DATE: May 7, 2024
TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Director of Maintenance Services
SUBJECT: Adopt A Resolution Authorizing the City Manager to Submit an Application to California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection for the Urban and Community Forestry Grant Program, Execute a Funding Agreement, and Accept and Appropriate Funds if Awarded
RECOMMENDATION
That Council: (1) adopts a resolution (Attachment II) authorizing the City Manager to submit an application with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFire) for the Urban and Community Forestry (UCF) Grant to be used for tree planting and related activities; (2) authorizes the execution of a funding agreement with CalFire once grant funding is approved; and (3) adopts a resolution (Attachment III) authorizing the acceptance and appropriation of grant funds in Government Capital Fund (Fund 405) for this project.
SUMMARY
In Spring 2024, CalFire released a notice of funding opportunity for the UCF Grant, a multiyear grant opportunity to encourage proactive maintenance and monitoring of urban street trees, advancing the use of tree inventory monitoring, and improving preparation for severe weather, among other program goals. The grant requires no match. Staff is requesting the approval to file an application to receive funds for tree planting, maintenance, and other activities during the grant period. Staff also requests that the City Manager be authorized to execute the funding agreement, accept the grant funds, and appropriate $1,500,000 to Project 06933.
BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The Inflation Reduction Act provided $1.5 billion for UCF investments. Goals of the project include increased and equitable access to urban tree canopy and associated human, environmental, and economic benefits, tree planting and management activities, and improved resilience to climate change.
On April 9, 2024, staff received approval from the City’s Grant Committee to apply for $1,500,000 in grant funds for tree planting and related activities. Trees play a crucial role in fostering environmental sustainability and community well-being. Trees provide numerous benefits, such as improving air quality, mitigating climate change by sequestering carbon dioxide, enhancing biodiversity, and beautifying neighborhoods. Additionally, more green spaces promote physical and mental health, create recreational opportunities, and increase social interactions. As part of the grant, staff is coordinating with community organization groups and neighboring agencies, which will lead to community investment, stewardship, and increased awareness of tree planting, maintenance, and benefits.
ECONOMIC IMPACT AND SUSTAINABILITY FEATURES
This item has no direct economic impact. However, the use of grant funds for tree planting will provide various environmental and social benefits as discussed previously.
FISCAL IMPACT
This grant opportunity requires no matching funds which means there will be no impact to any City fund.
STRATEGIC ROADMAP
This item supports Council’s Strategic Priority of Confront Climate Crisis since it will support the planting and maintenance of trees.
Project C10: Plant 1,500 trees annually, directly and in partnership with community groups
PUBLIC CONTACT
Staff has already started collaborating with community partners and groups like the Hayward Area Recreation District, the Keep Hayward Clean and Green Task Force, and 100K Trees- Hayward, to discuss and propose grant-eligible projects. Staff and the community groups will work together to implement grant priorities, if awarded.
NEXT STEPS
Upon approval of this item, staff will submit an application to CalFire for UCF funds. If awarded, the City Manager will be authorized to execute a funding agreement and be authorized to accept and appropriate grant funds to Project 06933.
Prepared by: Cecilia Melero, Senior Secretary
Manny Grewal, Management Analyst
Recommended by: Todd Rullman, Director of Maintenance Services Approved by:
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Dustin Claussen, Interim City Manager