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1 RiversideCA.gov
1 RiversideCA.gov
CANNABIS LOCAL JURISDICTION RETAIL
ACCESS GRANT PROGRAM
COMMUNITY & ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
City Council
September 5, 2023
RiversideCA.gov
2 BACKGROUND
• On February 28, 2023, the City Council adopted ordinances amending the Riverside Municipal Code relating to Cannabis.
o Cannabis Business Activities
o Peace, Safety and Morals
o Zoning
• In February 2023, the California Department of Cannabis Control (DCC) in partnership with the Governor's Office of Business and Economic Development (GO-Biz) allocated $20,000,000 to fund the Cannabis Local Jurisdiction Retail Access Grant Program.
o Funding to local government to support the development and implementation of a local cannabis retailer licensing program o Assessment and development of equity licensing opportunities 1 2
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3 GRANT APPLICATION
• On April 28, 2023, City staff made an application to the California Department of Cannabis Control’s Local Jurisdiction Retail Access Grant
o $475,000 total request to provide funding resources to develop and implement cannabis retailer licensing program
o $325,000 to establish a retail licensing program
o $150,000 to incorporate equity licensing opportunities • Funding must be used to support the development and
implementation of a cannabis licensing program, or for programs or initiatives that directly support cannabis equity businesses.
RiversideCA.gov
4 GRANT AWARD
• On June 20, 2023, the DCC announced the City of Riverside was selected for funding in the amount of $425,000.
• State requires approved resolution that accepts funds and authorizes execution of all required documents by the City Manager by October 1, 2023.
• Funding can be used for eligible costs such as:
o Salaries and benefits for staff
o Expenses to develop/implement program
o Expenses for community outreach/community
engagement
o Environmental costs
o Technical support for applicants and licensees
o Other uses as determined by DCC
o Costs associated with adoption of equity program
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5 GRANT AGREEMENT
• Prior to execution City required to submit approved resolution • DCC and City must sign grant agreement to execute
• Term of agreement is July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2026
• 1st payment: 80% upon execution of Grant Agreement
• 2nd payment: 20% after establishment of retail program • Expenditure deadline: June 30, 2026
• Annual progress reports each December 1st
RiversideCA.gov
6 Strategic Priority 3 - Economic Opportunity
Strategic Priority 5 – High Performing Government
Cross-Cutting Threads
STRATEGIC PLAN ALIGNMENT
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4 RiversideCA.gov
7 T h a tt h eC i t yC o u n c i l :
1. Adopt a Resolution (Exhibit A) authorizin g the application for, and acceptance of, Cannabis Licensing Program funding offered by the State of California Department of Cannabis Control.
2. Accept $475,000 or the actual award amount in grant funds from the California Department of Cannabis Control for the development and implementation of a cannabis retail program in the city of Riverside; and
3. With at least five affirmative votes, authorize the Chief Financial Officer, or designee, to record an increase in revenue in the amount $475,000, or in the amount of the grant award, and record an equal amount in approp riations in the Development Grants Fund, CA Cannabis Retail Access Grant Program; and
4. Authorize the City Manager or designee to execute all documents for the implementation and expenditure of this grant funds, making minor corrections as necessary.
RECOMMENDATION
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