535
Original Projected Surplus 33,952
Projected Deficit/Use of Fund Balance 1,093,420
Expenditures
Revenues
Mid-year Adjustments
Prior to Mid-year Adjustments
Agenda Packet Page 540 of 590
As in previous fiscal years, Personnel is the largest component of General Fund expenditures at 74%.
Departments have continued to fill vacant positions, this is in line with Quarter 3 FY 2023-24 at 74%. The current vacancy rate is 9.16%.
The City has previously paid the annual workers compensation premium in two annual installments. This year the City paid the entire $1 million premium at the beginning of the fiscal year which was allocated to departments as of the payment date; this increased expenditures by about $500,000 compared to the prior fiscal year. In Table 4, the actual expenditures reflected in the “Other Purchased Services” classification includes the one-time full fiscal year’s annual insurance premiums which are paid each year in July; in Table 5 expenditures reflected for the Administration Department include the one-time full fiscal year’s annual payments. The City also pre-paid the CalPERS UAL contribution in full for FY 2024-25 at the beginning of the fiscal year. Since the UAL payment is significant in its amount of $6.9 million, the City elected to record this as a pre-paid amount and an allocation is made monthly to show a more accurate representation for budget comparison, as this is how it was presented in previous fiscal years.
Table 4
General Fund Expenditures – Classification
Quarter 3
Classification Budget Amount
(Amended)
YTD – Q3
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q3
Actuals
Personnel $38,122,416 $28,248,375 74% $26,029,054
Purchased Professional & Technical Services 5,460,500 3,301,731 60% 4,002,086 Purchased Property Services 2,368,877 1,491,891 63% 1,487,777 Other Purchased Services 3,927,771 3,460,001 88% 2,939,341 Supplies 876,170 536,087 61% 528,069
Property & Capital 736,513 419,222 57% 236,454
Financing Costs 539,822 260,959 48% 338,535
Other Financing Uses 758,329 758,620 100% 3,330,813
Totals $52,790,399 $38,476,887 73% $38,892,129
Table 5
General Fund Expenditures – Department
Quarter 3
Expenditures Budget Amount
(Amended)
YTD – Q3
Actuals
% of
Budget
Prior YTD – Q3
Actuals
Administration $7,852,678 $5,954,912 76% $5,878,189
Community Development 4,133,728 2,535,683 61% 9,784,467 Fire 15,433,246 12,186,921 79% 10,419,044
Non-departmental 882,691 725,576 82% 1,868,938
Police 15,052,742 10,799,334 72% 3,126,620
Public Works 2,481,847 1,666,575 67% 4,287,906
Recreation 6,953,467 4,607,886 66% 3,526,965
Total $52,790,399 $38,476,887 73% $38,892,129
GENERAL FUND BALANCE
The Fiscal Year 2023-24 General Fund balance was $22.89 million. Table 6 illustrates the updated projections for the General Fund balance. Taking into consideration the Comprehensive Financial Policy that proposes a minimum General Fund Reserve amount of 17%, the City will need to have $9.1 million in reserves, leaving just over $2.1 million in discretionary spending for FY 2025-26.
Agenda Packet Page 541 of 590
Table 6
General Fund – Fund Balance
Quarter 3
CONCLUSION
The City of El Cerrito is currently on track to meet our FY 2024-25 budget goals. Revenues are not received in equal quarterly releases, primarily due to the biannual funding cycle (December and April) for property taxes.
Expenditures are on track, with departments spending approximately 73% of their annual budget in Quarter 3.
FY24 General Fund - Total Fund Balance (actual) $ 22,893,338 EDRF (9,000,000)
Section 115 (1,372,890)
Non-Spendable (126,751)
FY25 Original Projected Surplus 33,952
FY25 Approved adjustments:
Expenditures (1,437,907)
Revenues 310,535
Use of fund balance (1,093,420)
Projected Total Ending FY25 Fund Balance 21,799,918
EDRF (Internally Restricted) (9,000,000)
Section 115 (Restricted) (1,400,161)
Non-Spendable (126,751) (10,526,912)
Projected FY25 Unrestricted Fund Balance 11,273,007
FY26 Expenditure Proposed Budget 53,764,017
FY26 17% Reserve Goal 9,139,883
Projected discretionary for FY26 2,133,124
FY 25 Projected Ending Total Fund Balance 21,799,918
Fund Balance Projection
Agenda Packet Page 542 of 590
AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
Date: May 6, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director, Community Development Department
Subject: Predevelopment Loan with El Cerrito Plaza (ECP) Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development
ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City of El Cerrito to enter into a Predevelopment Loan Agreement (Loan) with El Cerrito Plaza Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP (Developer), for the property located at 6671 Fairmount Avenue, also known as Parcel C East - El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development (Development) - for predevelopment activities related to the construction of 84 affordable housing units.
BACKGROUND
The San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) owns approximately 8.3 acres at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station (Station). The site is primarily occupied by the Station itself and surface parking lots on three City blocks. The Station is bordered by Fairmount and Central Avenues as well as Richmond, Willow, Liberty, Oak, and Elm Streets. (Exhibit 1) The site consists of four parcels of land (APNs 504-050-012, 504- 121-017, 504-122-010, and 501-130-031).
Exhibit 1: El Cerrito Plaza Transit Oriented Development Site Map On September 30, 2018, Governor Brown signed AB 2923 into law. It added sections through 29010.12 to California’s Public Utilities Code, affecting zoning requirements on existing BART-owned property in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties within a half-mile of stations.
Agenda Packet Page 543 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
This legislation is intended to create new housing opportunities near transit to address California’s housing and climate crisis by producing 20,000 new homes on BART properties with 35% designated as affordable by 2040. The City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (SPASP) has been determined by BART to conform with the AB 2923 Baseline Zoning Standards.
El Cerrito Plaza Station TOD
The City has long envisioned new housing near transit, most recently articulated in the City’s 2024 Climate Action Plan. El Cerrito Plaza Station is in proximity to the City’s Downtown district and adjacent to various transit routes including the Ohlone Greenway and San Pablo Avenue. Nearby, there are shopping, dining, and neighborhood services. As envisioned in the SPASP, development in this area will create a more active, vibrant urban area, with a mix of commercial and residential uses that complement and support one another and bring vitality, including increased retail sales, to the area.
In 2016, the City Council authorized the City Manager (Resolution 2016-68) to execute a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with BART to study TOD at the Station including the potential of a new library. The MOU was executed in 2018 and staff from the City and BART met regularly on the topic. Ultimately, both agencies opted to proceed with a development process to attract a highly qualified development team to develop a TOD, including a site plan scenario that could accommodate a potential City library.
Starting in 2019, BART and City staff initiated a series of community engagement efforts specific to this Development. Both the City and BART have dedicated websites for the public to access materials related to the Development (www.el-cerrito.org/tod).
As a result of the public feedback received, the City Council adopted the El Cerrito Plaza TOD Goals & Objectives on November 19, 2019 that was later adopted by the BART Board of Directors in 2020 and amended in 2021, as the guiding principles for the Development.
On July 21, 2020, BART released a Request for Developer Qualifications for TOD at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station. The BART Board of Directors authorized an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) in November 2020 with a joint venture comprised of Holliday Development, Related Companies of California, and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (SAHA) to advance the Development. This Development demonstrates the value of public-private partnership which plays an integral role in providing housing locally and regionally.
Between 2019-2023, City staff, BART and the Development team held a variety of community engagement workshops, study sessions and public hearings to discuss the Development. Click here to view this information. In 2024, the TOD Master Plan was ministerally approved pursuant to AB 2923 and once completed will include 743 units across 6 buildings on 6.48 acres and will be delivered in six phases.
Agenda Packet Page 544 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
Currently, the proposed levels of affordability are: 53% market-rate and 47% below market rate consisting of 31% affordable (30% - 60% of area median income) and 16% low income (up to 80% area median income). Table 2 further describes the estimated schedule by phase and housing types.
Table 2: El Cerrito Plaza Station TOD Phases & Schedule Phases by Parcel Housing Type Predevelopment *Estimated Construction
Phase 1:
Parcel A South
70 units - affordable 2022-2025 Late 2025
Phase 2:
Parcel B
Mixed Use
259 units marketrate (BART parking
garage + bike station)
2023-2026 2027-2029
Phase 3:
Parcel C East
Mixed-Use
84-units affordable 2023-2027 2027-2029
Phase 4:
Parcel C West
Mixed Use - Library
79-units affordable 2023-2028 2028-2030
Phase 5: Parcel A North 133 units- market rate 2023-2029 2028-2030 Phase 6: Parcel D 118 units affordable 2023-2028 2028-2030 Total: 743 Units
*These are estimates; construction schedules are subject to funding milestones.
The Development will also incorporate other community benefits and amenities for El Cerrito including public open spaces and art, small commercial/retail, and multimodal transportation infrastructure improvements. Enhancements to the Ohlone Greenway, a new bike station, a public plaza and other Station access improvements are also being incorporated as a part of the Development. The Development will provide much-needed housing while prioritizing access for all modes of travel by residents, visitors, and patrons to Downtown.
As authorized by City Council in Resolution 2016-68 and Resolution 2019-66, a new library is continuing to be advanced through the site planning phase. The approved project includes an option for a modern library integrated within the ground floor of Phase 4 (Parcel C West) at the Development, pending the City’s ability to finance the library portion. City staff will continue this discussion with the City Council at a later date.
The proposed action will focus on advancing Parcel C East from concept through final design. The predevelopment phase will be guided by the Developer, architects/designers, funding applications/commitments, legal requirements, etc.
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Agenda Item No. 9.B.
Through an iterative process, construction drawings are ultimately procured and submitted for building permit review/approval. Predevelopment is proceeded by construction groundbreaking.
Housing Policies
The Development aligns with the numerous strategies cited within the most recent San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan Update and 2023-2031 6th Cycle Housing Element. Goal D of the SPASP promotes the creation of affordable housing through partnering with affordable housing providers, promoting housing development within proximity to existing and planned transportation investments, and allowing sufficient space in the Plan area to accommodate the City’s required Regional Housing Needs Allocation of 1,391 new units at all income levels. Furthermore, Goal H2 of the Housing Element includes programs and policies that Parcel C East and the Development overall will achieve. Policies in the City's approved Housing Element encourage a strong publicprivate partnership between the City, BART, and the development team to realize sustainable, mixed-use development at a range of affordability levels for the El Cerrito community. This Development is an important part of meeting the City’s housing goals.
ANALYSIS
In 2023, the City Council authorized Resolution No. 2023-08 to support a predevelopment loan for the TOD's first phase, Parcel A South. Between 2023-2024, Parcel A South leveraged the City’s loan to secure Regional, County, State and Federal funding. Most recently in 2024, Parcel A South received an AHSC award followed by tax credit/bond allocations in 2025 that will allow the advance this phase into construction later this year.
The Developer is seeking local funds again from the City to leverage funding for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program application. The affordable housing component in this TOD Development will be delivered in four phases. Parcel C East is the second phase, targeting to begin construction as soon as 2026, contingent upon securing financing. Securing adequate financing for affordable housing to be constructed is both complex and competitive and requires a very proactive strategy, persistence, and numerous layers of funding sources, as evidenced by prior projects.
The Parcel C East proposal consists of a new 6-story, mixed-use multifamily residential building with 84 affordable units on 0.65-acre portion of an existing BART parking lot adjacent to the El Cerrito Plaza BART station, on Fairmount Avenue between Liberty and Richmond Streets (See Exhibit 1 above). Parcel C East will include 1-, 2-, and 3- bedroom units for family households earning between 30-60% of the Area Median Income for Contra Costa County. Final affordability levels for the units will be determined once funding is secured and will depend upon requirements of the financing sources. Parcel C East will also include a parking garage with 42 spaces, a secure bike storage room, a residential lobby, a community room, outdoor courtyard space for residents, and up to 1,500 square feet of corner commercial space for a potential café.
Agenda Packet Page 546 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
Given the competitiveness of affordable housing funding, demonstrating a local source of funding in Parcel C East is an important component of successful funding applications, and the City’s funding from its restricted Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund is critical to help leverage significant additional funds necessary to build affordable housing. The Developer has currently requested predevelopment assistance from the City to help advance Parcel C East through predevelopment activities. The current funding strategy for Parcel C East is to seek financing from a combination of federal and state Low Income Housing Tax Credits, tax-exempt bonds, the state Housing and Community Development (HCD) Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) program, and County HOME and Measure X funds combined with a discounted ground lease with BART. The upcoming application deadline for AHSC is May 28, 2025, followed by anticipated award announcements in December 2025. Staff are also requesting the City Council authorization for Parcel C East to apply for AHSC in a separate action. If awarded, AHSC will provide financing for the affordable housing as well as substantial funding to enhance multi-modal transportation infrastructure in the Development area not only for BART commuters but for residents, patrons, bicyclists, and pedestrians.
Staff is seeking authorization for a Predevelopment Loan to the Developer in the amount of $350,000 from the City’s Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund, to be structured similar to the loan provided in 2023 through Resolution No. 2023-08 for the predevelopment of Phase I, Parcel A South. The proposed Loan term is 55 years from the date of the Certificate of Occupancy, 3% interest annually, and repayment is equal to the City’s proportionate share of residual receipts for Parcel C East once constructed. If for any reason Parcel C East is not constructed, the Developer can request the City to deem the Loan repaid. This Loan will assist the Developer by funding portions of the architecture and engineering, professional/consulting services (including the preparation of affordable housing loan applications) and legal fees associated with predevelopment activities. With a total predevelopment budget of $2.7 million, the City’s Loan will fund approximately 13% of predevelopment activities. Table 3 shows an itemization of predevelopment expenditures.
Table 3 - Predevelopment Load Budget
Task Budget Estimated Start Date
Design & Engineering $1,670,500 2025
Acquisition $20,000 2025
Professional Services $278,500 2025
Permit & Plan Check Fees $450,000 2026
TCAC/CDLAC Fees $60,000 2026
Legal Fees $65,000 2025
Soft Cost Contingency $180,000 As needed
Accounting/Administration $8,050 2025
Total $2,732,050
Agenda Packet Page 547 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
The proposed Loan is intended to help move the Parcel C East through the next phase (construction documents and financing applications) and is not associated with construction or permanent financing which is typically provided at the time construction commences. As with the Mayfair Affordable and Hana Gardens projects, repayment of the loan will be solely from cash flow from Parcel C East, if any, unless there is a default of the terms, and will be secured through Parcel C East work product. Once the Developer subdivides Parcel C East, the loan will be secured by a leasehold deed of trust on the property subordinate to bank and state financing.
The Developer is requesting, and staff recommends, the proposed loan request which will allow the City to continue to work to provide high quality housing for low-income community members. To assist with costs and demonstrate funding competitiveness, staff suggests providing financial assistance to the Developer to support Parcel C East and to ensure it remains feasible. Contingent upon fund availability, City staff will consider subsequent predevelopment loan requests as other phases proceed, as outlined above in Table 2.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of • Livability and Belonging; and
• Infrastructure and Amenities.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
The predevelopment loan will only facilitate pre-construction activities associated with the Project. No review under CEQA is required (CEQA Guidelines section 15061). It is further exempted under Government Code section 65913.4(j) which also applies to any financing assistance associated with the Parcel C East portion of the Project, including approval of the predevelopment loan.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The proposed $350,000 loan will be made from the Low and Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund. The fund is restricted for use to increase, improve, and preserve the housing supply affordable to very low, low, and moderate income households, and consists of revenues received from the City’s Redevelopment Agency pursuant to the Dissolution Act and residual receipt payments from previous loans made from the fund.
The available fund balance is currently $445,797. As a reminder, repayment of the loan will only be received from Parcel C East surplus cash flow and only if it is constructed unless there is a default of the terms.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This has been reviewed by the City Attorney.
Agenda Packet Page 548 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.B.
Reviewed by:
Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Resolution
Agenda Packet Page 549 of 590
RESOLUTION NO. 2025-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO (THE “CITY”) AUTHORIZING A PREDEVELOPMENT LOAN WITH ECP PARCEL C EAST
HOUSING PARTNERS, LP, IN CONNECTION WITH THAT CERTAIN PROPERTY LOCATED AT 6671 FAIRMOUNT AVENUE
WHEREAS, the City Council goals, objectives, policies and action programs prioritize the City’s housing needs through the El Cerrito General Plan, San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Affordable Housing Strategy, Housing Element, Strategic Plan, Climate Action Plan and Economic Development Action Plan; and WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the 2014 San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan (Plan) to promote transit-oriented development (TOD) for all income levels, especially new affordable housing; and
WHEREAS, due to the Plan’s success, the City Council adopted a Supplemental Environmental Impact Report (SEIR) for the San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan on December 6, 2022, to support additional development capacity; and WHEREAS, the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station as identified in the City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan is in Downtown El Cerrito, the City’s entertainment/theater and shopping district that serves as the southern gateway to the City; and WHEREAS, the El Cerrito Affordable Housing Strategy (Strategy), adopted August 17, 2017, identifies four policy pillars for implementation to produce, protect and preserve affordable housing for El Cerrito residents; and WHEREAS, the Strategy includes “Pillar D. Increase Local Funding to Continue Supporting Development of Affordable and Special Needs Housing”; and WHEREAS, housing affordability continues to be a regional issue; and WHEREAS, on December 16, 2021, the Association of Bay Area Government (ABAG) adopted the Final Regional Housing Needs Assessment (RHNA) Plan: San Francisco Bay Area, 2023-2031 assigning the San Francisco Bay Area region 441,176 housing units at all income levels; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito’s was allocated 1,391 total new housing units, including 334 very-low, 192 low-, 241 moderate, and 624 above moderate income units, to meet future housing needs for its Housing Element 6t h Cycle over the 2023- 2031 period; and
WHEREAS, in 2018 the City entered an MOU with BART to study and pursue TOD opportunities and a potential new library at the El Cerrito Plaza Station; and Agenda Packet Page 550 of 590
WHEREAS, Assembly Bill 2923 was signed by the Governor on September 30, 2018, directing BART to adopt new transit-oriented zoning standards for BART-owned property in Alameda, Contra Costa, and San Francisco counties within a half-mile of stations; and
WHEREAS, the City Council adopted the El Cerrito Plaza TOD Goals and Objectives on November 19, 2019, as the guiding vision for El Cerrito Plaza Station; and
WHEREAS, on July 21, 2020, BART issued a Request for Developer Qualifications for TOD at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station; and WHEREAS, on November 19, 2020, BART Board of Directors authorized an Exclusive Negotiating Agreement (ENA) with a joint venture comprised of Holliday Development, Related Companies of California and Satellite Affordable Housing Associates (“Development Team”) to advance the TOD; and WHEREAS, the Developer is proposing to develop a portion of the Development with 84 affordable residential units for households earning between 30% - 60% of the Area Median Income; and
WHEREAS, the City as the housing successor to the Agency has established a low and moderate income housing asset fund (Housing Fund) and has received certain loan repayments which are deposited into the Housing Fund; and WHEREAS, the City Council has determined that providing a predevelopment loan to ECP Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP (an affiliate of the Developer) to support the development of very low- and low-income housing at 6671 Fairmount Avenue, also known as Parcel C East, is in the best interest of the City.
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito hereby approves a predevelopment loan to ECP Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP in the amount of Three Hundred Fifty Thousand Dollars ($350,000) to be made from the Housing Fund and authorizes the City Manager to execute all loan documents to evidence the loan including a loan agreement and any other related documents and to take any other actions necessary to implement the loan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council finds as follows: the Project, including the Parcel C East portion, was subject to ministerial review and approved under applicable provisions of AB 2923 and SB 35. No review under the California Environmental Quality Act (“CEQA“) was required for the Development. It can be seen with certainty that the proposed predevelopment loan will have no significant effects on the environment different from the Parcel C East development itself. The predevelopment loan will only facilitate pre-construction activities. No review under CEQA is required. (CEQA Guidelines section 15061.) It is further exempted under Government Code section 65913.4(j) which also applies to any financing assistance Agenda Packet Page 551 of 590
associated with the Parcel C East portion of the Development, including approval of the predevelopment loan.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this Resolution shall become effective immediate upon passage and adoption.
I CERTIFY that at the regular meeting on May 6, 2025, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCIL MEMBERS:
IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on .
APPROVED:
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 552 of 590
AGENDA BILL
Agenda Item No. 9.C.
Date: May 6, 2025
To: El Cerrito City Council
From: Aissia Ashoori, Housing-Economic Development Manager; Jarrett Mullen, Sustainable Transportation Program Manager, Melanie Mintz, Community Development Director; Community Development Department Subject: A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Applicable Agreements for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program for El Cerrito Plaza, Parcel C East, for Transit-Oriented Development at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and submission of an application for Affordable Housing Sustainable Community Program funds as a co-applicant with the Related Companies of California
ACTION PROPOSED
Adopt a resolution authorizing the City Manager to execute all applicable agreements for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program as a co-applicant with the Related Companies of California, LLC (Developer), for El Cerrito Plaza Station Transit-Oriented Development (TOD Project) Parcel C East, located at 6617 Fairmount Avenue (Project), to construct 84 affordable housing units and associated multimodal transportation improvements and to submit an application to the AHSC Program as a co-applicant.
BACKGROUND
The Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program is administered by the Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and implemented by the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD). The purpose of the AHSC Program is to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions through projects that implement land use, housing, and transportation projects to reduce overall vehicle miles traveled. The AHSC Program is one of the State’s largest sources of funding to support affordable housing.
AHSC guidelines and scoring are driven by the pairing of affordable housing and transportation connectivity. Funding for the AHSC Program is provided from the Greenhouse Gas Reduction Fund, an account established by the State to receive Capand-Trade auction proceeds. The maximum AHSC Program loan or grant award or combination per applicant is $50 million with a minimum award of at least $10 million. A single developer may receive no more than $100 million per NOFA funding cycle.
On March 25, 2025, SGC and HCD issued a Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for Round 9 with approximately $775 million available. The deadline for this competitive application is May 28, 2025. If a public agency has a financial interest in the proposed project, HCD requires that the City be a co-applicant and enter into a contractual agreement to develop the project, if awarded. Award announcements are expected to be adopted by SGC in December 2025.
Agenda Packet Page 553 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.C.
Previously, the City has been successful in securing competitive AHSC funds to develop housing proximate to transit. In 2015, the City and Eden Housing applied for and received AHSC funds for Hana Gardens Senior Apartments. There were three components to the award: 1) Housing; 2) Transportation Funds (Ohlone Greenway); and 3) Transit Passes. The 62-unit affordable housing project was successfully completed in 2018 with critical support from this program. In 2021, the City, BRIDGE Housing, and BART successfully applied for and received AHSC funds for the Mayfair Affordable adjacent to the El Cerrito del Norte BART Station. There were four components to the award: 1) Housing; 2) Transportation Funds (new fare gates, BART cars); 3) El Cerrito del Norte TOD Complete Streets Improvements Project; and 4) Transit Passes. This 69-unit affordable housing project broke ground in June 2024 and is slated for completion early 2026.
Most recently, in 2024 the Developer, City, and BART applied for the AHSC Program for the El Cerrito Plaza TOD Project’s first phase, Parcel A South. In August 2024, the TOD Project received an award of $39 million. This loan/grant will support affordable housing, transportation improvements, BART railcars, and transit passes for residents. Phase I, Parcel A South, will provide 70 new affordable housing units and is on track to break ground in late 2025. To date, the TOD Project has cumulatively secured $95 million in grant funding.
The action requested is to enable the City to proceed with seeking funding and entering into agreements for Phase II, Parcel C East.
ANALYSIS
The maximum award amount for TOD projects, located less than one-half mile of a transit stop or station, is capped at $50 million with $35 million earmarked for housing and $15 million for transportation. Currently, the Developer and the City intend to apply for AHSC funds in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000. It should be noted that AHSC does not partially fund the application requests but will only fully fund the entire task to ensure that the GHG reduction benefits proposed will be fully realized.
The AHSC application is a joint effort between the Developer and the City as a coapplicant. The Developer is seeking funding for infrastructure related to the Phase II affordable housing Project, and the City is seeking funding to facilitate the transportation improvements. Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA), in collaboration with BART, is the transportation partner in this competitive application, as described in Attachment 1. VTA is seeking AHSC funds as a part of this application to procure new railcars that will operate within BART’s Right-of-Way, for which BART has site control, and VTA will hold title to the railcars. VTA is not a co-applicant, but will have obligations to perform under the AHSC Program if awarded.
Leveraging AHSC will provide the largest funding source for this affordable housing Project as well as funds to further and support multi-modal transportation improvements. The AHSC scope will also focus on enhanced bicycling and pedestrian facilities within one mile of the TOD Project.
Agenda Packet Page 554 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.C.
As outlined in the NOFA, AHSC Program requirements prescribe the following eligible activities:
1. Affordable Housing Developments (AHD): Housing developments - rental and homeownership
2. Housing-Related Infrastructure (HRI): Specific infrastructure improvements associated with housing
3. Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI): Improvements that are related to movement, and can include street work, transit, bikeways, sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps, etc.
4. Program Costs (PGM): Includes active transportation, transit ridership, antidisplacement activities, workforce development programs, etc.
Below is summary of the categories that will be applied for by the Project, consistent with the eligible activities included in the AHSC Guidelines, totaling approximately $43.4 million:
• $29.7 million – AHD/HRI: Developer
1. $25.5M: Affordable housing loan for units for very-low income households.
This funding will be in the form of a loan to the Developer.
2. $4.2M: Housing related infrastructure. This funding will be in the form of a grant. The City will be the grant recipient, but funds will be held by the State, not the City. Once the Developer has expended funds on qualifying purchases, the Developer will submit paperwork to the City, the City will submit the documents to the State, the State will release grant funds to the City, and the City will pass them through to Developer. • $11.8 million – STI: City and VTA
1. $2.9 million - City: Sidewalk, crosswalk, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation improvements within the public right of way. This funding will be in the form of a grant directly to the City to fully fund the improvements.
2. $8.9 million - VTA: Purchase fleet of future rail cars. This funding will be in the form of a grant. The City will be the grant recipient, but funds will be held by the State, not the City. Once VTA has expended funds on qualifying purchases, VTA will submit paperwork to the City, the City will submit the documents to the State, the State will release grant funds to the City, and the City will pass them through to VTA. • $929,474 – PGM – Program Costs
1. Purchase of transit passes for Project residents.
2. Funding to support anti-displacement activities for low-income El Cerrito tenants including legal aid, housing counseling and financial literacy workshops.
Agenda Packet Page 555 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.C.
3. Workforce development for career development opportunities for young adults with an interest in construction, real estate development, architecture and engineering, civic engagement and urban design.
4. This funding will be in the form of a grant. Funds will be held by the State, not the City. The City will receive and pass through the funds to the Developer or a related entity upon submission of necessary documentation.
An item of note is that staff is requesting authorization for the maximum AHSC application amount of $50 million to allow for adjustments that may occur between now and the application deadline. The attached resolution authorizes the City Manager to execute agreements, applications, and related documents up to the $50 million maximum, consistent with this resolution and to carry out the intent of the City’s participation in the AHSC program as a co-applicant for Project funding.
The above eligible activities are also aligned with the City’s San Pablo Avenue Specific Plan, Affordable Housing Strategy, Housing Element, Active Transportation Plan and Climate Action Plan. The AHSC Program also fosters continued collaboration between the City, through its Community Development and Public Works Departments, and BART. The Developer, with the City as joint applicant, partnered with VTA to identify the areas where AHSC grant money could be allocated competitively and most effectively for our community to encourage residents to walk, bike, and use public transit.
AHSC Co-Applicant Agreement
As with prior AHSC applications, the City Council is asked to authorize the City Manager to negotiate and enter into an agreement as co-applicant with the Developer.
This process is also aligned with other jurisdictions seeking AHSC funds. Below is a summary of the standard items within the agreement:
• Provide terms and obligations between the Developer, City, and VTA • Provide a schedule of performance
• Provide terms for the application funding components, including roles and responsibilities for making the STI and HRI improvements • Provide terms for funding and reimbursement of STI and HRI improvements • Provide reimbursement procedures
• Confirm that the Developer, City, and VTA will work in good faith and in a timely manner
The Project is a strong candidate for AHSC and is seeking City Council authorization to allow the City Manager to proceed with the AHSC Program agreement. This TOD will be a transformative project that will deliver high-quality affordable housing at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station along with associated multimodal transportation infrastructure improvements.
Agenda Packet Page 556 of 590
Agenda Item No. 9.C.
If the application is successful, it will increase the City’s affordable housing production, support the City to achieve its Regional Housing Needs Allocation (RHNA), and provide much-needed transportation infrastructure improvements to reduce GHG emissions.
STRATEGIC PLAN CONSIDERATIONS
This action supports the City’s Strategic Plan Goal(s) of:
• Livability and Belonging; and
• Infrastructure and Amenities.
ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS
No review under CEQA is required for the proposed action (CEQA Guidelines section 15061). It is further exempted under Government Code section 65913.4(j) which also applies to any financing assistance associated with the Project.
FINANCIAL CONSIDERATIONS
The City is not required to provide additional funds toward this application or the associated improvements. The time spent administering the grant is not eligible for grant funds. The City, as co-applicant, will pass through grant funds on a reimbursement basis to the non-applicant.
LEGAL CONSIDERATIONS
This item has been reviewed and approved by the City Attorney.
Reviewed by:
Karen Pinkos, City Manager
Attachments:
1. Resolution
2. VTA BART AHSC Letter
Agenda Packet Page 557 of 590
RESOLUTION 2025-XX
A RESOLUTION OF THE CITY COUNCIL OF THE CITY OF EL CERRITO
AUTHORIZING THE CITY MANAGER TO EXECUTE AN AGREEMENT FOR THE AFFORDABLE HOUSING AND SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITES PROGRAM AS A COAPPLICANT WITH THE RELATED COMPANIES OF CALIFORNIA, LLC, FOR EL
CERRITO PLAZA STATION TRANSIT-ORIENTED DEVELOPMENT PARCEL C EAST LOCATED AT 6671 FAIRMOUNT IN AN AMOUNT NOT TO EXCEED $50,000,000 WHEREAS, the State of California Strategic Growth Council (SGC) and the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) have issued a Notice of Funding Availability, Round 9, dated March 25, 2025 (NOFA), under the Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Program established under Division 44, Part 1 of the Public Resources Code commencing with Section 75200; and WHEREAS, the project known as El Cerrito Parcel C East (EC-PCE) is located at 6671 Fairmount Avenue (Project) is seeking to apply for an award of AHSC Program funds to construct 84 units of affordable rental housing; and WHEREAS, the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Project was entitled on July 3, 2024; and
WHEREAS, the Related Companies of California, LLC (Developer) - as a joint applicant with the City of El Cerrito, desire to apply for AHSC Program funds and submit the application package for the AHSC Program to provide financing for the Project, funding for additional public transportation improvements on behalf of Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) and funding for certain transportation infrastructure improvements to be constructed by the City, including sidewalk, crosswalk, pedestrian, and bicycle transportation improvements within the public right of way.
The AHSC Program funds sought will be a loan to the Developer or a partner of Developer in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 (the “AHSC Loan”) and grant funds for the Developer, City, and VTA (the “AHSC Grant”) and AHSC program costs in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000; and
WHEREAS, there will be one application submitted for the Project; and WHEREAS, the AHSC program requires that the co-applicants enter into an agreement with any non-application recipients such as VTA as part of the application process; and
WHEREAS, the SGC is authorized to approve funding allocations for the AHSC Program, subject to the terms and conditions of the NOFA, Program Guidelines, Application Package, and Standard Agreement; and
WHEREAS, HCD is authorized to administer the approved funding allocations of the AHSC Program; and
Agenda Packet Page 558 of 590
WHEREAS, there is substantial need for additional funds for the development of affordable housing in the City of El Cerrito as well as transportation improvements; and WHEREAS, as co-applicants, the City and Related will be jointly and severally liable for the performance of the obligations under the AHSC program, including the performance of VTA; and
WHEREAS, in order to address the parties' joint and several liability and to ensure that the AHSC projects are completed in a timely manner so that the AHSC Loan is disbursed upon completion of the construction of the Project, the City, Developer and VTA, are proposing to enter into the AHSC Co-Applicants Agreement to address each party’s obligations under the AHSC Program as well as to provide mutual indemnifications for each party in the event a party fails to perform; and WHEREAS, the City Council wishes to delegate authority to the City Manager or her designee to execute an agreement to apply for, receive and accept such AHSC Program Funds on behalf of the City, and to negotiate, execute, enter into and deliver such agreements and instruments with HCD related to or in connection with such AHSC Program Funds without returning to the City Council, including agreements with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District (BART) for transportation-related improvements.
NOW THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the City Council of the City of El Cerrito that the City is hereby authorized to submit an application for AHSC funds as a coapplicant with the Developer in an amount not to exceed $50,000,000.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City is authorized and directed to incur an obligation for the AHSC Loan, and that in connection with the AHSC Loan, the City Manager or her designee is authorized and directed on behalf of the City to enter info, execute, and deliver a State of California Standard Agreement in an amount not to exceed $35,000,000 and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to carry into effect the full intent and purpose of this Resolution or as may be required by HCD in connection with the AHSC Loan and all amendments thereto (collectively, the AHSC Loan Documents).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City is hereby authorized and directed to incur an obligation for the AHSC Grant, and that in connection with the AHSC Grant, the City Manager or her designee is hereby authorized and directed on behalf of the City to enter into, execute, and deliver a State of California Standard Agreement in an amount not to exceed $15,000,000 and any and all other documents required or deemed necessary or appropriate to carry into effect the full intent and purpose of this Resolution, in order to evidence the AHSC Grant, the City’s obligations related thereto, and HCD’s security therefor, including, but not limited to, a disbursement agreement, a covenant and certain other documents required by HCD as security for, evidence of, or pertinent to the AHSC Grant, and all amendments thereto (collectively, the AHSC Document, and together with the AHSC Loan Documents, collectively, the AHSC Documents).
Agenda Packet Page 559 of 590
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that that the City Manager is authorized to negotiate and enter into an agreement that provides for joint and several liability and mutual indemnities between joint applicants as the City Manager deem necessary.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee on behalf of the City of El Cerrito is authorized to accept the California Strategic Growth Council Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities Program funds, and appropriate said funds in a total amount not to exceed $50,000,000 to the Project.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that, if awarded, the housing portions of said AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant funds shall be deposited in the State of California Fund (2159), Housing Development Organization (89929), Project (TBD), and transportation portions of said AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant funds shall be deposited in the State of California Fund (2159), Complete Streets Design Organization (35212), Project (TBD).
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City shall be subject to the terms and conditions as specified in the Standard Agreements; that funds are to be used for allowable capital asset Project expenditures to be identified in Exhibit A or other relevant portions of the Standard Agreements; that any and all activities funded, information provided, and timelines represented in the application are enforceable through the Standard Agreements; and that the City hereby agrees to use the funds for eligible capital assets in the manner presented in the application as approved by HCD and in accordance with the NOFA and applicable AHSC Program Guidelines.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Council hereby appoints the City Manager or her designee, as agent of the City, to conduct negotiations, execute and deliver all documents (including, without limitation, all AHSC Documents), accept AHSC Program Funds, and take any and all other action with respect to the AHSC Program and the AHSC Loan and AHSC Grant as required by HCD for participation in the AHSC Program.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee is authorized to negotiate and execute agreements with VTA pertaining to transportationrelated improvements funds by the AHSC Loan or AHSC Grant.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that the City Manager or her designee is hereby authorized to take any other action with respect to the AHSC Loan, the AHSC Grant, or the Project consistent with this Resolution and its basis purposes.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that said agreements, documents, and instruments shall not increase the City’s obligations beyond those described in the staff report regarding this resolution, considered by the City Council on May 6, 2025, and shall be reviewed and approved by the City Attorney for form and legality prior to their execution by the City, and copies will be placed on file with the City Clerk.
Agenda Packet Page 560 of 590
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that this resolution shall become effective immediately upon passage and adoption.
I CERTIFY that at a regular meeting on May 6, 2025 the City Council of the City of El Cerrito passed this Resolution by the following vote:
AYES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
NOES: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSTAIN: COUNCILMEMBERS:
ABSENT: COUNCILMEMBERS:
IN WITNESS of this action, I sign this document and affix the corporate seal of the City of El Cerrito on .
APPROVED:
Holly M. Charléty, City Clerk
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 561 of 590
Erin Curtis
Executive Director, California Strategic Growth Council 1400 Tenth Street
Sacramento, CA 95814
Subject: El Cerrito Plaza - Parcel C East - Affordable Housing and Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Application
Dear Executive Director Curtis,
The Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) routinely pursues grant funding and collaboration efforts that align with our Strategic Plan and safety and mobility goals.
Therefore, we are excited to partner with The Related Companies of California (TRCC) & the City of El Cerrito to improve transit access surrounding the 6671 Fairmount Ave, El Cerrito, CA 94530 development area.
VTA understands TRCC will apply for grant funding through the State of California's AHSC program for Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure (STI) listed below. • STI 1: Procurement of three railcars.
Should TRCC and the City of El Cerrito’s application for AHSC funding be successful, VTA will request that the VTA Board of Directors take the necessary actions to enter into any necessary agreements to facilitate the deployment of the grant funds and completion of improvements listed above and described further in the AHSC grant application.
VTA will hold title to the railcars included in the application; however, the vehicles will operate within BART’s Right of Way, for which BART has site control.
VTA and BART collaborated on this application, ensuring that all relevant STI Local Approvals and STI Site Control documentation are included.
VTA has decades of experience delivering capital projects similar to those in the AHSC application, using Capital Program funds and various other state and federal funding sources. Specifically, the following past projects completed within the last ten years demonstrate our ability to meet the STI Past Experience requirements:
• STI Past Project Example 1: In 2023, VTA procured 92 Gillig 40-foot diesel hybrid buses. The vehicles were delivered and entered service between March and December 2024.
Agenda Packet Page 562 of 590
• STI Past Project Example 2: In 2018, VTA procured 47 New Flyer 60-foot diesel hybrid buses. Delivery and deployment occurred between mid-2018 and early 2019.
If you have any questions, please contact Larissa Sanderfer, Transportation Planner III, at (408)321-5804 or [email protected].
Sincerely,
Krishna Davey
Deputy Director, SVRT/BART Project Controls
Agenda Packet Page 563 of 590
CITY HALL 10890 San Pablo Avenue, El Cerrito, CA 94530
Telephone (510) 215-4305 Fax (510) 215-4379 http://www.el-cerrito.org
SUPPLEMENTAL AGENDA MATERIALS
CITY COUNCIL MEETING
May 6, 2025
(rev. 5/7/2025)
REGULAR CITY COUNCIL MEETING (6:00 PM)
Public Comments (Not on the Agenda and Consent Calendar) Received at Meeting
Agenda Item No. 7.D. – Bike to Wherever Day Proclamation Revised proclamation
Agenda Item No. 7.J. – FY 2024-25 Third Quarter Cash and Investment Report Public comments
Agenda Item No. 9.B. – Predevelopment Loan with El Cerrito Plaza (ECP) Parcel C East Housing Partners, LP for the El Cerrito Plaza BART Transit-Oriented Development
Presentation
Agenda Item No. 9.C. – A Resolution Authorizing the Execution of Applicable Agreements for the Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities Program for El Cerrito Plaza, Parcel C East, for Transit-Oriented Development at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station and submission of an application for Affordable Housing Sustainable Community Program funds as a co-applicant with the Related Companies of California Presentation
Agenda Packet Page 564 of 590
From: Cordell Hindler
To: City Clerk
Subject: Public Comments
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025 4:13:55 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
Hello Mayor Wysinger, Council Members and Staff
I am submitting the following comments into the Record:
1. I am In full Support of Items 7.A-7.F on the Consent Calendar
2. also For a future Agenda, if the Council Should Revisit remote Participation Sincerely
Cordell
General Public Comments
Agenda Packet Page 565 of 590
From: STEVEN PRICE
To: City Clerk
Subject: Steve Price public comment during May 6 city council meeting Date: Wednesday, May 7, 2025 1:51:29 PM
Below are remarks I made to the El Cerrito City Council during public comments on May 6, 2025:
Dear El Cerrito City Council,
Richmond Street is one of the most important public faces of El Cerrito second only to San Pablo Avenue in setting the visual character of our city. Yet it is a rare city where car-only streets set a positive impression of that city. Richmond Street is now essentially hospitable only to cars. There are sharrow markings on the asphalt, but progressive bicycle planning no longer considers wide use of sharrows as best practice that improves street safety.
Voices in the community claim that bike lanes on Richmond Street will degrade property values. Yet you'll find an article on the website of the National Association of REALTORS entitled "Bike Lanes: Build them and They will Come." The article says, "bike lanes help to increase property values. Studies have shown that having a bike path near your home is a great way to increase the selling price of the house." That's according to the National Association of REALTORS who ought to know about property values.
Part of the complete street vision for Richmond Street is street trees. Street trees are also proven to increase property values. The group Richmond Street for All does not envision street trees beautifying Richmond Street unless individual homeowners request them. This approach—a tree here, a tree there—to date has not produced a beautiful tree-lined Richmond Street. A beautiful Richmond Street will only occur if the beauty of the street as a whole is pursued as a community objective.
The fear that making Richmond Street a complete street will slow emergency response times is false. Richmond Street for All posts on their website that “A small difference in response time caused by making our emergency response street into a slow street could be the difference between life and death or between a small fire and one that burns the house down.” I don't think the complete street objective for Richmond Street should be to make it a "slow street". The important objective, that will make bicycle riders safer, is to keep cars from exceeding the speed limit, not to slow them to a crawl. After all Richmond Street is an important city thoroughfare that should move travelers—motorists and bicycle riders— conveniently and safely.
It is not safe for even emergency vehicles to speed on local streets. The flashing lights and siren are not intended to warn people that the emergency vehicle is speeding, rather it is to tell people to get out of the way. If concern is that a firetruck or ambulance be able to travel unobstructed, then it is better that cars are parked in driveways than slowed by cars maneuvering into on-street parallel parking spaces.
Bike lanes are not a threat to property values or human welfare.
Sincerely,
Steve Price
El Cerrito
Agenda Packet Page 566 of 590
Richmond
Street THE RECaVED at the meeting of
MAY 06 2025
FACTS CITY OF EL CERRITO ^ CITY CLERK
Complete Streets mprovement Project
i-i
Current Conceptual
‘Created by citizen Steve Price, not an official city-approved plan Decades of research* show this project will:
● Increase safety for al
● Fight climate change
● Build community
● Increase property values
*See reverse side for details
A critical choice for El Cerrito Be part of the solution! Help build an El Cerrito
where people have the
freedom to choose how
they move around the city \m
Learn more!
A small group disputing the value of
safe streets threatens Richmond
Street's $8 million federally-funded
improvement project Liy.
https://tinyurl.com/2bvkk8b4 ■/
Ei Cerrito/Richmond Annex
WALK& ROLL
(0 fruSi ft* of;*
Agenda Packet Page 567 of 590
The evidence supporting complete streets
Bicycle lanes create safer streets for everyone (including drivers) ● Cities with higher bicycling rates are safer for pedestrians, cyclists, and drivers {based on 13 years of data in 12 US cities [Marshall et al 2019]).
● Protected bike lanes: 90% reduction in crashes and injuries [Teschke et al 2012] ● Painted bike lanes: 50% reduction in crashes and injuries (based on meta-analysis of 23 other studies) [Reynolds et al 2009]
Safe streets build community and increase property values ● Street trees increase property values [Kovacs et al 2022] ● Residential streets that have bicycle facilities see Increases in property values [SmartCIties 2017] ● Residents of multi-modal streets develop more friendships and enjoy a greater sense of community connection and belonging [Hart et al. 2011]
Walking and biking are essential to the city's climate goals ● 51 % of the El Cerrito's emissions come from transportation [EC Climate Action Plan 2024] ● Commuting via bike produces 28x lower carbon than driving - and even 13x lower than an electric car [TNMT 2021]
● 7x more people can commute using bikes than cars given the same road space [CEGB] z\ Cerrito's current transportation network discourages bicycling ● 98% of roadway space is dedicated to cars [Chester et al. 2022] * There are twice as many parking spots (50,600) as people (25,962) in El Cerrito [Chester et al. 2022] ● With 7% less space dedicated to parking, the bicycle network could expand by 200% [Pinkard 2025] Roads for cars: 137 miles Roads for bikes: 9 miles
Learn more and see
supporting links at:
https://tinyurl.com/2bvkk8b4
El Cerrito/Richmond Annex
WALK& ROLL
LoM-eorton aeecta lo Ui» rtwlso/ll» cfly
Agenda Packet Page 568 of 590
Agenda Item No. 7.D.
EL CERRITO CITY COUNCIL PROCLAMATION
Recognizing May 15, 2025 as Bike to Wherever Day
WHEREAS, May is National Bike Month; and
WHEREAS, bicycling has multiple environmental, economic, social, and personal and public health benefits; and
WHEREAS, the City of El Cerrito is committed to creating a Citywide bikeway network that attracts users of all ages and abilities; and WHEREAS, in 2016 the City Council adopted a Citywide Active Transportation Plan as an update to the City’s 2007 Circulation Plan for Bicyclists and Pedestrians, and adopted a Complete Streets Policy to improve the City’s infrastructure for multi-modal transportation with an emphasis on making walking and biking easier in El Cerrito; and WHEREAS, in 2024, the City Council adopted the Climate Action and Adaptation Plan to reduce locally produced greenhouse gas emissions, help El Cerrito respond to the effects of climate change, and create a safer and more sustainable El Cerrito, including strategies to increase bicycle use and reduce vehicle miles traveled; and WHEREAS, the San Francisco Bay Area’s Bike to Wherever Day will take place on Thursday, May 15, 2025, with all nine Bay Area counties participating in the event; and
WHEREAS, as part of Bike to Wherever Day, energizer stations will be located along Bay Area commuter routes, including along the Ohlone Greenway at the El Cerrito Plaza BART Station, El Cerrito Del Norte Station, and El Cerrito High School, where cyclists can stop for refreshments, giveaways, bicycle safety information, or just to be ‘cheered on’ by fellow participants and City staff; and WHEREAS, drivers should remember to drive the speed limit, share the roadway, and always watch for bicyclists; and
WHEREAS, the City Council encourages everyone to join Bike to Wherever Day and other Bike Month activities, to participate in a bicycle safety class, and to consider bicycling more often.
NOW THEREFORE, the City Council of the City of El Cerrito does hereby proclaim May 15, 2025, Bike to Wherever Day in the City of El Cerrito, recognizing the environmental, economic, social, and personal and public health value of increased bicycle use and encouraging participation in the annual Bike to Wherever Day and other bicycling activities during the month of May.
Dated: May 6, 2025
___________________________
Carolyn Wysinger, Mayor
Agenda Packet Page 569 of 590
Allow sender | Block sender
From: Ira Sharenow
To: Holly Charléty; City Clerk
Cc: William Ktsanes; Lisa Motoyama; Rebecca Saltzman
Subject: Item 7J Investment Report
Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025 7:56:26 PM
Caution! This message was sent from outside your organization.
According to the PARS Section 115 Statements.
Date Balance Earnings
Change
Perc
4/10/2024 $1,358,099.00
11/30/2024 $1,399,812.01 $41,713.01 3.1%
3/31/2025 $1,400,160.61 $348.60 0.0%
So from April through November, the city earned
$41,713.01 which is an increase of 3.1% over seven
months.
Then the city changed plans. For the last four months,
the city added $348.60 to its balance.
The above calculations do not take into account
consulting fees or the cost of staff time.
All of this to address an $89 million UAL pension liability and an annual payment that is approaching $8 million
and is expected to increase to over $10 million per year.
Incidentally, The current 30-day risk-free rate, or 1-month Treasury rate, is approximately 4.35%.
Ira Sharenow
El Cerrito, CA
Agenda Item No. 7.J.
Agenda Packet Page 570 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART
Transit-Oriented Development
City Council Meeting: May 6, 2025
Agenda Items: 9.B and 9.C
Agenda Item No. 9B. 9.C.
Agenda Packet Page 571 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Agenda
• Project Background
• Brief Overview
• Schedule
• Funding
• 9.B. – Affordable Housing Predevelopment Loan
• Questions & Answers
• Action
• 9.C. – Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities (AHSC) Application • Questions & Answers
• Action
2 Agenda Packet Page 572 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Current and Future Conditions
Agenda Packet Page 573 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Public-Private Partnership
4 Agenda Packet Page 574 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Site Plan
5 What is Transit-Oriented Development
(TOD)?
• A walkable, compact, mixed-use,
higher intensity development within
walking distance of transit facilities
• Multiyear Planning and Construction
Process
• Multimodal Access Improvements
• ~ 8.3 Acres
• 6 Buildings = ~743 Units
• 47% Below Market Rate
• Public Open Spaces, Public Art, Public
Plaza
• Project is aligned with City’s goals,
policies and standards
Agenda Packet Page 575 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Development by Phases
6 Phases by Parcel Housing Type Predevelopment *Estimated Construction Phase I: Parcel A South 70 units – affordable 2022-2025 Late 2025 Phase 2: Parcel B
Mixed-Use
259 units – market-rate
BART parking garage + bike station
2023-2026 2027-2029
Phase 3: Parcel C East
Mixed-Use
84 units – affordable 2023-2027 2027-2029
Phase 4: Parcel C West
Mixed-Use – Library
79 units – affordable 2023-2028 2028-2030
Phase 5: Parcel A North 133 units – market-rate 2023-2029 2028-2030 Phase 6: Parcel D 118 units – affordable 2023-2028 2028-2030 Total 743 Units
*These are estimates; construction schedules are subject to funding milestones.
Agenda Packet Page 576 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD: Secured Funding
17 Funding Source Secured Scope
CA State Transportation Agency: Transit & Intercity Rail Capital $24M Parking Garage, Bike/Pedestrian Improvements, Parking Program, Transit Center Improvements
Affordable Housing Sustainable Communities: Round 8 $39M Affordable Housing for Parcel A-South along with sustainable transportation improvements
CA HCD: Infill Infrastructure Grant-Catalyst $20M Capital Improvements that support the Master Plan: bike, pedestrian and transit center improvements, affordable
housing infrastructure, public open space
Contra Costa County: HOME, Measure X, PLHA $5.3M Affordable housing for Parcel A-South West Contra Costa Transportation Advisory Committee:
Subregional Transportation Mitigation Program (STMP/Developer Fees) $1M Busway, Parking Garage, East-West Bikeway
Caltrans: Sustainable Communities Planning Grant $500K Planning grant for mixed-use, mixed-income development at El Cerrito Plaza BART Station
CA HCD: ProHousing $620K Affordable Housing for Parcel A-South City of El Cerrito: Affordable Housing Trust Fund $350K Affordable Housing for Parcel A-South Federal Transit Administration $150K Transportation Demand Management strategies to enhance station access; evaluate feasibility of transportation
management association; conduct financial analysis
HUD PRO Housing $2.5M Master Plan Infrastructure
MTC Priority Sites Program: REAP Grant $2.4M Predevelopment for Parcel A-South Agenda Packet Page 577 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Community Engagement
Activities to Date
• City Council Meetings
• Open Houses (In-Person and Zoom)
• BECCAP (Berkeley El Cerrito Corridor Access
Plan)
• Design Review Board/Planning Commission
Study Session
Additional Info
• City: www.el-cerrito.org/tod
• BART: www.bart.gov/about/business/tod/el- cerrito-plaza • Developer: elcerritotod.squarespace.com
Upcoming
• Parking Program: City Council and Public
Meetings
• Library: City Council Study Session
• Subscribe to the Community
Development eNews for updates by
visiting www.el-cerrito.org/CommDev
8 Agenda Packet Page 578 of 590
Parcel C East: Affordable Housing
9.B. City Predevelopment Loan
Agenda Packet Page 579 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Affordable Housing
El Cerrito: 6th Cycle (2023-31) Regional Housing Needs Assessment Number of Units By Income Level
Very Low Low Moderate Above Moderate Total
334 192 241 624 1,391
2024 Contra Costa County: Area Median Income (AMI)
Affordability by Maximum Income Level
Household
Size
Very Low
(30% -50% AMI)
Low
(51% -80% AMI)
1 $54,500 $84,600
2 $62,300 $96,950
3 $70,100 $108,750
4 $77,850 $120,800
Agenda Packet Page 580 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Parcel C East: Affordable Housing
• Parcel C East, 6671 Fairmount Avenue:
Expected to break ground as early as
2027
• Affordable Units: 84
• Income Targets: Very-low and low- income between 30% - 60% AMI • Financing: Various Funding
Sources/Subsidies
• City Affordable Housing Trust Fund: $350K
• County Variety of Funding Sources (Applied
Winter 2024)
• State: AHSC, IIG, Tax Credits/Bonds (2025-6)
11 Agenda Packet Page 581 of 590
El Cerrito Plaza BART TOD
Parcel C East: Affordable Housing
• Loan: $350,000 Request for Predevelopment Activities
• Source: Low Moderate Income Housing Asset Fund
(restricted for affordable housing)
• Terms:
• 3% Interest
• 55-Year Term
• Affordability Restrictions: Incomes, Rents
• Residual Receipts: Repayment based the availability
of revenue/profit after calculating gross
income less operating expenses
• Other Loans: Mayfair Affordable, Hana Gardens, EC Parcel A-South
12 Agenda Packet Page 582 of 590
Questions, Answers, Discussion
Agenda Packet Page 583 of 590
AFFORDABLE HOUSING
SUSTAINABLE COMMUNITIES (AHSC)
9.C. Authorization for Application
Agenda Packet Page 584 of 590
• Administered by the Strategic Growth Council
• Funded by auction proceeds from California’s Cap-and-Trade emissions reduction program.
• Implemented by the California Department of Housing & Community Development
• www.sgc.ca.gov/programs/ahsc
Agenda Packet Page 585 of 590
AHSC Overview: Round 9
• Notice of Funding Availability, Round 9: March 25, 2025 • Application Deadline: May 28, 2025
• Awards Announced: December 2025
• $775M million in available funding
• Awards: Minimum $10M and Maximum $50M
• Affordable housing development and sustainable transportation infrastructure are required components
• Applicant: The Related Companies of California
• Co-Applicant: City of El Cerrito
• Transportation Partner: BART & VTA
16 Agenda Packet Page 586 of 590
Required AHSC-Funding Components
Category Description Funding Request Partner
Affordable Housing
Development (AHD)
Housing developments - rental $25.5M Developer
Housing-Related
Infrastructure (HRI)
Specific infrastructure
improvements associated with
housing
$4.2M Developer
Sustainable Transportation
Infrastructure (STI)
Improvements that are related
to movement, and can include
street work, transit, bikeways,
sidewalks, crosswalks, ramps,
etc.
$2.9M City of El Cerrito
$8.9M Santa Clara Valley
Transportation Authority
Program Costs (PGM): Includes active transportation,
transit ridership, antidisplacement activities,
workforce development
programs, etc.
$929,474 City, Developer, Workforce
17 Agenda Packet Page 587 of 590
AHSC Project Awards: El Cerrito
Hana Gardens: 62 Units, senior
Round 1, 2014: $5.7M Award
Completed: 2018
Parcel A, South - 515 Richmond: 70 Units, family
Round 8, 2024: $39M Award
Groundbreaking: Late 2025
Mayfair Affordable: 69 Units, family
Round 6, 2021: $27M Award
Under Construction: Early 2026
Agenda Packet Page 588 of 590
Sustainable Transportation Infrastructure
• Priorities
o Consistent with City Plans
o Maximum Competitiveness
o Feasibility
• Infrastructure Scope
o Planning, Outreach, & Design
o Pedestrian
o Urban Greening
o Bicycle
19 Round 8
East-West Bikeway
Richmond St
Oak St
Round 9
Pierce St Bikeway
San Mateo St
San Pablo Ave
Richmond St
Project Selection Projects Current AHSC-Funded Scope
Agenda Packet Page 589 of 590
Questions, Answers, Discussion
Thank you!
Agenda Packet Page 590 of 590