December 19, 2023
Economic Development
DATE: December 19, 2023
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development Samantha Carr, Environmental Manager
Omar Rascón, Associate Management Analyst
Subject:
CivicSpark AmeriCorps Fellows Second Contract
Amendment
FINANCIAL IMPACT: The contract for two CivicSpark AmeriCorps fellows in the amount of $44,000 is proposed to be funded by the
following two funding sources: 1) $22,000 from the
Environmental and Community Investment Agreement for
implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan
(11771018 400201 2A1AA); and 2) $22,000 from the
Republic Services Franchise Fee (01362765 400201
2GI01).
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
July 26, 2022
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
CivicWell (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 Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024 service year. The City
has served as a placement site for approximately 10
years and has been very satisfied with the fellows work and the reciprocal relationship.
AGENDA
REPORT
December 19, 2023
RECOMMENDED ACTION: APPROVE a second amendment to the contract with CivicWell (formally Local Government Commission) for
two fellows during the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023-2024
CivicSpark service year, increasing the contract amount by $15,000, for a new total contract amount not to
exceed $135,000, with an extended term through
December 31, 2024 – Economic Development (Nannette
Beacham/Samantha Carr 510-620-5407).
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 CivicWell (formally Local Government Commission) in partnership with the State of California through the Office of Planning and Research, and California Volunteers.
CivicWell 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 2023-2024 program year. The CivicSpark program is administered by CivicWell and the California Volunteers Associations. The contract commences on January 2024 through December 2024. The Three-Quarter Time (TQT) CivicSpark fellowship costs $22,000 for each full-time fellow with a 7.5-month fellowship term. The City has served as a placement site for 10 years and has been very satisfied with the Fellows’ work.
The original contract started September 1, 2021. The contract was first amended on September 1, 2022, for time and funding threshold. The full amount of the first amendment was not expended as a second fellow was not hired. This second amendment will be for time and to increase the contract threshold amount.
The two CivicSpark Fellows assigned to the Richmond Environmental and Health Initiatives Division will be dedicated to implementation of the City’s Climate Action Plan (CAP). Both Fellows will focus on the continued development of the City’s Climate Action Plan open data platform (www.transparentrichmond.org). 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.
December 19, 2023
POLICY SYNERGIES
2023 City Council Priority Goal 4.3 Reduce illegal dumping
General Plan 2030
- Goal EC1: Leadership in Managing Climate Change. 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 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. 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.
Climate Action Plan
- Strategy EE1 Leverage existing programs and rebates to improve efficiency of existing buildings.
- Strategy RE 1 Increase local solar energy generation. - Strategy RE3 Promote conversion from natural gas to clean electricity. - Strategy SW2 Increase participation in Recycling Programs and Incentives.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Proposed CivicSpark/CivicWell Agreement Amendment 2 Attachment 2 – CivicSpark/CivicWell Agreement Amendment 1 Attachment 3 – CivicSpark/CivicWell Agreement