November 19, 2024
Mayor's Office
DATE: November 19, 2024
TO: Members of the City Council
FROM:
Mayor Martinez
Subject:
Green Empowerment Zone Resolution
FINANCIAL IMPACT: None
PREVIOUS COUNCIL
ACTION:
None
STATEMENT OF THE
ISSUE:
The Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) has recently
expanded to include the City of Richmond, following a
vote by the GEZ Board of Directors on February 16,
2024. This expansion offers Richmond an opportunity to
participate in a regional initiative aimed at enhancing the renewable energy sector through access to tax
incentives, grants, and workforce development programs.
However, formal acceptance of this invitation requires the City Council to adopt a resolution and appoint a
representative to the GEZ Board of Directors. This
decision will enable Richmond to leverage the benefits of the GEZ and contribute to the regional clean energy
goals, necessitating timely action to ensure full
participation and representation.
AGENDA
REPORT
November 19, 2024
RECOMMENDED ACTION:
ADOPT a resolution regarding the City of Richmond’s
intent to participate in the Green Empowerment Zone and APPOINT Councilmember Robinson as the City’s
representative for a two (2) year term – Office of the
Mayor (Mayor Martinez 510-621-1275)
DISCUSSION:
Background
On September 28, 2021, Assembly Bill (AB) 844, authored by California State Assemblymember Tim Grayson, was signed into law. This legislation established the Green Empowerment Zone (GEZ) for the Northern Waterfront area of Contra Costa County, as Chapter 34, Division 7 of Title 1 of the Government Code. The GEZ, effective until January 1, 2028, initially encompassed the cities of Antioch, Benicia, Brentwood, Concord, Hercules, Martinez, Oakley, Pittsburg, Vallejo, and the unincorporated areas of Contra Costa County north of State Highway 4. The primary intent of the GEZ is to foster economic growth within the renewable energy sector by prioritizing access to tax incentives, grants, loan programs, workforce training, and private sector investment.
The governing structure of the GEZ is defined by a 40-member board of directors, which includes seven stakeholder groups with allocated voting representatives. These groups and their respective voting representatives are as follows:
Local government - 10 representatives
Large employers - 5 representatives
State government - 5 representatives
Small business & economic development - 5 representatives Universities, laboratories & foundations with green energy expertise - 5 representatives
Private sector organized labor organizations - 5 representatives Workforce development, public & private educational entities - 5 representatives
Each city and the county are entitled to select one representative to serve a two-year term on the board of directors. An executive board consisting of the chair, two deputy chairs, and up to seven additional members will oversee the GEZ’s strategic initiatives.
The GEZ is tasked with several responsibilities, including:
1. Identifying projects and programs that effectively utilize public funds to enhance the economic vitality of the clean energy economy.
2. Collaborating with state and federal officials to secure necessary federal support.
3. Partnering with research institutions and private foundations to support relevant studies in the energy sector.
November 19, 2024
4. Reviewing state policies and regulations to propose more cost-effective alternatives if needed.
5. Making recommendations to the Governor to improve regional economic well- being and quality of life.
6. Creating and maintaining a website managed by a designated entity.
Discussion
On February 16, 2024, the GEZ Board of Directors voted to expand the Zone’s geography to include the City of Richmond. This decision recognizes Richmond’s potential contributions to the regional clean energy efforts and provides the city with access to the benefits of the GEZ, including tax incentives, grants, and workforce development opportunities.
Recommendation
City staff recommends that the City Council adopt a resolution to accept the invitation to join the Green Empowerment Zone and appoint Councilmember Robinson as the representative from Richmond to serve on the Green Empowerment Zone Board of Directors.
DOCUMENTS ATTACHED:
Attachment 1 – Resolution
Attachment 2 – Green Empowerment Zone Invitation Letter