Item #08
Date: June 2, 2026
To: Mayor and City Council
From: Jeramy Chapdelaine, Public Works Director
Jim Schaad, City Manager
Subject: Urban Greening Grant Program Concept Proposal Submittals Recommendation:
Authorize staff to submit two Concept Proposals under the California Natural Resources Agency Urban Greening Grant Program for:
1. Downtown Urban Canopy and Climate Resilient Streetscape Initiative; and
2. Ellis Lake Greenway, Urban Canopy and Climate Resilience Project.
Background:
In November 2024, California voters approved Proposition 4, the Safe Drinking Water, Wildfire Prevention, Drought Preparedness, and Clean Air Bond Act of 2024, authorizing approximately $10 billion in statewide climate resilience, environmental, and natural resource funding opportunities.
The California Natural Resources Agency (CNRA) has released the first round of funding under its Urban Greening Grant Program. Approximately $46.1 million is available statewide for projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, mitigate urban heat island effects, expand urban tree canopy, improve climate resilience, and provide meaningful and direct benefits to disadvantaged and vulnerable communities.
The Urban Greening Program utilizes a two-step application process. The first step consists of a Concept Proposal designed to establish project eligibility and competitiveness. Applicants selected through the Concept Proposal phase will be invited to submit a more detailed Full Proposal for funding consideration.
The 2026 Concept Proposal solicitation opened on May 4, 2026, and Concept Proposals are due on June 4, 2026. Approximately $46.1 million is available statewide during the first funding cycle, with approximately $100 million anticipated to be awarded through two competitive funding rounds. Staff is seeking Council authorization to submit applications prior to the June 4 deadline.
Item #08
Discussion & Analysis:
Staff has reviewed the program guidelines and evaluated potential projects that align with Urban Greening Program objectives and City strategic priorities.
Downtown Urban Canopy and Climate Resilient Streetscape Initiative This project would focus on expanding and enhancing the downtown urban forest through replacement of missing and failed street trees, installation of root barriers and efficient irrigation systems, reconstruction of tree wells, associated sidewalk repairs resulting from historic tree-root conflicts, and related accessibility improvements. Potential project benefits include:
• Urban heat island mitigation;
• Expanded tree canopy and carbon sequestration;
• Improved pedestrian comfort and accessibility;
• Resolution of aging tree and infrastructure conflicts; • Downtown revitalization and economic vitality; and
• Long-term climate resilience.
Ellis Lake Greenway, Urban Canopy and Climate Resilience Project This project would focus on enhancing the Ellis Lake pathway and surrounding public open space through expansion of shade canopy, green infrastructure improvements, stormwater management features, pathway and accessibility improvements, and related climate resilience enhancements. Potential project benefits include:
• Expanded tree canopy and urban cooling;
• Improvements to the Ellis Lake pathway;
• Active transportation and pedestrian connectivity;
• Stormwater and green infrastructure benefits;
• Enhanced recreational opportunities; and
• Long-term climate resilience.
The City has entered into a professional services agreement with Roach & Campbell Landscape Architects to assist with preparation of two Urban Greening Grant concept proposals, including the Downtown Urban Canopy and Climate Resilient Streetscape Initiative and the Ellis Lake Greenway, Urban Canopy and Climate Resilience Project. Consultant services include project development, competitiveness assessment, grant narrative preparation, and participation in technical assistance activities.
Environmental Review:
Authorization to submit grant applications is not a project subject to the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA). Any future project implementation would undergo environmental review as required by law.
Legal Review:
The City Attorney has reviewed and approved this staff report as to form.
Item #08
Authorization to submit Concept Proposals under the Urban Greening Grant Program does not create a contractual obligation for the City, commit the City to accept grant funding, or obligate the City to proceed with project construction. Any future grant agreements, funding acceptance actions, or project implementation approvals will be presented to the City Council for consideration and approval as appropriate.
Fiscal Analysis:
The City has entered into a professional services agreement with Roach & Campbell Landscape Architects for preparation of two Urban Greening grant concept proposals at a total cost not to exceed $5,900. Funding is available within existing budget appropriations.
Submission of Concept Proposals does not obligate the City to accept grant funding, commit matching funds, or proceed with project construction. Any future grant award acceptance or project implementation actions would be brought back to the City Council for consideration.
Alignment with City Council Goals
The proposed projects support the following City Council Goals:
Goal #2: Expand Economic Development
Goal #3: Improve Infrastructure
Goal #4: Enhance Public Safety
Goal #5: Support Parks & Recreation
Attachments:
1. Resolution 2026-XX
2. Professional Services Agreement with Roach & Campbell Landscape Architects