July 2, 2024
Economic Development
DATE: July 2, 2024
TO: Mayor Martinez and Members of the City Council
FROM: Nannette Beacham, Director of Economic Development Samantha Carr, Environmental Manager
Yahna Williamson, Management Analyst
SUBJECT: Authorization to Apply for the EPA Community Change Grant
FINANCIAL IMPACT: There is no fiscal impact at this time. If awarded, the grant would provide $10-$20 Million in funding for project implementation.
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
N/A
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
City staff are seeking City Council’s adoption of a
resolution authorizing the City Manager and/or her
designee to execute all documents necessary to apply for the Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) Community
Change Grant including entering into a Memorandum of
Understanding (MOU) with co-applicants.
RECOMMENDED ACTION: ADOPT a resolution authorizing the city manager and/or her designee to execute all documents necessary to
apply for and verify the parties’ commitments toward
project implementation of the Environmental Protection
Agency Community Change grant including entering into
a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with co-
applicants – Economic Development Department
(Nannette Beacham 510-620-1306/Samantha Carr 510-
620-5407/Yahna Williamson 510-620-6574).
AGENDA
REPORT
July 2, 2024
DISCUSSION:
On February 27th, 2024, the City Council directed City staff members to work with PG&E and ACCE on a pilot project for decarbonizing a low-income neighborhood, and at the appropriate time when staffing was increased as well as contract with an Inflation Reduction Act coordinator to access and manage grants to fund the program. One of the funding opportunities mentioned in the agenda report and presentation was the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Community Change Grant. This grant aims to support projects that advance environmental and climate justice, reduce pollution, and enhance community resilience. A key requirement for the application process is the submission of a formal resolution from the local government, demonstrating commitment and support for the project.
The application for the EPA Community Change Grant does not require matching funds or any immediate financial outlay from the City of Richmond. If awarded, the grant will provide funding ranging from $10 million to $20 million, which will be used to support projects that align with the City’s climate action, environmental justice, and health equity goals.
The current goal of the Richmond grant application will be to implement a pilot program that will electrify a “block” in Richmond and allow for the dwellings to be disconnected from the natural gas infrastructure. A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the City of Richmond and Co-applicants including but not limited to the following, Alliance of Californians for Community Empowerment (ACCE), will need to be created to memorialize the basic terms that will govern the planning and implementation of the scope of work included in the application.
The authorization to apply for the EPA Community Change Grant are crucial steps towards securing the necessary funding to advance Richmond’s climate action, health equity, and sustainability goals. The proposed grant project will not only enhance environmental and health outcomes for residents but also strengthen the City’s resilience to climate change and support its long-term vision for a healthier, more sustainable community.
POLICY SYNERGIES:
The EPA Community Change Grant aligns with several of Richmond’s existing policy frameworks and strategic goals. Firstly, it complements the Richmond Climate Action Plan, which outlines the City’s commitment to reducing greenhouse gas emissions and mitigating climate change impacts. The proposed grant project will contribute to the implementation of climate action strategies, including energy efficiency improvements and the promotion of renewable energy sources, thus directly supporting the objectives of the Climate Action Plan.
July 2, 2024
Additionally, the grant initiative is synergistic with the Health in All Policies (HiAP) strategy adopted by the City. The HiAP report emphasizes the importance of considering health outcomes in all policy decisions to improve the well-being of Richmond residents. By targeting environmental justice and reducing pollution in disadvantaged communities, the grant project will address critical health determinants such as air quality and safe housing, thereby advancing the HiAP goals.
The proposed project also supports the goals outlined in the Richmond General Plan 2030, which provides a comprehensive framework for sustainable development and community health. The General Plan includes specific policies aimed at promoting environmental justice, enhancing public health, and ensuring equitable access to resources and opportunities.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – EPA CCG Grant Resolution