DATE:
February 20, 2024
TO:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
FROM:
Rebecca Sermeno, Community Services Director
SUBJECT:
Resolution Of The City Council Of The City Of Emeryville Authorizing The City Manager To Submit An Application And Accept Grant Funding From The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda-CTC) Paratransit Discretionary Grant Program For An Expanded Transportation Program In The Amount of $1,167,779.19 for FY2024-2029 Recommendation
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the above-entitled resolution.
Background
The Alameda County Transportation Commission (Alameda CTC) is initiating a call for projects for its 2024 Paratransit Discretionary Grant Program (PDGP) for eligible transportation projects and programs targeted towards older adults and people with disabilities. Through the 2024 PDGP, an estimated $12 million of funding is available for a five-year funding period, fiscal years 2024-2025 through 2028-2029.
Alameda CTC’s mission is to plan, fund and deliver transportation programs and projects that expand access and improve mobility to foster a vibrant and livable Alameda County. This includes the programming of federal, state, regional and local transportation funding. These discretionary funds are programmed and allocated on a competitive basis, and final recommendations are documented within Alameda CTC’s Comprehensive Investment Plan (CIP). The funding available for the 2024 PDGP call for projects is local sales tax revenue from Measures B and BB.
The 2024 PDGP will be focused on mobility management activities that improve consumers’ ability to access services, improve coordination between programs, and/or address gaps in the transportation system. The 2024 PDGP is designed to complement Direct Local Distribution (DLD) funding, which is dedicated to more traditional trip-provision services (e.g. taxi and Transportation Network Companies (TNCs) like Lyft and Uber subsidies, demand response services, etc.). Mobility management activities aim to:
• Equitably enhance people’s travel options and access to services • Effectively communicate and disseminate information to the public including one-call/one-click and other technology solutions • Encourage older adults and people with disabilities who are able to use fixed-route public transit • Improve coordination and partnerships between new or existing programs and services • Address critical gaps in the transportation system for older adults and people with disabilities • Meet needs cost effectively and efficiently
• Increase equitable access to and utilization of programs and services Sponsors are encouraged to submit applications for projects and programs that will benefit more than one city or otherwise illustrate advancement of coordination and mobility management goals and improve access to transportation for older adults and/or people with disabilities.
Discussion
Staff envisions this grant as an opportunity to expand paratransit transportation services for mobility challenged people, to various locations outside of Emeryville (through parts of Alameda County and parts of Contra Costa County). This would provide community members the ability to seek specialized medical care practitioners outside the major hospital and medical facilities near Emeryville and provide recreational opportunities outside the current transportation boundaries, including but not limited to choices in grocery shopping, bulk shopping stores (Costco, Walmart, etc.), mall shopping, farmers markets and regional parks. Additionally, the program provides specialized job training and employment opportunities for members of the community.
Fiscal Impact
Increased staffing to administer the program, training, outreach and overhead expenses will be covered by the grant to ensure the program reaches its full potential of transportation needs for the community. There is a 12% match ($30,000 per year or $140,000 for 5 years) from the General Fund that would need to be funded by the City in Fiscal Years 2025 – 2029.
Staff Communication with the Public
Staff reached out to Senior Center members, City Committees, and non-profits for support in the expanded transportation program.
Conclusion
Staff recommends that the City Council approve the above-entitled resolution.
PREPARED BY: Kim Burrowes, Recreation Manager
Approved and Forwarded to the
City Council of the City of Emeryville:
Paul Buddenhagen, City Manager
Attachments
Draft Resolution
Application Packet
Application for Grant Funding
City Council Meeting | February 20, 2024
City of Emeryville
CALIFORNIA
MEMORANDUM