July 26, 2022
Economic Development
DATE: July 26, 2022
TO: Mayor Butt and Members of the City Council
FROM: Shasa Curl, City Manager
Samantha Carr, Environmental Manager
Subject:
CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellows Contract Amendment
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract for two CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellows in the amount of $63,000 is proposed to be funded by the
following two funding sources: 1) $34,000 from the
Environmental and Community Investment Agreement for
implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan
(11771018 400201 2A1AA); and 2) $29,000 from the
Republic Services Franchise Fee (01362765 400201
2GI01).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
July 27, 2021
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
Civic Well (formally Local Government Commission) has
“CivicSpark” AmeriCorps fellows available for placement with local governments, public agencies, and other
nonprofits to work on energy and climate projects during the FY 2022-2023 service year.
AGENDA
REPORT
July 26, 2022
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE a first amendment to the contract with Civic Well (formally Local Government Commission) for two
fellows during the FY 2022-2023 CivicSpark service year, increasing the contact amount by $63,000, for a total
contract amount not to exceed $120,000, with a new
agreement expiration term of December 31, 2023 – City
Manager’s Office, Economic Development (Samantha
Carr 620-5407).
DISCUSSION:
Background
CivicSpark is a Governor’s Initiative AmeriCorps program dedicated to building capacity for local public agencies to address community resilience issues such as climate change, water resource management, housing, and mobility. CivicSpark is a program of Civic Well (formally Local Government Commission) in partnership with the State of California through the Office of Planning and Research, and California Volunteers.
Civic Well provides training, support, AmeriCorps payroll and administrative services, recruitment, and placement of CivicSpark fellows as part of the service contract.
The City of Richmond received a placement of two CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellows for the 2022-2023 program year. The CivicSpark program is administered by Civic Well and the California Volunteers Associations. The term of the fellowship is September 2022 through August 2023. The CivicSpark fellowship cost is $29,000 for a full-time fellow with an 11-month fellowship. If a CivicSpark fellow decides to extend and complete a second year of service with the same site, it is a cost of $34,000.
The two CivicSpark fellows assigned to Richmond will be dedicated to working on Climate Action Plan (CAP) implementation and update in the Environmental and Health Initiatives Division. Both Fellows will focus on the continued development of the City’s Climate Action Plan open data platform (www.transparentrichmond.org) and the Climate Action Plan update. Separately, one Fellow will focus on renewable energy generation and Zero Net Energy while the other Fellow will focus on SB 1383 outreach and Zero Waste initiatives. The project will interface with the public and decision makers by leveraging and integrating the City’s existing software systems with the City’s Climate Action Plan and will also assist in the implementation of zero waste and energy programs with residents, businesses, and governmental facilities.
Synergy with Existing City Policy
Goal EC1: Leadership in Managing Climate Change of the Richmond Climate Action Plan directs City staff members to take steps to address climate change and to manage its effects. This entails not only pursuing ground-breaking programs and innovative strategies but educating residents and businesses about these actions and actively
July 26, 2022
monitoring results to ensure progress in critical areas. Partner with other jurisdictions and organizations to develop effective regional solutions and regulation at regional, state, and federal levels. Collaborate with residents, businesses, public agencies, and neighboring jurisdictions, to meet or exceed state requirements for reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
Action EC1.B: Public Awareness and Education Program of the Richmond Climate Action Plan directs City staff members to develop a program to educate and inform residents and businesses about key climate change challenges and potential solutions.
Develop and disseminate information on topics such as waste reduction, recycling, green buildings and landscaping, and renewable energy generation. Utilize a range of tools including fact sheets, website newsletters, advertising, and workshops to reach potential audiences. The program should be reviewed and evaluated periodically for effectiveness. The public awareness and education program should be incorporated into the climate action plan.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – CivicSpark Service Agreement
Attachment 2 – FY 22-23 CivicSpark Service Agreement Amendment